bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma microRNA detection standardization test
Authors: Feng Xiaomin , Liu Yuwei , Wan Nan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be used for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction. However, due to a lack of standardized operating procedures, their value for clinical application is low.MethodsDetection of plasma miRNAs was optimized by analyzing factors influencing miRNA variance and myocardial infarction risk scores during analysis (extraction, reverse transcription, and real‐time PCR) and pre‐analysis (dietary status, anticoagulants, storage conditions, and hemolysis).ResultsRegarding variable factors during analysis, the centrifugal column method was superior to Trizol LS reagent when extracting miRNA from plasma. Recovery rate was highest with plasma volumes of 200 and 300 µL. During analysis, the main source of miRNA detection inaccuracy was derived from RNA extraction (mainly organic extraction), and not reverse transcription or PCR. MiRNA variance could be reduced by use of an internal reference. During analysis, 95% of risk score variation fluctuated within a range of 6.267. The variable factors pre‐analysis mainly involved dietary status, anticoagulant selection, and storage conditions. Hemolysis positively correlated with miRNA levels, but there was no significant change in risk score after internal reference calibration.ConclusionPreliminary standardization for miRNA detection provides a reference for clinical blood testing of miRNAs.
Fungal mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of antibacterial activity
Authors: Feroze Nosheen , Arshad Bushra , Younas Muhammad , Afridi Muhammad Irfan , Saqib Saddam , Ayaz Asma 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNanoparticles as biomedicine has made a crucial role in health biotechnology. Different transition metals in various forms playing role in nanotechnological advances and biological applications. Silver as one of the nontoxic, safe inorganic antibacterial agents and can serve as replacement of antibiotics. Present research is based on biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) as potential antibiotics from fungal metabolites of Penicillium oxalicum. We used different analytical techniques X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for characterization of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was checked against Staphylococcus aureus, S. dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi by using well diffusion method and UV visible spectrophotometer. Maximum zone of inhibition recorded against S. aureus, Shigella dysenteriae was 17.5 ± 0.5 mm (mm) for both species and 18.3 ± 0.60 mm for Salmonella typhi. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles of P. oxalicum showed excellent antibacterial activity. It was concluded from our results that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have significant potential and might be useful for a wide range of biological applications such as bactericidal agent against resistant bacteria, preventing infections, healing wounds, and anti‐inflammation.
Effect of Bacillus tequilensis SALBT crude extract with pectinase activity on demucilation of coffee beans and juice clarification
Authors: Koshy Mittu , De Salamun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPectinases are a group of enzymes, which catalyze the breakdown of pectin with numerous applications in various industries. Microbes are the predominant pectinase producers. In the present study, bacterial species were isolated from the soil of a vegetable and fruit dump yard area in a market. The species screened and isolated were identified as Bacillus tequilensis SALBT, and the media and culture conditions were optimized for enhanced production of total pectinases. Maximum pectinolytic activity was observed with 1.5% (w/v) pectin concentration with a combination of yeast extract as nitrogen source and MgSO4 as a metal ion source. Carbon/nitrogen in 2:1 ratio (w/v) yielded the maximum pectinase production with pH and temperature of the medium of 7.5°C and 40°C, respectively. Pectinase activity was determined by the dinitrosalicylic acid method. The pectinase production was relatively stable in the presence of various surfactants like Tween (20, 40, 60, and 80) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), whereas Triton X‐100 showed an inhibitory effect. Mass production of the enzyme in optimized media and partial purification was performed by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis. The approximate molecular weight of the partially purified pectinase was found to be 35 kDa by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Application studies such as demucilaging coffee beans and juice clarification were also performed. The findings revealed that B. tequilensis SALBT with pectinase activity has the ability to remove the mucilage layer of pulped coffee seeds, and the partially purified pectinases found to be effective in clarifying juice.
Plant–microbe–soil fertility interaction impacts performance of a Bacillus‐containing bioproduct on bell pepper
Authors: Huang Ping , Xu Jia , Kloepper Joseph W. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLimited information is available on the performance of plant growth‐promoting inoculants or bioproducts under different soil nutritional or fertility conditions. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercially available Bacillus‐containing bioproduct, Microlife Abundance, at concentrations of 5.5 and 6.5 log cfu/ml on early growth, fertilizer use–efficiency, and fruit yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under two different soil fertility conditions (25% and 100% recommended N rates). Two pot experiments were conducted with bell pepper: (a) a 4‐week‐long early growth test with inoculant treatments applied once at transplanting; and (b) a 13‐week‐long yield test with inoculant treatments applied at transplanting and again at first blossom‐set. Results from the early growth test indicated that at both N fertilization levels, applying Abundance once at transplanting at 6.5 log cfu/ml rather than 5.5 log cfu/ml significantly increased root dry weight, total root length, root volume, root surface area, and total length of very fine roots compared with the noninoculated control by 20%, 13%, 17%, 15%, and 12%, respectively. In contrast to the early growth, results from the yield test showed that only at the 100% recommended N rate, applying Abundance twice at both concentrations significantly enhanced N fertilizer use–efficiency and marketable yield of bell pepper over the noninoculated control by 34% (5.5 log cfu/ml) and 30% (6.5 log cfu/ml). Therefore, the efficacy of the Bacillus‐containing bioproduct Abundance in enhancing fertilizer use–efficiency and marketable yield of bell pepper varied between soil nutritional conditions, but the early growth promotion effect of Abundance did not. Our results also demonstrate that selected microbial‐based bioproducts, like Abundance, can be compatible with chemical fertilizers to enhance fertilizer use–efficiency and crop yields, but cannot be used as complete substitutes for chemical fertilizers.
Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Tool in the Assessment of Lisfranc Joint Injuries
Authors: DeLuca Meridith K. , Walrod Bryant , Boucher Laura C. 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesLigamentous Lisfranc injuries are frequently overlooked because of subtle clinical presentations and diagnostic difficulties. The dorsal Lisfranc ligament (DLL) is easily visualized with ultrasound (US), which can provide quick, cost‐effective diagnoses of disorders but is not considered standard clinical practice. This study sought to compare DLL measurement accuracy between US and cadaveric dissection.MethodsUltrasound images of 22 embalmed cadaveric feet were obtained with an M‐Turbo US machine and a 6–13‐MHz linear array (FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc, Bothell, WA). Images were measured in the US unit and again with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). Specimens were dissected, and DLL morphologic characteristics were recorded.ResultsTwenty‐two specimens were scanned, however 4 were excluded, leaving a sample of 11 male and 7 female cadaveric specimens (mean age ± SD, 80.3 ± 14.03 years). The DLL length differences between SonoSite (8.39 ± 1.27 mm) and ImageJ (8.25 ± 1.84 mm) were not significant (P > .05). Both US DLL measurements significantly differed from the gross dissection measurement (10.8 ± 1.85 mm; P < .001). The morphologic characteristics of the DLL at dissection were consistent. Overall, 70% to 80% of the ligament length was represented by US compared to dissection. The dorsal joint space did not differ significantly between SonoSite (2.19 ± 0.49 mm) and ImageJ (2.05 ± 0.52; P > .05). Both US measurements were also significantly larger than dissection measurements (1.04 ± 0.24; P < .001). Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated good reliability for the DLL length (0.835) and moderate reliability for the dorsal joint space (0.714).ConclusionsThe DLL is underrepresented but easily distinguished by US, demonstrating its utility in Lisfranc injury diagnosis. Thus, we propose a 4‐component assessment involving US, which may provide more rapid, cost‐effective diagnoses of subtle Lisfranc injuries.
Assessment of the Nasal Bone by 2‐Dimensional Ultrasound in 2 Different Planes: Do They Give the Same Results?
Authors: Kavak Salih Burcin , Kavak Ebru Celik 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesMeasurement of the nasal bone is an important part of the genetic sonogram. This study aimed to compare nasal bone length measurements taken in 2 different planes and to determine whether there is consistency between the measurements.MethodsThe nasal bone was measured in 103 fetuses whose mothers were admitted to our clinic for second‐trimester ultrasound examinations and who did not have any accompanying diseases. In this prospective study, the gestational ages of fetuses ranged from 19 to 23 weeks. Nasal bones were measured in both coronal and midsagittal planes, and the similarity between the measurements was evaluated. Pearson correlation, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used to evaluate the results.ResultsThe median nasal bone length increased with increasing gestational age in both planes, as expected. There were no statistically significant differences between the fetal nasal bone lengths taken in the midsagittal and coronal planes at 19 to 23 weeks’ gestation (P > .05).ConclusionsThe coronal plane may be used as an alternative to evaluate the nasal bone in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Three patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Genomic sequencing and kindred analysis
Authors: Wong Karen H.Y. , Levy‐Sakin Michal , Ma Walfred , Gonzaludo Nina , Mak Angel C.Y. , Vaka Dedeepya , Poon Annie , Chu Catherine , Lao Richard , Balamir Melek , Grenville Zoe , Wong Nicolas , Kane John P. , Kwok Pui‐Yan , Malloy Mary J. , Pullinger Clive R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundHomozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is an inherited recessive condition associated with extremely high levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in affected individuals. It is usually caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous functional mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR). A number of mutations causing FH have been reported in literature and such genetic heterogeneity presents great challenges for disease diagnosis.ObjectiveWe aim to determine the likely genetic defects responsible for three cases of pediatric HoFH in two kindreds.MethodsWe applied whole exome sequencing (WES) on the two probands to determine the likely functional variants among candidate FH genes. We additionally applied 10x Genomics (10xG) Linked‐Reads whole genome sequencing (WGS) on one of the kindreds to identify potentially deleterious structural variants (SVs) underlying HoFH. A PCR‐based screening assay was also established to detect the LDLR structural variant in a cohort of 641 patients with elevated LDL.ResultsIn the Caucasian kindred, the FH homozygosity can be attributed to two compound heterozygous LDLR damaging variants, an exon 12 p.G592E missense mutation and a novel 3kb exon 1 deletion. By analyzing the 10xG phased data, we ascertained that this deletion allele was most likely to have originated from a Russian ancestor. In the Mexican kindred, the strikingly elevated LDL cholesterol level can be attributed to a homozygous frameshift LDLR variant p.E113fs.ConclusionsWhile the application of WES can provide a cost‐effective way of identifying the genetic causes of FH, it often lacks sensitivity for detecting structural variants. Our finding of the LDLR exon 1 deletion highlights the broader utility of Linked‐Read WGS in detecting SVs in the clinical setting, especially when HoFH patients remain undiagnosed after WES.
Effects of Feeding Rates on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Body Composition of Juvenile, Genetically Improved, Farmed Nile Tilapia Reared in an In-Pond Raceway Recirculating Culture System
Authors: Wang Yuyu , Xu Pao , Nie Zhijuan , Li Quanjie , Shao Nailin , Gao Jiancao , Xu Gangchun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Fish culture using an in-pond raceway system (IPRS) is a new mode of freshwater aquaculture in China. This study was carried out to assess the effect of feeding rates on growth performance, serum parameters, digestive enzyme activity, and body composition of juvenile, genetically improved, farmed Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (GIFT) reared in an IPRS. Fish with an initial mean body weight of 6.25 g were fed twice daily at rates of 3, 4, or 5% body weight per day (BW/d) for 50 d. Results indicated that final fish body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate of GIFT improved with increasing feeding rates from 3% to 5%. Growth of GIFT fed 5% BW/d was significantly higher than for those fed 3% BW/d; however, there was no significant difference from that of fish fed at 4% BW/d. Serum parameters and digestive enzyme activities were not affected by feeding rates. Lipid content in muscle and whole body increased with increasing feeding rates, and fish fed 5% BW/d had higher values compared with those fed 3% BW/d. Based on growth and physiological and biochemical variables, it could be concluded that a feeding level of 5% BW/d is suitable for juvenile GIFT fed twice daily reared in an IPRS.
Ontogenetic and Temporal Diet Shifts of the Invasive Asian Swamp Eel in South Florida
Authors: Sakaris Peter C. , Galvez John , Callier Thomas P. , Brown Allan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The Asian Swamp Eel Monopterus albus is an introduced species in South Florida waters and is considered to be a potential threat to the native biota and ecosystems in the region. As a protogynous hermaphrodite that, under the right climatic conditions, can travel short distances over land and tolerate abrupt shifts in salinity, this species has strong invasive potential. In this study, our main goal was to evaluate the potential effects of the Asian Swamp Eel as a predator on native fishes and other biota. Our specific objectives were to (1) analyze the stomach contents of introduced Asian Swamp Eels from canals located near Everglades National Park and (2) assess the ontogenetic and temporal shifts in their consumption of prey. We dissected 752 Asian Swamp Eels (107–833 mm TL), and 46.4% (N = 349) of the samples had stomach contents for the analyses. The analyses indicated that amphipods, fishes, dragonfly nymphs, Hemiptera insects, and grass shrimp Palaemonetes were the most important prey items for Swamp Eels. Swamp Darters Etheostoma fusiforme, juvenile Asian Swamp Eels, and centrarchids were the most common fishes eaten by Swamp Eels. Ontogenetic shifts in diet were apparent, with amphipods and dipteran larvae most often observed in the stomachs of small- to medium-sized Swamp Eels and fish, dragonfly nymphs, and Hemiptera insects more commonly identified in the stomachs of larger eels. The Swamp Eels also became increasingly piscivorous with size. Dragonfly nymphs and grass shrimp occurred more frequently in the Swamp Eel diets in May 2010, while the consumption of fish and amphipods increased in October 2010. Fish were the most important prey item that was consumed during the November–December 2009 period, although other prey items were relatively important during that collection period. As an opportunistic predator that consumes a wide range of prey, the Asian Swamp Eel likely has its greatest effects on native biota and ecosystems as a predator and competitor with native fishes for resources.
Mediating effects of empathy on the association between nursing professional values and professional quality of life in Chinese female nurses: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Hui Zhaozhao , Dai Xiaoling , Wang Xiaoqin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThis study aimed to examine whether and to what extent, empathy mediates the association between nursing professional values and professional quality of life (ProQOL) in Chinese female nurses.DesignCross‐sectional study design.MethodsA convenience sample of 733 nurses from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, was recruited. Each participant was invited to complete a self‐administrated socio‐demographic questionnaire, the Nursing Professional Values Scale, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and the bootstrap method were employed to analyse data using SPSS 23.0 software.ResultsThe participants reported a medium level of ProQOL. Nursing professional values were positively associated with compassion satisfaction but negatively associated with burnout. Empathy mediated 9.2% and 57.1% of the total observed effect of nursing professional values on compassion satisfaction and burnout, respectively.
Multidisciplinary guidelines for initial evaluation of complicated lymphatic anomalies—expert opinion consensus
Authors: Iacobas Ionela , Adams Denise M. , Pimpalwar Sheena , Phung Thuy , Blei Francine , Burrows Patricia , Lopez‐Gutierrez Juan Carlos , Levine Michael A. , Trenor Cameron C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveComplicated lymphatic anomalies (CLAs) are chronic, progressive, and debilitating conditions that share clinical features, yet key elements for optimal evaluation and management have not been established. We aimed to formulate expert opinion consensus‐based guidelines for comprehensive evaluation of CLAs.Study DesignPatient support groups dedicated to CLAs organized an international conference for vascular anomaly experts from 16 specialties to address the objective. Participants received a set of questions before the meeting and reviewed the literature. Data extracted from international lymphatic anomaly registries were presented and the group separated for panel discussions during the conference. The recommendations achieving consensus within the panel were presented to the entire audience. Open debate occurred until majority approval was achieved.ResultsThe expert group was composed of 52 physicians who defined the clinical elements required to evaluate and diagnose a CLA. The radiology panel established the preferred anatomical and functional imaging methods for diagnosis and the elements required to be described during interpretation. Two medical panels compiled the metabolic and hematologic tests at diagnosis and also recommended functional studies. The surgical group recommended precautions for biopsy and the pathology panel provided biopsy specimen processing guidelines.ConclusionsPatients with CLAs require a comprehensive and targeted diagnostic plan for appropriate management, prevention of complications, and conservation of resources. As this population is managed by diverse medical and surgical specialties, we offer an expert multidisciplinary consensus‐based opinion on the current literature and on data extracted from international lymphatic anomaly registries.
Polyvinyl chloride/ styrene butadiene rubber polymeric blend filled with bismuth subcarbonate (BiO)2CO3as a shielding material for gamma rays
Authors: Samir Asmaa , El‐Nashar Doaa E. , Ashour Ahmed H. , Medhat Mohamed , El‐Kameesy Samir U. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe polymer blend polyvinyl chloride/styrene‐butadiene rubber filled of (BiO)2CO3with different concentrations (20, 30, 40, and 60 phr) were prepared by roll mill technique. The gamma‐rays attenuation properties were carried out using NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectrometer using232Th. The attenuation coefficients, half value layer and mean free path were evaluated. The distribution of the filler within the polymer matrix was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The prepared polymer composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction technique to recognize the structural phase of the composites. The hardness and tensile strength of the composites were tested. The tensile strength of the composites was found to be enhanced in the presence of the bismuth subcarbonate filler with a slight decrease when the concentration of the filler exceeds to 40 phr. Attenuation results reveal that, the shielding efficiency increases with the increase of the filler concentration and are comparable to those of the conventional bismuth‐polymer shielding materials. Hence, the composites filled (BiO)2CO3can be used for gamma ray shielding applications. The sample of 40 phr was subjected to gamma irradiation at doses from 30 up to 100 kGy. The dielectric and mechanical properties were investigated as a function of irradiation dose and filler concentrations. It was found that the irradiation dose up to 30 kGy causes an increase in the tensile strength and hardness. There is a remarkable decrease in dielectric constants at irradiation dose from 70 to 100 kGy. The dielectric constants decreased as the concentration of (BiO)2CO3increased.
Tribo‐performance assessment of milled fly ash brake friction composites
Authors: Ahlawat Vishal , Kajal Sanjay , Anuradha Parinam 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe milled fly ash (MFA) was attained by mechanical ball milling of raw fly ash (RFA) and was characterized for changes in particles morphology, size, and specific surface area (SSA). The RFA and MFA, varying in wt% from 20 to 35, were exclusively used for composite fabrication using compression molding machine. The milled fly ash composite (MFC) specimens were assessed for the tribo‐performance in comparison with raw fly ash composite (RFC) and commercial truck brake composite (CTBC) specimens under the loads ranging from 125 to 200 N at 3.3 and 5 m/s of sliding velocity. The characterization study showed that the glassy and spherical RFA particles of average size 86 μm changed to rough and irregular size of 15 μm, after ball milling. The SSA per unit bulk volume was found to increase from 138.2 to 1009 m2/m3. The tribo‐study revealed that the fly ash milling significantly improved the friction coefficient of MFC specimens, especially at 35 wt% of MFA, as compared to RFC and CTBC specimens. The increase in fly ash content (raw as well as milled) to 35 wt% greatly increased the specific wear rate (SWR) at both the sliding velocities. The worn surfaces of RFC specimens were found to be more damaged than the MFC specimens as revealed from SEM results. The appreciable frictional characteristics of MFC specimens encourage the use of MFA in brake friction composites; however, the changes in the friction formulation are required from SWR point of view.