bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to scaling up hepatitis C treatment in Malaysia: a qualitative study with key stakeholders
Authors: Chan Huan-Keat , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Mohammed Noor Syahireen , Azlan Azlina , Hassan Muhammad Radzi Abu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhile the availability of generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) opens the door for large-scale treatment, the care for people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Malaysia is shifting toward a tripartite partnership between the public health system, correctional settings and civil society organizations (CSOs). This study aimed to explore the barriers to scaling up HCV treatment in Malaysia from the perspective of key stakeholders.MethodsEighteen focus-group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 180 individuals, who actively engaged in coordinating, executing or supporting the implementation of the national strategic plan for HCV. An analytical framework was adapted to guide the data collection and thematic analysis. It covered four key aspects of HCV treatment: geographical accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability.ResultsMovement restrictions in times of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks and being marginalized translated into barriers to treatment access in people living with HCV. Barriers to treatment initiation in health and correctional settings included limited staffing and capacity; disruption in material supply; silos mentality and unintegrated systems; logistical challenges for laboratory tests; and insufficient knowledge of care providers. Although no-cost health services were in place, concerns over transportation costs and productivity loss also continued to suppress the treatment uptake. Limited disease awareness, along with the disease-related stigma, further lowered the treatment acceptability.ConclusionsThis study disclosed a series of supply- and demand-side barriers to expanding the treatment coverage among people living with HCV in Malaysia. The findings call for strengthening inter-organizational collaborations to overcome the barriers.
The healthy/unhealthy dietary pattern is associated with resting metabolic rate status among women with overweight/obesity
Authors: Pooyan Sara , Mirzababaei Atieh , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Badrooj Negin , Nasir Yasaman , Tajik Somayeh , Fallahyekta Masoumeh , Yekaninezhad Mir Saeid , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Although various dietary patterns have been indicated to be associated with the resting metabolic rate [RMR], limited data are available in this field. This study was therefore focused on the association between dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate among participants with overweight and obesity.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 304 women with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), aged 18–50. Anthropometric assessments, physical activity and biochemical measurements were assessed. RMR was also measured by means of indirect calorimetry. Dietary intake of participants was evaluated by 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire [FFQ].

Results
There was a significant association between higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern [HDP] and RMR (P = 0.05), intakes of protein (P = 0.003), minerals (P = 0.001) as well as fat free mass [FFM] (P = 0.002), bone mineral content (P = 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.001), soft lean mass (P = 0.002) and visceral fat area (P = 0.05). Also, there was a considerable association between higher adherence to the unhealthy dietary pattern [UHDP] and fasting blood sugar [FBS] (P = 0.05). Using multinomial logistic regression has been shown that the medium adherence to the HDP was marginally significant with decreased resting metabolic rate [Dec. RMR] group in crude model (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.28–1.05, P = 0.07). After controlling for various confounders such as age, FFM, physical activity, and energy intake, the association between Dec. RMR group and the lowest quartile of the HDP (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14–0.91, P = 0.03) became significant as well as the association between Dec. RMR group and medium adherence to the HDP (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.97, P = 0.04). The medium adherence to the UHDP in crude model was also significant with increased resting metabolic rate [Inc. RMR] group (OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.01–6.65, P = 0.04).

Conclusions
Our study showed that there are significant associations between dietary patterns and RMR status.
Antibacterial activities of plant leaf extracts against multi-antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus associated with skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Akinduti P. A. , Emoh-Robinson V. , Obamoh-Triumphant H. F. , Obafemi Y. D. , Banjo T. T. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The antibacterial activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica and Acalypha wilkesiana against multidrug resistance (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus associated with skin and soft tissue infections were investigated.

Methods
Staphylococcus aureus (n = 183) from the skin and soft tissue infections with evidence of purulent pus, effusions from aspirates, wounds, and otorrhea were biotyped, and evaluated for biofilm production. The phenotypic antibiotic resistance and MDR strains susceptibility to plant leaves extract were determined using disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assays respectively. The correlation of plant extract bioactive components with inhibitory activities was determined.

Results
High occurrence rate of S. aureus were recorded among infant and adult age groups and 13.2% mild biofilm producers from the wound (p < 0.05). Of 60.2% MDR strains with overall significant MARI of more than 0.85 (p < 0.05), high resistant rates to linozidine (92.7%; 95% CI:7.27–10.52), ofloxacin (94.2%; 95% CI:6.09–8.15), chloramphenicol (91.2%; 95% CI:6.11–8.32), gentamicin (97.3%; 95% CI:6.20–8.22), ciprofloxacin (92.7%; 95% CI: 5.28–7.99) and vancomycin (86.6%; 95% CI:6.81–9.59) were observed. Vernonia amygdalina and Azadirachta indica showed significant antimicrobial activity at 100 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml, with low susceptibility of less than 10% to 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 75 mg/ml Moringa oleifera. Alkaloids, saponin and terpenoids were significant in Moringa oleifera, Acalypha wilkesiana, Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina leaves extracts (p < 0.05). High inhibitory concentrations at IC50; 3.23, 3.75 and 4.80 mg/ml (p = 0.02, CI: − 0.08 – 11.52) and IC90; 12.9, 7.5, and 9.6 mg/ml (p = 0.028, CI: 2.72–23.38) were shown by Acalypha wilkesiana, Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera respectively. Comparative outcome of the plant extracts showed Acalypha wilkesiana, Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera to exhibit significant inhibition activities (p < 0.05) compared to other extracts. Significant median inhibitory concentration (15.3 mg/ml) of Azadirachta indica were observed (p < 0.01) and strong associations of phytochemical compounds of Azadirachta indica (eta = 0.527,p = 0.017), Vernonia amygdalina (eta = 0.123,p = 0.032) and Acalypha wilkesiana (eta = 0.492,p = 0.012) with their respective inhibitory values.

Conclusion
Observed high occurrence rate of skin and soft tissue infections caused by biofilm-producing MDR S. aureus requires alternative novel herbal formulations with rich bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera, Acalypha wilkesiana, Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina as skin therapeutic agents.
A scoping review examining the integration of exercise services in clinical oncology settings
Authors: Ezenwankwo Elochukwu F. , Nnate Daniel A. , Usoro Godspower D. , Onyeso Chimdimma P. , Anieto Ijeoma B. , Ibeneme Sam C. , Albertus Yumna , Lambert Victoria E , Ezeukwu Antoninus O. , Abaraogu Ukachukwu O. , Shamley Delva 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Addressing questions surrounding the feasibility of embedding exercise service units in clinical oncology settings is imperative for developing a sustainable exercise-oncology clinical pathway. We examined available literature and offered practical recommendations to support evidence-based practice, policymaking, and further investigations.

Methods
Four thousand eight hundred sixty-three unique records identified in Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and ProQuest (Health and Medicine) were screened for studies that recruited cancer patients, assessed the co-location of exercise service and cancer treatment units, and reported findings on service implementation. Evidence from six studies providing data from over 30 programs was integrated using narrative synthesis.

Results
Service implementation was relatively modest across the included studies. Exercise services were delivered by physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and kinesiologists and funded mainly through grants and private donations, with staff salaries accruing as the major expense. Service penetration, adoption, and acceptability were generally low. However, studies recorded high clinician/patient satisfaction. Major barriers to service integration were limited funding, lack of detailed implementation plan, and low organizational buy-in. Common reasons for non-utilization, missed sessions, and dropouts were lack of interest, unwellness, hospital readmission, disease progression, and adverse skeletal events.

Conclusion
Implementing exercise services in clinical oncology settings seems an effective approach for increasing access to exercise-based rehabilitation for individuals on cancer treatment. While this model appears feasible for patients/clinicians, efforts are required to optimize service integration both in the short and long term. Key priorities include seeking [local] actions to address issues relating to funding and organizational buy-in. Important considerations may include developing an implementation plan to guide the implementation process, expanding the patient core management team to include staff from the exercise rehabilitation unit, and exploring the role of patient feedback in increasing clinician participation (e.g., treating oncologists and nurses) in the referral process. Future research should consider effective strategies to promote patients’ sense of self-efficacy and behavioral control and, further, the place of audit and feedback in improving exercise service delivery and overall service implementation.
Genomic characterization of the world’s longest selection experiment in mouse reveals the complexity of polygenic traits
Authors: Palma-Vera Sergio E. , Reyer Henry , Langhammer Martina , Reinsch Norbert , Derezanin Lorena , Fickel Joerns , Qanbari Saber , Weitzel Joachim M. , Franzenburg Soeren , Hemmrich-Stanisak Georg , Schoen Jennifer 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Long-term selection experiments are a powerful tool to understand the genetic background of complex traits. The longest of such experiments has been conducted in the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), generating extreme mouse lines with increased fertility, body mass, protein mass and endurance. For >140 generations, these lines have been maintained alongside an unselected control line, representing a valuable resource for understanding the genetic basis of polygenic traits. However, their history and genomes have not been reported in a comprehensive manner yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a summary of the breeding history and phenotypic traits of these lines along with their genomic characteristics. We further attempt to decipher the effects of the observed line-specific patterns of genetic variation on each of the selected traits.

Results
Over the course of >140 generations, selection on the control line has given rise to two extremely fertile lines (>20 pups per litter each), two giant growth lines (one lean, one obese) and one long-distance running line. Whole genome sequencing analysis on 25 animals per line revealed line-specific patterns of genetic variation among lines, as well as high levels of homozygosity within lines. This high degree of distinctiveness results from the combined effects of long-term continuous selection, genetic drift, population bottleneck and isolation. Detection of line-specific patterns of genetic differentiation and structural variation revealed multiple candidate genes behind the improvement of the selected traits.

Conclusions
The genomes of the Dummerstorf trait-selected mouse lines display distinct patterns of genomic variation harbouring multiple trait-relevant genes. Low levels of within-line genetic diversity indicate that many of the beneficial alleles have arrived to fixation alongside with neutral alleles. This study represents the first step in deciphering the influence of selection and neutral evolutionary forces on the genomes of these extreme mouse lines and depicts the genetic complexity underlying polygenic traits.
Characterisation of the indigenous knowledge used for gastrointestinal nematode control in smallholder farming areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Ndlela Sithembile Z. , Mkwanazi Mbusiseni V. , Chimonyo Michael 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to control gastrointestinal nematodes has been known since ancient times. The objective of the study was to characterise the use of indigenous knowledge to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.

Methods
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Chi-square was used to compute associations; the generalized linear model was used for mean rank scores.

Results
Roundworms were the most common gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) affecting goats reared in the bushland vegetation type than grasslands. Twelve plant species were commonly used to control GIN in goats, with Cissus quadrangularis Linn. singled out as the most widely used plant with a use-value of 0.97, followed by Albizia anthelminthica Brongn. (0.66), Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl (0.63), Vachellia xanthophloea (Benth.) P.J.H. Hurter (0.59), Aloe marlothii A. Berger (0.58), Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (0.54), Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey (0.53), Aloe maculata All. (0.50), Trichilia emetica Vahl (0.47), Aloe ferox Mill. (0.43), Vernonia neocorymbosa Hilliard (0.25) and Schkuhria pinnata (Lam) Kuntze ex Thell (0.16). C. rotundifolia, V. xanthophloea, S. birrea and T. emetica were dominant plant species used to control GIN in goats reared in the grassland vegetation. A. maculata, A. ferox and V. neocorymbosa were dominant in the bushland vegetation type.

Conclusion
The study revealed that ethnoveterinary plants are widely used in grassland and bushland vegetation types to control GIN in goats. Scientific validation of their efficacy and safety should be carried out to provide a cheaper alternative, thus improving the community livelihoods and development.
Relationship between plasma cell-free DNA changes and lysyl oxidase during the treatment and prognosis of canine transmissible venereal tumors
Authors: Mohamadzaheri Mona , Cheraghi Hadi , Shirani Darioush , Hatamkhani Ali 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) are a wide range of canine tumors for which there are no effective markers to monitor the therapeutic response in real-time. Circulating biomarkers can be valuable in early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the significance of the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cfDNA integrity index to monitor the response of TVTs to vincristine and compare them with lysyl oxidase activity. Plasma and sera were collected from fifteen male dogs within four weeks before drug administration. The analytical method was mainly based on the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique for short and long cfDNAs and lysyl oxidase activity was measured in serum.

Results
The results of the cfDNA integrity index showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the baseline concentration compared to the second and third weeks (with cut-off values of 1.118 and 93.33% specificity). The cfDNA integrity index increased over time due to the reduction of short cfDNAs in the first week after treatment. Lysyl oxidase activity increased during the fourth week (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in the other weeks compared to the baseline. The ROC analysis of lysyl oxidase revealed high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (90%) on the second and third weeks compared to the baseline. Multivariate analysis between cfDNA integrity index and lysyl oxidase showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) only in baseline results.

Conclusions
Overall, short cfDNA, the cfDNA integrity index, and lysyl oxidase activity can be proposed as diagnostic biomarkers and putative prognostic candidates in TVT patients. These biomarkers can be combined with cytology to quickly diagnose TVT.
Elevated plasma levels of epithelial and endothelial cell markers in COVID-19 survivors with reduced lung diffusing capacity six months after hospital discharge
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Perea Lídia , Albacar Núria , Moisés Jorge , Cruz Tamara , Mendoza Núria , Solarat Belen , Lledó Gemma , Espinosa Gerard , Barberà Joan Albert , Badia Joan Ramon , Agustí Alvar , Sellarés Jacobo , Faner Rosa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Some COVID-19 survivors present lung function abnormalities during follow-up, particularly reduced carbon monoxide lung diffusing capacity (DLCO). To investigate risk factors and underlying pathophysiology, we compared the clinical characteristics and levels of circulating pulmonary epithelial and endothelial markers in COVID-19 survivors with normal or reduced DLCO 6 months after discharge.

Methods
Prospective, observational study. Clinical characteristics during hospitalization, and spirometry, DLCO and plasma levels of epithelial (surfactant protein (SP) A (SP-A), SP-D, Club cell secretory protein-16 (CC16) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI)), and endothelial (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble E-selectin and Angiopoietin-2) 6 months after hospital discharge were determined in 215 COVID-19 survivors.

Results
DLCO was < 80% ref. in 125 (58%) of patients, who were older, more frequently smokers, had hypertension, suffered more severe COVID-19 during hospitalization and refer persistent dyspnoea 6 months after discharge. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years and severity score of the acute episode ≥ 6 were independent risk factors of reduced DLCO 6 months after discharge. Levels of epithelial (SP-A, SP-D and SLPI) and endothelial (sICAM-1 and angiopoietin-2) markers were higher in patients with reduced DLCO, particularly in those with DLCO ≤ 50% ref. Circulating SP-A levels were associated with the occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organizing pneumonia and pulmonary embolisms during hospitalization.

Conclusions
Reduced DLCO is common in COVID-19 survivors 6 months after hospital discharge, especially in those older than 60 years with very severe acute disease. In these individuals, elevated levels of epithelial and endothelial markers suggest persistent lung damage.
RNA-mediated immunotherapy regulating tumor immune microenvironment: next wave of cancer therapeutics
Authors: Pandey Poonam R. , Young Ken H. , Kumar Dhiraj , Jain Neeraj 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAccumulating research suggests that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays an essential role in regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. The cellular and molecular nature of the TIME influences cancer progression and metastasis by altering the ratio of immune- suppressive versus cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of the tumor. Targeting or activating the TIME components show a promising therapeutic avenue to combat cancer. The success of immunotherapy is both astounding and unsatisfactory in the clinic. Advancements in RNA-based technology have improved understanding of the complexity and diversity of the TIME and its effects on therapy. TIME-related RNA or RNA regulators could be promising targets for anticancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the available RNA-based cancer immunotherapies targeting the TIME. More importantly, we summarize the potential of various RNA-based therapeutics clinically available for cancer treatment. RNA-dependent targeting of the TIME, as monotherapy or combined with other evolving therapeutics, might be beneficial for cancer patients’ treatment in the near future.
The relationship between frailty, nutritional status, co-morbidity, CT-body composition and systemic inflammation in patients with COVID-19
Authors: McGovern Josh , Al-Azzawi Yassir , Kemp Olivia , Moffitt Peter , Richards Conor , Dolan Ross D. , Laird Barry J. , McMillan Donald C. , Maguire Donogh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Frailty, determined by the Canadian Study of Health and Aging-Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), is strongly associated with clinical outcomes including mortality in patients with COVID-19. However, the relationship between frailty and other recognised prognostic factors including age, nutritional status, obesity, sarcopenia and systemic inflammation is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between frailty and other prognostic domains, in patients admitted with COVID-19.

Methods
Patients who presented to our institutions between 1st April 2020–6th July 2020 with confirmed COVID-19 were assessed for inclusion. Data collected included general demographic details, clinicopathological variables, CFS admission assessment, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), CT-BC measurements and markers of systemic inflammation.

Results
106 patients met the study inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were aged ≥ 70 years (67%), male (53%) and frail (scoring > 3 on the CFS, 72%). The majority of patients were not malnourished (MUST 0, 58%), had ≥ 1 co-morbidity (87%), were sarcopenic (low SMI, 80%) and had systemic inflammation (mGPS ≥ 1, 81%, NLR > 5, 55%). On multivariate binary logistics regression analysis, age (p < 0.01), COPD (p < 0.05) and NLR (p < 0.05) remained independently associated with frailty. On univariate binary logistics regression, NLR (p < 0.05) was significantly associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion
Frailty was independently associated with age, co-morbidity, and systemic inflammation. The basis of the relationship between frailty and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 requires further study.
Trial registration Registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04484545)