bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Missing Link: African Christian Resonances in the Rise of Indian Muslim and Hindu Missions
Authors: Shankar Shobana 
Published: June 2022

This essay explores how West Africa became a landscape of religious exchange, creativity and synthesis connecting Africa and South Asia. It follows the lead of Afe Adogame and Jim Spickard, who argue that ‘Africa is not merely a passive recipient of global pressures. It is also a site of religious creativity that has had considerable effect on the outside world. The growth and global influence of the three religious heritages of sub-Saharan Africa – indigenous religions, Christianity and Islam – needs to be understood against the backdrop of mutual influence and exchange at various historical epochs’ ( Adogame and Spickhard 2010 : 2—3).To explore such transformations, I draw on the cases of the Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary movement in Ghana and Nigeria and Hinduism in Ghana. The Ahmadiyya began as a mission to correct Christianity's influence on West Africans, but was transformed by African influence on South Asians into a pluralistic knowledge-seeking movement. In a similar vein, Africans reshaped Hinduism away from cultural isolationism and worldly attachments of the Indian-diaspora Africa towards a spiritual ethic of racial integration and devotionalism that Africans and Indians now share. I conclude by reflecting on how African modes of religious interrelationality – influenced by the historical trajectories of Christianity on the African continent – have been crucial in the polycentrism that world Christianity scholars have revealed.
Soil Seed Bank Dynamics of Pastures Invaded by Navua Sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) in Tropical North Queensland
Authors: Chadha Aakansha , Osunkoya Olusegun O. , Shi Boyang , Florentine Singarayer K. , Dhileepan Kunjithapatham 
Published: June 2022

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) is threatening crops, pasture species and natural ecosystems in Pacific Island countries and northern Queensland, Australia. To aid future management efforts of this exotic invasive weed, research was conducted to understand the soil seed bank dynamics of pastures invaded by Navua sedge. Six grazing properties were chosen across two landscapes, coastal and inland/upland, with areas that had Navua sedge infestations in Queensland, Australia. At each site, soil was collected from two soil depths, 0-5 and 5-10 cm, and from plots with high and low infestation levels of Navua sedge. It was observed that the soil seed bank dynamics varied significantly between these study sites. Navua sedge was the dominant species in the soil seed bank at all the sites contributing between 62% to 95% of the total seed bank, while pasture seeds occupied only 3% to 24%. Broadleaf seeds were even lower in abundance, showing between 2% to 13% of the total seed count. The abundance of Navua sedge seed present in the soil was significantly correlated with the aboveground biomass of Navua sedge (r=0.53, p=0.006), but no correlation was found with the infestation age of Navua sedge. Based on this work, it is clear that the seed bank of Navua sedge is very large and concentrated within the top 0-5 cm of the soil, with, 83% of total Navua sedge seeds being in this layer. It was also noted that, although, high infestation plots had significantly higher number of seeds than low infestation plots, more than 18,000 Navua sedge seeds/m2 were still found in the 0-5 cm soil layer of plots regarded as low infestation. We suggest that insights achieved from our soil seed bank study may be used to devise management strategies to minimise the impact of Navua sedge weed in critical grazing and agricultural areas.
Pre-Eclampsia Biomarkers for Women With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Freimane Katrina Z. , Kerrigan Lauren , Eastwood Kelly-Ann , Watson Chris J. 
Published: June 2022

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a serious consideration for women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) planning pregnancy. Risk stratification strategies, such as biomarkers measured in the first trimester of pregnancy, could help identify high-risk women. The literature on T1DM-specific pre-eclampsia biomarkers is expanding. We aimed to provide a narrative review of recently published evidence to identify the most promising biomarker candidates that could be targeted for clinical implementation in existing PE models.Methods: A search using MeSH terms was carried out of Medline, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant Care, Web of Science, and Scopus for relevant papers published since 2015 inclusive and in English. The time limit was applied from the publication of the preceding systematic review in this field. Included studies had pre-eclampsia as a primary outcome, measured one or more serum, plasma or urine biomarkers at any time during pregnancy, and had a distinct group of women with T1DM who developed pre-eclampsia. Studies with pre-eclampsia as a composite outcome were not considered. No restrictions on study types were applied. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted for analysis.Results: A total of 510 records were screened yielding 18 eligible studies relating to 32 different biomarkers. Higher first-trimester levels of HbA1c and urinary albumin were associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia development in women with T1DM. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and adipokines were novel biomarkers showing moderate predictive ability before 15 gestational weeks. Two T1DM-specific pre-eclampsia prediction models were proposed, measuring adipokines or urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin together with easily attainable maternal clinical characteristics. Contradicting previous literature, pre-eclampsia risk in women with T1DM was correlated with vitamin D levels and atherogenic lipid profile in the context of haptoglobin phenotype 2-2. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and soluble endoglin did not predict pre-eclampsia in women with T1DM, and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 only predicted pre-eclampsia from the third trimester.Conclusion: Maternally derived biomarkers reflecting glycemic control, insulin resistance and renal dysfunction performed better as PE predictors among women with T1DM than those derived from the placenta. These biomarkers could be trialed in current PE prediction algorithms to tailor them for women with T1DM.
Optimal Center of Rotation for Ball-And-Socket Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty Identified Using Three-Dimensional Kinematic Analysis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Murai Atsuro , Kurosawa Akihiro , Tada Kaoru , Tachiya Hiroshi , Tamai Atsuya , Akahane Mika , Matsuta Masashi , Nakamura Yuta , Kawashima Hiroki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2022

Total joint arthroplasty is one of the surgical option for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis, however the optimal position the center of rotation (COR) has not been quantified. The purpose of this study is to identify ideal ball-and-socket thumb carpometacarpal joint implants and the optimal position of the COR. We obtained eight right thumb computed tomography images each from ten healthy men, comprising four images each of thumbs at various angles of flexion-extension and abduction-adduction. We reconstructed 3D bone models on 3D CAD, created virtual ball-and-socket implants with three variables (neck offset, implant height, neck rotation), and found the optimal COR where the position change in the COR was smallest across various thumb positions. When the offset was 4.5 mm, neck rotation angle was 130.6° from the radial side to the palmar side of the first metacarpal, and implant height from the distal end of the metacarpal was 43.6 mm, we could restore almost normal kinematics. This study could serve as a reference for implant development and surgical technique guidelines.
Biodegradation of Herbicide by the Immobilized Microbial Consortium SMC1 in Continuous Packed-Bed Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Mohanty Satya Sundar , Jena Hara Mohan 
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the treatment of butachlor and other commonly used herbicides by the synthetically formulated microbial consortium SMC1 immobilized on the ceramic raschig rings in a packed-bed bioreactor (PBBR). The PBBR was operated in continuous mode at various flow rates over a period of 70 days to determine the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and initial butachlor concentration on the removal efficiency and elimination capability of the bioreactor. It was observed that the overall operation of the bioreactor changes from being controlled by the mass transfer limitations to the controlled bio-reaction , thus proposing the range of 270–325 mg/L/d to be the optimum operating range for the efficient removal of butachlor by the PBBR. The bioreactor can reduce up to 90% of the initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) value while treating the mixture of herbicides. The operating parameters were optimized using response surface methodology where the feed flow rate of 2.9 ml/min, initial herbicide concentration of 454.63 mg/L, and concentration of an additional nitrogen source at 1.41 g/L was found to yield maximal COD reduction. To date, a continuous study in the field of butachlor biodegradation is yet to be reported. Hence, the study could be used as a model to design a better herbicide biotreatment technology.
Prevalence of Carbapenem-Resistant Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae and Hypervirulent Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in China Determined via Mouse Lethality Tests
Authors: Hu Dakang , Chen Wenjie , Zhang Qi , Li Meng , Yang Zehua , Wang Yong , Huang Yunkun , Li Gang , Tian Dongxing , Fu Pan , Wang Weiwen , Ren Ping , Mu Qing , Yu Lianhua , Jiang Xiaofei 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-HvKP) and hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Hv-CRKP).MethodsTotally 436 K. pneumoniae strains were collected from 7 hospitals in mainland China between 2017.01 and 2018.02. Sequence types, serotypes, antimicrobial-resistance and virulence genes were analyzed. Additionally, string test, capsule stain, Periodic Acid Schiff stain, fitness analysis, quantitative real-time PCR and mouse lethality test were also performed. Molecular combinations were used to screen putative blaKPC(+)-HvKP and Hv-blaKPC(+)-KP, followed by the confirmation of mouse lethality test.ResultsDiverse detection rates were found for the virulence genes, ranging from c-rmpA (0.0%) to entB (100.0%). According to the molecular criteria, 127, 186, 9 and 26 strains were putatively denoted as HvKP, blaKPC(+)-KP, blaKPC(+)-HvKP and Hv-blaKPC(+)-KP. Mouse lethality test confirmed 2 blaKPC(+)-HvKP strains (JS184 and TZ20) and no Hv-blaKPC(+)-KP. JS184 showed K2 serotype, thin capsule, positive exopolysaccharid and string test. TZ20 presented K20 serotype, thin capsule, negative exopolysaccharide and string test. Compared with the positive control NTUH-K2044, equal galF expression and growth curves were confirmed for JS184 and TZ20.ConclusionsMolecular determination of CR-HvKP and Hv-CRKP brings remarkable bias compared with mouse lethality test. The exact prevalence of CR-HvKP is less than 1.0%, which of Hv-CRKP is much lower.
Analysis of Gut Microbiota Signature and Microbe-Disease Progression Associations in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Xi Yu , Liu FangJie , Qiu Bo , Li Ying , Xie XinQiang , Guo JinYu , Wu Lei , Liang TingTing , Wang DaQuan , Wang Juan , Chen Moutong , Xue Liang , Ding Yu , Zhang Jumei , Wu QingPing , Liu Hui 
Published: June 2022

PurposeTo evaluate the association of gut microbiome signature and disease progression in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) by fecal metagenome analysis.MethodsMetagenome-wide association studies on baseline fecal samples from 18 LA-NSCLC patients before CCRT and 13 controls from healthy first-degree relatives were performed. Among the 18 LA-NSCLC patients, six patients were defined as the long progression-free survival (long-PFS) group (PFS≥11 months) while another 12 were in the short-PFS group (PFS&lt;11 months). Alpha diversity, taxonomic composition, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional pathways were compared between groups.ResultsThe Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes value of long-PFS group was higher than those of short-PFS (p=0.073) and healthy individual groups (p=0.009). Meanwhile, long-PFS group had significantly higher diversities in Fungi, Archaea, and Viruses than short-PFS group. The KEGG pathways overrepresented in short-PFS group included fructose and mannose metabolism (p=0.028), streptomycin biosynthesis (p=0.028), acarbose and validamycin biosynthesis (p=0.013), ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes (p=0.035), biosynthesis of vancomycin group antibiotics (p=0.004), apoptosis-fly (p=0.044), and tetracycline biosynthesis (p=0.044), while those overrepresented in long-PFS group included fatty acid biosynthesis (p=0.035), fatty acid metabolism (p=0.008), vancomycin resistance (p=0.008), longevity regulating pathway-worm (p=0.028), type II diabetes mellitus (p=0.004), and viral carcinogenesis (p=0.003). Further analysis of antibiotic resistome demonstrated that the short-PFS group had a trend with more antibiotic resistance genes than healthy control (p=0.070) and long-PFS groups (p=0.218). The vancomycin resistance sequences were significantly enriched in the long-PFS group compared to the short-PFS group (p=0.006).ConclusionsThe baseline gut microbiome composition and functionality might be associated with PFS in LA-NSCLC treated with CCRT. The outcome of CCRT might be modulated through bacterial metabolic pathways. The antibiotic resistance genes might play a role in disease progression and provide potential information on the relationship between the use of antibiotics and treatment efficacy of CCRT in LA-NSCLC.
Plasma miR-193b-3p Is Elevated in Type 2 Diabetes and Could Impair Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Hu Hua , Zhao Meng , Li Zhaoyang , Nie Hongli , He Jia , Chen Zhuo , Yuan Jing , Guo Huan , Zhang Xiaomin , Yang Handong , Wu Tangchun , He Meian 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo explore differentially expressed miRNAs in type 2 diabetes and their potential cellular functions.MethodsWe screened plasma miRNAs by miRNA array analysis and validated them by TaqMan real-time PCR in 113 newly diagnosed, untreated type 2 diabetes cases and 113 healthy controls. Low-abundance plasma proteins encoded by miR-193b-3p target genes were explored in this study population. We further investigated the potential cellular functions of the differentially expressed miRNAs in HepG2 cells.ResultsmiR-193b-3p was differentially expressed in type 2 diabetes cases compared to healthy controls (fold change = 2.01, P = 0.006). Plasma levels of triosephosphate isomerase (TPI1, a protein involved in the glycolytic pathway) decreased in type 2 diabetes cases (fold change = 1.37, P = 0.002). The effect of miR-193b-3p on TPI1 was verified by transfection of miR-193b-3p into HepG2 cells. miR-193b-3p inhibited the expression of YWHAZ/14-3-3ζ in the PI3K-AKT pathway, subsequently altering the expression of FOXO1 and PCK1. After transfection, cells were incubated in glucose-free medium for another 4 h. Glucose levels in medium from cells with elevated miR-193b-3p levels were significantly higher than those in medium from negative control cells (P = 0.016). In addition, elevated miR-193b-3p reduced glucose uptake by inhibiting insulin receptor (IR) and GLUT2 expression.ConclusionPlasma miR-193b-3p levels increased in type 2 diabetes cases, and TPI1 levels decreased in both plasma and HepG2 cells with increased miR-193b-3p levels, while extracellular lactate levels did not significantly changed. Moreover, miR-193b-3p may affect glucose metabolism by directly targeting YWHAZ/14-3-3ζ and upregulating the transcription factor FOXO1 downstream of the PI3K-AKT pathway.
Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Handgrip Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Jia-Li , Poon Christina Chui-Wa , Wong Man-Sau , Li Wen-Xiong , Guo Yi-Xun , Zhang Yan 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionIn postmenopausal women, vitamin D deficiency (as defined by the circulating level of 25(OH)D being below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L)) is a regular occurrence. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the muscle function of postmenopausal women has been controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examines and summarizes the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the muscular strength and mobility of postmenopausal women.MethodsRCTs that met the inclusion criteria for this study were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Postmenopausal women who were included in the study were exposed to RCTs assessing the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements. Meta-analysis data were extracted by two independent reviewers and screened for methodological quality. RCTs that did not meet the minimum requirement for assessment were excluded. In the meta-analysis, the effect size (weighted mean differences, WMD) of handgrip strength (HGS) and timed-up and go test (TUG) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was obtained to compare reported results across the included RCTs.ResultsA total of 19 trials were included in this systematic review, among which 13 trials were eligible for the meta-analysis. In the 13 included studies, supplementing with vitamin D produced a weighted mean difference of 0.876 kg (95% CI = 0.180 to 1.571, P = 0.014, I2 = 68.5%) for HGS, a measurement of muscle strength. However, an insignificant decrease of 0.044 s was observed after analyzing the TUG (95% CI = -0.979 to 0.892, P = 0.927, I2 = 95%). According to subgroup analysis, vitamin D supplementation increased HGS in patients over the age of 60 (P = 0.001), in those without calcium supplementation (P = 0.032), and in those whose baseline vitamin D level was greater than 75 nmol/L (30 ng/ml) (P = 0.003).ConclusionsTaking into account the studies in this systematic review, vitamin D supplementation improved muscle strength in postmenopausal women. However, an insignificant result was demonstrated in terms of mobility after vitamin D supplementation.
Risk Factors for Cardiac Complications in Patients With Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Zhao Lin , Meng Xu , Mei QiMin , Fan Hua , Liu YeCheng , Zhou XianLiang , Zhu HuaDong , Zhang ShuYang 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundCatecholamine excess arising from pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) can cause a wide spectrum of cardiac manifestations. Although there are reviews of reported cases, these reviews lack detailed data, which makes it impossible to perform an accurate analysis. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular complications (CCs), including PPGL-related myocardial injury, cardiogenic shock, and arrhythmias requiring antiarrhythmic therapy, in a large cohort of patients with PPGL.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients with PPGL admitted between January 2018 and June 2020. The prevalence and the characteristics of patients with CCs were investigated. Moreover, comparisons were made between patients with and without CCs.ResultsCompared with the non-CC group, the percentage of men was significantly lower (14/41 vs.92/175, 34.1% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.034) and the proportion of patients with paroxysmal hypertension was significantly higher (13/41 vs.29/173, 31.7% vs.16.8%, p = 0.03) in the CC group. More patients showed excessive sweating (19/41 vs 64/175, 46.3% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.004) and PPGL crisis (7/41 vs. 10/175, 17.1% vs.5.7%, p=0.035) in the CC group. In terms of laboratory findings, higher white blood cell [7.36 (6.49, 20.23) vs. 5.95 (5.1, 6.97)×109/L, p&lt;0.001] and platelet [339.28 ± 108.54 vs. 250.66 ± 70.83(×109/L), p = 0.021] counts were more common in the CC group. There was also a higher prevalence of combination-producing PPGL in the CC group (13/24 vs.20/149, 54.2% vs.13.4%, p&lt;0.001). However, the tumor size, invasive behavior on histology, and hemorrhage or necrosis on histology did not differ between the two groups. Platelet count [odds ratio (OR): 1.009; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.001–1.016; p=0.023] and combination-secreting PPGL (OR: 5.009; 95% CI 1.365–18.38; p=0.015) are independent risk factors for CCs in patients with PPGL.ConclusionsIn patients with PPGL, even in the absence of signs and symptoms of CCs, a work up of cardiology should be strongly considered. Importantly, if patients with PPGLs have higher platelet counts and the combination-secreting pattern, they are more likely to have CCs. Thus, a careful cardiac evaluation should be performed.
Activation of GIPR Exerts Analgesic and Anxiolytic-Like Effects in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Mice
Authors: Wang Xin-shang , Jiang Yong-li , Lu Liang , Feng Ban , Ma Xue , Zhang Kun , Guan Shao-yu , Yang Le , Fan Qing-yu , Zhu Xiao-chen , Yang Fan , Qi Jing-yu , Yang Liu-kun , Li Xu-bo , Zhao Ming-gao , Jiang Wen , Tian Zhen , Liu Shui-bing 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundChronic pain is defined as pain that persists typically for a period of over six months. Chronic pain is often accompanied by an anxiety disorder, and these two tend to exacerbate each other. This can make the treatment of these conditions more difficult. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a member of the incretin hormone family and plays a critical role in glucose metabolism. Previous research has demonstrated the multiple roles of GIP in both physiological and pathological processes. In the central nervous system (CNS), studies of GIP are mainly focused on neurodegenerative diseases; hence, little is known about the functions of GIP in chronic pain and pain-related anxiety disorders.MethodsThe chronic inflammatory pain model was established by hind paw injection with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in C57BL/6 mice. GIP receptor (GIPR) agonist (D-Ala2-GIP) and antagonist (Pro3-GIP) were given by intraperitoneal injection or anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) local microinjection. Von Frey filaments and radiant heat were employed to assess the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Anxiety-like behaviors were detected by open field and elevated plus maze tests. The underlying mechanisms in the peripheral nervous system and CNS were explored by GIPR shRNA knockdown in the ACC, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot analysis, whole-cell patch-clamp recording, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsIn the present study, we found that hind paw injection with CFA induced pain sensitization and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. The expression of GIPR in the ACC was significantly higher in CFA-injected mice. D-Ala2-GIP administration by intraperitoneal or ACC local microinjection produced analgesic and anxiolytic effects; these were blocked by Pro3-GIP and GIPR shRNA knockdown in the ACC. Activation of GIPR inhibited neuroinflammation and activation of microglia, reversed the upregulation of NMDA and AMPA receptors, and suppressed the enhancement of excitatory neurotransmission in the ACC of model mice.ConclusionsGIPR activation was found to produce analgesic and anxiolytic effects, which were partially due to attenuation of neuroinflammation and inhibition of excitatory transmission in the ACC. GIPR may be a suitable target for treatment of chronic inflammatory pain and pain-related anxiety.