bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between malaria and household air pollution interventions in a predominantly rural area of Ghana
Authors: Asante Kwaku Poku , Wylie Blair J. , Oppong Felix B. , Quinn Ashlinn , Gyaase Stephaney , Lee Alison G. , Ae-Ngibise Kenneth Ayuurebobi , Burkart Katrin , Boamah-Kaali Ellen Abrafi , Kaali Seyram , Chillrud Steven , Kinney Patrick L. , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Jack Darby 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Though anecdotal evidence suggests that smoke from HAP has a repellent effect on mosquitoes, very little work has been done to assess the effect of biomass smoke on malaria infection. The study, therefore, sought to investigate the hypothesis that interventions to reduce household biomass smoke may have an unintended consequence of increasing placental malaria or increase malaria infection in the first year of life.

Methods
This provides evidence from a randomized controlled trial among 1414 maternal-infant pairs in the Kintampo North and Kintampo South administrative areas of Ghana. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between study intervention assignment (LPG, Biolite or control) and placental malaria. Finally, an extended Cox model was used to assess the association between study interventions and all episodes of malaria parasitaemia in the first year of infant’s life.

Results
The prevalence of placental malaria was 24.6%. Out of this, 20.8% were acute infections, 18.7% chronic infections and 60.5% past infections. The study found no statistical significant association between the study interventions and all types of placental malaria (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.59–1.30). Of the 1165 infants, 44.6% experienced at least one episode of malaria parasitaemia in the first year of life. The incidence of first and/or only episode of malaria parasitaemia was however found to be similar among the study arms.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that cookstove interventions for pregnant women and infants, when combined with additional malaria prevention strategies, do not lead to an increased risk of malaria among pregnant women and infants.
Single inferior parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dong Zhizhong , Liu Wen , Peng Ying , Zhan Xiangxiang , Su Yanjun , Diao Chang , Cheng Ruochuan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Management of the inferior parathyroid gland using total thyroidectomy (TT) with central lymph node dissection (CLND) is still controversial. Therefore, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of single inferior parathyroid autotransplantation.

Methods
The clinical data of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent TT with bilateral CLND from January 2018 to December 2020 were collected. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and THYCA-QOL. The patients were divided into an autotransplantation group and a preservation group according to whether a single inferior parathyroid gland was transplanted. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism, the number of resected central lymph nodes (CLNs), the rate of recurrence reoperation, the rate of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, and the QoL score were compared between the two groups.

Results
A total of 296 patients were included in the study; there were 99 patients in the autotransplantation group and 197 in the preservation group. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 3.0% (3/99) and 4.6% (9/197) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.532). The median number of resected CLNs was 12 (8–17) and 10 (6–14) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.015). No reoperations were performed for patients with CLN recurrence, and the rates of lateral lymph node (LLN) recurrence reoperation were 2.0% (2/99) and 3.6% (7/197) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.473). The RAI treatment rates were 12.1% (12/99) and 22.3% (44/197) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.034). A total of 276 questionnaires were recovered, including 84 in the autotransplantation group and 192 in the preservation group. The QoL of the two groups of patients is similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Single inferior parathyroid autotransplantation during thyroidectomy can be used to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism and can enable more extensive CLND.
A retrospective study of adjuvant proton radiotherapy for breast cancer after lumpectomy: a comparison of conventional-dose and hypofractionated dose
Authors: Hong ZhengShan , Yang ZhaoZhi , Mei Xin , Li Ping , Bao Cihang , Wang Zheng , Cai Xin , Ming Xue , Wang WeiWei , Guo XiaoMao , Yu XiaoLi , Zhang Qing 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to compare the adverse reactions of conventional-dose and hypofractionated dose of proton therapy for breast cancer.

Materials and methods
Breast cancer patients treated with proton radiotherapy in conventional-dose or hypofractionated dose were studied retrospectively.

Result
From January 2017 to December 2019, our center treated 50 patients following lumpectomy with proton radiotherapy. According to the AJCC 8th Edition standard, there were stage I in 26 patients, stage II in 22 patients, and stage III in 2 patients. A total of 14 patients received intensity-modulated proton therapy at a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions, followed by a 10 Gy 4 fractionated boost to the lumpectomy cavity, while 36 received 40.05 Gy in 15 fractions, simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) 48 Gy to the lumpectomy cavity. Median follow-up time for 40.05 Gy group was 35.6 months (15–43 months). Median follow-up time for 50 Gy group was 46.8 months (36–68 months). For acute toxicity, the grade 1 and 2 radiodermatitis in conventional-dose group were 35.7% and 57.1%, respectively. In hypofractionated dose group, the grade 1 and 2 radiodermatitis were 91.7% and 8.3%, respectively. The radiodermatitis is hypofractionneted dose better than conventional-dose significantly. Grade 1 radiation-induced esophagitis in conventional-dose group and hypofractionated dose group were 85.71% and 60%, respectively. For late toxicity, no patients developed radiation-induced pneumonitis and rib fracture in conventional-dose group. Three patients presented grade 1 pneumonitis; one patient presented graded 2 pneumonitides and two patients presented rib fracture in hypofractionated dose group. One presented hypothyroidism in hypofractionated dose group. All patients were satisfied with breast shape. The one- and two-year OS and DFS for conventional-dose group were 100 and 100; 100 and 92.9%, respectively. The one- and two-year OS and DFS for hypofractionated dose group were 100 and 100; 100 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion
Proton radiation therapy can significantly reduce the normal tissue dose in breast cancer patients' hearts, lungs, and other organs. Hypofractionated proton therapy shortens the treatment course with mild radiation-related adverse effects, and has a better effect on addressing the acute adverse reactions than conventional proton radiotherapy.
The predictors of food security and dietary diversity among internally displaced persons’ children (6–59 months) in Bamenda health district, Cameroon
Authors: Tambe Ayuk Betrand , Akeh Mbah Larissa , Tendongfor Nicholas , Dhlamini Thembekile , Chipili Given , Mbhenyane Xikombiso 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst children in displaced settings. Nutrition at this stage is crucial for the growth and development of the child. It is estimated that 41 million children under 5 years are obese/overweight, 159 million are stunted and 50 million are wasted worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity and dietary diversity among internally displaced persons’ children from 6 to 59 months.

Methodology
A cross sectional community-based study was conducted on 395 children aged 6–59 months from May 2021-June 2021. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select the study participants. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, food security and dietary diversity. Predictors of food insecurity and dietary diversity were identified using logistic regression. The outputs were presented using adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
The study results revealed that the level of household food insecurity was 91.6%, at risk of experiencing hunger (3.3%) and food secure (5.5%). Participants had mean dietary diversity score of 3.6 food groups, 51.6% had a low or inadequate dietary diversity and 48.4% had adequate dietary diversity. Children who were from households with monthly income of $101- $200 US dollars and had been displaced just once were 79% (AOR: 0.21, 95%CI: 0.07–0.60) and 84% (AOR: 0.16, 95%CI: 0.05–0.50) less likely to be food insecure compared to their counterparts respectively. While households with participants who Walked ≥ 10 min to fetch drinking water (AOR: 11.61 95%CI: 2.39–52.08) were more likely food insecure. In addition, household monthly income of ≥ $100 US dollars (AOR: 0.20, 95%CI: 0.07–0.56) had a reduced chance of providing low diversified food. Households that had received social grants (AOR: 2.15, 95%CI: 1.38–3.49) and walked ≥ 10 min to fetch drinking water (AOR: 2.43, 95%CI: 1.48–3.98) had a higher chance of providing low diversified food.

Conclusion
Dietary diversity and household food insecurity was unacceptably low and high respectively among internally displaced children. Policymakers should prioritize strengthening both nutrition sensitive and specific activities that contribute to reduction of food insecurity and consumption of unbalance diet.
Ten-month follow-up of patients with covid-19 temporally related multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children: the experience of the children hospital of Palermo
Authors: Maggio Maria Cristina , Giordano Salvatore , Failla Maria Concetta , Campione Martina Gioacchina , Alaimo Annalisa , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
In Sicily, the first wave of COVID-19 showed a low epidemic impact in paediatric population, while the second and the third waves had a higher impact on clinical presentation of COVID-19 in children and a significantly higher severe outcome in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), with a frequent life-threatening progression.

Methods
We describe a cohort of 22 Sicilian children (11 M; 11 F; age: 1.4–14 years), presenting with clinical features compatible with MIS-C. Patients with negative swab had a history of recent personal or parental infection.

Results
The following diagnostic criteria were detected: fever (100%); cheilitis and/or pharyngeal hyperaemia (86%); latero-cervical lymphadenitis (82%); rash (73%); abdominal pain and/or vomiting and/or diarrhoea (64%); conjunctivitis (64%); hands and feet oedema (18%). 59% showed cardiac involvement (6 pericardial effusion; 8 mitral valve insufficiency; 4 insufficiency of two valves; 3 coronary artery lesions (CAL)). In all the patients, treatment was started within 72 h after the admission, with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) (2 g/Kg/dose), methylprednisolone (2 mg/Kg/day in 73% of patients; 30 mg/Kg/day for 3 days, followed by 2 mg/Kg/day in 27% of patients). Two patients were treated with enoxaparin. Two patients with shock, were additionally treated with vasoactive drugs, albumin, diuretics. Cardiac involvement evolved into the complete resolution of lesions in most of the patients. All the patients were included in a follow-up, to investigate on clinical outcome and resolution of organ involvement. Cardiac valve insufficiency persisted only in 18% of children, CAL persisted only in 33% of children with coronary involvement, however without the evolution into aneurisms.

Conclusions
The preferred treatment strategy was more aggressive at the diagnosis of MIS-C, to block the cytokine cascade. Most of our patients, in fact, received a first-line treatment with IVIG and steroids. This approach could explain the favourable prognosis, the rapid restoring of cardiac function also in patients with MAS or shock, and the good outcome during the 10 months follow-up in all the patients.
Human cortical spheroids with a high diversity of innately developing brain cell types
Authors: De Kleijn Kim M. A. , Zuure Wieteke A. , Straasheijm Kirsten R. , Martens Marijn B. , Avramut M. Cristina , Koning Roman I. , Martens Gerard J. M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Three-dimensional (3D) human brain spheroids are instrumental to study central nervous system (CNS) development and (dys)function. Yet, in current brain spheroid models the limited variety of cell types hampers an integrated exploration of CNS (disease) mechanisms.

Methods
Here we report a 5-month culture protocol that reproducibly generates H9 embryonic stem cell-derived human cortical spheroids (hCSs) with a large cell-type variety.

Results
We established the presence of not only neuroectoderm-derived neural progenitor populations, mature excitatory and inhibitory neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte (precursor) cells, but also mesoderm-derived microglia and endothelial cell populations in the hCSs via RNA-sequencing, qPCR, immunocytochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Transcriptomic analysis revealed resemblance between the 5-months-old hCSs and dorsal frontal rather than inferior regions of human fetal brains of 19–26 weeks of gestational age. Pro-inflammatory stimulation of the generated hCSs induced a neuroinflammatory response, offering a proof-of-principle of the applicability of the spheroids.

Conclusions
Our protocol provides a 3D human brain cell model containing a wide variety of innately developing neuroectoderm- as well as mesoderm-derived cell types, furnishing a versatile platform for comprehensive examination of intercellular CNS communication and neurological disease mechanisms.
Inflammatory stimulation of astrocytes affects the expression of miRNA-22-3p within NSCs-EVs regulating remyelination by targeting KDM3A
Authors: Han Tianyu , Song Peiwen , Wu Zuomeng , Wang Cancan , Liu Yunlei , Ying Wang , Li Kaixuan , Shen Cailiang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) are critical for the remyelination of axons following spinal cord injury (SCI). Cell–cell communication plays a key role in the regulation of the differentiation of NSCs. Astrocytes act as immune cells that encounter early inflammation, forming a glial barrier to prevent the spread of destructive inflammation following SCI. In addition, the cytokines released from astrocytes participate in the regulation of the differentiation of NSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cytokines released from inflammation-stimulated astrocytes on the differentiation of NSCs following SCI and to explore the influence of these cytokines on NSC–NSC communication.

Results
Lipopolysaccharide stimulation of astrocytes increased bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) release, which not only promoted the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes and inhibited axon remyelination in SCI lesions but also enriched miRNA-22-3p within extracellular vesicles derived from NSCs. These miRNA-22 molecules function as a feedback loop to promote NSC differentiation into oligodendrocytes and the remyelination of axons following SCI by targeting KDM3A.

Conclusions
This study revealed that by releasing BMP2, astrocytes were able to regulate the differentiation of NSCs and NSC–NSC communication by enriching miRNA-22 within NSC-EVs, which in turn promoted the regeneration and remyelination of axons by targeting the KDM3A/TGF-beta axis and the recovery of neurological outcomes following SCI.
Generalization of the bisection method and its applications in nonlinear equations
Authors: Gulshan Ghazala , Budak Hüseyin , Hussain Rashida , Sadiq Asad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe aim of the current work is to generalize the well-known bisection method using quantum calculus approach. The results for different values of quantum parameterqare analyzed, and the rate of convergence for each$q\in (0,1)$q∈(0,1)is also determined. Some physical problems in engineering are resolved using the QBM technique for various values of the quantum parameterqup to three iterations to examine the validity of the method. Furthermore, it is proven that QBM is always convergent and that for each interval there exists$q\in (0,1)$q∈(0,1)for which the first approximation of root coincides with the precise solution of the problem.
A better use of fertilizers is needed for global food security and environmental sustainability
Authors: Penuelas Josep , Coello Fernando , Sardans Jordi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe massive use of fertilizers during the last decades allowed a great increase in the global capacity of food production. However, in the last years, several studies highlight the inefficiency and country asymmetries in the use of these fertilizers that generated environmental problems, soil nutritional imbalances and not optimal food production. We have aimed to summarize this information and identify and disentangle the key caveats that should be solved. Inadequate global management of fertilization produces areas with serious nutrient deficits in croplands linked with insufficient access to fertilizers that clearly limit food production, and areas that are overfertilized with the consequent problems of environmental pollution affecting human health. A more efficient use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers for food security while preserving the environment is thus needed. Nutrient imbalances, particularly the disequilibrium of the N:P ratio due to the unbalanced release of N and P from anthropogenic activities, mainly by crop fertilization and expanding N-fixing crops that have continuously increased the soil N:P ratio, is another issue to resolve. This imbalance has already affected several terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, altering their species composition and functionality and threatening global biodiversity. The different economic and geopolitical traits of these three main macronutrient fertilizers must be considered. P has the fewest reserves, depending mostly on mineable efforts, with most of the reserves concentrated in very few countries (85% in Morocco). This problem is a great concern for the current and near-future access to P for low-income countries. N is instead readily available due to the well-established and relatively low-cost Haber–Bosch synthesis of ammonium from atmospheric N2, which is increasingly used, even in some low-income countries producing an increasing imbalance in nutrient ratios with the application of P and K fertilizers. The anthropogenic inputs of these three macronutrients to the environment have reached the levels of the natural fluxes, thereby substantially altering their global cycles. The case of the excess of N fertilization is especially paradigmatic in several areas of the world, where continental water sources have become useless due to the higher nitrate concentrations. The management of N, P and K fertilizers is thus in the center of the main dichotomy between food security and environmentally driven problems, such as climate change or eutrophication/pollution. Such a key role demands new legislation for adopting the well-known and common-sense 4R principle (right nutrient source at the right rate, right time and right place) that would help to ensure the appropriate use of nutrient resources and the optimization of productivity.
New Anchorage Technique for GFRP Flexural Strengthening of Concrete Beams Using Bolts-End Anchoring System
Authors: Yahiaoui Djarir , Boutrid Abdelaziz , Saadi Mohamed , Mamen Belgacem , Bouzid Tayeb 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe concept of external glass FRP composite confinement is a current process for strengthening concrete beams subjected to static loads. End anchorage glass FRP composites of 80 mm width and 90–130 mm length with different thicknesses (2.4 and 4.8 mm) have been fixed at the bottom of beams with bolts of various diameters (6 and 10 mm). For this purpose, the behavior of beams strengthened with bolt-end anchoring glass fiber polymer composites (BEGFPC) has been analyzed. It is concluded that the load capacity of the BEGFPC beams is improved by increasing the end-anchorage glass FRP composite thickness (about 98–188%). In addition, the BEGFPC system with bolts of 6 mm diameter has significantly improved the flexibility of beams. In contrast, the 10 mm bolts in diameter give a high ultimate load, whatever their quantity. Therefore, combining bolts with diameters of 6 and 10 mm would be the best solution for increasing the ultimate load and ductility of the retrofitted beams. Depending on the number and bolts' arrangement, there is also an enhancement in the crack patterns by changing from intermediate flexural failure to shear failure in beams.
Linking movement and dive data to prey distribution models: new insights in foraging behaviour and potential pitfalls of movement analyses
Authors: Florko Katie R. N. , Shuert Courtney R. , Cheung William W. L. , Ferguson Steven H. , Jonsen Ian D. , Rosen David A. S. , Sumaila U. Rashid , Tai Travis C. , Yurkowski David J. , Auger-Méthé Marie 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAnimal movement data are regularly used to infer foraging behaviour and relationships to environmental characteristics, often to help identify critical habitat. To characterize foraging, movement models make a set of assumptions rooted in theory, for example, time spent foraging in an area increases with higher prey density.MethodsWe assessed the validity of these assumptions by associating horizontal movement and diving of satellite-telemetered ringed seals (Pusa hispida)—an opportunistic predator—in Hudson Bay, Canada, to modelled prey data and environmental proxies.ResultsModelled prey biomass data performed better than their environmental proxies (e.g., sea surface temperature) for explaining seal movement; however movement was not related to foraging effort. Counter to theory, seals appeared to forage more in areas with relatively lower prey diversity and biomass, potentially due to reduced foraging efficiency in those areas.ConclusionsOur study highlights the need to validate movement analyses with prey data to effectively estimate the relationship between prey availability and foraging behaviour.