bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria Case Management in Children at a Lower-Level Health Facility In Kampala: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ajilong Harriet , Nankunda Jolly , Rujumba Joseph , Bongomin Felix , Ndeezi Grace 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Malaria is often diagnosed and treated clinically despite negative test results in low-resource settings. This has resulted in substantial overuse of antimalarial drugs and delays in the diagnosis of other febrile illnesses thereby increasing mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to describe the malaria diagnosis and treatment practices for uncomplicated malaria among children aged 2–59 months with fever at a health center in Kampala district.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was carried out at Kisenyi health center IV between January and February 2014. A total of 420 children aged 2–59 months with fever were consecutively enrolled. Information regarding malaria diagnosis and treatment practices were extracted from medical records as caretakers exited from the health facility. Key informant interviews were conducted with selected health workers at the facility. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA version 10 into proportions, means and medians where appropriate while qualitative data was analyzed using the content thematic approach.
Results
Of the 420 children with fever enrolled, 162(38.6%) were prescribed antimalarial drugs without laboratory evaluation. Of the 206 patients who were tested for malaria, all the confirmed positive cases and 72(35%) who tested negative were prescribed antimalarial drugs. Majority of the patients (81%) received artemether- lumefantrine, the recommended first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria while a small proportion (15%) was prescribed non recommended antimalarial therapies. From logistic regression, history of antimalarial drug use was found to be significantly associated with laboratory diagnosis of malaria (p-value 0.02)
Conclusions
Appropriate malaria case diagnosis and treatment is still a challenge in lower-level health facilities. A large proportion of febrile illnesses is clinically diagnosed and treated as malaria and many patients are prescribed antimalarial drugs despite negative test results. This has led to continued misuse of antimalarial drugs and under diagnosis of other causes of fever in children thereby increasing mortality and morbidity.
Recommendations:
To achieve the universal “test and treat” strategy for malaria case management and control, stakeholders should ensure regular supply of laboratory diagnostic equipment. Regular refresher training is needed so that health workers adhere to the recommended national malaria treatment guidelines. Emphasis should be put on proper examination and treatment of alternative causes of children in fever.
Thermal performance evaluation of Parabolic Trough Collector having different inserts and working with hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Chakraborty Oveepsa , Das Biplab , Gupta Rajat 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This study emphasizes the comparative investigation in terms of the thermal capacity of parabolic solar trough collectors with spherical-shaped balls as well as two types of elliptical inserts (longitudinal orientation). Hybrid nanofluid is the heat-carrying liquid, obtained by mixing CuO and Al2O3 nanoparticles in distilled water. Analytical investigations are conducted for 1% vol. concentration of hybrid nanoparticles in distilled water for varying proportions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is chosen to obtain thermal as well as flow trends in the tube receiver. The outcomes disclosed that 13.3% and 10.02% improvements are noted for thermal efficiency and Nusselt number with elliptical of minor diameter 12mm inserts in receiver respectively than spherical ball inserts. The highest pump work of 35W is associated with spherical inserts, at 0.033kg/s. The entire testing results indicated that, for all the models, the pump work demand increment is negligible than the thermal improvements.
Social Vulnerability Score: a Scalable Index for Representing Social Vulnerability in Virtual Community Resilience Testbeds
Authors: Enderami S. Amin , Sutley Elaina J. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Incorporating social systems and phenomena into virtual community resilience testbeds is uncommon but becoming increasingly important. Social vulnerability indices are a convenient way to account for differential experiences and starting conditions of the population in resilience assessments. This paper proposes a scalable index, termed Social Vulnerability Score (SVS), to serve the purpose of testbed development. The SVS overcomes two important limitations of existing indices: it is constructed using an approach that does not decrease in validity with changing spatial resolution, and it only needs to be calculated for the geographic area of interest, instead of for the entire county thereby significantly reducing computational effort for testbed developers and users. The proposed SVS aggregates the ratio of a set of demographics from U.S. Census datasets at the desired location against their national average values. The resulting scores are mapped into five levels, called zones, ranging from very low vulnerability (zone 1) to very high (zone 5). The validity of the SVS was investigated through a regression analysis of flood outcomes in Lumberton, North Carolina caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The resulting correlations between the SVS zones and post-disaster outcomes of household dislocation and home repair times match the social vulnerability theory. The paper concludes with a comparison between the SVS and two existing social vulnerability indices at the census tract level for the State of Kansas.
Work-Related Stress, Quality of Life, and Coping Mechanism Among Lecturers in a Tertiary Educational Institution in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Chukwuemeka Uchechukwu Martha , Okonkwo Uchenna Prosper , Njoku Chibuike Jefferen , Igwe Emeka Sylvester , Oyewumi Taiwo Joseph , Ugwuanyi Daniel Chimmuanya 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Work-related stress (WRS) is a highly prevalent and pervasive
problem that can result in loss of productivity and deterioration
of lecturer’s health. Lecturing work requires coping with some of
the stressful situations found in any workplace. The study
determined the work-related stress, coping mechanisms, and quality
of life among lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University
(NAU).

Method:This was a cross-sectional survey
involving 283 lecturers consecutively recruited from NAU. The
Health and Safety Executive Work Related stress (HSE-WRS),
Work-Related Quality of life (WRQL), and Brief-cope Questionnaires
(BCQ) were applied to assess the participant's work-related stress,
quality of work life, and coping mechanism(CM) respectively. Data
were analyzed using Spearman rank and Mann-Whitney U tests at a
0.05 level of significance.

Result: Age, years of practice, and academic
rank had no statistically significant relationship with
work-related stress with p-values given as: p=0.96, p =0.9, and
0.21 respectively. Age and gender were significantly related to the
coping mechanism with p-values: p=0.00 and p= 0.01 respectively.
The quality of life of lecturers was significantly associated with
age with p-values of 0.03. The years of practice have no
statistically significant association with coping
mechanisms.

Conclusions: there was a statistically
significant relationship between age and active coping; there was a
statistically significant relationship between gender and
work-related stress; there was no statistically significant
relationship between years of experience and QOWL; the QOWL of
lecturers had a statistically significant correlation with their
age, and gender affected the coping mechanism of lecturers at NAU.
Also, this study revealed that male lecturers coped better with the
rigorous demands of the job in contrast to female lecturers
First terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton indotineae isolates with Phe397Leu and/or Thr414His mutations in Turkey: Differences in response to resveratrol treatment
Authors: Durdu Murat , Kandemir Hazal , Karakoyun Ayşe Sultan , Ilkit Macit , Tang Chao , de Hoog Sybren 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The increase in terbinafine-resistant superficial dermatophytosis has become a major problem over the last decade. In this report, we present two cases of infection with terbinafine-resistantTrichophyton indotineae, a species diagnosed for the first time in Turkey. One of the patients harbored aCD36mutation. Both strains harbored the same amino acid substitution in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene, whereas one of the isolates had another as yet unknown mutation. Clinical improvement was observed with resveratrol treatment in the patient with theCD36mutation, but this compound was not effective in the other patient.
The curcumin analogue PAC has potent anti-anaplastic thyroid cancer effects
Authors: Al-Mohanna Mai , Alhabardi Samiah A. , Alraouji Noura N. , Almohanna Falah , Al-Otaibi Baseem , Al-Jammaz Ibrahim , Aboussekhra Abdelilah 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the rarest type of thyroid cancer but is the common cause of death from these tumors. The aggressive behavior of ATC makes it resistant to the conventional therapeutic approaches. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the anti-ATC efficacy of the curcumin analogue PAC. We have shown that PAC induces apoptosis in thyroid cancer cells in a time-dependent fashion through the mitochondrial pathway. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that PAC suppressed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in ATC cells by increasing the epithelial marker E-cadherin and reducing the level of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Snail, Slug and Twist1. This anti-EMT effect was confirmed by showing PAC-dependent inhibition of the proliferation and migration abilities of ATC cells. In addition, PAC downregulated ALDH1 and suppressed the formation of thyroid tumorespheres in vitro. Interestingly, PAC inhibited the AKT/mTOR pathway in ATC cells. Indeed, PAC downregulated mTOR and its downstream effectors p70S6K and 4E-BP1 more efficiently than the well-known mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. In addition to the promising in vitro anticancer efficacy, PAC significantly suppressed the growth of humanized thyroid tumor xenografts in mice. Together, these findings indicate that PAC could be considered as promising therapeutic agent for anaplastic thyroid carcinomas.
Evaluation of irrigation water quality under newly weathered soil in hot and semi-humid region of central India
Authors: Lal Bharat , Shukla Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Pavan , Singh Shusheel Kumar , Singh Yogeshwer , Chaturvedi Sushil Kumar 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Throughout the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, the participants in this research took water samples that were later examined for a variety of physiochemical characteristics. Irrigation water quality metrics such as SAR, RSC, Na%, KR, MHR, PS, PI, and RSBC were used in conjunction with the calculation of IWQI in order to conduct an evaluation of the appropriateness of the irrigation water. The major dominated anions in the study area were found HCO3−> SO42−> Cl− during all the season, while cation was fluctuated from Na+> Mg2+> Ca2+> K+ at pre-monsoon season and Na+> Ca2+> Mg2+> K+ at both monsoon and post-monsoon season. Ca (Mg)- HCO3−, Na- HCO3−and mixed type water was found in the study area which was originated from the silicate weathering and evaporate dissolution. Some samples were reported with high KR, MHR, Na%, RSC, PS and RSBC which exceeding limit and unsuitable for irrigation use. Out of the total collected water samples 32%, 64%, 8%, 44%, 12%in pre-monsoon and 24%, 60%, 8% 16%, 12% in post-monsoon period were not suitable for irrigation purpose with having high KR, MHR, Na%, RSC and PS, respectively. While, 8% (KR), 52% (MHR), 12%(RSC) and 8% (PS) was also unsuitable for irrigation purpose during monsoon period. However, the IWQI of the study area was noted 48% water sample having above the limit > 100 which was unsuitable for irrigation water.
Theoretical, Numerical and Experimental Research on Vibration Suppression and Energy Collection of Vehicle Active Suspension Based on Time-Delay Control
Authors: Wu Kaiwei , Atay Fatihcan M , Ren Chuanbo 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This paper, the impact of time-delay feedback control on vibration energy collection and damping performance is discussed. A time-delay control system of active suspension based on a 1/4 vehicle nonlinear model is designed. The linear motor is used as the actuator of active suspension. The variable learning factor particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the optimal control parameters of active suspension with time delay. The characteristic root clustering method is proposed to analyze the stability of the active suspension control system with time delay. Finally, the energy recovery and vibration reduction of passive suspension, active suspension without time-delay, and active suspension with time-delay are simulated. The simulation results show that the energy-feeding efficiency of the active suspension with time-delay control under harmonic and random excitation is 114.54% and 20.09% higher than that of the active suspension without time-delay control. Finally, a test bench is built to verify the correctness of the simulation results. The experimental and simulation results error is within 15%, which meets the engineering requirements. The proposed method can significantly improve the energy collection capacity.
Quantification of mitochondrial cfDNA reveals new perspectives for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Linke Christian , Hunger Richard , Reinwald Mark , Deckert Markus , Mantke René 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background: To unravel how the integrity of nuclear and mitochondrial circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) contributes to its plasma quantity in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
Methods: CfDNA from plasma samples of 80 CRC patients stratified by tumour stage and 50 healthy individuals were extracted. Total cfDNA concentration was determined and equal template concentrations (ETC) were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) resulting in small and long fragments of KRAS, Alu and MTCO3. The obtained data was also examined relative to the total cfDNA concentration (NTC) and diagnostic accuracy was estimated using receiver operating characteristics.
Results: Total cfDNA levels were significantly higher in CRC group compared to healthy control and increased with tumour stage. Long nuclear fragment levels were significantly lower in CRC patients in ETC but not NTC condition. The integrity indices of nuclear cfDNA decreased from controls to patients with highly malignant tumor. Mitochondrial cfDNA fragment quantities were strongly reduced in early and late stages of tumor patients and prognostic value was higher in ETC. Predictive models based on either ETC or NTC predictor set showed comparable classification performance.
Conclusion: Increased blood cfDNA concentration in late UICC stages inversely correlate with nuclear cfDNA integrity index and suggest that necrotic degradation is not a major cause for higher total cfDNA quantity. The diagnostic and prognostic value of MTCO3 is highly significant in early stages of CRC and can be evaluated more comprehensively, using ETC for qPCR analysis.
Trial Registration: The study was registered retrospectively on DRKS, the german register for clinical trials (DRKS00030257, 29/09/2022).
The changing pattern of common respiratory viruses among children from 2018-2021 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wan Lu , Li Liangyu , Zhang Haiyue , Liu Chan , Li Ruiyun , Wu Xiaojun , Chen Jianjun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Acute respiratory infections in children are a global public health challenge. Owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions, including patient isolation, social distancing, handwashing, and mask wearing, have been widely implemented, impacting the transmission of common respiratory viruses. We aimed to clarify the epidemiological features of respiratory viruses in children aged under 14 years in Wuhan before and after COVID-19.
Methods
Respiratory specimens were collected from patients aged < 14 years at two hospitals in Wuhan, China, from January 2018 to December 2021. Seven respiratory viruses were identified using immunofluorescence. Pathogen profiles and seasonality were analysed.
Results
The number of visits and virus detection rate decreased dramatically after February 2020. The respiratory virus detection rate peaked in January and December and decreased dramatically in February and August. The detection rate was lower in 2021 than in 2018 and 2019. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was identified as the leading pathogen in children aged < 1 year and 1–4 years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In children aged 5–14 years, influenza virus was detected with the highest rate before, and RSV after, the COVID-19 pandemic. RSV was the most common coinfection virus.
Conclusions
This study revealed the epidemiological patterns of common respiratory viruses from 2018 to 2021. The spectrum of pathogens involved in paediatric respiratory infection partly changed. Non-pharmaceutical interventions offered fewer opportunities for spread of common viruses, also induced an “immunity debt” and could have negative consequences when the pandemic is under control in Wuhan.
EGFR-regulated EMT is a driver of vasculogenic mimicry in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Yuan# Yue , Luo# Yunfan , Feng# Huiru , Deng Rui , Liang Bijun , Huang Haoran , Yuan Xiaofei , Chen Zilu , Yu Bolong , Liu Xiong , Peng Xiaohong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Vascular mimicry is emerging as a potential target for anti-tumorigenesis.It involves the formation of microvascular channels composed of tumor cells. However, the mechanism of how tumor cells build into microvascular channels is not clear.The existence of a relationship between EMT and VM has been reported in the literature but the exact regulatory mechanism is unclear. Whether EMT regulates VM formation and its specific mechanism need to be further verified in NPC
Materials and Methods
We detected the relationship between EMT indicators and VM by immunohistochemical experiments. Also, the relationship between EMT indexes and VM indexes and clinical staging was analyzed. Cellular assays and immunoprotein blotting assays were used to detect EMT and VM changes in cells after addition of EGFR inhibitors. VM and EMT indices were examined after EGFR-targeted drug treatment in a subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay in nude mice.
Conclusion
EGFR-regulated EMT is a driver of vasculogenic mimicry in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
Distinct Roles of Two Types of Lipid Droplets inside the Nucleus in Liver Diseases
Authors: Imai Norihiro , Ohsaki Yuki , Cheng Jinglei , Zhang Jingjing , Mizuno Fumitaka , Tanaka Taku , Yokoyama Shinya , Yamamoto Kenta , Ito Takanori , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Wake Hiroaki , Kawashima Hiroki 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Aim
Lipid droplets have been found in the nuclei of hepatocytes, however, their role in liver is not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the pathophysiological roles of intranuclear lipid droplets in liver diseases.
Method
This study included 80 patients who underwent liver biopsies. A part of the liver biopsy specimen was dissected and fixed for electron microscopic observation. Lipid droplets in the nuclei were distinguished into two types based on the presence of adjacent cytoplasmic invagination of the nuclear membrane: nuclear lipid droplet (nLD) and cytoplasmic lipid droplet invagination with nucleoplasmic reticulum (cLD in NR).
Results
nLDs were found in 69% of the liver biopsy samples, and cLDs in NR were found in 32%. A significant positive correlation was observed between the frequencies of nLD and cLD in NR. Although nLD was frequently found in hepatocytes of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, there was no correlation between the frequency of nLD and hepatic steatosis, indicating that nLD does not directly reflect cytoplasmic lipid accumulation. Significant positive correlations were found between the frequencies of nLD and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) expansion or liver enzymes, suggesting that nLD is formed in the nucleus under ER stress. Conversely, cLD in NR showed a significant negative correlation with hepatic steatosis, implying that cLD in NR is formed in lipid-restricted hepatocytes. Moreover, no correlations were observed between the frequency of cLD in NR and ER expansion.
Conclusion
This study revealed two distinct pathophysiological roles of lipid droplets in liver diseases.
Long-term Prognosis of Levator Aponeurosis Plication for Aponeurotic Ptosis Caused by Conjunctivitis: A Case Report
Authors: Li Chen , Zhao Yanyong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To report a rare clinical case of a patient suffered from unilateral aponeurotic ptosis caused by conjunctivitis and evaluate the long-term prognosis of levator aponeurosis plication technique.
Methods: Levator aponeurosis plicationtechnique with local anesthesia was preformed to treat the patient and made a moderate overcorrection of the patient's ill eye. Follow up for 4 months to record patient’s recovery.
Results: During the operation, we saw there were little orbital septal fat left and lots of strip fibrous adhesions between orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis. Postoperative follow-up showed a good recovery with approximately the same degree of opening in both eyes and no complications such as incomplete closure.
Conclusion: Conjunctivitis will cause massive inflammatory cellular infiltration and fibrin exudation which may even spread to the surface of the levator aponeurosis. When there is no barrier of orbital septal fat, the fibrin will fibrate into tenacious adhesions, form scar-like tissue that causes the dysfunction of the levator aponeurosis, eventually results in ptosis. The release of the adhesions followed by levator aponeurosisplication procedure can completely improve the ptosis symptoms.