bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profile of Health Care Workers in a context of instability: a cross-sectional study of four rural health zones in Eastern DR Congo (lessons learned)
Authors: Mushagalusa Charles , MAYERI Daniel Garhalangwanamuntu , Kasongo Bertin , Cikomola Aimé , Lwamushi Sammuel Makali , Ngaboyeka Amani , Chishagala Lili , Mwembo Albert , Mukalay Abdon , Balaluka Ghislain Bisimwa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The crisis in human resources for health is observed worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This study aims to describe the profile of staff working in rural health districts in a context of crisis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 15, 2017 to May 30, 2019 on 1090 health care workers (HCW) exhaustively chosen from four health districts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Idjwi, Katana, Mulungu and Walungu). The choice of health districts was based on the crisis context. The health districts were categorized in stable, in transition and unstable. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data. The Chi2 test was used for comparison of proportions and the Kruskal-Wallis test for medians. As measures of association, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) along with their 95% confidence interval. The materiality threshold was set at 5%.Results: In terms of standards, in all the health districts the number of doctors was very insufficient with an average of 0.35 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, however, the number of nurses is sufficient, there is an average of 3 nurses per 5000 inhabitants, the nursing / medical staff (47%) were less represented than the administrative staff (53%). The age of all HCW median (Min-Max) was 46 (20-84) years and female was 32%. 96% of HCW did not receive a state salary; 64% did not receive government allowance for risk. In the stable district HCW were=< 34 years old [OR = 2.0 (1.5-2, 6); p <0.001], the matriculated HCW [OR = 2.0 (1.5-2.7); p <0.0001], those who benefited from national and / or provincial recruitment [OR = 3.9 (2.9-5.4); p <0.001], those who benefited from continuous training [OR = 2.1 (1.5-2.7); p <0.001] and those who receive the local fee -for service [OR = 5.2 (1.9-14.7); p <0.001]. In the unstable district, men [OR = 1.7 (1.1-2.5); p = 0.009], HCW =< 4 years of seniority [OR = 2.3 (1.6-3.3), p <0.001] and lower level of education [OR = 2.1 (1.5-2.9)]; p <0.001]. The percent of HCW who has monthly income >= $ 151 is 21% in the stable zone, 9.2% in the intermediate zones and 0.9% in the unstable zone. Conclusion: The context of instability compromises the performance of the health system by depriving it of competent personnel, so the management of health care workers require some adaptations.DR Congo authorities should develop incentive mechanisms to motivate young and trained HCW to work in unstable and intermediate health districts by improving their living and working conditions.
Effects of ciprofloxacin on turion germination and seedling development in two submerged aquatic plants
Authors: Fan Pei , Liu Chunhua , Ke Zhen , Zhou Wei , Wu Zhonghua 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Germination and seedling development are crucial processes for plant growth and survival, and asexual propagules are predominant reproduction organs for aquatic plants. Ciprofloxacin is widely detected in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, while studies on its effects on germination and seedling development mainly focused on terrestrial plants. We evaluated effects of ciprofloxacin (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/L) on turion germination and early establishment of two submerged plants species (Potamogeton crispus and Hydrilla verticillata). Results showed that germination rate and rooting rate of both species were not impacted by ciprofloxacin. However, 0.1 mg/L ciprofloxacin significantly accelerated germination of H. verticillata and 5-10 mg/L ciprofloxacin significantly delayed rooting of both species. With rising ciprofloxacin concentrations and prolonging exposure time, seedling tolerance index and root number of both species decreased significantly, and shoot number decreased slightly in P. crispus but kept increasing in H. verticillata, suggesting better tolerance of H. verticillata under ciprofloxacin exposure. Root and shoot biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigments contents of both species were all significantly inhibited. To defense against oxidative stress and prevent lipid peroxidation, antioxidants of both species including superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione were activated to varying degrees. By integrating biomarker responses, we found the stress degree of ciprofloxacin on seedlings of both species was enhanced with increasing ciprofloxacin concentrations. Overall, ciprofloxacin impacted turion germination process and harmed early establishment of both species, suggesting potentially adverse effects of ciprofloxacin pollution on survival and expansion of submerged aquatic plant populations.
Robust, persistent adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue of children
Authors: Manthiram Kalpana , Xu Qin , Milanez-Almeida Pedro , Martins Andrew , Radtke Andrea , Hoehn Kenneth , Chen Jinguo , Liu Can , Tang Juanjie , Grubbs Gabrielle , Stein Sydney , Ramelli Sabrina , Kabat Juraj , Behzadpour Hengameh , Karkanitsa Maria , Spathies Jacquelyn , Kalish Heather , Kardava Lela , Kirby Martha , Cheung Foo , Preite Silvia , Duncker Patrick , Romero Nahir , Preciado Diego , Gitman Lyuba , Koroleva Galina , Smith Grace , Shaffer Arthur , McBain Ian , Pittaluga Stefania , Germain Ronald , Apps Richard , Sadtler Kaitlyn , Moir Susan , Chertow Daniel , Kleinstein Steven , Khurana Surender , Tsang John , Mudd Pamela , Schwartzberg Pamela 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers adaptive immune responses from both T and B cells. However, most studies focus on peripheral blood, which may not fully reflect immune responses in lymphoid tissues at the site of infection. To evaluate both local and systemic adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, we collected peripheral blood, tonsils, and adenoids from 110 children undergoing tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic and found 24 with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, including detectable neutralizing antibodies against multiple viral variants. We identified SARS-CoV-2-specific germinal center (GC) and memory B cells; single cell BCR sequencing showed that these virus-specific B cells were class-switched and somatically hypermutated, with overlapping clones in the adenoids and tonsils. Oropharyngeal tissues from COVID-19-convalescent children showed persistent expansion of GC and anti-viral lymphocyte populations associated with an IFN-γ-type response, with particularly prominent changes in the adenoids, as well as evidence of persistent viral RNA in both tonsil and adenoid tissues of many participants. Our results show robust, tissue-specific adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of children weeks to months after acute infection, providing evidence of persistent localized immunity to this respiratory virus.
Environmental and human facets of the waterweed proliferation in a Vast Tropical Ramsar Wetland-Vembanad Lake System
Authors: Retnamma Jyothibabu , Sudhakaran Sarath , Kalathil Balachandran Kizhakkeppaattu , Sobha Santhikrishnan , Chinnadurai Karnan , Nagarathinan Arunpandi , Thamban Alok Kanancheri , Venkata Ramanamurty Mallavaarpu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The Vembanad Lake and its associated low-lying areas and network of canals (hereafter VBL) form the major part of India’s second-largest Ramsar wetland (1512 km2). Located in Kerala State on India's southwest coast, the extensive VBL has a large fishery, inland waterways, and popular tourist attractions that support the livelihoods of thousands of people. Over the last several decades, the proliferation of water weeds in the VBL has alarmingly increased, causing many adverse ecological and socioeconomic effects. Eichhornia crassipes, Monochoria vaginalis, Salvinia molesta, Limnocharis flava, Pistia stratiotes, and Hydrilla verticillata are the most troublesome water weeds in the VBL, with the first three being the most widespread. They were mostly imported to India long ago before becoming a part of the VBL. These weeds harmed water quality, waterways, agriculture, fisheries, disease vector management, as well as the vertical and horizontal shrinkage of the VBL through increased siltation and faster ecological succession. The inherently fragile VBL was harmed by extensive and long-term reclamation, the construction of saltwater barrages, and many landfill roads that crisscross water bodies serving as coastal dams, creating water stagnation. These ecological imbalances were exacerbated by excessive fertiliser use in agricultural areas, as well as the addition of nutrient-rich domestic and municipal sewage, which provided an adequate supply of nutrients and a favourable habitat for the expansion of water weeds. The recurrent floods in the VBL also favour the proliferation of water weeds, with the potential to disrupt their current distribution pattern and spread in the future.
The effectiveness of local steroid injection for the treatment of breast-limited idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial study
Authors: Karami Mohammad Yasin , Zangouri Vahid , Habibagahi Zahra , Tahmasebi Sedigheh , Ranjbar Aliyeh , Seyyedy Mahdiyeh Sadat , Hooshyar Somayyeh , Johari Masoumeh Ghoddusi , Golchini Alireza , Halimi Elham , Akrami Majid , Talei Abdolrasoul 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare non-specific inflammatory breast disease and is usually considered a kind of autoimmune disease. There are several controversies regarding its standard treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of local corticosteroid injection for the treatment of breast-limited idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.Methods: This randomized prospective clinical trial study evaluated the clinical response rate of local steroid injection to treat breast-limited IGM in women. The subjects received local steroid injection of long-action (LA) Betamethasone combined with standard systemic treatments (prednisolone, Methotrexate) (Combine therapy group), standard systemic treatments alone (Systemic group), or local steroid injection alone (LA Betamethasone, Injection group). Clinical benefits and recurrence rates were compared in the three groups.Results: All of the patients were women, and their mean age was 34 years. The excellent clinical or radiological response was observed in 20/31 (64.5%), 24/38 (63.1%), and 17/30 (56.6 %) patients in the injection, combined, and systemic therapy groups, respectively. During the follow-up of 10 months in patients who received local steroid injection alone, recurrence was observed in six patients (16.4%, 6/31), and no side effects or injection steroid-related complications occurred. The local recurrence rate in systemic and combined therapy groups were 3.3 % (1/30) and 13.2 % (5/38) patients, respectively.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that local betamethasone LA injection in breast limited IGM is as successful as current standard treatment and shortens the complete healing time compared to treatment with systemic therapy. Short time recurrence rate was not statistically significant among the groups. Local injection could be a beneficial option in the treatment of IGM. Trial registration: The trial registry number was IRCT20200608047694N1. Registration date: 2020-07-21.
Hydrogeochemical factors controlling the fluoride concentration in spring/groundwater in Aso caldera in the volcanic region, Japan
Authors: Amano Hiroki , Ichikawa Tsutomu , Fujimoto Kuniaki , Nakagawa Kei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Groundwater and springs are important water resources for domestic and agricultural uses in the Aso caldera in the volcanic region of Kumamoto, Japan. In addition, some springs play the role of tourist attraction. Previous studies have reported high fluoride (F−) levels in these water bodies; however, these studies were conducted more than 20 years ago and did not study the factors controlling the F− concentration in detail. In this study, to understand F− concentration in recent years and the controlling factors, water samples were collected at two artesian wells and 22 springs every 3 months from July 2020 to October 2021. Water samples showed a mean F− concentration ranging from 0.16‒ to 1.18 mg/L. Five of the 24 (20%) sampling sites showed a mean F− concentration above the Japanese drinking water standard of 0.8 mg/L. The water samples with higher F− concentrations were mainly distributed on the central cone sides, and represented Ca-SO4-HCO3 and Ca-SO4 types. In other words, the water samples evaluated as having an effect of hydrothermal water, based on a higher SO42− concentration or lower Cl−:SO42− molar ratio, showed higher F− concentrations. In terms of anthropogenic factors, fertilizer application was not an important factor controlling the F− concentration in spring and groundwater in the study area due to the distribution of upland fields. As a natural factor, although the general mechanisms of weathering and anion exchange of F-bearing minerals can be one of the factors controlling the F− concentration in the study area, it did not contribute to the entire study area due to the limited distribution of the strata containing the related minerals. Magmatic gases, including SO2, HF, and HCl, were considered to form hydrothermal water in the study area, and the effect of hydrothermal water could increase F−, SO42−, and Cl− in water samples. This mechanism was validated by the positive correlations between F− and SO42− and Cl−. Thus, magmatic gas constituted the main contribution to the increase in the F− concentration in the study area.
Demand and Countermeasures for an “Internet + Nursing” Service for Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhao Xinyang , Luan Zhenggang , Zhang Xiujie , Zhang Yingying , Wang Aiping 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: With the gradual aging of China’s population, the provision of health services for elderly patients is facing severe challenges. Among them, health promotion services for the elderly patients with chronic diseases are particularly important. As a new service mode, a pilot “Internet + nursing” service has been launched. In this study, the “Internet + nursing” service needs of elderly patients with chronic diseases in northeast China are discussed through qualitative interviews and quantitative research, and corresponding implementable policies are put forward according to the advanced experience of other countries and domestic pilot results.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 elderly patients with chronic diseases in northeast China, by focusing on their demand for an “Internet + nursing” service. The interview content was analyzed, and the themes were refined. Then, according to the themes, a questionnaire was constructed about the demand for “Internet + nursing” services by elderly patients with chronic diseases in northeast China, and 348 elderly patients with chronic diseases in northeast China were quantitatively studied.Results: The demand for “Internet + nursing” service by elderly patients with chronic diseases in northeast China fell under three major themes: ① the demand for health services; ② the demand for mental health support, and ③ the demand for improving health literacy. The top three specific demands were traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nursing (scraping therapy, cupping therapy, moxibustion therapy, etc.), medication guidance, and disease knowledge guidance. The bottom three were ventilator-assisted ventilation, pressure sore care, and hospice nursing.Conclusions: The demand for “Internet + nursing” service by elderly patients with chronic diseases in northeast China is diverse. In the future, “Internet + nursing” services led by regional medical centers can be considered to further improve the availability and acceptability of services and ultimately promote the development of national health services.
Assessment of Corneal Endothelial Cell Parameters Using Specular Microscopy in Previously Infected SARS-CoV-2 Patients
Authors: Elshalkami Mohamed , Abdalla Tarek Mohamed Mahmoud , Abdellatif Mona Kamal , Fawzy Samah Mahmoud 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To examine the long-term effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the corneal endothelium. Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional study that included subjects who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 6 months (group 1) and a group of age- and sex-matched controls with no prior symptomatology or documentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection (group 2). After full ophthalmological evaluation, specular microscopy was used to examine the endothelial cell parameters, including endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, hexagonality, average area, and central corneal thickness.Results: sixty-four and 53 right eyes were included in groups 1 and 2, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected in any of the examined specular parameters between the two groups.Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to have no delayed sequel on the corneal endothelium. Future prospective studies with repeated examinations in the same subjects would be useful.
Wildfires and aliens: differenced Normalized Burn Ratios (dNBR) indicate that woody invasive plants increase fire intensities in montane forest-grassland mosaics of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Sriramamur Rasikapriyaa Thanalapadi , Sankaran Mahesh , Bhalla Ravinder Singh 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Fire is a common disturbance in tropical and temperate savanna and grassland ecosystems. The impact and intensity of fire are strongly influenced by available fuel loads, local plant community composition and structure. Invasion by exotic species in grasslands can alter fuel availability and contiguity and, consequently, influence several aspects of the fire regime such as intensity, frequency and spread. Woody invaders in grasslands, in particular, have the potential to alter fire regimes significantly as they have starkly different structural and physiological characteristics from the native grasses. In this study, we assessed how three woody invaders - Acacia mearnsii (black wattle, or wattle), Cytisus scoparius (scotch broom) and Ulex europaeus (common gorse, or gorse) impacted fire intensities in the montane grasslands of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the southern Western Ghats, India. We used the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) as an index of fire intensity. Our results indicate that invaded areas burned at higher intensities than native grasslands. Fire intensities were highest in areas invaded by gorse, followed by black wattle and scotch broom. Fire relationships with long term landscape changes like invasion are currently understudied, and such studies highlight the cascading impacts for ecosystem dynamics like fire with such changes. We also find that such increases in fire intensities as a result of woody plant invasion can potentially have long term consequences for community and ecosystem processes in this landscape.
Adult breast, lung, pancreatic, upper and lower gastrointestinal cancer patients with venous thromboembolism in the nationalFrench hospital discharge database
Authors: Couturaud Francis , Mahé Isabelle , Schmidt Jeannot , Gleize Jean-Cédric , Lafon Thomas , Saighi Amine , Sedjelmaci Fouad , Bertoletti Laurent , Mismetti Patrick 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) and cancer are strongly associated. In France, evidence on patients with pancreatic, upper GI [gastrointestinal], lower GI, lung, or breast cancer-associated VTE and their hospital management is limited.MethodsThis longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study was based on the comprehensive hospital discharge database (PMSI). Adult patients (≥18 years old) hospitalized with a cancer of interest in 2016 and later (≤2 years) hospitalized with VTE were included in the study.ResultsWe identified 340,946 cancer patients, of which 7.2% (24,433 patients) were hospitalized with VTE. The proportions were 14.6% (3,237 patients) in patients with pancreatic cancer, 11.2% (8,339) with lung cancer, 9.9% (2,232) with upper GI cancer, 6.7% (7,011) with lower GI cancer, and 3.1% (3,614) with breast cancer.Around a third of patients entered the hospital through the emergency room, up to 3% of patients stayed in an intensive care unit. The mean hospital stay duration ranged from 10 (breast cancer) to 15 days (upper GI cancer). Nine (lower GI cancer) to 18% (pancreatic cancer) of patients died during the VTE hospital stay.ConclusionsThe burden of cancer-associated VTE is substantial. These findings offer guidance on future research on VTE prophylaxis in a very high-risk population.
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress ozone-mediated airway inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Fei Xia , Zhang Xue , Bao Wuping , Han Lei , Xue Yishu , Hao Huijuan , Zhou Xin , Zhang Min 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objective and design:
Ozone exposure is an important risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is a global public health concern. Until now, there is no effective approach to reverse airflow limitation and accelerated loss of lung function completely. Here, we delineate the safety and efficacy of mouse allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mASCs) in the treatment of COPD mice by intratracheal and intravenous administration.
Methods
In this study, we established ozone-exposed COPD model in mice and were administered intratracheally or intravenously with mASCs which were extracted, cultured, and identified in vitro.
Results
We observed that exposure to ozone resulted in a marked lung neutrophilia with high levels of inflammatory cell counts, enhanced expression of cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, reduced expression of IL-10, lung function and airspace enlargement. mASCs intratracheal administration rescured the lung neutrophilia, lung function and emphysema-like phenotype. Similar results were observed in mice with mASCs intratracheal administration. But the altered levels of serum cytokines in mice with mASCs intratracheal administration appears more robust than those in mice with mASCs intravenous administration.
Conclusions
Collectively, these data indicate that intratracheal administration of mASCs appears more effective in treating ozone-induced COPD compared to intravenous administration of mASCs, although the two approaches can be comparable in safety. mASCs are expected to become a new potential intervention strategy for COPD.