bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Professionalism in Sudanese Medical Schools: A Situational Analysis as Perceived by Medical Graduates From 22 Medical Schools.
Authors: Iesa Mohamed A. M. , Osman Makarim Elfadil M. , Taha Mohamed Hassan , Salah Elmuntaser T. , Konozy Emadeldin Hassan. E. , Hussein Salwa E. , Mohamedani Ahmed A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Professionalism is progressively recognized as an essential component of the medical profession. This study aims to measure the perception and definition of medical graduates on the domains of professionalism with correlation to the teaching strategies reported from 22 medical schools in Sudan. Method: A cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches was performed and covered 22 different medical schools in Sudan, with 500 graduates taking part in the study.Results: 257 of the graduates who participated in this study were taught about professionalism either through formal ways were 175 (68%) or by hidden curricula, 82 of participants (32%). 29 of the graduates who were taught formally had further education about the subject in the clinical setting. Sudanese social-environmental culture is the major influence of professionalism perception among graduates. They preferred mixing both teacher-based and peer-based approaches that encourage interaction when teaching professionalism.Conclusion: Currently there were a blend of approaches to teach professionalism in Sudanese medical schools, including formal and informal method. The details of the arrangement, deepness, elements, and nature by which to integrate professionalism with other curriculum elements remain an infant matter. This apparent deficiency requires immediate attention and cooperation between medical schools and health corporations and agencies across the country to provide a suitable model to teach professionalism at medical schools and in clinical settings.
Behaviour of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of vertical flow constructed wetland substrate after treating a mixture of urban and Olive Mill Wastewaters
Authors: GHADRAOUI Ayoub EL , OUAZZANI Naaila , SAF Chaima , AHMALI Abdelaali , HEJJAJ Abdessamed , AZIZ Faissal , BUBBA Massimo DEL , MANDI LAILA 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The aim of the current work is to evaluate the effect of a mixture of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and urban wastewater (UW) on constructed wetland (CW) substrate physicochemical parameters and to study the abundance and behaviour of microbial community at different depths. In this regard, substrate samples were investigated at tree depth levels (0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm) inside a pilot scale CW treating the mixture. In order to compare the obtained results treating the mixture with the conventional case, a control (CW pilot plant treating only UW) was implemented. Result shows that an increase in electrical conductivity (from 134.78 to 222.33µS/cm in 0-10cm and from 131.25 to 283.33 µS/cm in 10-20cm), total dissolved salts (from 65.45 to 108.67 mg/kg in 0-10cm and from 64.33 to 135.3 mg/kg in 10–20 cm), total organic carbon (from 0.86 to 6.84%), total nitrogen (from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.45, 0.43 and 0.41 mg/kg, in 0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm respectively), and C/N ratio occurred in the substrate after the treatment of the mixture. As for the microbiological parameters, treating the mixture by CW results in the increasing of yeast and fungi concentration in the substrate which contributes probably to optimize the biodegradation of non-easily degraded organic compound such as polyphenol.
Influence of Au Plasmons and Their Synergistic Effects With ZnO Nanorods for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Saboor Sayed Abdul , Sharma Vidhika , Darboe Ebrima L. , Doiphode Vidya , Punde Ashvini , Shinde Pratibha , Jadkar Vijaya , Hase Yogesh , Waghmare Ashish , Prasad Mohit , Jadkar Sandesh R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, Au plasmons and their synergistic effects with ZnO nanorods (ZNs) have been investigated for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting application. Au plasmons and ZNs are deposited electrochemically. Au modified nanostructures have absorption in the visible region as plasmons enhance charge transfer and inhibit charge recombination. ZNs modified with Au (deposition duration ∼ 60 s) has a photo-current density of ∼ 660 µA cm-2, at a bias of 1.0V/SCE. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the structure and surface morphology of fabricated photoanodes. UV-Visible absorption and Photoluminescence spectroscopy were used for optical characterization. We have recorded current-voltage measurements and photo-conversion efficiency measurements to substantiate our observations of the synthesized photoanodes for prospective application in PEC splitting of water. We have also carried out Mott-Schottky, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. The analysis reveals that Au modified ZNs based photoanodes are a better proposition than their bare counterparts for PEC water splitting application.
Identification of Candidate Genes of Male Sexual Development From Androgenic Gland in Macrobrachium Nipponense Through Performing Long-reads and Next Generation Transcriptome Sequencing After Eyestalk Ablation
Authors: Jin Shubo , Hu Yuning , Fu Hongtuo , Jiang Sufei , Xiong Yiwei , Qiao Hui , Zhang Wenyi , Gong Yongsheng , Wu Yan , Fu Yin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The eyestalk of crustacean species contained many neurosecretory structures, affected the process of reproduction, molting, metabolism of glucose and other function in crustaceans. In this study, we aimed to selected important metabolic pathways and candidate genes involved in the male sexual development through performing the long-reads and next generation transcriptome sequencing of androgenic gland after the ablation of eyestalk from Macrobrachium nipponense. qPCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of Mn-IAG was significantly increased after ablation both of the single-side (SS) and double-side (DS) eyestalk, compared with that of control group (CG). The long-reads transcriptome generated 49,480 non-redundant transcripts. A total of 1,319, 2,092 and 4,351 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CG vs SS, SS vs DS and CG vs DS, respectively, indicating the ablation of double-side eyestalk has more important regulatory roles than that of single-side ablation on male sexual development, which was consistent with that of qPCR analysis. Cell cycle, Cellular senescence, Oxidative phosphorylation, Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis and Steroid hormone biosynthesis were the main enriched metabolic pathways in all of these three comparisons, and the important genes from these metabolic pathways were also selected. The qPCR verifications of 10 GEDs were as the same as that of RNA-seq. The qPCR and RNAi analysis of Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 (HSDL1) revealed that HSDL1 has the positive regulatory effected on testis development. This study provided valuable evidences on male sexual development in M. nipponense, promoting the studies on male sexual development in other crustacean as well.
Removal of Sticky Silicone Oil Adhered to the Retinal Surface: Comparison of Methodological Safety and Effectiveness
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Zhang Zongduan , Hu Xuting , Zhang Zhaoliang , Pan Qintuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To compare safety and effectiveness among methods to remove sticky silicone oil bubbles adhered to the retinal surface. Methods: This retrospective nonrandomised case series included 14 eyes of 14 patients who had sticky silicone oil residue during silicone oil removal surgery. For small sticky silicone oil bubbles (<2-disc diameter), aspiration was performed with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter. Residual tiny oil bubbles were then removed with a silicone-tipped flute needle or internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. For large sticky silicone oil bubbles (≥2-disc diameter) that could not be removed with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter, we devised a more efficient active removal method involving a modified 22-gauge venous indwelling cannula device. Results: The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) significantly improved from 1.28±0.63 logMAR to 0.77±0.58 logMAR (p=0.014). The postoperative BCVA and improvement in BCVA were significantly better in the ILM peeling group than in the non-ILM peeling group (p=0.004 and p=0.045, respectively). Postoperative complications included residual sticky silicone oil bubbles in seven eyes without ILM peeling (50.0%), retinal neuroepithelial layer damage in two eyes (14.3%), and temporary hypotony in five eyes (35.7%). Conclusion: Various methods can safely and efficiently remove sticky silicone oil bubbles adhered to the retinal surface. A 22-gauge venous indwelling cannula enabled simple and safe removal of large sticky silicone oil bubbles, while small residual sticky silicone oil bubbles could be completely removed by ILM peeling.
The Inflammation of Preexisting Autoimmunity in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a Factor for Malignancy in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Xing Ping , Luo Huarong , Xu Chen , Liang Yong , Cao Feilin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:The association between thyroid carcinoma (TC) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) remains unclear. This study was designed to increase our understanding of the potential immunological relationship between HT and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A total of 848 patients were enrolled. Clinicopathological factors, pre-operative clinical laboratory data were compared between the various patient groups. The levels of immune-related cytokines and immune cells were measured in serum from patients and the levels of immune-related cell infiltration was investigated.Results: In terms of clinical pathology, patients with PTC and coexisting HT have lower lymph node metastasis rates, and have higher TSH levels (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that extracapsular invasion of tumor and tumor size were risk factors for a PTC diagnosis with positive lymph nodes irrespective of HT status. Secondly, PTC patients coexisting HT have higher pre-operative neutrophil levels than do patients with HT alone (p < 0.05). Thirdly, At the immune molecular level, mean IL-2 and INF-γ levels were significantly higher in the PTC without HT group than in the PTC + HT group (p < 0.05). Only IL-6 levels significantly differed between normal controls and HT patients alone. Patients with PTC and HT have lower percentage of CD4+ cells comparing with HT patients alone. Patients with PTC and HT were characterized by highly lymphocyte infiltration in the intact thyroid. Immune inflammation was only observed in patients with PTC and HT. Immune desert was only observed in patients with PTC without HT. Immune exclusion, characterized high peritumor infiltration, was observed in PTC alone and PTC + HT groups. No significant differences were observed in CD4+ expression in PTC patients with lymph node metastasis. In PTC patients coexisting HT, CD20+ expression was higher while CD8+ and CD4+ expression was lower in patients with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Patients with PTC and HT have the same clinicopathological characteristics as do patients with PTC. HT patients with lower levels of thyroid function destruction have a higher risk of differentiated TC . Patients with PTC have higher levels of CD4+ T cellular immunity than do patients with PTC and HT. In patients with HT, chronic inflammation may contribute the development of PTC.
Low Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance and High Level of Antibiotic Consumption in Rural China:&nbsp;Interdisciplinary Study
Authors: Wang Debin , Shen Xinrong , Chai Jing , Cheng Jing , Feng Rui , Chen Meixuan , Cabral Christie , Oliver Isabel , Shen Jilu , MacGowan Alasdair , Bowker Karen , Hickman Matthew , Kadetz Paul , Zhao Linhai , Pan Yaping , Kwiatkowska Rachel , Hu Xiaowen , Lambert Helen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: We tested the feasibility of determining the prevalence and epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in rural China and investigated patterns and drivers of antibiotic use for common respiratory and urinary tract infections (RTI/UTI). Methods: (i) Observations and exit interviews in eight village clinics and township health centres and 15 retail pharmacies; (ii) Urine, throat swab and sputum samples from patients to identify potential pathogens and test susceptibility; (iii) 103 semi-structured interviews with doctors, patients, pharmacy workers and antibiotic-purchasing customers; (iv) Assessment of completeness and accuracy of electronic patient records through comparison with observational data. Results: 87.9% of 1123 recruited patients were prescribed antibiotics, most of whom had RTIs. Antibiotic prescribing for RTIs was not associated with presence of bacterial pathogens but with longer duration of infection (OR=3.33) and presence of sore throat (OR=1.64). Fever strongly predicted prescription of intravenous antibiotics (OR=2.87). Resistance rates in bacterial pathogens isolated were low compared with national data. 25.8% of patients reported antibiotics use pre-clinic visit. Only 56.2% of clinic patients and 53% of pharmacy customers could confirm their prescription included antibiotics. Diagnostic uncertainty, economic need, understanding of antibiotics as anti-inflammatory and limited doctor-patient communication were identified as drivers of antibiotic use. Completion and accuracy of e-records was variable. Conclusions: Despite high levels of antibiotic prescribing and self-medication, prevalence of antibiotic resistance in this rural population is currently relatively low. More systematic use of e-records could improve antibiotic surveillance in rural facilities.
Diversity of the BoLA-DRB3 Gene in Cattle Breeds From Tropical and Subtropical Regions of South America
Authors: Valenzano Magali Nicole , Caffaro María Eugenia , Lía Veronica Viviana , Poli Mario , Wilkowsky Silvina Elizabeth 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Bovine leukocyte antigens (BoLA) are widely used as markers of disease and immunological traits in cattle because of their primary function in the recognition of pathogens by the immune system. To date, however, the characterization of BoLA gene polymorphisms in Latin American Zebu and mixed zebuine breeds is scarce. By a sequence-based typing method, here we sequenced exon 2 of BoLA class II DRB3 gene of 264 animals from the five breeds (Creole, Brahman, Braford, Brangus and Nellore) most commonly used in northern Argentina.
Results

The taurine and zebuine breeds contained 61 previously reported alleles. Genetic diversity was high at allelic and molecular levels, particularly in the mixed breeds. Neutrality tests revealed that none of the breeds shows the even gene frequency distribution expected under a balanced selection scenario. The FST index shows significant differences across all populations (FST=0.052, P < 0.001), indicating a substantial differentiation between breeds. UPGMA trees and Metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis show that, as expected, Creole is distantlyrelated to the other zebuinebreeds. Among them, Brahman, Braford and Brangus cluster closer together than with Nellore. These data are consistent with the historical and geographical origin of these breeds. A peptide binding region sequence analysis at the aminoacid level revealed that, despite the nucleotide diversity among the breeds, the key aminoacids involved in peptide recognition are greatly conserved.
Conclusions

This is the first report of BoLA-DRB3 diversity in pure and mixed zebuine cattle breeds from Argentina. Knowledge ofBoLA-DRB3 variability in breeds adapted to tropical and subtropical environments contributes not only to ongoing efforts to catalog bovine MHC allele frequencies by breed and location but also to the design of peptide-based vaccines.
Downregulation of TREM2 Expression Exacerbates Neuroinflammatory Responses Through TLR4-Mediated MAPK Signaling Pathway in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ruganzu John Bosco , Peng Xiaoqian , He Yingying , Wu Xiangyuan , Zheng Quzhao , Ding Bo , Lin Chengheng , Yang Weina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Activation of glial cells and neuroinflammation play an important role in the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a microglia-specific receptor in the brain that is involved in regulating neuroinflammation. However, the precise effects of TREM2 on neuroinflammatory responses and its underlying molecular mechanisms in AD have not been studied in detail. Here, we employed a lentiviral-mediated strategy to downregulation of TREM2 expression on microglia in the brain of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice and BV2 cells. Our results showed that TREM2 downregulation significantly aggravated AD-related neuropathology including Aβ accumulation, peri-plaque microgliosis and astrocytosis, as well as neuronal and synapse-associated proteins loss, which was accompanied by a decline in cognitive ability. The further mechanistic study revealed that downregulation of TREM2 expression initiated neuroinflammatory responses through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and subsequent stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, blockade of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 inhibited the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced by Aβ1−42 in TREM2-knocked down BV2 cells. Taken together, these findings indicated that TREM2 might be a potential therapeutic target for AD and other neuroinflammation related diseases.
Oral Health Team in Primary Health Care Favors the Early Diagnosis of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Vargas Deborah Gomes Miranda , Probst Livia Fernandes , Cunha Amanda Ramos da , Tagliaferro Elaine Pereira da Silva , Zafalon Edílson José , Pereira Paulo Zárate , De-Carli Alessandro Diogo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are considered an important public health problem around all world. The most effective way to improve survival and reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality is the prevention of its major risk factors combined with early detection. This study aims to analyze the association between late diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in Brazil and the contextual socioeconomic and coverage indicators of Primary Health Care (PHC), as well as to assess the temporal trend of the late diagnosis.
Methods

This observational study evaluated secondary data with a time series analysis. All Brazilian cities that reported at least one case of oral and oropharyngeal cancers each year, between 2000 and 2013 were included. These data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA); the staging was analyzed by calculating the ratio risk for late diagnosis by municipality. The association between staging and socioeconomic variables and PHC provision was calculated using multiple linear regression. The time trend of the risk ratio for late-stage diagnosis was calculated using the Prais-Winsten method.
Results

One hundred and sixty Brazilian municipalities had at least one annual case of oral and oropharyngeal cancers notified to the INCA hospital system between 2000 and 2013. The adjusted model identified that the higher the Gini value (greater social inequality) and the lower the HDI value (less human development), the greater the number of tumors diagnosed at a late stage, considering the size of the tumor. A greater risk for late diagnosis was identified, already in the stage of lymph node involvement, when there is greater social inequality and less coverage of Oral Health Team (OHT) in PHC. The greater the social inequality, the greater the risk of late diagnosis, already in the metastasis stage.
Conclusions

Better socioeconomic indicators and greater coverage by the OHT were associated with the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers still in the early stages. During the evaluated period, there was an increase in the number of cases diagnosed at the most advanced stage.
Prescribers Factors and Patients Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Quality Care Management of Febrile Illnesses in Ghana.
Authors: Samuel Asante Koranteng , Kwasi Brenyah Joseph , Kofi Mensah Akohene , Peter Agyei -Baffour , Daniel Opoku , Perditer Okyere 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction Febrile illnesses in children and its management (especially infectious diseases) continue to result in an enormous increase in morbidity and mortality in developing countries causing a global public health concern. However, most low-middle-income countries have failed to institute systematic outcome assessment measures to ensure quality in the management of these conditions at one breadth. This study therefore aimed at assessing the quality care management of febrile illness in under five (5) in health facilities in the Atwima Kwanwoma district of Ashanti Region, Ghana.Methods The study was quantitative using a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 58 healthcare providers and 390 folders of children treated for febrile illnesses. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify socio-demographic, patient and prescribers’ factors influencing management of febrile illness among children under 5 years. Statistical significance for all testing was set as 0.05.Results The mean age and standard deviation of the prescribers were 30.2 ± 3.4. Majority of the prescribers (65.5%) were aged between 23-30years and the rest (34.5%) between 31-37years. About 67.3% were females and the rest (32.7%) were males, more than half of the prescribers (70.7%) were married and the rest (29.3%) were single. More than half (55.6%) of patients seen were females and 44.4% were males. Most of the patients (43.8%) who presented with febrile illnesses were between 0-11 months, while 29.1% and 27.2% of them were between 1-2 years and 3-5 years respectively. The average age of children was 5.7 ± 2.3 months for those who were less than a year and 2.8±1.4 years for those between 1-5years. Patients who believed in superstition were less likely to receive quality care management of febrile illness as compared with those who did not believe in superstitions (AOR=0.50; 95% CI= 0.03-0.70).The results depict that socio-demographic factors such as age of a child and gender, influenced quality care management of febrile illness as detailed in Table 4. For instance, children below 1 year were less likely to receive quality care management of febrile illness as compared with those above 3 years (AOR=0.05; 95% CI= 0.08-0.28). Also, female children were more likely to receive quality care management of febrile illness as compared with their male counterparts (AOR=1.50; 95% CI=0.03-0.70).Conclusion The study concludes that, prescribers’ factors such as those who believed in superstition and socio-demographic factors of children such as age and gender influenced quality care management of febrile illness.Recommendations Health policy makers should promote health education to reduce the negative effects of supersitition in health care management.