bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and BCG vaccine cross-protection in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in eastern Africa
Authors: Kilonzo Chelsea Mbeke , Wamalwa Mark , Whegang Solange Youdom , Tonnang Henri E.Z. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still affecting African countries. The pandemic presents challenges on how to measure governmental, and community responses to the crisis. Beyond health risks, the socio-economic implications of the pandemic motivated us to examine the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of BCG vaccination and NPIs enforced on COVID-19 case-death-recovery counts weighted by age-structured population in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda.We applied a semi-mechanistic Bayesian hierarchical model (BHM) combined with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation to the age-structured pandemic data obtained from the target countries. Results: The estimated mean effective reproductive number (Rt) for COVID-19 was 2.50 (C1:1.99 - 5.95), 3.51 (CI:2.28 - 7.28) and 3.53 (CI:2.97 - 5.60) in Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda respectively. Our results indicate that NPIs, lockdowns, and curfews had a large effect on reducing Rt. Current interventions have been effective in reducing Rt and thereby achieve control of the epidemic. Beyond age-structure and NPIs, we found no significant association between COVID-19 and BCG vaccine-induced protection. Continued interventions should be strengthened to control transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Knowledge and awareness about and use of iodised salt among students in Germany and Greece
Authors: Heimberg Katharina , Martin Annett , Ehlers Anke , Weißenborn Anke , Hirsch-Ernst Karen Ildico , Weikert Cornelia , Nagl Britta , Katsioulis Antonios , Kontopoulou Lamprini , Marakis Georgios 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Iodine is an essential trace element, which is important for human metabolism, growth and mental development. Iodine deficiency may still occur in Europe and the use of iodised salt is an effective measure to enhance iodine intake. Knowledge and awareness about the importance of iodine in nutrition and health can have a positive impact on the use of iodised salt. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about and use of iodised salt among university students in two European countries.
Methods
Data from two countries (Germany and Greece) were extracted from a multi-centre cross-sectional survey, conducted among non-nutrition science/non-medical students from October 2018 to April 2019.
Results
Among the 359 participants in Germany (35% females, median age: 22 years) and the 403 participants in Greece (51% females, median age: 21 years), 41% and 37%, respectively, reported use of iodised salt at home. Users and non-users did not differ by age, gender and Body Mass Index or general interest in nutrition in both cohorts. However, those who had a better knowledge about iodine and (iodised) salt or had previously attended nutrition classes were more likely to report iodised salt usage.
Conclusion
The results suggest that strengthening the imparting of nutritional information and additional education of young adults are needed and may improve knowledge about and usage of iodised salt.
Comparison of Canonical Correlation and Partial Least Squares analyses of simulated and empirical data
Authors: McIntosh Anthony Randal 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundWith the availability of large datasets containing multiple measures, there has been a renewed interest in applying multivariate statistical analysis. Two methods, Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) have been used most frequently given their historical links to classic statistical modelling of the dimensions that relate to two data blocks. Though similar in the decomposition of the cross-block structure, there are important differences in specific steps. In this paper, we apply the most general form of CCA and PLS to three simulated and two empirical datasets, all having large sample sizes on the order of n=10,000. We take successively smaller subsamples of these data to evaluate sensitivity, reliability, and reproducibility. ResultsIn null data having no correlation within or between blocks, both methods showed equivalent false positive rates regardless of sample size. Both methods also showed equivalent detection in data with weak but reliable effects until sample sizes drop below n=50. In the case of strong effects, both methods showed similar performance unless the correlations of items within one data block were high. In these instances, the reproducibility in CCA declined. This was ameliorated if a principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on a data block and the component scores used to calculate the cross-block matrix. For PLS, the results were reproducible across sample sizes for strong and moderate cross-block effects, regardless of the within-block correlations, but show lower detectability at small sample sizes (n=20). ConclusionsThe general outcome of our examination gives three messages. First, for data with low within and high between block structure, CCA and PLS give comparable results, with equivalent sensitivity and false positive rate. Second, if there are high correlations within either block, this can compromise the reliability of CCA results. This can be remedied with PCA before cross-block calculation. However, this assumes that the PCA structure is stable for a given sample. Third, statistical significance by null hypothesis testing does not guarantee that the results are reproducible, even with large sample sizes. This final outcome suggests that researchers should routinely assess both statistical significance and reproducibility for their data.
Targeting Nucleolin Improves Sensitivity to Chemotherapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Chen Yanxin , Wu Zhengjun , Wang Lingyan , Lin Minhui , Jiang Peifang , Wen Jingjing , Li Jiazheng , Hong Yunda , Zheng Xiaoyun , Yang Xiaozhu , Zheng Jing , Gale Robert Peter , Yang Ting , Hu Jianda 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Most acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients are treated with chemotherapy as primary care. Although treatment response is usually positive, resistance and relapse often occur through unclear mechanisms. Here, we presented clinical and experimental evidence that overexpression of nucleolin (NCL), a multifunctional nucleolar protein, is linked to drug resistance in ALL. By analyzing our patient specimens and an existing database, a strong correlation between the abundance of nucleolin and disease relapse/poor survival was observed. Altering the NCL expression resulted in changes in drug sensitivity in cell lines. High levels of nucleolin could up-regulate components of the ATP-binding cassette transporters via the activation of the ERK pathway, which resulted in a decrease in drug accumulation inside the cells. NCL protein was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and membrane in ALL cells compared with cell nuclei of normal cells. Moreover, targeting NCL with AS1411, a nucleolin-binding oligonucleotide aptamer, drastically increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in cells/patients derived xenograft mice and extended survival of the diseased mice. Our results indicated that NCL could be a prognostic marker and provided initial preclinical evidence that inhibiting nucleolin expression could enhance drug sensitivity during ALL chemotherapy.
Strong historical earthquakes and their relationships with the Tan-Lu fault system and modern seismicity in eastern China
Authors: Wang Jian , Main Ian G. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The largest earthquake (M8½) in eastern China occurred near Tangcheng in 1668. Six M≥6 earthquakes occurred in this region in historical time. We re-examine the primary historical archives from this region, adding independent constraints such as maps of active faults, local topography, intensity attenuation laws for China, and relevant administrative practices in archiving data, to reassess source parameters (epicenter, magnitude, or maximum intensity). We use the seismic density index - a measure of the clustering of seismicity weighted by source magnitude – to identify candidate zones of present-day clustering of seismicity than may represent a long-term memory of past historical events in an intraplate setting. We update at least one of the source parameters for four of the seven events. The main shock and two aftershocks of the 1668-1672 M8½ Tancheng earthquake sequence locate along the strike of the Tan-Lu fault zone, each associated with significant and contiguous seismic density anomalies whose elliptical contours are elongated along its strike. A third major aftershock (M≈6) in this sequence locates some 200 km away from the fault zone. Six of the seven historical events have seismic density anomalies that cannot be explained by aftershocks of modern seismicity (M≤5.3), and hence are candidate zones for long-lived aftershock sequences. In contrast, there are no significant seismic density anomalies along the section of Tan-Lu fault south of Suqian, despite palaeo-seismic evidence for a M8½ earthquake around 6280 B.C, providing an upper bound to long-term memory of great earthquakes in this region.
Risk factors and practices contributing to sepsis in neonates admitted at a Children’s Hospital in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mathela Sikhethiwe Kate , Mapfumo Cladnos , Mzingwane Mayibongwe Louis 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Neonatal sepsis is a public health issue that consistently emerges as one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors and practices contributing to neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted at a Children’s Hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted at a children’s hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe between September and October 2018. A total of 98 mothers of sick new-borns admitted in the children’s hospital and 36 health workers were recruited for the study. The mothers’ demographic characteristics, antenatal history, birth circumstances, and new-born practices were used to predict factors associated with neonatal sepsis risk using odds ratios and regression logistics. Qualitative data from health providers were transcribed, coded, analyzed into themes and triangulated with the information from the questionnaire.
Results
There were 40 (40.8%) new-borns clinically confirmed to have neonatal sepsis. The majority of sepsis cases (60%) were amongst neonates with low birth weight. Poor hand hygiene, application of substances including cow dung and breast milk for cord care and using information from other sources other than health care workers were the variables found to be associated with neonatal sepsis. Being a young mother (15–20 years) and experiencing some pregnancy related problems before or during delivery were also found to be significantly associated with neonatal sepsis. Problems highlighted by health care workers included shortage of medical sundries in the children’s hospital, infection control training programs not being attended by all personnel and poor hand washing and hygiene practices due to inadequate facilities
Conclusions
There was high prevalence of clinically confirmed neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted with suspected sepsis. Neonatal sepsis was associated with a variety of factors which included neonatal factors such as low birth weight; maternal factors such as age of the mother, attendance of antenatal clinic and practices associated with hygiene and cord care. Health facility related factors that are linked to infection control such as provision of adequate hand hygiene facilities, medical sundries and disinfectants and adequate training may also be associated with neonatal sepsis
Using Anthropometric measurements for Gestational Age Assessment in Sudanese Preterm Infants
Authors: Hamdan Alaa Hassan Yousif , Zakaria Faiza , Ali Muhammad Mustafa , Umer Muhammed 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background:South Asia, accounts for 60% of preterm births worldwide. To provide vital care and prevent complications that arise with preterm births, accurate determination of gestational age is important. Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study at Maternity Hospital in Sudan, to evaluate the use of anthropometric measurements (head-circumference and crown-heel-length) for Gestational age assessment. Our sample included preterm babies over a period of six months. Neonatal anthropometry measurements, and Gestational age assessment was done within 48 hours of birth. Variables were summarized using descriptive statistics and the strength of association was determined through correlation analysis. Linear regression equations were derived to estimate gestational age using head circumference and crown heel length.
Leptin gene variants rs7799039 and rs2167270 and elevated serum levels of adiponectin predispose Iranians to Behçet's disease
Authors: Kahmini Fatemeh Rezaei , Gholijani Nasser , Amirghofran Zahra , Daryabor Gholamreza 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Behçet's Disease (BD) is a chronic autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. Adipokines due to their roles in the regulation of immune responses might be important in the induction and progression of BD. Subjects and methods: This case-control study included 340 patients with BD and 310 healthy controls. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in adiponectin (rs266729 and rs1501299) and leptin (rs7799039 and rs2167270) genes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and serum levels of adipokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: A higher frequency of leptin rs7799039 GG, AG, and AG+GG genotypes and G allele was revealed in patients. Besides, patients had more leptin rs2167270 AG and AG+AA genotypes and A allele. Furthermore, rs2167270 AA genotype and A allele were more frequently seen in total and female patients who had genital aphthous. Patients had significantly more serum levels of adiponectin while those with genital aphthous had significantly more leptin levels. No significant association was observed between adiponectin SNPs and the frequency of BD.Conclusion: Our findings indicated that leptin gene polymorphisms might predispose individuals to BD. Besides, elevated serum levels of adiponectin might promote the pathogenesis of BD.
Testis and Epididymis – Unusual Sites of Metastatic Gastric Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Ji Junjie , Guan Fengju , Yao Yu , Sun Lijiang , Zhang Guiming 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Although gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, cases of gastric cancer metastasis to the male reproductive system are rare. Here, we report a case involving testicular and epididymal gastric cancer metastases.Case presentation: The case involved a 75-year-old Chinese man who complained of experiencing palpable painful masses in the right scrotum for 6 months. The patient had undergone distal gastrectomy with chemotherapy for pT3N3aMx poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma 9 months before. Physical examination revealed a moderate right hydrocele and painful masses in the right testis and epididymis. Serum tumor biomarkers were all normal except for elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Computed tomography urography and B-ultrasound imaging revealed a moderate right hydrocele and mixed solid-cystic masses in the right testicular and epididymal area. Thus, the patient underwent right radical orchiectomy. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin pan and caudal related homeodomain transcription 2. Metastatic, poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma of the testis and epididymis was confirmed by pathology. The patient continued to undergo chemotherapy at the department of oncology in our hospital. Mesenteric lymph node metastases were found at the postoperative 1-month follow-up.Conclusion: Palpable, painful scrotal masses of unknown cause, a history of gastric cancer, and imaging features may indicate testicular and epididymal metastatic gastric cancer, which should be accurately differentiated from primary testicular neoplasms.
New Statistical Perspectives on Bath's Law and Aftershock Productivity
Authors: Grimm Christian , Rupprecht Teresa , Johnson Kendra , Hainzl Sebastian , Küchenhoff Helmut , Käser Martin , Pagani Marco 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The well-established Bath's law states that the average magnitude difference between a mainshock and its strongest aftershock is roughly 1.2, independently of the size of the mainshock. The main challenge in calculating this value is the bias introduced by missing data points when the strongest aftershock is below the observed cut-off magnitude. Ignoring missing values leads to a systematic error, because the data points removed are those with particularly large magnitude differences $\Delta M$. The error is minimized, if we restrict the statistics to mainshocks at least two magnitude units above the cut-off, but then the sample size is strongly reduced. This work provides an innovative approach for modelling $\Delta M$ by adapting methods for time-to-event data, which often suffers from incomplete observation (censoring). In doing so, we adequately account for unobserved values and estimate a fully parametric distribution of the magnitude differences $\Delta M$ for $M>6$ mainshocks. Results show that magnitude differences are best modeled by the Gompertz distribution, and that larger $\Delta M$ are expected at increasing depths and higher heat flows. A simulation experiment suggests that $\Delta M$ is mainly driven by the number and the magnitude distribution of aftershocks. Therefore, in a second study, we modelled the variation of aftershock productivity in a stochastically declustered local catalog for New Zealand, using a generalized additive model approach. Results confirm that aftershock counts can be better modelled by a Negative Binomial than a Poisson distribution. Interestingly, there is indication that triggered earthquakes trigger themselves two to three times more aftershocks than comparable background events. This effect can either be an indicator for incorrect trigger pair assignments as a result of the declustering approach, or it may represent an actual effect due to a higher prevalent energy level in the tectonic system during on-going earthquake sequences. If confirmed, this effect must be carefully considered in forward simulations of earthquake sequences, as otherwise there is a risk of substantially underestimating cluster sizes and consequently overestimating $\Delta M$.
A self-inactivating system for AAV-mediated in vivo base editing
Authors: Zuo Yuanbojiao , Wang Peipei , Gao Yandi , Zhang Chen , Zhou Yuan , Li Haiwen , Chen Zhiheng , yang zuocheng , Xu Jie , Zhang Jifeng , Chen Y. , Han Renzhi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
DNA base editors have been harnessed as an exciting therapeutic platform for human diseases and are rapidly progressing into human clinical trials. However, persistent expression of base editors delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) poses concerns with specificity and immunogenicity. Here we develop self-inactivating base editor (siBE) systems with a negative feedback loop where one guide RNA (gRNA) targets the gene of interest and the other targets the deaminase domain itself. We demonstrate that siBE confers efficient on-target editing with time-dependent self-inactivation and increased editing specificity. For the in vivo utilization, we further employ the intein split approach to package siBE targeting mouse Angptl3 into AAV9. Systemic delivery of AAV9-siBE confer efficient editing of Angptl3 in liver, resulting in reduced serum levels of ANGPTL3, triglyceride and total cholesterol, with the active base editor undetectable at 8 weeks after administration. These self-inactivating base editing systems are highly promising for future therapeutic applications.
Vitamin D receptor gene ApaI polymorphism and susceptibility to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: A meta-analysis from 22 Studies. Running title: VDR ApaI gene polymorphism and Osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Boyuan , Zhang Xili , Chu Liwei , Yang Chenfei , Nie Ruixin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective: The ApaI polymorphism (G>T, rs7975232) of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is located at the 3’-untranslated end, which does not alter the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein but influences gene expression, regulating mRNA stability[1, 2]. Although the role of ApaI in the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis has been widely researched, the current results have yielded conﬂacts. Therefore, we performed an updated pooled analysis to provide comprehensive data on the association between VDR ApaI polymorphism and postmenopausal osteoporosis risk. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Weipu, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for eligible studies from the database establishment to August 2021. Articles on the relationship between VDR gene ApaI polymorphism and osteoporosis were searched from the database. Case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of A/a were chosen. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scales (NOS) standard was used to evaluate the quality of the literatures that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The odds ratio (OR) value with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the strength of this association. According to the heterogeneity, the fixed-effect model or random-effect model was used to combine the effect amount.Results: 22 studies assessed the relationship between ApaI polymorphism and the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The comprehensive analyses showed no significant association for ApaI polymorphism with postmenopausal osteoporosis in the overall population, equally valid for Asian and Caucasian subgroups with any genetic model.Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that the VDR ApaI genotype may not affect the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Asians and Caucasians. This is the latest period meta-analysis for the associations between VDR ApaI polymorphism and postmenopausal osteoporosis, as far as we know.
Inhibition of key digestive enzymes related to diabetes and protection of β-cell and liver- kidney functions by Hypnea spinella sulfated polysaccharide in diabetic rats
Authors: Gara Amel Ben , Hammami Nadia , Chaaben Rim , Feki Abdelfattah El , Pattie Francesco Paolo , Belghith Karima , Dahech Imen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The present study investigates the protective effects of sulfated polysaccharide isolated from Hypnea spinella alga (HSSP) on alloxan-induced stress oxidant, hepatic dysfunction and histological changes in male rats liver, pancreas and kidney. The chemical characterization of HSSP using various assays such as FIR, XRD and GC-MS spectroscopy. Our results showed that HSSP reduced the activity of α-amylase in serum, pancreas and intestine, as well as a reduction of blood glucose level. In addition, HSSP enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced lipid peroxidation in the hepatic, pancreatic and renal antioxidant enzymes and improved the liver-kidney dysfunction parameters by decreasing of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, albumin and urea rates in plasma. Moreover, HSSP treatment in diabetic rats protects against alloxan induced pancreatic β-cells and hepatic cells damages.