bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring barriers to the adoption and utilization of improved latrine facilities in rural Ethiopia: An Integrated Behavioral Model for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IBM-WASH) approach
Authors: Tamene Aiggan , Afework Abel 
Published: January 2021

Background
Even though evidence shows that access to and use of improved latrines is related to healthful families and the public, obstacles to the adoption and use of improved latrine facilities remain. Globally, not many inquiries appear to have been carried out to satisfactorily inform us regarding the multi-level barriers influencing the adoption and utilization of improved latrines facilities. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer.

Methods
Two qualitative data gathering methods, viz., key informant interviews and focus group discussions, were employed to collect data for this study. A total of fifteen focus group discussions were conducted with members of the community in the rural Wonago district of Ethiopia. Similarly, ten key informant interviews were conducted with water, sanitation, and hygiene officers, and health extension workers responsible for coordinating sanitation and hygiene activities. Open code software 4.03 was used for thematic analysis.

Result
Barriers to adoption and use of improved latrine facilities were categorized into Contextual factors (e.g. Gender, educational status, personal preference for using the field, limited space, population density, the status of land ownership), Psychosocial factors (Culture, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of minimal health threat from children's feces), and Technological factors (inconveniences in acquiring materials and cost of constructing a latrine).

Conclusion
There are a series of multi-leveled barriers to the sustained adoption and use of latrines. Providing funding opportunities for the underprivileged and offering training on the engineering skills of latrine construction at the community level based on the contextual soil circumstances could expand the latrine coverage and use. Similarly, taking into account the variability in motivations for adopting and using latrines among our study in Ethiopia and other studies, we implore public health experts to recognize behaviors and norms in their target communities in advance of implementing sanitation interventions.
Observational cohort study of IP-10’s potential as a biomarker to aid in inflammation regulation within a clinical decision support protocol for patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Lev Shaul , Gottesman Tamar , Sahaf Levin Gal , Lederfein Doron , Berkov Evgeny , Diker Dror , Zaidman Aliza , Nutman Amir , Ilan Ber Tahel , Angel Alon , Kellerman Lior , Barash Eran , Navon Roy , Boico Olga , Israeli Yael , Rosenberg Michal , Gelman Amir , Kalfon Roy , Simon Einav , Avni Noa , Hainrichson Mary , Zarchin Oren , Gottlieb Tanya M. , Oved Kfir , Eden Eran , Tadmor Boaz 
Published: January 2021

Background
Treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients requires simultaneous management of oxygenation and inflammation without compromising viral clearance. While multiple tools are available to aid oxygenation, data supporting immune biomarkers for monitoring the host-pathogen interaction across disease stages and for titrating immunomodulatory therapy is lacking.

Methods
In this single-center cohort study, we used an immunoassay platform that enables rapid and quantitative measurement of interferon γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), a host protein involved in lung injury from virus-induced hyperinflammation. A dynamic clinical decision support protocol was followed to manage patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and examine the potential utility of timely and serial measurements of IP-10 as tool in regulating inflammation.

Results
Overall, 502 IP-10 measurements were performed on 52 patients between 7 April and 10 May 2020, with 12 patients admitted to the intensive care unit. IP-10 levels correlated with COVID-19 severity scores and admission to the intensive care unit. Among patients in the intensive care unit, the number of days with IP-10 levels exceeding 1,000 pg/mL was associated with mortality. Administration of corticosteroid immunomodulatory therapy decreased IP-10 levels significantly. Only two patients presented with subsequent IP-10 flare-ups exceeding 1,000 pg/mL and died of COVID-19-related complications.

Conclusions
Serial and readily available IP-10 measurements potentially represent an actionable aid in managing inflammation in COVID-19 patients and therapeutic decision-making.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04389645, retrospectively registered on May 15, 2020.
Reno-protective effect of IL-34 inhibition on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice
Authors: Wada Yukihiro , Iyoda Masayuki , Matsumoto Kei , Suzuki Taihei , Tachibana Shohei , Kanazawa Nobuhiro , Honda Hirokazu 
Published: January 2021

Introduction
Interleukin-34 (IL-34) shares a receptor (cFMS) with colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), and these two ligands mediate macrophage proliferation. However, in contrast to CSF-1, the influence of IL-34 on tubular epithelial cells (TECs) injury remains unclear. We investigated the physiological effects of IL-34 on TEC damage caused by cisplatin nephrotoxicity (CP-N).

Methods
Mice were administered anti-mouse IL-34 antibody (anti-IL-34 Ab; 400 ng/kg) or vehicle from 1 day before and up to 2 days after CP-N induction. In vitro, mouse renal proximal TECs (MRPTEpiC) were cultured to analyze the inhibitory effects of IL-34 on CP-induced TEC apoptosis.

Results
Compared to vehicle treatment, anti-IL-34 Ab treatment significantly suppressed the intra-renal expression of IL-34 and its two receptors, cFMS and PTP-ζ, and significantly improved renal function, ameliorated tubulointerstitial injury, suppressed macrophage infiltration, and reduced apoptotic cell numbers in CP-N mice. It also significantly reduced the renal transcript levels of Kim-1, MIP-1/CCL3, TNF-α, and Bax in CP-N mice. Furthermore, anti-IL-34 Ab-treated CP-N mice showed less renal infiltration of F4/80+TNF-α+ cells. In vitro, stimulation with CP induced the expression of IL-34 and its two receptors in MRPTEpiC. Anti-IL-34 Ab treatment significantly suppressed CP-induced Bax expression with the degradation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in damaged MRPTEpiC.

Conclusions
IL-34 secreted from damaged TECs appeared to be involved in the progression of CP-N. Inhibition of IL-34 with neutralizing antibody directly prevented CP-induced TEC apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2. Blocking of IL-34 appears to suppress the proliferation of cytotoxic macrophages, which indirectly attenuates CP-N. Thus, IL-34 represents a potential therapeutic target for TEC injury, and the inhibition of IL-34 might have a reno-protective effect.
Whole genome sequencing of coagulase positive staphylococci from a dog-and-owner screening survey
Authors: Sahin-Tóth Judit , Kovács Eszter , Tóthpál Adrienn , Juhász János , Forró Barbara , Bányai Krisztián , Havril Kata , Horváth Andrea , Ghidán Ágoston , Dobay Orsolya 
Published: January 2021

Background
Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius are the two most common coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS). S. aureus is more prevalent among humans, whereas S. pseudintermedius is more commonly isolated from dogs, however, both can cause various community and hospital acquired diseases in humans.

Methods
In the current study we screened 102 dogs and 84 owners in Hungary. We tested the antibiotic susceptibility of the strains and in order to get a better picture of the clonal relationship of the strains, we used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. In addition, three pairs of isolates with identical PFGE patterns were whole genome sequenced, MLST and spa types were established.

Results
Carriage rate of S. aureus was 23.8% in humans and 4.9% in dogs and two cases of co-carriage were found among dogs and owners. S. pseudintermedius carriage rate was 2.4% and 34.3%, respectively, with only one co-carriage. The isolates were generally rather susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but high tetracycline resistance of S. pseudintermedius strains was noted. The co-carried isolates shared almost the same resistance genes (including tet(K), bla(Z), norA, mepR, lmrS, fosB) and virulence gene pattern. Apart from the common staphylococcal enzymes and cytotoxins, we found enterotoxins and exfoliative toxins as well. The two S. aureus pairs belonged to ST45-t630, ST45-t671 and ST15-t084, ST15-t084, respectively. The co-carried S. pseudintermedius isolates shared the same housekeeping gene alleles determining a novel sequence type ST1685.

Conclusions
Based on the genomic data, dog-owner co-carried strains displayed only insignificant differences therefore provided evidence for potential human-to-dog and dog-to-human transmission.
Landscape dynamics at borderlands: analysing land use changes from Southern Slovenia
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela , Visković Nika Razpotnik , Čarni Andraž 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study presents the results of an in-depth study on landscape changes over the last two centuries in the region of Bela krajina, south-eastern Slovenia. Since this region is situated along the Slovenian–Croatian border, immigration and emigration are permanent fixtures in the region. Due to historical reasons, population structure and land use changes occurred. With regard to these processes, two case studies were selected: settlements of Adlešiči and Bojanci. Adlešiči is a village mainly inhabited by farmers of catholic religion. Bojanci was colonized by Orthodox Uskoki, i.e. refugees from Ottoman Empire who become Habsburg soldiers who lived a military life and had different attitude towards land cultivation. Landscapes in these two settlements have its own distinctive patterns contrasting to each other in the land use, showing historically distinctive cultural landscapes. The study aimed to interpret the development of cultural landscapes in these settlements by analysing the land use changes and identifying the factors that influenced it. Even though these sites have different management regimes, they are both affected by difficult karst terrain and isolation. The results confirmed the land abandonment and overgrowth of agricultural land in both case studies, however, at different rates.
Long-term results following electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve using the ActiGait® system in 33 patients with central drop foot
Authors: Martin Daniel , Patriciu Andrei , Schulz Anne-Kathrin , Schackert Gabriele 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Direct electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve, using the implantable ActiGait® system, enables a therapy of the centrally caused drop foot, to improve the gait of the patients. In this paper, we present long-term results at 36-month follow-up post implantation.

Method
A total of 33 patients, 27 stroke and six multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, suffering from spastic drop foot were implanted in our center and assessed in terms of gait endurance, speed, risk of fall, and life quality at baseline and 36 months following implantation.

Results
The six min gait endurance test increased significantly from 202 ± 41 m without walking aids to 380 ± 30 m (p=0.038), while using the implant. Moreover, the time in the gait speed measured over 20 m decreased from 31.8 ± 10.2 s without to 18.5 ± 4.6 s by using the ActiGait® system (p=0.039). Similarly, gait steadiness, measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test improved by 36.6%, with patients demonstrating a reduced time from 18.6 ± 5.5 to 11.2 ± 3.8 s (p=0.041) upon implant activation. Most importantly, 31 of 33 patients reported remarkable improvements of their quality of life following direct electrical nerve stimulation.

Conclusion
Our findings confirm previously published efficacy data at 12 months after implantation and underline the long-lasting effect of the ActiGait® system.
TRIM25 contributes to the malignancy of acute myeloid leukemia and is negatively regulated by microRNA-137
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhang Bang Shuo , Yang Yi , Li Ying , Lv Jing Long , Cheng Yu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a ubiquitous malignancy that occurs in the hematological system. Tripartite motif-containing 25 (TRIM25) has been found to be involved in various carcinomas comprising AML. However, the function and underlying causative role of TRIM25 in AML are still obscure.

Methods and materials
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for assaying TRIM25 and miR-137 expression in AML samples and cells. CCK-8 assay, Calcein-acetoxymethylester/propidium iodide staining, and Transwell assay were adopted to assay cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Dual-luciferase reporter experiment was used for analyzing the interaction of TRIM25 with miR-137. Western blot was used for assaying protein expression levels.

Results
This study confirmed that TRIM25 expression was upregulated in AML samples and cell lines, whereas miR-137 expression was downregulated. Overexpression of TRIM25 significantly contributed to AML cell’s proliferation, invasion, and migration, whereas knockdown exerted the opposite effect. In addition, TRIM25 was a downstream target of miR-137 in AML cells and negatively modulated by miR-137.

Conclusion
TRIM25 was targeted and regulated by miR-137, exerted a carcinogenic function in AML, and could be used as a latent biomarker and a treatment target for AML.
Counting Stirling permutations by number of pushes
Authors: Mansour Toufik , Shattuck Mark 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Let 𝒯(

k

)

n
denote the set of k-Stirling permutations having n distinct letters. Here, we consider the number of steps required (i.e., pushes) to rearrange the letters of a member of 𝒯(

k

)

n
so that they occur in non-decreasing order. We find recurrences for the joint distribution on 𝒯(

k

)

n
for the statistics recording the number of levels (i.e., occurrences of equal adjacent letters) and pushes. When k = 2, an explicit formula for the ordinary generating function of this distribution is also found. In order to do so, we determine the LU-decomposition of a certain infinite matrix having polynomial entries which enables one to compute explicitly the inverse matrix.
AMPA and NMDA Receptor Trafficking at Cocaine-Generated Synapses
Authors: Wang Yao Q. , Huang Yanhua H. , Balakrishnan Saju , Liu Lidong , Wang Yu Tian , Nestler Eric J. , Schlüter Oliver M. , Dong Yan 
Published: January 2021

Cocaine experience generates AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-silent synapses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which are thought to be new synaptic contacts enriched in GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs). After drug withdrawal, some of these synapses mature by recruiting AMPARs, strengthening the newly established synaptic transmission. Silent synapse generation and maturation are two consecutive cellular steps through which NAc circuits are profoundly remodeled to promote cue-induced cocaine seeking after drug withdrawal. However, the basic cellular processes that mediate these two critical steps remains underexplored. Using a combination of electrophysiology, viral-mediated gene transfer, and confocal imaging in male rats as well as knock-in (KI) mice of both sexes, our current study characterized the dynamic roles played by AMPARs and NMDARs in generation and maturation of silent synapses on NAc medium spiny neurons after cocaine self-administration and withdrawal. We report that cocaine-induced generation of silent synapses not only required synaptic insertion of GluN2B-containing NMDARs, but also, counterintuitively, involved insertion of AMPARs, which subsequently internalized, resulting in the AMPAR-silent state on withdrawal day 1. Furthermore, GluN2B NMDARs functioned to maintain these cocaine-generated synapses in the AMPAR-silent state during drug withdrawal, until they were replaced by nonGluN2B NMDARs, a switch that allowed AMPAR recruitment and maturation of silent synapses. These results reveal dynamic interactions between AMPARs and NMDARs during the generation and maturation of silent synapses after cocaine experience and provide a mechanistic basis through which new synaptic contacts and possibly new neural network patterns created by these synapses can be manipulated for therapeutic benefit.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStudies over the past decade reveal a critical role of AMPA receptor-silent, NMDA receptor-containing synapses in forming cocaine-related memories that drive cocaine relapse. However, it remains incompletely understood how AMPA and NMDA receptors traffic at these synapses during their generation and maturation. The current study characterizes a two-step AMPA receptor trafficking cascade that contributes to the generation of silent synapses in response to cocaine experience, and a two-step NMDA receptor trafficking cascade that contributes to the maturation of these synapses after cocaine withdrawal. These results depict a highly regulated cellular procedure through which nascent glutamatergic synapses are generated in the adult brain after drug experience and provide significant insight into the roles of glutamate receptors in synapse formation and maturation.
When a storm showers the blood clots: a case of thyroid storm with systemic thromboembolism
Authors: Maung Aye Chan , Cheong May Anne , Chua Ying Ying , Gardner Daphne Su-Lyn 
Published: January 2021

Summary
Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of excessive thyroid hormone action. It is associated with a hypercoagulable state and reported to increase the risk of thromboembolism. However, the role of anticoagulation in thyroid storm still remains controversial and inconclusive. A 22-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with acute severe generalised abdominal pain. He was found to be profoundly thyrotoxic on arrival at our institution and subsequently diagnosed with thyroid storm secondary to newly diagnosed Graves’ disease. Extensive thromboses of the splanchnic, iliac, femoral veins and pulmonary arteries were subsequently demonstrated on CT scan. He had prolonged bowel ileus as a sequela of mesenteric ischaemia requiring total parenteral nutrition and non-oral forms of anti-thyroid drugs for management of hyperthyroidism. He was in sinus rhythm throughout his inpatient stay, and there was no personal history of prothrombotic conditions. His thrombophilia screen was normal. He eventually required jejunectomy due to jejunal ischaemia from extensive involvement of portal and mesenteric veins. He underwent radioiodine ablation for definitive treatment. He is currently hypothyroid and receiving thyroxine replacement. Thyroid storms are hypercoagulable states and can be associated with extensive thromboembolism even in the absence of atrial fibrillation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe extensive thromboembolism complicated by severe mesenteric ischaemia and bowel ileus in the setting of a thyroid storm. Routine prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered in those presenting with thyroid storms.

Learning points:

Prolonged use of rectal propylthiouracil (PTU) for managing hyperthyroidism was effective in a patient who cannot take oral anti-thyroid drugs.

Hyperthyroidism is a hypercoagulable state due to an imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolytic factors.

Thyroid storm can be associated with extensive thromboembolism even in the absence of atrial fibrillation; routine prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered in the setting of thyroid storms.
Diazoxide-responsive hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in tyrosinaemia type 1
Authors: Sotiridou Ellada , Hoermann Henrike , Aftab Sommayya , Dastamani Antonia , Thimm Eva , Doodson Louise , Batzios Spyros , Kummer Sebastian , Shah Pratik 
Published: January 2021

Summary
Tyrosinaemia type 1 (TT1) is a rare inherited disorder of amino acid metabolism typically presenting with liver failure and renal tubular dysfunction. We describe three individuals with TT1 and transient hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). Two siblings with TT1 and acute liver dysfunction were diagnosed with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in the neonatal period. Both siblings were successfully treated with diazoxide/chlorthiazide and treatment was gradually weaned and stopped after 8 and 6 months of age respectively. The third patient presented with a neonatal liver failure with mild cholestasis, coagulopathy, fundus haemorrhages, vitamin A and E deficiency and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. He maintained euglycaemia on high dose diazoxide (5–12 mg/kg/day) but developed pulmonary hypertension at 12 weeks of age. After discontinuation of diazoxide, he continued maintaining his blood glucose (BG) within the normal range. Although histological abnormalities of the pancreas including beta-cell hyperplasia are well documented, the exact mechanism of excessive insulin secretion in TT1 is not well understood. It may be related to the accumulation of toxic metabolites in the target organs including pancreas. Therefore, in patients with TT1 and persistent hypoglycaemia beyond the recovery of the acute liver failure, it is important to exclude hyperinsulinism which is usually transient and can be successfully treated with diazoxide and chlorothiazide. Further studies are required to determine which factors contribute to excessive insulin secretion in patients with TT1.

Learning points:

Every child with TT1 should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and screened for HH at the time of real hypoglycaemia.

If hypoglycaemic episodes persist even after improvement of liver function, hyperinsulinism should be suspected.

Treatment with diazoxide is effective, however, children need to be monitored closely for possible side effects.

The pathophysiological mechanism of hyperinsulinism in children with TT1 is not elucidated yet and further studies are required to determine which factors contribute to excessive insulin secretion in patients with TT1.