bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How and why do people interact with lay consultants during illnesses? Qualitative study of lay consultation experiences for treatment decisions in slums of Nigeria
Authors: Onuegbu Chinwe , Harlock Jenny , Griffiths Frances 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
During illness, people interact with personal network members and informal online sources of health information (known as lay consultants) to cope and decide on further treatments. In slum contexts, the interaction is shaped by poor neighbourhood conditions that threaten health, scarce formal healthcare services and complex social structures. We explored how and why people interacted with lay consultants during illness and how the lay consultants influence personal treatment decisions in slums in Nigeria.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 30 adults aged 18–64 years from two slums in Nigeria. Participants were purposively selected for diversity of age, gender, network size and use of online lay advice sources, from a previous survey that mapped lay consultation networks. We analysed the data using an inductive-deductive approach to identify themes across the interviews.
Results
There were multiple reasons for speaking to lay consultants, including casually mentioning an illness/health concern during normal daily conversions, talking about health as part of social norms, projecting self-identity, and directly or indirectly seeking advice and instrumental support. People interacted with small and closely-knit network members, mainly family members, partly due to personal choice, mistrust among neighbours, and low access to online networks or sources of lay advice. Lay consultants offered suggestions and advice about illnesses and treatments, empathy, and instrumental support. However, these were not always helpful. People expressed a strong sense of agency in choosing or engaging with advice from lay others.
Conclusion
Despite living in the extreme resource constraints that drive reliance on lay networks, people exercised agency in how they engaged with lay consultants. If formal, trusted sources of advice were available, slum dwellers are likely to deploy this same agency to seek and use this advice.
Von Hippel Lindau Disease May Compromise Outcomes in Pregnancy from VEGF Mediated Accelerated Growth of Intra-Cranial Hemangioblastomas
Authors: Gvazava Nanuli , Giri Meenakshi , Saqib Ahmed , Hasanein Hassan , Ghous Ghulam , Verghese Cherian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background:Von Hippel-Lindau disease is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by development of variety of benign and malignant tumors and cysts including brain stem, cerebellum, spinal cord as well as pancreas, kidneys, and retina. The most common tumors associated with the disorder are hemangioblastomas. Symptomatic CNS hemangioblastomas may be the first presentation of Von Hippel-Lindau disease. Initial presentation during pregnancy is uncommon and presents unique challenges with regard to early diagnosis and management.Case presentation:We report a case of a young woman with cerebellar hemangioblastoma, complicated by obstructive hydrocephalus, who first presented with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure during pregnancy and was eventually diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau disease. We propose accelerated growth of Von Hippel-Lindau disease related hemangioblastomas during pregnancy and explore the pathophysiology of this disorder. Specific diagnostic challenges imposed by pregnancy and approach to management of these complex patients are also reviewed. Conclusions: Increased levels of VEGF during pregnancy may promote growth of hemangioblastomas. Accelerated growth as well as rare but life-threatening complications such as tumor hemorrhage are most likely to happen during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Unfortunately, non-specific symptoms like nausea and vomiting, which are common obstetric complaints, can be confounding and pose challenges to early diagnosis. Careful neurological examination is critical in pregnant patients with new onset neurological symptoms. When a hemangioblastoma is suspected, pregnant patients should be screened for Von Hippel-Lindau disease to identify other potentially life-threatening tumors, and when near term, elective delivery should be considered to avoid both maternal and fetal complications. In complicated cases such as obstructive hydrocephalus, CSF diversion may be indicated and will result in rapid symptom improvement and prevention of severe neurologic sequelae. Unlike sporadic hemangioblastomas, surveillance may be the preferred approach in Von Hippel-Lindau in the absence of symptoms, as these patients have multiple tumors and a high risk of recurrence, making repeat surgeries of unclear benefit.
Does Pre-Existing Immunity Determine the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Health-Care Workers? Single-Center Experience
Authors: Laura Luka , Dalmatin-Dragišić Monika , Martinović Katarina , Tutiš Borka , Herceg Ivana , Arapović Maja , Arapovic Jurica 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To assess the severity of symptoms, duration of infection and viral loads of health-care workers (HCWs) who tested positive for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during Omicron’s prevalence, in regard to vaccination and previous infection.Methods: During 2 weeks of highest rate of COVID-19 cases in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the positive nasopharyngeal swabs were analysed in 141 HCWs by reverse transcription quantitative PCR, targeting four different genes: RdRP, E, N and nsp14. Uniformed questionnaire was used to collect relevant sociodemographic and epidemiological data from HCWs divided into 4 groups: vaccinated/previously infected (group 1); vaccinated/not previously infected (group 2); unvaccinated/previously infected (group 3); and unvaccinated/not previously infected (group 4). Results: We observed that occurrence of fever and smell or taste loss were more frequent in group 2 (76.9% and 19.2%) and group 4 (86.4% and 25%) (p=0.023 and p=0.003). ﻿Although statistically not significant, group 1 (70.8%), group 2 (65.4%), and group 3 (61.9%) experienced negativization within 7 days of positive RT-qPCR test, whereas 51.2% of HCWs from group 4 tested negative later on. There is no significant difference between all 4 groups regarding Ct values of analysed genes. Conclusion: During Omicron’s prevalence the vaccination had no significant effect on symptomatic disease among HCWs, while fever and loss of smell or taste were considerably less likely to occur upon reinfection. Since viral loads and negativization periods do not seem to significantly vary, irrespective of pre-existing immunity, systemic vaccination and mask-wearing should still be considered among HCWs.
Risk factors associated with malaria infection along China-Myanmar border: a case-control study
Authors: Xu Jian-Wei , Deng Dao-Wei , Wei Chun , Zhou Xing-Wu , Li Jian-Xiong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has certificated China malaria free, but imported malaria is a continuous challenge in preventing reintroduction of malaria in the border area of China. Understanding risk factors of malaria along China-Myanmar border is benefit for preventing reintroduction of malaria in China and achieving the WHO’s malaria elimination goal in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).Methods: This is a case-control study with one malaria case matched to two controls, in which cases were microscopy-confirmed malaria patients and controls were feverish people with microscopy-excluded malaria. A matched logistic regression analysis (LRA) was used to identify risk factors associated with malaria infection.Results: From May 2016 through October 2017, the study recruited 223 malaria cases (152 in China and 71 in Myanmar) and 446 controls (304 in China and 142 in Myanmar). All the 152 cases recruited in China were imported malaria. Independent factors associated with malaria infection were overnight out of home in one month prior to attendance of health facilities (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 13.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.32-28.28, P<0.0001), staying overnight in rural lowland and foothill (AOR2.73, 95% CI 1.45-5.14, P=0.0019), staying overnight at altitude <500m (AOR5.66, 95% CI 3.01-10.71, P<0.0001) and streamlets≤100m (AOR9.98, 95% CI 4.96-20.09, P<0.0001) in the border areas of Myanmar; and people lacking of knowledge of malaria transmission (AOR2.17, 95% CI 1.42-3.32, P=0.0004).Conclusions: Malaria transmission is highly focalized in lowland and foothill in the border areas of Myanmar. The risk factors associated with malaria infection are overnight staying out of home, at low altitude areas, proximity to streamlets and lack of knowledge of malaria transmission. To prevent reintroduction of malaria transmission in China and achieve the WHO’s malaria elimination goal in the GMS Subregion, cross-border collaboration is continuously necessary, and health education is sorely needed for people in China to maintain their malaria knowledge and vigilance, and in Myanmar to improve their ability to apply personal protection.
RNA sequencing revealed the multi-stage transcriptome transformations during the development of gallbladder cancer associated with chronic inflammation
Authors: Yang Sen , Qin Litao , Wu Pan , Liu Yanbing , Zhang Yanling , Mao Bing , Yan Yiyang , Yan Shuai , Tan Feilong , Yue Xueliang , Liu Hongshan , Xue Huanzhou 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly malignant tumor with extremely poor prognosis. Previous studies have suggested that the carcinogenesis and progression of GBC is a multi-stage and multi-step process, but most of them focused on the genome changes. The transcriptome changes, relating to every stage of GBC evolution, have rarely been studied.
Methods
We selected three cases of normal gallbladder, four cases of gallbladder with chronic inflammation induced by gallstones, five cases of early GBC, and five cases of advanced GBC, using next-generation RNA sequencing to reveal the changes in mRNAs and lncRNAs expression during the evolution of GBC.
Results
In-depth analysis of the sequencing data indicated that transcriptome changes from normal gallbladder to gallbladder with chronic inflammation were distinctly related to inflammation, lipid metabolism, and sex hormone metabolism; transcriptome changes from gallbladder with chronic inflammation to early GBC were distinctly related to immune activities and connection between cells; and the transcriptome changes from early GBC to advanced GBC were distinctly related to transmembrane transport of substances and migration of cells.
Conclusion
Expression profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs change significantly during the evolution of GBC, in which lipid-based metabolic abnormalities play an important promotive role, inflammation and immune activities play a key role, and changes in membrane proteins are the most highlighted molecular changes.
Developing a geographic strategy for equal rapid response first aid
Authors: Narikawa Kenji , Kitano Shinnosuke , Fujimoto Kenji , Ogawa Satoo , Yokota Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: All people have rights to take first aids equally because they have risk for sudden cardiac arrest at any time. Japan employs mainly two inclusive strategies for rapid response first aid. The first is public services such as fire trucks and ambulance response. The second is increasing the number of first responders. However, many residents are geographically unaware whether public services in their areas provide quick responses during emergencies, such as cardiac arrest. For this reason, they lack knowledge the necessity of mutual aid, which enables nearby neighbors who have undergone proper training to respond and provide first aid. Thus, the study aims to identify geographically specific areas where mutual aid is essential for rapid response first aid.Methods: The study targeted 20 cities in Japan designated by government ordinance and to simulate response areas reachable by public service. The driving conditions with 3 min were simulated with the speed limits, which are obeyed by the Japanese Road Traffic Act. Also, the populations covered in the areas was calculated in each targeted city.Results: The simulated map appears to render easy recognition of weak areas that may benefit from rapid response and may necessitate mutual aid. The maximum, minimum, and median population coverage rates are 65%, 22%, and 38.5%, respectively.Conclusion: The study indicates that mutual aid for rapid response is essential to most of the targeted areas in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. Moreover, mutual aid can be implemented strategically by geographic visualization and numerical values for equal rapid response first aid.
Targeted Chimera Delivery to Ovarian Cancer Cells by Multifunctional Ruthenium Polypyridine Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Xia , Mei Wenjie , Wu Qiong , Wang Jianjun , Qi Lifeng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: In vivo efficient delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the targeted tumor cells has remained a significant challenge in clinical applications. Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes have emerged both as anticancer agents and imaging theranostic agents because of unique photophysical and cytotoxic properties. However, a major limitation in their clinical implementation is effective cancer cell selectivity. In the present study, we present a novel targeted siRNA delivery platform obtained by ruthenium polypyridine complex nanoparticles (RPN).Results: The chimera molecules constructed by EGFR RNA aptamer and Notch3 siRNA, the chimera loaded RPN exhibited much higher silencing efficiency against Notch3 gene compared with chimera alone and lipofectamine-siRNA complex, and improved the antitumor effects of chimera in vitro and in vivo against ovarian cancer, indicating its potential capability for future targeted cancer therapy via RPN mediated chimera delivery. ﻿Conclusions: Overall, this work describes, to the best of our knowledge, the first in vivo study demonstrating the targeted chimera delivery into tumor cells by multifunctional ruthenium polypyridine nanoparticles.
Food-derived bioactive peptides with antihypertensive activity: A review
Authors: Daza-Rodríguez Belén , Rodríguez-Martínez Angie , Marrugo-Padilla Albeiro , Márquez-Lazaro Johana 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Arterial hypertension is a public health problem and one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, with a considerable impact on the cardiovascular and renal systems, constituting the leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability worldwide. Modern pharmacological regimens for the treatment of hypertension include the use of Thiazide diuretic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, β-blocker, or calcium channel blockers; Despite the vast therapeutic arsenal that exists, therapeutic failures occur due to a lack of medication adherence, due to the plethora of adverse effects derived from these substances, giving rise to a focus on finding new therapeutic approaches such as bioactive peptides from food. This review aimed to identify the main peptides from foods with antihypertensive activity described in studies published in the last five years (between 2017 to 2021). The review of 23 studies allowed us to identify the peptides with the best antihypertensive potential; these included: RDGGYCC, LRLESF, FHAPWK, and LVLPG from foods of plant origin; LSGYGP, ITT, VISDEDGVTH, ATT, and LWHTH of animal origin; and ALGRV and SPQW derived from fungi.
Constraining the post-emissions temperature change
Authors: Tarshish Nathaniel , Jeevanjee Nadir , Fung Inez 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Climate models predict that if CO2 emissions ceased today, the current temperature anomaly of ~ 1° C would likely persist for thousands of years. Extending a widely-used energy balance model of Earth’s climate to the case of emissions cessation reveals how this post-emissions response is governed by the equilibrium climate sensitivity, transient climate response, and CO2 airborne fraction. Temperature invariance after emissions cessation is found to be particular to the historical rate of emissions, and is therefore not a fundamental property of climate.
Accuracy Analysis of Earth Rotation Parameters Combining with VLBI Observations in CONT17 and GNSS Observations
Authors: Yu Kehao , Sun Mengqi , Li Lihua 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The Earth rotation parameters (ERP) mainly including the displacement and rate of the earth's poles, UT1-UTC, length of day are estimated by processing the thirty-one IGS stations data from November 28, 2017 to December 12, 2017 with GAMIT. The ERP are obtained with VieVS3.2 by processing VLBI data observed on CONT17 campaign. The ERP results of GNSS and VLBI are combined in a weighted way, based on the Helemert variance component estimation and weighting method is proposed. The results show that the Root Mean Square(RMS) of the polar shift component in the X-direction is 0.000985 mas, the RMS of the polar shift component in the Y-direction is 0.000286 mas, and the RMS of UT1-UTC is 0.000690 ms, and the weighted accuracy is significantly better than that of the separate solutions of GNSS and VLBI, which can make up for the shortcoming of the single technique as GNSS and VLBI.
Investigation of, and strategies to control the final cluster of the 2018-2020 Ebola virus disease outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Keita Mory , Polonsky Jonathan A. , Finci Iris , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Ilumbulumbu Michel Kalongo , Dakissaga Adama , Ngwama John Kombe , Tosalisana Michel Kasereka , Mundeke Steve Ahuka , Gueye Abdou Salam , Dagron Stephanie , Keiser Olivia , Fall Ibrahima Socé 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundOn April 10, 2020, while the independent committee of the International Health Regulation (IHR) was meeting to decide whether the 10th Ebola outbreak in the DRC still constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, a new confirmed case was notified in the city of Beni, the last epicentre of the epidemic. This study aimed to understand the source of this cluster and learn from the implemented control strategies for improved EVD outbreak response in future. MethodsWe conducted a combined epidemiological and genomic investigation to understand the origins and dynamics of transmission within this cluster and describe the strategy that successfully controlled the outbreak. ResultsEight cases were identified as belonging to the last cluster of Beni; two males and six females, with a median age of 22 years (range 7 - 68 years). Five cases were likely nosocomially infected. A total of 1,028 contacts were identified. Whole Genome Sequencing revealed that all cases belonged to the same cluster, the closest sequence to which was identified as a case from Beni area with symptom onset in July 2019 and a difference of just 31 nucleotides. Outbreak control measures included community confinement of high-risk contacts, undertaken in accordance with key guiding principles agreed with the affected community. ConclusionThe study illustrates the high risk of additional flare-ups in the period leading to the end-of-outbreak declaration and the importance of maintaining enhanced surveillance and confinement activities to rapidly control Ebola outbreaks.
Female Sexual Function in Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yarjanli Mahsa , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , mirzaei negin , Azarbajani Khadijeh 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) coexisting mood disorders along with a combination of aesthetic manifestations may have a detrimental effect on women's sexual function. Hence, different phenotypes of PCOS have different clinical and biochemical signs and symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare women's sexual function (SF) in different phenotypes of PCOS.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 364 women who met the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria to compare different PCOS phenotypes (A = 95, B = 78, C = 95, and D = 95). All patients were invited to fill out the female sexual function index (FSFI).
Results
Significant differences were observed between the different phenotypes in terms of the total score, sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction (P < 0.001); however, no significant differences were found between them in the terms of pain (P > 0.05) and orgasm (P > 0.05). In addition, phenotype B had the lowest mean score of total FSFI (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The results indicated that women's SF is significantly different in different PCOS phenotypes. It is concluded that in order to solve the SF problems of women with PCOS, different treatment and care measures should be considered according to the relevant phenotype.
Quality of life of Japanese women with dysmenorrhea and/or heavy menstrual bleeding treated with levonorgestrel intrauterine delivery system in a real-world setting
Authors: Momoeda Mikio , Akira Shigeo , Harada Tasuku , Kitawaki Jo , Maeda Nagamasa , Ota Ikuko , Yoshihara Keisuke , Takahashi Noriko 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The present study collected 1-year follow-up patient-reported outcome data from Japanese women with dysmenorrhea and/or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) who underwent insertion of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) 52 mg. We aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of Japanese women over the course of the investigational period.Methods: This was a multicenter, non-interventional, prospective, single-cohort, post-marketing surveillance study (J-MIRAI). The primary outcome was the median change in the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) and Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale (MMAS) scores from baseline to 3 and 12 months after LNG-IUS insertion, with decreasing and increasing scores, respectively, indicating improvement. The secondary outcomes were the statistical relationships between the MDQ and menstrual pain, and between the MMAS and pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) scores by regression analysis.Results: In total, 593 patients were evaluated; 376, 467, and 250 patients were diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, HMB, or both, respectively. The median MDQ score decreased significantly at 3 and 12 months after LNG-IUS insertion in both the premenstrual and menstrual periods (both p < 0.001 vs baseline), and the median MMAS score showed a similar improvement during the menstrual period. Changes in median MDQ and MMAS scores were observed regardless of patient background. Correlations between MDQ and menstrual pain and between MMAS and PBAC scores were found (estimated regression coefficients: 0.29 and −0.15, respectively).Conclusion: The LNG-IUS contributed to improvements in the QOL of patients with dysmenorrhea, HMB, and both, regardless of patient background characteristics.Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02475356) on 18 June 2015.