bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infant Mortality Decline In Zambia: To What Extent Did Maternal Education Influence Infant Mortality Rate Decline For The Period 1992 To 2018?
Authors: Halinga Johnathan , Mapoma Chabila 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: In Zambia, infant mortality has reduced from 107 to 42 per 1000 live births from 1992 to 2018. Across the Globe, it is argued that maternal education contributes to the reduction in infant mortality. However, the extent to which maternal education influenced the decline in infant mortality in Zambia for the period 1992 to 2018 was not clear. Therefore, this study investigated the extent to which maternal education influenced the decline in infant mortality in Zambia from 1992 to 2018. The purpose of this study is to inform policy as well as program planning and implementation in the promotion of infant survival. Methods: This study was a secondary data analysis (Trend Analysis). Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data sets: 1992 to 2018 were used in the analyses. The unit of analysis was infant mortality with sample sizes: 6169, 7066, 6526, 6025,12916 and 9959 respectively. All analyses were done using the statistical package for social sciences version 25.0. Univariate analysis was done for descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used for testing associations. Point Bi-serial correction was done between maternal education and infant mortality at 1% and/or 5% levels of significance. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the influence of predictors on infant mortality. Results: Maternal education was (negatively) related to infant mortality from 1992 to 2001-2. The correlation coefficients were smaller negatives indicating a very weak negative relationship between maternal education and infant mortality. Among the interactions, only the interactions between maternal education and contraceptive use, preceding birth interval, breast feeding, and antenatal care (visits) significantly influenced the decline in infant mortality from 1992 to 2018. Singularly, maternal education influenced the decline in infant mortality rate to a lesser extent (only marginally). When interacted with contraceptive use, preceding birth interval, breast feeding and antenatal care, maternal education influenced the decline in infant mortality to a larger extent. Conclusion: For more robust interventions to further reduce infant mortality in the country, these interactions should be considered in the planning and implementation of child health programs such as the child health nutrition, national partnership for maternal, new-born and child health.
Effect of Prophylactic Ondansetron on the Incidence of Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Shivering and Hypotension in Elective Cesarean Sections:Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Salahat Ahmad , Taha Adham Abu , Almasri Nouraldin , Sweity Essa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Spinal anesthesia is the preferred method of anesthesia for caesarean section; however, it is associated with dangerous adverse effects on both mother and fetus, this includes: spinal anesthesia induced shivering and hypotension. Previous studies suggest serotonin may have a role in hypotension, bradycardia, and shivering occurrence perioeratively. In this prospective double-blind randomized control trial study, we evaluated the efficacy of the ondansetron, a serotonin receptor antagonist, on the incidence of spinal anesthesia-induced shivering, hypotension, nausea, vomiting and other possible complications in elective caesarean sections. This study conducted in Palestine, West Bank, Nablus city in the caesarean section operation rooms, and post-anesthesia care unit at Rafidia governmental hospital. Eighty full-term elective caesarean section parturient (Age 18-50 years) with ASA 1 or 2 classification were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups: prophylactic IV ondansetron treatment group and placebo 0.9% saline control group. The primary outcomes were the incidence of spinal anesthesia-induced shivering and hypotension, while secondary outcomes were perioperative bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, headache, pain, pruritus, dizziness and respiratory depression and parturient satisfaction. Results: Incidence of intraoperative hypotension and dizziness in the ondansetron group was significantly lower than which occurred in the control group (22.5% vs. 62.5% respectively; P < 0.001), the incidences and intensity of intraoperative shivering in the ondansetron group was lower than the control group (12.5 % vs. 32.5 % respectively; P = 0.032), Intraoperative nausea intensity in the ondansetron group was lower than control group (P = 0.049). Postoperatively, the incidence of postoperative dizziness in the ondansetron group was lower than the control group (5% vs. 37.5 % respectively; P = 0.001), the incidence and intensity of postoperative shivering in the ondansetron group was lower than the control group (12.5% vs. 37.5 % respectively; P = 0.01). Incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea in the ondansetron group was lower than the control group (17.5% vs. 40 % respectively; P = 0.026), the incidence of postoperative vomiting in the ondansetron group was lower than the control group (25.5% vs. 2.5 % respectively; P = 0.014).Conclusion: Prophylactic 4 mg IV ondansetron can significantly attenuate the incidences of spinal anesthesia-induced shivering and hypotension, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting occurrence and increase parturient satisfaction scale for parturient who undergo caesarean section.
In Vitro Gut Microbiome Response to Carbohydrate Supplementation is Minimally Affected by a Sudden Change in Diet
Authors: Pantoja-Feliciano Ida Gisela , Karl J. Philip , Perisin Matthew , Doherty Laurel A. , McClung Holly L. , Armstrong Nicholes J , Renberg Rebecca , Racicot Kenneth , Branck Tobyn , Arcidiacono Steve , Soares Jason W. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Interactions between diet, stress and the gut microbiome are of interest as a means to modulate health and performance. Here, in vitro fermentation was used to explore the effects of a sudden change in diet, 21 days sole sustenance on the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) U.S. military combat ration, on inter-species competition and functional potential of the human gut microbiota. Human fecal samples collected before and after MRE intervention or consuming a habitual diet (HAB) were introduced to nutrient-rich media supplemented with starch for in vitro fermentation under ascending colon conditions. 16S rRNA amplicon and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) were used to measure community composition and functional potential. Specific statistical analyses were implemented to detect changes in relative abundance from taxa, genes and pathways.Results: Differential changes in relative abundance of five taxa, Dorea spp., Akkermansia muciniphila, Prevotella spp., Desulfovibrio spp., and Dialister spp., and four Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes, specifically GH13_14, over the 24 h fermentation were observed as a function of the diet intervention and correlated to specific taxa of interest. Conclusions: These findings suggest that consuming MRE for 21 days minimally effects changes in gut microbiota structure in response to carbohydrate, but may induce alterations in metabolic capacity. Additionally, these findings demonstrate the potential of starch as a candidate supplemental strategy to functionally modulate specific gut commensals during stress-induced states.
A New Method based on Peptide Mediated for Intracellular Linc-ROR Detection
Authors: Sun Kexin , Li Junlong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Linc-ROR, as a new intergenic lncRNA, over-expressed in many kinds of cancer that promotes cancer cell proliferation. So, there are significant values of Linc-ROR situ detectiction in diagnosis and research of diseases. While, the methods for LncRNA detection are almost outside the cells. In this study, established a method for Linc-ROR detection inside the cells. First, we put the nucleic acid probe and antibody together, probe entered cell by peptide (L17E) mediated endocytosis; In order to decreased background signals, the quenching probes were deliveried into cells to neutralise free fluorescence probes. We verified the feasibility of this method, it has a huge amount of potential in clinical test.
Numerical Investigation of the Use of a New Nano-Particle in Microchannel
Authors: Kaya Fuat 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of the use of Boron nitride (BN) as nano-particle on pressure drop and heat transfer in a microchannel. The governing equations for the fluid flow were solved by using Fluent CFD code and artificial neural network (ANN). Computational results acquired from Fluent CFD code and artificial neural network (ANN) for alumina (Al2O3) as nano-particle were compared with numerical values obtained in the literature for validation. On the basis of a water-cooled (only water, water+alumina and water+boron nitride) smooth microchannel were designed, and then the corresponding laminar flow and heat transfer were studied numerically. Results derived from the numerical tests (NT) and artificial neural network (ANN) show good agreement with the values mentioned in the literature and these results also show by the comparison research which was conducted considering the heat transfer and pressure loss parameters between BN and widely used alumina that BN is more convenient nano-particle.
Characterization of Novel Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Their Application for Population Genomics of Capoeta Aculeata (Valenciennes, 1844)
Authors: Gandomkar Habibollah , Shekarabi Seyed Pezhman Hosseini , Abdolhay Hossein Ali , Nazari Sajad , Mehrjan Mehdi Shamsaei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The species Capoeta aculeata (Valenciennes, 1844) is one of the most important freshwater species endemic to Iran. However, the investigation of a population genetic structure of this species is limited by the low number of molecular markers currently described. In this study, we implemented next generation sequencing technology to identify polymorphic microsatellite markers and investigate the population genetic structure of C. aculeata sampled from three geographical sites in Iran. We sequenced 60 individuals from three populations occurring in the Zagros basin. We characterized and developed 36 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers and these loci were examined in 120 individuals from three populations occurring in the Zagros basin. The average number of alleles per locus varied from 1.7 to 16. (average = 7.89). The results showed that, the polymorphism information content (PCI) of these SSR loci varied from 0.254 to 0.888. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) per locus ranged from 0.170 to 0.881, while the expected heterozygosity (He) per locus was from 0.170 to 0.881. Among these SSR loci, 20 loci deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (p< 0.05). These microsatellite markers could provide a valuable tool for future population and conservation genetics studies of C. aculeate populations and other closely related species.
Did Patients With COVID-19 Receive Timely Treatment in the Early Epidemic? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Du Peipei , Chen Weixiang , Luo Xufei , Chen Yaolong , Shi Qianling , Lv Meng , Wang Jie , Shi Xuemei , Ma Xiaofeng , Yang Tianying , Lu Shuya , Li Tingting , Yang Shu , Feng Xixi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 showed a significant difference in case fatality rate between different regions at the early stage of the epidemic. In addition to the well-known factors such as age structure, detection efficiency, and race, there was also a possibility that medical resource shortage caused the increase of the case fatality rate in some regions. Methods: Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, and Wan fang of identified articles were searched through 29 June 2020. Cohort studies and case series with duration information on COVID-19 patients were included. Two independent reviewers extracted the data using a standardized data collection form and assessed the risk of bias. Data were synthesized through description and analysis methods including a meta-analysis.Results: A total of 109 articles were retrieved. The time interval from onset to the first medical visit of COVID-19 patients in China was 3.38±1.55 days (corresponding intervals in Hubei province, non-Hubei provinces, Wuhan, Hubei provinces without Wuhan were 4.22±1.13 days, 3.10±1.57 days, 4.20±0.97 days, and 4.34±1.72 days, respectively). The time interval from onset to the hospitalization of COVID-19 patients in China was 8.35±6.83 days (same corresponding intervals were 12.94±7.43 days, 4.17±1.45 days, 14.86±7.12 days, and 5.36±1.19 days, respectively), and when it was outside China, this interval was 5.27±1.19 days. Conclusion: In the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic, patients with COVID-19 did not receive timely treatment, resulting in a higher case fatality rate in Hubei province, partly due to the relatively insufficient and unequal medical resources. This research suggested that additional deaths caused by the out-of-control epidemic can be avoided if prevention and control work is carried out at the early stage of the epidemic.PROSPERO registration number CRD42020195606.
A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Purple and Yellow Fleshed Potato Tubers Reveals Long Non-coding RNAs and their Targets Functioned in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis
Authors: Tang Ruimin , Dong Haitao , Wu Wanyi , Zhao Cailiang , Jia Xiaoyun , Yang Qing , Zhang Jie , He Liheng , Xie Hong’e , Wu Zongxin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Purple fleshed potato tubers accumulate large amounts of anthocyanin content, servicing as functional foods and high-value feedstock. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play an important role in anthocyanin synthesis by regulating gene expression in various action modes. However, the mechanism underlying anthocyanin accumulation mediated by lncRNAs in underground organs remains unclear.Results: To excavate the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) between purple and yellow fleshed potato tubers, the transcriptome sequencing was performed and a total of 1421 DE lncRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses showed that the target genes of these DE lncRNAs were involved in diverse biological processes and pathways for anthocyanin biosynthesis, reflecting the functional diversity of the corresponding lncRNAs. A lncRNA-mRNA interaction network was created based on their correlation to investigate the regulatory relationship among them. Notably, lncRNAs like XLOC_060098 and XLOC_017372 might contribute to anthocyanin synthesis by targeting the key enzyme genes and transcription factor genes in the pathway. Conclusions: The construction of expression profiling of DE lncRNAs and lncRNA-mRNA relationship network is helpful for further unraveling the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in anthocyanin synthesis in potato tubers, and provides theory basis for the cultivation of functional potato varieties and the improvement of nutritional quality of other underground crops.
Assessment of the Influence of 5-fluorouracil on the SMAD4 Gene Expression, Apoptosis induction and DNA Damage in the Human CACO-2 Cell Line
Authors: Wosiak Agnieszka , Michalska Katarzyna , Pietrzak Jacek , Mirowski Marek , Balcerczak Ewa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. There are two major distinct precursor lesion pathways: the traditional adenoma–carcinoma pathway leading to most cases CRC, and the serrated neoplasia pathway. SMAD4 gene is involved in adenoma–carcinoma pathway. The protein encoded by the SMAD4 gene is a key downstream signaling mediator in the TGFβ pathway. This pathway has tumor-suppressor functions, including cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Its activation in late-stage cancer can promote tumorigenesis, including metastasis and chemoresistance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on viability of advanced colorectal cancer cells and establishing whether the test compound may have an effect on the expression level of the SMAD4 gene, DNA damage and apoptosis. Chemotherapy based on 5-FU is used as an adjuvant treatment in most colorectal cancer patients. The results obtained in the study showed that the use of 5-FU in low concentrations may not have a therapeutic effect, and may also influence drug resistance in cancer cells. Moreover, it has been shown that by using 5-FU at higher concentrations and prolonging the exposure time, SMAD4 gene expression is significantly increased which may have an impact on the effectiveness of the therapy.
Faster Evaluation of Contaminated Surfaces for Mould Inspections by Tape Sampling
Authors: Meider Judith , Messal Constanze 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Taking a tape-lift sample is one of the main practices used by indoor environmental quality investigators for detecting whether mould structures (for example, spores and hyphae) have either settled onto or colonized the surface. Despite the popularity of the method, there can be significant inconsistency in how tape lifts are collected. The common ASTM standard D7910, Practice for the Collection of Fungal Material from Surfaces by Tape Lift, describes the correct way to collect a tape-lift sample. Using ASTM D7910 semi-quantitative results (scale 0 up to 5) are only available. In case histories or for mould removal control, the total cell count is needed. This cannot be realized by the ASTM method. Therefore, an innovative method is needed to combine the quickness of taping and the precision of total cell count. Our research team developed two methods to quickly and fully quantify the tape samples. Regarding the assessment criteria, the user can decide to operate with the 3-LINE method to achieve the highest precision or use the faster 3-STEP method for even better results.
A Novel Imprinted Gene (Sp-Pol) with Sex-specific SNP Locus and Sex-biased Expression Pattern Provides Insights into the Gonad Development of Mud Crab (Scylla Paramamosain)
Authors: Farhadi Ardavan , Xi Shi , Zhang Yin , Zheng Huaiping , Li Shengkang , Zhang Yueling , Ikhwanuddin Mhd , Ma Hongyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: We previously discovered a potential sex-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus named SNP1888 in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). Methods: In this study, we first verified SNP1888 to be truly a female-specific locus and then we identified a novel imprinted gene (designated as Sp-Pol) at the upstream of SNP1888 (SNP1888 is located at the 3’-UTR of Sp-Pol). Moreover, SNP1888 together with Sp-Pol were mapped on LG32 of a high-density genetic map. Results: Phylogenetic analysis showed that Sp-Pol may need to be classified as a new gene family due to the very low sequence identity with other known genes. Sp-Pol was expressed at a higher level in gonads compared to other tissues and its expression level in the testis was much higher than in the ovary. Coincidentally, mono-allelic expression was observed in the ovary. Moreover, Sp-Pol exhibited sex-biased expression with approximately 3- to 4-fold higher in males than in females at fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) crablet stages. During the zoeae development, Sp-Pol had the highest expression at the zoea I stage. After unilateral eyestalk ablation, the expression level of Sp-Pol significantly increased in testis and hepatopancreas in males, while it was downregulated in the hepatopancreas of females. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay revealed that Sp-Pol transcripts were strongly localized in the epithelia of seminiferous tubules of the testis and in the ovary it was detected in the oogonium cells.Conclusion: These results demonstrated that Sp-Pol may play important roles in the sexual development of S. paramamosain.
Nasal Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Among Sympatric Free-ranging Domestic Pigs and Wild Chlorocebus Pygerythrus in a Rural African Setting
Authors: Kalule John Bosco , Nakintu Valeria , Ssendawula Simon Peter 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage in domestic pigs and vervet monkeys is a risk factor for subsequent severe infections in domestic pigs and for dissemination to the human population. This study assessed nasal carriage of MRSA in domestic pigs and sympatric vervet monkeys in a rural African village during an outbreak of a virus hemorrhagic fever suspected to be contracted from wild primates. This study was conducted during the 2012 Ebola outbreak to determine nasal carriage of MRSA in free-ranging domestic pigs and sympatric freely roaming vervet monkeys using conventional methods. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from the anterior nares were tested for susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics and conventional PCR was used to confirm methicillin resistance. Results MRSA was significantly more in wild vervet monkeys compared to free ranging domestic pigs (p=0.003875). Overall, there was a high level of resistance to tetracycline [90% (63/70) in pigs and 67% (10/15) in vervet monkeys], trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole [90% (63/70) in pigs and 67% (10/15) in vervet monkeys], and penicillin [83% (58/70) in pigs and 67% (10/15) in vervet monkeys]. Conclusion The nasal carriage of drug resistant S. aureus in freely roaming domestic and wild animals presents a risk for widespread environmental spread of antimicrobial resistance thus presenting a risk for treatment failure in domestic animals, wild animals, and humans.
Metallographic Characterization of SiC-Ni-Ti Layer Reinforced on Austenitic Stainless Steel (AISI 316L) by Two-step Laser Fabrication
Authors: Kannan C. Ramesh , Manivannan S. , Stalin B. , Kailasanathan C. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Industry X.0 is the new paradigm that is the driving phenomenon in the process of making things and the new method in which they are produced. In this work, we attempt to fabricate ceramic layer reinforced metal matrix composite (MMC) of AISI 316L by a two-step laser process. Coatings of metal-ceramic powders of 40% SiC-40%Ti-20% Ni and 60% SiC-30%Ti-10% Ni was preplaced on 316L specimens. High power laser was used to irradiate the preplaced coatings to form MMCs of metal-ceramic particles. The composition of the MMC layer was studied by using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and its microstructure of the MMC layers, phase analysis and its elemental analysis were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry, and image analyzing techniques, respectively. The results confirmed that due to the formation of non-uniformity of coating thickness, microporous and crack formation at layer of MMC, revealed that a higher percentage of ceramic particles present in the MMC layer entails a particular disadvantage.