bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells polarize macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Linxi , Yu Songyan , Cheng Yu , Gong Zhengyuan , Xue Jing , Li Bing , Yin Yaqi , Zou Junyan , Wei Rui , Hong Tianpei , Mu Yiming 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetic nephropathy is closely related to immune-regulation, in which macrophages play a crucial role. In diabetic nephropathy, the classically activated macrophages (M1) increased while the alternatively activated macrophages (M2) decreased in kidney. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administration can alleviate diabetic nephropathy, however, the mechanisms still remain unclear. MSCs have been shown to stimulate macrophages from a M1 phenotype to a M2 phenotype. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the polarization of M1/M2 induced by MSCs was involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN).
Methods
In our study, we injected human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) into type 2 diabetic nephropathy rats induced by high fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin. To clarify the effect of MSCs on macrophages polarization, peritoneal macrophages were extracted and directed into M1 macrophages by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in vitro. Then we co-cultured UC-MSCs with M1 macrophages, and evaluated the effect on differentiation. We also co-cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY-1) in high-glucose DMEM with LPS-stimulated macrophages (M1 macrophages) or UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages in a trans-well system to clarify the complex mechanisms by which UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages improve the progression of DN.
Results
The UC-MSCs infusion reduced the infiltration of M1 macrophages, and increased the infiltration of M2 macrophages in the glomerulus, thereby attenuating histopathological renal damage and improving renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy rats. After coculturing UC-MSCs with M1 macrophages, we found that the M1 macrophage maker inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and the mRNA and protein levels of the related pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-1β decreased. However, the expression of the M2 macrophage markers CD163 and CD206, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased observably. Furthermore, UC-MSCs increased the expression of IL-4Rα on macrophages by secreting IL-6; blocking IL-6 secretion inhibited the UC-MSCs effect on M2 macrophage polarization. Then we explored the mechanism by which M2 macrophages ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in vitro and found that UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages attenuated the secretion of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) in hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cells, which led to reduce macrophage recruitment and infiltration. Moreover, UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages inhibited TGF-β in glomerular mesangial cells, thereby reducing the synthesis of collagen I and collagen IV.
Conclusions
Our study proposes and discusses a mechanism by which MSCs promote the polarization of macrophages from M1 into M2 in the kidney, thereby ameliorating diabetic nephropathy.
Skipping The Cord During Laparoscopic Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing in Children, Is It Reasonable?
Authors: Ergun Ergun , Yagiz Beytullah 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children was introduced as a minimal invasive method. One of the most common method is percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS). The main concern is trapping the spermatic cord and/or damaging the vasculature of testes in boys. This may be avoided with a careful dissection or the surgeon may skip the peritoneum over the cord and/or the vessels. The aim of this study is to compare the recurrence and hydrocele rates of children in whom the peritoneum on the cord and/or vessels was skipped and did not during laparoscopic PIRS repair.Methods: The charts of children who underwent laparoscopic PIRS repair between 2017-2021 due to inguinal hernia were analyzed. Recurrence and complications were evaluated. The video records were watched and the data on skipping(group 1) the peritoneum on vas deferens or not skipping(group 2) the peritoneum on vas deferens was noted. Recurrence and complication rates were compared between groups. Results: A total of 101 boys with 125 inguinal hernia were enrolled. Among these 45 had right-sided, 32 had left-sided and 24 had bilateral inguinal hernias. The video investigation was revealed that there were 63 hernias in group 1 and 62 hernias in group 2. There were two recurrences in each group. No other postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: For avoiding spermatic cord or vessel damage, skipping the cord seems an acceptable path which seems not to increase recurrence or complication rates and also ensures spermatic structures’ safety.
Lightweight and flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar minimodules: Toward 20% photovoltaic efficiency and beyond
Authors: Ishizuka Shogo , Kamikawa Yukiko , Nishinaga Jiro 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Lightweight and flexible photovoltaic solar cells and modules are promising technologies leading to wide usage of light-to-electricity energy conversion devices. This communication presents the prospects of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)-based lightweight and flexible photovoltaic devices. The current status of flexible CIGS minimodules with photovoltaic efficiencies greater than 18% and future directions to enhance their performance toward 20% and beyond are discussed. The effects of cell separation edges, which are formed through a mechanical, laser, or photolithography scribing process used to fabricate solar cells and modules, on the device performance are also discussed. It was found that mechanically scribed CIGS device edges, which are present in conventional solar cells and modules, cause deterioration of device performance. In other words, further improvement is expected with proper passivation/termination treatment of the edges or replacing mechanical scribing with a damage-free separation process.
Hydraulic conductivity function of unsaturated soil over a wide suction range
Authors: Hou Xiaokun , Qi Shengwen , Master Yan Li , Li Tonglu , Guo Songfeng 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Limited experimental studies investigate the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) of unsaturated soil due to labor-tedious, intensive, and time-consuming test work. The available methods mainly provide data in the low suction range (e.g., < 500 kPa). The way of measuring the HCF over a wide suction range is rarely reported. Predicting the HCF using the soil water characteristic curve is most used due to its simplicity. However, the accuracy of these predictions is rarely examined using experimental data over a wide suction range. This study proposes a filter paper-based column method to explore the HCF of unsaturated soil over a wide suction range, which is convenient, money- and time-saving. The accuracy of this method is verified via the data from a commonly used method (outflow method). And the performance of two typical predicting equations is examined. Results show that the newly proposed method can measure the HCF over a wide suction range of 0-106kPa. The consistency in the HCF from the two testing methods proves the efficiency of the proposed method. Meanwhile, the result indicates that the functions show good estimation in the low suction range (e.g., < 100 kPa), but underestimation in the high range (e.g., > 100 kPa).
Improvement and Analysis for Accuracy of Baseflow Using SWAT-CUP Premium in the Yongjeon Stream, South Korea
Authors: Kim Jong-Tae , Lee Chang-Hun , Lee Namjoo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Here, SWAT simulation results are calibrated and validated using SWAT-CUP Premium, and R2 (coefficient of determination) values of simulated and observed flows are compared. According to the SWAT analysis of Cheongsong Yongjeon-stream basin, a low accuracy of 0.40 was the R2 (coefficient of determination) value for simulated and observed flows, and the base flow was calculated at an annual average of 46.659 m3/s. During the same period, after calibration and validation using SWAT-CUP Premium, the R2 value of simulated and observed flows was improved to 0.71, and the evaluation indexes showed that NS was 0.51, PBIAS was 37.1, P-factor was 0.73, and R-factor was 0.33, indicating that the relationship between observed and simulated flows was improved. In addition, after calibration and validation, the base flow was 56.951 m3/s, which was a more accurate value compared to the one before calibration and validation.
Household Multidimensional Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Poverty in Pakistan
Authors: Qurat-ul-Ann Abre-Rehmat , Bibi Maryam 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Human health and well-being have become a priority after the recent pandemic. Attainment of SDGs of good health and well-being for all, availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation with hygiene by 2030, is possible in developing economies after valuation of existing situations. Current research evaluates household multidimensional water, sanitation, and hygiene poverty in Pakistan using household survey data from Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey, 2018–2019. Dimensions for household water poverty measurement comprise resource, access, capacity, and use. Multidimensional sanitation poverty has two dimensions namely access and use. Hygiene poverty is assessed with food and personal hygiene dimensions. Multidimensional water poverty incidence is 51.2 percent, and 66.4 percent of sample households are experiencing deprivation in multiple dimensions of sanitation poverty. Multidimensional hygiene poverty incidence is 54.6 percent of the sample households in Pakistan. Results show multidimensional water poverty incidence of 4.6 percent, multidimensional sanitation poverty incidence of 61.9 percent, and multidimensional hygiene poverty incidence of 37.3 percent of the sample households in rural Pakistan. Balochistan and KP are highly water-deprived provinces, while highest multidimensional sanitation poverty incidence and multidimensional hygiene poverty incidence is in Balochistan. The study recommends assurance of policymakers towards policy implementation focusing on access to clean water and equitable hygiene and sanitation for all. Most deprived regions should get more financial and technical support for access to required facilities. Greater involvement of local communities in improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene management can ensure long-term sustainability of such efforts creating a sense of ownership.
Optical solitons of Sasa-Satsuma model in birefringent fibers
Authors: Zhang Jian 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This paper studies the propagation of optical solitons of the Sasa-Satsuma model in birefringent fibers. By the complete discrimination system for polynomial, we get three types of optical wave patterns for the model, where singular rational patterns and elliptic functions double periodic patterns are new propagation patterns. Besides, we show the temporal-space structures and propagation properties for some patterns with specific parameter values by drawing graphs.
Effect of effluent from Nile tilapia fish ponds on soil quality, growth and shelf life of Amaranthus palmeri seedlings
Authors: Alhassan Elliot Haruna , Dandi Samuel Opoku 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Soil nutrient management is required to maintain the plant system's constant productivity while also maintaining good soil quality. This study documented the effluent quality, soil quality, growth, shelf life and proximate analysis of Amaranthus palmeri as well as the effect of the resulting nutrients on soil properties, growth, and yield. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design, with four factors (tilapia effluent, combination of effluent and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, only fertilizer and only tap water) each at six replicate per treatment (T1-T6: Tilapia effluent, T7-T12: Tilapia effluent + fertilizer, T13-T18: Only fertilizer and T19-T24: Only tap water) at the University for Development Studies fish farm on the Nyankpala campus. During the experimental period, the growth characteristics such as number of seed emergence, plant height, number of leaves, fresh biomass before and after sheflife and the proximate analysis of Amaranthus palmeri were evaluated. The soil properties and effluent nutrient content were measured and compared before and after experiment. Field and laboratory results on growth indices measured, shelf life and proximate analysis of Amaranthus palmeri, soil nutrient properties, effluent and tap water nutrient measured were statistically analysed with ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range Test at (P < 0.05). The findings indicate that tilapia effluent significantly influenced all the growth parameters measured compared to other treatment at (P < 0.05). Sheflife and proximate analysis were enhanced in tilapia treated plant. Soil quality such as soil pH, percentage nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium concentration was significantly enhanced in the tilapia effluent treatment. The findings therefore suggests that tilapia effluent has the potential to improve soil quality, improve growth and shelf life of Amaranthus palmeri as an additional benefit of culturing Nile tilapia.
The Impact of Antiretroviral Stockout on Primary Health Care Nurses in the Ethekwini and Ilembe Districts, Kwazulu Natal
Authors: Mahomed Farhana , Gumede Emelda Zandile 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Nurses face challenges of antiretroviral therapy (ART) stock out when rolling out, leading to drug resistance, poor compliance and decreased viral suppression. Poor viral suppression leads to higher morbidity and mortality rates, hence a need to strengthen supply chain principles in order to achieve equal distribution of resources amongst clinics. Nurses also need to have relevant guidelines available to prevent treatment failure. The study aimed to describe the impact of ART stockouts on primary health nurses rolling out ART in clinics in KwaZulu Natal.
Method
The study followed a qualitative approach, using a descriptive phenomenographic design. Two primary healthcare clinics in Ilembe and Ethekwini districts were selected for the study. The population comprised of 8 purposively selected participants. In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted. Data collection and analysis followed Yates, Partridge and Bruce steps (Table 1). Ethics and trustworthiness were maintained.
Results
The singular theme of inconsistent availability of treatment including; means used to curb treatment stockout and supply change management issue emerged.
Conclusions
An adequate supply of ART through an efficient supply chain management strategy, ongoing training in primary health care and nurse initiated management of antiretroviral therapy and the availability of treatment guidelines should be enforced.
Data fusion between time series and textual information for predictive tasks in the financial market: A systematic mapping
Authors: Filho Ivan José dos Reis Filho Reis , Trindade Rodrigo Neves Trindade , Martins Luiz Henrique Dutra Martins , Correa Geraldo Nunes Correa , Rezende Solange Oliveira Rezende 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Forecasting models of the financial market generally use time series data. However, external factors can influence time series, such as political events, economic crises, government macroeconomic policy, and the foreign exchange market. This information is not explicit in the time series and can influence the prediction of the variable values. Textual data can provide knowledge about external factors for time series forecasting models. Representations models of time series that include data extracted from texts have been proposed and pointed out as a research trend. The combination of different data sources for forecasting tasks is known in the literature as information fusion. Thus, this study aims to systematically map the main information fusion techniques used to forecast the financial market. More than three hundred works were done with the search strings. However, the complete reading was carried out in only fourteen works. Analyzes were performed to identify the vector representations of texts, information fusion techniques, and predictive models used in the works. As a result, we identified that 78\% of the included works are techniques based on Early Fusion, and textual representations that consider semantic features have been more used in recent works.
Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Avifauna in District Jhang, Pakistan
Authors: ZAMAN Ahmad , RAFIQUE Azhar , JABEEN Farhat , SULTANA Tayyaba , SULTANA Salma , Ai Sultan , Mahmood Muhammad Shahid 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The current study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 in Thal desert and Trimmu barrage of District Jhang located in Punjab province of Pakistan to find out the diversity, abundance and distribution of birds. Point count method was used for Trimmu barrage and line transect method was used for the collection of data in Thal desert area. We recorded 31696 individuals belonging to 67 species of birds from two distinct types of habitat (Thal desert and Trimmu barrage) of District Jhang. Among all these species, 39 species were resident, 18 species were winter visitors, 9 species were summer breeder and single species (Terek sandpiper) was passage migrant. Highly significant differences (X2 = 14979.7, df = 11, P<0.01) were observed in the abundance of birds between both habitats on monthly basis. From Thal desert area, 12905 individuals of 45 species were identified while 18791 individual from 58 bird species were observed from Trimmu barrage. Among 67 bird species, 36 species were common at both types of habitats. The most dominant species of Trimmu barrage were Common pochard, Little grebe, Common coot, Cattle egret, Gadwall, Little egret, Red wattled lapwing and Common teal. The most common species of Thal desert were Indian roller, Common quail, Cattle egret, Common myna and Indian kite. The most notable feature of the present study is the identification of Xenus cinereus (Terak sandpiper) and Ammomanes phoenicura (Rofous tail lark) in district Jhang as both species have no previous record in the study area.
Delineation of intermammillary relationships using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tsutsumi Satoshi , Sugiyama Natsuki , Ueno Hideaki , Ishii Hisato 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose: No study has investigated intermammillary relationships using neuroimaging modalities. This study aimed to explore them using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and Methods: We enrolled 72 patients who underwent conventional MRI examinations followed by constructive interference steady-state sequence in the coronal plane. The intermammillary distances (IMDs) were measured at the uppermost level of the intermammillary gap (IMDupp) and the lowest level (IMDlow) of the mammillary bodies (MBs).Results: MBs with varying morphologies were consistently delineated. The appearance of both MBs could be classified into four patterns based on the size and relative levels, with the symmetrical type being the most common. Intermammillary relationships exhibited five patterns. In 69%, the IMDupp was discernable and measured 0.7±0.4 mm, while it was not discernible in 31% due to the presence of intermammillary connection and adhesion. The age distribution did not differ between populations with and without discernible IMDupp. The IMDlow was measured 4.4±0.9 mm. Although the IMDlow was not significantly different between both sexes, it was longer in subjects in their 70s.Conclusions: Intermammillary relationships show variable morphologies with gaps formed between both MBs. The IMDlow may become more evident in association with age-related increase in the width of the third ventricle and atrophy of the MBs.
The underlying molecular mechanisms and biomarkers of plaque vulnerability based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Cheng Rui , Xu Xiaojiang , Yang Shurong , mi Zhongqian , Zhao Yong , gao Jinhua , Yu Feiyan , Ren Xiuyun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAim：The study aimed to identify the underlying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and mechanism of unstable atherosclerotic plaque using bioinformatics methods.Methods:GSE120521, which includes four unstable samples and four stable atherosclerotic samples, was downloaded from the GEO database. DEGs were identified using LIMMA. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using the Database for metascape Visualization online tool. Based on the STRING database, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network among DEGs were constructed. Regulatory networks were visualized using Cytoscape. we use the xCell to analyze the different immune cell subtypes.Result：A total of 1626 DEGs (1034 up-regulated and 592 down-regulated DEGs) were identified between unstable and stable samples. I pulled 62 transcription factors (34 up-regulated TFs and 28 down-regulated TFs) from the Trust database. The up regulated TFs were mainly enrichment in positive regulation of myeloid leukocyte differentiation, and the downregulated TFs were mainly enrichment in connective tissue development. In the PPI network, RB1，CEBPA，PPARG，BATF was the most significantly up-regulated gene in ruptured atherosclerotic samples. The immune cell composition enriched in CD cells and macrophages in the unstable carotid plaque.Conclusions:up-regulated RB1，CEBPA，PPARG，BATF and Down-regulated SRF，MYOCD，HEY2，GATA6 might perform critical promotional roles in atherosclerotic plaque rupture, furthermore, Number and polarization of macrophages may play an important role in vulnerable plaques.
Women Empowerment and Access to Maternity and Reproductive Healthcare in Pakistan: Cross-validation of a Survey-based Index in Afghanistan (SWEI-A)
Authors: Dadras Omid , Dadras Mohammadyasin , Jafari Leila , Nakayama Takeo , Dadras Fateme 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Despite the obvious violation of women’s rights in Pakistan and the vital necessity for women empowerment, a unified country-specific scale measuring women empowerment is not yet available. This study cross-validated a survey-based women empowerment index from Afghanistan to be used in Pakistan and examined the impact that each emerged domain could have on four reproductive and maternity outcomes to ensure convergence validity.
Methods
The data for married Pakistani women aged 15–49 in the 2017-18 Pakistan demographic health survey was used to construct the final model using the explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses. The Cronbach’s alpha test examined the internal consistency of the developed index. The association between emerged domains and indicators of access to reproductive and maternity care was assessed by Poisson regression analysis adjusting for wealth index.
Results
The final index had six domains; namely, labor force participation, attitude toward violence, decision-making, access to healthcare, literacy, age at critical life events predicting women empowerment of married Pakistani women with decent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.70), and validity (SRSEA&SRMR < 0.05, CFI&TLI > 0.92). The emerged domains were significantly associated with at least one of four indicators of access to reproductive and maternity care; indicative of a favorable convergence validity.
Conclusion
Pakistan and Afghanistan are associated as brother countries with shared religious and ethnocultural identities in which women are inferior to men and in critical need of empowering efforts. The results of this study reflect upon this resemblance in sociocultural structure by yielding similar domains for women's empowerment in Pakistan building upon an index previously developed for Afghan women. The developed index could inform the design of future policies, interventions, and research recognizing the important indicators of women empowerment in Pakistan and could enhance the comparability of the results across future studies.