bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparity in prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in children under five among agricultural, pastoral, and agro-pastoral ecological zones of Karamoja sub-region, Uganda: a cross sectional study
Authors: Okidi Lawrence , Ongeng Duncan , Muliro Patrick Simiyu , Matofari Joseph Wafula 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Undernutrition accounts for nearly half of under-five child mortality in developing countries where household nutrition is largely dependent on agriculture. Despite the strong influence of agroecology on agriculture in those countries, limited information exists on whether undernutrition in children under five varies with agro-ecological location.

Methods
Using Karamoja sub-region of Uganda, one of the most food insecure parts of Eastern Africa as a case area, and applying a multi-stage sampling procedure, and a structured questionnaire, this study examined in a comparative manner, the prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in children under five among the agricultural, pastoral, and agro-pastoral ecological zones. Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to establish the disparity in prevalence of undernutrition and household contextual characteristics, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of undernutrition in children under five among the three agro-ecological zones. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results
The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting ranged from 36 to 58% but varied with agroecology in terms of the peak age ranging from 6 to 37 months. Child characteristics, feeding practices, household economic factors, sanitation factors, and caregiver characteristics that predict undernutrition among children under five were identified (p ≤ 0.05). Caregiver handwashing after using latrine (p = 0.005) and diarrhoea in a fortnight (p < 0.001) increased the likelihood of stunting in pastoral agroecology only whereas cereal storage in both sacks and granary in agro-pastoral zone was associated with reduced likelihood of both underweight (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014) and stunting (p = 0.011 and p = 0.018), respectively. A male child was more likely to be underweight and stunted in pastoral (p = 0.002 and p = 0.011) and agro-pastoral (p = 0.017 and p = 0.002) agroecology, respectively. Household expenses reduced the likelihood of both underweight and wasting in pastoral (p = 0.013 and p = 0.005) and agricultural (p = 0.011 and p = 0.021) agroecology, respectively. Flour storage duration increased the stunting likelihood in pastoral (p = 0.032) and agro-pastoral (p = 0.006) agroecologies.

Conclusion
This study has revealed that, in a food insecure developing country setting such as Karamoja sub-region of Uganda, undernutrition among children under five varies with agroecology. Thus, nutritional interventions in such locations should be agroecology specific.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of hearing screening program for primary school children in southern Iran, Shiraz
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Babakhani fard Sara , Bayati Mohsen , Jafarlou Fatemeh , Parhizgar Mohammadreza , Rezaee Mehdi , Keshavarz Khosro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Hearing loss is the second most common chronic disease, the diagnosis and treatment of which can be faster through screening. In addition, early interventions will save significant costs for the education and health systems. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hearing screening for primary school children in Shiraz.

Methods
This cross-sectional economic evaluation of cost-effectiveness was conducted from the perspective of the health system. The study population comprised all seven-year-old children participating in the screening program in Shiraz. The present study dealt only with direct costs. The expected costs and outcomes, as well as the ICER index were estimated using the decision tree model. The study outcomes included averted disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and true identification of hearing loss cases. The robustness of the results was evaluated using the one-way sensitivity analysis. The TreeAge 2020 and Excel 2016 software were also used to analyze the collected data.

Results
The hearing screening data obtained during 6 years (2015–2020) showed that every year, an average of 22,853 children in Shiraz were examined for hearing, of which 260 were true positive (%1.1). The costs of screening and lack of screening were estimated at $30.32 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and $13.75 PPP per child, respectively. The averted DALY due to performing hearing screening was estimated at 7 years for each child. The ICER was positive and equal to $ 0.06 PPP for the identified cases and $ 2.37 PPP per averted DALY. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusions
According to the results, although hearing screening for primary school children had more costs and effectiveness, it was considered cost-effective. Therefore, universal screening with high quality and accuracy is recommended.
Clinical significance of respiratory virus coinfection in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Choo Soojeong , Lee Yun Young , Lee Eun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia has been increasing. However, few studies have investigated the impact of respiratory virus coinfection in patients with MP pneumonia, and their results have been inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the impact of respiratory virus coinfection in children hospitalized with MP pneumonia.

Methods
This study enrolled 145 children hospitalized with MP pneumonia between May 2019 and March 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: the respiratory virus coinfection and non-coinfection groups. All the children underwent polymerase chain reaction testing for respiratory virus infection. Information on clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings were obtained retrospectively via medical chart reviews.

Results
Children in the respiratory virus coinfection group were younger than those in the non-coinfection group. Respiratory virus coinfection in children hospitalized with MP pneumonia was significantly associated with persistence of fever more than 6 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.394; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.172–4.892), severe pneumonia (aOR, 4.602; 95% CI, 1.154–18.353), and poor response to the stepwise approach for MP pneumonia (aOR, 4.354; 95% CI, 1.374–13.800). In addition, higher levels of liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase at admission were associated with respiratory virus coinfection in children with MP pneumonia.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that respiratory virus coinfection in children hospitalized with MP pneumonia may be associated with refractory MP pneumonia.
Cortical allograft strut augmented with platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of long bone non-union in lower limb- a pilot study
Authors: Wu Shenghui , Quan Kun , Mei Jiong , Dai Min , Song Sa 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The autogenous iliac bone graft is the first choice of surgical treatment for long bone non-union. However, many factors limit the use of autogenous bone, such as insufficient bone harvest and complications in the donor site. This study aimed to pilot-test the effectiveness of the cortical allograft strut augmented with Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on long bone non-union in the lower limb.

Method
This study was a one-armed pilot trial, with thirteen men and four women patients scheduled for surgery. Revision surgery for managing long bone non-union included debridement, internal fixation of the cortical allograft strut, and adding PRP in the fracture site. After surgery, outcome measurements of healing rate, healing time, the incidence of revision, and complications, were assessed at least one-year follow-up.

Results
Fourteen of seventeen participants completed all follow-ups. The mean age of 14 patients was 35.9 years (range, 18–56 years), and the mean BMI was 22.44 ± 1.53 kg/m2. All nonunions united after the operation. The mean healing time was 4.6 ± 0.7 months. There was no revision or complication.

Conclusion
Cortical allograft strut augmented with PRP led to healing long bone non-union in the lower limb. More clinical research is required before widespread use.
Perception of online and face to face microbiology laboratory sessions among medical students and faculty at Arabian Gulf University: a mixed method study
Authors: Joji Ronni Mol , Kumar Archana Prabu , Almarabheh Amer , Dar Fazal K , Deifalla Abdel Halim , Tayem Yasin , Ismaeel Abdulrahman Yusuf , Bindayna Khalid , Tabbara Khaled Saeed , Farid Eman , Shadab Mohd , Al Mahmeed Ali , Shahid Mohammad 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all spheres of society including medical education and healthcare systems. In response to the pandemic, there has been a transition in medical education practice from traditional forms of teaching to online instruction delivery and virtual learning. Effective clinical microbiology education involves a combination of 'hands-on' practical learning and instructional delivery of scientific knowledge. Microbiology practical laboratories are critical learning environments offering 'hands-on' learning experiences that cannot be replicated through online learning. We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand the perception of online and face-to-face microbiology laboratory sessions among the medical students and microbiology faculty at Arabian Gulf University (AGU).

Methods
The study participants were third and fourth-year undergraduate medical students and faculty involved in delivering microbiology labs at AGU. The questionnaire consisted of questions ranging from perceived learning style to attitude towards online delivery of microbiology curriculum. After the questionnaire administration (google form), focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted for students and microbiology faculty separately.

Results
Among 168 students, 50.6% preferred face-to-face lab sessions as compared to 30.4% who preferred online labs, and 51.8% considered online labs to be an essential addition to face-to-face labs. Among the faculty, 85.7% preferred the face-to-face mode of teaching. All the faculty (100%) disagreed that all the microbiology labs teaching should be online. 57.2% considered online labs to be an essential addition to traditional face-to-face labs. Both faculty and students hold that a blended mode of instructional delivery is vital and indispensable for the transfer of skills and knowledge for microbiology students.

Conclusion
The blended mode of delivering microbiology laboratory sessions in medical school is successful and well-received by both students and faculty. Students take the responsibility for furthering their own learning and understanding of concepts. Instructors have also noticed that blending learning strategies also successfully enhances the development of cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities in students. A review of the microbiology lab curriculum is necessary to identify content areas that can be delivered effectively through online, face-to-face lab sessions, or both, supported with appropriate tools and infrastructure.
The H3K27M mutation alters stem cell growth, epigenetic regulation, and differentiation potential
Authors: Kfoury-Beaumont N. , Prakasam R. , Pondugula S. , Lagas J. S. , Matkovich S. , Gontarz P. , Yang L. , Yano H. , Kim A. H. , Rubin J. B. , Kroll K. L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundNeurodevelopmental disorders increase brain tumor risk, suggesting that normal brain development may have protective properties. Mutations in epigenetic regulators are common in pediatric brain tumors, highlighting a potentially central role for disrupted epigenetic regulation of normal brain development in tumorigenesis. For example, lysine 27 to methionine mutation (H3K27M) in theH3F3Agene occurs frequently in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs), the most aggressive pediatric glioma. As H3K27M mutation is necessary but insufficient to cause DIPGs, it is accompanied by additional mutations in tumors. However, how H3K27M alone increases vulnerability to DIPG tumorigenesis remains unclear.ResultsHere, we used human embryonic stem cell models with this mutation, in the absence of other DIPG contributory mutations, to investigate how H3K27M alters cellular proliferation and differentiation. We found that H3K27M increased stem cell proliferation and stem cell properties. It interfered with differentiation, promoting anomalous mesodermal and ectodermal gene expression during both multi-lineage and germ layer-specific cell specification, and blocking normal differentiation into neuroectoderm. H3K27M mutant clones exhibited transcriptomic diversity relative to the more homogeneous wildtype population, suggesting reduced fidelity of gene regulation, with aberrant expression of genes involved in stem cell regulation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. These phenomena were associated with global loss of H3K27me3 and concordant loss of DNA methylation at specific genes in H3K27M-expressing cells.ConclusionsTogether, these data suggest that H3K27M mutation disrupts normal differentiation, maintaining a partially differentiated state with elevated clonogenicity during early development. This disrupted response to early developmental cues could promote tissue properties that enable acquisition of additional mutations that cooperate with H3K27M mutation in genesis of DMG/DIPG. Therefore, this work demonstrates for the first time that H3K27M mutation confers vulnerability to gliomagenesis through persistent clonogenicity and aberrant differentiation and defines associated alterations of histone and DNA methylation.
Gene expression profiles of beta-adrenergic receptors in canine vascular tumors: a preliminary study
Authors: Clanxet Jordi , Teles Mariana , Hernández-Losa Javier , Rueda Manuel Ruiz-Echarri , Benitez-Fusté Luis , Pastor Josep 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBeta adrenergic receptors (β-AR) play a key role in regulating several hallmark pathways of both benign and malignant human and canine tumors. There is scarce information on the expression of β-AR in canine vascular tumors. Therefore, the purpose of the present research work was to study the mRNA expression levels of the three subtypes of the β-AR genes (ADRB1, ADRB2, ADRB3) in hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and hemangioma (HA), as well as in vascular hamartomas (VH) from dogs.Fifty samples (n = 50) were obtained from 38 dogs. Twenty-three animals had HSA, eight animals HA and seven animals VH. HSA were auricular (n = 8), splenic (n = 5), cutaneous (n = 6), auricular and splenic (n = 2), cutaneous-muscular (n = 1) and disseminated (n = 1). There were seven cases of HSA that were divided into primary tumor and secondary (metastatic) tumor. Skin and muscle samples with a normal histological study were used as control group. ADRB gene expression was determinate in all samples by real-time quantitative PCR. Results showed that ADRB1, ADRB2 and ADRB3 were overexpressed in HSA when compared to the control group. ADRB2 was overexpressed in HA when compared to the control group. HSA express higher values of ADBR1 (p = 0.0178) compared to VH. There was a high inter-individual variability in the expression of the three subtypes of ADBR. No statistically significant difference in the expression of ADBR genes were observed between HSA primary when compared to metastatic or in different anatomical locations. In conclusion, canine HSA overexpress the three β-AR subtypes and canine HA β2-AR. High variability was observed in β-AR mRNA levels amongst HSA cases.
Exploration of the lower threshold of iodine intake in Southern Chinese young adults based on ‘overflow theory’ in an iodine balance study
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Hongmin , Mao Deqian , Tan Hongxing , Yu Wei , Xu Jian , Hong Wenxu , Piao Jianhua , Yang Lichen , Liu Xiaobing , Lu Jiaxi , Li Weidong , Li Yajie , Liu Xiaoli , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Appropriate iodine intake for adults is essential to reduce the prevalence of thyroid diseases, but there is little research data on iodine requirement of Chinese population. This study aimed to explore the iodine requirement of young adults to maintain a healthy status based on ‘overflow theory’.

Methods
Iodine-balance experiment has been performed in this project. We conducted an 18-day study consisted of a 6-day acclimation period and 3 consecutive experimental stages in 37 Chinese healthy young adults (23 female and 14 male). Each stage was consumed for 4 days. Strictly-controlled low-iodine intake diets were provided for adults in the first period, an egg or 125mL milk was added in the second and third period, respectively. The dietary samples, 24-h urine specimens and faeces of volunteers were collected daily for assessment of iodine intake and excretion in volunteers.

Results
Mean values of iodine intake (22.7±3.6, 35.1±3.7, and 52.2±3.8μg/d), excretion (64.7±13.9, 62.3±12.6, and 94.3±14.5μg/d) and iodine balance (-35.2±19.5, -21.0±19.8, and -33.5±26.9μg/d) were significantly different among three periods for male (P<0.001 for all); mean values of iodine intake (16.6±3.1, 29.7±2.7, and 48.0±2.7μg/d), and excretion (47.0±9.9, 55.5±8.1, and 75.7±12.4μg/d) were significantly different among three periods for female (P < 0.001 for all). No significant difference was observed among the 3 periods for female in the iodine balance (-30.5±9.3, -25.9±7.3, and -27.6±12.1μg/d). The linear regression equation of iodine excretion on iodine intake was Y=0.979X+37.04 (male) and Y=0.895X+31.48 (female). Compared with stage 2, iodine excretion increments in stage 3 had exceeded the iodine intake increment for men. The ratio of increment was 1.675 for male when the average iodine intake was 52.2μg/d in stage 3. When the iodine excretion increment equaled to the iodine intake increment, the daily iodine intake of men was 47.0μg.

Conclusion
We have evaluated the iodine requirement of young adults in southern China based on overflow theory. Our results indicate the lower limit of iodine requirement for Chinese young men is 47.0μg/d. The trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn as ChiCTR1800014877.
Impairment of neutrophil functions and homeostasis in COVID-19 patients: association with disease severity
Authors: Loyer Chloé , Lapostolle Arnaud , Urbina Tomas , Elabbadi Alexandre , Lavillegrand Jean-Rémi , Chaigneau Thomas , Simoes Coraly , Dessajan Julien , Desnos Cyrielle , Morin-Brureau Mélanie , Chantran Yannick , Aucouturier Pierre , Guidet Bertrand , Voiriot Guillaume , Ait-Oufella Hafid , Elbim Carole 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
A dysregulated immune response is emerging as a key feature of critical illness in COVID-19. Neutrophils are key components of early innate immunity that, if not tightly regulated, contribute to uncontrolled systemic inflammation. We sought to decipher the role of neutrophil phenotypes, functions, and homeostasis in COVID-19 disease severity and outcome.

Methods
By using flow cytometry, this longitudinal study compares peripheral whole-blood neutrophils from 90 COVID-19 ICU patients with those of 22 SARS-CoV-2-negative patients hospitalized for severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 38 healthy controls. We also assessed correlations between these phenotypic and functional indicators and markers of endothelial damage as well as disease severity.

Results
At ICU admission, the circulating neutrophils of the COVID-19 patients showed continuous basal hyperactivation not seen in CAP patients, associated with higher circulating levels of soluble E- and P-selectin, which reflect platelet and endothelial activation. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients had expanded aged-angiogenic and reverse transmigrated neutrophil subsets—both involved in endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation. Simultaneously, COVID-19 patients had significantly lower levels of neutrophil oxidative burst in response to bacterial formyl peptide. Moreover patients dying of COVID-19 had significantly higher expansion of aged-angiogenic neutrophil subset and greater impairment of oxidative burst response than survivors.

Conclusions
These data suggest that neutrophil exhaustion may be involved in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 and identify angiogenic neutrophils as a potentially harmful subset involved in fatal outcome.

Graphic Abstract
Combinatorial assembly and optimisation of designer cellulosomes: a galactomannan case study
Authors: Vanderstraeten Julie , da Fonseca Maria João Maurício , De Groote Philippe , Grimon Dennis , Gerstmans Hans , Kahn Amaranta , Moraïs Sarah , Bayer Edward A. , Briers Yves 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Designer cellulosomes are self-assembled chimeric enzyme complexes that can be used to improve lignocellulosic biomass degradation. They are composed of a synthetic multimodular backbone protein, termed the scaffoldin, and a range of different chimeric docking enzymes that degrade polysaccharides. Over the years, several functional designer cellulosomes have been constructed. Since many parameters influence the efficiency of these multi-enzyme complexes, there is a need to optimise designer cellulosome architecture by testing combinatorial arrangements of docking enzyme and scaffoldin variants. However, the modular cloning procedures are tedious and cumbersome.

Results
VersaTile is a combinatorial DNA assembly method, allowing the rapid construction and thus comparison of a range of modular proteins. Here, we present the extension of the VersaTile platform to facilitate the construction of designer cellulosomes. We have constructed a tile repository, composed of dockerins, cohesins, linkers, tags and enzymatically active modules. The developed toolbox allows us to efficiently create and optimise designer cellulosomes at an unprecedented speed. As a proof of concept, a trivalent designer cellulosome able to degrade the specific hemicellulose substrate, galactomannan, was constructed and optimised. The main factors influencing cellulosome efficiency were found to be the selected dockerins and linkers and the docking enzyme ratio on the scaffoldin. The optimised designer cellulosome was able to hydrolyse the galactomannan polysaccharide and release mannose and galactose monomers.

Conclusion
We have eliminated one of the main technical hurdles in the designer cellulosome field and anticipate the VersaTile platform to be a starting point in the development of more elaborate multi-enzyme complexes.