bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological behaviour and interventions of malaria in Niger, 2010–2019: a time-series analysis of national surveillance data
Authors: Tchole Ali Issakou Malam , Ye Run-Ze , Xu Qing , Li Zhen-Wei , Liu Jin-Yue , Wang Shan-Shan , Liu Jing , Wang Xiao-Yang , Bachir Alassan Maman , Zhao Lin , Cao Wu-Chun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Niger, with the number of cases increasing from 592,334 in 2000 to 3,138,696 in 2010. In response, a concerted campaign against the disease has been initiated. However, the implementation of these malaria interventions and their association with epidemiological behaviour remains unclear.

Methods
A time-series study was conducted in Niger from 2010 to 2019. Multiple data sources concerning malaria were integrated, encompassing national surveillance data, Statistic Yearbook, targeted malaria control interventions, and meteorological data. Incidence rate, mortality rate, and case fatality ratio (CFR) by different regions and age groups were analysed. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate annual changes in malaria. The changes in coverage of malaria interventions were evaluated.

Results
Between 2010 to 2019, the incidence rate of malaria decreased from 249.43 to 187.00 cases per 1,000 population in Niger. Niamey had a high annual mean incidence rate and the lowest CFR, while Agadez was on the contrary. Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a declining trend in malaria incidence for all age groups except the 10–24 years group, and the mortality rate and the CFR initially decreased followed by an increase in all age groups. Niger has implemented a series of malaria interventions, with the major ones being scaled up to larger populations during the study period.

Conclusions
The scale-up of multi-interventions in Niger has significantly reduced malaria incidence, but the rise in mortality rate and CFR addresses the challenges in malaria control and elimination. Malaria endemic countries should enhance surveillance of malaria cases and drug resistance in Plasmodium, improve diagnosis and treatment, expand the population coverage of insecticide-treated bed nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and strengthen the management of severe malaria cases.
Lymphocyte apoptosis and its association with the inflammatory markers and disease severity in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Eissa Eman , Kandil Rania , Dorgham Dalia , Ghorab Raghda , Kholoussi Naglaa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The defective clearance of apoptotic bodies in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) potentially leads to the persistence of autoreactive lymphocytes and the perpetuation of the autoimmune response. These factors contribute to the disturbance in lymphocyte apoptosis and show potential as key determinants in the clinical course and severity of jSLE. This study evaluates the role of peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte apoptosis in prognosis of jSLE and as a predictor for disease activity.

Methods
The study involved 100 jSLE patients and 50 healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to analyze percentages of lymphocyte apoptosis in PB of all study participants. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined using ELISA.

Results
Our results showed that percentages of lymphocyte apoptosis in PB of jSLE patients are significantly higher than those of healthy controls. These percentages are significantly positively associated with disease activity of patients (SLEDAI-2 K). Furthermore, plasma cytokine levels (IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α) are significantly elevated in jSLE patients compared to their levels in healthy controls. Also, there are weak significant positive correlations between percentages of PB lymphocyte apoptosis and each of IL-17 and IFN-γ plasma levels in jSLE patients. Moreover, PB lymphocyte apoptosis percentages among jSLE patients are higher in the presence of some clinical and laboratory features than those in their absence.

Conclusion
Peripheral apoptotic lymphocytes could contribute to the prognosis of jSLE and could be used as a predictor for disease activity in jSLE patients.
Oxygen glucose deprivation-pretreated astrocyte-derived exosomes attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced BBB disruption through miR-27a-3p /ARHGAP25/Wnt/β-catenin axis
Authors: Hou Ying , Xie Ye , Liu Xiaoxuan , Chen Yushan , Zhou Fangfang , Yang Binbin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is one of the key mechanisms of secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Astrocytes interact with endothelial and regulate BBB integrity via paracrine signaling factors. More and more studies reveal astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) as an important way of intercellular communication. However, the role of ADEV in BBB integrity after ICH remains unclear.

Methods
ADEVs were obtained from astrocytes with or without oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) pre-stimulation and the role of ADEVs in ICH was investigated using ICH mice model and ICH cell model. The potential regulatory effect of ADEVs on endothelial barrier integrity was identified by TEER, western blot and immunofluorescence in vitro. In vivo, functional evaluation, Evans-blue leakage and tight junction proteins (TJPs) expression were analyzed. MiRNA sequencing revealed that microRNA-27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) was differentially expressed miRNA in the EVs from OGD-pretreated astrocytes compared with normal control. The regulatory mechanism of miR-27a-3p was assessed using Luciferase assay, RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results
OGD-activated astrocytes reduced hemin-induced endothelial hyper-permeability through secreting EVs. OGD-activated ADEVs alleviated BBB dysfunction after ICH in vivo and in vitro. MicroRNA microarray analysis indicated that miR-27a-3p is a major component that was highly expressed miRNA in OGD pretreated-ADEVs. OGD-ADEVs mitigated BBB injury through transferring miR-27a-3p into bEnd.3 cells and regulating ARHGAP25/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusion
Taken together, these findings firstly revealed that miR-27a-3p, as one of the main components of OGD-pretreated ADEVs, attenuated BBB destruction and improved neurological deficits following ICH by regulating endothelial ARHGAP25/Wnt/β-catenin axis. OGD-ADEVs might be a novel strategy for the treatment of ICH.
this study implicates that EVs from OGD pre-stimulated astrocytes.

Graphical Abstract
Use of selective visceral angiography in surgical strategy planning for celiac artery aneurysm in the celiacomesenteric trunk
Authors: Goto Takasumi , Fujimura Hironobu , Shintani Takashi , Shibuya Takashi , Miyagawa Shigeru 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a common duct of the celiac artery (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery originating from the aorta, which is an uncommon anatomical variant of visceral artery circulation. Because of the variety of visceral circulation in those with CMT, the visceral circulation associated with each branch should be evaluated prior to surgical treatment of visceral artery aneurysm in the CMT.

Case presentation
A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with a CA aneurysm in the CMT. Aneurysmectomy of the aneurysm was performed successfully. On preoperative selective visceral angiography, the CA was seen to bifurcate into the common hepatic and splenic artery. The left gastric artery was directly isolated from the aorta and perfused to the common hepatic and splenic artery through collateral circulation. These findings showed that celiac artery embolization is anatomically feasible, even in cases of celiac artery aneurysm rupture.

Conclusions
Selective visceral angiography can contribute to surgical strategy planning for CA aneurysm with CMT.
Eosinophilic enterocolitis: a case report
Authors: Smaoui Hend , Nakhli Abdelwaheb , Hemdani Nesrine , Bouchabou Bochra , Ennaifer Rym 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Eosinophilic enterocolitis is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal eosinophilic infiltration of the small intestine and the colon.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 29-year-old White man, who presented with an acute bowel obstruction. He had a history of a 2 months non-bloody diarrhea. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) and a MR enterography showed a multifocal extensive ileitis. White blood cell and eosinophilic polynuclei count was elevated (700/mm3). Ileo-colonoscopy showed normal ileum and segmental petechial colitis. Pathology showed a high eosinophilic infiltration in the colon. The patient was treated with steroids, with a clinical, biological and radiological recovery.

Conclusion
Eosinophilic enterocolitis should be kept in mind as a rare differential diagnosis in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction.
Existence and optimal controls of non-autonomous for impulsive evolution equation without Lipschitz assumption
Authors: Sheng Lixin , Hu Weimin , Su You-Hui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the existence of mild solutions as well as optimal controls for non-autonomous impulsive evolution equations with nonlocal conditions. Using the Schauder’s fixed-point theorem as well as the theory of evolution family, we prove the existence of mild solutions for the concerned problem. Furthermore, without the Lipschitz continuity of the nonlinear term, the optimal control result is derived by setting up minimizing sequences twice. An example is given of the application of the results.
The impact of network coverage on adoption of Fintech and financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mothobi Onkokame , Kebotsamang Kago 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDigital finance plays a major role in improving access to, usage and quality of financial services in developing countries. The use of these platforms has been associated with a positive impact on economic growth and people’s welfare. They allow for convenient, secure, and efficient transaction and are the crucial element of e-commerce. In this paper, we analyse the effect of mobile network coverage on adoption of financial technologies and financial inclusion using a survey data of 12,735 individuals from nine sub-Saharan African countries conducted in 2017. By combining survey data with information on the proximity of mobile network towers, we estimate a two-stage model. In the first stage, consumers decide to adopt a technology device, and in the second stage, they decide whether to use digital financial services or not. Results show a significant and positive relationship between network coverage and adoption of digital financial services. Considering that the whole population lives within 2 km radius from the LTE tower, financial inclusion would increase by 6% in Mozambique and 3% in Ghana, Rwanda and Senegal. In Tanzania, where mobile money is the common financial service, investment in GSM and UMTS would have a larger impact on financial inclusion than LTE. These results show that digital financial technologies such as mobile money, mobile banking and e-wallet, that do not necessarily require consumers to be connected to the Internet have a greater impact on financial inclusion in East African countries, where financial service innovations are mobile led. However, in countries where digital financial innovations are bank led, LTE coverage have a greater impact than GSM and UMTS coverage. The findings of this study can help policy-makers to understand the issues related to the expansion of digital financial services and effective strategies to deliver these services to the poor.
Dietary supplementation of benzoic acid and essential oils combination enhances intestinal resilience against LPS stimulation in weaned piglets
Authors: Cui Chang , Wei Yulong , Wang Yibo , Ma Wen , Zheng Xiaoyu , Wang Jun , Ma Ziwei , Wu Caichi , Chu Licui , Zhang Shihai , Guan Wutai , Chen Fang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The benefits of combining benzoic acid and essential oils (BAO) to mitigate intestinal impairment during the weaning process have been well established, while the detailed underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Previous research has primarily focused on the reparative effects of BAO on intestinal injury, while neglecting its potential in enhancing intestinal stress resistance.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the pre-protective effect of BAO against LPS-induced stress using a modified experimental procedure. Piglets were pre-supplemented with BAO for 14 d, followed by a challenge with LPS or saline to collect blood and intestinal samples.

Results
Our findings demonstrated that BAO supplementation led to significant improvements in piglets' final weight, average daily gain, and feed intake/body gain ratio. Additionally, BAO supplementation positively influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota, increasing beneficial Actinobacteriota and Alloprevotella while reducing harmful Desulfobacterota, Prevotella and Oscillospira. Furthermore, BAO supplementation effectively mitigated oxidative disturbances and inflammatory responses induced by acute LPS challenge. This was evidenced by elevated levels of T-AOC, SOD, and GSH, as well as decreased levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the plasma. Moreover, piglets subjected to LPS challenge and pre-supplemented with BAO exhibited significant improvements in intestinal morphological structure and enhanced integrity, as indicated by restored expression levels of Occludin and Claudin-1 compared to the non-supplemented counterparts. Further analysis revealed that BAO supplementation enhanced the jejunal antioxidative capacity by increasing GSH-Px levels and decreasing MDA levels under the LPS challenge and stimulated the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Additionally, the reduction of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways activation and proinflammatory factor were also observed in the jejunal of those piglets fed with BAO.

Conclusions
In summary, our study demonstrates that pre-supplementation of BAO enhances the anti-stress capacity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal microbiota composition, reinforcing the intestinal barrier, and enhancing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities. These effects are closely associated with the activation of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.
Cephalic arch stenosis: an analysis of outcome by type of first intervention
Authors: Pisano Umberto , Stevenson Karen , Kasthuri Ram , Kingsmore David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Cephalic arch stenoses (CAS) occur in near 70% of elbow arteriovenous fistulas. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) remains first-line treatment despite documented stent-grafts (SG) efficacy. The study aim is to report long-term outcomes based on initial treatment of CAS.

Methods
Retrospective review of 12-year data in single tertiary centre. Outcomes included technical success, rupture rate, primary patency (PP), dialysis performance; categorical variables assessed via χ2 or Fisher’s; nonparametric tests used for skewed data. Kaplan–Meier analysis used for PP and cumulative patency. Cox proportional hazard regression model to assess explanatory variables in PP.

Results
One hundred one brachio- and radiocephalic fistulas with CAS were included. SG as first intervention had higher success than PTA (85% vs 61%, p = 0.003). Rupture occurred in 9/85 (10.6%) PTA vs 0% in SG (p = 0.046). In a subgroup with poor urea reduction rate (URR), both PTA and SG improved dialysis performance post-intervention (p = 0.002). SG demonstrated better PP than PTA (79,73,60% patency at 3, 6, 9 months; versus 71,51,47%; p = 0.195) and cumulative patency (73,61,61% at 1, 2, 3 years; versus 60,34,26%; p < 0.001). Of the variables analyzed, technical success of PTA was the only discriminating factor (coeff.-1.01; RR 35%, p = 0.035). Accesses that underwent secondary stenting performed better than primarily stented CAS (p = 0.01).

Conclusions
SG superiority is confirmed in CAS, particularly when angioplasty is unsuccessful. While PTA has short-lived benefits, it can improve dialysis performance. Other than higher success rate, primary CAS stenting did not have advantages compared to post-PTA stenting in our study. Other factors related to inflow, outflow, conduit characteristics are presumed to be involved in access longevity.
Constraining maximum horizontal stress using wellbore breakouts — A case study from the Ordovician tight reservoir of the northeastern Oued Mya Basin, Algeria
Authors: Baouche Rafik , Sen Souvik , Ganguli Shib Sankar , Benmamar Salim , Kumar Prakash 
Published: January 2024

In this study, we interpret the maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) azimuth from the breakout positions of the wellbore and attempt to constrain the SHmax gradient based on the interpreted breakout width. A cumulative of 110 m of breakouts are deciphered within the Ordovician Hamra Quartzite interval of the Oued Mya Basin from a 138 m acoustic image log. These breakouts are ranked as “A-Quality” following the World Stress Map ranking guidelines. We infer a mean SHmax orientation of N28°E ± 8°. Following the frictional faulting mechanism and stress polygon approach, measurement of the minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) from minifrac tests and observations of the compressive failures from the acoustic image log provide strong constraints on the SHmax magnitude in the reservoir interval in the absence of core-measured rock strength. Interpreted breakout widths exhibit a range between 32.6° and 90.81°, which indicates a SHmax range of 24.4–34.7 MPa/km. The average breakout width of 62.58° translates to a narrower SHmax gradient range, varying between 27.2 and 31.2 MPa/km. The relative magnitudes of the principal stresses indicate a strong strike-slip tectonic stress state. Considering all the uncertainties, we infer a SHmax/Shmin ratio of 1.41–1.81 within the Ordovician interval.
Associations Between Nonanemic Iron Deficiency and Postoperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peri Varun , Devlin Paula , Perry Luke , Richards Toby , Miles Lachlan F. 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
Preoperative screening for iron deficiency is a part of patient blood management protocols. This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression reviews the association between nonanemic iron deficiency and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We aimed to determine whether preoperative screening for nonanemic iron deficiency should be recommended in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS:
Electronic databases MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Scopus were searched from inception until December 9, 2022. Studies were considered for inclusion if they (1) used an observational study design; (2) enrolled adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery; and (3) included an iron-deficient and iron-replete group, defined using serum ferritin and/or transferrin saturation. The primary outcome was the length of acute hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included length of intensive care unit stay, requirement for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion, number of red blood cell units transfused, days alive and at home at postoperative days 30 and 90, all-cause postoperative complications, postoperative infection, mortality, and hospital readmission. Meta-regression was performed to assess the effects of study and patient-level factors on the associations between nonanemic iron deficiency and specific outcomes. Individual study quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework was used to determine the quality of evidence for each outcome.

RESULTS:
Eight studies (2683 patients) were included. No significant association was observed between nonanemic iron deficiency and any of the primary or secondary outcomes except for an increased requirement for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 1.39 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.16–1.68; P < .001; I
2 2.8%]). Meta-regression did not identify any potential sources of heterogeneity to explain variation in individual study results. The quality of evidence was rated as “low” or “very low” for all outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Few high-quality studies are available to assess associations between nonanemic iron deficiency and outcomes after cardiac surgery. Acknowledging these limitations, the presence of preoperative nonanemic iron deficiency was not associated with a change in the primary outcome of length of hospital stay, or any patient-centered secondary outcome compared to those without iron deficiency. There was an association with increased requirement for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion, but this did not impact the reported patient-centered outcomes.
Sevoflurane Postconditioning Protects From an Early Neurological Deficit After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Results of a Randomized Laboratory Study in Rats
Authors: Morax Laurent , Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Neff Jonah , Mueller Mattia , Flury-Frei Renata , Schläpfer Martin 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with neurocognitive impairment. Recent data suggest that sevoflurane attenuates edema formation after SAH in rats. However, so far, no information is available about the long-term repair phase, nor if sevoflurane impacts functionality by increasing vascularity. This study tested whether sevoflurane postconditioning would improve long-term neurologic deficit through increased formation of new vessels close to the hemorrhage area.

METHODS:
Fifty-three animals were subjected to SAH or sham surgery with or without a 2-hour sevoflurane postconditioning (versus propofol anesthesia). Animal survival, including dropout animals due to death or reaching termination criteria, as well as neurologic deficit, defined by the Garcia score, were assessed 2 hours after recovery until postoperative day 14. On day 14, blood samples and brain tissue were harvested. Vessel density was determined by the number of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31)–positive vessels, and activated glial cells by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)–positive astrocytes per field of view.

RESULTS:
The survival rate for sham animals was 100%, 69% in the SAH-propofol and 92% in the SAH-sevoflurane groups. According to the log-rank Mantel-Cox test, survival curves were significantly different (P = .024). The short-term neurologic deficit was higher in SAH-propofol versus SAH-sevoflurane animals 2 hours after recovery and on postoperative day 1 (propofol versus sevoflurane: 14. 6 ± 3.4 vs 15. 9 ± 2.7 points, P = .034, and 16. 2 ± 3.5 vs 17. 8 ± 0.9 points, P = .015). Overall complete recovery from neurologic deficit was observed on day 7 in both SAH groups (18. 0 ± 0.0 vs 18. 0 ± 0.0 points, P = 1.000). Cortical vascular density increased to 80. 6 ± 15.0 vessels per field of view in SAH-propofol animals (vs 71. 4 ± 10.1 in SAH-sevoflurane, P < .001). Activation of glial cells, an indicator of neuroinflammation, was assessed by GFAP-positive astrocytes GFAP per field of view. Hippocampal GFAP-positive cells were 201 ± 68 vs 179 ± 84 cells per field of view in SAH-propofol versus SAH-sevoflurane animals (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Sevoflurane postconditioning improves survival by 23% (SAH-sevoflurane versus SAH-propofol). The sevoflurane intervention could attenuate the early neurologic deficit, while the long-term outcome was similar across the groups. A higher vascular density close to the SAH area in the propofol group was not associated with improved outcomes.