bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Proposed Method of Sample Preparation and Homogenization of Hemp for the Molecular Analysis of Cannabinoids
Authors: Morehouse Zachary P , Ryan Gabriella L , Proctor Caleb M , Okparanta Akelachi , Todd Will , Bunting Derrick , White Taylor , Parez Steven , Miller Blessida , Colon Veronica , Easparro Brandon , Atwood James , Park YoungChul , Nash Rodney J 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe use of Cannabis sativa, or hemp, in commercial, recreational, and pharmacological applications is on the rise in the United States and worldwide. Many of these applications have guidelines associated with them dependent on the concentration of cannabinoid molecules that keep the products classified as hemp versus marijuana or that allow the producer to comment on the purity and potency of their product. Herein, we propose a method for homogenization of hemp that results in small particle sizes, uniform samples, and does not alter the cannabinoid concentrations during processing, allowing for optimal and reproducible potency testing. MethodsUsing a novel “active grinding media” we homogenized commercially available hemp to analyze approximately 100mg samples of homogenate via sieve analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography to assess the resulting size and potency of the sample when using this methodology. ResultsWhen processing hemp samples with our proposed methodology, we have demonstrated the ability to produce 60.2% of all particles <1.25 mm with increased cannabinoid recovery compared to homogenates with larger average particle sizes. Maintaining sample temperatures below 35° C during processing, we showed that our method does not thermally induce decarboxylation reactions that would result in major cannabinoid profile changes.ConclusionWe have developed a method for hemp processing via homogenization that does not alter the cannabinoid profile during processing, while consistently producing small particle sizes in a uniformly processed sample. This method allows for optimal and reproducible hemp processing when evaluating hemp and hemp-based products being brought to commercial markets.
Biochemical Characterization of purified β-amylase from Dioscorea alata (water yam)
Authors: fadunsin moromoke ajisope , ebuehi osaretin albert , akande idowu , raimi olawale , kolawole oluseyi ayodele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Water yam (Dioscorea alata) β-amylase was isolated and purified to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme was found to be monomeric with a molecular weight of 30.1 kDa based on SDS-PAGE and 31.0 kDa based on non-denaturation gel filtration. The enzyme readily hydrolyzed soluble starch, amylose, amylopectin and glycogen. The enzyme was stable over a wide range of pHs (4 - 8). The enzyme has a Km, of 2.24 mg/ml for soluble starch. Activation energy (Ea) for catalysis by β-amylase at 25 0C was 6.45 kcal/mol. β-amylase Contains high content of both acidic and hydrophobic amino acid but low in arginine and histidine. The activation energy (Ea), half-life, free energy change (ΔG‡), enthalpy change (ΔH‡), and entropy change (ΔS‡) for inactivation were 13.92 kcal/mol, 41.25 min, 20.89 kcal/mol, 13.30 kcal/mol and -24.25 cal/mol/K, respectively. The binding profile of β-amylase with epicatechin, quercetin, rutin and gallic acid were all spontaneous with stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. Hydrophobic bonding played a major role in stabilizing the β-amylase-ligand complex. Sodium alginate immobilization of the enzyme improved the Optimum temperature from 40 to 50 0C and changed the optimum pH from 5.0 to 6.0 with retainment up to 67 % activity after 5 cycles of usage. The enzyme would be of importance in manufacturing company based on the kinetics and other parameters reported in this study.
Aqueous enzymatic extraction of palm kernel oil
Authors: Sebayang Firman , Tarigan Juliati Br. , Rizki Mahlil , Utami Ferizha Cinthya , Hutagalung Taslia Anggriwati , Misdawati Misdwati , Karo-karo Justaman A. , Charoensiddhi Suvimol , Sitepu Eko Kornelius 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Inexpensive enzyme with high hydrolitic activity is required to bring the aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) of seed / biomass oil into commercialization. In this study a commercial digestive drug which is mainly composed of amylase and protease enzymes has been applied to extract the palm kernel oil. A single factor experiment evaluated the effect of the ratio palm kernel to water, concentration of digestive drug used, pH, incubation time and temperature on extraction efficiency, free fatty acid (FFA) content and lipid profile in form of monoglyceride, diglyceride and triglyceride. A significant effect was observed for all the parameters and the highest extraction efficiency of 96% with FFA content less than 0.68% was observed in the incubation condition of 1:5 ratio palm kernel to water, 9% w/w of digestive drug, pH of 9, 90 min of incubation time at 45°C. Green metrics assesment confirmed that the AEE process is more green process than the soxhlet method. In comparison with other existing extraction methods, the AEE showed better extraction efficiency against the screw press and supercritical carbon dioxide methods.
Poor blood pressure control and its associated factors among peoples living with Diabetes Mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Akalu Yonas , Yeshaw Yigizie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Gebrie Misganew , Dagnew Baye 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Poor blood pressure control among people living with diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular complications and death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is paucity of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of poor blood pressure control in SSA. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the prevalence and its associated factors among people living with DM in SSA.
Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, African Journals online, Hinari, Google scholar and direct Google to access observational studies conducted in SSA. Microsoft excel spreadsheet was used to extract the data and then exported into STATA/MP version 16.0 for further analysis. Heterogeneity across studies was checked using Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 test and small study effect were checked using Funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s statistical test at 5% significant level. A random-effects model was used to estimates the pooled prevalence of poor blood pressure control with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results

Of the 1,043 articles retrieved, 21 articles with an overall sample size of 6308 were eligible for the meta-analysis. After performing random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of poor blood pressure control was 69.8% (95% CI: 63.43, 76.25%). Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.03–2.80, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.531) and overweight (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.57–3.68, I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.47) were significantly associated with poor blood pressure control.
Conclusions

Only one third of diabetic patients in SSA had achieved target blood pressure. Hence, there is an urgent need for initiatives to improve and control hypertension, and preventive measures should concentrate on modifiable risk factors.
Systematic Review registrations:

The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO with protocol number of CRD42020187901.
The Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Children in Mainland China: A Meta-analysis and Systemic-analysis
Authors: Chen Xianrui , Lin Xiaoxia , Ke Zhong ling , Chen Yanhui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to identify a reliable estimate of sleep disorders prevalence among children in mainland China and to describe its epidemiological characteristics.Methods: Relevant studies were searched thoroughly via electronic databases included China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang,Weipu,PubMed,Web of Science and Medline databases from inception until December 2020.Prevalence estimates were calculated by random-effects models. The sources of heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analyses and Meta-regression analysis, and publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger’s Test. Results: Overall, 66 studies were included in this meta-analysis, which revealed that the pooled prevalence of sleep disorders was 37.6% (95%CI: 34.3-40.9%)with high heterogeneity (I2=99.6%,P=0.000).The prevalence rate of sleep disorders among males was higher than females (OR:1.01,95%CI:1.05-1.13).In all age groups, the prevalence rates of sleep disorders increased with age, including infancy or early childhood group(33.3%),pre-school group(38.9%), school-age group(43.7%). The prevalence rate in South China (30.4%, 95%CI: 23.9–36.8%) was the lowest, and the highest prevalence rate was in West China (47.4 %,95%CI:35.9–58.9%), which than any other region in China. The point estimate for sleep disorders prevalence obtained using the CSHQ criterion was higher than other criteria.Meta-regression indicated that age group could influence prevalence estimation (P = 0.011).Conclusions: Over the past two decades, the prevalence rate of sleep disorders among children in mainland China has increased, significantly affecting two-fifth of the school-age children. The prevalence rate of sleep disorders in west China was significantly higher than in any other area. There is still a lack of guidelines on children's sleep disorders in mainland China, so future research should pay special attention to the sleep disorders of school-age children and children in economically backward areas.
A Comparative Study on the Influence of Banana and Coconut Fibre on Stabilized Soil Blocks
Authors: Thanushan Kirupairaja , Navaratnarajah Sathiparan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Agricultural waste disposal is among the environmental concerns in many countries. Finding economical uses for this waste by incorporating it in a product is the approach often used to overcome the environmental issue. Banana fibre and coconut coir are major agricultural waste products in Sri Lanka and fewer amounts of these are converted into usable products. Manufacturing cement-stabilized soil blocks incorporating these waste materials can reduce the environmental impact. The present research studied the post-peak behavior and durability of banana fibre and coconut coir-strengthened cement-stabilized soil blocks. Banana fibre-reinforced and coconut coir-reinforced blocks were tested for compression, flexural bending, water absorption, sorptivity and resistance against chemicals, wet-dry weathering and freeze-thaw weathering. The banana fibre showed better post-peak behavior in compression and coconut coir showed better post-peak behavior in flexural. Both fibre reinforcements improved the block’s durability against the acid attack, alkaline attack, wet-dry weathering and freeze-thaw weathering. Moreover, the specimen reinforced with coconut fibres was found to exhibit better durability compared to the specimen reinforced with banana fibres.
Challenging the Results and Consequences of Cancer Screening Programs.
Authors: Porzsolt Franz , Kaplan Robert M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Cancer screening tests have been used in clinical routine for more than half a century, without consensus as to their value. Method. We offer a method to quantify two components of screening programs relevant to their interpretation: the self-selection of participants and the effect of screening on reduction of mortality. Self-selection occurs because patients with a favorable prognosis are more health-conscious and accept screening more often than participants with poor prognosis. Separate quantification of these two components might allow estimates of the effects of screening independent of the effect of self-selection. Result. Using the example of a single prostate screening study, our analysis shows that most of the apparent beneficial effects of screening can be explained by self-selection. We also describe how the Informed Consent process can influence outcomes. Solution. Using similar methods, other published studies can be interpreted in the light of self-selection bias. To avoid these biases, we suggest application of the Pragmatic Controlled Trial design that yields estimates of Real-World Effectiveness as an alternative to Randomized Controlled Trials.
Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Mortality From Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Wuhan, China: a Population-based Time-series Study
Authors: Yan Yaqiong , She Lu , Guo Yan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Pei , Xiang Bing , Zeng Jing , Yang Mei , Wang Liang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have mainly focused on the associations between air pollution and total respiratory disease mortality. However, evidence on the short-term effects of air pollution on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality is still not conclusive to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of ambient air pollution on COPD mortality in Wuhan China.Methods: Daily death numbers, concentrations of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3) and meteorological characteristics in Wuhan between January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 were collected. Time-series analysis using generalized additive model was applied to evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and daily COPD mortality. Subgroup analysis by age (<65 and ≥65 year) and sex (male and female) were also conducted. Results: During the study period, we observed a total of 16150 deaths(7.37 deaths per day) from COPD. The daily average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3 were 59.03, 90.48, 12.91, 48.84 and 91.77 µg/m3, respectively. In single pollutant model, for every increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM10, SO2, NO2 levels, COPD mortality increased by 0.581%(95CI:0.054%-1.111%), 4.316%(95CI:1.002%-7.738%) and 1.815%(95CI:0.523%-3.125%) at lag03, respectively. No significant associations were found for PM2.5 and O3. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that females were more susceptible to PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2, in addition the concentrations of PM10, SO2 and NO2 were significantly associated with COPD mortality for older adults. In two-pollutant models, the significantly positive associations between SO2 as well as NO2 and COPD mortality remained after adjusting for PM2.5 or O3.Conclusions: Short-term exposure to PM10, SO2, and NO2 are significantly associated with a higher risk of COPD mortality. Female or elderly are more susceptible to air pollution. Further research is required to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The implementation of the environmental protection policy has become urgent.
Role of favipiravir in the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe COVID2 19: a single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study from Hungary&nbsp;
Authors: SZABO Balint Gergely , LENART Katalin Szidonia , PETRIK Borisz , GASPAR Zsofia , BALOGH Zsofia , BANYAI Zsuzsanna , BANYASZ Emese , BUDAI Jozsef , CZEL Eszter , FRIED Katalin , HANUSKA Adrienn , KISS-DALA Noemi , LORINCZI Csaba , NEMESI Krisztina , KADAR Janos , NAGY Eva Livia , OSVALD Akos , PETROVICZ Edina , RICZU Alexandra , SZANKA Judit , SZATHMARY Beata , SZOMBATI Andrea , TOTH Szilvia , VARNAI Zsuzsanna , WOLLER Orsolya , SZLAVIK Janos , LAKATOS Botond 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Preliminary data suggests that favipiravir might have a role in COVID-19 treatment. Our aim was to assess the role of favipiravir in the treatment of COVID-19.Methods: A single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study was performed among consecutive adults hospitalized with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between March–July,2020. Patients were screened for inclusion by a priori criteria, and were included in the favipiravir cohort if SOC+FVP, or the non-favipiravir group if SOC±other antiviral medications without FVP were administered for >48 hours. Treatment allocation was done per national guidelines. For COVID-19 diagnosis and severity, ECDC and WHO definitions were utilized, and daily per protocol hospital follow-up was done. Primary composite end-point was disease progression (14-day all-cause death, need for mechanical ventilation, or immunomodulatory therapy). For statistical comparison, Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used.Results: In all, 75 patients were included per cohort. In the FVP cohort, chronic heart disease (36/75, 48.0% vs. 16/75, 21.3%, p<0.01) and diabetes mellitus (23/75, 30.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p<0.01) were more prevalent, hospital LOS (18.5±15.5 days vs. 13.0±8.5 days, p<0.01) was higher. Disease progression (17/75, 22.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.13), 14-day all-cause death (9/75, 12.0% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.8) and need for mechanical ventillation (8/75, 10.7% vs. 4/75, 5.3%, p=0.22) were similar between groups. Immunomodulatory therapies were administered frequently among patients receiving FVP (10/75, 13.3% vs. 1/75, 1.3%, p<0.01). Conclusions: In this study, favipiravir did not seem to affect disease progression. Further data are needed to position this drug among the anti-SARS-CoV-2 armamentarium.
Post-irradiation Hyperamylasemia Is a Prognostic Marker for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Outcomes in Pediatric Population: a Retrospective Single-centre Cohort Analysis.
Authors: Baldo Francesco , Simeone Roberto , Marcuzzi Annalisa , Vidimari Rossella , Ciriello Francesca , Zanon Davide , Maestro Alessandra , Barbi Egidio , Maximova Natalia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a mandatory step for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the past, amylases have been reported to be a possible sign of TBI toxicity. We investigated the relationship between total amylases (TA) and transplant-related outcomes in pediatric recipients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all the patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT between January 2000 and November 2019. Inclusion criteria were the following: recipient’s between 2 and 18, diagnosis of ALL, no previous transplantation, and use of TBI-based conditioning. Serum total amylase and pancreatic amylase were evaluated before, during and after transplantation. Cytokines and chemokines assays were retrospectively performed. Results: 78 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 57 patients were treated with fractionated TBI and 21 with a single dose regimen. Overall survival (OS) was 62.8%. Elevated values of TA were detected in 71 patients (91%). TA were excellent in predicting the OS (AUC = 0.773; 95% CI = 0.66-0.86; P < 0.001). TA values below 374 U/L were correlated with a higher OS. The highest mean TA values (673 U/L) were associated with a high disease-progression mortality rate. TA showed high predictive performance for disease progression-related death (AUC = 0.865; 95% CI = 0.77 – 0.93; P < 0.0001). Elevated TA values were also connected with significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and RANTES (P < 0.001).Conclusions: This study shows that TA is a valuable predictor of post-transplant OS and increased risk of leukemia relapse.
Prostate Cancer Specific Exosomal miRNAs in Saliva: a Way to a New and Dependable Screening Method
Authors: Lüdemann Christoph , Reinersmann Jan-Ludwig , Klinger Claudia , Degener Stephan , Dreger Nici Marcus , Roth Stephan , Kaufmann Michael , Savelsbergh Andreas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Today, prostate cancer (PCa) is by far the most common cancer type among men. Diagnostic tests for PCa usually involve blood level testing of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and transrectal, ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostatic gland. Both diagnostic tools are unsatisfying in terms of low specificity and poor sensitivity. A general characterization of prostate cancer is difficult since the course of the disease varies individually from latent slow growing to aggressive and rapidly lethal tumors. However, no matter the severity of the disease, a possibility to increase the prognostic chances is the early detection. Regular cancer screening can be an appropriate concept if the tools are right. So far, PSA reaches its limits when it comes to an accurate distinction between cancerous glands and benign processes. miRNAs offer hope to overcome these drawbacks by virtue of their cancer-specific expression. Circulating miRNAs are an active area of current investigation and hold promise to serve a wide range of clinical applications and unwrap a new era in cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. miRNAs have proven their diagnostic potential of becoming a biomolecule of clinical relevance in a variety of human body fluid like blood/serum, urine, and saliva.Methods: We measured expression levels of 16 circulating prostate cancer specific miRNAs in saliva exosomes via qRT-PCR and compared differences between men suffering from prostate cancer and men suffering from other diseases of the urogenital tract, which formed the no-cancer control group. Differentiation strength of significant sequences was determined via ROC curve analysis. Results: hsa-mir-331 and hsa-mir-200b were significantly reduced in patients suffering from prostate cancer compared to the no-caner control group. Diagnostic quality of determined cut off values showed moderate differentiation strength with dependable diagnostic properties. The other 14 examined prostate cancer specific microRNAs showed no significant group differences. Conclusions: hsa-mir-331 and hsa-mir-200b are promising biomarkers for a reliable non-invasive and saliva-based test method in prostate cancer diagnostics. In a synopsis of the results in other studies and against the background of the chastening results of the other miRNAs analyzed, this is exciting news.
Effects of Different Types of Incubators on Embryo Development and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Liu Ji , Zhou Yan-Hua , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Tong Ling-Xi , Li Yan-Hong , Liu Ling , Xu Zhi-Yan , Wang Hong-Hui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Different types of incubators have been designed for gamete and embryo culture in the past few years. The main differences of these incubators are humidity, temperature and gas control system, which play important roles in regulating the steady state of culture media. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of different types of incubators (air jacket incubators and water jacket incubators) on embryo development and clinical outcomes in human in vitro fertilization (IVF).Methods: First, the physical performances of different incubators were tested by mimicking routine IVF procedures. After that, in a randomized controlled trial, 1013 cumulus oocyte complexes from 43 patients were equally divided into two groups, fertilized and cultured in two types of incubators to analyze the effects of different types of incubators on embryo development and clinical outcomes. Results: We found that temperature recovery time in the air jacket incubator was significantly shorter than that in water jacket incubator. Although the O2 recovering time was also significantly shorter in the air jacket incubator as compared with the water jacket incubator, no significant differences were observed in the CO2 recovering time between two groups, which was also verified by pH recovering time of culture media. Besides, the temperature of culture medium in the dish covered with oil recovered more quickly in the air jacket incubators than that in water jacket incubators. However, there were no significant differences observed in the fertilization rate, Day 3 high-quality embryo formation rate, blastocyst formation rate, good blastocyst rate and clinical outcomes between two groups.Conclusions: These results indicate that the microenvironment, especially the temperature, in air jacket incubator recover faster than that in conventional water jacket incubator, however, there were no significant differences in embryo development and clinical outcomes between two types of incubators.