bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of community health workers in the inventory management of antimalarial medicines in Rwanda: a case study of Bugesera district in Rwanda
Authors: Gakinahe Godelive U. , Rutungwa Eugene , Mbonyinshuti Francois , Kayitare Egide 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Malaria is a public health hazard globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for more than 90% of malaria deaths, primarily affecting children under the age of five. In Rwanda, malaria interventions include the availability of antimalarial medications, notably Artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs) and quick diagnostic test kits (RDTs). However, the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in antimalarial product distribution has yet to be identified.
Methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study involved the Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Bugesera District, working as a team of one male-female pair called Binômes. CHWs provide Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) and treatment of Malaria in villages. The sample size was 295, from 15 sectors of Bugesera District, each cell being represented. A structured research questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaires were filled by CHWs who were available for this study at the time of data collection. Collected data were exported to SPSS version 26 for coding and analysis.
Results: The CHWs reported to be actively involved in managing the antimalarial products inventory. Overall, 64.1 % of CHWs said that the population could easily obtain antimalarial products from community health workers, and 31.2 % agreed that people could also obtain antimalarial products from both the health centers and community health workers.The study showed that 78% of the CHWs had the appropriate storage conditions for antimalarial products, while the overall stock out recorded was 3.20%. Furthermore, CHWs described some challenges, including but not limited to, lack of appropriate or dependable transportation and inappropriate drugs storage. Transportation was reported as a critical barrier for accessing antimalarial products. The majority, 70.8% of CHWs must walk for a distance between 15 min and 2 hours for resupply of antimalarial products.
Conclusion: This study emphasized the role of CHWs in inventory management of antimalarial products. Identifying, understanding, and addressing these roles, particularly in the context of performance based on the availability of antimalarial products. Appropriate storage, and reduction of stock out rate, will serve to strengthen the current CHWs system, and provide critical guidance for the evolution of CHWs’ systems ongoing in Rwanda.
Multifunctionality of Agricultural Solutions Address Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation while Helping Achieve the SDGs
Authors: Mehra Mamta , Toensmeier Eric , Frischmann Chad 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Agricultural climate change mitigation solutions are often assessed for a single impact only, but their impacts on mitigation, adaptation, and other co-benefits are important to assess. Of the fourteen solutions assessed here, 25% show five or more mitigation impacts, and 92% show at least two. Tradeoffs must also be assessed, as 33% of the fourteen solutions had one impact that increased emissions. All but one solution showed adaptation impacts, with some showing up to 6 types of adaptation. Most solutions involved startup costs and a lag before profitability, a barrier to adoption which can be remedied. The fourteen solutions strongly enhanced achievement of 13 of the 15 SDGs. The multifunctional nature of agricultural solutions, if fully utilized, provides a powerful toolkit for addressing 21st century challenges. Engaging multifunctionality can also increase the impact of existing climate finance funds and potentially provide access to additional funding streams.
Sub-cellular population imaging tools reveal stable apical dendrites in hippocampal area CA3
Authors: Moore Jason , Rashid Shannon , Johnson Cara , Codrington Naomi , Chklovskii Dmitri , Basu Jayeeta 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Anatomically segregated apical and basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons receive functionally distinct inputs, but it is unknown if this results in compartment-level functional diversity during behavior. Here we imaged calcium signals from apical dendrites, soma, and basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons in area CA3 of mouse hippocampus during head-fixed navigation. To examine dendritic population activity, we developed computational tools to identify dendritic regions of interest and extract accurate fluorescence traces. We identified robust spatial tuning in apical and basal dendrites, similar to soma, though basal dendrites had reduced activity rates and place field widths. Across days, apical dendrites were more stable than soma or basal dendrites, resulting in better decoding of the animal’s position. These population-level dendritic differences may reflect functionally distinct input streams leading to different dendritic computations in CA3. These tools will facilitate future studies of signal transformations between cellular compartments and their relation to behavior.
Physical health among professional gamers within eSports, a survey study
Authors: Ekefjärd Staffan , Piussi Ramana , Senorski Eric Hamrin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: There is a need to establish the incidence of musculoskeletal conditions such as pain in Professional gamers (PGs) and to analyse whether there are correlations between lifestyle factors and musculoskeletal pain. The purpose of this study was to analyse the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain, as well as self-reported eye-related problems, in PGs. A further aim was to analyse the correlation between musculoskeletal pain and lifestyle factors, such as sleep time, playing time and physical activity
Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study with data based on an electronic survey, created specifically for this study, through the discussion and screening of established validated questionnaires for musculoskeletal conditions. The survey comprised age and years of experience as a PG as descriptive variables, as well as questions on sleep, playing time, physical activity and physical symptoms for the purpose of analysis The directors of 10 professional gaming corporations were contacted by email with a link to the study-specific survey to distribute to all employees.
Results: A total of 40 answers to the electronic survey were retrieved from 40 PGs, of which 62.5% (n=25) had experienced at least one physical symptom in the three months prior to answering the survey. There was a significant correlation between playing time and physical symptoms (OR=8.0; 95% CI 1.4-44.6, p=0.018), where playing for more than 35 hours a week was positively associated with eight times higher odds of experiencing physical symptoms.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in professional eSports gamers and a larger number or hours of playing time appear to be associated with a greater prevalence of musculoskeletal pain.
Design of a novel felbinac cataplasm with high permeability for the treatment of arthritis
Authors: Liu Cheng , Bai Ran , Zhao Zhining , Sun Yinghua , Yu Jia , Zhang Peng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to design a novel felbinac cataplasm with higher permeability than commercial product SELTOUCH® through using chemical enhancer strategy to reduce the times of administration and improve the compliance of patients. The novel felbinac cataplasm with high adhesion and good biocompatibility was prepared by calendar coating method. On the basis of previous research, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical method of felbinac was established. According to 2020 Chinese pharmacopoeia (Ch. P), the paddle plate method was used to study the in vitro dissolution. The results showed the release of drug from self-made felbinac cataplasm could reach 90%. Subsequently, the effects of different kinds of penetration enhancers (N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), isopropyl myristate (IPM) and propylene glycol (PG)) with the same percentage on the penetration of felbinac cataplasm were investigated. Propylene glycol (PG) was proved to be the most effective permeation enhancer among them. After screening different percentages of PG, 1% was added as the amount of permeation enhancer and the 12 h cumulative permeation amount was 189.03 µg/cm2 which was two times of the reference cataplasm (94.44 µg/cm2). The self-made felbinac cataplasm also had good stable permeability after placing at room temperature for 4 months. Finally, the tissue distribution study showed no matter in plasma, skin or muscle, the drug concentration of self-made cataplasm group was higher than reference cataplasm group. These data indicated that the self-made cataplasm provided a new reference for the development of felbinac dosage forms and promising alternative strategy for arthritis therapy.
Synthesis of protective PrEP adherence levels in cisgender women using convergent clinical and bottom-up modelling.
Authors: von Kleist Max , Zhang Lanxin , Iannuzzi Sara , Chaturvedula Ayyappa , Haberer Jessica , Hendrix Craig 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Globally, most HIV infections occur in heterosexual women in resource-limited settings. In these settings, female self-protection with generic emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate pre-exposure prophylaxis (FTC/TDF-PrEP) may constitute a major pillar of the HIV prevention portfolio. However, clinical trials in women had inconsistent outcomes, sparking uncertainty regarding risk-group specific adherence requirements and causing reluctance in testing and recommending on-demand regimen in women.
We analyzed all FTC/TDF-PrEP trials to established PrEP efficacy ranges in women. In a ‘bottom-up’ approach, we modeled hypotheses corroborating risk-group specific adherence-efficacy profiles. Finally, we used the clinical efficacy ranges to (in-)validate hypotheses.
We found that different clinical outcomes could solely be explained by the proportion of enrolled participants not taking the product, allowing, for the first time, to unify clinical observations. This analysis showed that 90% protection was achieved, when women took some of the product. Using ‘bottom-up’ modelling, we found that hypotheses of putative male/female differences were either irrelevant, or statistically inconsistent with clinical data. Furthermore, our multiscale modelling indicated that 90% protection was achieved if oral FTC/TDF was taken at least twice weekly.
Diet replacement with whole insect larvae affects intestinal morphology and microbial ecosystem of broiler chickens
Authors: Vasilopoulos Stylianos , Giannenas Ilias , Mellidou Ifigeneia , Stylianaki Ioanna , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Tzora Athina , Skoufos Ioannis A. , Athanassiou Christos G. , Papadopoulos Elias , Fortomaris Paschalis 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A trial with 120 day-old Ross-308 broilers that were randomly allocated in three treatments with 10 birds in each pen was conducted to evaluate whether a control commercialised maize and soybean meal in mash form or this diet containing whole TM larvae at 5% (TM5) or 10% (TM10), respectively would affect either the intestinal morphometry in small intestine or intestinal microbiome on ileum or the ceca of broilers. On d35 intestinal samples were collected either in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological assessment or digesta from ileal and caecal parts were assessed for their bacterial community diversity through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput amplicon sequencing on the V3-V4 hypervariable region. Histomorphometric investigation revealed higher duodenum Vh in TM5, higher jejunum Cd but lower duodenum Cd (P ≤ 0.05) in the treated groups. Intestinal bacterial microbiota showed varying implications; Lactobacilli and Staphylococci were eminent in the caecum. Bacteroides were found increased in TM5 and Lactobacilli and Cutibacterium were found increased in TM10. In the ileum of TM5, several Bacteroides and Lactobacilli species, Enterococcus durans and Streptococcus gallolyticus decreased, whereas most Lactobacilli decreased and Clostridium jejuni increased in TM10. Diet supplementation with TM larve can alter the composition of gastrointestinal microbiota both on ileum and cecum.
Comparison of Conventional Audiometry with a Game-Based Audiometric Application for Screening the Hearing Thresholds of Children and Adults
Authors: Law Chin Po , Wong Lena Lai Nar , Chung King 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background This study aimed to compare the accuracy and the feasibility of a low-cost automated game-based hearing screening application (Aud⋅It) with conventional audiometry to screen the hearing thresholds of children and adults. Concurrent validity between the two audiometric tests was also explored.Methods Aud⋅It was designed to use a three-alternative choice paradigm to test hearing thresholds and its transducer output accuracy was tested and checked extensively to ensure the conformance to the expected levels of insert earphones specified in ANSI/ASA S3.6: 2010 (2018). It is also equipped with a calibration function that can allow user calibration of other types of transducers (e.g., supraural headphones). A total of 131 children and adults aged between 3 and 82 were recruited for this study. Hearing thresholds were measured using Aud⋅It and conventional audiometry with the order of the tests counterbalanced and the differences between the thresholds were compared for each participant at corresponding frequencies and test ear. Tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions were used to check the middle ear and the outer hair cell functions. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to screen the cognitive abilities of the adult participants.Results Ninety-five percent of the thresholds obtained using Aud⋅It and conventional audiometry agreed within 5 dB, which is an acceptable clinical variability for audiometry testing. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated a strong and significant correlation between the two audiometric measures (r = 0.977), demonstrating excellent concurrent validity. Interclass correlation [ICC3,k; 0.986 (95% CI = 0.980–0.990)] and Cronbach’s alpha (0.988) values indicate the hearing thresholds obtained using Aud⋅It had excellent agreement with those obtained using conventional audiometry.. Most participants aged 3 years and the participants with lower cognitive ability either could not be tested using Aud⋅It or showed large threshold differences between the two audiometric tests, suggesting that they need to be tested using conventional audiometry by trained audiologists. The average test completion time of Aud⋅It was 7 minutes and 48 seconds.Conclusion Aud⋅It is a viable hearing screening tool for testing children more than four years of age and adults without cognitive impairments.
Symmetrically substituted carbazole derivatives exert antiproliferative effects through catalytic inhibition of topoisomerase II and apoptosis induction
Authors: Olszewski Mateusz , Maciejewska Natalia , Kallingal Anoop , Chylewska Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Aleksandra Małgorzata , Biedulska Małgorzata , Makowski Mariusz , Padrón José Manuel , Baginski Maciej 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Human DNA topoisomerases are vital enzymes for DNA replication, transcription, chromatin condensation, and maintenance of their structure. Due to this fact inhibition of topoisomerase II is a common approach used in cancer treatment. Carbazole scaffold has a wide range of biological activities and appears as a core in many active compounds. It also plays important role in anticancer research. The present study shows the in vitro biological evaluation of three symmetric carbazole derivatives, substituted with furan or thiophene, as potential antitumor agents. Compounds efficiently inhibited the proliferation of all tested cancer cell lines mostly at nanomolar concentrations. They were further characterized for their effect on cell cycle progression, mitochondria disruption, DNA damage induction, and type of cellular death. Moreover, analysis of their mode of action indicates, that investigated carbazole derivatives inhibit topoisomerase II. Among them, compound 36a exhibited the strongest catalytic inhibitory activity against topoisomerase IIα and could be a potential lead compound for developing novel promising anticancer compounds.
Flock Composition and Socio-economic Characteristics of Village Chicken Production System in Western Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Markos Shishay , Belay Berhanu , Dessie Tadelle 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A survey was conducted in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia to assess flock composition, ownership, and gender roles in chicken production and factors affecting chicken product consumption. Multi-stage sampling procedures were employed to select three districts, nine sample peasant associations, and 385 respondents. A pretested, structured questionnaire and focused group discussion were employed to generate data. All survey data were analyzed using SPSS software. Chicken flock size per household is significantly different among the three agro ecologies. The overall mean chicken flock size per household was 24. 35 ± 10. 69. The effective population size Ne and the rate of inbreeding (∆F) were 1263. 69, and 0.04, respectively. Chicken and egg consumption is influenced by cultural and religious festivals, farmer status, agroecology, breed, plumage colour, shank type, comb type, feather distribution, and age. In all agro ecologies, the average annual chicken and egg consumption per household was higher among large-scale farmers than among small-scale farmers. The average annual chicken consumption per household was 7.76 ± 0.68 and 20.79 ± 0.68 for small and large-scale farmers, respectively. Similarly, the average annual egg consumption was 67.52 ± 3.13 and 182.27 ± 3.13 for small and large-scale farmers, respectively. The ranking indices of consumption preferences according to plumage colours indicated uniform preferences for chicken plumage colours for consumption across the agro ecologies. Chickens with red (1st ), greyish (2nd ), and multicoloured (3rd ) plumage colours were the most preferred for consumption, while chickens with full white and black colours were used for mystical purposes in the study. Every family member participated in taking care of chickens, Even though the level of responsibility varied among family members. Husband and wife involved in decision-making of chicken product utilization even though their degrees of involvement varied across the three agro ecologies. Information on flock composition, factors affecting chicken product consumption, ownership, and gender roles are prerequisites for the design and implementation of successful chicken breeding strategies.
Intra-articular injection of PLGA/polydopamine core-shell nanoparticle attenuates osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Zong Lujie , Wang Qing , Sun Houyi , Wu Qian , Xu Yaozeng , Yang Huilin , Lv Shujun , Zhang Liang , Geng Dechun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, which is regulated by oxidative stress, and there is currently no clinical drug to alleviate its development. Kartogenin (KGN) was found to treat cartilage damage in early OA, but its application is limited by the rapid clearance from synovial fluid. This study synthesized a KGN-loaded nanocarrier based on PLGA/polydopamine core/shell structure to treat OA. The prepared KGN@PLGA/PDA-PEG-E7 nanoparticles could stay in the joint cavity for more than four weeks, ensuring the long-term sustained release of KGN after a single intra-articular injection. Moreover, the polyphenolic structure of PDA makes it effective in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), so the KGN@PLGA/PDA-PEG-E7 NPs could promote chondrogenic differentiation even under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, the BMSCs-targeting peptide E7(EPLQLKM) conferred effective BMSCs affinity to KGN@PLGA/PDA-PEG-E7 NPs, which enhanced the efficacy of inducing cartilage in vitro and in vivo. As a result, the KGN@PLGA/PDA-PEG-E7 nanoparticles could effectively protect cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat ACLT model. In summary, KGN@PLGA/PDA-PEG-E7 nanoparticles can be used for intra-articular injection to effectively alleviate OA progression. This therapeutic strategy can also be extended to the delivery of other drugs or targeting other tissues to treat joint diseases.
Potential functions of circular RNAs in the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose- derived stem cells
Authors: Sun Xiang , Han Jiusong , Wang Jing , Lian Junxiang , Luan Xiuwen , Ai Weijian , Zhou Huixi , Liu Shuguang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background The differential expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) with potential functions during the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) was investigated.Methods Three groups of hADSCs and cells after 14 d of osteogenic differentiation were studied. Differentially expressed circRNAs before and after the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs were screened using circRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The potential functions and targets of the differentially expressed circRNAs were analysed using bioinformatics (Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and prediction of circRNA–miRNA–mRNA relationships).Results A total of 8732 differentially expressed circRNAs with 2-fold changes in expression between before and after the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, including 2905 upregulated circRNAs and 5827 downregulated circRNAs, were identified. GO and KEGG analyses showed that some target genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs were associated with biological functions and biological pathways involved in osteogenic differentiation. Construction of the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network showed that many miRNAs and mRNAs could be regulated by the same circRNA through different signalling pathways.Conclusions The circRNA expression profile changed significantly during the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Some differentially expressed circRNAs might competitively bind to miRNAs to inhibit their binding to mRNAs and thus regulate the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.