bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of risk factors associated with acute respiratory infections among under-five children in Uganda
Authors: Nshimiyimana Yassin , Zhou Yingchun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Globally, infectious diseases are the major cause of death in children under the age of 5 years. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia account for 95% of global child mortalities every year, where acute respiratory infections (ARI) remain the leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors of ARI disease symptoms among children under the age of 5 years in Uganda.

Methods
A cross-sectional design was used to analyze 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) data collected on 13,493 children under the age of 5 years in Uganda. Various methods, such as logistic regression, elastic net logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest, were compared and used to predict 75% of the symptom outcomes of ARI disease. Well-performing methods were used to determine potential risk factors for ARI disease symptoms among children under the age of 5 years.

Results
In Uganda, about 40.3% of children were reported to have ARI disease symptoms in the 2 weeks preceding the survey. Children under the age of 24 months were found to have a high prevalence of ARI disease symptoms. By considering 75% of the sample, the random forest was found to be a well-performing method (accuracy = 88.7%; AUC = 0.951) compared to the logistic regression method (accuracy = 62.0%; AUC = 0.638) and other methods in predicting childhood ARI symptoms. In addition, one-year old children (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.12–1.44), children whose mothers were teenagers (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06–1.53), and farm workers (1.25; 95% CI: 1.11–1.42) were most likely to have ARI disease symptoms than other categories. Furthermore, children aged 48–59 months (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.60–0.80), breastfed children (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76–0.92), usage of charcoal in cooking (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69–0.87), and the rainy season effect (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.61–0.72) showed a low risk of developing ARI disease symptoms among children under the age of 5 years in Uganda.

Conclusion
Policy-makers and health stakeholders should initiate target-oriented approaches to address the problem regarding poor children’s healthcare, improper environmental conditions, and childcare facilities. For the sake of early child care, the government should promote child breastfeeding and maternal education.
Delayed ileal neobladder fistula caused by bladder stones: a case report
Authors: Lu Dongming , Wu Yongyang , Liao Shangfan , Xie Xueping , Zhu Dingjun , Ye Shuchao 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Ileal neobladder fistula is a rare complication after radical cystectomy, with an incidence of approximately 0.7%. At present, there are scattered reports of vesicoileal fistula, but there are no reports of ileal neobladder fistula (INF) caused by bladder stones. In this paper, a case of ileal neobladder fistula caused by chronic stimulation of bladder stones was successfully diagnosed and treated.

Case presentation
A 68-year-old man who had undergone radical cystectomy and an orthotopic ileal neobladder procedure 10 years prior presented with refractory diarrhoea and oliguria and was diagnosed with ileal neobladder fistula caused by chronic stimulation of bladder stones. We performed fistulectomy, cystotomy, partial ileectomy, and end-to-end ileal anastomosis, and the patient recovered and was discharged after the operation.

Conclusion
Urinary calculi are delayed complications of orthotopic neobladder construction after total cystectomy. Bladder stones are a rare complication of ileal neovesical fistula, which can cause neovesical cutaneous fistula. It is difficult to diagnose through routine examination and easily misdiagnosed as acute gastroenteritis. Surgery is an effective treatment for INF and can achieve a good prognosis.
Conclusions of the African Regional GIS Summit (2019): using geographic information systems for public health decision-making
Authors: Akpan Godwin Ubong , Mohammed Hani Farouk , Touray Kebba , Kipterer John , Bello Isah Mohammed , Ngofa Reuben , Stein Andrew , Seaman Vince , Mkanda Pascal , Cabore Joseph 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe use of geographic information system (GIS) technologies to improve access to health is gaining momentum in Africa. This has become more pertinent with the increasing penetration of mobile-phone technology and internet use, and calls for innovative strategies to support implementation of the World Health Organization Sustainable Development Goals for universal health coverage on the continent. The huge potential benefits of GIS to advance health service delivery in Africa is, however, yet to be fully harnessed due to critical challenges such as proliferation of pilot projects, poor coordination, inadequate preparedness of the health workforce for GIS, lack of interoperability, and inadequate sustainable financing. To discuss these challenges and propose the way forward for rapid, cost-effective, and sustainable deployment of GIS, the African Regional GIS Summit was held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, on 7–10 October 2019 under the umbrella of the AFRO GIS Centre.
Highly efficient magnetic ablation and the contrast of various imaging using biocompatible liquid–metal gallium
Authors: Lee Chiang-Wen , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Wei Wen-Chun , Liao Shu-Hsien , Liu Yen-Bin , Huang Kuan-Chih , Chen Kuen-Lin , Kuo Wen-Cheng , Sung Yuan-Ching , Chen Ting-Yuan , Liu Ju-Fang , Chiang Yao-Chang , Shih Hsin-Nung , Peng Kuo-Ti , Chieh Jen-Jie 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Although the powerful clinical effects of radiofrequency and microwave ablation have been established, such ablation is associated with several limitations, including a small ablation size, a long ablation time, the few treatment positioning, and biosafety risks. To overcome these limitations, biosafe and efficient magnetic ablation was achieved in this study by using biocompatible liquid gallium as an ablation medium and a contrast medium for imaging.

Results
Magnetic fields with a frequency (f) lower than 200 kHz and an amplitude (H) × f value lower than 5.0 × 109 Am−1 s−1 were generated using the proposed method. These fields could generate an ablation size of 3 cm in rat liver lobes under a temperature of approximately 300 °C and a time of 20 s. The results of this study indicate that biomedical gallium can be used as a contrast medium for the positioning of gallium injections and the evaluation of ablated tissue around a target site. Liquid gallium can be used as an ablation medium and imaging contrast medium because of its stable retention in normal tissue for at least 3 days. Besides, the high anticancer potential of gallium ions was inferred from the self-degradation of 100 µL of liquid gallium after around 21 days of immersion in acidic solutions.

Conclusions
The rapid wireless ablation of large or multiple lesions was achieved through the simple multi-injection of liquid gallium. This approach can replace the currently favoured procedure involving the use of multiple ablation probes, which is associated with limited benefits and several side effects.

Methods
Magnetic ablation was confirmed to be highly efficient by the consistent results obtained in the simulation and in vitro tests of gallium and iron oxide as well as the electromagnetic specifics and thermotherapy performance comparison detailed in this study Ultrasound imaging, X-ray imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging were found to be compatible with the proposed magnetic ablation method. Self-degradation analysis was conducted by mixing liquid gallium in acidic solutions with a pH of approximately 5–7 (to imitate a tumour-containing microenvironment). X-ray diffraction was used to identify the gallium oxides produced by degraded gallium ions.
Combination of whole body cryotherapy with static stretching exercises reduces fatigue and improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Kujawski Sławomir , Słomko Joanna , Godlewska Beata R. , Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska Agnieszka , Murovska Modra , Newton Julia L. , Sokołowski Łukasz , Zalewski Paweł 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to explore the tolerability and effect of static stretching (SS) and whole body cryotherapy (WBC) upon fatigue, daytime sleepiness, cognitive functioning and objective and subjective autonomic nervous system functioning in those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) compared to a control population.

Methods
Thirty-two CFS and eighteen healthy controls (HC) participated in 2 weeks of a SS + WBC programme. This programme was composed of five sessions per week, 10 sessions in total.

Results
A significant decrease in fatigue was noted in the CFS group in response to SS + WBC. Some domains of cognitive functioning (speed of processing visual information and set-shifting) also improved in response to SS + WBC in both CFS and HC groups. Our study has confirmed that WBC is well tolerated by those with CFS and leads to symptomatic improvements associated with changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function.

Conclusions
Given the preliminary data showing the beneficial effect of cryotherapy, its relative ease of application, good tolerability, and proven safety, therapy with cold exposure appears to be an approach worth attention. Further studies of cryotherapy as a potential treatment in CFS is important in the light of the lack of effective therapeutic options for these common and often disabling symptoms.
Fatty acids role in multiple sclerosis as “metabokines”
Authors: Yu Haojun , Bai Shuwei , Hao Yong , Guan Yangtai 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS), as an autoimmune neurological disease with both genetic and environmental contribution, still lacks effective treatment options among progressive patients, highlighting the need to re-evaluate disease innate properties in search for novel therapeutic targets. Fatty acids (FA) and MS bear an interesting intimate connection. FA and FA metabolism are highly associated with autoimmunity, as the diet-derived circulatory and tissue-resident FAs level and composition can modulate immune cells polarization, differentiation and function, suggesting their broad regulatory role as “metabokines”. In addition, FAs are indeed protective factors for blood–brain barrier integrity, crucial contributors of central nervous system (CNS) chronic inflammation and progressive degeneration, as well as important materials for remyelination. The remaining area of ambiguity requires further exploration into this arena to validate the existed phenomenon, develop novel therapies, and confirm the safety and efficacy of therapeutic intervention targeting FA metabolism.
Electrical stimulation of the splenic nerve bundle ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Brinkman David J. , Simon Thomas , ten Hove Anne S. , Zafeiropoulou Konstantina , Welting Olaf , van Hamersveld Patricia H. P. , Willemze Rose A. , Yim Andrew Y. F. Li , Verseijden Caroline , Hakvoort Theodorus B. M. , Luyer Misha D. , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J. , Blancou Philippe , de Jonge Wouter J. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Vagus nerve stimulation has been suggested to affect immune responses, partly through a neuronal circuit requiring sympathetic innervation of the splenic nerve bundle and norepinephrine (NE) release. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of action remain elusive. Here, we investigated the therapeutic value of this neuromodulation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by applying electrical splenic nerve bundle stimulation (SpNS) in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

Methods
Cuff electrodes were implanted around the splenic nerve bundle in mice, whereupon mice received SpNS or sham stimulation. Stimulation was applied 6 times daily for 12 days during DSS-induced colitis. Colonic and splenic tissues were collected for transcriptional analyses by qPCR and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). In addition, murine and human splenocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of NE. Single-cell RNA-seq data from publicly available data sets were analyzed for expression of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs).

Results
Colitic mice undergoing SpNS displayed reduced colon weight/length ratios and showed improved Disease Activity Index scores with reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor α mRNA expression in the colon compared with sham stimulated mice. Analyses of splenocytes from SpNS mice using RNA-seq demonstrated specific immune metabolism transcriptome profile changes in myeloid cells. Splenocytes showed expression of β-ARs in myeloid and T cells. Cytokine production was reduced by NE in mouse and human LPS-stimulated splenocytes.

Conclusions
Together, our results demonstrate that SpNS reduces clinical features of colonic inflammation in mice with DSS-induced colitis possibly by inhibiting splenic myeloid cell activation. Our data further support exploration of the clinical use of SpNS for patients with IBD.
Flea index predicts plague epizootics among great gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) in the Junggar Basin China plague focus
Authors: Mou Wenting , Li Bo , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Ying , Liao Peihua , Zhang Xiaobing , Gui Youjun , Baokaixi Guliayi , Luo Yongjun , Aihemaijiang Mukedaisi , Wang Qiguo , Liu Feng 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The Junggar Basin plague focus was the most recently identified natural plague focus in China. Through extensive field investigations, great gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) have been confirmed as the main host in this focus, and the community structure of their parasitic fleas is associated with the intensity of plague epizootics. The aim of this study is to provide an indicator that can be surveyed to evaluate the risk of plague epizootics.

Methods
Between 2005 and 2016, rodents and fleas were collected in the Junggar Basin plague focus. The parasitic fleas on great gerbils were harvested, and anti-F1 antibody in the serum or heart infusion of great gerbils was detected through indirect hemagglutination assay. Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) was isolated from the liver and spleen of great gerbils and their parasitic fleas using Luria-Bertani plates. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of flea index.

Results
Between 2005 and 2016, 98 investigations were performed, and 6778 great gerbils and 68,498 fleas were collected. Twenty-seven rodents were positive for Y. pestis isolation with a positivity rate of 0.4%; 674 rodents were positive for anti-F1 antibody with a positivity rate of 9.9%. Among these 98 investigations, plague epizootics were confirmed in 13 instances by Y. pestis-positive rodents and in 59 instances by anti-F1 antibody-positive rodents. We observed a higher flea index among rodents with confirmed plague epizootic compared to the negative ones (P = 0.001, 0.002), with an AUC value of 0.659 (95% CI: 0.524–0.835, P = 0.038) for Y. pestis-positive rodents and an AUC value of 0.718 (95% CI: 0.687–0.784, P < 0.001) for anti-F1 antibody-positive rodents.

Conclusions
Significantly higher flea index was associated with confirmed plague epizootic cases among great gerbils and could be used to predict plague epizootics in this focus.

Graphical Abstract
What MRI-based tumor size measurement is best for predicting long-term survival in uterine cervical cancer?
Authors: Lura Njål , Wagner-Larsen Kari S. , Forsse David , Trovik Jone , Halle Mari K. , Bertelsen Bjørn I. , Salvesen Øyvind , Woie Kathrine , Krakstad Camilla , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Tumor size assessment by MRI is central for staging uterine cervical cancer. However, the optimal role of MRI-derived tumor measurements for prognostication is still unclear.

Material and methods
This retrospective cohort study included 416 women (median age: 43 years) diagnosed with cervical cancer during 2002–2017 who underwent pretreatment pelvic MRI. The MRIs were independently read by three radiologists, measuring maximum tumor diameters in three orthogonal planes and maximum diameter irrespective of plane (MAXimaging). Inter-reader agreement for tumor size measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Size was analyzed in relation to age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) (2018) stage, histopathological markers, and disease-specific survival using Kaplan–Meier-, Cox regression-, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (tdROC) analyses.

Results
All MRI tumor size variables (cm) yielded high areas under the tdROC curves (AUCs) for predicting survival (AUC 0.81–0.84) at 5 years after diagnosis and predicted outcome (hazard ratios [HRs] of 1.42–1.76, p < 0.001 for all). Only MAXimaging independently predicted survival (HR = 1.51, p = 0.03) in the model including all size variables. The optimal cutoff for maximum tumor diameter (≥ 4.0 cm) yielded sensitivity (specificity) of 83% (73%) for predicting disease-specific death after 5 years. Inter-reader agreement for MRI-based primary tumor size measurements was excellent, with ICCs of 0.83–0.85.

Conclusion
Among all MRI-derived tumor size measurements, MAXimaging was the only independent predictor of survival. MAXimaging ≥ 4.0 cm represents the optimal cutoff for predicting long-term disease-specific survival in cervical cancer. Inter-reader agreement for MRI-based tumor size measurements was excellent.
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells not only ameliorate blood glucose but also protect vascular endothelium from diabetic damage through a paracrine mechanism mediated by MAPK/ERK signaling
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Jingan , Liang Haowei , Cai Yueqin , Li Xinyue , Yan Li , Zhou Li , Shan Letian , Wang Hui 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundEndothelial damage is an initial step of macro- and micro-vasculature dysfunctions in diabetic patients, accounting for a high incidence of diabetic vascular complications, such as atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. However, clinic lacks effective therapeutics targeting diabetic vascular complications. In field of regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells, such as human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hucMSCs), have great potential in treating tissue damage.MethodsTo determine whether hucMSCs infusion could repair diabetic vascular endothelial damage and how it works, this study conducted in vivo experiment on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model to test body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels, histopathology and immunohistochemical staining of aorta segments. In vitro experiment was further conducted to determine the effects of hucMSCs on diabetic vascular endothelial damage, applying assays of resazurin staining, MTT cell viability, wound healing, transwell migration, and matrigel tube formation on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and molecular experiment were conducted to clarify the mechanism of hucMSCs.ResultsThe in vivo data revealed that hucMSCs partially restore the alterations of body weight, FBG, serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels, histopathology of aorta and reversed the abnormal phosphorylation of ERK in diabetic rats. By using the conditioned medium of hucMSCs (MSC-CM), the in vitro data revealed that hucMSCs improved cell viability, wound healing, migration and angiogenesis of the high glucose-damaged HUVECs through a paracrine action mode, and the altered gene expressions ofIL-6, TNF-α,ICAM-1,VCAM-1,BAX,P16,P53andET-1were significantly restored by MSC-CM. RNAseq incorporated with real-time PCR and Western blot results clarified that high glucose activated MAPK/ERK signaling in HUVECs, while MSC-CM reversed the abnormal phosphorylation of ERK and overexpressions ofMKNK2,ERBB3,MYCandDUSP5in MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.ConclusionsHucMSCs not only ameliorated blood glucose but also protected vascular endothelium from diabetic damage, in which MAPK/ERK signaling mediated its molecular mechanism of paracrine action. Our findings provided novel knowledge of hucMSCs in the treatment of diabetes and suggested a prospective strategy for the clinical treatment of diabetic vascular complications.
Appraisal of lead (Pb) contamination and potential exposure risk associated with agricultural soils and some cultivated plants in gold mines
Authors: Darma Aminu , Ibrahim Sani , Sani Ali , Zandi Peiman , Yang Jianjun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Artisanal gold mining has been one of the major contributors to soil pollution. These types of soil have potential environmental implications and varying degrees of health risk due to agricultural product cultivation. The contamination level of Pb in soils under cultivation by maize and spinach from gold mines in Abare, Dareta and Bagega mines of Anka local government Zamfara state was examined. Three levels of soil depths (0–21, 21–40 and 41–60 cm) from study sites were considered for vertical distributions of the Pb. The samples were digested and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Varian model-AA240FS).

Results
The total Pb concentration ranges from 326.2 to 383.43 (Abare), 67.74–76.44 (Bagega) and 17.88–42.00 mg/kg (Dareta), which are all within the environmental protection agency (EPA) 400 mg/kg permissible limits, while only those analyzed from Abare were above the 85 mg/kg department of petroleum resources of Nigeria (DPR) threshold. From the result, the spinach grown in those areas exceeded the FAO/WHO 0.3 mg/kg threshold.

Conclusion
Additionally, all study sites from all areas revealed the highest Pb concentrations at a 0–20 cm soil depth. This study further indicates all the soils from these areas are within safety limits based on the single pollution index (SPI) and Nemerow composite pollution index (NCPI). This information will significantly help provide greater insight into developing more effective remediation strategies for the affected localities. More research is needed into the speciation, chemical forms, bioavailability, and biogeochemical mechanisms that influence Pb mobility in those areas.
Toxicological effects of nanoselenium in animals
Authors: Bano Iqra , Skalickova Sylvie , Arbab Safia , Urbankova Lenka , Horky Pavel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe productivity and sustainability of livestock production systems are heavily influenced by animal nutrition. To maintain homeostatic balance in the body of the animal at different phases of life, the percentage of organically active minerals in livestock feed must be optimized. Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral that is required for the maintenance of many functions of the body. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) attracted considerable interest from researchers for a variety of applications a decade ago, owing to their extraordinary properties. SeNPs offer significant advantages over larger-sized materials, by having a comparatively wider surface area, increased surface energy, and high volume. Despite its benefits, SeNP also has toxic effects, therefore safety concerns must be taken for a successful application. The toxicological effects of SeNPs in animals are characterized by weight loss, and increased mortality rate. A safe-by-strategy to certify animal, human and environmental safety will contribute to an early diagnosis of all risks associated with SeNPs. This review is aimed at describing the beneficial uses and potential toxicity of SeNPs in various animals. It will also serve as a summary of different levels of SeNPs which should be added in the feed of animals for better performance.