bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design, development and testing of an auger‐assisted semi‐automatic coconut husking machine
Authors: Varghese Abi , Jacob Jippu , Rajan Abraham Iype 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCoconut husking is the primary and most difficult post‐harvesting operation among coconut processing. The physical properties of the coconuts such as length, diameter, perimeter, weight and husk thickness at the apex, at the pedicel end, at the ¼ from pedicel end, at the ½ from the pedicel end and at the ¾ from the pedicel end and the husk‐separating‐forces are calculated to design machine components. A prototype of an auger‐assisted semi‐automatic coconut husking machine (ASCHM) have designed, constructed, tested and its husking rate, husking effectiveness, husking efficiency, percent of nut breaking, and capacity of the machine has evaluated. The machine comprises mainly of a pair of upright blades; held juxtaposed for manual impaling, and an electrically‐driven auger. The mean time required for complete husking of green coconut and dry coconut have been found to be 12.6 s and 13.6 s respectively. The husking efficiency of ASCHM was found as 100% with no nut breaking with a capacity of 242 nuts/hr for green coconuts and 229 nuts/hr for dry coconuts. Further, performance of the developed tool has been compared with that of CPCH and KAU coconut husking tool.Practical ApplicationsMain contribution of this work is to design, development and testing of a semi‐automatic coconut husking machine and to analyze the performance of the same in terms of husking rate, husking effectiveness, husking efficiency, and percentage of nut breaking and capacity of the machine was evaluated. The results are then compared with those obtained for a manual and fully automated husking machine as well. Husk separating force calculation have been done considering the relevant physical properties of the coconut like size, shape, weight, and so forth. The observations are further then used for the design of machine components and the selection of a power source. The information deduced can be used as a database for future modifications as well as development of coconut husking machines.
Do fillers improve the physicochemical properties of antimicrobial tapioca starch edible films?
Authors: Ollé Resa Carolina P. , Jagus Rosa J. , Gerschenson Lía N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEdible films containing natural antimicrobials, like natamycin and nisin, constitute an emerging technology that provides an additional stress factor for food preservation. However, it has been observed that edible films based only on tapioca starch present several failures, such as poor mechanical properties and low hydrophobicity. Pumpkin and oat bran are ingredients that provide multiple health benefits. In this work, it was intended to improve mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of tapioca starch edible films, containing natamycin and nisin, by the addition of pumpkin peel, pumpkin mesocarp or oat bran fillers. In turn, the effect of fillers on the films was evaluated through the evaluation of their color, water vapor permeability, morphological characteristics, and microbiological behavior. Results showed that pumpkin fillers improved mechanical properties, reducing the strain at break and increasing the stress at break of tapioca starch edible films. Particularly, pumpkin peel filler increased 36 times the firmness of tapioca starch films, reaching a value of 87.64 MPa. Also, this filler increased 300% the hydrophobicity of the films with a contact angle of 48.29°. The incorporation of all studied fillers allowed the normal diffusion of natamycin. However, the different fillers retained the nisin in different degrees and, particularly, oat bran filler was the one with the highest affinity for it. After evaluating all the studied properties, it can be concluded that the composite film filled with pumpkin peel, is an improved version to the one without it, for food packaging.
Impact of spontaneous splenorenal shunt on liver volume and long‐term survival of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Yi Fangfang , Guo Xiaozhong , Wang Le , Xu Xiangbo , An Yang , Tang Yufu , Zhang Wenwen , Tacke Frank , Arora Ankur , Qi Xingshun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and AimSpontaneous splenorenal shunt (SSRS) is one of the manifestations of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. However, the impact of SSRS on long‐term survival of cirrhotic patients remains unclear. We hypothesize that SSRS may worsen liver dysfunction and deteriorate prognosis in liver cirrhosis by decreasing hepatic perfusion.MethodsPatients with liver cirrhosis who were admitted to our department between December 2014 and August 2019 and underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans were prospectively collected. The maximum diameters of SSRS and portal vein system vessels were retrospectively measured. Liver‐to‐abdominal area ratio, Child–Pugh, and model for end‐stage liver disease scores were calculated.ResultsOverall, 122 cirrhotic patients were included. The prevalence of SSRS was 30.3% (37/122). Median diameter of SSRS was 13.5 mm. Patients with SSRS had significantly thinner diameters of right portal vein (9 mm vs 11.2 mm, P = 0.001) and main portal vein (15.3 mm vs 16.8 mm, P = 0.017) than those without SSRS. Patients with SSRS had significantly lower liver‐to‐abdominal area ratio score (25.39 vs 31.58, P < 0.001) and higher Child–Pugh (7 vs 6, P = 0.046) and model for end‐stage liver disease (12.17 vs 9.79, P < 0.006) scores than those without SSRS. Patients with SSRS had a significantly lower cumulative survival rate than those without SSRS (P = 0.014). Cox regression analysis also showed that SSRS was a risk factor of death of cirrhotic patients (hazard ratio = 4.161, 95% confidence interval = 1.215–14.255, P = 0.023).ConclusionsSpontaneous splenorenal shunt may narrow portal vein diameter and shrink liver volume, thereby worsening liver function and increasing mortality in liver cirrhosis.
Care‐Partner Support and Hospitalization in Assisted Living During Transitional Home Health Care
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Ying Meiling , Temkin‐Greener Helena , Caprio Thomas V. , Yu Fang , Simning Adam , Conwell Yeates , Li Yue 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESCare‐partner support affects outcomes among assisted living (AL) residents. Yet, little is known about care‐partner support and its effects on hospitalization during post‐acute care transitions. This study examined the variation in care‐partner support and its impact on hospitalizations among AL residents receiving Medicare home health (HH) services.DESIGNAnalysis of national data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare claims, Area Health Resources File, and the Social Deprivation Index File.SETTINGAL facilities and Medicare HH agencies in the United States.PARTICIPANTS741,926 Medicare HH admissions of AL residents in 2017.MEASUREMENTSCare‐partner support during the HH admission was measured based on the type and frequency of assistance from AL staff in seven domains (i.e., activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADLs, medication administration, treatment, medical equipment, home safety, and transportation). Care‐partner support in each domain was measured as “assistance not needed” (reference group), “Care‐partner currently provides assistance,” “care‐partner need additional training/support to provide assistance” (i.e., inadequate care‐partner support), and “care‐partner unavailable/unlikely to provide assistance” (i.e., unavailable care‐partner support). Outcome was time‐to‐hospitalization during the HH admission.RESULTSAmong the 741,926 Medicare HH admissions of AL residents, inadequate care‐partner support was identified for all seven domains that ranged from 13.1% (for transportation) to 49.8% (for treatment), and care‐partner support was unavailable from 0.9% (for transportation) to 11.0% (for treatment). In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for patient covariates and geography, compared with “assistance not needed”, having inadequate and unavailable care‐partner support was related to increased risk of hospitalization by 8.9% (treatment (hazard ratio (HR) =1.089, P < .001)) to 41.3% (medication administration (HR =1.413, P < .001)).CONCLUSIONFor AL residents receiving HH services, having less care‐partner support was related to increased risk of hospitalization, particularly regarding medication administration, medical equipment, and transportation/advocacy.
Youngsters' perceptions of the experience of pain and utilisation of over‐the‐counter pain medication as needed in community: A qualitative study
Authors: Ndengeyingoma Assumpta , Lebel Valérie , Bigras Magali , Jacob Maria H. , Lacelle Marika 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposePain is common in youngsters. No matter its nature, youngsters' consideration of pain is complex since its communications vary as a function of several components. The aim of this study is to explore the youngsters' perception linked to their experience of physiological pain at the home/family setting, as well as their experience with the utilisation of over‐the‐counter pain medication as needed.Design and methodsA qualitative exploratory study was undertaken with 22 youngsters aged 5–17 years old. Semidirected interviews led to the understanding of these components by means of the pain experiences. Thematic analysis allowed the detection of the themes and subthemes emerging from the verbatim collected with the participants.ResultsThe way pain is described is influenced by the child's development, previous experiences, and the projection of having pain. The pain communication is influenced by the severity perceived, the beliefs of the youngster experiencing pain, the comparison of the pain communication with his brothers and sisters, as well as the anticipated consequences of expressing his pain. The choice of behaviour towards pain is influenced by self‐management through nonpharmacological management, with medicines if needed, and by family modelization.Practice implicationsThis study confirms that previous pain experiences, beliefs related to pain tolerance and intended reactions of parents exert influence not only on the communication of pain, but also on youngsters' behaviour towards pain. It is important to consider these elements whenever youngsters' pain is evaluated.
KLF7 is associated with poor prognosis and regulates migration and adhesion in tongue cancer
Authors: Lyu Jiong , Wang Jiaxiong , Miao Yuwen , Xu Ting , Zhao Wenquan , Bao Tingwei , Zhu Huiyong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was performed to determine the clinical relevance of KLF7 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and to characterize its potential function and mechanism of action.Materials and methodsKLF7 expression was measured by RT‐qPCR in 21 tongue cancer samples. The clinical relevance of KLF7 was analyzed in another cohort of 127 TSCC samples from a public database. Then, we performed RNA sequencing analysis in KLF7‐overexpressing TSCC (SCC9 and CAL27) cells to define significantly altered pathways. The possible changes in migration and adhesion were then analyzed in KLF7‐overexpressing and knockdown TSCC cells.ResultsOur results showed that KLF7 mRNA expression was upregulated in TSCC and was significantly associated with the T and N stages. Patients with high‐KLF7 expression had worse overall survival. RNA sequencing and KEGG enriched pathway analysis showed that altered genes were enriched in extracellular matrix‐receptor interactions and focal adhesions in both cell lines. KLF7‐overexpressing TSCC cell lines showed enhanced migration capacity and cell adhesion ability, and knockdown of KLF7 expression decreased TSCC migration and adhesion ability.ConclusionsWe concluded that KLF7 was overexpressed in TSCC and has prognostic value. KLF7 promoted TSCC migration and increased cell adhesion.
Long‐term follow‐up of fixed low‐dose oral immunotherapy for children with severe cow’s milk allergy
Authors: Miura Yoko , Nagakura Ken‐ichi , Nishino Makoto , Takei Mari , Takahashi Kyohei , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro , Yanagida Noriyuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy and safety of cow's milk (CM) low‐dose oral immunotherapy (LOIT) at one‐year follow‐up have been previously reported. We investigated the outcome of fixed long‐term LOIT in children with severe CM allergy.MethodsChildren with positive reactions to oral food challenge (OFC) with 3 mL CM were included. The LOIT group (n = 33) ingested up to 3 mL CM for 1 year. After a two‐week CM avoidance, 3 and 25 mL OFCs were performed. Children with positive reactions continued with 3 mL ingestion, with OFCs repeated yearly. Regular home consumption of 25 mL CM after passing the OFCs was defined as 25 mL short‐term unresponsiveness (25 mL STU). The historical control group (n = 16) with reactions to 3 mL OFC eliminated daily CM ingestion.ResultsThe proportion of 25 mL STU in the LOIT group was 27%, 52%, and 61% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, and the 3‐year percentage was significantly higher than that in the historical control group (13%, P = .002). In the LOIT group, only one child developed severe symptoms. Furthermore, in this group, CM‐ and casein‐specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels decreased significantly and casein‐specific IgG and IgG4 levels increased significantly after 3 years, whereas the historical control group presented no significant change in these parameters. Baseline sIgE levels were significantly low in children achieving 25 mL STU.ConclusionContinued fixed LOIT yields immunologic improvement and may be effective and safe for severe CM allergy.
Higher diversity of vegetable consumption is associated with less airway inflammation and prevalence of asthma in school‐aged children
Authors: Mendes Francisca de Castro , Paciência Inês , Cavaleiro Rufo João , Farraia Mariana , Silva Diana , Padrão Patrícia , Delgado Luís , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa , Moreira André , Moreira Pedro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundA diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been suggested to counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation that characterize asthma. We aimed to assess the association between vegetable and fruit diversity consumption and asthma and its related outcomes in school‐aged children.MethodsParticipants included 647 children (49% females, aged 7‐12 years) recruited from 20 public schools across the city of Porto, in Portugal. Vegetable intake and fruit intake were ascertained using a single self‐reported 24‐hour recall questionnaire. A diversity score was built taking into account the different number of individual vegetables and fruits consumed and categorized into two groups based on the total reported median consumption, which was rounded to the nearest whole number (≤3 and >3, for vegetables; and ≤1 and >1, for fruits). A questionnaire was used to enquire about self‐reported medical diagnosis of asthma and respiratory symptoms. Airway inflammation was assessed measuring exhaled fractional nitric oxide concentration (eNO) and was categorized into two groups (<35 and ≥35 ppb). The association between fruit and vegetable diversity and respiratory outcomes was examined using logistic regression models, adjusting for confounders.ResultsA higher vegetable diversity consumption per day was negatively associated with having self‐reported asthma (OR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.47, 0.95), while having a vegetable diversity consumption superior to 3 items per day was negatively associated with levels of eNO ≥ 35 ppb (OR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.16, 0.88) and breathing difficulties (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.16, 0.97).ConclusionEating a greater variety of vegetables was associated with a lower chance of airway inflammation and prevalence of self‐reported asthma in school children.
Fine‐tuning of antigen‐specific immune responses by regulatory T cells activated via antigen recognition–independent and humoral factor–dependent mechanisms
Authors: Kojima Hidefumi , Kashiwakura Yuji , Kanno Yumiko , Hashiguchi Masaaki , Kobata Tetsuji 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are highly sensitive to IL‐2, one of the many cytokines produced during immune responses, for their development, survival and functions. Although the effects of IL‐2 administration on Tregs in vivo are well characterized, the effects on Tregs elicited by IL‐2 produced during an immune response have not been elucidated. Hence, in this study, Treg behaviour during IL‐2–producing immune responses was explored using in vivo and in vitro murine systems. The use of murine mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) revealed that a large proportion of Tregs increased in size, accompanied by both cell death and proliferation status. Further, these large Tregs, which were found to not recognize specific antigens, were observed in MLCs as being functionally activated by various cytokines, including IL‐2, produced by antigen‐specific T cells. This ‘bystander Treg activation’ was also observed in mice with graft‐versus‐host reactions (GvHRs). Alternatively, effector cells from Treg‐depleted MLCs exhibited lower antigen‐specific responses or higher cross‐reactivity as compared to control MLCs with Tregs. Taken together, these results suggest that Tregs are activated by cytokines, mainly IL‐2, released from T cells that are activated by a specific antigen. Subsequently, these activated bystander Tregs contribute to the fine‐tuning of highly antigen‐specific immune responses.
The hamletic dilemma of patients waiting for kidney transplantation during the COVID‐19 pandemic: To accept or not to accept (an organ offer)?
Authors: Manzia Tommaso M. , Angelico Roberta , Toti Luca , Pisani Gennaro , Vita Giuseppe , Romano Francesca , Pirozzi Brunella M. , Vinci Danilo , Cacciola Roberto , Iaria Giuseppe , Tisone Giuseppe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe outbreak of COVID‐19 led to a reduction in the number of organ transplant interventions in most Countries. In April 2020, at the Tor Vergata University in Rome, Italy, two patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation (KT) declined a deceased donor's kidney offer. Therefore, between April 20 and 25, 2020, we conducted a telephone survey among our 247 KT waitlist patients. Our aim was to explore: (a) the COVID‐19 diffusion among them and (b) their current willingness to be transplanted in case of a kidney offer from a deceased donor. Two hundred and forty‐three patients participated in a phone interview. One patient had died from COVID‐19. Eighty‐five (35%) KT candidates would decline any kidney offer, in most cases until the end of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Upon a multivariate analysis, female gender (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.26‐4.03,P = .006), high cardiovascular risk (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.06‐5.08,P = .034), a waiting list time <3 years (OR = 0.375, 95% CI = 0.15‐0.95,P = .04), and the need to be transferred to another hospital for HD (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.10‐5.9,P = .03) were associated with such refusal. The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a fear of transplantation in a third of the KT candidates. Proactive educational webinars could be a useful tool to remove, or at least lessen, any doubts on the part of KT candidates and to avoid losing the opportunity to quit dialysis.
Structural geometry and kinematics of thrust belts between the Dabashan and eastern Sichuan Basin, South China block: Constraints from (U-Th)/He dating and seismic data
Authors: Lu Guo , Li Chuanxin , Li Wenzheng , Deng Shang , Zhang Jianyong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The relationship between the North and South China blocks, particularly their spatial-temporal framework and evolutionary history, has been widely debated. We conducted a comprehensive study of the structural geometry and kinematics of the thrust belts in the intersection zone between the Dabashan and eastern Sichuan Basin based on seismic data, drilling data, field investigation data, and zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronology data. These data sets provide important insights into the relationship between the North and South China blocks during the post-orogenic process. Due to the detachments, the strata of the eastern Sichuan Basin can be divided into four structural intervals characterized by duplex structures and fault-related fold structures. Balanced restoration indicates the vertical differences are represented by the shortening ratio of the upper structural interval of ∼6%, that of the middle ∼10%, and that of the lower ∼7%. Besides, the shortening ratios indicate an increasing tendency of the deformation intensity from the west to the east. The (U-Th)/He dating results suggest two age ranges, i.e., from 180 Ma to 130 Ma and from 50 Ma to 20 Ma, respectively. These age data sets also imply a younger tendency westward. The intersection zone may have experienced the following stages since the late Mesozoic era: (1) the stable continental sedimentation stage from the Late Triassic to the Late Jurassic epochs; (2) the continuous thrust stage from the Late Jurassic to the early Paleogene epochs, which is associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean; and (3) the uplift and denudation stage as a whole caused by the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau since the Paleogene period.
Prevalence and incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications over 15 years among patients with incident type 2 diabetes
Authors: An Jaejin , Nichols Gregory A , Qian Lei , Munis Mercedes A , Harrison Teresa N , Li Zhuoxin , Wei Rong , Weiss Tracey , Rajpathak Swapnil , Reynolds Kristi 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a common condition that, if left untreated or poorly managed, can lead to adverse microvascular and macrovascular complications. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications among patients newly diagnosed with T2D within a US integrated healthcare system.Research design and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients newly diagnosed with T2D between 2003 and 2014. We evaluated 13 complications, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality through 2018. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to study factors associated with complications.ResultsWe identified 135 199 patients with incident T2D. The mean age was 58 years, and 48% were women. The prevalence of CKD was the highest of the complications at the time of T2D diagnosis (prevalence=12.3%, 95% CI 12.2% to 12.5%), while the prevalence of CVD was among the lowest at 3.3% (95% CI 3.2% to 3.3%). The median time to incidence of a T2D complication ranged from 3.0 to 5.2 years. High incidence rates (95% CI) of T2D complications included peripheral neuropathy (26.9, 95% CI 26.5 to 27.3 per 1000 person-years (PY)), CKD (21.2, 95% CI 20.9 to 21.6 per 1000 PY), and CVD (11.9, 95% CI 11.7 to 12.2 per 1000 PY). The trend of 5-year incidence rates of T2D complications by diagnosis year decreased over time (p value<0.001). Older age, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, sex, higher A1C, smoking, and hypertension were associated with increased CKD and CVD incidence.ConclusionThough incidence rates of T2D complications were lower in more recent years (2010–2014), a significant proportion of patients had complications at T2D diagnosis. Earlier preventive therapies as well as managing modifiable factors may help delay the development and progression of T2D complications.