bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does The Unconditional Cash Transfer Program in South Africa Provide Support for Women After Child Birth? Barriers To Accessing The Child Support Grant Among Women in Informal Work in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Luthuli Silondile , Haskins Lyn , Mapumulo Sphindile , Horwood Christiane 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The child support grant (CSG) is the largest unconditional cash transfer program in Africa and aims to alleviate poverty and improve child health and nutrition in low-income families in South Africa. Among informal working women, the CSG is an important source of income after childbirth when informal workers are unable to work, but reports suggest that women experience delays in accessing the CSG. We explore experiences and challenges accessing the CSG among informal workers in Durban, South Africa
Methods
We undertook a longitudinal mixed-methods cohort study. Women informal workers were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for up to one year after the baby was born. Quantitative questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data about women’s plans for applying for the CSG, the application process, use of the CSG in the household, and household food insecurity. Interviews were conducted in IsiZulu by experienced researchers. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data used SPSS v26, and framework analysis using NVIVO v12.3 was used for qualitative analysis.
Results
Twenty-four informal working women were enrolled. The CSG received for older children was reported as an important and reliable source of income for mothers after childbirth. However, delays receiving the CSG for the new baby meant this support was unavailable to first-time mothers. The complex application process for the CSG required mothers to go to various government departments to complete the required documentation, often taking the baby with them. This was costly and time-consuming for mothers who were already vulnerable, and led to delays in obtaining CSG funds. Many women experienced moderate or severe food insecurity before and after the baby was born. As a result, some mothers had to return to work earlier than planned, disrupting childcare and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Cash transfer programmes can effectively support low income households and improve outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa there is a need for innovative approaches to streamline CSG applications, so women can access the funds immediately post-delivery to fill a resource gap and provide support at a vulnerable time for mothers and their children.
Optimizing the Performance of 68Ga Labeled FSHR Ligand in Prostate Cancer Model by Means of Aprotinin
Authors: Pan Donghui , Wang Lizhen , Wang Xinyu , Yan Junjie , Xu YuPing , Yang Min 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Radiolabeled FSH1 peptides are potential specific probes for FSHR imaging. However, moderate uptakes and fast washout from the tumors may limit its widespread use. In this study, 68Ga labeled modified FSH1 analogs was prepared and the imaging properties were determined in the prostate cancer model with or without aprotinin.Methods: NOTA-MAL-FSH4 was synthesized and labeled with 68Ga. The pharmacokinetic profile of the peptide after co-administration with aprotinin was determined through metabolism analyses and microPET imaging.Results: 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH4 was successfully prepared. The IC50 value of displacement 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH4 with FSH1 was 139.4±1.16 nM. The PC-3 prostate tumor was visible after administration of the 68Ga labeled tracer. In vitro RP-HPLC analysis revealed that the average percentage of intact peptide in the plasma, liver and tumor was 8.30, 9.57 and 7.06 % respectively. In presence of aprotinin, the amounts of intact peptide increased to 34.32%, 20.63 % and 15.39 % in the counterparts respectively. MicroPET imaging showed that the uptakes of PC-3 tumors at 60mins after co-administration of 100μg, 200μg or 400μg enzyme inhibitors were 2.91±0.21%ID/g, 3.89±0.16%ID/g and 9.21±0.22%ID/g respectively.Conclusion: With the aid of a serine protease inhibitor, the performance of the 68Ga labeled peptide was optimized, which may benefit further clinical application.
Risk Assessment of Chemical Pollution of Industrial Effluents From A Soap Production Plant Located In Bafoussam (Western Region of Cameroon)
Authors: Mathurin Zoyem Gouafo , Kisito Talla Pierre 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The MEWOU river, which runs through the town of Bafoussam, is one of the main sources of drinking water and irrigation for the people who live there. It is subject to intense agricultural and industrial activity all along its banks. Soap and refined oil factories generate pollution in the form of liquid effluent which is released without any form of treatment. A total of seven samples were analyzed during the months of March, April and May of the year 2021. The results we obtained were analyzed according to the regulatory requirements recommended by the Guidelines for the quality of drinking water and the Algerian standard relating to the limit values ​​of physicochemical parameters. The results we obtained showed signs of significant pollution in particular: chemical oxygen demand (COD: 125.32-959 mg L-1), 5 days-biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5: 23-99 mg L-1), turbidity (2-520 NTU), TDS (130-13430 mg L-1), Nitrite (4.96-21327.44 mg L-1) and many other parameters greatly exceed those required by the international standard, we have also noted a strong pollution to heavy metals: chromium (35.76- 1381.08 mg L-1), lead (0.21 - 2.49 mg L-1), iron (0.28- 17.82 mg L-1), and cadmium (0 , 03-0.19 mg L-1) which are above the values ​​prescribed by the WHO. These heavily polluted effluents released into the natural environment are harmful to the environment, biodiversity and human health. This state of affairs requires urgent intervention to preserve the ecological balance. Otherwise, it can constitute a risk for public health in the short term by deteriorating the quality of the underground reservoir known as the main source of water supply for the local populations.
Prognostic Effect of Glycemic Management In Acute First-Ever Ischemic Stroke On Stroke Recurrence And Mortality For Patients Without Previous Diabetes: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Hsi- Hsing , Chien Wu-Chien , Liaw Jen-Jiuan , Yang Chia-Chen , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Peng-Ciao , Lin Ting-Ti , Chen Yu-Ju 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term prognostic effects of glycemic management on stroke recurrence and mortality in patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke (FIS) without previous diabetes. Methods In total, 484,952 patients aged ≥20 years with FIS and nonprevious diabetes were retrieved from the 2000 to 2015 Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients were categorized into the following cohorts: FIS without hyperglycemia (FISw/oHG), FIS with hyperglycemia without glycemic treatment (FISHGw/oGT), and FIS with hyperglycemia with glycemic treatment (FISHGw/GT). The short-term (within 1 year) and long-term (at the endpoint of 9.3 ± 8.6 years) prognostic effects of glycemic treatment and blood glucose monitoring on stroke recurrence and mortality among the cohorts were tested through Cox regression analysis.Results The mortality risk was lower in the FISHGw/GT cohort than in the FISHGw/oGT cohort at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.68, 0.62, 0.69, respectively, p < 0.001) as well as at the study endpoint, but no difference was observed in stroke recurrence at any time point (p > 0.05). Furthermore, compared with FISHGw/oGT without blood glucose monitoring, FISHGw/GT combined with blood glucose monitoring led to decreased risks of stroke recurrence within 1 year (p < 0.001) and mortality within 1 year and at the study endpoint (p < 0.001). Conclusion For optimal glycemic management in the acute phase and improved prognoses for patients with FIS and nonprevious diabetes with hyperglycemia, intensive blood glucose monitoring combined with glycemic treatment is needed.
Scheduling And Sizing of Campus Microgrid Considering Demand Response And Economic Analysis
Authors: Pansota Muhammad Shahzad , Javed Haseeb , Muqeet Abdul , Irfan Muhammad , Shehzad Moazzam , Liaqat Rehan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Current energy systems face multiple problems related to inflation in the energy prices, reduction of fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions in disturbing the comfort zone of energy consumers and affordability of power for large commercial customers. This kind of problem can be alleviated with the help of optimal planning of Demand Response policies and with distributed generators in the distribution system. The objective of this article is to give a strategic proposition of an energy management system for a campus microgrid (µG) to minimize the operating costs and to increase the self-consuming energy of green DGs. To this end, a real-time-based campus is considered that is currently providing its loads from the utility grid only. Yet, according to the proposed given scenario, it contains the solar panels and wind turbine as a non-dispatchable DG while a diesel generator is considered as a dispatchable DG. It also incorporates the energy storage system with the optimal sizing of BESS to tackle with multiple disturbances that arise from solar radiations. Results: The resultant problem of linear mathematics has been simulated and plotted in MATLAB with mixed-integer linear programming. Simulation results show that the proposed given model of EMS minimizes the grid electricity costs by 31% in case of summer and 38% in case of winter respectively, while the reduction of GHG emissions per day is 780.68 and 730.46 kg for the corresponding summer and winter seasons. The general effect of a medium-sized solar PV installation on carbon emissions and energy consumption costs is also observed. Conclusion: The substantial environmental and economic benefits compared to the present case prompt campus owners to put investment in the DGs and to install large-scale energy storage.
Identifying miRNA-TF-mRNA Regulatory Network for Aortic Valve Calcification Diseases Through Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingdong , Lu Zhexin , Fan Yongliang , Gu Hongbing , Shi Sheng , Ye Yizhou 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:Calcareous aortic valve disease(CAVD) is widespread in society, and its incidence seems to increase with the age of the global population. However, the specific pathogenesis of calcareous aortic valve disease remains unclear. The purpose of the research is to construct miRNA-TF-mRNA regulatory networks and find the key genes, microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) to clarify the pathogenesis of CAVD and provide new treatment methods for CAVD.Methods:GSE51472, GSE87885 and GSE12644 datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentailly expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs(DEMs) were identified through integrative analysis by R software. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were performed using the clusterProfiler R package. Then, STRING database, Cytoscape and Cytohubba were applied to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and screen hub genes. Finally, a miRNA-TF-mRNA network was constructed based on bioinformatics data based on the TRRUST, miRWalk and miRtarbase database. And through the verification of dataset GSE12644, we have determined the key regulatory factors.Results:We have established a regulatory network of miRNA-TF-mRNA includes 17 genes,17 miRNAs and 12 TFs. In the miRNA-TF-mRNA network, genes VCAM1, ITGB2, CD86, transcription factors HIF1A, KLF2 are identified as key regulators.Conclusions: Our study has constructed a regulatory network of miRNA-TF-mRNA in CAVD, which may provide new insights about the interaction between genes, miRNAs and TFs in the pathogenesis of CAVD, and identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CAVD, which may reveal promising approaches for CAVD diagnosis and therapy.
Severe Aplastic Anemia in a Patient with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Successfully Treated by Avatrombopag
Authors: JIANG ZIMING , Jiang Xianyong , Chen Miao 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease presented with protoporphyrin deposition, photosensitivity and even liver damage. Avatrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonists, has been applied for immune thrombocytopenia and periprocedural thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Here, we reported the first case of a 19-year-old man with acquired aplastic anemia associated with congenital EPP. EPP has led to a severe cirrhosis and liver dysfunction in this patient, which limited hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy to cure aplastic anemia. We administered Avatrombopag as the first-line therapy. After 8 months, we observed that avatrombopag induced complete response of aplastic anemia safely.
Exosome-Mediated miR-7-5p Delivery Enhances the Anticancer Effect of Everolimus via Blocking MNK/eIF4E Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Sile , Wang Weiyuan , Ning Yue , Zheng Hongmei , Zhan Yuting , Wang Haihua , Yang Yang , Luo Jiadi , Wen Qiuyuan , Zang Hongjing , Peng Jinwu , Ma Jian , Fan Songqing 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Everolimus is a kind of mTOR inhibitors. Activated mitogen-activated protein kinase interacting kinases/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (MNK/eIF4E) axis plays a crucial role in resistance to Everolimus in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Typically, eIF4E phosphorylation increased by mTOR inhibitors was mainly mediated by MNKs. But the mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, extensive reprogramming of miRNA profiles has also been found after long-term mTOR inhibitor exposing. Our previous studies have confirmed that tumor suppressor miR-7-5p was decreased in A549 cells after treatment with Everolimus. Exactly, MNK1 is the target of miR-7-5p. Here, we investigated the biological functions and potential molecular mechanisms of miR-7-5p in the NSCLC undergoing treatment with Everolimus.
Methods
miR-7-5p level and expression of main markers of MNK/eIF4E axis were evaluated by qRT-PCR, western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry on NSCLC cell lines and human NSCLC samples. Proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in culture were explored by Colony formation, CCK-8, Wound healing and Transwell assays. NSCLC cell tumorigenicity was assessed by xenotransplants in nude mice. Targeted binding of miR-7-5p to MNK1 was confirmed by the Dual-luciferase reporter assay. And the isolation and identification of exosomes were investigated by Invitrogen™ Total Exosome RNA Isolation Kit, western blot, transmission electron microscopy and Zetasizer Nano ZS90 instrument.
Results
Everolimus targeted mTORC1 inducing NSCLC cells to secrete miR-7-5p-loaded exosomes in Rab27A and Rab27B dependent manners. Loss of intracellular miR-7-5p induced phosphorylation of MNK/eIF4E axis, but supplement of extra exosomal miR-7-5p could reverse it. Of note, both lower expression of miR-7-5p and elevated MNK1 protein were associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. Both endogenous miR-7-5p and exo-miR-7-5p enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of Everolimus through inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of NSCLC in vitro and vivo. Combination of miR-7-5p with Everolimus induced apoptosis to exhibit a synergistic anticancer therapeutic efficacy via dual abrogation of MNK/eIF4E and mTOR in NSCLC.
Conclusion
Everolimus decreases the intracellular miR-7-5p levels through release of miR-7-5p loaded exosomes from NSCLC cells in Rab27A and Rab27B dependent manners. Either endogenous miR-7-5p or exo-miR-7-5p combined with Everolimus can enhance the anticancer efficacy via targeting MNK/eIF4E axis and mTOR. Therefore, exosome-mediated miR-7-5p delivery combined with Everolimus may be considered as a promising novel combined therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Relationship Between Salivary Alpha-amylase Enzyme Activity, Anthropometric Indices, Dietary Habits, and Early Childhood Dental Caries
Authors: Parsaie Zahra , Rezaie Peyman , Azimi Niloofar , Mohammadi Najmeh 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Caries risk assessment is of great importance in young children. Although early childhood dental caries (ECC) have the same general etiology as other types of caries, predisposing factors are not well elucidated. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits and oral hygiene on ECC incidence.Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 38 ECC-affected and 41 caries-free children, aged 36 to 72 months. Upon the parents' consent, 3 mL of non-stimulated saliva was collected from the participants to measure the level of sAA activity through spectrophotometry. Additionally, parents/caretakers completed a structured questionnaire about demographic factors, oral hygiene, and consumption of sugar-containing foods. BMI, BMI z-scores and percentile data were calculated by using an on-line calculator. The independent variables were dichotomized and tested through chi-square test, followed by a backward stepwise regression, by using SPSS software (α=0.05).Results: The sAA activity was significantly higher in caries-free children (P≤0.001). However, the mean BMI was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.49). Brushing and other measured dietary habits were significantly associated with the development of ECC (P≤0.001).Conclusion: Children with inherently lower levels of sAA activity were more susceptible to dental caries. Improper nutritional habits and poor oral health care could exacerbate the risk of ECC.
What patient and health facility attributes predict retention and virologic suppression in private for-profit health centers? A retrospective cohort analysis of data from a large private sector antiretroviral treatment program in Nigeria
Authors: Aina Muyi , Yesufu Zeena , Salisu Abdulateef , Ezeanolue Echezona , Mensah Charles , Dakum Patrick 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

In Nigeria, private for-profit health facilities present an opportunity to achieve the 95-95-95 HIV targets because of their reach and patronage. However, little is known about determinants of outcomes in these facilities. This study describes patient outcomes and their determinants in adults receiving HIV treatment in private facilities in 3 states in north-central Nigeria.
Methods

A retrospective longitudinal analysis of program data collected between 2013 and 2019 was done. Patient attributes and outcomes were compared across states. Incidence rates were determined for all outcomes. Cox proportional hazard models and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associations with and predictors of study outcomes respectively.
Results

42.7%, 22.2% and 35.1% of the 22,010 study subjects were in Benue, FCT and Nasarawa respectively. 31.8% had been on ART for less than a year at censoring. Incidence rates for all-cause exit, mortality and LTFU were 17.2, 2.1 and 11.2 per 100 person years respectively. Males had higher risks of death (HR = 1.47), and LTFU (HR = 1.08). Age at ART start showed a dose-response association with both mortality and LTFU. Care at model facilities (OR = 2.16), AZT-based regimens (OR = 2.00), and low baseline CD4 + count (OR = 2.40) were predictors of regimen switch. 75.6% of subjects were viral suppressed. Male gender (OR = 0.84); AZT- based regimen (OR = 0.72), age in the bottom quartile (OR = 0.71) were predictors of viral suppression.
Conclusion

Private sector patient outcomes are comparable to public sector programs. Appropriate technical support and engagement will facilitate combined efforts to achieve epidemic control of HIV in Nigeria.
NAD(P)H Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Live Intestinal Nematodes Reveals Metabolic Crosstalk Between Parasite and Host
Authors: Liublin Wjatscheslaw , Rausch Sebastian , Leben Ruth , Liebeskind Juliane , Hauser Anja E. , Hartmann Susanne , Niesner Raluca A. , Beckers Ingeborg 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Infections with intestinal nematodes have an ambivalent impact: they represent a burden for human health and animal husbandry, but, at the same time, may ameliorate auto-immune diseases due to the immunomodulatory effect of the parasites. Thus, it is key to understand how intestinal nematodes arrive and persist in their luminal niche and interact with the host over long periods of time. The basic mechanism ruling over parasite and host cellular and tissue functions, the metabolism, was largely neglected in the study of intestinal nematode infections. Here we use NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) fluorescence lifetime imaging of explanted murine duodenum infected with the natural nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus and define the link between general metabolic and specific enzymatic activity in parasite and host tissue, during acute infection. In both healthy and infected host intestine, energy is effectively produced, mainly via oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, the nematodes shift their energy production from balanced fast anaerobic glycolysis and effective oxidative phosphorylation, towards mainly anaerobic glycolysis, back to oxidative phosphorylation during the different life cycle phases in the submucosa versus the intestinal lumen. Additionally, we found an increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes-dependent oxidative burst in infected intestinal host tissue as compared to healthy tissue, which was mirrored by a similar defense reaction in the parasites. We expect that, the here presented application of in vivo NAD(P)H-FLIM constitutes a unique tool to study metabolic host-parasite crosstalk, in various parasitic intestinal infections.
Shuntoscope-Guided Versus Free Hand Technique for Ventricular Catheter Placement: A Prospective Comparative Study of Intra-Ventricular Catheter Tip Position and Complication Rate
Authors: Issa Mohammed , Nofal Mohammed , Miotk Nikolai , Seitz Angelika , Unterberg Andreas W. , Damaty Ahmed El 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The position of the ventricular catheter (VC) is essential for a proper function of cerebrospinal fluid diversion system. A shuntoscope-guided (SG) method might be helpful in reducing complications. Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of catheter placement and the complication and revision rates between SG and free hand (FH) techniques. Methods: A prospective study of patients who underwent VC placement between September 2018 and March 2021. Accuracy of catheter placement was graded on postoperative imaging using three-point Hayhurst grading system. Complication and revision rates were documented and compared between both groups with an average follow up period of 19.56 months. Results: Fifty-five patients were included. SG technique was used in 29 patients (mean age was 6.3 years, 1.4 –27.7 years, 48.1% females), and FH technique was used in 26 patients (mean age was 28.6 years, 1.0 – 79.5 years, 73.1% female). The success rate for the optimal placement of the VC with a grade I on the Hayhurst scale was significantly higher in the SG group (93.1%) than in the FH group (67%), P = 0.031. The revision rate was higher in the FH group with 31.8% vs. 20.7% of in the SG group, P = 0.396. Conclusion: VC placement using the SG technique is a safe and effective procedure, which enabled a significantly higher success rate and lower revision and complication rate. Accordingly, we recommend using the SG technique specially in patients with morbid anatomy.