bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Under-nutrition and Associated Factors Among Children on ART in Southern Ethiopia: a Multicenter Facility Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gelaw Belete , Marew Chalie , Dessie Tigabu , Selomon Nigusie , Wubneh Moges , Birhanu Adane , Belete Amsalu , Alem Eyasu , Lankrew Tadele , Eshetu Kirubel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is very common in HIV infected individual due to decreased food intake, altering digestion, absorption and altering metabolism and by increasing energy need. Even though data from different settings are necessary to tackle it, evidences are limited especially in case of nutritional status of HIV-infected children. Hence, this study aims to assess the nutritional status and associated factors among children on antiretroviral therapy. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 HIV-positive children in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometry measurement. Data were coded and entered into Epi-Data Version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with nutritional status and variables with p-values ˂0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant factors.Results: The prevalence of wasting among HIV positive children in Southern Ethiopia selected Hospitals was 36.3% (95% CI: 31.6, 41.0), while stunting on the same study population was 5.5% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.8). Rural residence (AOR = 4.1, CI: 2.0, 8.4), lack of maternal education (AOR =9.3, CI: 5.0, 17.3), low CD4 counts (<500) (AOR =4.9, CI: 2.3, 10.4), using unprotected water source (AOR = 3.2, CI: 1.8, 5.8), having non-biological mother (AOR =4.2, CI: 1.9, 9.2) and recurrent oral lesion (AOR =2.2, CI:1.2, 4.2) were significantly associated with wasting. Furthermore, history of hospital admission (AOR =4.9, CI: 1.6, 15.0), recurrent oral lesion (AOR =3.9, CI: 1.1, 14.1), low CD4 counts (< 500) (AOR =3.5, CI: 1.0-12.0), advanced WHO clinical stage III (AOR =4.0, CI: 1.1, 14.2) were statically associated with stunting. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of under-nutrition among HIV-positive children in Ethiopia was significantly high. Rural residence, lack of maternal education, low CD4 count, recurrent oral lesion, having none-biological caretakers and unprotected source of water were significantly associated with childhood wasting. On the other hand, history of hospital admission, recurrent oral lesion, advanced WHO clinical stage and low CD4 counts were significantly associated with stunting of HIV positive children. Therefore, timely identification and monitoring of nutritional problems should be necessary to enhance the effectiveness of ART treatment and to prevent further related complications.
Targeted Downregulation of Estradiol Binding Na+/H+ Exchanger Nhx-2, Mimics Calorie Restriction, Extends Reproductive Longevity and Ameliorates Effects Associated With Alpha Synuclein Aggregation In C. Elegans
Authors: Shukla Shikha , Kumar Lalit , Sarkar Arunabh , Srivi Kottapalli , Nazir Aamir 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Setting in of reproductive senescence (RS) gives rise to several changes, making aged individuals susceptible to multiple disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular ailments and bone disorders amongst others. The present study, employing transgenic C. elegans that expresses ‘human’ alpha synuclein, endeavors to decipher the association of reproductive senescence with age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral ageing, under normal conditions and after being probed with estradiol. We carried out RNAi induced silencing of a subset of 22 genes that are known to delay RS, followed by studies on alpha-Synuclein aggregation and associated effects. These studies led us to functional characterization of the Na+/H+ exchanger; nhx-2, expressed exclusively in gut. We found that RNAi of nhx-2 not only ameliorates the effects associated with alpha-Synuclein aggregation, but it also attunes effects related to behavioral aging including that of reproductive health-span and neuroprotection via mimicking dietary restriction, as it alters food absorption from the gut. We further elucidated that these effects are Sir-2.1 driven as nhx-2 knock out did not delay reproductive senescence in knock down condition of sir-2.1. To substantiate our findings, we performed whole transcriptome analysis in nhx-2 mutant strain. Our data revealed differential expression of 61 out of 62 hallmark genes of CR described by GenDR, in knock out condition of nhx-2. As estradiol plays a central role in both reproductive health as well as neuronal health, we subjected worms to exogenous estradiol treatment and observed that it led to elevated levels of nhx-2. Studies on structural binding analysis demonstrated significant binding potential of estradiol receptor NHR-14 with nhx-2 gene and ChIP analysis revealed that estradiol treatment gives rise to enhanced NHX-2 levels through inducing the promoter specific histone H3 acetylation (H3K9) and lysine methylation (H3K4me3). These studies identify nhx-2 as an important modulator that extends reproductive longevity and ameliorates effects associated with alpha synuclein aggregation in C elegans.
A Survey of Regional Anesthesia Use In Greece And The Impact of A Structured Regional Anesthesia Course On Regional Techniques Knowledge And Practice
Authors: Theodoraki Kassiani , Moka Eleni , Makris Alexandros , Stavropoulou Evmorfia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background: Due to the growing interest in regional anesthesia (RA) techniques and the realization of the need for formalized education in them, the Greek Chapter of the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA-Hellas) has established a structured hands-on training Course held annually since 2009, which is quite popular in the community of Greek anesthesiologists. The aim of the current survey was two-fold: first to provide an overview about the current practice of RA in Greece and secondly to evaluate the effect the aforementioned training Course has on participants’ knowledge and attitude towards RA.Methods: An electronic questionnaire was uploaded on SurveyMonkey and a link giving access to the questionnaire was forwarded via email to an electronic database of 825 practicing Greek anesthesiologists held in the electronic database of ESRA Hellas. The survey was totally anonymous and no identifying information was collected throughout. It contained questions relating to the anesthesiologists’ demographic characteristics, their RA practice and information pertaining to the RA training Course.Results: A total of 424 fully completed questionnaires were received, representing an overall response rate of 51.4%. Attendants of the Course are more familiar with the performance of peripheral nerve blocks with neurostimulation and/or ultrasound guidance as compared to non-attendants (p<0.001). Attendants are also less likely to practice exclusively general anesthesia, more likely to use peripheral blocks for lower limb surgery and more likely to consider taking the European Diploma of RA in comparison to non-attendants (p<0.001, p=0.018 and p=0,002, respectively). Both cohorts consider the Course of value and agree that the main reason to use regional techniques is to ensure optimal postoperative analgesia while the main hindrance to RA practice is the lack of relevant education in the techniques, especially those under ultrasound guidance. Regarding improvement of the Course, most participants suggested devoting ampler time in ultrasound hands-on practice and application.Conclusion: Greek anesthesiologists seek educational activities in the field of RA and the Course seems to fulfil the majority of attendants’ expectations. There will be further effort by the organizers to improve weaknesses of the current Course and undertake further educational initiatives in the field of RA according to international recommendations.
Levofloxacin Might be Safe to use for OSCC Patients
Authors: Aydemir Levent , İplik Elif Sinem , Ertugrul Baris , Kasarci Göksu , Atas Merve Nur , Ulusan Murat , Ergen Hayriye Arzu , CAKMAKOGLU BEDIA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposeSince oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients are exhausted against the powerful chemotherapies and radiotherapies after surgeries, therefore most of the studies still look for less toxic but effective alternatives with new ideas such as antibiotic combinations.MethodsThe antiproliferative and apoptotic outcomes of levofloxacin with cisplatin combination as well as their single usage were examined with WST-1, Caspase-3/BCA and Annexin-V methods on SCC-15 cells and on a healthy cell line (MRC-5).Results24h treatment of 50 mM single levofloxacin, 50 mM single cisplatin and 50 mM levofloxacin-cisplatin combination resulted in cell viability rates of SCC-15 cells as 90%, 67% and 80.8% respectively. Caspase-3 enzyme activity was enhanced 0.92-fold for single levofloxacin, 13.05-fold for single cisplatin and 9.73-fold for the combination of levofloxacin-cisplatin, the total apoptotic activity of single levofloxacin, single cisplatin and levofloxacin-cisplatin combination were observed as 4.88%, 21.14% and 16.21% respectively on SCC-15. Also MRC-5 were showed the lower toxicity than cancer cells via apoptosis.ConclusionLevofloxacin-cisplatin combination results have also ended up apoptotic results with less toxicity for cells than single cisplatin treatment. Therefore, our apoptotic findings suggest that the different dosage combinations with levofloxacin and cisplatin are necessary to understand the interaction for the treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
First report of Taenia laticollis and a new species, “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” from the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Northwestern China
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhao Shanshan , Hornok Sándor , Chen Xueling , Wang Suwen , Hazihan Wurelihazi , Gu Xinli , Wang Yuan-Zhi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium-sized wild cat species distributed throughout Eurasia, from Europe to the Far East. There has been no report on Taenia species (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) infecting this felid in China.MethodsIn this study, 24 tapeworms were found in two Eurasian lynxes (#1 and #2) in Xinjiang, northwestern China. The tapeworms were identified based on two mitochondrial genetic markers, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S rDNA. This was followed by detailed morphologic characterization.ResultsMolecular and phylogenetic analyses of the cox1 gene revealed that i) a single tapeworm from lynx #2 shared 100% identity with Taenia laticollis genotype C detected in Eurasian lynx in Finland, and ii) the remaining 23 tapeworms, provisionally named here as “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx”, had two nucleotide substitutions but phylogenetically clustered together. The latter showed only 93.25% sequence identity to T. hydatigena from sheep (Ovis aries) in Slovakia. The scolex morphology is characteristic enough to distinguish “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” from other species of its genus.Conclusions﻿“Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” is a novel tapeworm species found in Eurasian lynx. In addition, T. laticollis was found in this wild felid for the first time in China. The intermediate hosts of T. laticollis and “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” should be explored in the near future.
Life Cycle Impacts of Enzyme Production: Xylanase Production Case Study via Solid-state Fermentation and Suspended Culture Methods
Authors: Çimenlik Sercan , Ozgen Gaye Ongen , Uctug Fehmi Gorkem 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Xylanase enzyme has the potential to be used in bread production, as addition of small amounts of xylanase can significantly increase the volume of the bread, making it more appealing to the consumer. In this study, the environmental life cycle assessment of producing xylanase via suspended culture and solid-state fermentation methods has been realized by using CCaLC software with Ecoinvent 2 database and CML2001 method and the following impacts were calculated: carbon footprint, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical smog potential, and human toxicity potential. Raw material acquisition, production, and transportation stages were taken into account. Results show that solid-state fermentation method has much higher environmental impact than the suspended culture method, mostly because of the higher yield of the latter. Energy consumption in the bioreactor stage, followed by high amounts of water use in separation and cleaning processes emerged as the main hotspots. The results showed consistency with earlier literature for high-purity enzyme production. An analysis of the potential implications of the nation-wide use of xylanase in bread production in Turkey showed that xylanase can increase the carbon footprint of bread production by 20% on average (of the two methods).
Study On Solidification Treatment of Electrolytic Manganese Slag And Numerical Simulation of Slope Stability
Authors: Chen Meng , Wei Jianming , Jia Lipei , Yao Qiqi , Chen Yusu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Manganese slag contains a large number of easily migrated heavy metals and ammonia nitrogen and other pollutants, which have a negative impact on the ecological environment. To verify the feasibility of manganese slag as highway subgrade material, manganese slag samples were solidified by mixing fly ash, cement and quicklime, and the solidification effect was compared. The permeability coefficient, cohesion and internal friction angle of manganese slag were measured by permeability test and triaxial test. On this basis, optimization of manganese slag road sections under different slope heights and different slope ratios in a total of 50 schemes was carried out. GeoStudio software is used to perform finite element simulation on the slope stability of manganese slag slopes under dead weight and rainfall. This study provides a reference for highway construction projects using manganese slag.
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer, A Study in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Shafiee Mohammad , Parizi Maryam Kouhestani , Arabi Akram , Lashkarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Shah-abadi Mehran Ebrahimi , Zand Sanaz 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposePancreatic cancer (PC) has the worst prognosis among cancers and is the only cancer whose annual incidence is higher than its prevalence. Considering that many PC cases are annually diagnosed in the world, and the fact that the disease has the worst prognosis among cancers, and the prevalence of its risk factors such as diabetes, high-fat diets, smoking, population aging, etc. has been on the rise, the incidence of PC is expected to increase in the future. So, our aim was to assess the demographic features of PC patients in an Iranian population.MethodsThe present study was a descriptive cross-sectional research conducted in 2018 in the teaching hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences (i.e., Afzalipour and Bahonar hospitals). The statistical population of this study was all the patients with PC, referring to these hospitals. The files of all the patients diagnosed with PC (confirmed clinically and pathologically) from the beginning of 2009 to the end of 2019 were assessed. Treatments (i.e., surgical tumor resection or other alternative treatments) were recorded into a data collection sheet. Finally, the data was entered into SPSS version 20 for performing statistical analyses. ResultsIn this study, 380 patients with PC were studied, of whom 60.5% were male, and 39.5% female. Most of the patients were in the age range of 61-70 years (26.1%), and most of them were residents of Kerman city (62.9%), followed by Jiroft (5.5%) and Bam and Iranshahr (each 4.7%). A history of alcohol consumption was noted in 9.3%, and 33.7% were exposed to cigarette smoke. The most common symptoms of the patients were jaundice (65.3%), abdominal pain (54.7%), and anorexia (50.7%). The most common tumor location was the head of the pancreas (62.4%), and the most common type of the tumors was adenocarcinoma (71%). Overall, 23.7% and 76.3% of the patients underwent chemotherapy and surgery, respectively. Of those who had surgeries, 63.8% underwent palliative surgery. Of all 380 patients, 30 (7.8%) individuals were still alive, and 350 (91.4%) had died.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that most of the PC patients were male, had an age between 61 and 70 years, and lived in Kerman and Jiroft cities. The most common tumor site was the pancreatic head, and the most common type of the tumors among both sexes was adenocarcinoma. Surgery, mostly palliative surgery, was the most frequent treatment of choice among all patients.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Admission for Stroke Patients: Time Series Study in Japan
Authors: Tani Takuaki , Shinobu Imai , Fushimi Kiyohide 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHospitalization rates have reportedly reduced on account of measures such as the declaration of a COVID-19-related state of emergency. Appropriate treatment of stroke immediately after its onset contributes to improved survival, and delay in hospitalisation after onset affect stroke severity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency hospitalisation of stroke patients in Japan and the associated changes in stroke severity and mortality. MethodsThis was an observational study that used nationwide administrative data. The participants were selected from the data of hospitalised patients diagnosed with stroke. We cross-sectionally observed the background factors of patients during April and May 2020, when COVID-19-related state of emergency was declared, and the same period in 2019. We also modelled monthly trends in the numbers of emergency stroke admissions, of stroke admissions at each level of Japan Coma Scale (JCS), and of deaths within 24 h using interrupted time series regression (ITS). ResultsThere was no difference between the pre- and the COVID-19 pandemic periods in the pre-hospital baseline characteristics of patients. No significant change was seen through ITS in the number of emergency stroke admissions between the COVID-19 and the pre-COVID-19 pandemic periods (risk ratio [RR]=0.96, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.90–1.02, P=0.159). There was a significant difference in the JCS3 of impaired consciousness in emergency stroke patients, which was more severe during the COVID-19 pandemic than pre-COVID-19 pandemic (RR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.04–1.28, P=0.005). There was no change in the mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19, but there were significantly more deaths within 24 h of admission. (No deaths within 24 h: RR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.88–1.06, P=0.446; deaths within 24 h: RR=2.80, 95%CI: 2.40–3.27, P<0.001). ConclusionsOVID-19 infection prevalence increased the number of deaths and severity of illness within 24 h of hospitalisation in Japan. However, there was no association between the number of hospital admissions or deaths with baseline characteristics. These results suggest no problems in accepting hospitalised patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the delay in visiting the hospital after disease onset may have increased stroke severity.
Evaluation of Molecular Targets and Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Kumari Niraj , Shukla Pooja , krishnani Narendra , Behari Anu , Kapoor Vinay K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposeGallbladder cancer (GBC) is most aggressive malignancy having very short survival having heterogeneous incidence, clinical and molecular profile. We evaluated molecular targets and mismatch-repair (MMR) protein expression in North-Indian patients. Method111 cases were subjected to high-resolution melt curve, followed by Sanger sequencing for KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA. Immunohistochemistry was done for four MMR proteins. ResultsSix (5.4%) cases showed KRAS mutation while no mutation was found in BRAF and PIK3CA. Deficient MMR was seen in 27.6% of GBC. All KRAS mutant cases were >50 years having higher perineural invasion (67%), lymphnode metastasis (67%) and stage-III disease (67%). MMR deficient GBC were significantly associated with well differentiated histology. KRAS mutant GBC had shorter mean survival than wild patients. MMR deficient GBC showed longer mean survival than MMR proficient cases. 10% of MMR deficient compared to 4% MMR proficient GBC showed KRAS mutation. ConclusionKRAS mutation was lower in North Indian patients despite having high GBC incidence making these patients suitable for targeted therapy. It was associated with poor prognostic factors and lower mean survival. MMR deficiency was higher and harbored predominantly well-differentiated histology with higher mean survival. Molecular targets and MMR expression in GBC may guide towards more appropriate approach in these patients.
The Added Value of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary with [18F]FDG Negative Findings
Authors: Gu Bingxin , Xu Xiaoping , Zhang Ji , Ou Xiaomin , Xia Zuguang , Guan Qing , Hu Silong , Yang Zhongyi , Song Shaoli 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) plays an important role in location of primary tumor for patients with head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP). But sometimes, [18F]FDG PET/CT still cannot find the primary malignancy. As 68Ga-radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT has promising results in detecting different tumor entities, our study aimed to evaluate the performance of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT for detecting the primary tumor in HNCUP patients with negative [18F]FDG findings.Methods A total of eighteen patients (16 males and 2 females; median age, 55 years; range, 24-72 years) with negative [18F]FDG findings were eligible in this study. All patients underwent [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT within one week. Biopsy and histopathological examinations were done in the sites with positive [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT findings. Results [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT detected the primary tumor in 7 of 18 patients (38.89%). The primary tumors sites were in nasopharynx (1/7), palatine tonsil (2/7), submandibular gland (2/7), and hypopharynx (2/7). The primary tumors showed mild to intensive uptake of FAPI (mean SUVmax, 8.79; range, 2.60-16.50) and excellent tumor-to-contralateral normal tissue ratio (mean SUVmax ratio, 4.50; range, 2.17-8.21). In lesion-based analysis, a total of 65 lymph nodes and 17 bone metastatic lesions were identified. The mean SUVmax of lymph node metastases were 9.05 ± 5.29 for FDG and 9.08 ± 4.69 for FAPI (p = 0.975); as for bone metastases, the mean SUVmax were 8.11 ± 3.00 for FDG and 6.96 ± 5.87 for FAPI, respectively (p = 0.478). The mean tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) values of lymph node and bone metastases were 10.65 ± 6.59 vs. 12.80 ± 8.11 (p = 0.100) and 9.08 ± 3.35 vs. 9.14 ± 8.40 (p = 0.976), respectively.Conclusion We present first evidence of diagnostic role of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in HNCUP, and our study demonstrated that [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT had the potential to improve the detection rate of primary tumor in HNCUP patients with negative FDG findings. Moreover, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 had similar performance in assessing metastases with [18F]FDG.