bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preconception Care in Sub Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Prevalence and Its Correlation With Knowledge Level Among Women in Reproductive Age Group
Authors: Woldeyohannes Demelash , Tekalegn Yohannes , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Erkalo Desta , Hailemariam Zeleke , Mwanri Lillian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the preconception care (PCC) is to promote the health of women in the reproductive age before the conception in order to reduce preventable poor pregnancy outcomes. Although there are several published primary studies from Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries on PCC, they do not quantify the extent of PCC Utilisation, Knowledge level about PCC and the association between them among women in the reproductive age group in this region. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled utilisation of PCC, Pooled knowledge level about PCC and their association among women in the reproductive age group in Sub Saharan Africa.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Science Direct, Hinari, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were systematically searched for literature. Additionally, the references of appended articles were checked for further possible sources. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate pooled the prevalence of PCC, knowledge level of PCC and their correlation among reproductive aged women in Sub-Saharan African countries.ResultsOf the identified 1593 articles, 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled utilisation of PCC and good knowledge level towards PCC among women of reproductive age group in Sub Saharan Africa were found to be 24.05% (95% CI: 16.61, 31.49) and 33.27% (95% CI: 24.78, 41.77), respectively. Women in the reproductive age group with good knowledge level were two times more likely to utilize the PCC than the women with poor knowledge level in Sub Saharan Africa (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.16, 4.76). Conclusion﻿In SSA Countries, the utilisation of PCC and knowledge towards PCC were low. Additionally, the current meta-analysis found good knowledge level to be significantly associated with utilisation of PCC among women in the reproductive age. These findings indicate that, it is imperative to launch programs to uplift knowledge level about PCC utilisation among women in reproductive age group in SSA countries.
Very Long-term Outcome after Linear vs. Electrogram-guided Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Yamashita Seigo , Tokuda Michifumi , Mahida Saagar , Sato Hidenori , Ikewaki Hirotsugu , Oseto Hirotsuna , Yokoyama Masaaki , Isogai Ryota , Tokutake Kenichi , Yokoyama Kenichi , Narui Ryohsuke , Kato Mika , Tanigawa Shin-ichi , Sugimoto Ken-ichi , Yoshimura Michihiro , Yamane Teiichi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) remains to be defined. We sought to compare very long-term outcomes between linear ablation and electrogram (EGM)-guided ablation for PsAF. In a retrospective analysis, long-term arrhythmia-free survival compared between two propensity-score matched cohorts, one with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and linear ablation including roof/mitral isthmus line (LINE-group, n = 52) and one with PVI and EGM-guided ablation (EGM-group; n = 52). Overall, 99% of patients underwent successful PVI. Complete block following linear ablation was achieved for 94% of roof lines and 81% of mitral lines (both lines blocked in 75%). AF termination by EGM-guided ablation was accomplished in 40% of patients. Non-PV foci were targeted in 7 (13%) in the LINE-group and 5 (10%) patients in the EGM-group (p = 0.76). During 100 ± 28 months of follow-up, linear ablation was associated with superior arrhythmia-free survival after the initial and last procedure (1.8 ± 0.9 procedures) compared with EGM-group (Logrank test: P = 0.0001 and P = 0.045, respectively). In multivariable analysis, longer AF duration and EGM-guided ablation remained as independent predictors of AAs recurrence. Linear ablation might be a more effective complementary technique to PVI than EGM-guided ablation for PsAF ablation.
The impact of training on perceived performance in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health service delivery among healthcare workers in Tanzania: A baseline- and endline-survey
Authors: Mwansisya Tumbwene , Mbekenga Columba , Isangula Kahabi , Mwasha Loveluck , Mbelwa Stewart , Lyimo Mary , Kisaka Lucy , Mathias Victor , Pallangyo Eunice , Edwards Grace , Mantel Michaela , Konteh Sisawo , Rutachunzibwa Thomas , Mrema Secilia , Kidanto Hussein , Temmerman Marleen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDelivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the availability of healthcare workers who are adequately supported with appropriate training. However, unmet training needs among healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) in low-income countries remain disproportionately high. This study investigated the effectiveness of trainings with onsite clinical mentorship towards perceived importance and performance in RMNH among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region of Tanzania.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design using single group pre-and post-intervention evaluation strategy. The training needs of healthcare workers from the selected health facilities were assessed, skills gaps identified and ranked according to priority. Training courses that addressed skills gaps were developed and delivered with adaptations of the national guidelines followed by onsite clinical mentorship for one year. The baseline and endline survey were conducted at 3 years interval to assess change in HCWs on their perceived importance and performance on different aspects of RMNH care. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare differences in perceived performance in selected training areas between baseline and endline. Significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsTNA was administered to 152 and 216 healthcare workers at baseline and endline respectively. In total, 141 (65%) of the 216 end line survey participants had received at least one IMPACT project training course and at least three mentorship visits. Participants were matched on their age and duration in RMNH services, but differed in age and duration of employment. Comparison between baseline and endline by using the training needs analysis questionnaire scores showed statistically significant positive changes (p ≤ .05) in most training needs analysis items, except for some items including those related to research capacity and provision of health education for cancer.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that the training and onsite clinical mentorship program that address the actual needs of healthcare workers to have significant positive changes in perceived performance in a wide range of RMNH services. However, further studies with rigorous designs are warranted to evaluate the long-term effect of such training programs on RMNH outcomes.
The Endurance Training Effects on Apoptosis in the Rat Hippocampus Following Transient Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Golestani Ali , Laurin Jerome , Hugues Nicolas , Eslami Zahra , Moghanlou Abdorreza Eghbal , Sharifian Shohreh , Gholamalipor Shima , Milani Malihe , Mirghani Seyed Javad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction & Objective: Apoptosis, one of the most important mechanisms explaining stroke-induced functional deficit severity, might be reduced by physical rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to assess effects of an 8-week endurance training both on apoptosis-related genes and proteins expression levels after a transient common carotid artery occlusion (tCCAO) in rats.Methods: Thirty Wistar male rats were randomly assigned into one of the 3 following groups: Control, tCCAO and tCCAO with endurance training (tCCAO+END). The tCCAO lasted 45 min. The endurance training was performed on treadmill over an 8-week period (5 days per week). BAX and BCL2 genes and proteins expression levels were used by qPCR, immunohistochemistry. Nissl staining was also carried out at the end of the training protocol.Results: The BAX expression increased following tCCAO but decreased when endurance training was performed (p<0.05). The BCL2 expression decreased following tCCAO and increased with training (p<0.05). In parallel, the cell death in the hippocampus was reduced when rats were trained. Conclusion: The endurance training can reduce the pro-apoptotic events after tCCAO suggesting a neuronal survival in the CA1 hippocampus. The link between apoptosis and functional recovery after training seems to be of clinical interest, and thus, should be more investigated.
How close are we to diagnosing Polycystic ovary syndrome with miRNAs: A Meta-analysis and review
Authors: Liu Lin , Jyu Jie , Wang Xin , Lyu Fang , Zhang Hong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the accuracy of miRNA in the diagnosis of patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Setting: Not applicable. Patient(s): Individuals with PCOS and control. Intervention(s): Summary sensitivity and specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) a random effects model were employed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Accuracy of miRNAs as diagnostic indicators. Result(s): The analysis showed that miRNA signiﬁcantly increased the accuracy of the diagnosis of PCOS, which included 9 articles with 1303 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs in the diagnosis of PCOS were 0.73 and 0.81, respectively. Multiple RNAs as biomarkers in qRT-PCR (SYBR) method showed higher sensitivity when compared to a single RNA and the Area Under Curve (AUC) was up to 0.88. ﻿Conclusions: MiRNAs may increase the accuracy of diagnosis and short the time required for diagnosis. Multiple miRNAs in SYBR method have good discriminating ability as biomarker for diagnosis.
Activin-A Impedes the Establishment of CD4+ T Cell Exhaustion and Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity in the Lung
Authors: Morianos Ioannis , Tsitsopoulou Aikaterini , Potaris Konstantinos , Valakos Dimitrios , Fari Ourania , Vatsellas Giannis , Bostantzoglou Clementine , Photiades Andreas , Gaga Mina , Xanthou Georgina , Semitekolou Maria 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Although tumor-infiltrating T cells represent a favorable prognostic marker for cancer patients, the majority of these cells are rendered with an exhausted phenotype. Hence, there is an unmet need to identify factors which can reverse this dysfunctional profile and restore their anti-tumorigenic potential. Activin-A is a pleiotropic cytokine, exerting a broad range of pro- or anti-inflammatory functions in different disease contexts, including allergic and autoimmune disorders and cancer. Given that activin-A exhibits a profound effect on CD4+ T cells in the airways and is elevated in lung cancer patients, we hypothesized that activin-A can effectively regulate anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer.Methods: To evaluate the effects of activin-A in the context of lung cancer, we utilized the OVA-expressing Lewis Lung Carcinoma mouse model as well as the B16F10 melanoma model of pulmonary metastases. The therapeutic potential of activin-A-treated lung tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells was evaluated in adoptive transfer experiments, using CD4-/--tumor bearing mice as recipients. In a reverse approach, we disrupted activin-A signaling on CD4+ T cells using an inducible model of CD4+ T cell-specific knockout of activin-A type I receptor. RNA-Sequencing analysis was performed to assess the transcriptional signature of these cells and the molecular mechanisms which mediate activin-A’s function. In a translational approach, we validated activin-A’s anti-tumorigenic properties using primary human tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells from lung cancer patients.Results: Administration of activin-A in lung tumor-bearing mice attenuated disease progression, an effect associated with heightened ratio of infiltrating effector to regulatory CD4+ T cells. Therapeutic transfer of lung tumor-infiltrating activin-A-treated CD4+ T cells, delayed tumor progression in CD4-/- recipients and enhanced T cell-mediated immunity. CD4+ T cells genetically unresponsive to activin-A, failed to elicit effective anti-tumor properties and displayed an exhausted molecular signature governed by the transcription factors Tox and Tox2. Of translational importance, treatment of activin-A on tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells from lung cancer patients augmented their immunostimulatory capacity towards autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.Conclusions: In this study, we introduce activin-A as a novel immunomodulatory factor in the lung tumor microenvironment, which bestows exhausted CD4+ T cells with effector properties.
Inert agricultural spray adjuvants may increase the adverse effects of selected insecticides on honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Wernecke Anna , Eckert Jakob H. , Forster Rolf , Kurlemann Nils , Odemer Richard 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Currently, more than 350 spray adjuvants are registered in Germany (January 2021). Unlike plant protection products (PPPs), adjuvants are not subjected to regulatory risk assessment. In practice, numerous combinations of PPPs and adjuvants are therefore possible. Thus, tank mixtures containing insecticides that are classified as nonhazardous to bees and approved for use in bee attractive crops may raise pollinator safety concerns when mixed with efficacy increasing adjuvants. This study analyzes whether selected “PPP-adjuvant” combinations result in increased mortality and pose an elevated risk to honey bees. To answer this question, we chose six common spray adjuvants of different classes for laboratory screening. These were then tested in a total of 30 tank mixtures, each with a neonicotinoid (acetamiprid), pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin), diamide (chlorantraniliprole), carbamate (pirimicarb), and butenolide (flupyradifurone) formulation. We followed OECD test guideline 214 (acute contact test) but adopted the use of a professional spray chamber for more realistic exposures. Our results showed that, in total, 50% of all combinations significantly reduced the lifespan of caged honey bees in comparison to individual application of insecticides. In contrast, none of the adjuvants alone affected bee mortality (Cox proportional hazard model, p > 0.05). With four of the five insecticide formulations, the organosilicone surfactant Break-Thru® S 301 significantly increased bee mortality within 72 h (for all insecticides except chlorantraniliprole). Furthermore, acetamiprid yielded the highest and second-highest mortality increases from a tank mixture with the crop oil surfactants LI-700 (hazard ratio = 28.84, p < 0.05) and Break-Thru® S 301 (hazard ratio = 14.66, p < 0.05), respectively. In the next step, field trials should be performed to provide a more realistic exposure scenario under colony conditions to verify these findings.
Carbon Ratio Controlled in-situ Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Hybrid Silica/Carbon Materials via Soft Template Method
Authors: Muthumanickam Shenbagapushpam , Muthukumar Thennila , Paulpandian Muthu Mareeswaran , Madasamy Sivabharathy , Mayappan Sundararajan , Azeez Peer Mohamed Abdul , Sakthivel Pitchaimuthu , Kodirajan Selvakumar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A strategy for synthesizing the ordered mesoporous hybrid silica-carbon materials with moderate pore volume and surface area are developed from the dry leaves powder of Tectonagrandis (TG) as carbon precursor by direct carbon loading method. Pre-activated carbon (PAC) has been generated from the dry leaves powder of TG by sulphuric acid assisted partial chemical activation method. The carbon content in silica matrix of the material is fixed up to 50 weight percentages with respect to silica which renders a novel and highly ordered hybrid Si/C mesoporous material by this direct carbon loading strategy. The physical-chemical analyses are supported that the synthesized hybrid Si/C materials are completely different from carbon coated hybrid Si/C materials. Among the synthesized materials, high surface area containing Si/C material has been chosen for dye adsorption which exhibits an excellent dye adsorption behavior with Methylene Blue (MB) dye up to 97% in short span of time.
Activation of α7nAChR Preserves Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Ameliorates Cholestasis Liver Fibrosis in Mice by Enhancing the HO-1 / STAT3 Signaling to Inhibit NF-κB Activation
Authors: Lei Wei , Zhao cheng chang , Sun sen jia , Jin ling yan , Duan jun zhi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) can inhibit the systemic inflammatory response and preserve intestinal barrier integrity. This study aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which α7nAChR activation could inhibit intestinal barrier injury and cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).Methods: The intestine-specific HO-1 knockout VillinCreHmox1-/- and control Hmox1floxp/floxp C57BL/6 mice were subjected to BDL. The therapeutic effects of GST-21, a specific ligand for α7nAChR, on systemic and intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier integrity, liver fibrosis and injury, HO-1 expression, STAT3, AKT and NF-kBp65 activation were examined in these mice and intestinal epithelial cells co-cultured with macrophages. Results: Compared with BDL mice, α7nAChR activation by GST-21 decreased intestinal and liver injury and fibrosis in BDL mice, accompanied by reducing serum cytokine responses. In addition, activation of α7nAChR preserved the tight junction protein expression and intestinal epithelial cell barrier integrity in BDL mice and epithelial cells co-cultured with macrophages. The therapeutic effects of α7nAChR activation were mediated by enhancing HO-1 expression, STAT3 phosphorylation, and reducing the NF-kBp65 activation in intestinal tissues and epithelial cells co-cultured with macrophages. Finally, activation of α7nAChR induced HO-1 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation in an interdependent manner, independent of the PI3K/AKT signaling. Conclusion: Activation of α7nAChR enhanced HO-1 expression and STAT3 signaling to inhibit NF-κB activation, preserving the intestinal barrier integrity, and reducing inflammation and liver fibrosis in cholestasis mice. Therefore, targeting α7nAChR may be a promising interventional strategy for primary biliary cholangitis.
Risk classification of human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Itami Jun , KOBAYASHI Kenya , MORI Taisuke , HONMA Yoshitaka , KUBO Yuko , MURAKAMI Naoya , OMURA Go , OKUMA Kae , INABA Koji , TAKAHASHI Kana , KASHIHARA Tairo , SHIMIZU Yuri , TAKAHASHI Ayaka , NAKAYAMA Yuko , MATSUMOTO Fumihiko , YOSHIMOTO Seiichi , IGAKI Hiroshi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
[Purpose] The validity of the risk classification according to Ang for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains to be studied in patients treated by methods other than chemoradiotherapy and in Japanese patients. In this study, the validity of Ang's risk classification was studied in Japanese patients treated using various methods, including surgery. [Material and Method] Between 2010 and 2018, 122 patients with HPV-related OPSCC stages III and IV according to the TNM classification 7th edition (TNM-7) were treated curatively at a single institution in Japan. The median age was 62.7 years. Sixty-seven patients (54.9%) were classified as stage I according to the TNM 8th edition (TNM-8). Over 50% of the patients underwent surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. The influence of multiple factors on survival was determined. [Results] Age, amount of smoking, secondary cancer, and N-stage according to the TNM-7 significantly influenced survival. Ang's risk classification was also predictive of prognosis, but if 30 pack-years (PYs) instead of 10 PYs is employed to dichotomize the amount of smoking, the new risk classification can significantly better predict prognosis. According to the new risk classification, favorable and unfavorable risk patients showed 5-year progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival rates of 72.7% and 35.9%, 94.6% and 76.2%, and 92.6% and 62.7%, respectively. [Conclusions] Even in patients treated by methods other than chemoradiotherapy and in Japanese patients, the combination of the amount of smoking and neck node status is useful in prognosis prediction.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Professional Lives of Women Academics: a Scoping Review
Authors: O'Hara Lily , AlNajjarb Bayan Fayiz , Hassan Diana Alsayed , Jayyousi-Alsalim Ghadir Al , Rahim Hanan Abdul , Zolezzi Monica , Daher-Nashif Suhad , Kane Tanya 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWomen academics face specific professional and personal challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from lack of access to adequate childcare, increased demands on women’s time to address the needs of family members, and physical and mental health concerns. Prior to the pandemic, women academics faced disparities regarding merit, tenure and promotion. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in paid and domestic work resulting in a disproportionate effect on the personal and professional lives of academic women. The burden is even heavier for women academics who face intersecting systems of oppression, such as those based on ethnicity, skin colour, body size, sexual orientation, gender, age, economic class, dependent status, and/or ability. The objectives of this scoping review are to (a) identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the professional lives of women academics, and (b) explore the individual, organisational, and systems levels strategies that can support women academics during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) following Joanna Briggs Institute scoping reviews guidelines. We will systematically search PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, medrxiv, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published from December 2019 to July 2021 in any language using key words and MESH terms, and search reference lists for additional studies. Two reviewers will screen articles using inclusion and exclusion criteria, review full articles, and extract data using a standardised form including study information, participant characteristics, effects of COVID-19 pandemic on professional life, and strategies to support women academics in a pandemic. A third reviewer will resolve conflicting decisions through discussion. Findings will be presented using narrative description, summary tables and illustrative quotes.DiscussionThe scoping review will provide evidence of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the professional lives of women in academia, and contribute to the development of strategies to reduce gender inequities. It is imperative that these issues be identified and strategies developed to address growing inequities in the professional wellbeing of women academics.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework: https://osf.io/9rxku, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/9RXKU