bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive high-definition microscope assisted small channel treatment of lumbar disc herniation in children: a case report
Authors: Yuan Hao , Zhao Nan , Ao Jun , Sun Lv , Wang Chong , Xiong Liu-Lin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is common in adults, it is extremely rare in children. The treatment of LDH in children is still a challenge for surgeons. This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and treatment methods of LDH in children for communication and learning.Methods: In October 2017, a child with LDH who failed to receive conservative treatment underwent surgical treatment. The child underwent minimally invasive high-definition microscope-assisted nucleus pulposus resection and nerve root decompression. The soft tissues such as muscles and paravertebral ligaments were separated and removed under microscope, the nucleus pulposus of disc herniation was removed, and the left lumbar 5 nerve root was decompressed. During the short-term and long-term follow-up after operation, the assessment pain was significantly improved, the activity was not limited, and the muscle strength returned to normal.Results: The next day after operation, the child could wear ordinary waist circumference to get out of bed, and the left lower limb muscle strength returned to grade 4-5, and were discharged 5 days after operation. After 3 years of telephone follow-up, the patient complained that the pain was significantly relieved, the left lower limb movement was not limited, and the muscle strength returned to normal. Conclusions: In this case, the minimally invasive high-definition microscope assisted small channel treatment of LDH in children was successful, and the postoperative recovery was good. It can provide reference for LDH in children who need surgical treatment when conservative treatment was ineffective.
Prospective, Randomised, Double-Masked Comparison of 0.1% Tacrolimus Ointment and 0.2% Olopatadine Eye Drops in the Treatment of Refractory Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Narayana Shivananda , Khodifad Ashish , Gurnani Bharat , Kaur Kirandeep 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose- To analyse and compare the outcomes of topical tacrolimus 0.1% and 0.2 % olopatadine eye drops in refractory allergic conjunctivitis.Methods-Prospective, double masked, randomized control trial conducted from January to December 2015 at a tertiary eye care centre with a follow up of 3 months. A total of 100 patients were enrolled. Fifty patients were allocated into the tacrolimus group (Group A) and olopatadine group (Group B) each. Detailed demographics, systemic history, uncorrected, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment findings were recorded. Subjective symptoms and objective signs were recorded in the data forms at baseline and 1, 4, 8 & 12 weeks. The score of the worse eye was considered for analysis. On follow up, vision, IOP, side effects, objective signs and symptoms were recorded.Results- Out of 100 patients, 4 were lost to follow up. The mean age in Group A was 18.63 ± 7.89 years and Group B was 17.21 ± 9.17 years. The M:F ratio was 1.5:1. Among 96 patients, 6 (6.66%) had allergic rhinitis and 3 (3.33%) were asthmatic. The mean sign score, symptom score, giant papillae score, palpebral conjunctival hyperaemia and bulbar conjunctival hyperaemia score was statistically significant between two groups. In Group A, 22.9% patients had punctate epithelial erosions while none had in Group B at 1 month follow up.Conclusion- Topical tacrolimus 0.1% is safe and effective with minimal side effects. It should be considered for patients refractory to conventional treatment or requiring long term treatment, to avoid steroid related complications.
Inservice School Teachers Perception of Adopting Online-Offline Mode of Learning During Current Crisis
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Ilyas Khan Saira Bano Mohd , Talukdar Rehana Khanam Yunus Ahmed 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The reverberation of the pandemic has been noticed throughout the globe and all the provinces of the society have been affected including the educational sector. The educational institutes have drastically shifted from traditional offline pedagogy of teaching-learning to online learning process. Researchers have a strong belief that the revolution of usage of computers and internet in the field of education has popped up the Blended Learning concept which totally relies on both traditional and technology to provide the education content to the learners in a good and virtual method effectively. Educationalists, researchers and policy makers believe that the offline-online pedagogy could be used as an effective methodology to cater the needs of the learners as well as the teachers during the crisis. The present action research study lays emphasis on the attitude of In-Service School Teachers towards adopting the online-offline approach during the current crisis. The findings reflected that there is no significant difference in the perception of Primary and Secondary In-Service School Teachers in adopting the Blended Learning proactive pedagogical technique as both the section teachers are well aware of the importance of online as well as offline pedagogy and are also aware about the blended learning approach being the new normal during the crisis in order to reach out to all the learner audiences and make learning more flexible.
JMJD4-demethylated RIG-I prevents hepatic steatosis and carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Zhenyang , Zhou Ye , Jia Kaiwei , Yang Yingyun , Zhang Liyuan , Wang Suyuan , Wang Mu , Li Yunhui , Li Nan , Yu Yizhi , Cao Xuetao , Hou Jin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis is driven by necroinflammation or metabolic disorders, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we interestingly found that DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was enhanced while NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was abolished by hepatocyte-specific RIG-I deficiency. Further, IL-6 decreased RIG-I expression in HCC progenitor cells (HcPCs), which then viciously promoted IL-6 effector signaling and drove HcPCs to fully established HCC. RIGI expression was increased by HFD, which then enhanced cholesterol synthesis and steatosis, and the in-turn NASH and NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, RIG-I was constitutively monomethylated at K18 and K146, and demethylase JMJD4-mediated RIG-I demethylation suppressed IL6STAT3 signaling. The constitutive methylated RIG-I associated with AMPKα to inhibit HMGCR phosphorylation, thus promoting HMGCR enzymatic activity and cholesterol synthesis. Together with clinical data that RIGI was decreased in hepatic precancerous dysplastic nodules while increased in NAFLD, we conclude that decreased RIGI in HcPCs promotes necroinflammationinduced hepatocarcinogenesis, while increased constitutive methylated RIG-I enhances steatosis and NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
Empirical Analysis of Equity in Maternal and Child Health Services Delivery and Access in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Anarwat Samuel George , Salifu Mubarik , Akuriba Margaret Atosina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Inequities in the distribution of and access to maternal and child health care services is pervasive in Ghana. Understanding the drivers of inequity in maternal and child health (MCH) is important to achieving the universal health coverage component of the sustainable development goals and poverty reduction in Ghana and other developing countries. However, there is increasing disparities in MCH services, especially in rural -urban and income quintiles. The study aimed to examine the disparities in maternal and child health care services in Ghana for policy intervention.
Methods

Data for this study was extracted from the nationally representative Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) round 4, 2011. Respondents of this survey were women of reproductive age 15–49 years with a sample size of 10,627 households. The models were estimated using multivariate regression analysis together with concentration index (CI) and risk ratio (RR) to assess the distribution of MCH indicator groups across the household wealth index.
Results

Higher educational attainment played an important role in MCH. Women with secondary school level and above were more likely to receive family planning, prenatal care, and delivery by a skilled health professional than those without formal education. Mothers with low level of educational attainment were 87% more likely to have their first pregnancy before the age of 20 years, and 78% were more likely to have children with under-five mortality, and 45% more likely to have children who had diarrhoea. Teenage pregnancy, under five mortality, child underweight, reported diarrhoea, and suspected pneumonia were more concentrated in the poorer than in the richer households. The RR between the top and bottom quintiles ranged from 0.77 for child underweight to 0.82 for child wasting.
Conclusion

Geographic location, income status and formal education are key drivers of maternal and child health inequities in Ghana. Implementing health policies to address inequalities in MCH services through primary health care, and resource allocation skewed towards rural areas and the lower wealth quintile can bridge the inequality gaps and improve MCH outcomes in Ghana.
Predicting the dust events frequency around a degraded ecosystem and determining the contribution of their controlling factors using gradient boosting-based approaches and Game theory
Authors: Ebrahimi-Khusfi Zohre , Dargahian Fatemeh , Nafarzadegan Ali Reza 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, for the first time, an attempt was made to evaluate the performance of Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) models with linear, tree, and Dart boosters to predict monthly DEF (MDEF) around a degraded wetland in southwestern Iran. The monthly required data were obtained through observational data recorded at ground stations and satellite imagery from 1988 to 2018. The best predictor variables were selected among the eighteen climatic, terrestrial, and hydrological variables based on the multi-collinearity test (MCT) and Boruta algorithm. The models' performance was evaluated using the Taylor diagram. Game theory (i.e., SHAP values: SHV) was then used to determine the contribution of factors controlling MDEF in different seasons. Mean wind speed, maximum wind speed, rainfall, standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), soil moisture, erosive winds frequency, vapor pressure, vegetation area, water body area, and dried bed area of the wetland were confirmed as the best predictive variables. The XGB-linear and XGB-tree showed a higher capability in predicting the MDEF variations in summer and spring seasons. However, the XGB-Dart yielded a better than other study models in forecasting the MDEF in the autumn and winter seasons. The results also showed that the rainfall (SHV = 1.6), surface water discharge (SHV = 2.4), mean wind speed (SHV = 10.1), and erosive winds frequency (SHV = 1.6) had the largest contribution in the variability of MDEF in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. The results can be useful to provide different scenarios for combating hazards caused by wind erosion events around degraded wetlands.
Socio-cultural Factors affecting People Living with HIV/AIDS Attendance at Hawassa and Yirgalem Hospital ART Clinics, South Ethiopia. Quantitative and Qualitative Mixed Approach.
Authors: Ayalew Alemante A , Asfaw Zeytu G , Lemma Solomon A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: HIV/AIDS pandemic seriously ravaged the world for the past three decades. It left the world with full of complicated social, economic and political problems. The problem has continued as major health problems for most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Socio-cultural practices which are predominantly determining the life of most of these peoples have structured the spread of HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to investigate how socio-cultural factors are affecting patients' adherence at ART clinics in Hawassa and Yirgalem Referral Hospitals.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative designs were used to collect the data.

Results: The findings have shown that for fear of stigma and discrimination at family and community levels forced patients' affected adherence at ART clinics. People living with HIV were forced to travel long distance to get rid of social exclusion and isolation that resulting in drug interruptions and drop outs. The findings have also shown that most of the followers of protestant religion make believe that HIV could be cured and boycotted them from taking ART drugs. Moreover, confidentiality of information about HIV positive children living with care givers and newly tested patients found to be resistant to start or continue their drugs. Sense of wellbeing elicited form long term ART drugs effects made patients to imagine complete healing thereby dropping their treatment.

Conclusions: The findings made clear that multidimensional socio-cultural factors structure and restructure adherence problems at the ART clinics in the study hospitals. Interventions targeting to change socio-cultural factors play crucial roles to prevent and control new infections, occurrence of drug resistant strains, and social and economic repercussions in the society.
Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis of Key Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways in Psoriasis
Authors: Tang Suwei , Xu Ping , Xie Shaoqiong , Jiang Wencheng , Lu Jiajing , Yang Yang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a relatively common autoimmune inflammatory skin disease with a chronic etiology. The present study was designed to detect novel biomarkers and pathways associated with psoriasis incidence. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with psoriasis in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were identified, and their functional roles and interactions were then annotated and evaluated through GO, KEGG, and gene set variation (GSVA) analyses. In addition, the STRING database was leveraged to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and key hub genes from this network were validated as being relevant through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of three additional GEO datasets. The CIBERSORT database was additionally used to assess the relationship between these gene expression-related findings and immune cell infiltration. Results: In total 197 psoriasis-related DEGs were identified and found to primarily be associated with the NOD-like receptor, IL-17, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways. GSVA revealed significant differences between normal and lesional groups (P < 0.05), while PPI network analyses identified CXCL10 as the hub gene with the highest degree value, whereas IRF7, IFIT3, OAS1, GBP1, and ISG15 were promising candidate genes for the therapeutic treatment of psoriasis. ROC analyses confirmed that these 6 hub genes exhibited good diagnostic efficacy (AUC > 70%), and were predicted to be associated with increased sensitivity to 10 drugs (P < 0.01). The CIBERSORT database further predicted that these hub genes were associated with infiltration by 22 different immune cell types. Conclusion: These results offer a robust foundation for future studies of the molecular basis for psoriasis, potentially guiding efforts to treat this common and disruptive disease.
Morphology and molecular study of three new Cordycipitoid fungi and its related species collected from Jilin Province, Northeast China
Authors: Hu JiaJun , Dai Dan , Zhao Gui-Ping , Guo Di-Zhe , Tuo Yong-Lan , Rao Gu , Qi Zheng-Xiang , Zhang Zheng-Hao , Li Yu , Zhang Bo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cordyceps are notable medicinal fungi in China, which pathogenic on insects and with high biodiversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, three new Cordyceps species, Cordyceps changchunensis and Cordyceps jingyuetanensis grow on pupae of Lepidoptera, and Cordyceps changbaiensis grows on larvae of Lepidoptera, and one new record of Northeast China, Cordyceps taishanensis, are found in Jilin Province, China and detailed descriptions were obtained based on morphological and ecological characteristics. These three new species are similar to Cordyceps militaris group but distinctly distinguishable from known species. Cordyceps changchunensis, characterised by its small and light yellow to orange stromata that forks-like occasionally, covered with white mycelium at base of stipe, globose to ovoid perithecia, is macroscopically similar to Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps changbaiensis clearly discriminated from other Cordyceps species by its white to orange and branched stromata, clavate to cylindrical fertile apical portion, immersed and globose to ovoid perithecia. Moreover, unbranched, clavate and orange to light red stromata, almond-shaped to ovoid and immersed perithecia differ Cordyceps jingyuetanensis from other Cordyceps species. ITS and nrLSU sequences are undertaken, and phylogenetic trees based on Maximum Likelihood analysis and Bayesian inference analysis confirmed the results of our morphological study. The phylogenetic result showed that the three new species gather with Cordyceps militaris but formed clades alone. Further analysis shows that the group of Cordyceps militaris mainly host on larvae of Lepidoptera.
Genetic Algorithm Based Oversampling Approach to Prune the Class Imbalance issue in Software Defect Prediction
Authors: Chinnathambi Arun , C Lakshmi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Class Imbalance is the potential problem that has been existent in machine learning, which hinders the performance of the classification algorithm when applied in real world applications such as electricity pilferage, fraudulent transactions, anomaly detection, prediction of rare diseases, etc. Class Imbalance refers to the problem where the distribution of the sample is skewed or biased towards one particular class. Due to its intrinsic nature the software fault prediction dataset falls into the same category where the software modules contain fewer defective modules compared to the non-defective modules. Majority of the over sampling techniques that has been proposed is to address the issue by generating synthetic samples of minority class to balance the dataset. But the synthetic samples generated are near duplicates that also results in over-generalization issue. We thus propose a novel oversampling approach to introduce synthetic samples using Genetic algorithm (GA). GA is a form of evolutionary algorithm that employs biologically inspired techniques such as inheritance, mutation, selection, and crossover. The proposed algorithm generates synthetic sample of minority class based on the distribution measure and ensures that the samples are diverse within the class and are efficient. The proposed over sampling algorithm has been compared with SMOTE,B-SMOTE, ADASYN, Random Oversampling, MAHAKIL and no sampling approach with a 20 defect prediction dataset from the Promise repository and five prediction models. The results indicate that the Genetic algorithm over sampling approach improves the fault prediction performance and reduced false alarm rate.
Complementary Presence of HBV-Specific Humoral and T-Cellular Immune Response Provide the Long-Lasting Immune Protection After Neonatal Immunization
Authors: Huang Yunmei , Yang Yuting , Wu Tingting , Li Zhiyu , Zhao Yao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B vaccination is the most cost-effective way to prevent HBV infection. Currently, hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) efficacy was usually assessed by anti-HBs level, but there were little comprehensive analyses of humoral and cellular immune response to HepB in children after neonatal immunization. Methods: A total of 145 children with primary hepatitis B immunization history were involved in this study to evaluate the efficacy of HepB. Blood samples were obtained from 80 eligible children before one dose of HepB booster and 41 children post-booster. Children with anti-HBs at a low level (<10mIU/mL and [10,100) mIU/mL) were received one dose of HepB booster after informed consent. Subjects were be measured anti-HBs, HBsAg-specific T cell responses and frequency of B cell subsets before and after booster. Results: Among 80 subjects, 81.36% of children showed both T cell and anti-HBs responses positive at baseline. After one dose of booster, anti-HBs titer (P<0.0001), positive rate of HBsAg-specific T cell response (P=0.0036) and magnitude of SFCs (P=0.0003) increased significantly. Comparing preexisting anti-HBs titer <10mIU/mL with anti-HBs titer [10,100) mIU/mL, anti-HBs response (P=0.0005) and HBsAg-specific T lymphocyte response (P<0.0001) increased significantly. The change tendency of HBV specific humoral response is complementary to T cellular response with age. Conclusion: Protection from primary HBV immunization persists long on account of the complementary presence of HBV-specific humoral and T-cellular immune response. One dose of HepB booster is efficient enough to produce protective anti-HBs and enhance HBsAg-specific T cell response. In the HBV endemic areas, HepB booster immunization is still the most economical and effective way to prevent HBV infection, especially in children without anti-HBs.