bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working as a nurse in community health services during Covid-19: a qualitative study
Authors: Moi Ellen , Skisland Anne Valen , Johannessen Berit , Haraldstad Kristin , Rohde Gudrun , Flateland Sylvi Monika 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic, new roles, increased workload, lack of staffing and infection control equipment, unclear infection control guidelines and conflicting information have led to uncertainty and unpredictability for health workers. Although community home-care nurses have been exposed to a range of personal and professional stressors during the pandemic, few studies have focused on their experiences. The aim of this study was to explore how Norwegian home-care nurses experienced the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. This knowledge may contribute to preparations for meetings with patients in future pandemics, how management can support its employees and how to structure a successful organization.
Methods: This study was a qualitative descriptive design comprising 12 semi-structured individual interviews with home-care nurses. A thematic analysis was carried out.
Results: Four main themes and 11 subthemes were constructed. The results revealed challenges related both to the organization and to management, experiences of unclear information, lack of available equipment, redeployment of staff and increased workload. Furthermore, it was challenging to provide high qualitative care. The nurses missed collegial togetherness and had feelings of uncertainty with a great fear of infecting others. Positive consequences were increased professional pride and a greater awareness of infection control.
Conclusions: This study highlighted the importance of unambiguous information and clear delegation of responsibility, and that enough infection control equipment will likely minimize the fear of infecting each other. The nurses felt safer when the working situation normalized and both patients and health workers were vaccinated. Being visible and admired for their work was important for the nurses’ psychological well-being. Nurses, nursing managers and policymakers in community health care can use these results to develop strategies for future pandemic planning.
LINC00115 promote the invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma via the IL6/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Cai Huifang , Fan Linlin , Song Huiqin , Li Li , Wei Haitao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is an important subtype of lung cancer with a high incidence and mortality. LncRNA play a vital role in the occurrence and development of various cancers, including LUAD. However, the molecular mechanism of LINC00115 in lung adenocarcinoma still remains unclear.
Method: 72 pairs of fresh cancerous and para-cancerous tissues were investigated by PCR and RT-qPCR. The diagnostic value of LINC00115 in lung adenocarcinoma was analyzed by ROC curve. Cytological experiment in vitro was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) experiment, clone formation assay, cell scratch test, flow cytometric apoptosis and cycle assay, and transwell assay (for cell invasion and cell migration). Besides, the proliferation and invasion and metastasis of LINC00115 cells in vivo were tested by subcutaneous tumor bearing and tail vein injection in nude mice. Ln CATLAS database and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay are used to predict the subcellular localization of LINC00115. RNA pull-down assay and MS analysis were used to identify LINC00115 binding proteins (RBPs). Names and binding sites of LINC00115 binding proteins were confirmed by cat RAPID and ENCORI database. Binding protein of LINC00115 was detected by western blot (WB) assay.
Results: LINC00115 was upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma compared with para-carcinoma tissue. LINC00115 was closely correlated with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and was negatively correlated with patients' age, gender, tumor size, smoking or not. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was a high diagnostic value of LINC00115 for patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Nude mice model of Pulmonary metastasis via tail vein injection was performed to knock-downed LINC00115 had significantly inhibited on the invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma Compared with the control group. LINC00115 was located in the cytoplasm. LINC00115 directly binds to the KHSRP protein. The result of RT-PCR that LINC00115 promoted the invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma via IL6/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway.
Conclusions: LINC00115 directly recruits KHSRP protein to promot the invasion and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma via IL6/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. Our findings provided a new biomarker and potential therapeutic targets for clinical diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
Gonadotropin-mediated tumour cell chemoresistance: Evidence for multiple pathways, LH antagonism, TLR agonist and apoptotic bleb additivity, and exosome-mediated horizontal transfer
Authors: Kalha Beneeta , Tanwar Himanshi , Sachdeva Ruchi , Jagadish Nirmala , Suri Anil , Pal Rahul 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), critical to the success of pregnancy, is also made by many cancers. The presence of tumour-derived hCG (or its β subunit) is associated with poor patient prognosis, the reasons for which remain largely obscure; similar links with the closely-related gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) have not been described. This study was prompted by the fact that chemoresistance is associated with poor patient prognosis in a variety of cancers.
Methods
The ability of αhCG, βhCG, hCG, LH and FSH to protect tumor cells (of three different lineages) from the detrimental effects of six different cytotoxic drugs (in terms of viability, proliferation, and apoptosis) was assessed, and potential LH-mediated antagonisms on hCG- and βhCG-mediated chemoprotection evaluated; associated signalling events were delineated employing phosphoblots and inhibitors. Potential TLR agonist- and apoptotic bleb-additivity in chemoprotection was determined. The ability of hormone-induced, tumor cell-elicited exosomes to horizontally transfer chemoprotection to gonadotropin-naïve tumor cells was assessed. The unpaired Student’s t-test, or one-way ANOVA (Holm-Sidak) were used to calculate statistical significance.
Results
hCG as well as its β subunit (but its α subunit, nor LH or FSH) significantly reduced the viability-decreasing, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of six chemotherapeutic drugs, and of UV radiation, on the tumour cells of three distinct lineages; LH and (but not FSH) antagonised the chemo-protective action of hCG and βhCG, a finding indicative of overlapping binding sites but differential signalling. Indeed, hCG and βhCG triggered signalling pathways that were distinct from those triggered by LH and FSH in tumor cells, and specific signalling pathways drove hCG-mediated chemoprotection against specific drugs. Co-incubation of hCG with agonists for TLR-7, TLR-8, TLR-9, or with specific apoptotic blebs (components of which include endogenous TLR agonists), resulted in additive amelioration of drug action. Further, hCG-elicited (but not LH- or FSH-elicited) tumour exosomes mediated the horizontal transfer of chemoresistance to gonadotropin-naïve tumor cells.
Conclusion
Anti-hCG immunization (already demonstrated to have anti-tumor effects) coupled with specific drug-signalling inhibitor combinations, and/or LH supplementation, could be beneficial in subjects harbouring gonadotropin-responsive tumours.
The safety and efficacy of CO 2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery-based multi- pathway glaucoma surgery in intractable pediatric glaucoma
Authors: Liang Anyi , Song Hang , Cheng Gangwei , Zhang Yang , Bian Ailing , Zhang Meifen 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS)-based multi-pathway glaucoma surgeries in intractable pediatric glaucoma.
Methods
Retrospective, self-controlled, interventional case series. Twenty-three intractable pediatric glaucoma patients (26 eyes) who underwent CLASS-based multi-pathway surgeries were enrolled, including CLASS combined with trabeculectomy and CLASS combined with combined trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy. Complete examinations were performed before and after surgery. Intraocular pressure (IOP) change, complete and qualified success rates (CSR, QSR), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of IOP-lowering eyedrops and adverse events were recorded.
Results
The mean age at surgery was 8.72 ± 5.46 years and the mean follow-up time was 25.49 ± 10.87 months. Baseline IOP, number of IOP-lowering eyedrops and logMAR BCVA were 32.00 ± 4.83 mmHg, 3.21 ± 0.71 and 1.31 ± 0.90 respectively. The mean IOP was 12.05 ± 5.02, 11.71 ± 3.25 and 12.67 ± 3.38 mmHg at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after surgery, which were significantly lower than baseline (all p < 0.05). The reduction in number of medications was statistically significant at all post-operative timepoints within 3 years (all p < 0.005). CSR and QSR were 82.2% and 91.7% respectively at 1 year, and were 68.5% and 81.5% respectively at 2 years. Majority of the early and late-onset complications including shallow anterior chamber, extensive peripheral anterior synechia, scarring of blebs and cataract were mild and reversible.
Conclusion
CLASS-based multi-pathway surgery was safe and effective for the treatment of intractable pediatric glaucoma. It is promising to become an alternative and safer surgical management for intractable pediatric glaucoma.
Investigation on Friction Heat Generation Rate of Ball Bearing at Ultra-high Rotation Speed
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhu Shuailun , Yuan Wei , Chen Xiaoyang , He Lei , Guo Qianjian 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Position and velocity vectors between ball-rings, ball-cage and cage-ring in space were considered to promote the friction heat generation rate model of ball bearing. The position vector relation of each part of the bearing in space was analyzed to judge the bearing in contact or not. Hertz contact theory and Coulomb friction law was used to solve the normal and friction forces at the contact points, respectively. The velocity vector relation of each part in space was analyzed, and the relative sliding velocity between two contact parts was obtained. Friction heat generation rate of bearings was calculated using the product of friction force and relative velocity. The influence of the parameters on bearing heat generation rate, such as bearing speed, axial load, radial load, and the groove curvature radius coefficient of bearing inner and outer rings, were all investigated. The theoretical calculation and experimental results indicate that bearing friction heat generation rate is associated with the bearing rotation speed and bearing thrust load at ultra-high rotation speed, whereas radial load has small impact on the bearing friction heat generation rate, meanwhile, suitable inner-outer groove curvature radius coefficient can significantly reduce the bearing friction heat generation rate.
The Injections of Mitochondrial Fusion Promoter M1 during Proestrus Disrupt the Progesterone Secretion and the Estrous Cycle in the Mouse
Authors: Budi Yovita Permata , Hsu Meng-Chieh , Lin Yi-Chun , Lee Yue-Jia , Chiu Hsin-Yi , Chiu Chih-Hsien , Jiang Yi-Fan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Mitochondria are essential for steroid synthesis, thus suggesting that mitochondrial dynamics play a vital role in the female reproductive system. The changes in the mitochondria dynamics throughout the ovarian cycle have been reported in literature, but the correlation to its role in the ovarian cycle remains unclear. In this study, mitochondrial fusion promotor, M1, was used to study the impact of mitochondria dynamics in the female reproductive system. Our results showed that M1 treatment in mice can lead to the disruptions of estrous cycles in vagina smears. The decrease in serum LH was recorded in the animal. And the inhibitions of progesterone secretion and ovulations were observed in ovarian culture. Although no significant changes in mitochondrial networks were observed in the ovaries, significant up-regulation of mitochondrial respiratory complexes was revealed in M1 treatments through transcriptomic analysis. In contrast to the estrogen and steroid biosynthesis up-regulated in M1, the molecules of extracellular matrix, remodeling enzymes, and adhesion signalings were decreased. Collectively, our study provides novel targets to regulate the ovarian cycles through the mitochondria. However, more studies are still necessary to provide the functional connections between mitochondria and the female reproductive systems.
Adult Intensive Care in Uganda: A Systematic Review
Authors: Asiimwe Edgar , Ayoola Ade , Sabiiti Benon , Kache Saraswati 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background:
Intensive (ICU) care in many African countries, such as Uganda is comparatively underdeveloped and underprioritized, largely because of other pressing healthcare system needs. However, experiences like the COVID-19 pandemic, declines in infectious disease-associated mortality, and the ongoing epidemiologic transition make the current state of critical-care in the region important. But most countries in the region, including Uganda, do not collect ICU data, leaving published studies as one of few potential sources of robust data. Existing systematic reviews utilize this fact; however, these studies report their findings in aggregate, making country-specific conclusions impossible. As a result, aspects of critical care in several individual African countries remain unknown.
Objective:
To assess intensive care utilization in Uganda over time; specifically, we ascertain patient demographics and the most common reasons for ICU admission.
Methods:
We performed a systematic search of the following indexing databases: PuBMed, EMBASE, Google scholars, and African Journals Online prior to March 2020. To assess the gray literature, we searched the dissertation databases of the largest public universities in the country (Makerere & Mbarara University) for relevant papers. Inclusion criteria for studies were: (i) study conducted in Uganda at a facility with intensive care capacity, (ii) adult population; (iii) N>100 patients.
Findings:
A total of 10 papers, collectively reporting on 3519 adult patients and published between 2005 and 2018 met our study’s inclusion criteria. The median of the average age on admission was 35.50 [IQR: 26.11-43.4], with post-operative management as the most common reason for ICU admission. Median mortality was 37.50% [IQR: 28.5-40.5].
Conclusions:
Our study provides evidence supporting previous anecdotal reports of a comparatively low median age of patients in Uganda’s ICUs. However, we also find that most ICU research is conducted at the national referral hospital, Mulago, in the country’s capital, Kampala. This second finding highlights a significant knowledge gap, as private ICUs (whose catchment population includes Uganda’s rapidly growing middle class), and other districts in the country are not represented. As a result, these results should be interpreted cautiously. Future research studies should attempt to include private hospitals and those outside Kampala.
Systematic review registration: PROSPERO. Registration ID: CRD42020168940
Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Encoding Secreted Non-Stabilized Spike Protein in Mice
Authors: Prompetchara Eakachai , Ketloy Chutitorn , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Tarakhet Kittipan ,   Papatsara Kaewpang Kaewpang1, Yostrerat Nongnaphat , Pitakpolrat Patrawadee , Buranapraditkun Supranee , Wiboon-ut Suwimon , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Jongkaewwattana Anan , Hunsawong Taweewan , Im-Erbsin Rawiwan , Reed Matthew , Wijagkanalan Wassana , Patarakul Kanitha , Palaga Tanapat , Lam Kieu , Heyes James , Weissman Drew , Ruxrungtham Kiat 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Establishment of an mRNA vaccine platform in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is important to enhance vaccine accessibility and ensure future pandemic preparedness. Here, we describe the preclinical studies of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA encoding prefusion-unstabilized ectodomain spike protein encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) “ChulaCov19”. In BALB/c mice, ChulaCov19 at 0.2, 1, 10, and 30 µg given 2 doses, 21 days apart, elicited robust neutralizing antibody (NAb) and T cells responses in a dose-dependent relationship. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of micro-virus neutralizing (micro-VNT) antibody against wild-type virus was 1,280, 11,762, 54,047, and 62,084, respectively. Higher doses induced better cross-neutralizing antibody against Delta and Omicron variants. This elicited specific immunogenicity was significantly higher than those induced by homologous prime-boost with inactivated (CoronaVac) or viral vector (AZD1222) vaccine. In heterologous prime-boost study, mice primed with either CoronaVac or AZD1222 vaccine and boosted with 5 µg ChulaCov19 generated NAb 7-fold higher against wild-type virus (WT) and was also significantly higher against Omicron (BA.1 and BA.4/5) than homologous CoronaVac or AZD1222 vaccination. AZD1222-prime/mRNA-boost had mean spike-specific IFNγ positive T cells of 3,725 SFC/106 splenocytes, which was significantly higher than all groups except homologous ChulaCov19. Challenge study in human-ACE-2-expressing transgenic mice showed that ChulaCov19 at 1 µg or 10 µg protected mice from COVID-19 symptoms, prevented SARS-CoV-2 viremia, significantly reduced tissue viral load in nasal turbinate, brain, and lung tissues 99.9–100%, and without anamnestic of Ab response which indicated its protective efficacy. ChulaCov19 is therefore a promising mRNA vaccine candidate either as a primary or a boost vaccination and has entered clinical development.
Wearables for Personalized Monitoring of Masticatory Muscle Activity – Opportunities, Challenges and the Future
Authors: Prasad Sabarinath , Farella Mauro 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Wearable devices are worn on or remain in close proximity of the human body. The use of wearable devices specific to the orofacial region are steadily increasing. Orofacial applications of wearable devices include supplementing diagnosis, tracking treatment progress, monitoring patient compliance and understanding oral parafunctional behaviours. In this short communication, the role of wearable devices in advancing personalized dental medicine are highlighted with a specific focus on masticatory muscle activity monitoring in naturalistic settings. Additionally, challenges, opportunities as well as future research areas for successful use of wearable devices for precise, personalized care of muscle disorders are discussed.
Malaria Case Management in Children at a Lower-Level Health Facility In Kampala: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ajilong Harriet , Nankunda Jolly , Rujumba Joseph , Bongomin Felix , Ndeezi Grace 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Malaria is often diagnosed and treated clinically despite negative test results in low-resource settings. This has resulted in substantial overuse of antimalarial drugs and delays in the diagnosis of other febrile illnesses thereby increasing mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to describe the malaria diagnosis and treatment practices for uncomplicated malaria among children aged 2-59 months with fever at a health center in Kampala district.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was carried out at Kisenyi health center IV between January and February 2014. A total of 420 children aged 2-59 months with fever were consecutively enrolled. Information regarding malaria diagnosis and treatment practices were extracted from medical records as caretakers exited from the health facility. Key informant interviews were conducted with selected health workers at the facility. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA version 10 into proportions, means and medians where appropriate while qualitative data was analyzed using the content thematic approach.
Results: Of the 420 children with fever enrolled, 162(38.6%) were prescribed antimalarial drugs without laboratory evaluation. Of the 206 patients who were tested for malaria, all the confirmed positive cases and 72(35%) who tested negative were prescribed antimalarial drugs. Majority of the patients (81%) received artemether- lumefantrine, the recommended first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria while a small proportion (15%) was prescribed non recommended antimalarial therapies. From logistic regression, history of antimalarial drug use was found to be significantly associated with laboratory diagnosis of malaria (p-value 0.02)
Conclusions: Appropriate malaria case diagnosis and treatment is still a challenge in lower-level health facilities. A large proportion of febrile illnesses is clinically diagnosed and treated as malaria and many patients are prescribed antimalarial drugs despite negative test results. This has led to continued misuse of antimalarial drugs and under diagnosis of other causes of fever in children thereby increasing mortality and morbidity.
Recommendations: To achieve the universal “test and treat” strategy for malaria case management and control, stakeholders should ensure regular supply of laboratory diagnostic equipment. Regular refresher training is needed so that health workers adhere to the recommended national malaria treatment guidelines. Emphasis should be put on proper examination and treatment of alternative causes of children in fever.
Low (0-5) Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score on Admission Predictive of Worse Functional Outcome after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Li Jinze , Duan Jinfeng , Zhang Luojin , Chen Jingshu , Duan yang , Yang Benqiang 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
We examined functional outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures following anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO)-related acute ischemic strokes (AIS). Results were based on admission non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) studies, using the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) as standard metric.
METHODS
Qualifying subjects were consecutive patients (N = 327) at a single center undergoing MT for ACLVO-related AIS. Each was grouped according to ASPECTS status on admission, determined from NCCT images by two physicians. Primary clinical endpoint was functional independence, assessed via modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary endpoints were vessel recanalization (ie, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] score), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality.
RESULTS
In this study population (mean age, 63.6 ± 12.5 years; women, 29.3%; median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score, 15.2 ± 4.5), patients were stratified by ASPECTS tier at presentation, either 0–5 (n = 43) or 6–10 (n = 284). Multivariate logistic regression showed a relation between ASPECTS values ≤ 5 and lesser chance of 90-day functional improvement (OR = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-5.80; p = 0.049), once adjusted for age, baseline NIHSS score, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation/flutter, current/prior alcohol intake, HbA1c concentration, D-dimer level, occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA), occlusion of ICA and middle cerebral artery (ICA + MCA), numbers of device passes, and successful recanalization.
CONCLUSIONS
ASPECTS values ≤ 5 correspond with worse long-term functional improvement (mRS scores > 2) in patients undergoing MT for ACLVO-related AIS. Other independent determinants of functional outcomes after MT are age, baseline NIHSS score, HbA1c concentration, and successful recanalization.