bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miRNA-769-5p and Smad2 Differential Expression in Patients with or without Oral cGVHD
Authors: Yong Xiangzhi , Zhou YuXi , Jiang Qiaozhi , Liu Zhenmin , Wu Tiantian , Zhang Zhongming , He Rongquan , Chen Gang , Tao Renchuan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Oral chronic graft versus host disease (Oral cGVHD) affects the life quality of patient. But its pathogenesis is still unclear. MicroRNA (miRNA) involves in numerous pathologic and physiologic processes.
Objective: To preliminarily observe the change of miRNAs in oral cGVHD.
Methods: Peripheral venous blood was taken from 8 cases of oral cGVHD, 8 cases without oral cGVHD, and 8 cases of healthy control group to construct the miRNAs library by Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform. The expression of miRNA-769-5p was detected by qRT-PCR in each group with subjects adding to 15. The interactions between miRNA-769-5p and Smad2 mRNA was verified by dual-luciferase assay. qRT-PCR and ELISA was used to detect the mRNA and protein level of Smad2 in peripheral blood respectively.
Results: All three groups expressed 518 miRNAs and 191 miRNAs showed significantly different expression. The expression of miRNA-769-5p was the higher in non-oral cGVHD patients than that in oral cGVHD patients, and were of certain value in the diagnosis of oral cGVHD. The levels of Smad2 mRNA and protein were higher in the oral cGVHD group than those without oral cGVHD. As a target of miRNA-769-5p, Smad2 mRNA was negatively related to it.
Conclusion: Differential expression of miRNAs, especially miRNA-769-5p may be involved in oral cGVHD. High expression of circulating Smad2 may be associated with the oral cGVHD, which might be regulated by miRNA-769-5p.
The Effect of TRAIL C1595T Variant on Serum TRAIL Levels in Colorectal Cancer and Its Histopathological Significance
Authors: Yaylim Ilhan , Horozoglu Cem , Yildiz Asli , Sonmez Dilara , Demirkol Seyda , Yildiz Yemliha , Hakan Mehmet Tolgahan , Kucukhuseyin Ozlem , Zeybek Umit , Arikan Soykan , Faroqi Ammad 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
How do Households Cope during Aggregate Shocks? Evidence from the 2009-2015 Oil Crisis in Nigeria
Authors: Animashaun Jubril , Wossink Ada 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The effect of global oil price fluctuations on households’ costs of living in Nigeria is examined. We extend a simplified model of the microeconomic implication of macroeconomic shocks that allows for cross-sectional heterogeneity in households’ distributions and consumption preferences. First, we show the effect of global oil price shocks heterogeneously varies depending on households’ preferences and consumption bundles. Second, due to the oil economies' enclave nature, we show that shocks would create a specific distributional effect that is more pronounced on households closely related to the oil economy. For the empirical analysis, we use oil prices between the years 2009 to 2015, and micro-level data from the Nigerian General Household Survey (GHS) collected between 2010 and 2016 in Nigeria. Our empirical results confirm our prediction: oil prices differ depending on how closely the regional economy is tied to oil production. We also find evidence supporting consumption substitution strategies, adjustments in household size, and labor supply as some coping responses to oil price changes.

JEL: D1, O12, O55
The Helpful Effect of Vitamin D and Coconut Oil in Modulating the Histological Disorders of the Splenic Tissue in Hyperglycemic Mice
Authors: El-Desouki Nabila Ibrahim , Salem Mohamed L. , Afifi Dalia F. , Nasef Nasef M. , Abdallah Faten M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The present study aims to study the effect of vitamin D (Vit D) or / and coconut oil (Coc) on the splenic histological changes of diabetic adult mice induced by STZ. The mice were divided into 7 groups, and the experimental duration was 4 weeks. GpI: control group without any treatments; GpII&GpIII: non-diabetic groups orally received Vit D in a dose of 500 IU (6.25 ml)/kg b.w/d or Coc in a dose of 7.5 ml /kg b.w/d; GpIV: diabetic group injected i.p. with a single dose of STZ (200 mg/kg bw); Gps V,VI &VII: administration of Vit D or Coc or both together to diabetic group. The results recorded: GpII&GpIII no significant changes in the blood glucose (BG), insulin&splenic weight levels. GpIV had a significant increase in BG, significant decrease in insulin & splenic weight values. GpV recorded a modest decrease in BG, and a modest rise in insulin & a marked splenic weight atrophy; while GpVI or GpVII registered a marked decrease in BG, a rise in insulin levels & a marked splenic weight increment. Histologically, the splenic sections of control or non-diabetic mice received either Vit D or Coc demonstrated normal structure of the splenocytes. GpIV showed great numbers of giant cells, disarrangement and interference of red and white pulps, and dilated congested blood vessels. Little improvement was seen in GpV while GpVI or GpVII showed a marked improvement in the splenic tissues. In conclusion, diabetic mice received either Coc or co-dministered with Vit D demonstrated strong anti-hyperglycemic effects to recovery the glucose and insulin rates to typical levels, and restored the splenic weight and histological architecture to normal status than those given Vit D alone.
MMP2 gene polymorphism and tumor susceptibility study
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhang Lifeng , Shi Xiaokai , Zuo Li 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background：Genetic polymorphisms in the signaling axis of metalloproteinases (MMPs) can influence cancer susceptibility. The relationship between two MMPs gene variants, rs243865 C/T and rs2285053 C/T, and cancer risk still needs to be explored. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the relationship between MMPs polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive assessment using odds ratios (ORs), corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and in silico tools to evaluate the effect of MMP2 variations. Immunohistochemical staining (IHS) and GSEA analysis were used to investigate the expression of MMP2 in urinary system cancer.
Results: The pooled analysis involved 86 case-control studies including 26326 cancer patients and 32651 controls. The rs243865 C/T polymorphism was associated with the risk of cancer (C-allele versus T-allele, OR = 0.836, 95%CI = 0.730-0.958, P = 0.010; TC versus CC, OR =0.781, 95%CI = 0.686-0.890, P = 0.000; TT+TC versus CC, OR = 0.798, 95%CI = 0.693-0.919, P = 0.002), especially for cancers of the
prostate, ENT, lung, gastric, esophageal, head and neck. Variation rs2285053 C/T was associated with cancer susceptibility, especially for lung and gastric cancer. IHS analysis showed that MMP2 was upregulated in bladder cancer. GSEA revealed that the Leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway, focal adhesion pathway, and JSK-STAT-signaling pathway were enriched in the high MMP2 expression group.
Conclusions: The MMP2 rs243865 C/T polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility of prostate cancer.
Deforestation as the prominent driver of the intensifying wildfire in Cambodia revealed through geospatial analysis
Authors: Sim Min Sung , Wee Shi Jun , Park Edward , Alcantara Enner 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cambodia has the most fires per area in Southeast Asia, with fire activity significantly increasing since the early 2000s. Wildfire occurrences are multi-factorial in nature and isolating the relative contribution of each driver remains a challenge. In this study, we quantify the relative importance of each driver of fire, by analyzing annual spatial regression models of fire occurrence across Cambodia from 2003–2020. Our models demonstrated satisfactory performance explaining 69 to 81% of the variance in fire. We found that deforestation was consistently the dominant driver of fire across 48 to 70% of the country throughout the study period. Although the influence of low precipitation on fires has increased over the last two years, the period is not long enough to establish any significant trends. During the study period, wind speed, elevation, and soil moisture had a slight influence of 6-20% without any clear trend, indicating that deforestation continues to be the main driver of fire. Our study improves current understanding of the drivers of biomass fires across Cambodia, and the methodological framework developed here (quantitative decoupling of the drivers) has strong potential to be applied to other fire-prone areas around the world.
Preconception Helicobacter pylori infection might adversely affect pregnancy outcome
Authors: Hagras Ahmed M. , Abdelazim Ibrahim A. , Abdou A. M. , Hussein Naglaa A. , Samaha Ihab. I. , Elhamamy Nareman 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The association between H. pylori infection, and adverse pregnancy outcomes is still controversial, and no available guidelines recommend screening for H. pylori infection before and/or during pregnancy.
Objectives: To detect the incidence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in Egyptian pregnant women, and the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with H. pylori infection.
Methods: Data of 305 pregnant women with regular antenatal follow-up, and complete delivery records were finally analyzed in study to detect the incidence of H. pylori in Egyptian pregnant women, and the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with H. pylori infection.
The collected blood samples from the studied participants during the antenatal care were used for detection of anti-H. Pylori IgG. Participants were categorized according to anti-H. Pylori IgG to either H. Pylori-positive (study group), or H. Pylori-negative controls. Participants were followed-up in the antenatal clinics till delivery to detect any adverse outcome either during pregnancy and/or during delivery [i.e., hyperemesis gravidarum, iron deficiency anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm deliveries].
Results: The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum, iron deficiency anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm deliveries was significantly higher in the studied H. Pylori-positive group (8.5%, 34.9%, 6.98%,13.18%, and 10.9% respectively) compared to H. Pylori-negative controls (1.14%, 19.3%, 1.7%, 3.4%, and 3.98%respectively), (P=0.002, 0.01, 0.02, 0.003, and 0.02, respectively). The H. Pylori-positive group had significantly higher odds, and risks of hyperemesis gravidarum [OR 8.1 (P=0.007), and RR 7.5 (P=0.008)], iron deficiency anemia [OR 2.2 (P=0.002), and RR 1.8 (P=0.002)], and preeclampsia [OR 4.3 (P=0.03), and RR 4.1 (P=0.03)] compared to H. Pylori-negative controls.
The H. Pylori-positive group had also significantly higher odds, and risks of gestational diabetes mellitus [OR 4.3 (P=0.002), and RR 3.9 (P=0.003)], and preterm deliveries [OR 2.9 (P=0.02), and RR 2.7 (P=0.02)] compared to H. Pylori-negative controls.
Conclusion: The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum, iron deficiency anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm deliveries was significantly higher in the studied H. Pylori-positive participants compared to non-infected controls. The H. Pylori-positive group had significantly higher odds, and risks of hyperemesis gravidarum, iron deficiency anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm deliveries compared to H. Pylori-negative controls.
Optimizing HIV case identification among children and understanding remaining gaps in pediatric HIV testing in Kinshasa, DRC
Authors: Ingala Dominique , Bakebua Winnie , Banzadio Fideline , Tshishi Dieudonne , Loando Aime , Mboyo Aimé , Gill Michelle M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
It is critical to identify children living with HIV and initiate lifesaving treatment early. The Pediatric Accelerated Case Finding Effort focused on line-listing and HIV testing of biological children among HIV-positive clients. We describe HIV testing and seropositivity rates following the initiative and gaps along the pediatric index testing cascade to inform HIV case finding optimization.
Methods
This mixed-methods study involved collecting monthly data on index testing outcomes, including line-listing (identifying biologic children < 15 years), HIV testing and ART initiation from March 2020 to July 2021 in 35 facilities in Kinshasa. Data were summarized and presented for the first month (as a baseline proxy) and the entire study period. Qualitative data were collected from 14 healthcare workers participating in in-depth interviews and 33 community health workers in four focus group discussions. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated from Lingala or French into English and coded using MAXQDA software. Data were thematically analyzed according pediatric case finding barriers and strategies.
Results
At baseline, in March 2020, among 3,337 eligible female index clients, 1,634 (49.0%) underwent line-listing to identify children with unknown HIV status. By July 2021, all eligible female index clients (n = 11,734) had a line-list. Of the contacts, 9,871/11,848 (83.3%) were HIV-tested. Of contacts tested, 662 (6.7%) were diagnosed as HIV-positive, with 535 (80.8%) age 5–14 years; 99.5% initiated treatment. Providers attributed gaps in HIV testing primarily to testing refusals for children due to non-disclosure among parents and logistical or financial obstacles to transportation for outreach. COVID-19 movement restrictions and exposure fears also limited provider interactions for testing. Provider-implemented strategies included transport reimbursement, extensive counseling and alternative approaches to child testing for parents in sero-discordant relationships.
Conclusion
Following intensified efforts around pediatric case finding, we found a high HIV positivity yield of 6.7% among previously undiagnosed children, with 81% of infected children ≥ 5 years. While line-listing improved over time, outreach for HIV testing remained the largest gap, missing an opportunity to reach 17% of undiagnosed children. Ensuring adequate resources for HIV testing and outreach and supporting disclosure among couples, while emphasizing elicitation of ART clients’ biological children can help to optimize pediatric case finding.
Hydrophilic species are the most reactive components of freshwater dissolved organic matter
Authors: Grasset Charlotte , Groeneveld Marloes , Tranvik Lars , Robertson Luke , Hawkes Jeffrey 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Aquatic dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a crucial component of the global carbon cycle, and the extent to which DOM escapes mineralization is important for the transport of organic carbon from the continents to the ocean. DOM persistence strongly depends on its molecular properties, but little is known about which specific properties cause the continuum in reactivity among different dissolved molecules. We investigated how DOM fractions, separated according to their hydrophobicity, differ in reactivity across three different inland water systems. We found a strong negative relationship between hydrophobicity and reactivity, consistent for the three systems. The most hydrophilic fraction was poorly recovered by solid phase extraction (SPE) (3-28% DOC recovery) and was thus selectively missed by mass spectrometry analysis during SPE. The change in DOM composition after incubation was very low according to SPE-ESI (electrospray ionization)-mass spectrometry (14% change, while replicates had 11% change), revealing that this method is sub-optimal to assess DOM reactivity, regardless of fraction hydrophobicity. Our results demonstrate that SPE-ESI mass spectrometry does not detect the most hydrophilic and most reactive species. Hence, they question our current understanding on the relationships between DOM reactivity and its molecular composition, which is built on the use of this method.
Selecting the Best Model for Complex Interplay Between HIV and Nutrition
Authors: Sreejithku Vivek , Ghods Kia , Bandara Tharusha , Martcheva Maia , Tuncer Necibe 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
HIV is a serious infectious disease. The role of nutrition in HIV progression has long been recognized. However, no mathematical models exist to describe the interplay of HIV with the nutritional components. In this paper, we present a family of models of HIV and the two protein components albumin and globulin. We use data from SIV-infected monkeys to perform model selection on the family of models. We discover that the simplest model accurately and uniquely describes the data. The selection of the simplest model leads to the observation that albumin and globulin do not impact the infection rate of target cells by the virus and the clearance of the infected target cells by the immune system. Furthermore, we obtain that the recruitment of target cells and immune cells do not depend on the globulin. Mathematical analysis of the selected model reveals that the model has an infection-free equilibrium and a unique infected equilibrium when the reproduction number is above one. The infection-free equilibrium is locally stable when the reproduction number is below one, and unstable when the reproduction number is greater than one. The infection equilibrium is locally stable whenever it exists. To determine the parameters of the best fitted model we perform structural and practical identifiability analysis. The structural identifiability analysis reveals that the model is identifiable when the immune cell infection rate is fixed at a value obtained from the literature. Practical identifiability reveals that only seven of the sixteen parameters are practically identifiable with the given data. Practical identifiability of parameters performed with synthetic data sampled a lot more frequently reveals that only two parameters are practically unidentifiable. We conclude that experiments that will improve the quality of the data can help improve the parameter estimates and lead to better understanding of the interplay of HIV and nutrition.
Using deep learning to identify the stenosis of the vertebral foramen and intervertebral canal accurately with the index IoU
Authors: Wu Chih-Ying , Yeh Wei-Chang , Hsu Che-Wei , Chang Shiaw-Meng , Lin Zi-Jie , Hsieh Ching-Liang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Artificial intelligence is a computer technology that has attracted considerable attention in recent years. As computer equipment has become increasingly advanced, deep learning in the field of artificial intelligence has made breakthroughs. In recent years, the use of deep learning in the medical field has contributed to many issues of efficiency and accuracy. Regardless of the excellent results in radiology, pathology, endoscopy, ultrasound, and biochemical examination, in this study, we used deep learning as a tool to identify spinal canals and spinal foramen stenosis. Based on previous studies, new techniques, such as erosion and expansion, were added to make the results more accurate, and provide area, IoU and other indicators for evaluation. This paper not only applies the latest computer science and information engineering technology--deep learning to medicine, but also uses a breakthrough network model to improve the recognition effect.Use quantitative indicators to make results more reliable. In this study, we compared two network architecture, Resnet50 and VGG16, to identify the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen. Resnet50 had quite good results in IoU, which were 77.4% and 80.9% in spinal canal and intervertebral foramen, respectively.
A Prospective Study on Direct Out-of-Pocket Expenses of Hospitalized Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Philippine tertiary care center
Authors: Ang Blake Warren , Fernandez Lenora 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines and majority of the economic burden lies in hospitalizations during an exacerbation. Despite coverage of hospitalization cost with the national health insurance system (Phil-Health) for COPD exacerbations, patients often pay out-of-pocket. This study aimed to determine the demographic characteristics of COPD admissions at a Philippine tertiary care center, Philippine General Hospital, and assess mean cost of hospitalization, and identify predictors of prolonged hospitalization and cost >20,000 Philippine pesos (Php). A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months by chart review. Patients were categorized as charity service patients, that is, with no charged professional fees and free medications and private service patients who pay for their health care services. A total of 43 COPD admissions were included. The average daily cost of hospitalization (per 1,000 pesos) for service patients was at 4.25 compared to private service patients at 16. Demographic characteristics and type of accommodation were not significant predictors of prolonged hospital stay nor hospitalization cost of > Php 20,000. Accommodation cost and professional fees accounted for majority of the overall cost for private patients, while medications and diagnostic tests were the major contributor to the overall cost for charity patients. Despite existence of Phil-health, in-patient coverage for COPD remain insufficient. Measures for maximizing COPD control in the out-patient setting could potentially reduce total cost for this disease.
Investigating the impact of compound extremes on crop yield response of cotton: A case study
Authors: Kandula Srikanth , Manikanta Velpuri , Umamahesh N V 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Agricultural productivity is significantly affected by weather and climate extremes such as droughts and heat waves. Despite several studies addressing the impact of individual and compound extremes on crop yields, there needs to be more comprehensive understanding of their duration thresholds beyond which the crop declines significantly. Hence, in this study, an analysis was carried out to understand the duration thresholds of the compound and individual extremes under varying scenarios for cotton. Future yields were simulated using the bias-corrected projections from 8 climate models and DSSAT-CROPGRO-Cotton crop simulation model. Future yields are predicted for three different scenarios i) rainfed with constant [CO2] (S1), ii) rainfed with elevated [CO2] (S2) and iii) full irrigation with elevated [CO2] (S3). The results reveal that the overall cotton yields in the study area are likely to decrease by the end of the century under all scenarios (SSP585 > SSP370 > SSP245). The duration threshold (change point) increases from S1 to S3, i.e., S1 < S2 < S3. Due to Coincidental Heatwaves and Droughts and Heatwaves alone in the SSP585 scenario, a decline in the crop yield of about 33%, 23%, and 15% is observed in the S1, S2, and S3 scenarios, respectively.