bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Biota Orientalis Oil Extract, Epiitalis®, Is Efficacious At Reducing The Symptoms Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot, Multi-Site, Dose-Ranging, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mitchell Peter Geoffrey , Bright Corina , Bright Daniel , Srivast Shalini , Raote Sonal , Kumar Santosh 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective: To explore the safety, and efficacy of a proprietary hydrolyzed oil extract from seeds of Biota orientalis (hBO/Epiitalis®, Interpath Pty Ltd) in patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Patients aged 40-65 with X-ray diagnosed knee OA and knee pain > 60 on a 100-point VAS (visual analog scale) were enrolled and randomized into four groups to receive daily hBO for 56 days as high (hBO-HD, 640 mg), mid (hBO-MD, 320 mg) or low (hBO-LD, 160 mg) doses, or a matched placebo oil. The primary outcome was change in VAS knee pain from baseline to 56 days in the mITT (modified intention to treat) population. Exploratory outcomes were the mWOMAC (modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index), and the SF-36 QoL (quality of life) questionnaire. The OMERACT-OARSI (Outcome Measures in Arthritis Clinical Trials–Osteoarthritis Research Society International) responder index was also calculated.Results: 223 patients were included in the mITT population. Reductions in VAS scores between baseline and day 56 [LS mean (95% C.I. LS mean)] were 36.4 (31.7 - 41.0), 37.9 (33.2 - 42.7), 35.7 (31.2 - 40.1) and 9.8 (14.5 -15.2) for the hBO-HD, hBO-MD, hBO-LD, and placebo groups respectively. The VAS changes in all hBO groups were significantly different (p < 0.0001) vs. changes in the placebo group. hBO treatment led to similar quantitative beneficial changes in mWOMAC, SF-36 and OMERACT-OARSI responder index. There were no SAEs and no adverse events ascribed to the intervention.Conclusion: In a 56-day trial, hBO was safe, and was efficacious at reducing symptoms in patients with knee OA. Registration: NCT04117490; Oct 7, 2019
Indigenous Language Shift and Maintenance in Shinasha Community
Authors: Techane Adugnaw 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper discusses language shift and maintenance in Shinasha community. The purpose of this study is to assess language shift in Shinasha. More specifically, to identify the factors that lead some of the Shinasha people to use other languages, to show in which domain Shinasha language preferred and to indicate which language Shinasha people prefer in various domains. To collect the necessary data for the study, interview, questionnaire and focus group discussion were used as data collection instruments. The descriptive survey research design was used to conduct this study by using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. The result showed that demography, economy, psychology and intermarriage are some of the major factors that led Shinasha people to shift from Shinasha to other indigenous languages. Amharic and Afan Oromo are used in various domains by Shinasha youths. On the other hand, a few elders speak Shinasha language. In general, in Shisha community youths prefer Amharic, Afan Oromo and Awngi in various domains bcause of economic, attitudinal, historical, demographic factors.
Protective mechanism of gold nanoparticles on human neural stem cells injured by β-amyloid protein
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Shen Xiangpeng , Song Xiangkong , Wang Ningfen , Wo Xuewen , Gao Yonglei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with progressive memory loss in dementia. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were reported beneficial for human neural stem cells (hNSCs) treated with Amyloid-beta (Aβ), but the neuroprotective mechanisms still are unknown.
METHODS
Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was performed to detect hNSCs viability. The content of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. Immunocytochemistry was carried out to determinate Tuj-1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JC-1 assay kits were performed to detect ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot assessments were also used to detect related gene expression intracellularly or in the supernatant.
RESULTS
The pro-inflammation IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the AuNPs co-treatment group. AuNPs could ameliorate neural stem cell differentiation inhibition due to Aβ accumulation. AuNPs co-treatment repressed the high expression of total tau (T-tau), phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and Aβ protein caused by the Aβ treatment. The apoptosis rate of hNSCs induced by Aβ was inhibited by AuNPs co-treatment and the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was also reduced in AuNPs co-treatment group. Aβ-induced decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondria in the hNSCs were damaged, while AuNPs co-treatment showed the protective effect on mitochondrial membrane potential. Co-treatment with AuNPs significantly increased dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) mRNA level. AuNPs may improve mitochondrial function impairment due to Aβ by elevating mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulating regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibiting ROS production. hNSCs transfected with miR-21-5p inhibitor reversed AuNPs mediated cytoprotection induced by Aβ. miR-21-5p was involved in AuNPs protecting against Aβ-induced cell toxicity by reduced mitochondrial function.
CONCLUSION
AuNPs can protect hNSCs from Aβ injury by up-regulating miR-21-5p and protecting mitochondrial function.
THAP7-AS1 recruits the SWI/SNF to activate EGFR-ELK1 signaling and induce crosstalk between tumor-associated macrophages and breast cancer cells
Authors: Liu Hai-Ting , Gao Zhao-Xin , zhang Guo-Hao , Guo Xiang-Yu , Zhou Xing-Chen , Zhao Rui-Nan , Liu Sen , Zhu Wen-Jie , Zhang Feng-Zhen , Wang Han , Zhao Chuan-Zong , Wang Xiao , Gao Peng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence indicates that the crosstalk between tumor cells and the microenvironment influences human cancer progression. However, the expression pattern, function role in the crosstalk between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment, and underlying mechanism of lncRNAs-related tumorigenesis in breast cancer are unknown.
Methods
The expression lncRNA-THAP7-AS1 in breast cancer (BC) were identified by in BC tissues. The functional roles of THAP7-AS1 were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA-pulldown followed by mass spectrometry, RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and luciferase reporter assay revealed the mechanisms of THAP7-AS1 in BC. RT-qPCR, ELISA assays, Flow cytometry, ChIP assays and luciferase reporter assay elucidated the crosstalk between tumor cells and (tumor-associated macrophages) TAMs.
Results
Here, we demonstrate that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) THAP7-AS1 induces polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype in an IL-4-dependent manner, and M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) secreted IL-10, which then facilitates the progression of breast cancer (BC). Mechanistically, THAP7-AS1 promoted the combination between SNF2H, SNF2L, and BAF155 and recruited the SWI/SNF complex to the promoter of EGFR to upregulate its expression, and then induced IL-4-mediated M2 polarization of macrophages via activation of the EGFR-ELK1 signaling. Reciprocally, IL-10 released from M2 TAMs upregulates CEBP-β-dependent P300 expression, and then P300, synergistically worked with c-MYC and upregulated THAP7-AS1 expression in BC cells, which constituting a feed-forward loop between tumor cells and TAMs. Moreover, THAP7-AS1 knockdown inhibits the invasion, metastasis and M2 macrophage polarization of breast cancer in vivo.
Conclusions
Our study highlights the role of THAP7-AS1 in the regulation crosstalk between TAM and tumor cells in BC progression and may provide a novel therapeutic target for BC treatment.
Cryopreservation and validation of differentiated PDGFRα-positive cells for long term usage in experimentation
Authors: Srivast Ankita , Rajan Reeja , Abdallah Sallam Hasan , Khan Amir Ali , Mussa Bashair M. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Differentiation of immortalized Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (iMSCs) into PDGFRα-positive cells under controlled growth conditions has several vital implications in functional studies concerned with the pathogenesis of Diabetic Gastroparesis (DGP). Recently, we have demonstrated the importance of these cells as a novel, in-vitro model for investigating the functional role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase. The currently available methods require fresh differentiation of PDGFRα-positive cells for each round of experimentation. This leads to longer delays, higher usage of reagents, and inconsistency in the reproducibility of experiments frequently. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a novel and detailed protocol for maintaining and cryopreserving the iMSC-derived PDGFRα-positive cells for functional investigations. These cells can be thawed and used per the experimental requirements with prolonged preservation of their characteristics.
Results
We first assessed the viability of differentiated PDGFRα-positive cells and observed a non-significant difference between pre-and post-freezing procedures, indicating that there was no loss of capacity due to long-term storage. Consequently, we validated their functional characteristics using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and western blotting.
Conclusions
Based on the obtained outcomes, we propose cryopreserved differentiated PDGFRα-positive cells as a feasible model for experimental reproducibility. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use the present methodology, which provides novel technical solutions and can be advantageous in studying gastrointestinal disorders such as DGP.
Acute multifocal retinitis in a patient with Q fever (Coxiella Burnetii infection) with endocarditis
Authors: Mahmoud Anis , Abid Fatma , Khairallah Molka , Affes Sofien , Mbarek Sameh , Amor Hassen Ibn Hadj , Khalifa Anis Ben Hadj , Messaoud Riadh , Khairallah Moncef 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
ObjectiveTo report acute multifocal retinitis in association with serologically-proven Coxiella (C) Burnetii infection (Q fever) with endocarditis. Material and methodsA single case report documented with multimodal imaging.ResultsA 67-year-old cattle breeder presented with a 2-week history of persistent fever, headache, and floaters in both eyes. On examination, his best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20, and there was 1+ vitreous cells in both eyes. Bilateral fundus examination showed multiple small superficial white retinal lesions scattered in the posterior pole and midperiphery associated with a few retinal hemorrhages. These retinal lesions did not stain on fluorescein angiography (FA) and showed focal hyperreflectivity and thickening primarily involving the inner retinal layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT). There also was a band-like hyper-reflective area in the middle retina consistent with paramacular acute middle maculopathy. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed a mobile echodensity on the anterior aortic leaflet consistent with a diagnosis of endocarditis. Elisa assays performed on paired serum samples collected 2 weeks apart showed increase in antibodies against C burnetii from 60 IU/ml to 255 IU/ml. The patient was treated with doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 18 months, with subsequent resolution of the endocarditis. Sequential ocular examinations showed gradual resolution of all acute retinal findings without visible scars.Conclusion: Acute Q fever, caused by C burnetii infection, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute multifocal retinitis. A systematic cardiac assessment with echocardiography is essential for early diagnosis of associated endocarditis and for prompt administration of appropriate antibiotic treatment to improve clinical outcomes.
Minimum data set and educational content required to design a mobile-based nutrition education application for women with infertility in Iran
Authors: Langarizadeh Mostafa , Najarzadeh Azadeh , Maghsoudi Banafshe , aghda Seyed Ali Fatemi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Infertility is one of the major health problems causing many problems and challenges for the couples and society. Given the worldwide exponential rise of infertility, mobile phone-based applications are drastic ways to deliver nutrition educational contents to women with infertility. The present study aimed to prepare the required educational contents for designing a mobile phone-based nutrition educational application for women with infertility.
Methods
Educational contents were initially determined based on the literature review and library resources. The collected information was used to design a researcher-made questionnaire containing 28 items in six dimensions. Later, 15 nutrition and five infertility specialists, selected via purposeful sampling, were asked to complete the questionnaire about the necessary information to be included in the software. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed using a panel of experts including medical informatics, health information management, nutritionists, and infertility specialists, who reviewed the items, made some revisions, and confirmed the final contents. Reliability of the questionnaire was also corroborated using the KR-20 coefficient (0.89).
Results
According to the specialists, the amount of consumed calories per meal and the interval between meals were not significantly effective on fertility. Other factors such as main definitions, disease and treatment instructions, personal activities and habits, and menstruation were deemed necessary by the respondents. Participants also suggested adding an introduction on different types of diets, users' suggestions and opinions, and introduction of senior nutrition centers to the questionnaire.
Conclusions
Followed by obtaining the required valid and reliable contents, a mobile phone- based nutrition education application can be designed to improve the patients' awareness and facilitate their treatment process.
Re-exposure with a TNF inhibitor bio-similar was well tolerated and lead to sustained control of psoriatic arthritis after allergic reaction to the TNF inhibitor bio-originator
Authors: Valor-Méndez Larissa , Dorn Carla , Manger Bernhard , Schett Georg , Kleyer Arnd 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α is approved for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment. Infliximab is available as an originator (Remicade®) and as biosimilar (CT-P13, Remsima®, Inflectra®; SB2, Flixabi®). Case presentation: We present a 38-year-old Caucasian female diagnosed with PsA in 2009 with skin and joint symptoms. After multiple failed treatments including methotrexate, adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab pegol and secukinumab, the patient was started on infliximab (Flixabi®). After 6 months, symptoms recurred and the patient was switched to infliximab (Remsima®) causing an allergic reaction. Based on the initial response to infliximab (Flixabi®) it was reintroduced. The patient did not develop any allergic reaction and responded excellently reaching controlled disease after 8 weeks with ongoing improvement of symptoms thereafter. Conclusions: The reasons for the differential response to different infliximab products is unclear and may not necessarily be related to the antibody itself. While switching between bio-originator and bio-similar is widely practiced, we could not find another documented case of an allergic reaction to the infliximab bio-originator being exposed to an infliximab bio-similar later on.
A Generic Solution of Fermion Sign Problem
Authors: Sun D. Y. , Wang J. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The fermion sign problem, the biggest obstacle in quantum Monte Carlo calculations, is completely solved in this paper. Here, we find a strategy, in which the contribution from those negative-weighted paths is thoroughly cancelled or replaced by some positive-weighted paths. The crucial point lies on the Feynman path integral formula proposed in our group, which allows us to deeply analyze the Boltzmann weight of each path. Through mathematical proof, we demonstrate that physical quantities can be exactly calculated within a specific wavefunction space, in which all paths have positive Boltzmann weight. With this finding, a new Monte Carlo method is proposed, in which the fermion sign problem is absent. As an example, the current method is applied to the two-dimensional Hubbard model, and the results do manifest the correctness. *Corresponding author: dysun@phy.ecnu.edu.cn
Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma associated with apixaban in an elderly gentleman with chronic obstructive airway disease
Authors: Wong Cheuk-Lik , So Clarence Hao-Yu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a relatively uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain and can be mistaken as other surgical causes of acute abdomen. A diagnosis requires high index of suspicion especially in susceptible patients, for example, in patients on anticoagulation. While anticoagulation is the commonest risk factor for RSH, direct-acting oral anticoagulants have only been very recently implicated as a potential cause with fewer than ten cases reported in the literature.
Case presentation:
An 82-year-old Chinese man with chronic obstructive airway disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation on apixaban presenting with acute onset of lower abdominal pain. Physical examination showed peritoneal signs with tenderness and guarding over the lower quadrants with hypotension. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen confirmed a large rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) without active extravasation. He was given fluid resuscitation and was managed successfully with supportive treatment and cessation of apixaban. A follow-up CT two months later showed resolving hematoma and aspirin was resumed primarily for ischemic heart disease. The patient tolerated anti-platelet therapy without recurrence of RSH. The risk factors, treatment options, prognosis and issue related to anticoagulation resumption after an episode of RSH are discussed. Reported cases of RSH associated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants are reviewed.
Conclusions
Direct-acting oral anticoagulant-associated rectus sheath hematoma is rare. With increasing use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in multiple clinical settings, clinicians should remain vigilant of this potentially life-threatening bleeding complication when a patient presents with acute abdominal pain. Conservative treatment with cessation of anti-coagulant and supportive transfusion remains the mainstay of treatment.
Multi Expression Programming for solving classification problems
Authors: Oltean Mihai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Multi Expression Programming (MEP) is a Genetic Programming variant that encodes multiple solutions in a single chromosome. This paper introduces and deeply describes several strategies for solving binary and multi-class classification problems within the multi solutions per chromosome paradigm of MEP. Extensive experiments on various classification problems are performed. MEP shows similar or better performances than other methods used for comparison (namely Artificial Neural Networks and Linear Genetic Programming).
Mapping COVID-19 related research from Vietnam: a scoping review
Authors: Dao Thi Loi , To Minh Manh , Nguyen The Diep , Hoang Van Thuan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: The situation of COVID-19 pandemic is becoming more complex. The research institutes should focus on the most important challenge related to this outbreak at the national level. We aim to realize this scoping review to map publications on COVID-19 in Vietnam in order to guide research priorities and policies in the country.Methods: This study was conducted at the Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, from May to August 2020, according to the guidance for conducting systematic scoping review. Results: A total of 72 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequent publications were original articles (27.8%), followed by letter to editor/correspondence (26.4%). According to the research priorities for COVID-19 set by the WHO, 41.7% studies focused on control and prevention of COVID-19, but none of studies on personal protective equipment or protocol for healthcare workers’ safety were conducted. 12.5% studies carried out a thorough investigation into epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Virology and genomics, natural history of the virus and its transmission in Vietnam were described by 18.1% papers. Only one study was conducted in terms of development for candidate therapeutics.Conclusion: We call for national investigation on treatment against SARS-CoV-2 and protocol for medical staff protection. The government and academic institutions should work in collaboration with international stakeholders, including the WHO, to combat together the COVID-19.
Rapid implementation of a community monitoring service for COVID-19: Staff and patient experiences and perceptions
Authors: Jessup Rebecca , Awad Nisreen , Beauchamp Alison , Bramston Cassandra , Campbell Donald , Semciw Adam , Tully Nicky , Fabri Anne-Marie , Hayes Johanna , Hull Sue , Clarke Andrea 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has put unprecedented demand on health services. Provision of support and monitoring for patients with mild to moderate illness who are at risk of deterioration may allow hospitals to reduce the risk of exposure for health care workers, assist with reducing community spread, and improve capacity to accommodate those with more severe illness.MethodsThis is a data-based triangulated qualitative study using staff interviews and patient surveys to explore the experience of implementation and delivery of a COVID-19 community monitoring service. Interview questions were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews were coded and analysed using a grounded inductive approach and final themes were related back to the CFIR. Patient experience was captured using a survey and descriptive statistics were used to describe categorical responses while content analysis was used to analyse free text responses.ResultsAll 15 staff in the service were interviewed and 271 patients were surveyed (42%). A total of four final overarching themes emerged, service commissioning enablers, service delivery benefits for patients, fragmentation of care, and workforce strengths, with subthemes aligned with 18 CFIR constructs in the staff interviews. Staff perception of patient experience was supported by results of the patient survey. ConclusionRapid commissioning of this community monitoring service was enabled through shared resources, engaging a ready-to go workforce of furloughed staff, dividing tasks amongst senior personnel and having a flexible approach that allows for ongoing improvements following implementation. Benefits for patients included early identification of deterioration, as well as provision of accurate and trustworthy information to isolate safely at home. The main challenges experienced by both staff and patients was the multiple agencies involved in patient monitoring, which may be addressed in the future by attributing responsibility for monitoring to a single agency.