bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land Use Land Cover Changes and its Implication on the conservation of Re-introduced Kihansi Spay Toads (Nectophrynoides asperginis) in Kihansi Gorge-Tanzania
Authors: Sigala Atuhombye , Ngongolo Kelvin , Mmbaga Naza 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Land use land cover change (LULCC) is a global threat to biodiversity conservation. Endemic species such as Kihansi spray toads (KST) are prone to extinction due to LULCC. This study assessed the LULCC of the Kihansi catchment (KC), a potential habitat for the KST and adjacent areas. Remote sensing (RS), geographical information system (GIS) and 156 questionnaires administered to three surrounding villages namely: Mgugwe, Udagaji and Ukami were used to assess the LULCC forms in the study area. Landsat imagery and ground truthing, were used to classify and monitor LULCC for 25 years from 1995 to 2020.
Results

Settlements and agricultural land increased by 26.23% and 3.7% respectively. On the other hand, forested land decreased by a rate of 10-20% per year. Across respondents a significant increase (p = 0.041) of the population was reported which contributed to settlement expansion. LULC of KC and adjacent areas were observed to change over the years that anticipate threatening the reintroduced KST and its habitat.
Conclusions

This study provides baseline information for land use planning in KC and adjacent areas that consider the sustainable conservation of re-introduced KST while improving the livelihood of the adjacent local communities.
Da Vinci Robotic System Assists in the Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus-for a 7kg Child: the First Case Report
Authors: Ren Chunnian , Yan Huan , Zhao Jinliang , Zhang Libing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A 7-month-old child weighing only 7kg came to our hospital due to patent ductus arteriosus. Considering the child’s young age and low weight, we adopted Da Vinci robot-assisted ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. The Da Vinci robot surgery system could provide three-dimensional visual effects and flexible wrist mechanical devices, which make the operation space in the narrow chest cavity of the child more space, more detailed anatomy, easier operation and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Comparative Transcriptomics Identifies Potential Stemness-Related Markers for Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Ghabriel Myret , Hosseiny Ahmed El , Moustafa Ahmed , Amleh Asma 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells residing in multiple tissues with the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. These properties make them promising candidates for regenerative therapies. MSC identification is critical in yielding pure populations for successful therapeutic applications; however, the criteria for MSC identification proposed by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) is inconsistent across different tissue sources. This study aimed to identify potential markers to be used together with the ISCT criteria to provide a more accurate means of MSC identification. Thus, we carried out a comparative analysis of the expression of human and mouse MSCs derived from multiple tissues to identify the common differentially expressed genes. We show that six members of the proteasome degradation system are similarly expressed across MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, amnion, and umbilical cord. Also, with the help of predictive models, we found that these genes successfully identified MSCs across all the tissue sources tested. Moreover, using genetic interaction networks, we showed a possible link between these genes and antioxidant enzymes in the MSC antioxidant defense system, thereby pointing to their potential role in prolonging the life span of MSCs. Our results suggest these genes can be used as stemness-related markers.
Hot-spots Clusters of HIV Infection in Cameroon: Space-time Analysis from the Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Sandie Arsène Brunelle , Tchatchueng Jules Brice , Nlend Anne Esther Njom 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background : The Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) infection prevalence in Cameroon has consecutively decreased from 5.28% in 2004 to 2.8% in 2018. However , this total decrease in prevalence may hide some disparities especially in terms of spatial or geographical pattern. Efficient control and fighting against HIV infection requires to target hotspot areas . This study was aimed to investigate whether there is a spatial pattern of HIV in Cameroon and to determine the hot-spots clusters .Methods : HIV biomarkers data with Global Positioning System (GPS) location data were leveraged from the Cameroon 2004, 2011, and 2018 Demographic and Health Survey ( DHS ) after an approved request from the MEASURES Demographic and Health Survey Program . The spatial autocorrelation test was performed with the Moran I test through the R package " DCluster ". The discrete Poisson model was fitted to scan and detect hot-spots clusters based on the Kulldorff test with the SaTScan software version 9.4, with purely spatial and space -time analysis respectively . Finally , the data and detected clusters were imported to QGIS software version 3.20.2 for maps manipulations.Results : For the three considered periods of 2004, 2011, and 2018 respectively , there was a spatial autocorrelation of HIV infection in Cameroon . A total of 3, 5, and 2 significant hot-spots clusters were detected for the periods of 2004, 2011, and 2018 respectively . In the prospective space -time analysis , 2 significant clusters have been detected from 2004 to 2018. The relative- risk in the significant detected clusters were 2.72 (p-value =0.001 ) and 3.37 (p-value= 0.026) respectively . Cluster 1 included the following subdivisions : Mefou et Afamba , Nyong et So'o , Nyong et Mfoumou , Haute Sanaga , Mvila , Dja et lobo , Haut- Nyong , Boumba et Ngoko ; Kadey , Lom et Djerem , and Mbere . The other cluster included : Nkam , Sanaga -Maritime, and Nyong - Ekele .Conclusion : Despite the decrease of HIV epidemiology in Cameroon , the study revealed that there is a spatial pattern of HIV in Cameroon and the hot-spots clusters were detected . In its effort to eliminate HIV infection by 2030 in Cameroon , the public health policies should target more of the detected HIV hot-spots clusters in this study while maintaining effective control in other parts of the country which are cold -spots.
Tuberculosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Manifested As Multiple Central Nervous System Granulomas In Non-HIV Patient: A Case Report
Authors: YANG Can-Hong , Zeng Qing-Gan , Lü Tian-Ming 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: In addition to developed in HIV patient during highly active antiretroviral therapy, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has also been well recognized in non-HIV immunocompromised patients induced by latent viruses, untreated microorganisms, or treating microorganisms. Mycobacteria tuberculosis is one of the most common pathogens inducing IRIS.Case presentation: Here, we report a tuberculosis patient progressed with IRIS that additional central nervous system (CNS) granuloma occurred during the anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) process with her pulmonary symptoms improved after quadruple anti-tuberculosis. This case highlights the need to increase the awareness of IRIS in non-HIV immunocompromised patients.Conclusions: TB-IRIS must be considered when the condition deteriorates or development of new lesions at distant sites in the course of ATT. Early identification and diagnosis help to handle timely and correctly.
Ultra-Diluted Gas Transmittance Revisited
Authors: Ratajczak Jakub 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The paper analyzes a model of optical transmittance of ultra-diluted gas, considering gas parti-cles’ non-locality and the quantum effect of their wave function spreading derived from solving the Schrödinger equation for a free particle. The analysis does not depend on a particular form of the wave function, but it assumes the reality of wave function. Among others, we show conserved mass gas clouds may become significantly more transparent than predicted by classic transmittance laws. This unexpected phenomenon is possible because mass conservation is governed by the sum of probabilities , while the Markov chain’s product of probabilities controls the transmittance. Furthermore, we analytically derive the upper limit the closed system transmittance may grow and demonstrate a boundless, open gas cloud transmittance may grow up to 100%. Finally, we show the impact on interpretations of quantum mechanics. The model is naturally applicable in deep space conditions, where the environment is sparse. Furthermore, the model responds to dark matter requirements.
SQSTM1/p62 in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Promotes Tumor Progression Via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Mitochondrial Function Maintenance
Authors: Chen Jiafeng , Gao Zheng , Li Xiaogang , Shi Yinghong , Tang Zheng , Liu Weiren , Zhang Xin , Huang Ao , Gao Qiang , Ding Guangyu , Song Kang , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Fu Xiutao , Ding ZhenBin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: SQSTM1/p62, as a selective autophagy receptor, regulates multiple signaling pathways participating in the initiation and progression of tumors. Since metastasis is still a main cause for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)-associated mortality, this study aimed to explore the mechanism of p62 promoting progression of ICC.Methods: Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were conducted to detect the expression level of protein p62 in ICC tissues. Subsequently, loss of function experiments was applied to define the role of p62 in the progression of ICC in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial function and mitophagy was evaluated by measuring oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and immunofluorescence detection respectively.Results: Here we identified expression of p62 was significantly upregulated in ICC specimens compared to normal tissue. And we further illustrated that p62 expression was positively correlated with lymph-node metastasis and poor prognosis. Loss of function assays revealed that p62 not only promoted ICC cells proliferation, migration and invasive capacity in vitro, but also induced lung metastasis in xenograft mouse model. Mechanistically, high expression of p62 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with upregulation of Snail1, Vimentin and down-regulation of E-Cadherin. Moreover, OCR assays and immunofluorescence cell staining demonstrated that the autophagy-dependent function of p62 may play a vital role in maintaining mitochondrial function of ICC by mitophagy.Conclusions: These data provide new evidence and feasible mechanism that abundant p62 expression promote ICC progression, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies in ICC patients.
Poverty, Income Inequality and Economic Growth in Nigeria (1981-2019)
Authors: Onwuka Chinonye Emmanuel 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This study empirically examined the relationship between poverty, income inequality and economic growth in Nigeria. The study used time series data from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin between the periods from 1981 to 2019. The study employed the use of Augmented Dickey Fuller test, Co integration test and Error Correction technique. The unit root test results indicated that all the variables were stationary at first difference and co-integration test confirmed a long run relationship among the variables. The error correction model shows that about 96 percent of the discrepancy between the actual and the equilibrium value of economic growth is corrected or eliminated each year. The coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.68 which shows that about 68 percent variations in the economic growth were explained by the independent variables . Furthermore, the Breusch-Godfrey Serial Correlation LM Test shows that the probability of the chi-square (2) is 0.2775 and this is greater than 0.05 at 5% significance level. This therefore confirms the absence of serial correlation. Also, the Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey Heteroscadaticity test indicates that the probability of chi-square (5) is 0.1242 and this is greater than 0.05 at 5% significant level. This also confirms the absence of heteroscedasticity in the model. From the study, the findings revealed that income inequality has a negative relationship with economic growth in the country while poverty was found to be positively related to economic growth. Similarly, the findings also revealed that poverty and income inequality has an insignificant effect on economic growth in Nigeria. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that poverty and income inequality has not significant relationship with economic growth in Nigeria. Thus, the study concludes that there is need for government of the country to come up with an all-inclusive policy and programme that will be targeted to the poor and give them ample opportunities to improve their welfare.
Fasting Blood Glucose in a Ghanaian Adult is Causally Linked with Malaria Parasite Count: A Mechanistic Case Study Using Convergent Cross Mapping
Authors: Abidha Carol Akinyi , Amoako Yaw Ampem , Nyamekye Richard King , Bedu-Addo George , Grziwotz Florian , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Telschow Arndt , Danquah Ina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) in malaria-endemic areas might be more susceptible to Plasmodium infection than healthy individuals. Herein, we aimed at verifying the hypothesis that increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) promotes parasite growth as reflected by increased parasite density. Methods: Seven adults without DM were recruited in rural Ghana to determine the relationships between FBG and malaria parasite load. Socio-economic data were recorded in questionnaire-based interviews. Over a period of 6 weeks, we measured FBG and Plasmodium spc. infection in peripheral blood samples photometrically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-assays, respectively. Daily physical activity and weather data were documented via smartphone recording. For the complex natural systems of homeostatic glucose control and Plasmodium spc. lifecycle, empirical dynamic modelling was applied. Results: At baseline, four men and three women (median age, 33 years; interquartile range, 30-48) showed a median FBG of 5.5 (5.1-6.0 mmol/L); one participant had an asymptomatic Plasmodium spc. infection (parasite density: 240 /µL). In this participant, convergent cross mapping (CCM) for 34 consecutive days, showed that FBG was causally affected by parasite density (p <0.02), while the reciprocal relationship was not discernible (p >0.05). Additionally, daily ambient temperature affected parasite density (p<0.01).Conclusion: In this study population living in a malaria-endemic area, we successfully piloted time series analyses for the relationships between FBG and Plasmodium spc. density. Longer observation periods and larger samples are required to confirm these findings and determine the direction of causality.
­ Functional Characterization of 5’ UTR Cis-Acting Sequence Elements That Modulate Translational Efficiency in P. Falciparum and Humans
Authors: Garcia Valentina E. , Dial Rebekah , DeRisi Joseph L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes millions of malarial infections annually while drug resistance to common antimalarials is further confounding eradication efforts. Translation is an attractive therapeutic target that will benefit from a deeper mechanistic understanding. As the rate limiting step of translation, initiation is a primary driver of translational efficiency. It is a complex process regulated by both cis and trans acting factors, providing numerous potential targets. Relative to model organisms and humans, P. falciparum mRNAs feature unusual 5’ untranslated regions suggesting cis-acting sequence complexity in this parasite may act to tune levels of protein synthesis through their effects on translational efficiency. MethodsHere, we deployed in vitro translation to compare the role of cis-acting regulatory sequences in P. falciparum and humans. Using parasite mRNAs with high or low translational efficiency, the presence, position, and termination status of upstream “AUG”s, in addition to the base composition of the 5’ untranslated regions, were characterized. ResultsThe density of upstream “AUG”s differed significantly among the most and least efficiently translated genes in P. falciparum, as did the average “GC” content of the 5’ untranslated regions. Using exemplars from highly translated and poorly translated mRNAs, multiple putative upstream elements were interrogated for impact on translational efficiency. Upstream “AUG”s were found to repress translation to varying degrees, depending on their position and context, while combinations of upstream “AUG”s had nonadditive effects. The base composition of the 5’ untranslated regions also impacted translation, but to a lesser degree. Surprisingly, the effects of cis-acting sequences were remarkably conserved between P. falciparum and humans. ConclusionWhile translational regulation is inherently complex, this work contributes toward a more comprehensive understanding of parasite and human translational regulation by examining the impact of discrete cis-acting features, acting alone or in context.
Efficacy profile of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation on cortical spreading depression susceptibility and the tissue response
Authors: Liu Tzu-Ting , Morais Andreia , Takizawa Tsubasa , Mulder Inge , Simon Bruce J. , Chen Shih-Pin , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Ayata Cenk , Yen Jiin-Cherng 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has recently emerged as a promising therapy for migraine. We previously demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation inhibits cortical spreading depression (CSD), the electrophysiological event underlying migraine aura and triggering headache; however, the optimal nVNS paradigm has not been defined.
Methods

Various intensities and doses of nVNS were tested to improve efficacy on KCl-evoked CSD frequency and electrical threshold of CSD in a validated rat model. Chronic efficacy was evaluated by daily nVNS delivery for four weeks. We also examined the effects of nVNS on neuroinflammation and trigeminovascular activation by western blot and immunohistochemistry.
Results

nVNS suppressed susceptibility to CSD in an intensity-dependent manner. Two 2-minute nVNS 5 minutes apart afforded the highest efficacy on electrical CSD threshold and frequency of KCl-evoked CSD. Daily nVNS for four weeks did not further enhance efficacy over a single nVNS 20 minutes prior to CSD. The optimal nVNS also attenuated CSD-induced upregulation of cortical cycloogenase-2, calcitonin gene-related peptide in trigeminal ganglia, and c-Fos expression in trigeminal nucleus caudalis.
Conclusion

Our study provides insight on optimal nVNS parameters to suppress CSD and suggests its benefit on CSD-induced neuroinflammation and trigeminovascular activation in migraine treatment.
Over-expression of SDF-1α on BMSCs Reduce the Injury Caused by PMN in Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Wang Ruihua , Wei Wen , Rong Shuling , Wang Ting , Li Bao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: To study the protective effect of BMSC overexpressing SDF-1α on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), to improve the limitation that only part of BMSC is recruited to the site of myocardial injury in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. It provides a new scheme for stem cell therapy for clinical treatment of reperfusion injury.Methods: Collect blood samples from PCI patients and healthy individuals to detect PMN and SDF-1α expression; Construction of BMSC overexpressing SDF-1α (oe-SDF-1α); In the case of no intervention or intervention by BMSC respectively, cell level: the migration ability of PMN to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyocytes and the expression of SDF-1α, CXCR4, apoptosis, oxidative stress and other indicators of cardiomyocytes were detected; In vivo level: PMN, SDF-1α, CXCR4, oxidative stress and inflammatory factor levels were detected in I/R mice. And carry out statistical analysis.Results: ① In the clinic, compared with the control group, the expression levels of SDF-1α and PMN in the blood of PCI patients increased. ② Under H/R conditions, cardiomyocytes express and secrete SDF-1α, activate PMN migration and infiltration mediated by SDF-1/CXCR4 signal pathway, promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increase the level of oxidative stress; oe-SDF-1α has a stronger ability to migrate to H/R cardiomyocytes and has more repair ability than BMSC.It is more suitable as a tool cell for stem cell therapy. ③ The expression levels of SDF-1α and PMN are increased in I/R mice. oe-SDF-1α can reduce the ability of PMN to reside to the damaged part of myocardial tissue significantly, thereby reducing myocardial tissue damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory factor levels in I/R mice. Conclusions: The SDF-1/CXCR4 biological axis not only plays an important role in BMSC migration, but also helps to enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSC-based therapy. Oe-SDF-1α has a more repairing effect on reducing cell damage caused by PMN, and can be used as a new type of cell for the treatment of IRI.
Weak Signal Enhancement For Small Drill Condition Monitoring In PCB Drilling Process By Using Adaptive Multistable Stochastic Resonance
Authors: Tan Qifeng , Liu Guodong , Li Yong , Tong Hao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The on-line tool condition monitoring is demanded to detect the tool wear and to ensure the hole drilling process of printed circuit boards (PCB) goes on smoothly. However, due to the impact of ambient noise caused by the limited size of small drill and the laminated material of PCB, the tool wear signal features are too weak to extract. The stochastic resonance (SR) method has been proven to be effective in enhancing weak signals among various weak signal extraction. In this paper, an adaptive multistable stochastic resonance is presented to improve performance of the SR method and process the tool wear signals for PCB drilling. The differential evolution (DE) algorithm is applied to adaptively optimize potential parameters and compensation factor, which makes the SR method suitable for high frequency signal. Moreover, tool wear experiments with different drill wear are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results indicate that the proposed method improves the signal-to-noise ratio and has great potential in enhancing weak signals for small drill condition monitoring in PCB drilling process.