bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of a bivalent vaccine against anthrax and smallpox using the attenuated vaccinia virus KVAC103
Authors: Park Deok Bum , Ahn Bo-Eun , Son Hosun , Lee Young-Ran , Kim Yu-Ri , Jo Su Kyoung , Chun Jeong-Hoon , Yu Jae-Yon , Choi Myung-Min , Rhie Gi-eun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnthrax and smallpox are high-risk infectious diseases, and considered as potential agents for bioterrorism. To develop an effective countermeasure for these diseases, we constructed a bivalent vaccine against both anthrax and smallpox by integrating a gene encoding protective antigen (PA) ofBacillus anthracisto the genome of the attenuated vaccinia virus strain, KVAC103.ResultsImmunization with this bivalent vaccine induced antibodies against both PA and vaccinia virus in a mouse model. We also observed that the efficacy of this vaccine can be enhanced by combined immunization with immunoadjuvant-expressing KVAC103. Mouse groups co-immunized with PA-expressing KVAC103 and either interleukin-15 (IL-15) or cholera toxin subunit A (CTA1)-expressing KVAC103 showed increased anti-PA IgG titer and survival rate againstB. anthracisspore challenge compared to the group immunized with PA-expressing KVAC103 alone.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the attenuated smallpox vaccine KVAC103 is an available platform for a multivalent vaccine and co-immunization of immunoadjuvants can improve vaccine performance.
The lived experiences of pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Mortazavi Forough , Ghardashi Fatemeh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
With the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, pregnancy and childbirth for women are taking place in unusual circumstances. We explored the lived experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand their experience of pregnancy so that better support could be provided.

Methods
We used a descriptive phenomenological approach to understand the lived experience of pregnant women in COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data using a purposive sampling method through in-depth interviews in cyberspace with a semi-structured questionnaire. We used Colaizzi’s seven-step content analysis method to analyze the research data with the help of MAXQDA software version 2020.

Results
We conducted this descriptive phenomenology study on 19 pregnant women in a period between the 10th to the 20th of May, 2020. The participating women were already pregnant when the first signs of the epidemic appeared in the country and at the time of the interview. We acquired four themes including disruption of the tranquility and regular routines of daily life, new challenges caused by the epidemic, resilience and strength in facing the crisis, and adaptation with new conditions.

Conclusions
The pregnant women were under intense stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. The general mobilization the health system is necessary for alleviating pregnant women’s difficulties in situations like the COVID-19 epidemic. Virtual training classes and virtual counseling may enhance the peace and tranquility of pregnant women.
Psychotropic and anti-epileptic drug use, before and after surgery, among patients with low-grade glioma: a nationwide matched cohort study
Authors: Rydén Isabelle , Thurin Erik , Carstam Louise , Smits Anja , Gulati Sasha , Henriksson Roger , Salvesen Øyvind , Store Jakola Asgeir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a relatively rare type of brain tumour. The use of antidepressant, sedative and anti-epileptic drugs can reflect the burden of the disease. While epilepsy is well-described in patients with LGG, less is known about depression and anxiety.

Methods
We used nationwide registers to study the use (dispense) of antidepressants, sedatives, and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) before and after histopathological LGG diagnosis (WHO grade II). A total of 485 adult patients with a first-time diagnosis and a matched control cohort (n = 2412) were included. Patterns of use were analysed from one year prior to until one year following index date (date of surgery). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors for postoperative use.

Results
At one year before index date, patients were dispensed AEDs 4 times more than controls, while antidepressants and sedatives were similar. Sedatives and AED peaked shortly after index date at 25 and 69%, respectively. AEDs then stabilized while sedatives decreased rapidly. For antidepressants, a delayed increase was seen after index date, stabilizing at 12%. At one year after index date, the use of antidepressants, sedatives, and AEDs among patients was 2, 3, and 26 times higher, respectively, compared to controls. Predictor for use of AEDs and sedatives at one year following index was previous use and/or a related diagnosis. Female sex and later index year were additional predictors for antidepressants.

Conclusions
Use of antidepressants, sedatives and AEDs is elevated following diagnosis of LGG. Antidepressants were more commonly dispensed to female patients and in recent years.
Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up can screen for soft tissue changes and evaluate the short-term prognosis of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip after closed reduction
Authors: Meng Xianghong , Yang Jianping , Wang Zhi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show the architecture of the hip joint clearly and has been increasingly used in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) confirmation and follow-up. In this study, MRI was used to observe changes in the hip joints before and after closed reduction (CR) and to explore risk factors of residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD).MethodsThis is a prospective analysis of unilateral DDH patients with CR and spica cast in our hospital from October 2012 to July 2018. MRI and pelvic plain radiography were performed before and after CR. The labro-chondral complex (LCC) of the hip was divided into four types on MRI images. The variation in the thickening rate of the ligamentum teres, transverse ligaments, and pulvinar during MRI follow-up was analyzed, and the difference in cartilaginous acetabular head index was evaluated. The “complete relocation” rate of the femoral head was analyzed when the cast was changed for the last time, and the necrotic rate of the femoral head was evaluated after 18 months or more after CR. Lastly, the risk factors of RAD were analyzed.ResultsA total of 63 patients with DDH and CR were included. The LCC was everted before CR and inverted after CR, and the ligamentum teres, transverse ligaments, and pulvinar were hypertrophic before and after CR, and then gradually returned to normal shape. The cartilaginous acetabular head index gradually increased to normal values. Complete relocation was observed in 58.7% of femoral heads, while 8.6% had necrosis. The abnormalities in LCC was related to RAD (OR: 4.35,P = 0.03), and the rate of type 3 LCC in the RAD group was higher. However, the IHDI classification (P = 0.09); the “complete relocation” of femoral heads (P = 0.61); and hypertrophy of the ligamentum teres (P = 1.00), transverse ligaments (P = 1.00), and pulvinar (P = 1.00) were not related to RAD.ConclusionsIn this study, MRI can observe the variations of the abnormal soft tissue structures of the diseased hips after CR and spica casting, and can evaluate which hips will have RAD after CR. Therefore, we can utilize MRI in DDH patients appropriately.
Prevalence of depression and associated factors among elderly people in Womberma District, north-west, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulat Nebiyu , Gutema Hordofa , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDepression is a common mental disorder that suffers many elderly people who are neglected, their problems are overlooked, and no efforts are made to mitigate their suffering. It is a mental health problem which is both underdiagnosed and under treated in primary care settings. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among elderly people in Womberma District, Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10/2020 - April 08/2020. From a 2269 study population, 959 study participants were selected by using computer-generated simple random sampling techniques from selectedkebeles. Data were collected using Geriatric depression scale item 15 through face-to-face interviews. Then, entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analyses. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of depression. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported and statistical significance was declared atP-values < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of depression among elderly people was 45% [95% CI: 41.7–48.5%]. Being female [AOR = 1.60, 95% CI [(1.15–2.23)], (age > =75 years [AOR = 7.95, 95% CI (4.98–12.68)], age 70–74 years [AOR = 5.52, 95% CI (3.52–8.66)], age 65–69 years [AOR = 2.39,95% CI (1.54–3.70)]; divorced [AOR = 2.53, 95% CI (1.59–4.03)], widowed [AOR = 2.65, 95% CI (1.61–4.34)]; poor social support [AOR = 3.32, 95% CI (1.77–6.23)] and presence of known chronic disease [AOR = 1.91, 95% CI (1.30–2.81)] were significantly associated factors with depression.ConclusionsIn this study, the prevalence of depression among elderly people was high compared with previous studies done in other parts of Ethiopia. Older age, being female, marital loss, presence of known chronic disease, and poor social support were contributing factors for depression among elders. Early screening and co-morbidity management of depression should be comprised in basic primary health care packages. And also, ensuring adequate social support by establishing the Geriatrics care center could play a crucial role to mitigate the suffering of the elders from marital loss provoked loneness and depression.
The importance of appropriate diagnostics in prosthetic joint infection: letter to the editor of BMC musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: McNally Martin , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , Sousa Ricardo , Atkins Bridget , Soriano Alex 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAssessment of a new diagnostic test must be performed against an acceptable and validated standard to allow comparison with other studies. We are concerned that the adoption of lower diagnostic criteria in this paper has contributed to an over-diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection and makes interpretation of the results difficult.
A case of Schnitzler’s syndrome without monoclonal gammopathy successfully treated with canakinumab
Authors: Fujita Yuya , Asano Tomoyuki , Sakai Akira , Norikawa Natsumi , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Matsumoto Haruki , Sato Shuzo , Temmoku Jumpei , Yashiro-Furuya Makiko , Matsuoka Naoki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Migita Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Schnitzler’s syndrome (SchS) is a rare autoinflammatory syndrome with diagnostic challenge and be characterized by chronic urticaria, a monoclonal gammopath, periodic fever and bone pain. In addition to the monoclonal gammopathy, bone abnormalities are often found at the site of bone pain in patients with SchS. The remarkable efficacy of interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibition was also demonstrated in this syndrome.

Case presentation
We describe a case of refractory chronic urticaria presenting with clinical manifestations consistent with SchS without monoclonal gammopathy. A 43-year-old female patient suffering from recurring of urticaria with periodic fever as well as bone pain for the past 4 years. The patient had leukocytosis and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA). PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) examination revealed hyper-metabolism areas in both femoral bone marrow. Although bone marrow histology revealed no abnormality, urticarial skin lesions shows neutrophilic infiltrations without evidence of vasculitis. We could not exclude the possibility of SchS. The patient had been treated with antihistamines, steroids, omarizumab, colchicine and cyclosporine A, no therapeutic effect was observed. She was started on canakinumab 150 mg subcutaneous injection with 4 weeks interval. Within 48 h after the first injection, the urticarial rash disappeared, and febrile attack and bone pain had not recurred. Elevated levels of serum CRP and SAA were normalized within a week after the first injection of canakinumab.

Conclusions
The current case suggests an important role for IL-1 as a mediator in the pathophysiology of SchS-like refractory urticaria with bine pain. It had been presumed that monoclonal gammopathy may not always present in SchS. It is important to avoid delay in diagnosis and initiation of proper treatment in SchS or autoinflammatory conditions resembling SchS.
Communication and information needs about complementary and alternative medicine: a qualitative study of parents of children with cancer
Authors: Stub Trine , Quandt Sara A. , Kristoffersen Agnete E. , Jong Miek C. , Arcury Thomas A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany parents choose support such as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for themselves and their children who have cancer. The aim of this paper is to describe, how parents who have children with cancer communicated with conventional health care providers about CAM, and what types and sources of information they would like to receive about CAM when the child was ill.MethodThis focused ethnography draws from in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 families in Norway with 24 adult participants (two couples), including two individuals who had had cancer themselves. Four domains were explored in the data analysis: the use of CAM, advice from laypeople about CAM, communication with conventional health care providers about CAM, and parents’ information needs about CAM.ResultsMany of the participants had personal experiences with CAM before the child received the cancer diagnosis. The health care providers did not raise the question about CAM in the consultations. However, when the parents raised the question, they were mostly met in a positive way. The participants did not receive any information about CAM at the hospital, which they would have appreciated. Instead, they received recommendations about CAM from laypersons, which were mostly rejected, as the advice was not in line with their health values/philosophy.ConclusionThe reason participants did not disclose CAM use is that physicians did not ask them about it. However, positive communication about conventional treatment facilitated fruitful conversations about CAM. The participants wanted information about CAM from authoritative sources, primary from health care providers at the hospital and the Children’s Cancer Society. They demand information about risks and benefits when using CAM as well as whether CAM can improve the immune system, fight the cancer, and improve the quality of life of the family. An evidence-based decision aid is warranted to enable health care providers and parents of children with cancer to make well-informed decisions about CAM.
Antimicrobial use and resistance in Escherichia coli from healthy food-producing animals in Guadeloupe
Authors: Gruel Gaëlle , Sellin Arantxa , Riveiro Hélène , Pot Matthieu , Breurec Sébastien , Guyomard-Rabenirina Stéphanie , Talarmin Antoine , Ferdinand Séverine 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSelection pressure exerted by use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine is responsible for increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objectives of this study were to better understand antimicrobial use in pigs, beef cattle, and poultry on farms on Guadeloupe, French West Indies, and to acquire data on AMR inEscherichia coliin these food-producing animals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 45 farms on Guadeloupe, and practical use of antimicrobials was documented in declarative interviews between March and July 2018. A total of 216 fecal samples were collected between January 2018 and May 2019, comprising 124 from pigs, 75 from beef cattle, and 17 from poultry litter.E. coliisolates were obtained for further testing by isolation and identification from field samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screening forblaCTX-M,blaTEM,tetA, andtetB resistance genes by polymerase chain reaction on extracted genomic DNA were performed.ResultsThe study showed rational use of antimicrobials, consisting of occasional use for curative treatment by veterinary prescription. Tetracycline was the most commonly used antimicrobial, but its use was not correlated toE. coliresistance. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)E. coliisolates were detected in 7.3% of pigs, 14.7% of beef cattle, and 35.3% of poultry.blaCTX-M-1was the predominant gene found in ESBL-E. coliisolates (68.8%), followed byblaCTX-M-15(31.3%).ConclusionDespite rational use of antimicrobials, the rate of ESBL-E. coliin food-producing animals in Guadeloupe, although moderate, is a concern. Further studies are in progress to better define the genetic background of the ESBL-E. coliisolates.Graphical abstract
CircTP63 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-155-5p and upregulating ZBTB18
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Che Jinbiao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of tumor-related death worldwide due to high morbidity and mortality, yet lacking effective biomarkers and therapies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through interacting with miRNAs, implicating in the tumorigenesis and progression. A novel circRNA, circTP63, was reported to be an oncogene in HCC. However, its role in HCC remains unclear.

Methods
qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA levels of CircTP63 in 90 pairs of tumor and adjacent normal tissues from HCC patients, one human normal hepatic epithelial cell line and HCC cell lines. CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were performed to detect the cellular function of circTP63/miR-155-5p/ZBTB18 in HCC cells. HCC xenograft mice models were established to assess the in vivo effect of circTP63. Bioinformatic analysis, RNA pull-down and luciferase assays were used to determine the interaction among circTP63/miR-155-5p/ZBTB18.

Results
circTP63 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. High circTP63 expression is closely associated with the tumor stages, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of HCC patients. Functionally, knockdown of circTP63 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis of HCC. Meanwhile, overexpression of circTP63 enhanced HCC progression. Mechanically, circTP63 was a sponge of miR-155-5p to facilitate the ZBTB18 expression, and the ZBTB18 expression in HCC tissues was negatively associated with the survival rate of HCC patients. Furthermore, rescued assays revealed that the reduced tumor-promoting effect on HCC cells induced by knockdown of circTP63 can be reversed by miR-155-5p inhibitor or ZBTB18 overexpression.

Conclusion
Our data highlight a critical circTP63-miR-155-5p-ZBTB18 regulatory network involved in the HCC progression, gaining mechanistic insights into the function of circRNAs in HCC progression, and providing effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
Seeking research questions from implementers: considerations for leveraging ground actors research needs in the fight against malaria in West Africa
Authors: Amouh Tete S. , Ekoye Saidou Malam , Ahanhanzo Césaire D. , Guiguemdé Tinga Robert , Sombié Issiaka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
To strengthen the fight against malaria, it is imperative to identify weaknesses and possible solutions in order to improve programmes implementation. This study reports experiences gained from collaboration between decision-makers and researchers from a World Bank project (Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Sahel, SM/NTD). The objectives of this paper were to identify bottlenecks in malaria programme implementation as well as related research questions they bring up.

Methods
Questionnaire addressed to National Malaria Control Programme managers and prioritization workshops were used as a medium to identify research questions. The bottlenecks in malaria programme implementation were identified in seven thematic areas namely governance, human resources, drugs, service provision, use of prevention methods, monitoring and evaluation (M and E), and public support or buy-in. The first five priority questions were: (1) compliance with drug doses on the second and third days during the seasonal chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns, (2) the contribution of community-based distributors to the management of severe cases of malaria in children under 5 years, (3) the SMC efficacy, (4) artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) tolerance and efficacy according to existing guidelines, and (5) the quality of malaria control at all levels of the health system.

Results and conclusion
This work showed the effectiveness of collaboration between implementers, programmes managers, and researchers in identifying research questions. The responses to these identified research questions of this study may contribute to improving the implementation of malaria control programmes across African countries.
Development of EphA2 siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles and combination with a small‐molecule histone demethylase inhibitor in prostate cancer cells and tumor spheroids
Authors: Oner Ezgi , Kotmakci Mustafa , Baird Anne-Marie , Gray Steven G. , Debelec Butuner Bilge , Bozkurt Emir , Kantarci Ayse Gulten , Finn Stephen P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
siRNAs hold a great potential for cancer therapy, however, poor stability in body fluids and low cellular uptake limit their use in the clinic. To enhance the bioavailability of siRNAs in tumors, novel, safe, and effective carriers are needed.

Results
Here, we developed cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (cSLNs) to carry siRNAs targeting EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase (siEphA2), which is overexpressed in many solid tumors including prostate cancer. Using DDAB cationic lipid instead of DOTMA reduced nanoparticle size and enhanced both cellular uptake and gene silencing in prostate cancer cells. DDAB-cSLN showed better cellular uptake efficiency with similar silencing compared to commercial transfection reagent (Dharmafect 2). After verifying the efficacy of siEphA2-loaded nanoparticles, we further evaluated a potential combination with a histone lysine demethylase inhibitor, JIB-04. Silencing EphA2 by siEphA2-loaded DDAB-cSLN did not affect the viability (2D or 3D culture), migration, nor clonogenicity of PC-3 cells alone. However, upon co-administration with JIB-04, there was a decrease in cellular responses. Furthermore, JIB-04 decreased EphA2 expression, and thus, silencing by siEphA2-loaded nanoparticles was further increased with co-treatment.

Conclusions
We have successfully developed a novel siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticle for targeting EphA2. Moreover, preliminary results of the effects of JIB-04, alone and in combination with siEphA2, on prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer tumor spheroids were presented for the first time. Our delivery system provides high transfection efficiency and shows great promise for targeting other genes and cancer types in further in vitro and in vivo studies.