bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA IN SULAIMANI PEDIATRIC TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: Abdullah Sham , Ali Shahnaz , Sulaiman Rizgar 
Published: January 2021

Background
Entamoeba histolytica is a unicellular protozoon that conceder as a common cause of dysentery in human especially in the children under 6 years old. This may be transmitted via the ingestion of cystic stage of the parasite.
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the total rate of Entamoeba histolytica infection in children admitted to the Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City, and considering some other aspects such as culturing and detecting subtypes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Patients and Methods
This epidemiologic study includes 1005 stool samples collected from children aged 6 months to 6 years old from the 1st of Jun to the 30th of October 2014. Each stool sample was examined and identified by direct wet mount method using normal physiological saline and iodine solution, followed by culturing and isolation of the parasite for 14 days to elongate life span and then genomic amplification applied from the cultured Entamoeba histolytica by appropriate PCR based method.
Results
The result of rapid kit occult blood combined with microscopic wet mount (iodine) showed that the infection with E. histolytica was (12.9%), in which the rate in male (14.18%) was higher than that female (11.42%), with no significant difference between both genders. cultured E. histolytica showed a great ability of this parasite to grow, with detection of the parasite under light microscope (40X). Then two standard kits were used specific primer (1147, F&R), and thus about 1147bp PCR produced. Then, nested PCR was performed for the same PCR products two different primers (246 F&R) which resulted in fragments of approximately 246bp. This fragment coding for the 16S SSUrDNA gene of HM-1IMSS 16s E. histolytica confirms the previous PCR amplification finding. The results of sequence methods identified E. histolytica subtype 1 from PCR positive samples by sequencing alignment (99%) similarity with accession number KB823016.
Conclusion
The prevalence rate of infection with E. histolytica in Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City was (12.9%). Beef extract medium for culturing of E. histolytica showed a great ability for growing of the parasite cystic form. E. histolytica subtype1 can be detected by sequencing method for the first time in molecular genotype of human E .histolytica in Sulaimani city.
Microseismic Evidence for Bookshelf Faulting in Western Montana
Authors: Smith Ellen M. , Martens Hilary R. , Stickney Michael C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOne of the most seismically active regions in the United States, located hundreds of kilometers inland from the nearest plate boundary, is the Intermountain Seismic Belt (ISB). The 6 July 2017 M 5.8 earthquake occurred 11 km southeast of Lincoln, Montana, within the ISB. This was the largest earthquake to rupture in the state of Montana since the 1959 M 7.3 Hebgen Lake earthquake. We use continuous seismic data from the University of Montana Seismic Network, the Montana Regional Seismic Network, and the U.S. Geological Survey to investigate the Lincoln aftershock sequence and to evaluate crustal stress conditions. We manually picked P- and S-wave arrival times, computed 4110 hypocenter locations and 2336 double-difference relocations, and generated focal mechanisms for 414 aftershocks (12+ polarities) in the 2 yr following the mainshock. Based on the alignment of aftershocks, we infer that the mainshock occurred on a north–northeast-trending left-lateral strike-slip fault. The orientation of the fault is unexpected, given that it strikes nearly perpendicular to the prominent Lewis and Clark line (LCL) faults in the area. Although most aftershocks concentrate near the mainshock, several distinct clusters of microseismic activity emerge along subparallel faults located primarily to the west of the mainshock. The subparallel faults also exhibit left-lateral strike-slip motion oblique to the LCL. We postulate that the aftershocks reveal the clockwise rotation of local-scale crustal blocks about vertical axes within a larger, right-lateral shear zone. The inferred block rotations are consistent with a bookshelf-faulting mechanism, which likely accommodates differential crustal motion to the north and south of the LCL region. The tension axes of well-constrained focal mechanisms indicate local northeast–southwest extension with a mean direction of N60°E.
Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on the Gene Expression of PGC1-Α, CS and P-53 in the Cardiomyocyte of Male Obese Rats in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Khayampour Nadia , Peeri Maghsoud , Azarbayjani Mohammad Ali , Delfan Maryam 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Exercise training with different intensity regulates metabolism at the cellular level by regulating the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of high intensity interval training on the expression of PGC-1α, CS and p-53 genes in the cardiomyocytes of obese male rats with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: The present study was an experimental one. Eighteen obese male diabetic rats were divided into three groups of six: high intensity interval training (HIIT), diabetic control (DC), healthy control (NC). Diabetes was induced in all groups except the healthy control group by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. After anesthesia, blood serum was obtained directly from their left ventricle and immediately extracted from their left ventricle. Plasma glucose was measured by glucose oxidase assay. To determine the expression of PGC-1α, CS and P-53 genes, PCR-Real time method and group comparison were used by one-way ANOVA test with application 8 version graph pad prism at alpha level of 0.05.
Results: The increase in PGC-1α gene expression in HIIT group compared to DC (P = 0.0001) and NC (P = 0.001) groups was significant. Increased expression of CS gene in HIIT group was significant compared to DC (P = 0.0001) and NC (P = 0.009) groups. Decreased expression of P-53 gene in HIIT group compared to DC (P = 0.0001) and NC (P = 0.001) groups were significantly different. Weight and glucose were significantly reduced in the HIIT group.
Conclusion: The results showed that by increasing the PGC-1α, CS genes and decreasing the expression of P-53 gene in cardiomyocytes of obese diabetic rats, it improves the energy metabolism in diabetic patients due to mitochondrial deficiency and possibly it can improve diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Contribution Ã lâ€™analyse des problÃ©matiques du braconnage dans des terroirs villageois situÃ©s Ã la pÃ©riphÃ©rie de la RÃ©serve Naturelle Nationale de Termit et Tin-Toumma au sud-est du Niger
Authors: Issoufou Baggnian , Noura Souleymane Mahaman Maman , Ismael Adamou Maidanda 
Published: January 2021

De nos jours, la faune sauvage au Niger est confrontÃ©e Ã plusieurs pressions dont le braconnage. Ce braconnage se fait aussi bien dans les aires protÃ©gÃ©es que dans les villages riverains. Lâ€™objectif de cette Ã©tude est dâ€™analyser la problÃ©matique du braconnage dans lâ€™une de six communes (Tanout) limitrophes de la RÃ©serve Naturelle Nationale de Termit et Tin-Toumma dans le Sud-Est Niger. La mÃ©thodologie appliquÃ©e dans le cadre de cette Ã©tude est celle des enquÃªtes individuelles et les interviews semistructurÃ©es auprÃ¨s de 256 mÃ©nages. Les rÃ©sultats montrent que 12 espÃ¨ces sont braconnÃ©es dont cinq (5) mammifÃ¨res, quatre (4) oiseaux, deux (2) reptiles et un (1) amphibien. Aussi, la Gazelle dorcas et lâ€™Outarde arabe sont les plus chassÃ©es Ã cause de leur abondance. Ainsi, la population riveraine reste Ã 92% le principal acteur de cette pression sur la faune. Le manque dâ€™emploi (43,10%), la pauvretÃ© (24,14%) et la famine (22,41%) sont les raisons qui poussent la population dans cette activitÃ© de braconnage. Au vu des impacts nÃ©gatifs prÃ©visibles suite aux pressions humaines croissantes, il est nÃ©cessaire dâ€™instaurer une cogestion Ã moyen et long terme des ressources naturelles au niveau des communes riveraines de la RÃ©serve Naturelle Nationale de Termit Tin Toumma (RNNTT) dans le but de crÃ©er un nouveau cadre dâ€™actions concertÃ©es pour la gestion durable des ressources naturelles.
Nowadays, wildlife in Niger faces several pressures including poaching. This poaching takes place in protected areas as well as in riverside villages. The objective of this study is to analyze the poaching problem in one of the six communes (Tanout) bordering the Termit and Tin-Toumma National Nature Reserve in southeastern Niger. The methodology applied in this study is that of individual surveys and semi-structured interviews with 256 households. The results show that 12 species are encountered by poachers, including five (5) mammals, four (4) birds, two (2) reptiles and one (1) amphibian. Also, the Dorcas Gazelle and the Arabian Bustard are the most hunted because of their abundance. Thus, 92% of the riparian population remains the main actor of this pressure on the fauna. Lack of employment (43.10%), poverty (24.14%) and famine (22.41%) are the reasons that push the population into this activity. In view of the foreseeable impacts of increasing human pressures, it is necessary to establish medium and longterm co-management of natural resources at the level of the riparian communes of the Termit Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve (RNNTT) in order to create a new framework for concerted actions for the sustainable management of natural resources.
Increased Utilization of Total Joint Arthroplasty After Medicaid Expansion
Authors: Dy Christopher J. , Salter Amber , Barker Abigail , Brown Derek , Keller Matthew , Olsen Margaret A. 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The expansion of state Medicaid programs under the U.S. Affordable Care Act has led to a dramatic increase in the number of Americans with health insurance coverage. Prior analyses of a limited number of states have suggested that greater utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) should be expected after Medicaid expansion. The purpose of our study was to examine whether increased utilization of THA and TKA occurred across a broader range of states after Medicaid expansion.

Methods:
We analyzed administrative data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 9 states (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Vermont) that expanded Medicaid in 2014 and 2 states that did not expand Medicaid (Florida and Missouri). We included patients who were 18 to 64 years of age and had a primary THA or TKA from 2012 to 2015 with Medicaid as the primary payer. Other payers (including dual-eligible Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries) were excluded. We performed multivariable regression modeling with the number of Medicaid-insured THAs or TKAs as the dependent variable and the interaction between the state Medicaid expansion status and year as the main policy independent variable, with adjustment for community characteristics.

Results:
Among all 11 states, there were 39,452 total joint arthroplasties (42% THA and 58% TKA) funded by Medicaid from 2012 to 2015. After adjusting for community characteristics, within expansion states, compared with 2013, THA and TKA increased 15% in 2014 (p < 0.0001) and 23% in 2015 (p < 0.0001) within expansion states. Within non-expansion states, compared with 2013, there were significant utilization decreases of 18% in 2014 (p < 0.0001) and 11% in 2015 (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions:
Medicaid expansion was associated with significant increases in Medicaid-funded THA and TKA utilization in 9 states. As additional states consider expanding Medicaid programs and as alternative health reforms that increase insurance eligibility are debated, surgeons, administrators, and policymakers should prepare for a surge in the utilization of THA and TKA.
Comparative Evaluation of Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopy Cervical Discectomy Using 3.7 mm Endoscope and 6.9 mm Endoscope for Cervical Disc Herniation: a retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Yu Tong , Wu Jiu-Ping , Zhang Jun , Yu Hai-Chi , Liu Qinyi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Posterior percutaneous endoscopy cervical discectomy (p-PECD) is an effective strategy for the treatment of cervical diseases, with a working cannula ranging from 3.7 mm to 6.9 mm in diameter. However, to date, no studies have been performed to compare the clinical outcomes of the use of endoscopes with different diameters in cervical disc herniation (CDH) patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral CDH treated with p-PECD using a 3.7 mm endoscope and a 6.9 mm endoscope.Methods. From January 2016 to June 2018, a total of 28 consecutive patients with single-level CDH who received p-PECD using either the 3.7 mm or the 6.9 mm endoscope were enrolled. The clinical results, including the surgical duration, hospitalization, visual analog scale (VAS) score and modified MacNab criteria, were evaluated. Cervical fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI were also performed during follow-up.Results. Tthere was a significant difference in regard to the average identification time of the “V” point (18.608±3.7607 min vs. 11.256±2.7161 min, p<0.001) and the mean removal time of the overlying tissue (16.650±4.1730 min vs. 12.712±3.3079 min, p<0.05) for the use of the 3.7 mm endoscope and the 6.9 mm endoscope, respectively. The postoperative VAS and MacNab scores of the two endoscopes were significantly improved compared with those the preoperative scores (p<0.05).Conclusion. The application of both the 3.7 mm endoscope and 6.9 mm endoscope represent an effective method for the treatment of CDH in selected patients, and no significant difference can be observed in the clinical outcomes of the endoscopes. The 6.9 mm endoscope shows superiority to the 3.7 mm endoscope in terms of the efficiency of “V” point identification, the removal of overlying soft tissue and the prevention of spinal cord injury. However, the 6.9 mm endoscope may be inferior to the 3.7 mm endoscope in regards to anterior foraminal decompression due to its large diameter; this result needs to be further evaluated with the support of a large number of randomized controlled trials.
Using practical wisdom to facilitate ethical decision-making: a major empirical study of phronesis in the decision narratives of doctors.
Authors: Conroy Mervyn , Malik Aisha Y , Hale Catherine , Weir Catherine , Brockie Alan , Turner Chris 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Medical ethics has recently seen a drive away from multiple prescriptive approaches, where physicians are inundated with guidelines and principles, towards alternative, less deontological perspectives. This represents a clear call for theory building that does not produce more guidelines. Phronesis (practical wisdom) offers an alternative approach for ethical decision-making based on an application of accumulated wisdom gained through previous practice dilemmas and decisions experienced by practitioners. Phronesis, as an ‘executive virtue’, offers a way to navigate the practice virtues for any given case to reach a final decision on the way forward. However, very limited empirical data exist to support the theory of phronesis -based medical decision-making, and what does exist tends to focus on individual practitioners rather than practice-based communities of physicians. Methods The primary research question was: What does it mean to medical practitioners to make ethically wise decisions for patients and their communities? A three-year ethnographic study explored the practical wisdom of doctors (n=131) and used their narratives to develop theoretical understanding of the concepts of ethical decision-making. Data collection included narrative interviews and observations with hospital doctors and General Practitioners at all stages in career progression. The analysis draws on neo-Aristotelian, MacIntyrean concepts of practice- based virtue ethics and was supported by an arts-based film production process. Results We found that individually doctors conveyed many different practice virtues and those were consolidated into fifteen virtue continua that convey the participants’ ‘collective practical wisdom’, including the phronesis virtue. This study advances the existing theory and practice on phronesis as a decision-making approach due to the availability of these continua. Conclusion Given the arguments that doctors feel professionally and personally vulnerable in the context of ethical decision-making, the continua in the form of a video series and app based moral debating resource can support before, during and after decision-making reflection. The potential implications are that these theoretical findings can be used by educators and practitioners as a non-prescriptive alternative to improve ethical decision-making, thereby addressing the call in the literature, and benefit patients and their communities, as well.
Honeybee gut microbiota modulates host behaviors and neurological processes
Authors: Zhang Zijing , Mu Xiaohuan , Cao Qina , Shi Yao , Hu Xiaosong , Zheng Hao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Honeybee is a highly social insect with a reach behavioral repertoire and is a versatile model for neurobiological research. The honeybee gut microbiota is composed of a limited number of bacterial phylotypes that play an important role in host health. However, it remains unclear whether the microbiota can shape brain profiles and behaviors. Here, we revealed that the gut microbiota is requisite for the olfactory learning and memory ability of honeybees and alters the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis showed distinctive gene expression and protein signatures for gnotobiotic bees associated with different gut bacteria. Specifically, genes related to olfactory functions and labor division are most upregulated. Moreover, differentially spliced genes in the brains of colonized bees largely overlapped with the datasets for human autism. The circulating metabolome profiles identified that different gut species regulated specific module of metabolites in the host hemolymph. Most altered metabolites are involved in the amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways for the production of neuroactive compounds. Finally, antibiotic treatment disturbed the gut community and the nursing behavior of worker bees under field conditions. The brain transcripts and gut metabolism was also greatly interfered in treated bees. Collectively, we demonstrate that the gut microbiota regulates honeybee behaviors, brain gene transcription, and the circulating metabolism. Our findings highlight the contributions of honeybee gut microbes in the neurological processes with striking parallels to those found in other animals, thus providing a promising model to understand the host-microbe interactions via the gut-brain axis.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics causes brain abnormalities in progeny
Authors: Jeong Bohyeon , Ryu Young-Kyoung , Baek Jeong Yeob , Koo Jahong , Park Subin , Zhang Seungjae , Chung ChiHye , Dogan Rumeysa , Choi Hyung-Seok , Um Dahun , Kim Tae-Kyung , Lee Wang Sik , Kim Kyoung-Shim , Jeong Jinyoung , Shin Won-Ho , Lee Jae-Ran , Kim Nam-Soon , Lee Da Yong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
As global plastic production continues to grow, microplastics released from a massive quantity of plastic wastes have become a critical environmental concern. These microplastic particles are found in a wide range of living organisms in a diverse array of ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on development of the central nervous system using cultured neural stem cells (NSCs) and mice exposed to PSNPs during developmental stages. Our study demonstrates that maternal administration of PSNPs during gestation and lactating periods altered the functioning of NSCs, neural cell compositions, and brain histology in progeny. Similarly, our in vitro study also shows PSNP-induced molecular and functional defects in NSCs. Finally, we show that the abnormal brain development caused by exposure to high concentrations of PSNPs results in neurophysiological and cognitive deficits in a gender-specific manner. Our data demonstrate the possibility that exposure to high amounts of PSNPs may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental defects.
In vivo imaging with a flat, lensless microscope
Authors: Adams Jesse , Yan Dong , Wu Jimin , Boominathan Vivek , Gao Sibo , Rodriguez Alexander , Carns Jennifer , Richards-Kortum Rebecca , Kemere Caleb , Veeraraghavan Ashok , Robinson Jacob 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Lenless microscopes that form images using simple, compact optics, along with associated computational algorithms provide several advantages: small, inexpensive form factors, large fields of view (FOV), and the ability to refocus an image after capture. To date, however, lensless microscopy has yet to be demonstrated for in vivo biological imaging. The primary challenge with in vivo bio-imaging is these dense, low-contrast scenes cannot be accurately reconstructed with existing lensless techniques. To overcome this challenge, we designed an optical phase mask that creates a point-spread function consisting of high-contrast contours with a broad spatial frequency spectrum. Here we show that this “contour” phase mask enables in vivo imaging where previous lensless imaging technologies have failed. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate 3D imaging of a behaving invertebrate, functional calcium imaging in mouse cortex, and in vivo imaging of microvasculature in the human oral mucosa. Together these results demonstrate the ability of lensless imaging to operate in realistic biological imaging applications ranging from pre-clinical animal models to clinical biomedical imaging. Overall, this “Bio-FlatScope” is a clinically relevant imaging technique with advantages of 3D computational refocusing in a low-cost, small form factor that is useful for low-resource settings and difficult-to-reach areas of the body.