bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis of Malaria Hotspots in Dilla Sub-Watershed: Western Ethiopia
Authors: Ofgeha Gemechu Y. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The study was aimed to examine the spatial variations in malaria hotspots along Dilla sub-watershed in western Ethiopia based on environmental factors for the incidences; and compare risk level among districts and their respective kebeles. Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency based meteorological data, digital elevation model, soil and hydrological data were used. Different spatial analysis tools and Software were used for watershed delineation, generating malaria risk map for all variables, reclassification of factors, weighted overlay analysis and generation of risk maps. The findings of the study reveal that all districts and kebeles have different level of malaria risk due to variation in their environmental conditions. Accordingly, significant areas in Guliso, Aira, Boji Chokorsa, Boji Dirmaji, Jarso, Najo, Gawo Kebe, and Dale Wabera are characterized as high and moderately exposed to malaria risk. More specifically, about 14 kebeles of Aira, 12 kebeles of Guliso, 8 kebeles of Jarso, 8 kebeles of Najo, 4 kebeles of Boji Chokorsa, 4 kebeles of Boji Birmaji were highly and moderately exposed to the risk. In general, out of the total area of the watershed which accounts 2773 km2, about 54.8% (1522km2) identified as high and moderate malaria risk area. The research output may help the government and humanitarian organizations to prioritize the interventions based on identified spatial variations in malaria severity. The research is aimed only for hotspot analysis which may not provide comprehensive account for community’s vulnerability to malaria. Thus, this research finding needs to be integrated with the socio-economic and other data for better malaria management in the area.
How the policy and stewardship landscape of the National Health Research System looks like in a developing country like Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Poursheikhali Atousa , Alkhaldi Mohammed , Dehnavieh Reza , Haghdoost AliAkbar , Masoud Ali , Noorihekmat Somayeh , Cheshmyazdan Mohammad Reza , Bamir Mousa 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The health research system is an important national priority that requires a systematic and functional approach. Evaluating the HRS of Iran, as a developing country, and identifying its challenges show the significant role of the stewardship-related ones in how the whole system is operating well. The study aims to assess the health research system regarding stewardship functions and highlighting the enhancement points. Methods: This study was carried out between March 2020 to April 2021 using a systematic review and meta-synthesizing of evidence to examine the Iranian HRS stewardship challenges and interview 42 stakeholders, using a critical case sampling and snowballing approach that some were semi-structured and some in-depth. The interviewees were selected criteria-based, covering the policymakers, managers, research bodies, and NGOs in health research-related fields like higher education, research, technology, innovation, and science. All data were analyzed using the content analysis leading to determining eight main groups of findings under three levels of Macro, Meso, and Micro.Results: Analyzing the findings leads to eight main themes. The most critical challenges were: not forming an integrated leadership model, and a shared vision among different HRS stakeholders. Their scope and activities had contradictions, and their role was not clarified in a predetermined big picture. The other challenges were in legislation, priority setting, monitoring and evaluation, networking, and using evidence as a decision support base.Conclusion: Stewardship functions are inappropriately performed, and they are considered the root causes of many other HRS challenges in Iran. Formulating a clear shared vision and formulating the work scope for HRS actors is critical, along with integrating all efforts toward a unified strategy that assists in addressing many challenges of HRS. Developing strategic plans, future-oriented and systematic research, and evaluating the performances. Policymakers and senior managers need to embrace and use evidence, and effective networking and communication mechanisms among stakeholders need to be enhanced. To have an effective HRS, redesigning the processes, regulations, and rules promotes transparency, accountability, being well-organized and systematic.
Construction and optimization of multi-parameter cement strength numerical model based on percolation
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Xuguang , Wang Yingbin , Ye Zhiwei , Li Pan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The prediction of the mechanical properties of different dosages amounts of cement has been a hot topic in various scholars. In addition to water and a small amount of air and pores, cement has unhydrated cementitious material particles and hydration products. It was found that the hydration products CH and C-S-H gel in cement had certain effects on the mechanical properties of cement. In the theory of many porosity and cement mechanical properties, the theory of porosity and cement mechanical properties based on percolation theory can better predict the strength of cement stone. This paper studies the hydration products on cement,a numerical model of multi-parameter cement mechanical properties based on porosity and hydration products was proposed. By using various optimization algorithms to fit and optimize the constructed numerical model, it was found through multiple experiments and comparisons. The lightning search algorithm can achieve a certain effect on the optimized fitting of the constructed mathematical model. The multi-parameter numerical model based on pore percolation constructed in this paper is well fitted. In terms of predicting cement strength, it is superior to the three most cited porosity strength models at home and abroad and the porosity strength model based on percolation theory.
ZD6474 attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in human tenon fibroblasts and inhibits neovascularization via AKT-mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Wenting , Chen Yaying , Song Xiangyuan , Xue Yiwen , Zhang Yuyan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of ZD6474 (a novel inhibitor of VEGF and EGF) in TGF-β1 stimulated human Tenon’s capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and the anti-angiogenetic role in HUVECs, compared to that of mitomycin C (MMC).
Methods
The effects of ZD6474 on cell proliferation or migration in TGF-β1-stimulated HTFs and HUVECs were determined, using CCK8 or wound healing assay, respectively. The typical markers of fibrosis in TGF-β1-stimuated HTFs were detected, vimentin by immunofluorescence, αSMA and snail by western blot. Tube formation was applied to validate the anti-angiogenesis effect in HUVECs following ZD6474 treatment. Furthermore, phosphorylated AKT and mTOR (p-AKT and p-mTOR) were evaluated, compared to the standardized total AKT and mTOR, using western blot.
Results
There was almost no decreased cell viability in HTFs following ZD6474 (≤ 1 µM/mL) treatment, but MMC (> 50 µg/mL) significantly impaired cell viability. ZD6474 significantly inhibited TGF-β1-stimulated proliferation and migration in HTFs, compared to control group (**P < 0.01). ZD6474 also significantly attenuated the TGF-β1-stimulated expression of vimentin, α-SMA and snail in HTFs. Tube formation was notably interrupted in HUVECs following ZD6474 treatment (**P < 0.01). PAKT and p-mTOR was significantly decreased in response to ZD6474 treatment in TGFβ1 induced HTFs and HUVECs.
Conclusion
ZD6474 exerts anti-proliferation and anti-fibrotic effects in TGF-β1-stimulated HTFs perhaps via regulating AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. ZD6474 also inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs via the same signaling pathway. We concluded that ZD6474 may be potentially a novel agent in preventing bleb dysfunction following glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS).
Retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 in patients of the Brazilian public health system with SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant infection
Authors: Murari Thiago , Fonseca Larissa , Pereira Hernane , Filho Aloisio , Saba Hugo , Scorza Fulvio , de Almeida Antonio-Carlos , Maciel Ethel , Mendes José , Filho Tarcísio , Badaró Roberto , MACHADO BRUNA , Moret Marcelo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Several vaccines against COVID-19 are now available, based on different techniques and made by different laboratories spread around the world. With the roll out of the vaccination process in an advanced stage in many countries, and the reduced hospitalization risk by the Omicron relative to Delta variant infection, despite the higher transmission risk of Omicron, may lead to a misinterpretation of the results, as infection by Omicron is associated with a significant reduction of severe outcomes and shorter hospitalization time than the Delta variant. We compared the in-hospital mortality due to the Omicron (Jan-Mar 2022) with Gamma (Jan 2021) and Delta (Oct-Dec 2021) variants of patients in the Brazilian public health system. This study also discusses the decrease of booster vaccine effectiveness in hospitalized patients due to the Omicron compared with the Delta variant. Without a remodeling of vaccines for new variants, booster doses may be necessary with a shorter time interval
Weight Change, Carcass Characteristic and Economic Benefit of Yearling Hararghe Highland Rams Fed Diet Containing Concentrate Mixtures and Sugarcane Bagasse or Rice Husk Treated with Trichoderma viride and Effective Microorganisms
Authors: Begna Regasa , Urge Mengistu , Negesse Tegene , Animut Getechew 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate body weight change, carcass characteristics and economic benefit of Hararghe highland sheep fed biological treated Rice husk (RH) or sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in total mixed diet. Thirty six sheep with initial weight of 18±1.8kg (mean±SD) were used. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2x3 factorial arrangements consisting two feeds (SCB and RH) and three biological treatments (Control, Trichoderma viride (Tv) and effective microorganism (EM)) was employed. The study period lasted for 90 days of fattening. The total mixed diet was fed adlibitum at a rate of 20% refusal. The result indicated that sheep fed diet contained RH as roughage source had significantly (p<0.05) higher carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib eye muscle area, total non carcass fat and total edible offal components than sheep fed SCB diet. Sheep fed diet contained biological treated feed had significantly (p<0.05) higher hot carcass weight and dressing percentage while other parameters were not affected by treatments. There was no significant difference between diets based on roughage based on Tv and EM treated. Profitability analysis indicated that fattening sheep with diet based on RH and biological treated by-products displayed greater profitability than SCB and untreated. It is concluded that fattening of sheep with Rice husk (RH) and sugarcane bagasse treated with Trichoderma viride and effective microorganism (EM) yield more carcass and fetch better profit, but optimum inclusion levels need other investigation particularly for sugarcane bagasse (SCB).
Systematic identification of Pseudomonas based on an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) combined with next-generation sequencing
Authors: Hu Shuqian , Li Xiang , Yin Xin , Li Runmeng , Zhang Ruiyang , Zang Junhao , Liu Yin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Pseudomonas species are widely distributed in the human body, animals, plants, soil, fresh water, seawater, etc. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main pathogens involved in nosocomial infections. It can cause endocarditis, empyema, meningitis, septicaemia and even death. However, the Pseudomonas classification system is currently inadequate and not well established.
Results
In this study, the whole genomes of 103 Pseudomonas strains belonging to 62 species available in GenBank were collected and the specificity of the 16S–23S ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences was analysed. Secondary structures of ITS transcripts determining where the diversity bases were located were predicted. The alignment results using BLAST indicated that the ITS sequence is specific for most species in the genus. The remaining species were identified by additional frequency analyses based on BLAST results. A double-blind experiment where 200 ITS sequences were randomly selected indicated that this method could identify Pseudomonas species with 100% sensitivity and specificity. In addition, fish samples combined with this method and next-generation sequencing were utilized to identify the proportion of Pseudomonas species in the samples.
Conclusions
The results showed that the ITS-based analytical method enabled accurate classification of Pseudomonas at the species level.
Association between vitamin C and prostate cancer: evidence from meta-analysis of clinical trials and Mendelian randomization
Authors: He Yushi , Yuan Chi , Jian Zhongyu , Jin Xi , Li Hong , Wang Kunjie 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer ranks the second in the cancer of male patients worldwide. And previous studies gave controversial conclusions on the prostate-cancer-prevention effect of vitamin C. This meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization aimed to investigate the causal association between vitamin C and prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: The meta-analysis included prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) from multiple databases up to 2021 January to assess association between vitamin C supplementation and prostate cancer. In the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, instrumental variables of plasma vitamin C were-extracted from a large-scale genome wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis(n·=52,018). Outcome data of prostate cancer were from Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Caner-Associated Alterations in the Genome (PRACTICAL) and FinnGen project with 208,525 participants. Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted-median, and weighted mode methods were applied to assess the causal effect of plasma vitamin C on prostate cancer.Results: Four prospective cohorts and one randomized controlled trial with 44,651 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect did not demonstrate an insignificant relationship between vitamin C supplementation and prostate cancer incidence (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.95-1.11, p=0.089). Similarly, the results of MR provided insufficient evidence to support the causal association between plasma vitamin C and prostate cancer both on the data from PRACTICAL (IVW: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88-1.05, p=0.399) and FinnGen project (IVW: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75-1.24, p=0.767). Conclusions: The findings of meta-analysis and MR analysis provided insufficient evidence that neither vitamin C supplementation nor plasma vitamin C level were associated with prostate cancer.
Identification of four Ferroptosis Gene signatures and Establishment of a predictive model for the overall survival rate of gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Jiang , Tian Hua-kai , Fu Nan-tao , Hu Ce-gui , Zou Fei-long , Zong Zhen , Ning Zhi-kun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is highly aggressive and recurrent. Ferroptosis is believed to be closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to construct a new prognostic model based on ferroptosis-related gene scores to assess the prognosis of GC patients and guide clinical treatment.Materials and Methods: The gene expression information of GC patients with clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal tissue were screened from TCGA dataset, and ferroptosis-related genes were downloaded from the ferroptosis database. The ferroptosis-related DEGs were identified by intersecting the ferroptosis-related genes with DEGs. Univariate Cox and LASSO regression analysis was applied to identify survival-related intersection genes (SRIGs) and 4 hub genes. The TCGA dataset was randomly divided into 2 cohorts in a ratio of 0.7:0.3, the training cohort for construction of signature and the testing cohort for internal validation. The GSE26901 was used for external validation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Kaplan-Meier curve and risk curve of 3 cohorts were plotted to evaluate performance of the signature. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer, and then a prognostic nomogram was established based on risk score and clinicopathological parameters.Results: A four-gene signature comprising MYB, CHAC1, NOX4 and AFT3 was constructed to predict overall survival of GC. Using the best cut-off value to divide patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, we found that the survival rate of the low-risk group in the training group, test group and external validation group was significantly higher than that of the high-risk group (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve for 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year were (0.635, 0.666, 0.713), (0.63, 0.681, 0.602) and (0.758, 0.679, 0.677). Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that 4 gene markers are independent prognostic factors for GC. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival consistency tests show that the nomogram has good predictability. Immune correlation analysis of high-risk population indicated that tumor progression may be related to the high expression of Macrophages.Conclusion: Our study identified a signature with 4 ferroptosis-related genes and established a reliable prognostic nomogram for predicting the overall survival rate of GC patients. The results may help medical decision-making, and provide a novel reference for predicting the prognosis of GC and even potential molecular targets.
Hyponatraemia in paediatric patients, is it so frequent and so severe?
Authors: Rius-Peris Juan M , Tambe Parag , Chilet-Sáez Marifina , Requena Mariano , Mateo Jorge , Prada Enrique 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
ObjectivesHyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disturbance in hospitalized children with an incidence of 15-30%. The overall frequency of hyponatraemia and its severity are not well known. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence, severity and associated risk factors of community and hospital acquired hyponatraemia, on a general paediatric ward.Study designPseudonymised admission data was collected for 5550 children admitted to the paediatric ward from June 2012 to December 2019 on plasma sodium and discharge diagnosis with ICD codes. Clinically relevant diagnostic groups were created based on coding diagnosis. Hyponatraemia was classified as mild, moderate and severe; and community acquired (CAH) and hospital acquired (HAH) hyponatraemia. Incidence, severity and risk factors were analysed by logistic regression model.ResultsPlasma sodium levels were available in 3102 out of 5550 admitted children. The incidence of CAH was 15.8% in contrast to 1.4% for HAH. Most of the cases were mild (90.8%) to moderate (8.6%) with only two cases of severe CAH. There were no clinical complications in any of the hyponatraemic children. Age, length of stay and diagnosis at discharge were important factors significantly correlated with CAH.ConclusionsCommunity acquired hyponatraemia is more common than hospital acquired hyponatraemia in clinical practice. Severe cases of both are rare. Children from 2-11 years presenting with infections, cardiovascular disorders and gastrointestinal disorders are at higher risk of developing hyponatraemia with longer hospital stays. Further multicentre studies are needed to ascertain the true incidence, severity and clinical consequences of this electrolyte disturbance.
Lived experience of people on anti-retro viral therapy in the context of covid-19: aphenomenological study
Authors: Derbew Tadele , Ambaw Fentie , Wasihun Yosef 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction: People living with human immune virus (HIV) are confronting multiple psychosocial and economic issues influenced by the illness. People on anti-retro viral drugs (ART) were at risk for discontinuation of medications during corona viral disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 outbreak made people living with HIV (PLWH) to experience critical challenges and barriers to optimal care. The experience of people living with HIV such as stigma and discrimination, economic problem, psycho social problem before the emergency of COVID-19 was studied but there is lack of understanding on the lived experience of people living with HIV in the context of COVID-19 in Ethiopia particularly in Tach Gayint. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of people on ART in context of COVID-19 in Tach Gayint district. Methods and materials: Phenomenological study design was conducted with 16 study participants from March 12-April 12/2021. Data were collected using in-depth interview using interview guide and digital recorder. The investigator took note in addition to digital record. Interviews were transcribed word for word and translated conceptually. Analysis followed Reading of transcriptions, develop and apply coding, displaying data, data reduction and interpretation. Atlas.ti-7 software was used to facilitate analysis. The quality of data was assured by the principles of credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability. Result: The study explored psychological experience, change in social interaction, and economic experience and ART drug interruption as the main themes including other sub-themes. Most participants perceived the severity of COVID-19 on them. Lack of participation in social activities due to fear of contracting and dying and loss of income were experienced by the participants. This extreme fear pushed some participants to interrupt their daily ART intake especially during lock down period. Personal, familial and community context contributed for these distressing experiences. Conclusion and recommendation: This study reported participants’ psychosocial, economic experiences including ART drug interruptions. It is recommended for the government to design policies and interventions to alleviate their personal, household and community problems which were the caused for the mentioned hostile experiences.
Application of developmental anatomy in laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer
Authors: Li Kai , Cao Fengyu , He Xiaobo , Zheng Yongbin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Development of the midgut is characterized by rapid elongation of the gut and its mesentery, resulting in the formation of the primary intestinal loop, which rotates around an axis formed by the superior mesenteric artery. Eventually, a complex twisted intestinal and mesenteric anatomy is formed by displacement, rotation, and fusion. Therefore, we theoretically believed that the colon and its mesentery should be restored to the simple primitive mesenteric state, and then en bloc resection could be better performed. In the present study, we introduced a surgical technique for complete mesocolic excision (CME) based on the concept of developmental anatomy, which was successfully performed on 65 patients with right-sided colon cancer. At 12 months follow-up, there were no intra-operative or major postoperative major complications, no tumor recurrence, and no deaths within postoperative 30 days. In conclusion, the surgical procedure of CME based on the concept of developmental anatomy is technically safe and feasible for right-sided colon cancer.