bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Diagnostic Efficacy of MRI Dedicated-Epilepsy Protocol in Evaluation of Seizures
Authors: Saad Rawa , Baddour Fawaz , Saeed Hala 
Published: September 2020

Aims: The aims of this study were to identify the diagnostic efficacy of dedicated epilepsy protocol in detecting possible structural abnormalities that underlie seizure disorders, and compare the diagnostic yields of MRI and electroencephalogram individually and in combination.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional analytic study.
Place and Duration of Study: Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology Department at Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria; between July 2019 and July 2020.
Methodology: Our study included 100 cases (58 females, 41 males, age range 13-77 years) who presented with seizure over 18 months. Patients underwent complete neurological examination, EEG, and MRI with a standard and dedicated epilepsy protocol.
Results: We found epileptogenic lesions in MRI in 55.5%. MRI detected epileptogenic lesions in 74.5% patients who had focal onset seizures. Mesial temporal lobe sclerosis was the most common epileptogenic lesion (45.5%). The diagnostic efficacy of MRI had increased with dedicated epilepsy protocol compared to standard protocol. Abnormal MRI and EEG were compatible in 21%.
Conclusion: Dedicated epilepsy protocol increased the diagnostic efficacy of brain MRI in detecting a structural epileptogenic lesion, with 100% of mesial temporal sclerosis, the most common lesion in our study, was detected only in dedicated epilepsy protocol and missed in standard protocol.
Evaluation of Pre Released Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Different Sowing Dates in Rainy Season
Authors: Anil D. , Siddi Sreedhar 
Published: September 2020

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the pre released rice genotypes under different sowing windows on clay soils of agricultural research station, Kunaram, Telangana state, India during two consecutive rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019.The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of three sowing dates i.e. 20thJune, 5thJuly and 20thJuly in horizontal factor and four genotypes i.e. KNM 733, RNR 15048, KNM 1638 and KNM 118 in vertical factor. The pooled data results indicated that, among the genotypes the genotype KNM 1638 sown on 5th July recorded maximum growth parameters and highest grain yield (7455 kg ha-1) and followed by sown on 20th June. In respect of economics of treatment combinations, the highest net returns (Rs.75,326 ha-1), gross returns (Rs.1,35,326 ha-1) and B:C (2.26) ratio were obtained when rice crop was sown during 5th July with the genotype KNM1638 and followed by sown on 20th June with the genotype KNM 1638.
Hematological Changes in HCV Patients Treated with Different Sofosbuvir-Based Regimens
Authors: Khalek Ahmed Abdel , El-Deib Abdel Raouf , Tawfik Gamal , Soliman Nashaat , Mosaad Mohamed 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Treatment of HCV with direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) with the different regimen dramatically changed the outcomes of the disease beside its eradication. In the same time hematological concerns as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia were a major factor before initiation, or during treatment with the antiviral drugs.
Aim: To demonstrate hematological changes during and after treatment with different regimen of DAAs.
Methods: Follow up the hematological changes before, during and after treatment for 100 patients with chronic HCV treated with five different sofosbuvir-based regimen; using interferon, ribavirin, simeprevir and daclatasvir.
Results: There are no similar linear changes regarding anemia, leucopenia or thrombocytopenia, however, combination therapy using sofosbuvir with simeprevir or daclatasvir significantly increase platelets count, WBCs, and hemoglobin level during and after end of treatment, versus regimens uses sofosbuvir with ribavirin and or interferon that showed significantly decreased hematological values during and after treatment.
Conclusion: Sofosbuvir-based regimen has favorable hematological changes in patients with chronic HCV infection during and after treatments especially with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir.
Effect of ventilated workwear and working schedule on physiological and psychological responses of construction workers, no. 2: Actual investigation at an active construction site
Authors: Kuwabara Kouhei , Yamazaki Keita , Suga Shigeo , Kobayashi Koichiro , Hamada Yasuhiro , Takahashi Nao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlthough the use of cooling garments to prevent heat disorders has been increasing, the effectiveness of such garments at construction sites (CSs) remains underexplored. We investigated the relationship between the thermal environment at a CS and the physiological and psychological responses of workers wearing/not wearing ventilated work wear (VWW). The study participants were rebar placers and form workers employed at an outdoor CS. The thermal environmental conditions and the physiological and psychological responses of the workers were measured. The overall, chest, and forearm skin temperatures of the workers not wearing VWW were significantly higher than those of workers wearing VWW. To clarify the effects of VWW and working schedules on body weight loss (BWL), the BWL rate was simulated based on the evaporation rate according to a regression formula of measured data in an artificial chamber. The BWL during the late shift was higher than that in the early shift, causing dehydration in the afternoon. To prevent this condition, more water intake is required during the late shift.
Flexible and Stretchable Microbatteries for Wearable Technologies
Authors: Nasreldin Mohamed , de Mulatier Séverine , Delattre Roger , Ramuz Marc , Djenizian Thierry 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSoft microbatteries should rapidly emerge on the world market owing to the spectacular rise of wearable technologies that are needed to be powered. The field of applications is actually very large as the main sectors that will be impacted include Internet‐of‐things, printed electronics, e‐textile, medical devices, smart cards,… These specific micropower sources have to show high electrochemical performance and sustain various mechanical strains. They also have to fulfill harsh criteria in terms of size and fabrication processes to ensure their integration in functional devices. In this report, achievements on structural design, fabrication strategies, and performances of flexible and stretchable microbatteries are reviewed. The different strategies proposed to improve electrochemical and mechanical properties: creation of new designs, investigation of alternative microstructuring techniques, involvement of new nanomaterials, etc., are highlighted. The future prospects of these recent technologies are also discussed.
Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing of 1D Photonic Crystals: Part II—Optical Design and Reflectance Characteristics
Authors: Iezzi Brian , Afkhami Zahra , Sanvordenker Shea , Hoelzle David , Barton Kira , Shtein Max 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAdditive manufacturing systems that can arbitrarily deposit multiple materials into precise, 3D spaces spanning the micro‐ to nanoscale are enabling novel structures with useful thermal, electrical, and optical properties. In this companion paper set, electrohydrodynamic jet (e‐jet) printing is investigated for its ability in depositing multimaterial, multilayer films with microscale spatial resolution and nanoscale thickness control, with a demonstration of this capability in creating 1D photonic crystals (1DPCs) with response near the visible regime. Transfer matrix simulations are used to evaluate different material classes for use in a printed 1DPC, and commercially available photopolymers with varying refractive indices (n = 1.35 to 1.70) are selected based on their relative high index contrast and fast curing times. E‐jet printing is then used to experimentally demonstrate pixelated 1DPCs with individual layer thicknesses between 80 and 200 nm, square pixels smaller than 40 µm across, with surface roughness less than 20 nm. The reflectance characteristics of the printed 1DPCs are measured using spatially selective microspectroscopy and correlated to the transfer matrix simulations. These results are an important step toward enabling cost‐effective, custom‐fabrication of advanced imaging devices or photonic crystal sensing platforms.
Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Vicente‐Ruiz Sonia , Serrano‐Martí Antoni , Armiñán Ana , Vicent María J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCurrent prostate cancer (PCa) treatment options include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, a lack of targeting and overall efficiency has failed to improve survival rates or reduce unwanted side‐effects in advanced stage PCa patients. The modification of existing therapeutics, including their reformulation as nanomedicines, can increase stability in plasma, enhance tumor targeting, and improve pharmacokinetics to foster improvements in patient outcomes. This review now describes those nanomedicinal approaches to advanced PCa treatment under evaluation in both preclinical and clinical studies. Despite the current advantages provided by nanomedicine in PCa treatment, there exists the opportunity to improve the design of novel therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this review also highlights the importance of identifying novel functional biomarkers to stratify patients and guide nanomedicinal design. Finally, the authors describe strategies employed to enhance the passive accumulation of nanomedicines in tumors and discuss the enormous potential of combination therapies that target tumor cells and the all‐important tumor microenvironment to reduce tumor growth and overcome therapeutic resistance.
Tunable Cationic Vacancies of Cobalt Oxides for Efficient Electrocatalysis in Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Zhao Lanling , Xu Haoran , Huang Qishun , Wang Yueqing , Hou Chuanxin , Hou Yuyang , Wang Jun , Dang Feng , Zhang Jintao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVacancy engineering is one of the most effective strategies to introduce defects for improving electrocatalytic activities of cobalt oxides. Recent intensive research has been conducted to introduce oxygen vacancies for boosting Li–O2 battery performance. However, it is difficult to examine the efficiency of cationic vacancies due to their complicated preparation. Herein, a feasible method is demonstrated to introduce cationic vacancies into cobalt oxides via the thermal treatment of glycerolatocobalt (GlyCo) nanostructure. The formation of GlyCo composed of the repeating CoOCoO units provides the possibility to regulate the ratio between cobalt and oxygen, thus cobalt vacancies in cobalt oxides can be easily created by the thermal treatment. The presence of cobalt vacancies enables the regulation of electronic structure and charge‐transport properties of cobalt oxides with abundant defects on the basis of the experimental results and theoretical calculations, thus improving electrocatalytic activities. Therefore, the Li–O2 battery delivers superior electrochemical performance with large specific capacities of 13 331/12 040 mAh g−1, low overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction/oxygen reduction reaction of 1.15/0.23 V and good cycling stability. This work provides a favorable method to create metal vacancies for improving catalytic efficiency of advanced energy materials.
Comparison of different selection methods in the seedling stage of sugarcane breeding
Authors: Cursi Danilo Eduardo , Cox Mike C. , de Oliveira Anoni Carina , Hoffmann Hermann Paulo , Gazaffi Rodrigo , Garcia Antonio Augusto Franco 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFamily selection is an important procedure to be considered in the early stage of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeding. Different approaches are available, but few comparative studies are performed in practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential genetic gain when different selection strategies at early sugarcane breeding stages are considered. Two experiments involving the first and second selection stages of the Sugarcane Breeding Program of RIDESA/UFSCar were performed. In the first stage, three selection methods based on the concept of selection between and within families were applied to predict the highest genetic gain, that is, BLUPi: simultaneously contemplates family and individual information for selection; BLUPis: promotes the dynamic allocation of individuals to be selected in each family; BLUPAUS: identifies high potential families and establishes differentiated selection intensities; additionally, mass and random selection methods were also performed. In the second stage, the selected clones were evaluated to compare the realized genetic gain. In the first stage, BLUPAUS had the highest predicted gain from selection (PGS; 12.7%) in tonnes of Pol per hectare (TPH). The BLUPis was highly correlated with BLUPAUS and was efficient. Moreover, BLUPi proved to be economically impracticable since phenotypic evaluations must be performed at the individual level. Family selection via BLUPAUS was equivalent to mass selection probably due to the low coefficient of genetic variation (CVg ≤ 15) among the families. However, the family selection strategy provides extra information for breeders that cannot be ignored; the possibility of studying the combining ability of genotypes for identifying promising parents for future cross combinations.
Increasing wheat yield for smallholder farmers with technology transfer
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Chen Yongliang , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Hongyan , Cui Zhenling 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIncreasing crop yield for 100 million smallholder farmers in China presents a great challenge, although opportunities exist to increase yields based on field observations. We hypothesized that efforts to improve technology transfer to smallholder farmers could increase both yield and N‐use efficiency for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in Quzhou county, China. Among 1,042 farmers surveyed in 2010−2013, average wheat yield was 7.1 Mg ha−1, but yield varied widely depending on management practices (e.g., tillage, variety, sowing date, sowing rate, fertilization) and farm characteristics (e.g., population, labor, land size). On‐farm trials confirmed that adoption of recommended management approaches, and fertilizer rates could increase yield by 7.1−19.7%. We recommended a technology package consisting of wheat varieties, sowing dates and rates, and fertilizer formulations. Local farmers were classified into three groups: those who used local farming practices (FP), received training two times per year (TP), and received training, field guidance, and help purchasing fertilizers and seeds (OTP). In 2010−2013, wheat yield in TP and OTP increased by 4.4 and 20.6% respectively, relative to FP, thereby increasing N‐use efficiency by 10.7% and improving economic profits by 20.6% relative to FP. The adoption rate of the recommended practices by OTP farmers was 83.0%, compared with 64.3 and 55.5% for TP and FP farmers, respectively. In conclusion, continuous increases in wheat yield could be achieved by optimizing local technologies and improving technology transfer for smallholder agricultural production in China.
Urban consumer preferences for nutrient fortified snacks in Zambia
Authors: Streletskaya Nadia A. , Bell Samuel D. , Kuo Grace , Kasoma Emily Heneghan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper uses a choice experiment with 661 respondents in two large cities in Zambia to evaluate urban consumers’ preferences for nutrient‐fortified wheat cookies. Our results indicate that both nutrient fortification and marketing messaging tied to taste, health and energy are important attributes for discretionary food selection among urban consumers in Zambia. Using a latent class model, we identify two types of consumers: price sensitive consumers strongly interested in nutrient fortification, who respond to different types of marketing messages and are unlikely to select the opt out option; and a smaller (24%) proportion of consumers who would rather not buy cookies at all, but exhibit strong demand for nutrient fortification, and are to some extent influenced by marketing messages that highlight the taste characteristics of the product. This suggests that while demand for fortified discretionary items is high among a significant proportion of the population promoting such foods on their health or energy characteristics might be counterproductive to some consumers, potentially due to health fortification stigma previously identified in the field. Taste messaging is identified as the most effective marketing appeal across our participants.
Association of TGFβ1 codon 10 (T>C) and IL‐10 (G>C) cytokine gene polymorphisms with longevity in a cohort of Italian population
Authors: Ruberto Stefano , Santovito Alfredo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLongevity is a complex process controlled by both environmental and genetic factors. We evaluated the association of four cytokine gene polymorphisms with longevity in an Italian cohort. A sample of 1019 subjects aged 10 to 100 and belonging to the North‐Italian population was genotyped for IL‐6 (G>C, rs1800796), IL‐10‐1082 (G>A, rs1800896), TNF‐α‐308 (G>A, rs1800629), and TGFβ1 codon 10 (T>C, rs1800471) gene polymorphisms. The association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and longevity was evaluated by dividing the sample into four age groups: 10 to 24, 25 to 49, 50 to 85, and 86 to 100. We observed a significant decrease in the frequency of IL‐10 A allele in the 25 to 49 (P = 1.1 × 10−3), 50 to 85 (P < 1 × 10−4), and 86 to 100 (P = 2 × 10−3) age groups compared to that in the youngest age group. Similarly, we found a significant decrease (P < 1 × 10−4) in the frequency of TGFβ1 C allele in the 50 to 85 and 86 to 100 age groups compared to that in the 10 to 24 and 25 to 49 age groups. Previously, high levels of TGFβ1 were detected in elderly subjects, suggesting that this cytokine could counterbalance the harmful effects of inflammation. Similarly, IL‐10 has strong anti‐inflammatory properties and can inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In the literature, the lowest levels of functional cytokines were found to be associated with TGFβ1 (T>C) and IL‐10 (G>A) gene polymorphisms, with consequent increase in the duration of inflammation and cancer risk. For these reasons, it is plausible to observe low rates of these mutations in elderly subjects, as found in our study.
Protein elongation variant of PUF60: Milder phenotypic end of the Verheij syndrome
Authors: Yamada Mamiko , Uehara Tomoko , Suzuki Hisato , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe PUF60 gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed essential splicing factor that is recruited to the U2snRNA complex. The complex binds to the 3′ splice site of exons in specific target genes and regulates the inclusion or exclusion of such exons. Recently, pathogenic variants of PUF60 have been shown to cause a relatively specific and potentially recognizable pattern of malformation referred to as Verheij syndrome. Here, we report a 12‐year‐old female patient with a de novo mutation in PUF60 whose phenotype was representative of the milder end of the phenotypic spectrum of Verheij syndrome; the de novo mutation was a frameshift mutation p.(Ser558Cysfs*21) that resulted in the addition of 21 extra amino acids at the carboxy end of the protein. Among the frequent features of Verheij syndrome, the patient exhibited coloboma, cervical spinal segmentation defects, and borderline intellectual functioning, but lacked cardiac abnormalities, deafness, and urogenital abnormalities. The results of RNA analysis using peripheral blood showed the escape of the mutant allele from nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay, possibly accounting for the mild phenotype in the presently reported patient. Based on our clinical observations, we inferred that two embryologic processes, closure of the ocular plate and cervical spinal segmentation, are particularly susceptible to deficient PUF60‐mediated splicing regulation, compared with other embryogenetic processes leading to the central nervous system, heart, ear, and kidney.
Growth charts for individuals with Coffin‐Siris syndrome
Authors: McCague Emily A. , Lamichhane Rajan , Holt Nicole , Schrier Vergano Samantha A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCoffin‐Siris syndrome (CSS; OMIM #135900) is a rare, multisystem syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding the BRG‐1 associated factors complex (BAF). Individuals with CSS often present with feeding difficulties and failure to thrive during infancy, in addition to a number of variable congenital anomalies. Nutritional interventions are used to support growth in this population, and growth hormone therapy has been reported in a limited number of cases. The purpose of this study was to construct CSS‐specific growth charts to better characterize the growth in this population. Anthropometric data were collected from 99 individuals enrolled in the CSS/BAF pathway international registry via a retrospective chart review. All measurements obtained after the first exposure to growth hormone therapy were excluded from this analysis. Sex‐specific centiles (5th, 50th, and 95th) were estimated for height, weight, and head circumference from birth to age 10. Cubic smoothing splines were then fit to the centile estimates and superimposed on normative male and female growth curves for comparison. The CSS patients in this cohort exhibited normal growth parameters at birth. By age 10, the weight and head circumference of the CSS cohort began to approach normal parameters. Stature, however, remained shortened at 10 years of age.
Rescue of autoimmune hepatitis by soluble MHC class II molecules in an altered concanavalin A‐induced experimental model
Authors: Bakela Katerina , Dimitraki Maria Georgia , Skoufa Evangelia , Athanassakis Irene 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSoluble major histocompatibility complex class II (sMHCII) molecules have been described to maintain tolerance through the suppression of autoreactive T lymphocytes. In order to evaluate their ability to rescue autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) symptoms, the present work attempted to administer sMHCII molecules to an in vitro as well as in vivo concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced AIH model.MethodsThe in vitro AIH model consisted of splenocyte stimulation with ConA in the presence or absence of serum‐isolated sMHCII molecules. An in vivo ConA‐modified model with or without sMHCII treatment was developed. The cytokine profile in culture supernatants and serum was tested by ELISA. Cell markers were evaluated by immunofluorescence, while cell proliferation by tritiated thymidine uptake. AIH symptoms were assessed by daily observations for the establishment of a disease severity scoring system and liver histology was evaluated using a biomolecular imager.ResultsThe presence of sMHCII molecules in the ConA‐stimulated cell cultures leads to a significant reduction of cell proliferation. The administration of sMHCII molecules to the ConA‐treated animals showed a significant reduction in the levels of IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10, as well as a decrease in the number of spleen CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Upon development of a scoring system, it was shown that the sMHCII treatment was accompanied by a slower progression of the disease, while rescuing fibrotic liver morphology.ConclusionThe results presented in this study confirm the ability of sMHCII proteins to alleviate autoimmune hepatitis, possibly highlighting new therapeutic approaches for autoimmune diseases.