bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among highly TB exposed South African gold miners
Authors: Chihota Violet N. , Ntshiqa Thobani , Maenetje Pholo , Mansukhani Raoul , Velen Kavindhran , Hawn Thomas R. , Wallis Robert , Grant Alison D. , Churchyard Gavin J. , Fielding Katherine 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDespite high exposure toMycobacterium tuberculosis, a small proportion of South African goldminers resist TB infection. We determined, among long-service gold miners i) the proportion who were TB uninfected and ii) epidemiological factors associated with being uninfected.MethodsWe enrolled HIV-negative gold miners aged 33–60 years with ≥15 years’ service and no history of TB or silicosis. Miners were defined as TB uninfected if i) QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) negative or ii) in a stricter definition, QFT-Plus-negative and zero-response on TST and as resisters if they were of Black/African ethnicity and negative on both tests. Logistic regression was used to identify epidemiological factors associated with being TB uninfected.ResultsOf 307 participants with a QFT-Plus result, median age was 48 years (interquartile range [IQR] 44–53), median time working underground was 24 years (IQR 18–28), 303 (99%) were male and 91 (30%) were QFT-Plus-negative. The odds of being TB uninfected was 52% lower for unskilled workers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.85; p = 0.013). Among 281 participants of Black/African ethnicity, 71 (25%) were QFT-Plus negative. Miners with a BMI ≥30 were less likely to be TB uninfected (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.80). Using the stricter definition, 44.3% (136/307) of all miners were classified as either TB uninfected (35; 26%) or infected, (101; 74%) and the associations remained similar. Among Black/African miners; 123 were classified as either TB uninfected (23; 19%) or infected (100; 81%) using the stricter definition. No epidemiological factors for being TB uninfected were identified.ConclusionsDespite high cumulative exposure, a small proportion of miners appear to be resistant to TB infection and are without distinguishing epidemiological characteristics.
Risk factors of sitting-induced tachycardia syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Han Zhenhui , Wang Yaru , Yan Yongqiang , Pan Zhitao , Zhu Hanwen , Li Hongxia , Tao Chunyan , Liu Ping , Wang Yuli , Tang Chaoshu , Jin Hongfang , Du Junbao 
Published: March 2022

Background
The study was designed to explore the risk factors for sitting-induced tachycardia syndrome (STS) in children and adolescents.

Methods and results
In this case-control study, 46 children with STS and 184 healthy children and adolescents were recruited. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, allergy history, and family history were investigated using a questionnaire. The changes in heart rate and blood pressure from supine to sitting were monitored using a sitting test. The possible differences between STS patients and healthy children were analyzed using univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the independent risk factors for STS. Univariate analysis showed that the daily sleeping time of the STS children were significantly shorter than that of the control group [(8.8 ± 1.2) hours/day vs. (9.3 ± 1.0) hours/day, P = 0.009], and the proportion of positive family history of syncope in the STS patients was higher than the controls (4/42 vs. 3/181, P = 0.044). Multivariate logistic regression studies showed that reduced daily sleeping time was an independent risk factor of STS in children (P = 0.006). Furthermore, when daily sleeping time was prolonged by 1 h, the risk of STS was decreased by 37.3%.

Conclusion
Reduced daily sleeping was an independent risk factor for STS in children and adolescents.
A qualitative study of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards malaria prevention among people living in rural upper river valleys of Nepal
Authors: Awasthi Kiran Raj , Jancey Jonine , Clements Archie C. A. , Leavy Justine E. 
Published: March 2022

Background
Nepal has made significant progress in decreasing the number of malaria cases over the last two decades. Prevention and timely management of malaria are critical for the National Malaria Program in its quest for elimination. The study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards malaria prevention and treatment among people living in rural villages of Khatyad Rural Municipality in Nepal.

Methods
This qualitative study collected information through virtual in-depth interviews (N = 25) with female and male participants aged between 15 and 72 years.

Results
More than half of the participants knew about the causes of malaria, were aware of the complications of untreated malaria and knew that anti-malarial medicines were provided for free at the public health facilities. Participants indicated that their first choice of health care were public health facilities, however limited supply of medications and diagnostics deviated patients to the private sector. While tertiary care costs were not financially viable, participants opted against traditional care for malaria. Factors such as cost of treatment, distance to the health facility and the decision making authority in households influenced health related decisions in the family. Although long-lasting insecticidal nets were distributed and indoor residual spraying was done periodically, several barriers were identified.

Conclusion
Increased awareness of malaria prevention and treatment among people living in malaria risk areas is important for the National Malaria Program in its quest for malaria elimination in Nepal.
Why does mode of conception affect early breastfeeding outcomes? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Weng Shiue-Shan , Chien Li-Yin , Huang Yi-Ting , Huang Yen-Tsung , Chang Min 
Published: March 2022

Introduction
It is uncertain whether Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is associated with an increased risk of poor breastfeeding outcomes and what could be possible mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the effect of mode of conception on breastfeeding outcomes during the first two months postpartum and identify the potential mediating pathways for this relationship.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a sample of 3,565 women with live births. Participants were classified by mode of conception as follows: fertile women who conceived naturally (fertile women; n = 2,857), women with infertility who conceived naturally (sub-fertile women; n = 483), and women with infertility who conceived through ART (women with infertility; n = 310). The infant-feeding patterns were assessed with four-time points before two months postpartum. Binary and multinomial logistic regression and causal mediation analyses were performed.

Results
The rates of breastfeeding initiation and discontinuation across modes of conception were similar. However, infertile and sub-fertile women had 37% (95% CI 1.02, 1.83) and 56% (95% CI 1.06, 2.27) increased risks of introducing formula before the first week postpartum, respectively, and 35% (95% CI 1.01, 1.82) and 52% (95% CI 1.04, 2.24) higher risks of exclusive breastfeeding for less than one week, respectively, compared to fertile women. The relationships were mainly mediated through multiple gestation and admission to neonatal/pediatric intensive care units (NICU/PICU; proportions of mediation were over 50%). The effects of mode of conception on breastfeeding outcomes became not significant in cases of singleton birth.

Conclusions
Sub-fertile women and women with infertility intended to breastfeed but experienced higher perinatal risks in the early postpartum period. Multiple gestation and admission to NICU/PICU forced them to introduce formula earlier than preferred, thus leading to a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Single embryo transfer policy and breastfeeding support in NICU/PICU could help those women achieve positive early breastfeeding outcomes.
Utilization of Non-Wood Forest Products as a Basis for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Community Development in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of South China
Authors: Feng Haying , Squires Victor 
Published: March 2022

This paper with its focus on southwest China with special reference to Guangxi Autonomous region (GZAR) has a threefold contribution to the existing literature. First, it summarizes the salient features of the geography and the determinants of poverty among the various regions of GZAR. Second, we draw attention to land use and land cover change over recent decades and their implications. The nature and extent of natural forest and woodlands, from which most non-wood forest products are derived, and eucalyptus plantations that are a major source of revue for GZAR are summarized. Third, policy syndromes in relation to livelihoods, poverty alleviation policies, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation are examined and policy implications discussed. This paper does not aim to provide definitive answers, yet intends to scrutinize the data and re-examine the trends in the light of three key drivers (population increase, climate change and urbanization) This will be done mainly by reviewing the literature but augmented by our field work. There is an attempt to reach a conclusion about recent developments and make suggestions about counter-measures that could be implemented.
Effect of phytoneering remedy BNO 2103 on the course of experimental exudative inflammation caused by different phlogogens
Authors: Chernykh V. V. , Zupanets I. A. , Shebeko S. K. 
Published: March 2022

Kidney and urinary tract diseases play an important role in the disease distribution in most countries of the world. The pharmaceutical industry offers many means for the treatment and prevention of these diseases, but there is a trending tendency to pay more attention to herbal medicines, their empirical application and scientific study.
The aim of this research is to study anti-inflammatory properties of standardized herbal composition BNO 2103 in a model of paw inflammation in rats caused by different phlogogens to justify the use of it in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Materials and methods. The experimental study was performed using 90 male white outbreed rats weighing 150–200 g, which were divided into 3 series of 30 animals each, each series included 3 groups. Inflammation of the paw was induced by subplantar administration of phlogogens – zymosan, histamine and serotonin. The study agent and the reference drug, diclofenac sodium, were administered intragastrically (i. g.) once. Edema was observed and recorded, and anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) was assessed in 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 6.0 hours after phlogogen injection.
Results. BNO 2103 showed a remarkable anti-exudative effect in the model of zymosan and histamine edema, being significantly superior to diclofenac sodium. In the serotonin edema model, BNO 2103 was significantly superior to the comparator by the endpoints, showing the moderate but prolonged anti-exudative effect.
Conclusions. BNO 2103 has the significant anti-inflammatory effect, exerting an inhibitory effect on exudative inflammation caused by various phlogogens (zymosan, histamine, serotonin), mainly acting on the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid conversion, which is most likely due to the presence of flavonoids. This allows us to consider BNO 2103 as a promising drug for the treatment of CKD.
Effect of eplerenone on aldosterone and von Willebrand factor levelsin patients with myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tashchuk V. K. , Polianska O. S. , Hulaha O. I. 
Published: March 2022

Aim: to study the levels of aldosterone and von Willebrand factor (VWF) in patients with Q-wave acute myocardial infarction (Q-AMI) and underling chronic kidney disease (CKD) using aldosterone antagonists.
Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 106 patients with renal dysfunction who were hospitalized for acute Q-AMI. Serum levels of neurohumoral parameters (aldosterone and VWF) were determined in all the patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.
Results. Reduction in the aldosterone levels was found in patients with Q-AMI and stage 2 CKD from 245.08 ± 17.38 pmol/l to 195.15 ± 13.82 pmol/l (P < 0.05;) who received spironolactone and from 275.59 ± 23.43 to 169.37 ± 24.46 pmol/l (P < 0.001) with eplerenone usage. Patients with stage 1 CKD showed a decreasing trend in aldosterone levels when using spironolactone (from 238.04 ± 20.37 pmol/l to 200.78 ± 9.15 pmol/l), and significantly decreased aldosterone levels when receiving eplerenone (from 229.77 ± 13.76 pmol/l to 156.76 ± 5.76 pmol/l; P < 0.05). The serum concentration of VWF in stage 2 CKD patients was changed insignificantly on spironolactone therapy (from 0.99 ± 0.13 mg/l to 1.13 ± 0.06 mg/l) and it was significantly decreased in the eplerenone group – from 1.29 ± 0.19 mg/l to 0.71 ± 0.14 mg/l (P < 0.05). In stage 1 CKD patients, the concentration of VWF was not decreased significantly with the use of spironolactone (from 1.22 ± 0.13 mg/l to 1.03 ± 0.06 mg/l), but it was decreased significantly when receiving eplerenone (from 1.14 ± 0.09 mg/l to 0.79 ± 0.08 mg/l; P < 0.05). The data obtained indicate the significantly higher probability of declining both aldosterone (t = 2.91; P < 0.01) and VWF (t = 2.59; P < 0.01) with the use of eplerenone in the complex treatment as compared to the spironolactone administration.
Conclusions. The effect of eplerenone to decrease the concentration of aldosterone and VWF is significantly greater than that of spironolactone, especially in AMI patients with stage 2 CKD.
Correlation between circulating microRNA and lipid indicesin patients with ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Serik S. A. , Serdobinska-Kanivets E. М. , Bondar T. М. 
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate circulating miRNAs-27a, -221 levels and their correlations with lipid indices in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Materials and methods. The study included 58 patients with stable IHD and type 2 diabetes mellitus, 22 IHD patients without diabetes and 19 healthy controls. MicroRNAs-27a-3р and 221-3р were determined in blood plasma by real time polymerase chain reaction. U6 small nuclear RNA was used for normalization.
Results. The lowest levels of circulating miRNAs-27a and -221 were in IHD patients with diabetes. The decrease in the levels of both microRNAs in patients with diabetes was significant not only in comparison with the control group (P = 0.024, P = 0.006), but also with patients without diabetes (P = 0.011, P = 0.001). In IHD patients without diabetes, microRNAs-27a and -221 levels did not change significantly. In IHD patients with diabetes, microRNA-221 showed a significant positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (R = 0.382, P = 0.003). MicroRNA-27a was correlated negatively with triglycerides (TG) (R = -0.284, P = 0.051) and positively – with HDL-C (R = 0.257, P = 0.078) at a borderline significance level. The lower level of microRNA-27a (the 1st tertile) was associated with significantly increased TG level in comparison with the 3rd tertile (P = 0.004), and significantly decreased HDL-C level in comparison with the 2nd (P = 0.001) and the 3rd (P = 0.023) tertiles. Patients with lower microRNA-221 level (the 1st tertile) had significantly reduced HDL-C level in comparison with the 3rd tertile(P = 0.007).
Conclusions. The results have demonstrated the significant decrease in circulating microRNAs-27a and -221 levels in IHD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no change in both microRNAs in patients without diabetes. In IHD patients with diabetes, the lower expression of microRNA-27a was associated with the significant elevation of TG and the significant decrease in HDL-C. The lower microRNA-221 level was associated only with the significant decrease in HDL-C.
Glass and faience in the territory of Poland in the 2nd–1st millennium BC: production technology, origin and incoming directions
Authors: Purowski Tomasz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Finds of vitreous material from Poland are proof of the long-distance trade routes that passed through the region in the 2nd–1st millennium BC. Faience beads produced in central Europe are known from the Early Bronze Age. Objects made of glass melted in Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Alpine region broadly considered made their way into Polish territory from the Bronze Age II. In the Bronze Age II–III faience beads of Mycenaean and Egyptian provenience are encountered on rare occasions. Glassy faience, made in Italy or the Alpine region, was the most common during the Hallstatt C period.
The leader in trading glassy material products in Europe from the BA II–III to the La Tène B period was the Alpine region (especially region of northern Italy). The initial aim of mediating in the transfer to the north of faience and glass beads of Eastern Mediterranean origin grew to include also distribution of products of local production. Artifacts of northern Black Sea provenance started streaming into central Europe in the Hallstatt D, whereas in the La Tène C the Danubian Celtic workshops took over as the primary dealers of the glass jewelry that they produced.
Thoracic VGluT2+Spinal Interneurons Regulate Structural and Functional Plasticity of Sympathetic Networks after High-Level Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Noble Benjamin T. , Brennan Faith H. , Wang Yan , Guan Zhen , Mo Xiaokui , Schwab Jan M. , Popovich Phillip G. 
Published: March 2022

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) above the major spinal sympathetic outflow (T6 level) disinhibits sympathetic neurons from supraspinal control, causing systems-wide “dysautonomia.” We recently showed that remarkable structural remodeling and plasticity occurs within spinal sympathetic circuitry, creating abnormal sympathetic reflexes that exacerbate dysautonomia over time. As an example, thoracic VGluT2+spinal interneurons (SpINs) become structurally and functionally integrated with neurons that comprise the spinal–splenic sympathetic network and immunological dysfunction becomes progressively worse after SCI. To test whether the onset and progression of SCI-induced sympathetic plasticity is neuron activity dependent, we selectively inhibited (or excited) thoracic VGluT2+interneurons using chemogenetics. New data show that silencing VGluT2+interneurons in female and male mice with a T3 SCI, using hM4Di designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (GiDREADDs), blocks structural plasticity and the development of dysautonomia. Specifically, silencing VGluT2+interneurons prevents the structural remodeling of spinal sympathetic networks that project to lymphoid and endocrine organs, reduces the frequency of spontaneous autonomic dysreflexia (AD), and reduces the severity of experimentally induced AD. Features of SCI-induced structural plasticity can be recapitulated in the intact spinal cord by activating excitatory hM3Dq-DREADDs in VGluT2+interneurons. Collectively, these data implicate VGluT2+excitatory SpINs in the onset and propagation of SCI-induced structural plasticity and dysautonomia, and reveal the potential for neuromodulation to block or reduce dysautonomia after severe high-level SCI.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn response to stress or dangerous stimuli, autonomic spinal neurons coordinate a “fight or flight” response marked by increased cardiac output and release of stress hormones. After a spinal cord injury (SCI), normally harmless stimuli like bladder filling can result in a “false” fight or flight response, causing pathological changes throughout the body. We show that progressive hypertension and immune suppression develop after SCI because thoracic excitatory VGluT2+spinal interneurons (SpINs) provoke structural remodeling in autonomic networks within below-lesion spinal levels. These pathological changes can be prevented in SCI mice or phenocopied in uninjured mice using chemogenetics to selectively manipulate activity in VGluT2+SpINs. Targeted neuromodulation of SpINs could prevent structural plasticity and subsequent autonomic dysfunction in people with SCI.
Predictors of Early Deterioration of Renal Function in Patients Older Than 70 Years Undergoing Valvular Surgery
Authors: Ranković-Ničić Ljiljana , Unić-Stojanović Dragana , Milošević Maja , Mićović Slobodan , Ivošević Tjaša , Stojicic Milica , Otašević Petar 
Published: March 2022

Background: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is the most common clinically important complication in adult patients undergoing open-heart surgery, with an incidence between 8.9% and 39%. Studies have shown that even a slight increase in serum creatinine levels after cardiac surgery significantly affects the mortality and morbidity of these patients.
Aim: This study sought to determine the predictors and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients older than 70 years undergoing elective valvular surgery.
Methods: Prospective study included 156 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute between January and September 2019. Isolated valvular surgery was performed in 87 patients, while the remaining 69 patients underwent combined coronary and valvular surgery. The development and stage of CSA-AKI were diagnosed, according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria. Predictors and incidence of CSA-AKI development were assessed using univariate binary logistic regression analysis.
Results: The incidence of CSA-AKI was 17.3%. CSA-AKI stage 1 was diagnosed in 25 patients (16.02%). CSA-AKI stage 2 was noted in one patient (0.64%), as well as stage 3 (0.64%). In six patients (3.85%), renal replacement therapy (RRT) was required. Using univariate binary logistic analysis, the following parameters were identified as predictors for CSA-AKI development: duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR 1.01; CI 95% (1.01-1.02); P = .002), duration of aortic clamping (OR 1.02; CI 95% (1.01-1.03); P = .002), lactate levels during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay (OR 1.33; CI 95% (1.04-1.70); P = .026), duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) (OR 1.03; CI 95% (1.1-1.07); P = .014), the use of inotropic drugs (adrenaline, dobutamine) (OR 0.38: CI 95% (0.16-0.9); P = .026; and OR 0.23; CI 95% (0.1-0.56); P = .0019, respectively), and the use of diuretics (OR 0.24; CI95% (0.06-095); P = .041). Using Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples show that the group of patients who developed CSA-AKI had significantly longer duration of hospitalization (Z = -2.751); P = .006), prolonged ICU stay (Z = -4.160; P < .001), and need for prolonged mechanical ventilation (Z = -4.411; P < .001).
Conclusion: Independent predictors for AKI development after valvular surgery in patients older than 70 years are prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased lactate values, while the use of diuretics after surgery reduces the incidence of AKI. Also, the development of CSA-AKI is associated with prolonged ICU stay and a longer duration of hospitalization.