bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteroides fragilis controls intestinal inflammation through promoting Treg differentiation via TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Menghui , Zhang Zhenxing , Ruan Guojing , Wei Fang , Gu Xinyue , Xi Tao , Xing Yingying 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Alteration of intestinal flora is usually associated with various gastrointestinal diseases.Microbial homeostasis can enhance host immune tolerance and regulate intestinal immune balance.Our previous studies have found that the peptidoglycan framework of Lactococcus lactis(L.lactis),gram positive enhancer matrix particles (GEM),improved the intestinal flora diversity and significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in colitic mice.Of note,Bacteroides fragilis(B.fragilis) can alleviate inflammation by promoting the expressions of intestinal regulatory T cells (Tregs) and anti-inflammatory cytokines.However, mechanism of B.fragilis regulating intestinal immunity remains unclear,thus we here seek to explore the effects of B.fragilis and its mechanism by DSS-induced experimental colitis.Results show that B.fragilis contributes to the restoration of gut microbiota composition and an increase in short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) production of mice with colitis.The treatment mediates the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Tregs probably through TGF-β activated by SCFAs,and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling is indispensable for both Treg expansion and IL-10 expression.The study demonstrates the immune pathways by which B.fragilis controls the inflammatory process and it may be an effective therapeutic option for intestinal diseases.
Testing a Practitioner-Friendly Behavior Model in Pakistan, India, and Nigeria
Authors: Agha Sohail 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: There is increasing interest in using social and behavior change (SBC) for Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) but few good examples of how behavioral insights could inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of HSS interventions. Practitioners would benefit from a practical behavior model that may be applied across behaviors, in multiple social contexts. We test the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM), which has this potential, in 3 different social and economic contexts: Pakistan, India, and Nigeria.Methods: The study uses data from surveys of men married to women ages 15-49 in Pakistan, women ages 18-49 in India, and women ages 14-24 in Nigeria on condom use, iron folate use, and modern contraceptive use, respectively. The FBM states that behavior happens when motivation, ability and a prompt occur in the same moment. In other words, both motivation and ability must be present for behavior to occur. We tested the hypotheses that both respondents with a) high motivation AND high ability and b) high motivation OR high ability were more likely to adopt a behavior than respondents with low motivation AND low ability. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test these hypotheses.Results: In all 3 contexts, compared to respondents with low motivation AND low ability, both respondents with high motivation AND high ability and respondents with high motivation OR high ability were significantly more likely to adopt the behavior examined. Statistically significant differences remained after adjusting for a range of socio-economic and demographic variables.Conclusions: These findings provide empirical support for the FBM. The study demonstrates the utility of the FBM as a practitioner-friendly behavior model that may be applied across different social and behavioral contexts and assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of HSS interventions.
Chloroplast Genomes of Five Oedogonium Species: Genome Structure, Phylogenetic Analysis and Adaptive Evolution
Authors: qian xiong , Hu Yuxin , Lv Wenqi , Wang Qinghua , Liu Guoxiang , Hu Zhengyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe order Oedogoniales can be divided into three genera, Oedogonium, Oedocladium, and Bulbochaete based on traditional morphological criteria. While several molecular phylogenetic studies have suggested that both Oedogonium and Oedocladium may not be monophyletic, broader taxon sampling and large amounts of molecular data acquisition could help to resolve the phylogeny and evolutionary problems of this order. This study determined five chloroplast (cp) genomes of Oedogonium species and aimed to provide further information on cp genome for a better understanding of the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the order Oedogoniales.ResultsThe five Oedogonium cp genomes showed typical quadripartite and circular structures, and were relatively conserved in their structure, gene synteny, and inverted repeats boundaries in general, except for small variation in genome sizes, AT contents, introns, and repeats. Phylogenetic analyses based on 54 cp protein-coding genes examined by maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses using amino acid and nucleotide datasets indicated that both Oedocladium and Oedogonium are polyphyletic groups. A positively selected gene (psbA) was identified in the two Oedocladium species and the terrestrial Oedogonium species, indicating that terrestrial Oedogoniales taxa may have undergone adaptive evolution to adjust to the difference in light intensity between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.ConclusionsOur results enrich the data on cp genomes of the genus Oedogonium. The availability of these cp genomes can help in understanding the cp genome characteristics and resolve phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the order Oedogoniales.
A Feasibility Study on Production of Concrete Blocks Using Treated Municipal Solid Waste Leachate
Authors: Esmaeili Negar , Heidarzadeh Nima 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Population growth and development have increased the need for drinking water all over the world. Hence, it is required to find an alternative to water in different industries. Concrete represents a remarkable water-consuming industry. The present study investigates whether the treated leachate of municipal landfills can be employed as a substitute for water in the concrete mixing scheme. For this purpose, concrete samples fabricated at different concentrations of treated leachates were compared to the control sample containing distilled water in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at the ages of 7 and 28 days. The experimental results revealed treated leachate accelerated the cement setting time by nearly 15 min and increased concrete slumping by 16%. The complete replacement of distilled water with treated leachate decreased UCS by 25% (from 50 to 38 MPa). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and ultrasonic results showed that a rise in the treated leachate content of concrete increased porosity. Increased porosity would reduce UCS. The presence of heavy metals and leaching from the cement matrix are important characteristics of leachates. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) revealed that the leaching of heavy metals in all the samples was in the acceptable range.
Pulmonary Function Tests and Their Associated Factors in HIV-infected Patients at Jimma Medical Center; Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Teshome Muluken , Gobena Teshome , Asmamaw Misganaw , Mulat Elias 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHIV-infected persons have a greater risk of developing respiratory disorders. Poor socio-economic status, High viral load, low CD4 counts, and anti-retroviral therapy are linked with the problems. Despite its high prevalence the association between retroviral infection and pulmonary function status as well as their associated factors has not yet well established in resource-scarce countries in general and study setting in particularMethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24 to October 15 of 2020 at Jimma Medical Center among HIV-positive patients and matched control group. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interview. The collected data included Socio-demographic, respiratory, retroviral infection, and substance use related. Pulmonary function tests were also conducted using SP10 spirometer. Collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent t-test and multiple linear regressions were carried out to identify factors independently associated with the pulmonary function status of the study participants while controlling for potential confounders.ResultsOne hundred ninety two HIV-positive patients and matched control individuals participated in the study. A mean pulmonary function test parameters among HIV-infected participants were FVC (l) (2.957±0.792, p0.006), FEV (l) (2.289±0.593, p<0.001), and PEFR (l) (4.258±2.039, p<0.001) with a significant declined in the group. Respiratory symptom, history of pulmonary TB, duration of living with RVI, duration of treatment, and current CD4 cell count were significant predictors of pulmonary function test indices(p<0.05) in HIV infected respondents.Conclusion﻿A significant reduction in mean pulmonary function parameters were observed among HIV-positive participants in comparison to non-RVI participants. A strong association was observed between pulmonary function status of HIV-infected patients and current CD4 count, duration of living with RVI, duration of treatment, and history of PTB. Therefore, due consideration in screening, diagnosing, and managing noninfectious lung diseases should be given by health professionals while treating HIV-infected patients.
Ultra-Fast Tunable Optoelectronic Full-Adder Based on Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators Covered By Graphene Nanoshells
Authors: Naghizade Saleh , Saghaei Hamed 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper reports a new design of a tunable optoelectronic full-adder using two photonic crystal ring resonators (PCRRs). Every PCRR consists of a matrix of silicon rods surrounded by silica rods covered with graphene nanoshells (GNSs). The proposed full-adder is formed by three input ports, two PCRRs, and two output ports for 'SUM' and 'CARRY'. The plane wave expansion technique is used to study the photonic band structure of the fundamental PC microstructure, and the finite-difference time-domain method is also employed in the final design for solving Maxwell's equations to analyze the light propagation inside the structure. We can tune the PhC resonant mode for our desired application by setting the chemical potential of GNSs with an appropriate gate voltage. The numerical results reveal that when the chemical potential of GNSs changes, the switching mechanism occurs and manages the coupling and propagation direction of the input beam inside the structure. We systematically study the effects of physical parameters on the transmission, reflection, and absorption spectra. Our numerical results also demonstrate that the maximum delay is about 0.8 ps. The 663 µm2 area of the proposed full-adder based on two-dimensional materials makes it a building block of every photonic integrated circuit used for data processing systems.
Treatments for obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to malignant midline intracranial tumors during the perioperative period — a retrospective study of 372 pediatric patients from a single institution
Authors: Ou Yunwei , Fan Kaiyu , Liu Zhiming , Liao Zhiyi , Zhang Heng , Li Zhicen , Zheng Wenjian , Guan Xueyi , Gong Jian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective

Common treatments for obstructive hydrocephalus caused by malignant midline intracranial tumors during the perioperative period include ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement/endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and direct tumor resection, but which of these treatments is superior remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the management of hydrocephalus during the perioperative period and subsequent outcomes.
Methods

Data from 372 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus due to malignant midline intracranial tumors under the age of 18 years referred to the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between January 2018 and September 2019 were collected. We also collected their clinical features and outcomes for further statistical analysis.
Results

A total of 372 pediatric patients were treated for obstructive hydrocephalus. In total, 215 patients underwent preoperative VPS placement; the effectiveness of preoperative VPS placement was 98.1% (211/215), and the mean duration of relapse was 63.5 ± 15.7 days. Forty children underwent ETV before tumor removal; the effectiveness of preoperative ETV was 90.0% (36/40), and the mean duration of relapse was 53.8 ± 44.9 days. A total of 117 patients underwent direct tumor resection after being diagnosed; the recurrence rate of hydrocephalus was 20.5% (24/117), and the mean duration of relapse was 125.0 ± 170.8 days. There was a significant difference between preoperative VPS placement followed by resection and postoperative VPS placement and preoperative ETV followed by resection and postoperative VPS placement (p = 0.013).
Conclusion

Malignant midline intracranial tumors in pediatric patients usually lead to obstructive hydrocephalus, and preoperative intervention for hydrocephalus (VPS or ETV) will improve patient outcomes. The optimal management strategy for obstructive hydrocephalus due to malignant midline intracranial tumors is preoperative VPS placement or ETV due to their low hydrocephalic recurrence rates and high effectiveness.
Derivation and Validation of Risk Scores for Cause-Specific Mortality using Verbal Autopsy Data
Authors: Nkwenika Tshifhiwa , Manda Samuel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDeaths certification remains a challenge mostly in the low-resources countries which results in poor availability and incompleteness of vital statistics. In such sceneries, public health and developmental policies concerning the burden of diseases are limited in their derivation and application. The study aimed at developing and evaluating appropriate cause-specific mortality risk scores using Verbal Autopsy (VA) data. MethodsA logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of NCDs, AIDS/TB, and CDs specific causes of death. Risk scores were derived using a point scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to validate the models by matching the number of reported deaths to the number of deaths predicted by the models. ResultsThe models provided accurate prediction results with sensitivities of 86%, 46%, and 40% and false-positive error rates of 44%, 11%, and 12% for NCDs, AIDS/TB, and CDs respectively. ConclusionThis study has shown that, in low- and medium-income countries, simple risk scores using information collected using verbal autopsy questionnaire could be adequately used to assign causes of death for Non-Communicable Diseases and AIDS/TB
Putting numbers to a metaphor: Soil Quality, Health or Fitness?
Authors: Whitmore Andrew , Hassall Kirsty , Milne Alice , Dailey Arthur , Glendining Margaret , McGrath Steve P. , Zawadzka Joanna , Harris Jim , Corstanje Ron , Keith Aidan , Todman Lindsay , Clark Joanna , Alexander Paul , Arnold Philippa , Bennett Amanda , Bhogal Anne , Crotty Felicity , Horrocks Claire , Noble Nicola , Rees Robert , Shepherd Matthew , Stockdale Elizabeth , Tipping E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Soil Quality or Soil Health are terms adopted by the scientific community as a metaphor for the effects of differing land management practices on the properties and functions of soil. Many other terms and metaphors are in use that defy neat quantification: human health, for example. Our challenge is to understand the importance of using such metaphors, but without compromising the underlying scientific understanding upon which they are based. We present here an approach based on expert elicitation in the field of soil quality and management, which offers a universal way of putting numbers to the metaphor. Like humans, soils differ and so do the ways in which they become unhealthy.

We structure experts’ views of the extent to which soil delivers the functions expected of it within Bayesian Belief Networks anchored by measurable properties of soil. With these networks, we deduce the value of additional data to the precision of estimates of soil quality and health and infer the likely state of soil at locations in England & Wales. We conclude that the value of soil is best scored as its fitness for purpose or its utility. Our methodology has general applicability and could be deployed elsewhere or in other disciplines.
A Global Study of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Panegyres Peter , Russell Jodi , Chen Huei-Yang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Aim: The aim of this research is to understand the uptake of haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in neuroimmunological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A global internet survey was conducted of people having had HSCT, comparing demographics, treatment protocol, and effectiveness. Results: Of 271 participants useful data was available in 223. 73.5% were female in the age range of 35-54 years, most had a household income greater than US$50,000 and the majority of participants were from Australia and the United States of America. 94.6% had MS. Most had their treatment in Russia (38.7%) and 78.1% had non-myeloablative transplants. Nearly half of the participants spent between US$50,000 to US$74,999. 54.5% of neurologists were not supportive of their patients having HSCT. 85.5% of participants believed HSCT helped them manage their disease from weeks to years after transplantation. 9.45% would recommend the treatment. The average reduction in Expanded Disability Status Score after transplantation was 1.2 [95% CI; 0.97-1.41; N=197; p < 0.0001; t: 10.7, df 196]. Conclusions: Participants were supportive of HSCT despite the costs and would recommend it to others. The data suggest some benefit in minimizing disability in MS and provides justification for large randomized controlled trials.
Implementation of an in Situ Simulation-based Training Adapted from Morbidity and Mortality Conference Cases: Effect on the Occurrence of Aevents – Study Protocol of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Michel Nicolas , Bui-xuan Bernard , Bapteste Lionel , Rimmele Thomas , Lilot Marc , Chollet François , Favre Hélène , Duclos Antoine , Michel Philippe 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Morbidity and Mortality Conferences provides the necessary improvement measures required for patient safety. However, it is an underused resource mainly because the conclusions to be drawn from the discussion and their implications for practice are not always well integrated by inpatient care teams. We therefore propose in this study two interventions to optimise their efficacy; a passive feedback with wide dissemination by e-mail and/or on paper of the results of the Morbidity and Mortality Conference to inpatient care teams, and an active feedback with in situ inter-professional simulation-training programme in which scenarios will be based on cases studied in Morbidity and Mortality Conference. In the present study we hypothesise that the greatest reduction the occurrence of adverse event will be in the active feedback arm.Methods: A cluster randomized controlled study will be performed at four study sites. Passive feedback and active feedback arms will be compared to standard arm in terms of occurrence of adverse events. The trigger tool methodology used to identify adverse events is a retrospective review of inpatient records using “triggers” to isolate potential adverse events. Discussion: The in situ simulation training based on cases processed in Morbidity and Mortality Conference is built according to the main topics identified for the successful implementation of healthcare simulation in patient safety programmes: technical skills, nontechnical skills, assessment, effectiveness, and system probing. The in situ simulation-training programme conducted as part of the study has the potential to improve patient safety during hospitalisation. We therefore expect the greatest reduction in the occurrence of adverse events in patients hospitalised in the active feedback arm. This expected result would have a direct impact on patient safety and would place in situ simulation at the highest level of the Kirkpatrick model. Trial registration: T he study has been registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02771613). Registered on May 12, 2016.
Two sides of the same coin? The Energy Transition Potential in Global North and Global South Countries
Authors: Jain Schrutir , Arentsen Maarten , Molderink Albert 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Climatic changes have made transition to renewable energy essential. However, energy transition in the globalized world is challenged with diversification in culture, economic prowess, social development, and state structure. The global negotiations are always tough, among others, due to the split between the Global North (GN) and Global South (GS) countries. At the same time, the debates on how to deal with the inequalities in climate mitigation potential veils a thus far hardly acknowledged difference in energy transition potential and impact in the GN and GS countries. This paper, therefore, aims to contribute to bridging this knowledge gap by making a systematic comparative assessment of energy transition potential in the GN and GS with two regions as example cases.

We analysed and compared energy scenarios in two regions in the world: Overijssel representing the GN countries and Matura representing the GS south countries. Both regions are similar in economic activities, but differ in demography and economic development. We analysed and compared the current energy system in both regions and two development scenarios towards 2050: the BAU scenario and the zero emission scenario. Despite the differences in starting position, the energy systems in both regions move towards each other in the longer term, but change pattern and costs differ.

In both regions bioresources are the dominant renewable resource in an locally determined energy resource portfolio. However, the costs of getting into this longer term position are significantly higher in Matura than in Overijssel, whereas the general economic potential, as it looks in 2020, is worse in Matura. Our analysis therefore indicates that a renewable energy transition in the longer term can result in zero emission systems in both GN and GS countries, but with substantial differences in costs.