bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Sequence Induction And Intubation With A Divided Dose Of Mivacurium Compared With Rocuronium: A Randomized, Controlled, Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Li Yuxin , Ma Yimei , Du Fang , Shi Yuncen , Cang Jing , Miao Changhong , Zhang Xiaoguang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background ː Mivacurium is a short-acting nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) with rapid and reliable metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether mivacurium provided tracheal intubation conditions noninferior to those of rocuronium for rapid sequence induction and intubation in patients undergoing general anesthesia.Methodsː A total of 158 patients receiving elective surgery were recruited and randomized to the mivacurium group (Group Miva, n=79) or rocuronium group (Group Rocu, n=79). Mivacurium 0.25 mg/kg in divided doses or rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg were given to the patients in Group Miva or Group Rocu, respectively, in combination with propofol, lidocaine, remifentanil, and ephedrine. The primary outcome was the rate of excellent tracheal intubation condition evaluated by Cooper’s scale 90 seconds after the initial dose of NMBAs. The secondary endpoints were mean arterial pressure and heart rate before and 10 minutes after induction at 1-minute intervals and adverse events. The non-inferiority margin was set as 10%.Resultsː The rates of excellent tracheal intubation conditions were 94.94% (75/79) in Group Miva and 100% (79/79) in Group Rocu. The difference was -5.06% (one-sided 97.5% confidence interval -9.96% to -∞), which satisfied the noninferiority hypothesis (P=0.024). Intubating conditions were clinically acceptable in all patients. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not significantly different during the induction period (P>0.05).Conclusionsː Compared with rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg, mivacurium 0.25 mg/kg in divided doses in rapid sequence induction demonstrated noninferiority with regard to the rate of excellent intubation conditions and provided hemodynamic variations comparable to rocuronium.Trial registrationː This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 02/05/2020 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn. Registry number: ChiCTR2000032571).
Longitudinal borehole functionality in 15 rural Ghanaian towns from three groundwater quality clusters
Authors: Schultes Olivia L. , Sikder Mustafa , Agyapong Emmanuel A. , Sodipo Michelle O. , Naumova Elena N. , Kosinski Karen C. , Kulinkina Alexandra 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: In sub-Saharan Africa, 45% of the rural population uses boreholes (BHs). Despite recent gains in improved water access and coverage, parallel use of unimproved sources persists. Periodic infrastructure disrepair contributes to non-exclusive use of BHs. Our study describes functionality of BHs in 2014, 2015, and 2016 in 15 rural towns in the Eastern Region of Ghana sourced from three groundwater quality clusters (high iron, high salinity, and control). We also assess factors affecting cross-sectional and longitudinal functionality using logistic regression. Results: BH functionality rates ranged between 81% and 87% and were similar across groundwater quality clusters. Of 51 BHs assessed in all three years, 34 (67%) were consistently functional and only 3 (6%) were consistently broken. There was a shift toward proactive payment for water over the course of the study in all but the high iron cluster. Payment mechanism, population served, presence of nearby alternative water sources, and groundwater quality cluster were not significant predictors of cross-sectional or longitudinal BH functionality. However, even in the high iron cluster, where water quality is poor and no structured payment mechanism for water exists, BHs are maintained, showing that they are important community resources.
New exploration of the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterium lung disease: Moxifloxacin may be a first-line drug for the treatment of NTM-PD
Authors: Feng Binbin , Lin Meiying , Yan Qinghu , Qiu Lihua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: By comparing the results of moxifloxacin sensitivity test and clinical efficacy in nontuberculous mycobacterium lung disease (NTM-PD) further confirm the necessity of moxifloxacin as a first-line drug for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterium（NTM）.Method: Positive samples of sputum, bronchoscope brush or alveolar lavage fluid cultured in Bactec MGIT960 system were retrospectively selected from inpatients in Shandong Provincial Chest Hospital, China from January 2015 to December 2020. The strains were identified by MPB64 colloidal gold method, gene chip and microbial mass spectrum identification system. The drug detection of NTM was performed by microplate method, Meanwhile, the efficacy of moxifloxacin in NTM-PD treatment regimen was compared.Results: 1. Among the 575 patients with positive sample culture, the bacteria species of 485 patients were identified. A total of 19 species of NTM were detected, and the majority of them were Mycobacterium intracellulare (68.87%, 334/485).2.The results of microplate assay of 219 NTM patients showed that all NTM strains were highly sensitive to moxifloxacin, amikacin and clarithromycin [100.00%(219/219), 96.80%(212/219), 94.52% (207/219), respectively]. 3. This study showed that the bacteriological cure rate of the NTM-PD treatment regimen containing moxifloxacin was 73.68% (42/57), significantly higher than that of the regimen without moxifloxacin (55.45%, 56/101), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: In this study, all the strains of NTM patients were 100% sensitive to moxifloxacin, and the clinical bacteriological cure rate of moxifloxacin containing regimen was significantly improved. Therefore, moxifloxacin is recommended as the first-line drug for the treatment of NTM.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a Potential Therapeutic Against Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Mice
Authors: Banzubaze Emmanuel , Mulindwa Julius , Ochwo Silver , Wampande Eddie 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: Research is focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death in the world and remains one of the major diseases strongly affected by diet and sedentary lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the potential effect of EGCG on blood lipid and glucose profiles in mice exposed to conditions that lead to CVD. Groups of male mice were subjected to different diet, exercise and EGCG supplementation. EGCG was delivered in drinking water for a dose of 30 mg /kg/ day. Blood was collected for lipid and glucose analysis. The data was analyzed using a mulit variate approach including one-way analysis of variance test (one-way ANOVA), Tukey –Kramer multiple comparison test and pairwise correlation analysis was used to determine the significance between control and treated groups.Results: The mice subjected to high-fat diet (Anova p-value = 0.0039) and sedentary lifestyle (Anova p-value = 0.0016) showed elevated levels for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol triglycerides and glucose. EGCG supplementation in mice undergoing high fat diet and sedentary lifestyle resulted in a significant reduction in the lipid profiles and blood glucose (Anova p-value = 0.0001).
Ellagic Acid Alleviates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in C57 Mice via the Caspase-1-GSDMD Pathway
Authors: Wang Hao , Miao Fujun , Ning Delu , Shan Chunlan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic component of some fruits and nuts, EA has protective properties against oxidative damage and inflammatory reaction in many disorders. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common pathophysiological phenomenon in the veterinary clinic.
Results
In the present study, the protective effects of EA pretreatment against hepatic IRI-induced injury and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Here, we found that pyroptosis is involved in hepatic IRI, which is manifested in increasing the expression of pyroptosis-related genes and promoting the expression of active caspase-1, thereby cleaving GSDMD-N to cause pyroptosis, and use caspase-1−/− mice to verify this conclusion. In addition, we found that EA protects against hepatic IRI by inhibiting pyroptosis, including reducing the activity of caspase-1 and its expression in the liver, inhibiting the lysis of GSDMD-N, and reducing the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β.
Conclusions
The present results have demonstrated that prophylactic administration of EA ameliorated hepatic IRI by inhibiting pyroptosis induced in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in vivo through the caspase-1-GSDMD axis, providing a potential therapeutic option prevent hepatic IRI in pets.
Oxygen isotope (δ18O, Δ’17O) insights into continental mantle evolution since the Archean
Authors: Bindeman Ilya , dionov@orange.fr Dmitry , Tollan Peter , Golovin Alexander 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The proportions of stable isotopes of oxygen change little in geologic processes at high temperatures, but are strongly fractionated near the Earth’s surface, and thus are robust indicators of recycling of surface materials to Earth’s mantle. Here we document a subtle but significant (by 0.15-0.2‰) temporal decrease in d18O in the continental lithospheric mantle (CLM) from the Archean to the Phanerozoic eons both for its major mineral (olivine, 5.37±0.07‰ to 5.16±0.10‰) and bulk rocks (peridotites), which we link to the initiation of plate tectonics at the end of the Archean (~2.5-2.0 Ga). The CLM is made of accreted melting residues of the asthenosphere, usually created or transformed in mantle wedges above subduction zones, fluxed by low-d18O fluids from subducting slabs. We posit that d18O in the oldest Archean CLM, uncontaminated by subduction, provides the best d18O estimate for the BSE of 5.37‰ for olivine and 5.57‰ for bulk peridotite, values that are comparable to lunar rocks as the moon did not have plate tectonics. Younger samples document a decrease and greater heterogeneity of d18O in the geologic record due to the development and progression of plate tectonics. Furthermore, mass balance considerations suggest that, given large volume of the CLM, even small decreases in its d18O may explain increasing d18O of the continental crust since oxygen is progressively redistributed by fluids between these reservoirs.
Trefoil Factor 1 Suppresses Stemness And Enhances Chemosensitivity Of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Yanaguchi Junpei , Kokuryo Toshio , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Oishi Shunsuke , Sunagawa Masaki , Mizuno Takashi , Onoe Shunsuke , Watanabe Nobuyuki , Ogura Atsushi , Ebata Tomoki 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, partly due to its high resistance to conventional chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chemoresistance and trefoil factor family 1 (TFF1), a tumor-suppressive protein in pancreatic carcinogenesis. To investigate the role of TFF1 in human and mice, specimens of human pancreatic cancer and genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic cancer (KPC/TFF1KO; Pdx1-Cre/ LSL-KRASG12D/ LSL-p53R172H/ TFF1-/-) were analysed. The expression of TFF1 in cancer cells was associated with better survival of the patients who underwent chemotherapy, and the deficiency of TFF1 increased EMT of cancer cells and deteriorated the benefit of gemcitabine in mice. To explore the efficacy of TFF1 treatment, recombinant and chemically synthesized TFF1 were administered to pancreatic cancer cell lines and mouse models. TFF1 inhibited gemcitabine-induced EMT, Wnt pathway activation and cancer stemness, eventually increased apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by gemcitabine. Combined treatment of gemcitabine and TFF1 arrested tumor growth and resulted in the better survival of mice. These results indicate that TFF1 can contribute to establishing a novel strategy to treat pancreatic cancer patients by enhancing chemosensitivity.
Speciation Characterization and Environmental Stability of Arsenic in Arsenic-Containing Copper Slag Tailing
Authors: Zhou Chuncai , Shen Hexin , Zhang Weiwei , Sun Jinke , Wu Wentao , Liu Guijian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Increasing amounts of arsenic-containing impurities in Cu ores may deteriorate the smelting process and aggravate the environmental impact of slag tailing. Geochemical, mineralogical and chemical speciation characteristics were investigated to elucidate the association and environmental stability of metal(loid)s in copper slag tailing. Results shown that the bulk chemical compositions of the selected slag tailing are Fe2O3 (54.8%) and SiO2 (28.1%). The selected slag tailing may lead to multi-elemental contamination potential for the elevated concentrations of environmental sensitively elements. The mineral phases in slag tailing are silicate (fayalite), oxides (magnetite and hematite), sulfides (galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite). The invariably overlap of silicate, iron, arsenic and oxygen in the elemental distribution suggested that arsenic is existed silicate minerals as Si-Fe-As-O phases. Meanwhile, arsenic is also associated with sulfide minerals and oxides. The percentages of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) are 59.4% and 40.6% in the selected slag tailing, respectively. The slag tailing is regarded non-hazardous waste for the tiny amounts of toxic elements in leachates. Nevertheless, the slag tailing should be property disposed for the elevated carbonate bound of As and Cu in the slag tailing.
“Your status cannot hinder you”: The importance of resilience among adolescents living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Adams Casey Phippen , Kiruki Millicent , Karuga Robinson , Otiso Lilian , Graham Susan M. , Beima-Sofie Kristin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Approximately 40% of the 110,000 adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Kenya have not achieved viral suppression. Despite the increasing availability of adolescent-friendly services, adolescents face barriers that impact ART adherence. This study aimed to identify key stigma-related barriers to ART adherence and strategies used by adolescents in overcoming these barriers.Methods: Data were collected by LVCT Health, a Kenyan organization with a programmatic focus on HIV testing, prevention, and care, and gender-based violence. 122 participants were recruited from 3 clinical sites affiliated with LVCT Health in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. In-depth interviews were conducted with ALHIV (n = 12). Focus group discussions were conducted with ALHIV (n = 5), peer leaders (n = 3), and adolescents in the community (AIC) irrespective of HIV status (n = 3). Interviews and focus groups were audio recorded, translated, and transcribed. Data were analyzed thematically, with a focus on stigma and resilience. Results: While AIC and peer leaders focused heavily on adherence barriers and stigma, ALHIV also identified resilience factors that enabled them to overcome stigma. Four major themes emerged: 1) knowledge and future-oriented goals can drive motivation for ALHIV to remain healthy; 2) disclosure to others strengthens support systems for ALHIV; 3) medication-taking strategies and strategic disclosure can overcome adherence challenges in school; and 4) a supportive clinic environment promotes continuous adolescent engagement in HIV care. These concepts were used to develop a conceptual stigma/resilience model depicting how resilience moderates negative effects of stigma among ALHIV.Conclusions: This study demonstrates the positive effects of ALHIV resilience on ART adherence and illuminates how stigma impacts ALHIV differently depending on their resilience. Strengths-based interventions, focused on increasing resilience among ALHIV in Kenya, and more formal involvement of adolescent peers to bolster adolescent support, have the potential to improve ART adherence among ALHIV.
Single-port laparoscopic herniorrhaphy using reverse puncture technique without hydrodissection in treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia
Authors: Zeng Hui , Xue Yan-sheng , Wei Qiong , Yang Zhi-min 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background In single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure, hydrodissection is commonly used. Although hydrodissection makes the operation easier, it can cause shock and twist the vas deferens. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the reverse puncture technique could be used instead of hydrodissection.Methods Between March 2019 and January 2021, 132 children with inguinal hernias underwent single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure using the reverse puncture technique. The double-hook core needle with a suture was used to puncture the abdominal cavity along the lateral border of the internal ring under single-port laparoscopic vision. The suture was left in the abdominal cavity. The needle was then passed through the gap between the vas deferens / spermatic vessels and the peritoneum along the medial border of the internal ring to capture the end of the suture. The suture was tied in the extraperitoneal space after it was brought out of the abdominal wall.Results The 132 patients, 106 males and 26 females, had an average age of 2.71 ± 2.18 years. Sixty patients were chosen for bilateral surgery, with 57 of them having contralateral patent processus vaginalis. The average operating time for unilateral and bilateral cases was 9.9 ± 2.1 and 15.4 ± 3.3 minutes, respectively. One patient had a recurrence during the 9 to 24 month follow-up period (0.7%).Conclusions For the treatment of pediatric inguinal hernias, single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure utilizing the reverse puncture technique provides a simpler and safer option.
Adaptation of Azawak cattle in northern Benin
Authors: ADAMBI Zhaïrath Foukpê BOUKARI , Dotché Ignace Ogoudanan , Barassounon Inoussa , Salami Nourou Deen , Kassa Kévin Sagui , Alkoiret Traoré Ibrahim , Ahissou Athanase , Kperou Bill , Touré Fataou Zakari , Yacoubou Aliyassou Mama , Bonou Gabriel Assouan , Dahouda Mahamadou , Karim Issaka Youssao Abdou 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In an effort to improve national meat and milk production, the Benin government imported Azawak zebus from Niger. The aim of the study is to assess the adaptation of these cattle in the northern area of Benin. Data on breeding techniques were collected in the departments of Borgou, Alibori and Donga on Azawak cattle introduced to 18 farms to improve the productivity of local breeds by crossbreeding. Based on the resistance level of the Azawak, the breeders were classified into three groups. In group 1, very few pathologies have been reported and the animals have the same resistance as local breeds despite the lack of breeding infrastructure among breeders in this group. Animals in this group spend the night in the open air and crop residues are used more than concentrates in their diets. In group 3, Azawak are generally less resistant than local breeds and nevertheless have acceptable resistance to disease. However, breeders in this group have livestock infrastructure, artificial pastures and they use food supplements. Group 2 breeders have intermediate characteristics between group 1 and group 3. Azawak Cows produce on average 3.8 liters of milk per day. Generally, Azawak cattle have adapted in the northern part of Benin.
Implementation of a Free Water Protocol at a Long Term Acute Care Hospital: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Gaidos Stefanie , Hrdlicka Henry Charles , Corbett John 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This feasibility study aimed to trial a Free Water Protocol (FWP) for patients with thin liquid dysphagia in the Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) setting. Patients with dysphagia are often prescribed thickened liquids to avoid or mitigate aspiration. While this clinical intervention can minimize the risk of aspiration pneumonia (PNA), it is generally not well received by patients. As such, the goal of this study was to determine if patients who knowingly aspirate thin liquids can safely tolerate thin liquid water, and if so, to what degree of benefit. The study assessed for adverse events, fluid intake, hydration status, quality of life, and overall swallow function outcomes. These measurements were taken over a 7 day trial period using inventories, lab work, clinical judgment, and observation for data collection. Ten patients were enrolled in this study with 9 participants having sufficient data for analysis (n=9). No adverse events related to the FWP were observed, and patients saw improved total fluid intake (p=0.0073), swallow-related quality of life (p=0.0273), and overall swallow function (p=0.0001). The results in this feasibility study allowed for the hospital wide implementation of the FWP and laid out the groundwork for future studies looking at longitudinal effects of a FWP.
Passive exoskeleton assisted treadmill walking reduces duration and synchrony of inter-limb coordination
Authors: Sado Takashi , Motz Zachary , Yentes Jennifer M. , Mukherjee Mukul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Exoskeleton assistive devices have been developed as a potential approach to solve gait deficits like paretic propulsion and reduced speed. However, it is unclear how these devices affect inter-limb coordination. The duration and the synchrony of gait coordination was assessed during passive exoskeleton-assisted walking in healthy young individuals. It was hypothesized that inter-limb coordination would be reduced in comparison to normal walking without assistance, thus demonstrating gait with exoskeletal to be more explorative and flexible. All participants performed 5 minutes walking at a preferred walking speed after a familiarization trial. The duration of inter-limb coordination was examined using cross-recurrence quantification analysis (cRQA) and the synchrony between the inter-limb coordination was measured using cross sample entropy (cSE). There were no significant differences in spatiotemporal measurements between the two groups. However, in comparison to the NO EXO group, there was a reduction in the duration of coordination (mean diagonal length: p < 0.01) and the synchrony of coordination (entropy value: P<0.05) in the EXO group. These results indicate that exoskeletal-assisted gait is characterized by reduced inter-limb coordination possibly for allowing gait patterns to be more explorative and flexible. This is important in rehabilitation of patients who suffer from coordination deficits.
Preparation and evaluation of a Coated Smectite Clay-based Material Modified with Epichlorohydrin-dimethylamine for the Diclofenac Removal
Authors: Shamsudin Muhamad Sharafee , Taib Muhammad Haziq Abdul , Azha Syahida Farhan , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrian , Ismail Suzylawati 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This study reports the analysis of diclofenac removal from aqueous solution using a novel adsorbent coating. This adsorbent coating was formulated using acrylic polymer emulsion, smectite-based clay powder and epichlorohydrin-dimethylamine in a layer form via the implementation of a facile synthesis method. SEM, EDX and FTIR analysis were carried out for the characterization of this novel adsorbent. The effect of adsorbent composition, diclofenac concentration, temperature and solution pH on the pharmaceutical removal with adsorbent coating was studied and modeled. Results showed that 303 K and pH 3 were the best conditions to improve the diclofenac adsorption obtained a adsorption capacity of 25.59 mg/g. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were quantified and modeled, and the corresponding adsorption mechanism was also analyzed. Diclofenac adsorption with this novel material was exothermic and spontaneous. This alternative adsorbent is promising for diclofenac removal from industrial wastewater systems.