bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Passiflora edulis on Anxiety Induced by Sub-acute Immobilization Stress
Authors: Espoir Ayissi Mbomo Rigobert , Antoine Kandeda Kavaye , Clarisse Moto Okomolo Fleur , Didier Nanga Léopold , Linda Djangou Siebatcheu Sandrine , Théophile Dimo 
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study was carried out to assess the anxiolytic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. edulis.
Place and Duration of Study: Animal Physiology Laboratory of the Higher Teachers’ Training College, Animal Physiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Sciences , University of Yaoundé I, from November 2017 to August 2018.
Methodology: Anxiety was induced to mice by the sub-acute immobilization stress. After 11 days treatment, behavioural parameters were assessed using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Open Field (OF), then biochemical parameters (MDA, GSH, SOD, catalase, GABA, GABA-T and 5-HT) were estimated.
Results: The results show that treatment with P. edulis at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly increased open arms entries and time, while reducing closed arms entries and time in the EPM test. Lines crossed as well as passages through the centre and the centre time were significantly increased in the OF test. It is suggested that P. edulis would protect against anxiety and this effect probably linked to its ability to fight oxidative stress and counteract hyperexcitability by potentiating the GABA action. The more effective dose, 100 mg/kg significantly (P<0.01) increased to 4.44 ± 0.24 µmol/g the activity of GSH. In mice treated with dose 100 mg/kg, the extract induced a significant decrease of three oxidative stress markers including MDA, catalase and SOD to 0.22 ± 0.01 µmol/g, 1.05± 0.15 mmol H2O2/min/g; and 19.46±0.00 unit/min/mg respectively when compared to the negative control. Animals treated with P. edulis 100 mg/kg presented a significant increase level (P<0.001) of GABA and 5-HT up to 4.62 ± 0.28 and µg/g and 31.47 ± 1.58 ng/ml respectively. GABA-T activity was also impacted by the treatment with P. edulis, since the value of GABA-T activity of 1.27 ± 0.10 in the negative control significantly (P<0.001) decreased to 0.37± 0.00 in the group treated with dose 100 mg/kg.
Conclusion: The beneficial effects of this extract observed in this study justify the empirical use of P. edulis in the treatment of head ache and insomnia.
Classification of 4448 Diseases in Siddha System of Medicine – A Review
Authors: Raveendran Rakulini 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Siddha Medicine is a system of Traditional Medicine originating in ancient Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in South India. Traditionally, it is taught the siddhars laid the foundation for this system of Medication. Agastyar is considered the first Siddhar and the guru of all siddhars. Siddha system considers the human body as a collection of tri-humors & seven basic elements. Vatham, Pitham & Kapham are the tri-humors which are the life constituents of the human body. The equilibrium of humors is consider as health & its disturbance or imbalance leads to disease.
Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to identify the 4448 diseases according to the Siddha Literatures.
Results and Discussion: 4448 diseases are mentioned in Agasthiyar 2000, Angathipatham, Noi Naadal Noi Muthal Naadal part I and Theriyar vaakadam. Siddhar Aruvai Maruthuvam book stated that Head and neck diseases are 1008. Diseases are classified according to anatomical structures of body parts, tri humors and diseases. Totally, 93 diseases are explained in all five books. In Noi Naadal Noi Muthal Naadal Part II, 51 diseases and its types and In Yugi Vaiththiya Sinthamani, 27 diseases and its types are explained in the books. Totally, 544 and 431 Number of diseases are explained in the text Noi Naadal Noi Muthal Naadal Part II and Yugi Vaiththiya Sinthamani respectively.
Conclusion: This study has given quite evidence about 4448 diseases. These collected information are helpful for further studies in types of diseases.
Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ready-to-Eat Shellfish (Corbiculid heterodont) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Egege Seighazi Regina , Akani Nedie Patience , Nwankwo Chidiebele Emmanuel Ikechukwu 
Published: May 2020

Aims/Objective: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dominant cause of severe healthcare-associated (HA) infections but has recently emerged as Community-Associated (CA-MRSA) and Livestock-Associated MRSA (LA-MRSA). This study was carried out to detect the presence of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Corbiculid heterodont in Bayelsa state, Nigeria.
Place of Study: This study was conducted in Yenagoa, Southern Ijaw and Sagbama Local Government Areas, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Fifty-three samples (dried, fried and stewed) of the RTE C. heterodont were collected and subjected to standard microbiological procedures.
Results: Seventy Staphylococcus spp. were isolated, consisting of 65 (92.86%) S. aureus and 5 (7.14%) coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS). Out of the 65 S. aureus isolates, 53.8% were MRSA. Susceptibility pattern of MRSA showed a decreasing trend of resistance in the order: Amoxacillin, Ampicillin-Cloxacillin, Cefoxitin, and Oxacillin (100%) > Streptomycin (82.9%) >Ceftriaxone (40%) >Cefuroxime (31.4%), > Ciprofloxacin and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (17.1%) > Gentamycin and Pefloxacin (8.6%) > Erythromycin (2.9%).Out of the 65 S. aureus isolates, 62 (95.4%) had Multidrug Resistance Index > 0.2 while 3 (4.6%) had 0.2 as their Multidrug Resistance Index. The MRSA isolates were 100% Multidrug Resistant (MDR) while the Methicillin-Sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) were 90% MDR. Molecular characterization of ten S. aureus isolates confirmed 80% S. aureus isolates and 20% CONS (S. sciuri and S. warneri). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Agarose gel-electrophoresis were used to detect the presence of mecA gene, a gene that confers methicillin resistance. The mecA gene with size 500bp was identified in 50% of MRSA. This study reported presence of MRSA and MDR S. aureus in C. heterodont sold in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. This could be the avenue for the spread of MRSA. Public health awareness campaigns should be advocated to enhance hygienic practices in the handling and distribution of food.
Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) Uptake Potential and Surface Properties of Aeromonas spp. Isolated from Soil of Local Mining Site
Authors: Ibrahim U. B. , Yahaya S. , Yusuf I. , Kawo A. H. 
Published: May 2020

Aim: In this study, Aeromonas spp. isolated from soil of local mining sites were assessed for their tolerance to some heavy metals and their capability for its uptake.
Materials and Methods: The bacteria were isolated from soil of local mining site in Bagega District of Zamfara State in Nigeria. Maximum Tolerable Concentration (MTC) was employed to screen for metal tolerance of the bacteria to Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) via Agar Plate Method technique. DNA Extraction and 16sRNA Gene Sequence Analysis was carried out to identify the isolates and sequences were compared to those in NCBI database using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST).
Results: Similarly, isolates identified were further characterized and validated by subjecting them to 16sRNA gene sequence analysis. Similarity search indicated a close genetic relatedness to Aeromonas spp. in NCBI database. The Aeromonas spp. Identified showed maximum tolerance to Pb at 27ppm and Cadmium at 24ppm. Bioaccumulation assay carried out revealed Aeromonas sp. BDL2 to take up Pb by as high as 70%. Biosorption capacity of their respective dried biomass assayed showed higher Pb uptake at 95.9% for Aeromonas sp. BDL2. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P≤0.05) between the isolates and their respective biomass in the uptake Pb and Cd. Surface examination different bands indicated the presence of carboxyl, amine, amides, sulfates and other aromatic groups and significant shifts of surface molecules.
Conclusion: Aeromonas sp. BDL2 identified in this study exhibited higher tolerance to Pb. Surface molecules and their positional properties revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine and amide group ligands with significant shifts after accumulation and biosorption experiment suggesting interaction between these surface molecules and heavy metal ions.
In Search of Equivalent Social Participation: What do Caregivers of Children with Disabilities Desire Regarding Inclusive Recreational Facilities and Playgrounds?
Authors: Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Schmidt Eric L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the current study was to examine what caregivers with children who have disabilities desire regarding inclusive recreational facilities and playgrounds for their children, the constraints that affect their recreational opportunities for the family as a whole, and the dream recreational facilities and playgrounds that would support families in overcoming social participation constraints. This study involved 491 caregivers. Results showed that caregivers (a) take their families to recreational facilities and visit them often, (b) indicated that their child with a disability could not fully participate in the facility's offerings, (c) felt that recreational facilities and playgrounds were not appropriate for their child with a disability, and (d) dreamed of a recreational facility and playground that met the needs of all family members. Results and implications are discussed by disability category.
Pre-service Teachers' Willingness to Engage in Inclusive Teaching: An Explanatory Model
Authors: Gilor Orit , Katz Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this article, we report on a study that sought to examine the willingness of pre-service teachers to apply the inclusion policy for students with disability. The study considered the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985, 1991) as a means to explain the willingness of pre-service teachers in general and of the subgroups to engage in inclusive teaching. Participants were 580 pre-service teachers enrolled in various types of programs in three different teacher education colleges in Israel. They completed a paper copy questionnaire with 55 items. It was constructed according to Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP) guidelines. It was found that the model, based on the TPB, explains the degree of willingness of pre-service teachers to engage in inclusive teaching. It emerges that attitudes toward inclusion, perceptions of social norms regarding inclusion, and a sense of the competence of pre-service teachers to teach inclusive classes explain most of the variance in the willingness to engage in inclusive teaching and serves as leading factors manifesting this willingness. The discussion is focused on the need to increase pre-service teachers' willingness by using this model.
Personalized setting of plan parameters using feasibility dose volume histogram for auto‐planning in Pinnacle system
Authors: Xia Wenlong , Han Fei , Chen Jiayun , Miao Junjie , Dai Jianrong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeThe personalized setting of plan parameters in the Auto‐Planning module of the Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS) using the PlanIQ feasibility tool was evaluated for lung cancer conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT).Materials and methodWe reviewed the records of ten patients with lung cancer who were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Three plans were designed for each patient: the clinically accepted manual plan (MP) and two automatic plans including one generated using the generic plan parameters in technique script (AP1) and the other generated using personalized plan parameters derived based on feasibility dose volume histogram (FDVH) in PlanIQ (AP2). The plans were assessed according to the dosimetric parameters, monitor units, and planning time. A plan quality metric (PQM) was defined according to the clinical requirements for plan assessment.ResultsAP2 achieved better lung sparing than AP1 and MP. The PQM value of AP2 (52.5 ± 14.3) was higher than those of AP1 (49.2 ± 16.2) and MP (44.8 ± 16.9) with P < 0.05. The monitor units of AP2 (585.9 ± 142.9 MU) was higher than that of AP1 (511.1 ± 136.5 MU) and lower than that of MP (632.8 ± 143.8 MU) with p < 0.05. The planning time of AP2 (33.2 ± 4.8 min) was slightly higher than that of AP1 (28.2 ± 4.0 min) and substantially lower than that of MP (72.9 ± 28.5 min) with P < 0.05.ConclusionsThe Auto‐Planning module of the Pinnacle system using personalized plan parameters suggested by the PlanIQ Feasibility tool provides superior quality for lung cancer plans, especially in terms of lung sparing. The time consumption of Auto‐Planning was slightly higher with the personalized parameters compared to that with the generic parameters, but significantly lower than that for the manual plan.
VRK1 (Y213H) homozygous mutant impairs Cajal bodies in a hereditary case of distal motor neuropathy
Authors: Marcos Ana T. , Martín‐Doncel Elena , Morejón‐García Patricia , Marcos‐Alcalde Iñigo , Gómez‐Puertas Paulino , Segura‐Puimedon María , Armengol Lluis , Navarro‐Pando José M. , Lazo Pedro A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundDistal motor neuropathies with a genetic origin have a heterogeneous clinical presentation with overlapping features affecting distal nerves and including spinal muscular atrophies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This indicates that their genetic background is heterogeneous.Patient and methodsIn this work, we have identified and characterized the genetic and molecular base of a patient with a distal sensorimotor neuropathy of unknown origin. For this study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing, molecular modelling, cloning and expression of mutant gene, and biochemical and cell biology analysis of the mutant protein.ResultsA novel homozygous recessive mutation in the human VRK1 gene, coding for a chromatin kinase, causing a substitution (c.637T > C; p.Tyr213His) in exon 8, was detected in a patient presenting since childhood a progressive distal sensorimotor neuropathy and spinal muscular atrophy syndrome, with normal intellectual development. Molecular modelling predicted this mutant VRK1 has altered the kinase activation loop by disrupting its interaction with the C‐terminal regulatory region. The p.Y213H mutant protein has a reduced kinase activity with different substrates, including histones H3 and H2AX, proteins involved in DNA damage responses, such as p53 and 53BP1, and coilin, the scaffold for Cajal bodies. The mutant VRK1(Y213H) protein is unable to rescue the formation of Cajal bodies assembled on coilin, in the absence of wild‐type VRK1.ConclusionThe VRK1(Y213H) mutant protein alters the activation loop, impairs the kinase activity of VRK1 causing a functional insufficiency that impairs the formation of Cajal bodies assembled on coilin, a protein that regulates SMN1 and Cajal body formation.
Zwitterionic Polymer Coating Suppresses Microglial Encapsulation to Neural Implants In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Yang Qianru , Wu Bingchen , Eles James R. , Vazquez Alberto L. , Kozai Takashi D. Y. , Cui X. Tracy 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFor brain computer interfaces (BCI), the immune response to implanted electrodes is a major biological cause of device failure. Bioactive coatings such as neural adhesion molecule L1 have been shown to improve the biocompatibility, but are difficult to handle or produce in batches. Here, a synthetic zwitterionic polymer coating, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) is developed for neural implants with the goal of reducing the inflammatory host response. In tests in vitro, the zwitterionic coating inhibits protein adsorption and the attachment of fibroblasts and microglia, and remains stable for at least 4 weeks. In vivo two‐photon microscopy on CX3CR1‐GFP mice shows that the zwitterionic coating significantly suppresses the microglial encapsulation of neural microelectrodes over a 6 h observation period. Furthermore, the lower microglial encapsulation on zwitterionic polymer‐coated microelectrodes is revealed to originate from a reduction in the size but not the number of microglial end feet. This work provides a facile method for coating neural implants with zwitterionic polymers and illustrates the initial interaction between microglia and coated surface at high temporal and spatial resolution.
Unveiling the Structural Descriptor of A3B2X9 Perovskite Derivatives toward X‐Ray Detectors with Low Detection Limit and High Stability
Authors: Xia Mengling , Yuan Jun‐Hui , Niu Guangda , Du Xinyuan , Yin Lixiao , Pan Weicheng , Luo Jiajun , Li Zhigang , Zhao Hongtao , Xue Kan‐Hao , Miao Xiangshui , Tang Jiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMetal halide perovskites and derivatives exhibit a high sensitivity and low detection limit as direct X‐ray detectors. Inorganic 2D bismuth halide perovskites are promising for X‐ray detections, but have not been reported. Moreover, the quantitative relationship between the structural dimensionality of A3B2X9 perovskites and their compositions has never been investigated, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, the key structural descriptors for 2D A3B2X9 perovskite derivatives are reported: i) octahedral factor μ, 0.377 < μ < 0895; ii) tolerance factor t, 0.8 < t < 1.06; iii) (rA‐0.55)/t < 1.48 Å. Accordingly, a new 2D A3B2X9 perovskite derivative, Rb3Bi2I9, with high X‐ray attenuation coefficients is found. The assembled X‐ray detector exhibits a high μτ product of 2.51 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, good sensitivity for 159.7 μC Gyair−1 cm−2, and a record low detection limit of 8.32 nGyair s−1 among all direct and indirect perovskite X‐ray detectors. The device also exhibits good stability toward external bias and continuous gamma ray radiations (480 000 Gy). This work provides crystal structural insights to rationally design 2D perovskites for new types of radiation detectors.
InSe Schottky Diodes Based on Van Der Waals Contacts
Authors: Zhao Qinghua , Jie Wanqi , Wang Tao , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres , Frisenda Riccardo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract2D semiconductors are excellent candidates for next‐generation electronics and optoelectronics thanks to their electrical properties and strong light‐matter interaction. To fabricate devices with optimal electrical properties, it is crucial to have both high‐quality semiconducting crystals and ideal contacts at metal‐semiconductor interfaces. Thanks to the mechanical exfoliation of van der Waals crystals, atomically thin high‐quality single‐crystals can easily be obtained in a laboratory. However, conventional metal deposition techniques can introduce chemical disorder and metal‐induced mid‐gap states that induce Fermi level pinning and can degrade the metal‐semiconductor interfaces, resulting in poorly performing devices. In this article, the electrical contact characteristics of Au–InSe and graphite–InSe van der Waals contacts, obtained by stacking mechanically exfoliated InSe flakes onto pre‐patterned Au or graphite electrodes without the need for lithography or metal deposition is explored. The high quality of the metal‐semiconductor interfaces obtained by van der Waals contact allows to fabricate high‐quality Schottky diodes based on the Au–InSe Schottky barrier. The experimental observation indicates that the contact barrier at the graphite–InSe interface is negligible due to the similar electron affinity of InSe and graphite, while the Au–InSe interfaces are dominated by a large Schottky barrier.
Molecule Charge Transfer Doping for p‐Channel Solution‐Processed Copper Oxide Transistors
Authors: Liu Ao , Zhu Huihui , Noh Yong‐Young 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe doping of semiconductors plays a critical role in improving the performance of modern electronic devices by precisely controlling the charge carrier density. However, the absence of a stable doping method for p‐type oxide semiconductors has severely restricted the development of metal oxide‐based transparent p–n junctions and complementary circuits. Here, an efficient and stable doping process for p‐type oxide semiconductors by using molecule charge transfer doping with tetrafluoro‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) is reported. The selections of a suitable dopant and geometry play a crucial role in the charge‐transfer doping effect. The insertion of a F4TCNQ thin dopant film (2–7 nm) between a Au source‐drain electrode and solution‐processed p‐type copper oxide (CuxO) film in bottom‐gate top‐contact thin‐film transistors (TFTs) provides a mobility enhancement of over 20‐fold with the desired threshold voltage adjustment. By combining doped p‐type CuxO and n‐type indium gallium zinc oxide TFTs, a solution‐processed transparent complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor inverter is demonstrated with a high gain voltage of 50. This novel p‐doping method is expected to accelerate the development of high‐performance and reliable p‐channel oxide transistors and has the potential for widespread applications.
Tuning the Anode–Electrolyte Interface Chemistry for Garnet‐Based Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Tao , Ji Xiao , Zhao Yang , Cao Longsheng , Li Shuang , Hwang Sooyeon , Luo Chao , Wang Pengfei , Jia Haiping , Fan Xiulin , Lu Xiaochuan , Su Dong , Sun Xueliang , Wang Chunsheng , Zhang Ji‐Guang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLithium (Li) metal is a promising candidate as the anode for high‐energy‐density solid‐state batteries. However, interface issues, including large interfacial resistance and the generation of Li dendrites, have always frustrated the attempt to commercialize solid‐state Li metal batteries (SSLBs). Here, it is reported that infusing garnet‐type solid electrolytes (GSEs) with the air‐stable electrolyte Li3PO4 (LPO) dramatically reduces the interfacial resistance to ≈1 Ω cm2 and achieves a high critical current density of 2.2 mA cm−2 under ambient conditions due to the enhanced interfacial stability to the Li metal anode. The coated and infused LPO electrolytes not only improve the mechanical strength and Li‐ion conductivity of the grain boundaries, but also form a stable Li‐ion conductive but electron‐insulating LPO‐derived solid‐electrolyte interphase between the Li metal and the GSE. Consequently, the growth of Li dendrites is eliminated and the direct reduction of the GSE by Li metal over a long cycle life is prevented. This interface engineering approach together with grain‐boundary modification on GSEs represents a promising strategy to revolutionize the anode–electrolyte interface chemistry for SSLBs and provides a new design strategy for other types of solid‐state batteries.
A Rational Reconfiguration of Electrolyte for High‐Energy and Long‐Life Lithium–Chalcogen Batteries
Authors: Wang Wen‐Peng , Zhang Juan , Yin Ya‐Xia , Duan Hui , Chou Jia , Li Sheng‐Yi , Yan Min , Xin Sen , Guo Yu‐Guo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLithium–chalcogen batteries are an appealing choice for high‐energy‐storage technology. However, the traditional battery that employs liquid electrolytes suffers irreversible loss and shuttle of the soluble intermediates. New batteries that adopt Li+‐conductive polymer electrolytes to mitigate the shuttle problem are hindered by incomplete discharge of sulfur/selenium. To address the trade‐off between energy and cycle life, a new electrolyte is proposed that reconciles the merits of liquid and polymer electrolytes while resolving each of their inferiorities. An in situ interfacial polymerization strategy is developed to create a liquid/polymer hybrid electrolyte between a LiPF6‐coated separator and the cathode. A polymer‐gel electrolyte in situ formed on the separator shows high Li+ transfer number to serve as a chemical barrier against the shuttle effect. Between the gel electrolyte and the cathode surface is a thin gradient solidification layer that enables transformation from gel to liquid so that the liquid electrolyte is maintained inside the cathode for rapid Li+ transport and high utilization of active materials. By addressing the dilemma between the shuttle chemistry and incomplete discharge of S/Se, the new electrolyte configuration demonstrates its feasibility to trigger higher capacity retention of the cathodes. As a result, Li–S and Li–Se cells with high energy and long cycle lives are realized, showing promise for practical use.