bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological Adaptations of Lingual Mucosa of Three Age-Stages of the Rock Pigeon Columba Livia Domestica: Using Histological and Immunohistochemical Techniques
Authors: Kandyel Ramadan , Basyouny Hebat Allah El , Hadad Seham , Massoud Diaa , Morsy Kareem , Madkour Naglaa , Abumandour Mohamed 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical characterizations of Rock Pigeon tongue throughout three different age-stages young, adult, and aging. Histologically, the mucosa of examined pigeons consisted of a multilayered (parakeratinized, orthokeratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium) that cover the CT lamina propria and entoglossum cartilage. Surface multilayered mucosa can obviously differentiate into basal, intermediate, and superficial layers. No lingual papillae were observed over the dorsal lingual surface except over the area of the root in both adult and aging pigeons. Lingual glands were distributed along the three lingual parts in three age-stages. Their secretory cells showed a positive affinity toward Alcian blue and revealed a various degree of reactions with PAS except the root in both young and adult pigeons (negative). Both Collagenous and reticular fibers were noted in CT lamina propria layer and around the acini of lingual glands. These fibers were richly localized in aging pigeon tongue. Our findings revealed that PCNA expression in young pigeon was higher if compared to the other two ages. Cytokeratin expressions were markedly noticed in the dorsum epithelium of adult and gradually increase in aging one.Conclusion, these findings correlated with food intake mechanisms and with eating habits.
Terminalia catappa reverses insulin resistance, improves glucose transport and activates PI3K/AKT signalling in high fat/ streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Iheagwam Franklyn Nonso , Iheagwam Olawumi Toyin , Onuoha Michael Kemjika , Ogunlana Olubanke Olujoke , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Rising prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in sub-Saharan Africa has necessitated surveys of antidiabetic medicinal plants. This study assessed the antidiabetic mechanism of Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract (TCA) in high fat/low dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. T2DM was induced by a combination of high-fat diet (HFD) and low dose STZ (30 mg/kg bw) and the animals were administered with TCA (400 and 800 mg/kg bw) orally daily for 28 days. Biochemical parameters and indices for diabetes including renal function tests and pancreatic histology were evaluated. Relative expression of hepatic insulin resistance, signalling and glucose transport genes were also assessed. Induction of T2DM resulted in significant (p < 0.05) weight loss, dysregulated glucose level and clearance, electrolyte imbalance and disrupted diabetic biochemical parameters. Diabetes onset also perturbed β-cell function and insulin resistance indices, damaged pancreas microanatomy, while disrupting the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT-4) mRNA. Oral treatment of diabetic animals with TCA significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated alterations due to T2DM induction in a manner comparable with glibenclamide. These results suggest TCA exerts its antidiabetic action by reversing insulin resistance, improving glucose transport and activating PI3K/AKT signalling.
Validity of Air Quality as a Measure of Human Mobility in Uganda. The COVID-19 Context.
Authors: Galiwango Ronald , Bainomugisha Engineer , Kivunike Florence , Kateete David Patrick , Jjingo Daudi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Mobility patterns are valuable in identifying transmission patterns for infectious diseases and in deriving contact matrices that are used to parametrize mathematical models. Aggregated location data from mobile phones have been the main means of measuring human mobility on a population level. However, these data come with several limitations related to individual privacy, access and restriction of the GPS location by the user that limit their use.
Methods
We explored the viability of using ground monitored air quality data as an alternative to aggregated location data from mobile phones, as a measure of human mobility in two cities in Uganda. We determined associations between air quality and human mobility; and the effect of mobility restrictions on mobility and air quality using Pearson correlation (R), multivariate regression and visualized these relationships using scatter plots.
Results
Daily mean levels for PM2.5 in both cities were consistently higher than the WHO guideline limit, with a mean of 77.0µg/m3 (Range = 22.0–309) for Kampala and 60.0µg/m3 (Range = 18.2–331) for Wakiso. PM10 levels had a mean of 84.6µg/m3 (Range = 25.0–318) in Kampala and 67.9µg/m3 (Range = 21.0–340) in Wakiso. PM2.5 was negatively correlated with the government response stringency index for Kampala (R = -0.31, p < 0.001) and Wakiso (R = -0.21, p < 0.001). In Kampala, PM2.5 was positively associated with movement in grocery and pharmacy (R = 0.24, p < 0.001), parks (R = 0.25, p < 0.001), retail and recreation (R = 0.24, p < 0.001), transit stations (R = 0.3, p < 0.001) and work places (R = 0.2, p < 0.001); and negatively correlated with movement in residential places (R = -0.3, p < 0.001). Only associations between PM2.5 and movement in workplaces and residential places were statistically significant in Wakiso (R = 0.14, p < 0.001 and R = -0.19, p = 0.003 respectively).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that air quality data are linked to human mobility data and could thus be used to monitor human movement patterns. This work represents a pioneer study to empirically and quantitatively assess the value of air quality data as a surrogate for human mobility in Uganda.
Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain in memory clinic practice: evidence from a real-life study
Authors: Götze Karl , Vrillon Agathe , Bouaziz-Amar Elodie , Mouton-Liger François , Hugon Jacques , Martinet Matthieu , Dumurgier Julien , Cognat Emmanuel , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Hourrègue Claire , Paquet Claire , Lilamand Matthieu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker for diagnosis and staging of cognitive impairment, in a large cohort with assessments performed in clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, monocentric study, from a tertiary memory clinic. Patients underwent cerebrospinal fluid core Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker evaluation using ELISA or Elecsys methods, and plasma NfL analysis using the single molecule array technology. The patients’ biomarker data were examined for associations with: i/cognitive status ii/presence of neurodegenerative disease and iii/diagnostic groups. Differences in NfL were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Participants (N= 558, mean age= 69.2±8.8, 56.5% women) were diagnosed with AD (n=298, considering dementia and MCI stages), frontotemporal dementia (FTD, n=57), Lewy body disease (LBD, n=40, considering MCI and dementia stages), other neurodegenerative diseases (OND, n=53, e.g Supranuclear Palsy, Corticobasal degeneration), non-neurodegenerative cognitive impairment (NND, n=97, e.g vascular lesions, epilepsy or psychiatric disorders) or neurological controls (NC, n=53). Mean plasma NfL (log, pg/mL) levels were higher in neurodegenerative than non-neurodegenerative disorders (1.35±0.2 vs 1.16±0.23, p<0.001), higher in all diagnostic groups than in NC (1.06 ± 0.23) p<0.001), and associated with the stage of cognitive impairment (p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Plasma NfL may be considered as a clinical-decision support tool, to help distinguish neurodegenerative from non-neurodegenerative disorders.
Quantitative measurement of resistance force and subsequent attenuation during passive isokinetic extension of the wrist in patients with mild to moderate spasticity after stroke
Authors: Kawamura Kentaro , Etho Seiji , Noma Tomokazu , Hayashi Ryota , Jonoshita Yuiko , Natsume Keisuke , Niidome Seiichi , Yu Yong , Shimodozono Megumi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Spasticity is evaluated by measuring the increased resistance to passive movement, primarily by manual methods. Few options are available to measure spasticity in the wrist more objectively. Furthermore, no studies have investigated the force attenuation following increased resistance. The aim of this study was to conduct a safe quantitative evaluation of wrist passive extension stiffness in stroke survivors with mild to moderate spastic paresis using a custom motor-controlled device. Furthermore, we wanted to clarify whether the changes in the measured values could quantitatively reflect the spastic state of the flexor muscles involved in the wrist stiffness of the patients. Materials and Methods: Resistance forces were measured in 18 patients during repetitive passive extension of the wrist at velocities of 30, 60, and 90 deg/s. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in the wrist and finger flexors was also assessed by two skilled therapists and their scores were summed (i.e. , total MAS) for analysis. Of the fluctuation of resistance, we focused on the damping just after the peak forces and used these for our analysis. A repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to assess velocity-dependence. Correlations between MAS and damping parameters were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation.Results: The damping force and normalized value calculated from damping part showed significant velocity-dependent increases.There were significant correlations (ρ=0.49–0.60) between total MAS and the normalized value of the damping part at 60 deg/s and 90 deg/s. The correlations became stronger when the MAS for finger flexors was added to that for wrist flexors (ρ=0.54–0.72).Conclusions: This custom-made isokinetic device could quantitatively evaluate spastic changes in the wrist and finger flexors simultaneously by focusing on the damping part, which may reflect the decrease in resistance we perceive when manually assessing wrist spasticity using MAS. Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trial Registry, as UMIN000030672, on July 4, 2018.
Comparison of outcomes between two surgical techniques for patients with Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia
Authors: Lin Yu , Shen Yong , Fang YiFan , Lin ZhiXiong , Wu DianMing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical analysis of ileal Santulli stoma and ileal double-lumen stoma in children diagnosed with intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND).Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the children who were admitted to our hospital for intestinal obstruction from January 2014 to January 2019, underwent fistula operation and fistula closure operation, and were diagnosed with IND. The children with Hirschsprung's disease and other types of hirscholon homology, anorectal malformation, accompanied by other serious organic diseases and lost to follow-up were excluded. According to the different modes of fistula, the children were divided into ileal Santulli stoma group and ileal double-lumen stoma group. The body weight of the children in the two groups during the second stage of fistula closure operation was compared. The number of hospitalizations due to enteritis and dehydration during the two operations was compared.Results: A total of 23 cases (12 males and 11 females) were included in this study, including 10 cases in the Santulli group and 13 cases in the ileal double-lumen stoma group. There were no significant differences in baseline data (including gender, preoperative age and weight) and fistula location between the two groups. Compared with the ileal double-lumen stoma group, Santulli stoma group had significantly higher weight of fistula precursor (P<0.05), the interval between two operations was shorter (P<0.05), and less hospitalization for enteritis and dehydration during the two operations (P<0.05) Less economic cost after fistula (P<0.05).Conclusion: The clinical effect of ileum Santulli fistula is significantly better than double-lumen ileum fistula, which is not only beneficial to the growth and development of children after the first fistula, but also can shorten the time of fistula closure, reduce the incidence of dehydration, and reduce the economic burden of family members. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Effect of Desomumab on Improving ASD after Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Qu Gangbo , Zeng Zhijiang , Luo Bing , Zhao Lu , Yang Jiafu , Yang Ye , Yuan Jun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Desomumab in the treatment of adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar fusion surgery. Methods: a total of 100 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in orthopedics department from December 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Patients who volunteered to experiment with Desomumab were the experimental group and those who did not use Desomumab were the control group. The imaging changes, occurrence of ASD, bone mineral density, JOA score and postoperative pain degree of the two groups were retrospectively observed and compared. Results: Physiological curvature of the lumbar spine appeared to improve after Desomumab treatment. Although the incidence of ASD did not change significantly, specific measures of ASD, such as increased Pfimnan grading, intervertebral height loss percentage, and increased osteoporosis, appeared to be better than those who did not receive Desomumab. At follow-up, bone mineral density, JOA scores, and VAS scores were significantly better in the Desomumab group than in the untreated group. Conclusions: Desomumab can indeed improve BMD, promote postoperative recovery, reduce patient pain, and reduce the likelihood of ASD.
Relationship Between Family-related Factors and Functional Constipation Among Chinese Preschoolers: a Case-control Study
Authors: Niu Yushuo , Liu Ting , Ran Ni , Li Kuinan , Sun Yaru , Wang Xin , Guo Kun , Yang Xiuling 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Constipation is one of the common symptoms in childhood. The prevalence of FC is about 0.5–32% and still on the rise according to global statistics. The aim of this study is to explore the associations between family-related factors (e.g., parental conflict, parenting style, and parent-child relationship) and functional constipation of preschool children based on family system theory. Methods The study is a case-control survey of preschoolers in China. In total, 108 preschoolers with functional constipation diagnosed with pediatric Rome IV criteria and 324 healthy examination preschoolers without functional constipation were enrolled in the study. Parents completed the following 5 instruments: General information questionnaire, the Parental Conflict Scale, the Parenting Style Questionnaire, the Child-parent Relationship Scale and the Children's Emotional Adjustment Scale-Preschool Version. Results Nine categories of factors which significantly predicted functional constipation in preschoolers were retained in the final logistic regression model: Second child in birth order (OR = 0.456; 95% CI, 0.229 to 0.910), children picky eating (OR = 2.936; 95% CI, 1.133 to 7.611), bad bowel habits (OR = 2.896; 95% CI, 1.391 to 6.028), parental history of constipation (OR = 3.259; 95% CI, 1.600 to 6.639), parents blaming the child for having a bad bowel movement (OR = 3.788; 95% CI, 1.391 to 10.318), more than 3 hours of fathers-child interaction time per day (OR = 0.137; 95% CI, 0.024 to 0.778), parental conflict (OR = 1.981; 95% CI, 0.950 to 3.831), doting or authoritarian family style (OR = 1.644; 95% CI, 1.067 to 2.534, OR = 2.481; 95% CI, 1.362 to 4.519), and anxiety control or temper control in children (OR = 0.492; 95% CI, 0.303 to 0.799, OR = 0.189; 95% CI, 0.103 to 0.348). Conclusions This study identified the significant associations between family-related factors and functional constipation in preschool children, which provide implications for healthcare professionals to address functional constipation in early childhood using a preventive lens.
Sensitivity to interaural level and time differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fujihira Haruna , Itoi Chihiro , Furukawa Shigeto , Kato Nobumasa , Kashino Makio 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are reported to exhibit degraded performance in sound localization. This study investigated whether the sensitivity to the interaural level differences (ILDs) and interaural time difference (ITDs), major cues for horizontal sound localization, are affected in ASD. Thresholds for discriminating the ILD and ITD were measured for adults with ASD and age- and IQ-matched controls in a lateralization experiment. Results show that the ASD group exhibited higher ILD thresholds than the control group. Although no significant difference in the central tendency of ITD thresholds was found between the two groups, there was a significant diversity of ITD sensitivity in the ASD group. The ASD group contained a larger proportion of participants with low ITD sensitivity than the control group. The current study suggests that deficits in relatively low-level processes in the auditory pathway are implicated in degraded performance of sound localization in individuals with ASD. The results are consistent with the structural abnormalities and great variability in the morphology in the brainstem reported by neuroanatomical studies of ASD.
Exploring HIV Testing Service Models for Enhanced Positivity Yield in Southern Africa, 2022: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mugauri Hamufare D. , Karakadzai Mujinga , Mugurungi Owen , Chirenda Joconiah , Takarinda Kudakwashe , Tshimanga Mufuta 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: In 2015, the World Health Organization issued HIV testing guidelines that shifted the global focus on HIV testing, from testing for coverage to targeted testing. This was done to enhance positivity yield and increase efficiency in the utilization of finite resources. In response, various nations developed varied models of implementation, which has exposed varied implementation of the targeted testing mantra. Because of the varied interpretations as shown by the many models that were developed in response to the guidelines, the success of the strategies remains unknown. Targeted testing is particularly important for Southern Africa, which, until this day, bears a disproportionate burden of HIV. Methods: We, therefore, intend to conduct a systematic review of all studies on targeted testing models that were developed and are being implemented in Southern Africa. Further, we will examine each identified model and its documented contribution to the identification of HIV positive clientsDiscussion: In Southern Africa, HIV/AIDS caused 336,175 deaths and more than 20 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in 2017 alone (9,10). Southern Africa remain the epicentre of HIV/AIDS with the top 10 high burdened countries all being within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). This study will therefore recommend the most effective Targeted HIV testing models for utilization in resource-limited settings.
A study of the relationship between ABO blood group and Rh with the amount of IgG antibody titers in recovered corona-inflicted patients
Authors: Elahimanesh Farideh , Ghaderi Hosna , Roshani Daem , Nasab Adibeh Hosseini , Nikkhoo Bahram , Mohammadi Avin , Hessami Sana , Ghaznavi Hamid 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
: In pandemic of infectious diseases, antibody evaluation and its effective factors are vital to control public health and eradicate the disease. Evaluation of susceptibility to viral infections among people with different blood groups is considered as an epidemiological indicator. This study aimed to evaluate the level of IgG antibodies for COVID-19 patients in ABO blood groups and Rh.
Material and Methods
This study was performed on 237 recovered corona-inflicted patients. None of these patients had been vaccinated. The level of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody titer was measured. Also, association between IgG antibody titer with RH and blood group types was examined.
Results
This study showed a significant correlation between IgG levels of individuals with their age. Also, IgG antibody titer was higher in men than women. In addition, patients with an age range of 20 to 60 years compared to individuals under 20 years and over 60 years had higher IgG. There was no significant relationship between blood groups and Rh with the amount of IgG antibody titers.
Conclusions
Our finding give us a valuable insight into the importance of considering SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody titer as an outstanding marker of COVID-19. Although no significant relationship was found between blood type and RH with the IgG antibody titer level of COVID-19 patients. To understand the prevalence of the disease in the community and its epidemiological control, IgG antibody titer test is recommended to determine the serological level of the community.
A phase Ib dose escalation study of oral monotherapy with KX2-391 in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kasner Margaret T. , Halloran Molly B. , Pan Jonathan , Ritchie Ellen K. , Fetterly Gerald J. , Kramer Douglas , Hangauer David G. , Thompson James E. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Poor tolerance to standard therapies and multi-drug resistance complicate treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is therefore imperative to explore novel tolerable agents and target alternative pathways. KX2-391 is an oral non-ATP-competitive inhibitor of Src kinase and tubulin polymerization. Methods This multi-center phase Ib open-label safety and activity study involved elderly patients with relapsed or refractory AML, or who declined standard chemotherapy. Results Twenty-four patients averaging 74 years of age were enrolled. The majority previously received hypomethylating agents. Five doses were tested: 40 mg (n=1), 80 mg (n=2), 120 mg (n=8), 140 mg (n=12), and 160 mg (n=1). Seven patients were treated for 12 days or less, nine for 15-29 days, five for 33-58 days, and three for 77-165 days. One patient receiving 120 mg for 165 days had reduced splenomegaly and survived 373 days. Another had no evidence of disease progression for 154 days. One patient receiving 160 mg for 12 days remained treatment-free for about 18 months. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in eight patients at: 120 mg (transaminitis, hyperbilirubinemia), 140 mg (mucositis, allergic reaction, transaminitis, acute kidney injury), and 160 mg (mucositis). The maximum tolerated dose for KX2-391 was 120 mg once daily. KX2-391 bone marrow concentrations were approximately similar to plasma concentrations. Conclusions This is the first study to evaluate the safety of KX2-391 in elderly patients with AML. Further studies are warranted, including alternative dosing phase I trials evaluating shorter courses at higher doses and phase II trials. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01397799 (July 20, 2011).