bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Population at Risk with Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis and Annual Drug Requirements for Preventive Chemotherapy in Ogun State, Nigeria: A Bayesian Geostatistical Approach.
Authors: Mogaji Hammed , Johnson Olatunji Olugoke , Adigun Abass Bolaji , Adekunle Oladunni Nimota , Bankole Samuel Olukayode , Dedeke Gabriel Adewunmi , Bada Babatunde Saheed , Ekpo Uwem Friday 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common human infections worldwide with over 1 billion people affected. Many estimates of STH infection are often based on school-aged children (SAC). This study produced predictive risk-maps of STH on a more finite scale, estimated the number of people infected, and the amount of drug required for preventive chemotherapy (PC) in Ogun state, Nigeria. Methods: Georeferenced STH infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 33 locations between July 2016 and November 2018, together with remotely-sensed environmental and socio-economic data were analyzed using Bayesian geostatistical modelling. Stepwise variable selection procedure was employed to select a parsimonious set of predictors to predict risk and spatial distribution of STH infections. The number of persons (preschoolers, SAC and adults) infected with STH were estimated, with the amount of tablets needed for preventive chemotherapy.Results: An overall prevalence of 17.2% (95 % CI: 14.9, 19.5) was recorded for any STH infection. Ascaris lumbricoides infections was the most predominant, with an overall prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI: 11.5, 15.7), while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura had overall prevalence of 4.6 % (95% CI: 3.3, 5.9) and 1.7% (95 % CI: 0.9, 2.4), respectively. The model-based prevalence predictions ranged from 5.0 % to 23.8 % for Ascaris lumbricoides, from 2.0 % to 14.5 % for hookworms, and from 0.1 % to 5.7 % for Trichuris trichiura across the implementation units. The predictive maps revealed a spatial pattern of high risk in the central, western and on the border of Republic of Benin. The model identified soil pH, soil moisture and elevation as the main predictors of infection for A. lumbricoides, Hookworms and T. trichiura respectively. About 50% (10/20) of the implementation units require biannual rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). Approximately, a total of 1.1 million persons were infected and require 7.8 million doses. However, a sub-total of 375,374 SAC were estimated to be infected, requiring 2.7 million doses. Conclusion: Our predictive risk maps and estimated PC needs provide useful information for the elimination of STH, either for resource acquisition or identifying priority areas for delivery of interventions in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Rural Households Livelihood Portfolios and Determinates of Livelihood Diversification in North-Western Ethiopia
Authors: GETNET MERSHA TEWODROS , Ketema Mengistu , Alamirew Bamlak Alemu , Demilew Girma 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Regardless of the persistent image of rural areas in Ethiopia as a continent of subsistence farmers, over the past decades, there had been an outstanding tendency of rural economic diversification. Numerous motives prompt households and individuals to expand the range of assets, incomes, and activities. This paper is devoted to characterize rural households’ livelihood portfolios and examine the determinants of income diversification using primary data collected from two agro-ecological zones in north-western Ethiopia. To analyze, the data both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Levels of household livelihood diversification were measured using Simpson Diversification Index (SDI). Censured regression models were employed to identify determinant factors affecting livelihood diversification. Result: The result confirmed that households in the study area collected a significant portion of their income from the diverse farm and off-farm sources. Diversification into off-farm sources contributed 35% to total household income. The result confirms that factors linked to household livelihood diversification measured in Simpsons Diversification Index (SDI) are significantly determined by household head educational status, access for tanning, age of household head, family size, livestock ownership, ox ownership, land owned, the proportion of infertile land, access for road and agro-ecologies. Conclusion: From these results, therefore due attention should be given to strengthening the role plaid by off-farm income in a rural area to facilitate the countries goal of a transformation. Therefore, policy measures need to be directed towards creating conducive conditions through the provision of education and tanning and improve households’ access to credit and improve access to a road.
Prognostic Implications of the Peripheral PLR and NLR in Predicting pCR after NACT in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Wang Ke , Shao Xuan , Huang Jian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory response is extremely important in tumor progression, and it is very difficult to identify prognostic indicators for neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to mine the potential prognostic significance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline- or taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).Methods: Sixty-seven women diagnosed with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy were enrolled in the study and then underwent surgeries. Before starting NACT, the PLR and NLR were calculated. The optimal cutoff value was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, and the ROC curve analysis indicated that 106.3 and 2.464 were the best cutoff values for the PLR and NLR, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for the NLR and PLR were used to divide patients into low and high NLR groups and low and high PLR groups. Independent prognostic biomarkers and value the of PLR and NLR were assessed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The connection between the NLR/PLR and pathological complete response (pCR), together with other clinical/pathological factors, was evaluated by Fisher's exact test or Pearson's x2 as appropriate.Results: Logistic regression model analyses revealed that patients with a high PLR correlated remarkably with better pCR than those with a low PLR. The results indicated that by using the cutoff value of 106.3, PLR had prognostic significance. However, there was no significant difference in NLR if analyzed separately. However, by combining PLR and NLR, the NLRhigh and PLRhigh subgroups achieved a significantly higher rate of pCR than the NLRIow/PLRIow subgroup (OR 0.153, 95% CI 0.068-0.876, p=0.008). Therefore, the combination of NLRhigh/PLRhigh was an independent prognostic factor different from common factors, such as PLR, Ki-67, and chemotherapy regimen.Conclusions: The PLR may serve as a potential marker of the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer, enabling oncologists to intervene earlier. Peripheral blood NLR and PLR can reflect the immune status of patients. High levels of both of them may indicate immune activation status and predict the pCR rate of NACT treatment in breast cancer patients.
Survey of Antibodies to Rift Valley Fever Virus and Associated Risk Factors in One-Humped Camels (Camelus dromedarius) Slaughtered in Maiduguri Abattoir, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Hassan Ismail , Kudi Caleb Ayuba , Gashua Muhammad Mamman , Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq , Tijjani Abdulyeken Olawale , Saleh Adamu Saidu , Mohammed Sani , Jajere Saleh Mohammed , Adamu Shuaibu Gidado 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging mosquito-borne zoonosis that threatens public health and animal agriculture in the endemic areas causing devastating epizootics characterized by abortion storms and high mortalities, especially in newborn animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and investigate risk factors associated with exposure to the virus in camels slaughtered in Maiduguri abattoir, Borno state of Nigeria. Camels presented for slaughtered were sampled and data on age, sex, source or origin, utility, presence of post mortem lesions, body weights and body condition score were collected. Blood samples were collected and sera were harvested and stored at -20°C until tested. The sera were tested using a commercial ELISA kit based on the manufacturer's instructions. The overall seroprevalence in the study was 20.7% (95% CI, 13.6 – 30.0). The analysis showed no significant differences between presence of antibodies and variables that included the sex of camels (c2=0.015, df = 1, p = 0.904) and presence of post mortem lesion on the carcass (c2=0.009, df = 1, p = 0.925). There were significant differences between presence of antibodies and three variables that included the age (c2= 4.89, df = 1, p = 0.027), the source (c2= 7.077, df = 2, p = 0.029) and the main utility (c2= 8.057, df = 3, p = 0.045) of the camels. It was concluded that camels presented for slaughter at the Maiduguri abattoir have evidence of exposure to the RVF virus and may be means of transmission of the virus. Regular monitoring and control of transboundary animal movements were recommended in the study area.
Robotic Surgery Contributes To The Preservation of Bowel and Urinary Function After Total Mesorectal Excison: Comparisons With Transanal and Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Miura Takuya , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Morohashi Hajime , Suto Akiko , Kubota Shunsuke , Ichisawa Aika , Kuwata Daisuke , Yamada Takahiro , Tamba Hiroaki , Matsumoto Shuntaro , Hakamada Kenichi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Determine whether robotic surgery is more effective than transanal and conventional laparoscopic surgery in preserving bowel and urinary function after total mesorectal excision (TME).
Methods

Of 79 lower rectal cancer patients who underwent function-preserving TME between 2016 and 2020, 64 patients consented to a prospective questionnaire-based functional observation study (52 responded). At six months post-resection or ileostomy closure, Wexner, low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), modified fecal incontinence quality of life, and international prostate symptom scores were used to evaluate bowel and urinary function, comparing robotic surgery (RTME) with transanal (taTME) or conventional laparoscopic surgery (LTME).
Results

RTME was performed in 35 patients (54.7%), taTME in 15 (23.4%), and LTME in 14 (21.9%). While preoperative bowel/urinary functions were similar in all three procedures, and the distance from the anal verge to tumor was almost the same, more hand-sewn anastomoses were performed and the anastomotic height from the anal verge was shorter in taTME than RTME. At 2 years post-resection, 8 patients (12.5%) had a permanent stoma; RTME showed a significantly lower rate of permanent stoma than taTME (2.9% vs 40%, p < 0.01). Despite no significant difference, all bowel function assessments were better in RTME than in taTME or LTME. Major LARS was observed in all taTME and LTME cases, but only 78.8% of RTME. No clear difference arose between RTME and taTME in urinary function; urinary dysfunction was more severe in LTME than RTME (36.4% vs 6.1%, p = 0.02).
Conclusions

In function-preserving TME for lower rectal cancer, robotic surgery was suggested to be more effective than transanal and conventional laparoscopic surgery in terms of bowel and urinary functions.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Slug Expression in Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Wang Yueyuan , Xie Xiao , Peng Jingyu , Wei Xue , Huang Dan , Song Tingting , Qi Xiaoyan , Yang Ming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
1.1 Background Slug as a member of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) leads to the decrease of adhesion between cancer cells and the increase of cell migration. Many studies have been reported the relationship between prognosis and slug expression in patients with breast cancer, yet the results are controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to conclude the relationship between slug and breast cancer by a meta-analysis. 1.2 Methods We looked for studies on breast cancer and slug via PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science .A total of 1458 patients from the final eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall survival (OS) and Disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary endpoints. Pooled hazard ratio (HR), pooled odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association between slug, prognosis, and clinicopathological parameters (age, tumor size, histological grade, axillary lymph nodes status(LN),TNM stage, ER(estrogen receptor) status, PR(progesterone receptor) status, HER-2(human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)status). Data analysis was carried out by using STATA version 14.0. (Stata Corporation, TX, USA)software. 1.3 Results This meta-analysis included 1458 patients from eight studies. The final results show that high slug expression leads to poor OS（pooled HR = 2.21;95%CI=1.47-3.33;p＜0.001) and DFS （pooled HR = 2.03;95%CI=1.26-3.28; P=0.004) in breast cancer. In terms of clinicopathological parameters, the results show that breast cancer patients with high slug expression have higher TNM stage(I-II/III-IV; pooled OR=0.42;95%CI=0.25-0.70;P=0.001), more prone to axillary lymph node metastasis(N+/N0;pooled OR =2.16; 95%CI =1.31-3.56; P=0.003) and more severe ER deficiency (positive /negative; pooled OR=0.67;95%CI=0.45-0.99; P=0.042).However, slug is not related to age, histological grade, tumor size, PR status and Her-2 status. 1.4 Conclusion This meta-analysis results show that high slug expression in breast cancer is associated with poor OS, DFS and axillary lymph node status, TNM stage and ER status, but not related to age, histological grade, tumor size, PR status and Her-2 status.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Prunus Sibirica L. in Inner Mongolia Using SCoT Molecular Markers
Authors: Habuer  , Sarula  , Yuan Wang Zi , ShuFang  , Yu'e Bai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Population genetic diversity contributes to the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, especially via genetic breeding. In the present study, start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) molecular markers were used to study the genetic diversity of 278 individuals from 10 Prunus sibirica populations in Inner Mongolia. A total of 289 polymorphic bands were amplified with 23 SCoT primers, showing a polymorphism percentage of 97.94% and an average of 12.6 polymorphic bands per primer. The SCoT21, SCoT32, and SCoT53 primers amplified up to 17 bands, and the polymorphism percentage was 100%. The minimum number of bands amplified by SCoT3 was 9, and the polymorphism percentage was 90%. Therefore, SCoT molecular markers were shown to be highly polymorphic and suitable for genetic diversity studies of Prunus sibirica in Inner Mongolia. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 39% of the observed genetic differentiation occurred among populations and 61% occurred within populations, indicating that the genetic differentiation within populations was greater than that among populations. The results of the unweighted pair-group method with an arithmetic (UPGMA) cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analysis were basically the same and divided the 278 individuals from the 10 populations into 2 groups. The results indicated that the efficient SCoT molecular marker-based genetic diversity analysis of Prunus sibirica in Inner Mongolia can provide a reference for Prunus sibirica variety breeding and resource development.
Medical History of Coronary Artery Disease and Time to Electrocardiogram in the Emergency Department: A Real-Life, Single-Center, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Heger Lukas Andreas , Glück Tina , Kaier Klaus , Hortmann Marcus , Rieder Marina , Siegel Patrick M. , Diehl Philipp , Wengenmayer Tobias , Olivier Christoph B. , Bode Christoph , Busch Hans-Joerg , Duerschmied Daniel , Ahrens Ingo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Timely acquisition of 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) in the emergency department (ED) is crucial and recommended by current guidelines. Objectives: To evaluate the association of medical history of coronary artery disease (hCAD) on door-to-ECG time in the ED.Methods: In this single center, retrospective cohort study, patients admitted to ED for cardiac evaluation between were grouped according to hCAD, and no hCAD. The primary outcome was door-to-ECG time. A multivariate analysis adjusted for the cofounders sex, age, type of referral and shift was performed to evaluate the association of hCAD with door-to-ECG.Results: 1,101 patients were included in this analysis. 362 patients (33%) had hCAD. Patients with hCAD had shorter door-to-ECG time (20 min. [Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 13 – 30] vs. 22 min. [IQR 14 – 37]; p<0.001) when compared to patients with no hCAD. In a multivariable regression analysis hCAD was significantly associated with a shorter door-to-ECG time (- 3 min. [p=0.007; 95% confidence Interval [CI] -5.16 ­– -0.84 min.]). Conclusion: In this single center registry, hCAD was associated with shorter door-to-ECG time. In patients presenting in ED for cardiac evaluation, timely ECG diagnostic should be facilitated irrespective of hCAD.
A New Concept of Information Based on Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and Its Experimental Verification
Authors: Wang Frank Z. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study is the first use of Heisenberg's energy-time uncertainty principle to define information quantitatively from a measuring perspective: the smallest error in any measurement is a bit of information, i.e., 1 (bit)=(2∆E ∆t)⁄ℏ. If the input energy equals the Landauer bound, the time needed to write a bit of information is 1.75x10-14 s. Newton's cradle was used to experimentally verify the information-energy-mass equivalences deduced from the aforementioned concept. It was observed that the energy input during the creation of a bit of (binary) information is stored in the information carrier in the form of the doubled momentum or the doubled “momentum mass” (mass in motion) in both classical position-based and modern orientation-based information storage. Furthermore, the experiments verified our new definition of information in the sense that the higher the energy input is, the shorter the time needed to write a bit of information is. Our study may help understand the fundamental concept of information and the deep physics behind it.
Cell-free Fat Extract Promote Axon Regeneration: a Pre-clinical Study.
Authors: Sun Yiyu , Wang Xiangsheng , Chen Di , Yu Ziyou , Zhang Wenjie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Injured axons of the central nervous system (CNS) hardly regenerate due to their poor intrinsic regeneration ability and adverse microenvironment at the site of injury; previous studies aimed to investigate both the above-mentioned factors and achieved some success. Compared with the gene-editing technology, stem cell therapy has unique advantages, such as low risk of tumor formation and ease-of-use, among others. However, traditional stem cell therapy is hindered by safety and immunogenicity issues. Previously, we developed a cell-free extract directly from human fat tissue (CEFFE) and demonstrated its proangiogenic capacity. Herein, we aimed to evaluate its potential therapeutic effect in injured CNS.Methods: Therapeutic potential of CEFFE in injured CNS was investigated, using a mouse optic nerve crush model. After the optic nerve was crushed, CEFFE was injected intravitreally. Two weeks post-injury, the number of regenerated axons was measured at different distances from the crush site (250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 µm). In addition, surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were counted. Cellular locations and catalogs of CEFFE were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) annotation. Western blotting (WB) was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CEFFE on the molecular level. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the levels of inflammatory factors in CEFFE. Results: Compared with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), CEFFE effectively promoted axon regeneration and RGCs survival. GO annotation showed that 146 proteins were involved in axon genesis or neurogenesis, most of which were located intracellularly. WB and ELISA results showed that CEFFE acted on diverse pathways and involved high levels of inflammatory factors. Conclusions: The present findings have shown that CEFFE may promote axon regeneration and increase RGCs survival. The levels of factors involved in CEFFE were much higher than those observed in the traditional secretome; CEFFE involves multiple factors and affects several mechanisms. This study has revealeded the potential application of CEFFE for the treatment of CNS injury.
Recovery Responses of Freshwater Phytoplankton Assemblage After the Disappearance of Metal Toxicity in Semi-Continuous Cultures
Authors: Tripathi Bhumi Nath , Gaur JP 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The present study demonstrates the recovery of phytoplankton assemblage from metal stress. Phytoplankton assemblage consisting of different freshwater algal species isolated from a tropical pond was exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cu and Zn for 25 days in semi-continuous culture (Toxicity phase). Subsequently, algal assemblage grown in the toxicity phase were transferred to the fresh culture medium without elevated levels of the test metals for 25 days in semi-continuous culture (Recovery phase). We monitored the total biovolume of each algal species during the toxicity and recovery phases. The members of Cyanophyta were most sensitive against metal toxicity, followed by the members of Bascillariophyta. However, the members of Chlorophyta showed relatively lesser sensitivity against test metals. Among chlorophytes, Scendesmus opolinensis and Cosmarium bioculatum were tolerant to both the test metals. Metal-stressed algal species showed recovery after transferring to the basal medium depending on the concentration of metals during the toxicity phase. The members of Cyanophyta were unable to recover from metal stress. However, members of Chlorophyta showed faster recovery than others from Zn stress, and the members of Bascillariophyta showed quicker recovery from Cu stress. The differential abilities of various algal species to recover from metal stress perhaps depend on their ability to counterbalance metal toxicity. Further, research is warranted to characterize the differential ability of various algal groups to recover from metal stress. The present findings would help understand the efficiency of different algal groups to restore their position within the freshwater algal community after the disappearance for metal stress.