bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neglected tropical diseases risk correlates with poverty and early ecosystem destruction
Authors: Magalhães Arthur Ramalho , Codeço Cláudia Torres , Svenning Jens-Christian , Escobar Luis E. , Van de Vuurst Paige , Gonçalves-Souza Thiago 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Neglected tropical diseases affect the most vulnerable populations and cause chronic and debilitating disorders. Socioeconomic vulnerability is a well-known and important determinant of neglected tropical diseases. For example, poverty and sanitation could influence parasite transmission. Nevertheless, the quantitative impact of socioeconomic conditions on disease transmission risk remains poorly explored.

Methods
This study investigated the role of socioeconomic variables in the predictive capacity of risk models of neglected tropical zoonoses using a decade of epidemiological data (2007–2018) from Brazil. Vector-borne diseases investigated in this study included dengue, malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and Brazilian spotted fever, while directly-transmitted zoonotic diseases included schistosomiasis, leptospirosis, and hantaviruses. Environmental and socioeconomic predictors were combined with infectious disease data to build environmental and socioenvironmental sets of ecological niche models and their performances were compared.

Results
Socioeconomic variables were found to be as important as environmental variables in influencing the estimated likelihood of disease transmission across large spatial scales. The combination of socioeconomic and environmental variables improved overall model accuracy (or predictive power) by 10% on average (P < 0.01), reaching a maximum of 18% in the case of dengue fever. Gross domestic product was the most important socioeconomic variable (37% relative variable importance, all individual models exhibited P < 0.00), showing a decreasing relationship with disease indicating poverty as a major factor for disease transmission. Loss of natural vegetation cover between 2008 and 2018 was the most important environmental variable (42% relative variable importance, P < 0.05) among environmental models, exhibiting a decreasing relationship with disease probability, showing that these diseases are especially prevalent in areas where natural ecosystem destruction is on its initial stages and lower when ecosystem destruction is on more advanced stages.

Conclusions
Destruction of natural ecosystems coupled with low income explain macro-scale neglected tropical and zoonotic disease probability in Brazil. Addition of socioeconomic variables improves transmission risk forecasts on tandem with environmental variables. Our results highlight that to efficiently address neglected tropical diseases, public health strategies must target both reduction of poverty and cessation of destruction of natural forests and savannas.
Seroprevalence of viral and bacterial pathogens among malaria patients in an endemic area of southern Venezuela
Authors: Forero-Peña David A. , Carrión-Nessi Fhabián S. , Lopez-Perez Mary , Sandoval-de Mora Marisol , Amaya Iván D. , Gamardo Ángel F. , Chavero Melynar , Figuera Luisamy , Marcano María V. , Camejo-Ávila Natasha A. , Hidalgo Mariana , Arenas Cariagne J. , Arévalo-Herrera Myriam , Herrera Sócrates 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a leading public health problem worldwide. Co-infections with other pathogens complicate its diagnosis and may modify the disease’s clinical course and management. Similarities in malaria clinical presentation with other infections and overlapping endemicity result in underdiagnosis of co-infections and increased mortality. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of viral and bacterial pathogens among diagnosed malaria patients in malaria-endemic areas in Venezuela.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on malaria patients attending three reference medical centres in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela. Clinical evaluation and laboratory tests for dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), viral hepatitis [hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)], and leptospirosis (LEP) were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Previous exposure to these pathogens was defined by the presence of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and co-infection or recent exposure (CoRE) was determined by the presence of specific IgM alone or IgM + IgG. Data analysis considered descriptive statistics. Parameter distribution was statistically evaluated using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the necessary comparison tests. Odds ratio (OR) for complications was determined according to CoRE presence with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
A total of 161 malaria patients were studied, 66% infected with Plasmodium vivax, 27% with P. falciparum, and 7.5% harboured P. vivax/P. falciparum mixed infection. Previous exposure to DENV (60%) and CHIKV (25%) was frequent. CoRE was confirmed in 55 of the 161 malaria patients (34%) and were more frequent in P. falciparum (49%) than in P. vivax (29%) and mixed malaria patients (25%) (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.39–4.25, P = 0.018). The most frequent CoRE was DENV (15%), followed by HAV (12%), HBV (6.2%), CHIKV (5.5%), and LEP (3.7%); HCV CoRE was absent. Complicated malaria was significantly more frequent in patients with CoRE (56%) than those without CoRE (36%; OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.18–4.92, P = 0.013).

Conclusions
We found high CoRE prevalence in malaria patients as determined by serology in the study region; cases were associated with a worse clinical outcome. Further prospective studies with samples from different infection sites and the use of molecular tools are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Graphical abstract
Determinants of malaria infections among children in refugee settlements in Uganda during 2018–2019
Authors: Semakula Henry Musoke , Liang Song , Mukwaya Paul Isolo , Mugagga Frank , Swahn Monica , Nseka Denis , Wasswa Hannington , Kayima Patrick 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
While 5% of 247 million global malaria cases are reported in Uganda, it is also a top refugee hosting country in Africa, with over 1.36 million refugees. Despite malaria being an emerging challenge for humanitarian response in refugee settlements, little is known about its risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for malaria infections among children under 5 years of age in refugee settlements in Uganda.

Methods
We utilized data from Uganda’s Malaria Indicator Survey which was conducted between December 2018 and February 2019 at the peak of malaria season. In this national survey, household level information was obtained using standardized questionnaires and a total of 7787 children under 5 years of age were tested for malaria using mainly the rapid diagnostic test. We focused on 675 malaria tested children under five in refugee settlements located in Yumbe, Arua, Adjumani, Moyo, Lamwo, Kiryadongo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge and Isingiro districts. The extracted variables included prevalence of malaria, demographic, social-economic and environmental information. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify and define the malaria associated risk factors.

Results
Overall, malaria prevalence in all refugee settlements across the nine hosting districts was 36.6%. Malaria infections were higher in refugee settlements located in Isingiro (98.7%), Kyegegwa (58.6%) and Arua (57.4%) districts. Several risk factors were significantly associated with acquisition of malaria including fetching water from open water sources [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.59, P = 0.002], boreholes (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 0.91–4.89, P = 0.018) and water tanks (aOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.67–11.9, P = 0.002). Other factors included pit-latrines (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03–2.13, P = 0.033), open defecation (aOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.54–7.05, P = 0.002), lack of insecticide treated bed nets (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.43–3.13, P = 0.003) and knowledge on the causes of malaria (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.79–1.51, P = 0.005).

Conclusions
The persistence of the malaria infections were mainly due to open water sources, poor hygiene, and lack of preventive measures that enhanced mosquito survival and infection. Malaria elimination in refugee settlements requires an integrated control approach that combines environmental management with other complementary measures like insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and awareness.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation of rapid COVID-19 testing at Massachusetts trial courts
Authors: Ngassa Yvane , Smyth Emma , Pickard Bridget , Maner Morgan , Rubinstein Lauren Brinkley , Wurcel Alysse 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 shut down trial courts across the country, prolonging case resolution of charged, detained, and incarcerated people. We report on the implementation of rapid COVID-19 testing at Trial Courts in Massachusetts (MA), focusing on the outcomes of adoption and acceptability.

Methods
Guided by the Expert Recommendations in Implementing Change (ERIC) framework, we chose six strategies to guide implementation. After assembling a group of stakeholders, including representatives of the Trial Court, Department of Public Health (DPH) and vendors providing COVID-19 testing, we implemented rapid COVID-19 testing at Trial Court locations in December 2021. We collected data on (1) adoption of COVID-19 testing, (2) number of stakeholders who attended meetings, (3) number of tests performed at Trial Court sites, and (4) acceptability of COVID-19 testing using a QR-code anonymous survey.

Results
There was a high percentage of attendance at stakeholder meetings (> 70% at each meeting). 243 COVID-19 tests were conducted on eight occasions at four Trial Court sites between December 2021 and February 2022. Participants who responded to the QR-code survey reflected favorably on COVID-19 testing at MA Trial Court sites.

Conclusion
COVID-19 testing at Massachusetts Trial Court sites was possible through stakeholder engagement. Several cases of COVID-19 were identified prior to entry into the Trial Court. Funding for rapid COVID-19 testing should be provided to help keep trial courts open as the pandemic continues to evolve.
Elevated ZNF704 expression is associated with poor prognosis of uveal melanoma and promotes cancer cell growth by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling
Authors: Luo Jingting , Li Haowen , Xiu Jingying , Zeng Jingyao , Feng Zhaoxun , Zhao Hanqing , Li Yang , Wei Wenbin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults, with a poor survival prognosis. To date, limited understanding of UM’s molecular mechanisms constitutes an obstacle to developing effective therapy. In this study, we examined key regulators mediating UM progression and their clinical relevance.

Methods
Transcriptomics of UM patients and cells were analyzed via RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Zinc finger protein 704 (ZNF704) was identified as prognosis-related biomarker for UM based on clinical characteristics and RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene expression was knocked down by specific shRNAs/siRNAs and overexpressed by transfection with plasmids inserted with investigated gene cDNA. Cell proliferation, viability and invasion abilities were determined by CCK8, colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. For cell cycle and apoptosis, cells were PI or PI/Annexin V-APC stained and analyzed by flow cytometry. Standard immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR were employed to assess the mRNA and protein abundance. To determine tumor growth in vivo, 4-week-old BALB/c-nu immune-deficient nude mice were inoculated with tumor cells.

Results
Analysis of differential expressed genes (DEGs) and survival analysis identified ZNF704 as a novel biomarker of UM. Prognostic analysis indicated ZNF704 as an independent predictor of UM overall survival. Expression of ZNF704 is elevated in UM tissues relative to adjacent normal choroid tissues. Knockdown of ZNF704 suppressed the growth and migration of UM cells and vice versa. In addition, expression of ZNF704 arrest UM cells at G0/G1 phase and inhibit cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that SORBS3 were dysregulated after ZNF704 downregulation. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that upon ZNF704 knowndown, genes related with PI3K/AKT/mTOR, EMT and metastasis are enriched. Mechanistically, ZNF704 activates AKT/mTOR/glycolysis signaling pathway in UM cells. Moreover, expression of SORBS3 is downregulated by ZNF704 and knockdown of SORBS3 restored tumor cell viability in ZNF704 silenced cells.

Conclusions
ZNF704 predicts poor prognosis of UM and exhibit pro-oncogenic effect in UM progression in vivo and in vitro, mediated through AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and suppression of SORBS3 expression.
In-orbit recalibration of Longwave Infrared Camera onboard Akatsuki
Authors: Taguchi Makoto , Kouyama Toru , Sugawa Temma , Murakami Shin-ya , Futaguchi Masahiko 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAkatsuki has been in operation since Venus orbit insertion-revenge 1 (VOI-R1) in December 2015 and has been making observations of Venus’ cloud-top temperature with Longwave Infrared Camera (LIR) since the start of nominal observations in April 2016. LIR was originally designed to maintain its performance for at least 4 years after the VOI originally planned in December 2010. Although the operation time of LIR has exceeded its designed lifetime as of August 2022, it is still functioning normally. The mechanical shutter plate has been kept at a normal temperature and used as a hot reference in determining the brightness temperature of objects when in the closed position. Since the observed temperature of the background deep space is merely a value representing the output for no radiation input, it should be the same in any observation. This was around 180 K just after the launch of Akatsuki in May 2010; however, it has gradually increased to approximately 200 K by February 2022. Average Venus disk temperatures also show a slight increasing trend. The increases of the background and Venus’ disk temperatures are most likely due to degradation of the sensitivity of the bolometer array used in LIR as an image sensor. These temperatures have apparently been increasing since LIR was activated in October 2016. While LIR is activated, the bolometer temperature is kept at 40 °C and a moderate baking effect may have accelerated degassing in the bolometer package, and the resulting increase of thermal conductivity or decrease of transmittance of the window contaminated by evaporated components may have degraded the sensitivity of the bolometer. A sensitivity degradation of 5% from October 2016 to February 2022 is estimated from the increasing trend of the background temperature. A correction has been made to the LIR data to keep the background temperature constant. The corrected data show no increasing trend in either the background or Venus’ disk temperature. The corrected data are open to the public as a more reliable dataset for investigating the long-term variability of thermal condition at cloud-top altitudes.
Graphical Abstract
Impact of strong and weak stratospheric polar vortices on geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tides
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Siddiqui Tarique A. , Stolle Claudia , Pedatella Nicholas M. , Pallamraju Duggirala 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe impact of strong and weak stratospheric polar vortices on geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tides is investigated during Northern Hemisphere (NH) winters using ground-based magnetic field observations at the Huancayo (12.05° S, 284.67° E; magnetic latitude: 0.6° S) equatorial observatory. We analyze the periods between December 15 and March 1 for 34 NH winters between 1980 and 2020 and find that the response of semidiurnal solar and lunar tides as seen in geomagnetic field depends on the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex. During weak polar vortex events, geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tidal amplitudes show an average enhancement by ~ 25% and ~ 50%, respectively, which is consistent with the known results during sudden stratospheric warmings. When the stratospheric polar vortex is strong, geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tidal amplitudes decline on an average by ~ 15% and ~ 25%, respectively, during weak polar vortex events. Our results also reveal that the response of the geomagnetic semidiurnal solar tidal variations to strong and weak polar vortex conditions is delayed by approximately 10 days while the response of geomagnetic semidiurnal lunar tidal variations do not show a time delay. These results provide observational evidence that along with weak polar vortices in the Northern Hemisphere, the strong stratospheric polar vortices also have pronounced effects on the equatorial ionosphere.
Graphical Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging to assess the brain response to fasting in glioblastoma-bearing rats as a model of cancer anorexia
Authors: Guadilla Irene , González Sara , Cerdán Sebastián , Lizarbe Blanca , López-Larrubia Pilar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Global energy balance is a vital process tightly regulated by the brain that frequently becomes dysregulated during the development of cancer. Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most investigated malignancies, but its appetite-related disorders, like anorexia/cachexia symptoms, remain poorly understood.

Methods
We performed manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) and subsequent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), in adult male GBM-bearing (n = 13) or control Wistar rats (n = 12). A generalized linear model approach was used to assess the effects of fasting in different brain regions involved in the regulation of the global energy metabolism: cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus. The regions were selected on the contralateral side in tumor-bearing animals, and on the left hemisphere in control rats. An additional DTI-only experiment was completed in two additional GBM (n = 5) or healthy cohorts (n = 6) to assess the effects of manganese infusion on diffusion measurements.

Results
MEMRI results showed lower T1 values in the cortex (p-value < 0.001) and thalamus (p-value < 0.05) of the fed ad libitum GBM animals, as compared to the control cohort, consistent with increased Mn2+ accumulation. No MEMRI-detectable differences were reported between fed or fasting rats, either in control or in the GBM group. In the MnCl2-infused cohorts, DTI studies showed no mean diffusivity (MD) variations from the fed to the fasted state in any animal cohort. However, the DTI-only set of acquisitions yielded remarkably decreased MD values after fasting only in the healthy control rats (p-value < 0.001), and in all regions, but thalamus, of GBM compared to control animals in the fed state (p-value < 0.01). Fractional anisotropy (FA) decreased in tumor-bearing rats due to the infiltrate nature of the tumor, which was detected in both diffusion sets, with (p-value < 0.01) and without Mn2+ administration (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our results revealed that an altered physiological brain response to fasting occurred in hunger related regions in GBM animals, detectable with DTI, but not with MEMRI acquisitions. Furthermore, the present results showed that Mn2+ induces neurotoxic inflammation, which interferes with diffusion MRI to detect appetite-induced responses through MD changes.
Cellular infiltration in an injectable sulfated cellulose nanocrystal hydrogel and efficient angiogenesis by VEGF loading
Authors: Min Kiyoon , Tae Giyoong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Cellular infiltration and angiogenesis into implanted biomaterial scaffolds are crucial for successful host tissue integration and tissue regeneration. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a nano-sized cellulose derivative, which can form an injectable physical gel with salts. Sulfate groups of sulfated CNC (CNC-S) can act as a binding domain to various growth factors and cytokines with a heparin-binding domain for sustained release of them. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can promote the proliferation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis. In this study, VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel was evaluated as an injectable scaffold that can induce cellular infiltration and angiogenesis.

Methods
CNC-S was hydrolyzed to get desulfated CNC (CNC-DS), which was used as a negative control group against CNC-S. Both CNC-S and CNC-DS hydrogels were prepared and compared in terms of biocompatibility and VEGF release. The hydrogels with or without VEGF loading were subcutaneously injected into mice to evaluate the biocompatibility, cellular infiltration, and angiogenesis induction of the hydrogels.

Results
Both hydrogels possessed similar stability and shear-thinning behavior to be applicable as injectable hydrogels. However, CNC-S hydrogel showed sustained release (until 8 weeks) of VEGF whereas CNC-DS showed a very fast release of VEGF with a large burst. Subcutaneously injected CNC-S hydrogel showed much enhanced cellular infiltration as well as better biocompatibility with milder foreign body response than CNC-DS hydrogel. Furthermore, VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel induced significant angiogenesis inside the hydrogel whereas VEGF-loaded CNC-DS did not.

Conclusion
CNC-S possesses good properties as a biomaterial including injectability, biocompatibility, and allowing cellular infiltration and sustained release of growth factors. VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel exhibited efficient angiogenesis inside the hydrogel. The sulfate group of CNC-S was a key for good biocompatibility and the biological activities of VEGF-loaded CNC hydrogel.
Comparative ultrasound-guided assessment of gastric volume between diabetic and non-diabetic patients posted for elective surgery—a prospective, observational, correlation study
Authors: Khan Saad Aslam , Sahoo Tapan Kumar , Trivedi Saurabh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Perioperative aspiration of gastric contents is a serious complication and its severity depends upon the gastric volume and nature of the aspirate. Diabetic patients are more prone for aspiration because of delayed gastric emptying. USG-guided gastric examination can help in aspiration risk assessment by identifying the nature and volume of the gastric contents. This prospective observational study compared, USG-guided gastric contents and volume in fasting diabetic and non-diabetic patients posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Based on the history of diabetes mellitus (DM), 50 patients were divided into two groups, i.e., group A (diabetic for > 5 years, n = 25) and group B (non-diabetic, n = 25). After standard fasting period of 8 h, bedside ultrasound was conducted to assess gastric antral cross-sectional area, gastric volume and contents.

Results
The mean gastric antral cross-sectional area (3.96 ± 2.07 versus 2.96 ± 1.88, P value 0.08), mean gastric volume (17.88 ± 19.48 versus 9.72 ± 12.29, P value 0.083) and the mean gastric volume per kg body weight (0.16 ± 0.374 versus 0.04 ± 0.20, P value 0.164) after 8 h fasting were higher in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics, but were statistically insignificant.

Conclusions
Diabetic patients had comparatively slower gastric emptying and hence higher mean effecting gastric volume and gastric volume/kg body weight, after fixed hours of fasting. However, no patient had gastric volume/kg body weight > 1.5 ml/kg or presence of any solid food was visualized in any of the groups. Hence, the fixed 8 h fasting guarantees the safety from the risk of aspiration in diabetic and non-diabetic adult population.