bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells on experimental colitis was improved by the IFN-γ and poly(I:C)-priming through promoting the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.
Authors: Lim Ji-Young , Kim Byung-Su , Ryu Da-Bin , Kim Tae Woo , Park Gyeongsin , Min Chang-Ki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic and excessive inflammation of the colon and small intestine. We previously reported that priming of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) with poly(I:C) induced them to express indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). We tried to find out whether the IFN-γ and poly(I:C)-primed MSCs have better therapeutic efficacy on the experimental colitis in the IDO1-dependent manner. Methods: To compare the therapeutic effects between the unstimulated MSCs and primed MSCs on murine colitis, mice (C57BL6) were administered with 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 5 days and injected with MSCs intraperitoneally on days 1 and 3 following DSS ingestion. The disease activity index score and body weight loss were assessed daily until day 9. Results: Mice receiving the IFN-γ and poly(I:C)-primed MSCs showed a reduced disease activity index and less weight loss. Colon tissue from the same mice presented attenuated pathological damage, increased Paneth cells, increased IDO1-expressing cells, and better proliferation of enterocytes. The primed MSC treatment upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal stem cell markers (Lgr5, Olfm4, and Bmi1), enterocyte differentiation markers (Muc2, Alpi, Chga, and occludin), and regulatory T (Treg) cells (Foxp3). The same treatment decreased inflammatory cell infiltration to lymphoid organs and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) in colon tissue. Notably, in vivo pharmacologic inhibition of the IDO1 activity blocked the Foxp3 up-regulation in colon tissue and diminished the protective effects of the primed MSC. Conclusions: The priming of MSCs with the IFN-γ and poly(I:C) is a promising new strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSC and is worth further research.
Challenges and management of laparoscopic treatment of pyonephrosis caused by calculi
Authors: Liu Jun , Chen Liang , An Lizhe , Ma Kai , Ye Xiongjun , Xu Qingquan , Huang Xiaobo , Xiong Liulin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Calculous pyonephrosis is a disease characterized by infectious hydronephrosis associated with pyogenic destruction of the renal parenchyma, with complete or almost complete loss of renal function.Methods: The clinical data of laparoscopic nephrolithotomy performed at Peking University People’s Hospital from May 2017 to June 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Eight patients (2 men; 6 women) aged 27 to 65 years (average age, 45.8 years) were included. Among them, 7 patients were treated with retroperitoneal approach and 1 patient by transperitoneal approach. All patients had received more than one endoscopic lithotripsy before nephrectomy. Renal dynamic imaging and computed tomography revealed the absence of function in pyonephrosis before nephrectomy. General clinical data and perioperative data were recorded. All nephrectomies were performed by the same physician.Results: Laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed in 7 patients; however, 1 patient underwent open surgery because of bleeding. The operation time, average operation time, and blood loss were 1.5–4.5 hours, 3.4 hours, and 100–1000 ml (average, 300 ml), respectively. The postoperative pathology showed inflammatory renal disease in 6 patients, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in 1 patient, and high-grade urothelial cancer in 1 patient. The average postoperative hospital stay was 5.3 days. One patient had a Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIb complication (severe hematuria), which required laparotomy, and was found that there was bleeding of ureteral stump. None of the patients experienced poor healing of endoscopic wounds.Conclusion: For patients with complicated calculous pyonephrosis, renal inflammation could not be effectively controlled, and renal function was seriously damaged. Thus, kidneys should be immediately resected. With laparoscopy, patients may recover quickly, but surgeons require enough experience when performing laparoscopy to achieve safety.
A novel method for isolation and culture of primary swine gastric epithelial cells
Authors: Bautista-Amorocho Henry , Silva-Sayago Jorge Alexander , Goyeneche-Patino Diego A. , Pérez-Cala Tania Liseth , Macías-Gómez Fabio , Arango-Viana Juan Carlos , Martínez Alonso 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Culturing primary epithelial cells has a major advantage over tumor-derived or immortalized cell lines as long as their functional phenotype and genetic makeup are mainly maintained. The swine model has shown to be helpful and reliable when used as a surrogate model for human diseases. Several porcine cell lines have been established based on a variety of tissues, which have shown to extensively contribute to the current understanding of several pathologies, especially cancer. However, protocols for the isolation and culture of swine gastric epithelial cells that preserve cell phenotype are rather limited. We aimed to develop a new method for establishing a primary epithelial cell culture from the fundic gland region of the pig stomach.Results: Mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of gastric tissue was possible by combining collagenase type I and dispase II, protease inhibitors and antioxidants, which allowed the isolation of epithelial cells from the porcine fundic glands showing cell viability > 90% during the incubation period. Gastric epithelial cells cultured in RPMI 1640, DMEM-HG and DMEM/F12 media did not contribute enough to cell adhesion, cluster formation and cell proliferation. By contrast, William’s E medium supplemented with growth factors supports confluency and proliferation of a pure epithelial cell monolayer after 10 days of incubation at 37oC, 5% CO2. Mucin-producing cell phenotype of primary isolates was confirmed by PAS staining, MUC1 by immunohistochemistry, as well as the expression of MUC1 and MUC20 genes by RT-PCR and cDNA sequencing. Swine gastric epithelial cells also showed origin-specific markers such as cytokeratin cocktail (AE1/AE3) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence methods, respectively.Conclusions: A new method was successfully established for the isolation of primary gastric epithelial cells from the fundic gland zone through a swine model based on a combination of tissue-specific proteases, protease inhibitors and antioxidants after mechanical cell dissociation. The formulation of William’s E medium with growth factors for epithelial cells contributes to cell adhesion and preserves functional primary cells phenotype, which is confirmed by mucin production and expression of typical epithelial markers over time.
Developing a specialist children’s nursing workforce in sub-Saharan Africa: a descriptive programme evaluation.
Authors: Ruthe Jennifer , North Natasha Lee 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Achieving Universal Health Coverage in low and lower-middle income countries requires an estimated additional five and a quarter million nurses. Despite an increasing focus on specialist nursing workforce development, specialist children’s workforce in most African countries falls well below recommended densities. The Child Nursing Practice Development Initiative was established with the aim of building the children’s nursing workforce in Southern and Eastern Africa, and Ghana. The purpose of this evaluation was to enable scrutiny of programme activities conducted between 2008 and 2018 to inform programme review and where possible to identify wider lessons of potential interest in relation to specialist nursing workforce strengthening initiatives. Methods: The study took the form of a descriptive programme evaluation. Data analysed included quantitative programme data and contextual information from documentary sources. Anonymised programme data covering student enrolments between January 2008 and December 2018 were analysed. Findings were member-checked for accuracy. Results: The programme recorded 348 enrolments in 11 years, with 75% of students coming from South Africa and 25% from other sub-Saharan African countries. With a course completion rate of 94%, 99% of known alumni were still working in Africa at the end of 2018. Most graduates were located at top-tier (specialist) public hospital facilities. Nine percent of known alumni were found to be working in education, with 54% of graduates at centres that offer or plan to offer children’s nursing education. Conclusion: The programme has made a quantifiable, positive and sustained contribution to the capacity of the specialist clinical and educational children’s nursing workforce in nine African countries. Data suggest there may be promising approaches within programme design and delivery in relation to very high course completion rates and the retention of graduates in service which merit further consideration. Outputs from this single programme are however modest when compared to the scale of need. Greater clarity around the vision and role of specialist children’s nurses and costed plans for workforce development are needed for investment in specialist children’s nursing education to realise its potential in relation to achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
Apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and host preference of tsetse flies in the sleeping sickness endemic focus of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Northwestern Uganda
Authors: Opiro Robert , Opoke Robert , Angwech Harriet , Nakafu Esther , Oloya Francis A. , Openy Geoffrey , Njahira Moses , Macharia Mercy , Echodu Richard , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Opiyo Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: African trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tsetse fly, is a serious parasitic disease of humans and animals. Reliable data on the vector distribution, feeding preference and the trypanosome species they carry is pertinent to planning sustainable control strategies.Methodology: We deployed 109 biconical traps in 10 villages in two districts of northwestern Uganda to obtain information on the apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and blood meal sources of tsetse flies. A subset (272) of the collected samples was analyzed for detection of trypanosomes species and sub-species using a nested PCR protocol based on primers amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. 34 blood-engorged adult tsetse midguts were analyzed for blood meal sources by sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes. Results: Out of the 109 traps deployed, we captured 622 Glossina fuscipes fuscipes tsetse flies (269 males and 353 females). Apparent density (AD) ranged from 0.6 to 3.7 flies/trap/day in the two districts. 29 (10.7%) of the flies were infected with one or more trypanosome species. Infection rate was not significantly associated with neither age group (χ2 = 5.001, df=2, 0.082), sex of the fly (χ2 = 0.099, df = 1, p = 0.753), district of origin (χ2= 0.629, df = 1, p = 0.428) nor village (χ2= 9.252, df = 9, p = 0.414). Nested PCR revealed several species of trypanosomes: T. vivax (6.62%), T. congolense (2.57%), T. brucei and T. simiae each at 0.73%. Blood meal analyses revealed five principal vertebrate hosts, namely, cattle (Bos taurus), humans (Homo sapiens), Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus), African mud turtle (Pelusio schapini) and the African Savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana).Conclusion: We found an infection rate of 10.78 %, with all infections attributed to trypanosome species that are causative agents for the animal disease only. However, more verification of this finding using large-scale passive and active screening of human and tsetse samples should be done. Cattle and humans appear to be the most important tsetse hosts in the region and should be considered in the design of interventions.
An Investigation Into the Cause of Road Failure Along Sagamu-papalanto Highway Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: UBIDO OYEM EMMANUEL , Ogbonnaya Igwe , Ukah Bernadette Uche 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Investigation into the cause of road failure has been carried out along a 60km Sagamu –Papalanto highway southwestern Nigeria. Geochemical, mineralogical, geotechnical and geophysical analyses were conducted to evaluate the cause of failure along the study area. The results of the laboratory tests showed that the percentage amount of fines ranges from 12-61.3%, natural moisture content from 6.8 to 19.7%, liquid limit in the range of 25.1-52.2%, linear shrinkage between 3.96 to 12.71%, plastic limit ranges from 18.2-35%, plasticity index ranges from 5.2 to 24.6%, free swell in the range from 5.17 – 43.9%, maximum dry density ranges from 1.51 -1.74g /cm3, specific gravity ranges from 2.52-2.64 and CBR between 3-12%. The Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) shows a resistance value of 20-138 kgf/cm2. The major clay mineral that is predominant in the studied soil is kaolinite. The major oxides present are SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O, MgO and CaO. The result of the 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging revealed a low resistivity values for profile 2 and 3 ranging from 100 Ωm – 300 Ωm, between a distance of 20m – 240 m along the profile to a depth of 7.60m and a low resistivity value ranging from 50 Ωm – 111Ωm, between a distance of 80 m –120 m along the profile to a depth of 15m. It was concluded that the low CBR, low MDD and the class of subsoils namely A-26, A-7, A-2-7 (clayey soils) which were identified are responsible for the cause of failure experienced in the study area. These makes the soils unsuitable as road construction materials and hence, there is need for stabilization during the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road.
Two ancient genome duplication events shape diversity in Hibiscus L. (Malvaceae)
Authors: Eriksson Jonna Sofia , Bacon Christine D. , Bennett Dominic J. , Pfeil Bernard E. , Oxelman Bengt , Antonelli Alexandre 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The great diversity in plant genome size and chromosome number is partly due to polyploidization (i.e., genome doubling events). The differences in genome size and chromosome number among diploid plant species can be a window into the intriguing phenomenon of past genome doubling that may be obscured through time by the process of diploidization. The genus Hibiscus L. (Malvaceae) has a wide diversity of chromosome numbers and a complex genomic history. Hibiscus is ideal for exploring past genomic events because although two ancient genome duplication events have been identified, more are likely to be found due to its diversity of chromosome numbers. To reappraise the history of whole genome duplication events, we tested a series of scenarios describing different polyploidization events.Results: Using target sequence capture, we generated 87 orthologous genes from four diploid species. We detected paralogues in >54% putative single-copy genes. 34 of these genes were selected for testing three different genome duplication scenarios using gene counting. Species of Hibiscus shared one genome duplication with H. syriacus and one whole genome duplication occurred along the branch leading to H. syriacus.Conclusions: Here, we corroborated the independent genome doubling previously found in the lineage leading to H. syriacus and a shared genome doubling of this lineage and the remainder of Hibiscus. Additionally, we found a previously undiscovered genome duplication shared by the /Pavonia and /Malvaviscus clades (both nested within Hibiscus) with the occurrences of two copies in what were otherwise single-copy genes. Our results highlight the complexity of genomic diversity in some plant groups, which makes orthology assessment and accurate phylogenomic inference difficult.
Understanding demand for, and feasibility of, centre-based child-care for poor urban households: A mixed methods study in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Authors: Elsey Helen , Fieroze Fariza , Shawon Riffat Ara , Nasreen Shammi , Hicks Joseph Paul , Das Mahua , Huque Rumana , Hirano Izumi , Wallace Hilary Jane , Mashreky Saidur 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Centre-based child-care has potential to provide multiple health and development benefits to children, families and societies. With rapid urbanisation, increasing numbers of low-income women work with reduced support from extended family, leaving a child-care vacuum in many low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to understand perceptions of, and demand for, centre-based child-care in Dhaka, Bangladesh among poor, urban households, and test the feasibility of delivering sustainable centre-based child-care. Methods: We used sequential mixed methods including a household survey (n=222) and qualitative interviews with care-givers (n=16), community leaders (n=5) and policy-makers (n=5). We co-produced and piloted a centre-based child-care model over ten-months, documenting implementation. A co-design focus group with mothers, parents’ meetings, and qualitative interviews with child-care centre users (n=5), non-users (n=3), ex-users (n=3) and staff (2) were used to refine the model and identify implementation issues. Results: We found 24% (95% CI: 16%,37%) of care-givers reported turning-down paid work due to lack of child-care and 84% (95% CI:74%, 91%) reported wishing to use centre-based child-care and were willing to pay up to 283 Takka (~$3.30) per month. Adjusted odds of reported need for child-care among slum households were 3.8 times those of non-slum households (95% CI: 1.4, 10). Implementation highlighted that poor households needed free child-care with food provided, presenting feasibility challenges. Meta-inference across quantitative and qualitative findings identified the impact of the urban environment on child-care through long working hours, low social capital and fears for child safety. These influences interacted with religious and social norms resulting in caution in using centre-based child-care despite evident need.Conclusion: Sustainable provision of centre-based care that focuses on early childhood development requires subsidy and careful design sensitive to the working lives of poor families, particularly women and must respond to the dynamics of the urban environment and community values. We recommend increased research and policy focus on the evaluation and scale-up of quality centre-based child-care, emphasising early-childhood development, to support low-income working families in urban areas.
Bioinformatics analysis of the regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in patients with neuropathic pain and prediction of potential therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Huai-Gen , Liu Li , Song Zhi-Ping , Zhang Daying 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is the main form of chronic pain, caused by damage to the nervous system and dysfunction. Here, we aimed at exploring the key molecules involved in NP pathogenesis via the identification of its regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.Methods: We downloaded NP-related data from public databases and identified differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs through differential gene expression analysis. The lncRNA and miRNA target predictions were performed and an integration of the three datasets was used for construction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to explore the role and the interactions of the mRNAs. The drug prediction was performed based on the mRNAs in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Results: A total of 8,251 differentially expressed mRNAs (4,193 upregulated and 4,058 downregulated), 959 differentially expressed miRNAs (455 upregulated and 504 downregulated), 2,848 differentially expressed lncRNAs (1,324 upregulated and 1,524 downregulated) were identified by integrating the results of the three microarray datasets. We found that differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in blood circulation, metal ion transmembrane transporter activity, and synaptic membrane. The most significant pathway of mRNAs in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were GTPase, cell cycle, and platelet activation. A total of 1,200 drugs were predicted as potential therapeutics for NP based on the regulatory genes.Conclusion: Our study predicted drugs that may be effective for NP based on the NP regulatory network. This information will help further reveal the pathological mechanism of NP and provide more treatment options for NP patients.
Spatial inequality, characteristics of internal migration, and pulmonary tuberculosis in China, 2011–2017: A spatial analysis
Authors: He Wen-Chong , Ju Ke , Gao Ya-Min , Zhang Pei , Zhang Yin-Xia , Jiang Ye , Liao Weibin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Human migration facilitate the spread of tuberculosis (TB). Migrants face an increased risk of TB infection. In this study, we aim to explore the spatial inequity of sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB (SS + PTB) in China; and the spatial heterogeneity between SS + PTB and internal migration.Methods: Notified SS + PTB cases in 31 provinces in mainland China were obtained from the national web-based PTB surveillance system database. Internal migrant data were extracted from the report on China’s migrant population development. Spatial autocorrelations were explored using the global Moran’s statistic and local indicators of spatial association. The spatial variation in temporal trends was performed using Kulldorff’s scan statistic. Fixed effect and spatial autoregressive models were used to explore the spatial inequity between SS + PTB and internal migration.Results: A total of 2 380 233 SS+PTB cases were reported in China between 2011 and 2017, of which, 1 716 382 (72.11%) were male and 663 851 (27.89%) were female. Over 70% of internal migrants were from rural households and had lower income and less education. The spatial variation in temporal trend results showed that there was an 9.9% average annual decrease in the notification rate of SS + PTB from 2011 to 2017; and spatial clustering of SS + PTB cases was mainly located in western and southern China. The spatial autocorrelation results revealed spatial clustering of internal migration each year (2011–2017), and the clusters were stable within most provinces. Internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and GDP per capita were significantly associated with SS + PTB, further, internal emigration could explain more variation in SS + PTB in the eastern region in mainland. However, internal immigration and rural-to-urban migration were not significantly associated with SS + PTB across China. Conclusions: Our study found the spatial inequity between SS + PTB and internal migration. Internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and GDP per capita were statistically associated with SS + PTB; the negative association was identified between internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and SS + PTB. Further, we found those migrants with lower income and less education, and most of them were from rural households. These findings can help stakeholders to implement effective PTB control strategies for areas at high risk of PTB and those with high rates of internal migration.