bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus Plantarum -derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic brain injury via the microRNA-101a-3p/c-Fos/TGF-β axis cross-species
Authors: yang zhang , Gao Zidan , Zhang Yifan , Chen Hongqun , Yang Xuexia , Fang Xuming , Zhu Yingwu , Zhang Jiayan , Ouyang Fu , Li Jun , Cai Gang , Lin Xiang , Shi Xiaofang , Chu Lan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective
As nanoscale membrane vesicles, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are actively released by cells and have recently been observed to assume an important role in the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, the source of EVs currently reported for the treatment of ischemic stroke is tightly restricted to mammals. Moreover, these EVs are limited in clinical translation due to the high cost of cell culture. In species other than mammals, Lactobacillus Plantarum culture is low-cost and high-yield. Notwithstanding, it is poorly identified whether Lactobacillus Plantarum-derived EVs (LEVs) can be applied across species for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Methods
LEVs were injected into mice via the tail vein immediately after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) modeling. Infarct volumes, neurological scores, and neuron apoptosis were examined 3 days following the ischemic episode. The expression of microRNA (miRNA) and the target gene in neurons and peri-infarct regions of the post-ischemic brain were measured for mechanistic analyses.
Results
LEVs crossed the blood-brain barrier and were taken up by neurons both in vitro and in vivo. LEV treatment attenuated neuron apoptosis following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). In vivo findings displayed that LEV treatment substantially reduced neurological deficits and brain infarct size in tMCAO mice. High-throughput sequencing exhibited that miR-101a-3p expression was prominently elevated by LEV treatment in OGD-induced neurons, and corroborating findings were detected in tMCAO mice treated with LEVs. Mechanistically, c-Fos was directly targeted by miR-101a-3p. Moreover, c-Fos manipulated ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis in vitro and in vivo through the TGF-β1 pathway. miR-101a-3p inhibition aggravated ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and miR-101a-3p overexpression triggered opposite results.
Conclusion
Our results elaborated for the first time that LEVs might inhibit neuron apoptosis and injury across species via the miR-101a-3p/c-Fos/TGF-β axis, which may provide novel ideas and targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke and is also of significance for the clinical translation of EVs.
Nutritional status of children attending schools benefitting from UNICEF’s assisted water, sanitation and hygiene programming in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Mogaji Hammed Oladeji , Omitola Olaitan Olamide , Yaro Clement Ameh , Babalola Ayodele Samuel , Adekunle Oladunni Nimota , Odoemene Simon Nnayere , Adeaga Dorcas Olufunke , Ekpo Uwem Friday 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
There has been a growing interest in better understanding and measuring the effect of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on nutritional outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional status of children attending schools benefitting from UNICEF’s assisted WASH programming in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria
Methods
A total of 175 consenting school-aged children across three WASH programming schools participated in the study. The status and conditions of WASH resources were assessed and graded using standardized tools. Anthropometric measures of weight, height and age were obtained and compared with reference data to assess stunting, underweight and thinness. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate magnitude of association between dependent (malnutrition indices) and independent (demographic and WASH) variables. Significant difference was set at 95%.
Results
WASH scores ranged between 62.5-81.3% across the three schools; School A (68.8%), B (81.1%) and C (62.5%). Optimal scores were recorded for water (100%) and hygiene (60-80%) resources, however sanitation scores (33.3-66.7%) were poor. Overall proportion of stunting, underweight and thinness were 24.0%, 11.3%, and 38.9% respectively. The odds of stunting (5.98, 95% CI: 5.01-6.94) and thinness (5.44, 95% CI: 4.26-6.61) was higher among children above age 11 (p<0.05). Similarly, odds of stunting were high in school B (40.91, 95% CI: 38.7-43.0) and C (28.91, 95% CI: 26.7-31.0). However, thinness was less likely in schools B (0.003, 95% CI: -1.83-1.84) and C (0.014: 95% CI: -1.68-1.71) (p<0.001). Schools accounted for 10.7% variation in underweight, while the combination of age and school accounted for 23.3% of the variation in stunting, and 47.8% of the variation in thinness.
Conclusion
Regardless of WASH programming status, malnutrition indices were significantly influenced by a combination of school clustering and age of children. Our findings support the multicausality model for malnutrition. It is therefore important to complementing existing WASH programming efforts, with additional nutritional program such as provision of free, safe and nutritious food to school children.
Numerical Modeling and Hydrodynamic Analysis of an Offshore Bridge Superstructure
Authors: Zheng Zhaofeng , zhao cunbao , He Yao , Wang Shuaishuai , Bu Jianqing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study deals with the numerical modeling and hydrodynamic analysis of an offshore bridge superstructure. A scaled numerical model is established and numerical analysis with a focus on hydrodynamics is conducted. The numerical model and methods are validated by the comparisons of the model tests in various conditions. Second-order wave loads on the superstructure of the offshore bridge in different motion directions are calculated, and they are compared with the first-order wave loads to quantify the effects of the second-order wave loads. Then, a full-scale numerical model of the offshore bridge substructure is established; the hydrodynamic analysis of the full-scale numerical model is performed. In addition, the experimental results of the full-scale model are estimated based on the model similarity law and model test results of the scaled model. The numerical results calculated based on the two methods for the full-scale model are comprehensively compared in different load cases. The results and findings of this work greatly facilitates the design and numerical analysis of offshore bridge superstructures.
Ivermectin-induced Gene Expression Changes in Adult Parascaris Univalens and Caenorhabditis Elegans- a Comparative Approach to Study Anthelminthic Metabolism and Resistance in Vitro
Authors: Dube Faruk , Hinas Andrea , Roy Shweta , Martin Frida , Åbrink Magnus , Svärd Staffan , Tydén Eva 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The nematode Parascaris univalens is one of the most prevalent parasitic pathogens infecting horses but anthelmintic resistance undermines treatment approaches. The molecular mechanisms underlying drug activity and resistance remain poorly understood in this parasite since experimental in vitro models are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for P. univalens drug metabolism/resistance studies by a comparative gene expression approach after in vitro exposure to the anthelmintic drug ivermectin (IVM).Methods: Twelve adult P. univalens worms in groups of three were exposed to ivermectin (IVM, 10-13 M, 10-11 M, 10-9 M) or left unexposed for 24 h at 37 °C, and total RNA, extracted from the anterior end of the worms, were sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in metabolism, transportation, or gene expression with annotated Caernorhabditis elegans orthologues, were identified as candidate genes to be involved in IVM metabolism/resistance. Similarly, groups of 300 adult C. elegans worms were exposed to IVM (10-9 M, 10-8 M and 10-7 M) or left unexposed for 4 h at 20 °C. Quantitative RT-PCR of RNA extracted from the C. elegans worm pools was used to compare against the expression of selected P. univalens candidate genes after drug treatment.Results: After IVM exposure, 1085 DEGs were found in adult P. univalens worms but the relative gene expression changes were small and large variabilities were found between different worms. Fifteen of the DEGs were chosen for further characterization in C. elegans after comparative bioinformatics analyses. Candidate genes, including the putative drug target lgc-37, responded to IVM in P. univalens, but marginal to no responses were observed in C. elegans despite dose-dependent behavioral effects observed in C. elegans after IVM exposure. Thus, the overlap in IVM induced gene expression in this small set of genes was minor in adult worms of the two nematode species.Conclusion: This is the first time a comparative gene expression approach has evaluated C. elegans as a model to understand IVM metabolism/resistance in P. univalens. Genes in P. univalens adults that responded to IVM treatment were identified. However, identifying conserved genes in P. univalens and C. elegans involved in IVM metabolism/resistance by comparing gene expression of candidate genes proved challenging. The approach appears promising but was limited by the number of genes studied (n=15). Future studies comparing a larger number of genes between the two species may result in identification of additional candidate genes involved in drug metabolism and/or resistance.
A COVID-19 Hub for Zimbabwe
Authors: Matingo Kumbirai 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Like the rest of the world, Zimbabwe has been suffering from the effects and conditions associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since March 2020. Throughout this period, citizens require information, knowledge, and understanding about the virus including the measures that have been implemented by the government in the fight against the pandemic. Decision-makers need data analytics to make informed decisions on policies and moreover, tech persons also require resources that can assist them in building solutions in the fight against the pandemic in this technology era.The COVID-19 Hub for Zimbabwe house’s location-based, informative, raw data and analytical resources that help the citizens, decision-makers, and persons in the technical fields to fight against this deadly virus which has claimed more lives over the past year. Citizens can also easily find resources using location intelligent applications contained within the hub (i.e., Vaccine Finders and COVID-19 Testing Centres). The solutions include dashboards, raw datasets, and visual informative tools for the republic of Zimbabwe. Moreover, through the ArcGIS API, we have managed to share external integration which leverages our data and resources into other innovative solutions by the Youth in Zimbabwe to promote and use Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the fight against COVID-19.
Meta-evaluation in Primary Health Care Evaluative Studies: a Scoping Review
Authors: Junior Osvaldo de Goes Bay , Silva Cícera Renata Diniz Vieira , Lopes Rayssa Horácio , Martiniano Cláudia dos Santos , Fuentealba-Torres Miguel , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Uchôa Severina Alice da Costa 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The evaluation of health policies and programs expanded in both practical and theoretical-methodological fields, with a strong influence on health system quality, decisions of managers, sustainability, and improvement of the primary care services. However, guaranteeing the qualification and credibility of the evaluation processes using meta-evaluations is a huge challenge for evaluators. This review aimed to map meta-evaluation use in Primary Health Care evaluative studies.Methods: We conducted a scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual and guided by PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic and comprehensive three-step search was performed in January and February 2021 in multidisciplinary health science databases and gray literature. No limits concerning publication dates were set. Data extraction and eligibility were performed by two independent authors and interpreted using thematic analysis. The themes were collated, and a narrative summary of the findings reported.Results: There were 11,641 potential studies identified from the search, finally, 23 studies were included in the analysis. Four thematic groups were identified: search results; characteristics of the included studies; meta- evaluation type, involved stakeholders, and Evaluative standards applied; potentialities and challenges in the meta-evaluation primary health care. Most were summative meta-evaluations focusing on health programs and primary care management and followed the quality standards of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation. We observed low involvement of service users and active participation of managers, health professionals, researchers like stakeholders. We also highlight the importance of formative and democratic meta-evaluations expanding the use of evaluations.Conclusion: Results showed the potential and challenges of using meta-evaluation in primary health care during or when the evaluations have been completed. Highlighted the importance of permanent and systematic analysis of the quality of evaluations. Meta-evaluators have the technical responsibility of the evaluation process, stimulus to the action of those involved, and decision-making capacity. There is a paucity of published literature on meta-evaluation in primary health care. Hence, further studies are recommended to qualify the processes and results of the evaluations capable of contributing to the improvement and qualification of public policies and health practices.
Bronchial Artery Embolization for the Management of Frequent Hemoptysis Caused by Bronchiectasis
Authors: Lu Guang-Dong , Yan Hai-Tao , Zhang Jin-Xing , Liu Sheng , Shi Hai-Bin , Zu Qing-Quan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: To retrospectively evaluate effectiveness of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for the treatment of frequent hemoptysis caused by bronchiectasis, comparing with patients treated with conservative therapy.Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, consecutive patients who admitted due to frequent (more than three times per year) bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis was retrospectively reviewed. They who treated with either BAE (n=69) or conservative therapy (n=47) were enrolled for analysis. Technical success, clinical success, and complications of BAE procedure were evaluated. Long-term hemoptysis-free survival rates were compared between the patients in BAE group with clinical success and the patients in conservative group. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify the predictors of recurrent hemoptysis.Results: Technical success rate was 100% for BAE procedure and clinical success was achieved in 92.8% (64 of 69) of cases. No procedure-related major complication occurred and minor complications were observed in 16 cases (23.2%). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year hemoptysis-free survival rates were 88.3%, 71.3%, and 66.2%, for BAE group and 31.9%, 17.6%, and 2.5%, for conservative treatment group, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that BAE was a protective factor of recurrent hemoptysis in these patients. In addition, the presence of cystic bronchiectasis was the only independent risk factor for re-bleeding in the whole population and in BAE group. Conclusions: BAE could provide an effective option for these frequent bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis patients, especially for those patients without cystic bronchiectasis.
Selection for Yield Over Five Decades Favored an Isohydric and Phenological Adaptations to Early-Season Drought in Australian Wheat
Authors: Palta Jairo A. , Khan Faisal , Feng Yupeng , Chen Yinglong , Sadras Victor O , Siddique Kadambot H.M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and Aims: Climate change in the Mediterranean-climate region of Australia is reducing growing season rainfall and delaying first autumn rain or the onset of ‘autumn break’. We tested the hypothesis that selection for yield and agronomic adaptation has favored traits for early season drought a in Australian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).MethodsTen wheat varieties released between 1958 and 2012 were grown in 1.0 m deep columns in a glasshouse. After sowing in dry soil, the equivalent of 25 mm rainfall was supplied, with no subsequent watering provided for 32 days to induce early season drought. We measured soil and plant water status, gas exchange, shoot and root traits at the end of drought (32 days after sowing) and at anthesis, and grain yield at maturity.ResultsGrain yield increased with year of release at 0.43% yr−1 under well-watered conditions and at 0.35% yr−1 under drought. The improved yield under drought was associated with a shorter time to flowering, and a shift from isohydric behavior in older varieties (i.e., reduced stomatal conductance in response to drought) to anisohydric behavior in newer varieties that reduced leaf area and maintained higher stomatal conductance and higher photosynthesis per unit leaf area.ConclusionsDirect selection for yield and agronomic adaptation between 1958 and 2012 has improved adaptation to early-season drought. Our collection of varieties is an interesting model to probe for variation in drought tolerance.
Differential water-use strategies in co-occurring pioneers and late-successional tree species in secondary tropical montane forests of Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Manish , Bhutia Yangchenla , Joseph Gladwin , Krishnaswamy Jagdish 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Plant-water relations in secondary tropical montane forests (TMFs) are driven by complex interactions between environmental conditions, species composition, and forest structure. We investigated the differential water-use strategies of cooccurring pioneers and late-successional tree species in a secondary TMF of Eastern Himalaya, India. It is the wettest (mean annual precipitation = 4500 mm yr -1 ) high-elevation (> 2000 m) site in the world. The observed maximum daily stand transpiration (5.3 mm) is highest among other tropical montane or lowland forests. Although energy-limited, increased moisture availability allowed the observed sap flux densities from the studied species, Symplocos racemosa, Eurya acuminata, and Castanopsis racemosa , to be 3-9 times higher than their conspecifics from relatively drier TMFs. Interestingly, differential access to solar radiation, a characteristic of the forest canopy in secondary forests, induced significant radial and azimuthal variability in sap flow. Solar radiation was the key driver of transpiration in energy-limited winters and Vapour pressure deficit in energy-abundant summers. Nocturnal (1800-0500h) transpiration was significant (13.8%) part of daily T and was dominated by pre-dawn flux. Shallow-rooted pioneers, S. racemosa and E. acuminata , exhibited strong midday depression in sap flow in response to environmental extremes and soil moisture fluctuations, whereas the deep-rooted late-successional C. hystrix transpired unaffected. The complex interactions between different successional groups for accessing changing energy and moisture conditions are highlighted for prioritized conservation and management of these secondary forests in Eastern Himalaya.
An experimental investigation on laser assisted waterjet microgrooving of GaAs wafer
Authors: Duan Lingyun , Huang ChuanZhen , Liu Dun , Yao Peng , Liu Hanlian , Bai Xiaolan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Gallium arsenide (GaAs), the most extensively used compound semiconductor material, has historically been difficult to manufacture in wafer fabrication due to its brittle property. A unique method called laser assisted waterjet (LAW) has been developed and utilized to micromachining brittle and fragile materials. The inclined waterjet expels the material heated and softened by the laser and aids in cooling to reduce thermal damage during the machining process. It has a lot of potential as a micromachining tool for GaAs wafers. In this study, microgrooves on GaAs wafers are machined using dry laser, low-pressure waterjet assisted laser (LWAL), and LAW technology. In comparison to dry laser and LWAL, LAW technology can process high-quality grooves with maximum depth, minimal thermal damage, and the maximum depth to width ratio, making it suitable for GaAs wafer micromachining. The mechanism for material removal in GaAs LAW processing is discussed, and it can be concluded that the majority of the material is removed by the impact of the high-pressure waterjet when it reaches the decomposition temperature below the melting point. A full-factorial experiment is carried out on GaAs wafers using LAW technology. The results show that six process parameters, including laser power, waterjet pressure, traverse speed, inclination angle, focal plane position, and processing times, have significant effects on groove depth, groove width, and material removal rate. The groove depth, groove width, and material removal rate is increased with an increase in term of laser power. More energy is wasted when the waterjet pressure is increased, resulting in a reduction in groove depth, groove width, and material removal rate.
Diagnostic Value of 18 F-NOTA-FAPI PET/CT in A Rat Model of Radiation-induced Lung Damage
Authors: Qin Xueting , Wang Shijie , Liu Xiaoli , Duan Jinghao , Cheng Kai , Mu Zhengshuai , Jia Jing , Wei Yuchun , Yuan Shuanghu 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: In this study, we explore the diagnostic value of a novel PET/CT imaging tracer that specifically targets fibroblast activation protein (FAP), 18F-NOTA-FAPI, in a radiation induced lung damage (RILD) rat model. Methods: High focal radiation (40, 60, or 90 Gy) was administered to a 5-mm diameter area of the right lung in Wistar rats for evaluation of RILD induction. Lung tissues exposed to 90 Gy radiation were scanned with 18F-NOTA-FAPI PET/CT and with 18F- FDG. Dynamic 18F-NOTA-FAPI PET scanning was performed on day 42 post-irradiation. After in vivo scanning, lung cryosections were prepared for autoradiography, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results: An animal model of RILD was established and validated by histopathological analysis. On 18F-NOTA-FAPI PET, RILD was first observed on days 42, 35 and 7 in the 40, 60 and 90 Gy groups, respectively. After treatment with 90 Gy, 18F-NOTA-FAPI uptake in an area of RILD emerged on day 7 (0.65±0.05 %ID/ml) and reappeared on day 28 (0.81±0.09 %ID/ml), remaining stable for 4–6 weeks. Autoradiography and HE staining IHC staining revealed that 18F-NOTA-FAPI accumulated mainly in the center of the irradiated area. IHC staining confirmed the presence of FAP+ macrophages in the RILD area, while FAP+ fibroblasts were observed in the peripheral area of irradiated lung tissue. Conclusion:18F-NOTA-FAPI represents a promising radiotracer for in vivo imaging of RILD in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Noninvasive imaging of FAP may potentially aiding in the clinical management of radiotherapy patients.