bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Inhibition of Nrf2/NQO1 pathway was involved in Polymyxin B Exerts Nephrotoxicity Effects in vivo and in vitro
Authors: XIAO GuiYing , Yuan Fang , Xiang Debiao , Xiong Liguang , Deng Yang , Li Yuan , Li Xin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Polymyxin B (PMB) is a Polypeptide antibiotic widely applied in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, nephrotoxicity is one of the serious adverse effects that limit its clinical use. Therefore, clarification of the molecular mechanism of PMB-induced renal injury appears to be particularly important. Our study aimed to explore the possible mechanism of PMB-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. Mice were treated with PMB to construct models of kidney injury. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by measuring the activity of SOD and CAT and the contents of GSH and MDA, and the Nrf2/NQO1 pathway was examined after PMB treatment in NRK-52E cells and mice. Finally, we assessed the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-9) through qPCR and WB assay. The study verified PMB-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and NRK-52E cells by a dose- and time-dependent manners. PMB treatment significantly down-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes NQO1 and up-regulated the apoptosis-related protein expression. In summary, our results suggested PMB induced oxidative stress damage by inhibiting the Nrf2/NQO1 pathway and promoting apoptosis in kidney tissue.
Matrix Indicators for Assessing the Quality of Municipal Plans for Integrated Management of Urban Solid Waste
Authors: Neves Raisa Rodrigues , Fernandes Lindemberg Lima , Braga Risete Maria Queiroz Leão , Crispim Diêgo Lima , Lisboa Isabela de Aviz , Sá João Henrique Macedo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The correct management of solid waste is still considered an obstacle for Brazilian municipal realities. In this sense, the National Policy on Solid Waste (NPSW) brings the Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Plans (IMSWMP) as a fundamental instrument to guide decision-making. From this, this article sought to propose indicators to assess the quality of elaboration of these documents. The methodological steps were composed of 3 parts: literature review to build a matrix of 40 indicators and 7 dimensions; matrix validation with the attribution of grades to the descriptors and weights to the dimensions considered by the Delphi Method; and calculation of the Quality Index of Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Plans applied to the 16 municipalities in the State of Pará. The proposed matrix was able to identify the dimensions and indicators that need improvement, contributing to the elaboration of consistent IMSWMP and for the continuity regarding the advances of the IMSWMP considering the municipal limitations and government changes.
Comparison of AliveCor KardiaMobile Six-Lead ECG with Standard ECG in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Girvin Zachary P. , Silver Eric S. , Liberman Leonardo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The AliveCor KardiaMobile (ACKM) is a remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device. Little research has been conducted on its accuracy with pediatric patients. This prospective study aims to compare the ACKM six-lead device with a standard fifteen-lead ECG in measuring the QTc, QRS, and axis in pediatric patients.Methods: Pediatric patients ages 5 to 21 years were enrolled prospectively to have their ECG recorded using an ACKM six-lead device following a recording with the standard fifteen-lead ECG. A pediatric electrophysiologist measured the QTc, QRS interval, and QRS axis for both ECGs. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to assess agreement among measurements.Results: The study included 141 patients. The mean age was 12.3 ± 4.4 years. Average heart rate was 79 ± 16 bpm. The mean difference in the QTc measurements for a paired standard ECG and ACKM was -0.6 ms [95% confidence interval -48 to 47 ms]. Of the ACKM QTc measurements, 117 (83%) were within 30 ms of the standard ECG. The mean difference in paired QRS measurements was -1.3 ms [95% confidence interval -23 to 21 ms]. Of the ACKM QRS measurements, 134 (95%) were within 20 ms of the standard ECG. The measured axis was the same for 84% of ACKM and standard ECGs. Conclusions: Over 80% of the ACKM six-lead ECGs produced QTc, QRS, and axis deviation measurements within a clinically useful range of the standard ECG. However, it is not accurate enough to be used consistently in place of a standard ECG for QTc and QRS measurement for pediatric patients.
Tomography of the Solar Corona with the Metis Coronagraph I: Predictive Simulations with Visible Light Images
Authors: Vásquez Alberto M. , Nuevo Federico A. , Frassati Federica , Bemporad Alessandro , Frazin Richard A. , Romoli Marco , Sachdeva Nishtha , IV Ward B. Manchester 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The Metis coronagraph of the Solar Orbiter (SolO) mission records full-Sun images of the solar corona in Lyman-α ultraviolet (UV) radiation and in visible light polarized brightness (pB). This work investigates the utility of a synoptic observational program of Metis in terms of using its pB-images for tomographic reconstruction of the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of the electron density of the global solar corona. During its lifetime, SolO’s distance to the Sun will range D ≈ 0.3−1.0 au, while its solar latitude will span θ ≈ ±33 •. The limitations that such orbit complexity poses on tomographic reconstructions is explored in this work. Using SolO’s predictive orbital information and 3D MHD simulations of the solar corona, time series of synthetic Metis pB-images were computed and used as data to attempt tomographic reconstruction of the model. These numerical experiments were implemented for two Carrington rotations, corresponding to a solar minimum and a solar maximum, representative of extreme conditions of coronal complexity. For each rotation images were synthesized from three orbital segments, corresponding to extreme geometrical conditions of observation by Metis. For the early phase of the mission (year 2023), simulations were carried from the largest aphelion (D ≈ 0.95 au) and the smallest perihelion (D ≈ 0.29 au), both cases corresponding to low latitude (|θ| < 10 •) positions. For the late phase of the mission (year 2029), a simulation was carried out from the maximum solar latitude position (θ ≈ +33 •), at an intermediate distance (D ≈ 0.5 au). The range of heights that can be reconstructed and the required data-gathering time, both dependent on D, are reported for the six experiments. The extension of the coronal region that can be reconstructed and the accuracy of the reconstruction, both decreasing with increasing solar latitude |θ| as well as with increasing coronal complexity, are discussed in detail in each case. As a general conclusion, a Metis synoptic observational program with a cadence of at least 4 images/day provides enough data to attempt tomographic reconstructions of the coronal electron density during the whole lifetime of the mission, a requirement well within the 2 − 3 hr cadence of the current synoptic program. This program will allow implementation of tomography experimenting with different values for the cadence of the time-series of images used to feed reconstructions. Its cadence will also provide continuous opportunity to select images avoiding highly dynamic events, which compromise the accuracy of tomographic reconstructions.
Economic Evaluation of Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Dongdong , Wang Na , Xu Rufu , Huang Guoqiong , Li Ying , Huang Chunji 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background: In the absence of evidence on whether neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy is more beneficial for various tumor treatments, economic evaluation can assist medical decision-making. There is limited evidence on their cost-effectiveness and their prospective evaluation is less likely in the future. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis help compare these therapies from various perspectives.Methods: Various databases were searched for studies published from inception to 2021. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines and economic specific guidelines. The data were pooled using a random effects model when possible. Results: The retrieval identified 15 economic evaluation studies of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in eight types of cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the dominant strategy for pancreatic, head and neck, rectal, prostate, and cervical cancers, and colorectal liver metastases. For ovarian cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is cost-effective with a lower cost and higher or similar quality-adjusted life year. There were no significant differences between the therapies in cost and outcomes for lung cancer. For stage IV or high-risk patients with ovarian or prostate cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was cost-effective but not for patients who were not high risk.Conclusion: The economic evaluation results of the included studies were inconsistent because of their different model structures, assumptions, cost inclusions, and a shortage of studies. The proportion of the high-risk study population, such as stage IV, age ≥ 70 years, and comorbidity was consistent in some types of cancer.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Performance of Agribusiness Enterprises in Somaliland
Authors: John Samuel Otieno 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the agricultural sector remains to be the mainstay of the economies. The establishment of agribusiness opportunities offers widespread benefits in terms of food. This study aimed to examine the social, economic, technological, and environmental factors behind the deterioration of the agribusiness sector in Somaliland. The study administered semi-structured questionnaires to 96 respondents in the Gabiley district. The Linear regression results indicate that nine variables, namely; price fluctuation, prolonged drought spell, entrepreneurship training, access to extension services, capital, greenhouse technology, use of mobile money transfer, were statistically significant at 5%. However, four hypothesized variables; farm inputs, land size, education, and availability of farmers’ cooperative societies) were not statistically significant. The study recommends that Somaliland’s ministry of agriculture provide agricultural extension staff and capital to stimulate agribusiness development in the country.
Effects of Flipped Classroom Approach on Students Achievement in Government in Nsukka Education Zone
Authors: Ifeanyi Christopher Ibenegbu , Ugwu Kenneth 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The study investigated the Effects of Flipped Classroom Approach on Students’ Achievement in Government in Nsukka Education Zone, Nigeria. The study employed a quasi-experimental 2 x 2 factorial research design. The sample consisted of 78 Senior Secondary School I (SSS I) students in two intact classes in two secondary schools in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was Government Achievement Test (GAT) designed to assess students’ achievement in Government. Three hypotheses were tested. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Hierarchical Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that there was a significant main effect for the approach for students’ achievement in government F(1,73) = 29.108, p = .000; there was a significant main effect for gender on students’ achievement in government F(1,73) = 32.427, p = .000 and there was a significant main effect for the approach gender on students’ achievement in government F(1,73) = 7.512, p = .008. The study recommended that Ministries of Education should ensure that curriculum planners should incorporate the use of flipped classrooms in teaching and learning government in secondary schools.
Predictive value of macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness in visual field defect of pituitary adenoma patients: a case-control study
Authors: Xiaoyan Peng , Xia Li 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective
The present study explored the association between preoperative macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPL) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the recovery of visual field (VF) defect after surgery in pituitary adenoma patients.
Methods
This case-control study included patients with pituitary adenoma in the Neurosurgery Department of Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital between October 2019 and June 2021. Cranial MRI examination, three-dimensional OCT, and VF testing (Humphrey Field Analyzer II750) were performed before and at 6months after the surgery.
Results
Fifty-three pituitary adenoma patients (81 eyes) were enrolled; 15 patients (23 eyes) were in the visual field did not recover group (VFNR), and 38 patients (58 eyes) were in the visual field recovered group (VFR). The temporal RNFL (P = 0.002) and average RNFL (P = 0.009) in the VFNR group were significantly lower than in the VFR group. The superior nasal GCIPL (P = 0.001), inferior nasal GCIPL (P = 0.001) and average GCIPL (P = 0.01) were significantly lower in the VFNR group than in the VFR group (all P < 0.01).The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that nasal inferior GCIPL was an independent risk factor for VF recovery (odds ratio (OR) = 1.376,95% confidence interval (CI):1.089-1,739,P = 0.007). In the received operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve (AUROCs) was the highest for nasal inferior GCIPL (AUROC = 0.739).
Conclusion
In patients who underwent resection of pituitary adenoma, nasal inferior GCIPL was an independent risk factor of visual field defect recover after surgery.
Stability of highly inclined non-circular wellbores in isotropic formations
Authors: Oyedokun Oluwafemi , Schubert Jerome 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The shear and tensile stabilities of highly inclined non-circular wellbores are investigated in this study. Using the equivalent-ellipse hypothesis, the non-circular geometry was approximated as an ellipse, and the corresponding stress concentration equations are presented. With the new set of stress concentration equations, a comprehensive study of the tensile and shear stabilities of an elliptical borehole was conducted, including the impact of well inclination and azimuthal angles, horizontal stress difference, degree of ellipticity, and orientation of the maximum horizontal stress to the major axis of the ellipse. Using five commonly used shear failure criteria, we observed that both Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker Prager (inscribed) failure criteria predicted higher collapse pressures, relative to the others including Drucker Prager (inscribed), Mogi-Coulomb, and Modified Lade. While Drucker Prager's (circumscribed) failure criterion underestimates the collapse pressure. Both the linear elastic and poroelastic models were used in investigating the fracture initiation orientation and pressure of highly inclined elliptical boreholes. The prediction from the poroelastic model is always less than the linear elastic model. In some instances, they predict different fracture initiation orientations. From this study, we observed that generally, a near-circular wellbore is more stable than elliptical borehole in both shear and tension. Nevertheless, there are some well inclination and azimuthal angles than can make an elliptical borehole have more shear and tensile stabilities than a near-circular wellbore.
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Temare , Dukesa Tadesse , Tegene Elsah , Kabeta Teshome , Markos Yohannes 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPregnant women with underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are at increased risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes due to difficulty in tolerating the physiologic changes of pregnancy.Maternal CVDs are responsible for 10-15% of maternal death. Rheumatic heart disease is the commonest cardiac disease among pregnant women in developing countries. Despite all this, there is no adequate data on the overall prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among pregnant women in our setup as well as in Ethiopia.Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among pregnant women who had antenatal care follow up at Jimma University Medical center from October 2021 to December 2021.MethodsAn institution based cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who had antenatal care follow up at Jimma University Medical Centre. We used systematic random sampling to get sample population. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire; sphygmomanometer, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram. The data were then entered to Epi data and exported to SPSS Version 26 for statistical analysis. Descriptive data summarizations and presentations were done to find the prevalence of CVDs in the study population.ResultA total of 156 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The overall prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 16.7%; of which 10.3% had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and 6.4% had cardiac disease. Preeclampsia accounted for 6.4% followed by gestational hypertension (2.6%) and chronic hypertension (1.3%).Chronic rheumatic heart disease accounted for 3.2%.atrial septal aneurysm (1.9%) and hypertensive heart disease (1.3%). In those with rheumatic heart disease, mitral valve lesions were the prominent. T wave abnormalities were the most common electrocardiography finding.Most, 121(22.4%), of the study participants had at least one abnormal echocardiography finding and among them 64(41%) had abnormal valvular lesions. Among those with valvular lesions, 5 (3.2%) had chronic rheumatic heart disease whereas 59(37.8%) had physiologic valvular lesions.ConclusionThe prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among third trimester pregnant women was high in our setup. So screening all pregnant women with electrocardiography and echocardiography is important.
The Association between Self-reported Osteoporosis and Chinese Medicine-Constitution Questionnaire – A Cross-Sectional Taiwan Biobank Study
Authors: Yang Hsien-Hui , Chen Chih-Sheng , Lo Hsin-Yi , Ho Chien-Yi , Kao Chia-Hung , Ho Tin-Yun , Yang Tse-Yen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Constitutional medicine was as an example of earlier medicine evidence of Chinese Medicine (CM). CM-Constitutional Questionnaire (CM-CQ) commonly considered as the observed various phenotypes as phenome. However, the comprehensive associations between self-reported disease outcomes and questionnaires of CM-CQ remained uncertain. Taiwan Biobank has begun the collection of these cancer-free volunteers, aged 30–70 with these questionnaires, self-reported disease history, clinical examinations, and genetic information from 2012 as baseline enrollment.
Results
This community-, cross-sectional study was conducted by part of Taiwan Biobank and compared the associations among CM-CQ, which reflect these constitutional variables as individual markers. The present study conducted by using 1,998 volunteers (2 withdraw) from Taiwan Biobank. Which separately assessed the associations among 32 diseases and 44 items of CM-CQ questions using the binomial logistic regression model. There were 6 CM-CQ questions with a significant association of self-reported osteoporosis in all CM-CQ.
Conclusions
Interestingly, we found that these 6 CM-CQ questions shown a significant association with osteoporosis, even which adjusted with false discovery rate (adjusted p < 0.05). The Q1, Q22, and Q37 demonstrated with considerably adjusted p-value and the other CM-CQ, which involved in Q14, Q16, and Q21 shown borderline relation to self-reported osteoporosis, which was existed less residual effect with smoking and drinking habits. This study generated real-world evidence of national biobank for clarified associations between clinical symptom and self-reported diseases. The exploration of self-reported disease-related CM-CQ for further companion diagnostic indicators via comprehensive community-based Taiwan Biobank study should be a possibility.
Evaluating the ecological hypothesis: Early life salivary microbiome assembly predicts dental caries in a longitudinal case-control study
Authors: Blostein Freida , Bhaumik Deesha , Davis Elyse , Salzman Elizabeth , Shedden Kerby , Duhaime Melissa , Bakulski Kelly M. , McNeil Daniel W. , Marazita Mary L. , Foxman Betsy 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Early childhood caries (ECC) – dental caries (cavities) occurring in primary teeth up to age 6-years - is a prevalent childhood oral disease with a microbial etiology. Streptococcus mutans was previously considered a primary cause, but recent research promotes the ecologic hypothesis, in which a dysbiosis in the oral microbial community leads to caries. In this incident density sampled case control study of 189 children followed from 2-months to 5-years, we use the salivary bacteriome to 1) prospectively test the ecological hypothesis of ECC in salivary bacteriome communities and 2) identify co-occurring salivary bacterial communities predicting future ECC.
Results
Supervised classification of future ECC case status using salivary samples from age 12-months using bacteriome-wide data (AUC-ROC 0.78 95% CI: (0.71–0.85)) predicts future ECC status before S. mutans can be detected. Dirichlet multinomial community state typing and co-occurrence network analysis identified similar robust and replicable groups of co-occurring taxa. Mean relative abundance of a Haemophilus parainfluenzae/Neisseria/Fusobacterium periodonticum group was lower in future ECC cases (0.14) than controls (0.23, P value < 0.001) in pre-incident visits, positively correlated with saliva pH (Pearson rho = 0.31, P value < 0.01) and reduced in individuals who had acquired S. mutans by the next study visit (0.12) versus those who did not (0.19, P value < 0.01). In a subset of whole genome shotgun sequenced samples, case plaque had higher abundances of antibiotic production and resistance gene orthologs, including a major facilitator superfamily multidrug resistance transporter (MFS DHA2 family PBH value = 1.9*10− 28), lantibiotic transport system permease protein (PBH value = 6.0*10− 6) and bacitracin synthase I (PBH value = 5.6*10− 6). The oxidative phosphorylation KEGG pathway was enriched in case plaque (PBH value = 1.2*10− 8), while the ABC transporter pathway was depleted (PBH value = 3.6*10− 3).
Conclusions
Early-life bacterial interactions predisposed children to ECC, supporting a time-dependent interpretation of the ecological hypothesis. Bacterial communities which assemble before 12-months of age can promote or inhibit an ecological succession to S. mutans dominance and cariogenesis. Intragenera competitions and intergenera cooperation between oral taxa may shape the emergence of these communities, providing points for preventive interventions.