bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benign Ovarian Cysts with Raised CA-125 Levels: Do We Need to Evaluate the Fallopian Tubes?
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Vinocha Anjali 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectives It is not clearly known whether some benign (simple) ovarian cysts can convert into cancerous cysts. Size of cyst and wall abnormalities do predict the potentiality of malignancy. Not many studies have been done to explore the malignant potential of large-sized (> 5 cm) unilocular ovarian cysts without wall abnormalities. This study evaluated the correlation between ultrasonographic size of benign ovarian cysts and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) levels.Methodology Sixty (60) premenopausal women were recruited for the study preoperatively, based on transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) findings present in the case record sheet received along with the CA-125 sample in the biochemistry laboratories. Those cases with elevated CA-125 levels were selected, where patients had unilocular ovarian cysts without wall abnormalities. CA-125 was done using ECLIA methodology (Cobas e411, Germany). Statistical correlation was calculated between the ovarian cyst size and CA-125 levels using Spearman’s Rho coefficient.Results Mean age group of subjects were 29.7 ± 7.3 years and mean value of CA-125 (normal < 35 IU/mL) was found to be increased: 118.0 ± 147.1 IU/mL so was the mean diameter of cysts (cut off ≤ 5 cm): 48.6 ± 59.8 cm. No correlation was found between CA-125 levels and volume of ovarian cyst (r = 0.005, p = 0.680) for all subjects.Conclusions The lack of correlation between size of ovarian cysts and CA-125 levels provides a hint that the ovarian cyst epithelium does not directly express CA-125 and it may come from sites like the fallopian tube. Thus, raised level of CA-125 in benign ovarian cyst should be followed-up more closely, demanding assessment of fallopian tubes for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Also, algorithms can be explored to include size of ovarian cyst and CA 125 levels to predict ovarian cancer.
Potential Role of Proteasome Accessory Factor-C in Resistance against Second Line Drugs in Mycobacteria
Authors: Narain Apoorva , Dubey Rikesh K. , Verma Ajay Kumar , Srivastava Anand , Kant Surya 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), can survive inside the host granuloma courtesy the various extrinsic and intrinsic factors involved. Continuous use or misuse of the anti TB drugs over the years has led to the development of resistance in MTB against antibiotics. Drug-resistant TB in particular has been a menace since treating it requires exposing the patient to drugs for a prolonged period of time. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant TB cases have increased over the years mostly due to the exposure of MTB to suboptimal levels of drug. Proteasomes provide MTB its pathogenicity and hence helps it to survive inside the host even in the presence of drugs.
Materials and Methods The recombinantly expressed proteasome accessory factor-C (PafC) protein was purified via Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and overexpressed in the nonpathogenic strain of mycobacteria (Mycobacterium smegmatis) for the comparative analysis of minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimycobacterial drugs. The bacteria were subjected to various stress conditions. Secretory nature of PafC was analyzed by probing the purified protein against patient sera. Quantitative mRNA analysis of pafC, lexA, and recA was performed to check for their level under fluoroquinolone (FQ) presence. The data were validated in clinical samples of pulmonary TB patients.
Results pafC, that forms one part of paf operon, is involved in providing MTB its resistance against FQs. Through a series of experiments, we established the fact that PafC is upregulated in mycobacteria upon exposure to FQs and it leads to the increased intracellular survival of mycobacteria under the stresses generated by FQs. The study also refers to the correlation of pafC to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage repair enzymes lexA and recA at transcriptional level. The results obtained in vitro corroborated when the pulmonary TB patients’ samples were subjected to the same molecular analysis.
Statistical Analysis All experiments were conducted at least in triplicate. p-Value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant
Conclusion PafC plays a significant role in providing resistance to mycobacteria against FQ class of drugs by increasing its intracellular survival through increased drug efflux and getting involved with DNA damage repair machinery.
Synthesis and delivery ofStreptococcus pneumoniaecapsular polysaccharides by recombinant attenuatedSalmonellavaccines
Authors: Su Huali , Liu Qing , Bian Xiaoping , Wang Shifeng , Curtiss Roy , Kong Qingke 
Published: December 2020

SignificancePneumococcal infection-caused diseases are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional pneumococcal vaccines are developed based on purified capsular polysaccharides (CPS) or CPS conjugated to a protein carrier. Production processes of the traditional vaccines are laborious, and thereby increase the vaccine cost and limit their use in developing nations. A cost-effective pneumococcal vaccine using the recombinant attenuatedSalmonellavaccine (RASV) was developed in this study. We cloned and expressed genes for seven serotypes of CPSs in the RASV strain. The RASV-delivered CPSs induced robust humoral and cell-mediated responses and mediated efficient protection of mice against pneumococcal infection. Our work provides an innovative strategy for mass producing low-cost bioconjugated polysaccharide vaccines for needle-free mucosal delivery against pneumococcal infections.
Auto-adaptive positive airway pressure improves lung function and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome over a 1 year follow-up
Authors: Milicevic Tanja , Katic Josip , Milovac Stjepanka Nakic , Matetic Andrija , Aljinovic Jure , Dogas Zoran , Gunjaca Grgo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objective: Auto-adaptive positive airway pressure (APAP) is an emerging therapeutic modality for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, their associated physiological effects have not been well-defined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of a 1 year APAP treatment on lung function and arterial stiffness parameters. Approach: This study enrolled male patients with newly diagnosed severe OSA who have undergone APAP treatment. A total of 35 patients completed a 1 year follow up. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness (PWV, cAIx, pAIx, cSBP), and lung function readings (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF) were obtained basally and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. Main results: A gradual increase in FEV1 has been observed over the follow-up (2.92 ± 0.88 versus 3.07 ± 0.92 versus 3.18 ± 0.93 versus 3.28 ± 0.93 versus 3.41 ± 0.97 L), while PWV showed a gradual decrease over the follow-up (9.72 ± 1.64 versus 9.32 ± 1.73 versus 8.89 ± 1.65 versus 8.53 ± 1.61 versus 8.46 ± 1.60 m s−1), as measured by absolute values. Linear mixed effects model analysis revealed a statistically significantly higher FEV1 values (coefficient of 0.11, 0.20, and 0.33 for 3rd month, 6th month, and 12th month, respectively, P < 0.001) and lower PWV values (coefficient of −0.69, −0.63, and −0.34 for 3rd month, 6th month, and 12th month, respectively, P < 0.001), after the initiation of APAP treatment. Significance: We conclude that APAP treatment improves main lung function and arterial stiffness parameters in male patients with severe OSA over a 1 year follow-up.
Reviewing the scope and thematic focus of 100 000 publications on energy consumption, services and social aspects of climate change: a big data approach to demand-side mitigation
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Authors: Creutzig Felix , Callaghan Max , Ramakrishnan Anjali , Javaid Aneeque , Niamir Leila , Minx Jan , Müller-Hansen Finn , Sovacool Benjamin , Afroz Zakia , Andor Mark , Antal Miklos , Court Victor , Das Nandini , Díaz-José Julio , Döbbe Friederike , Figueroa Maria J , Gouldson Andrew , Haberl Helmut , Hook Andrew , Ivanova Diana , Lamb William F , Maïzi Nadia , Mata Érika , Nielsen Kristian S , Onyige Chioma Daisy , Reisch Lucia A , Roy Joyashree , Scheelbeek Pauline , Sethi Mahendra , Some Shreya , Sorrell Steven , Tessier Mathilde , Urmee Tania , Virág Doris , Wan Can , Wiedenhofer Dominik , Wilson Charlie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
As current action remains insufficient to meet the goals of the Paris agreement let alone to stabilize the climate, there is increasing hope that solutions related to demand, services and social aspects of climate change mitigation can close the gap. However, given these topics are not investigated by a single epistemic community, the literature base underpinning the associated research continues to be undefined. Here, we aim to delineate a plausible body of literature capturing a comprehensive spectrum of demand, services and social aspects of climate change mitigation. As method we use a novel double-stacked expert—machine learning research architecture and expert evaluation to develop a typology and map key messages relevant for climate change mitigation within this body of literature. First, relying on the official key words provided to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change by governments (across 17 queries), and on specific investigations of domain experts (27 queries), we identify 121 165 non-unique and 99 065 unique academic publications covering issues relevant for demand-side mitigation. Second, we identify a literature typology with four key clusters: policy, housing, mobility, and food/consumption. Third, we systematically extract key content-based insights finding that the housing literature emphasizes social and collective action, whereas the food/consumption literatures highlight behavioral change, but insights also demonstrate the dynamic relationship between behavioral change and social norms. All clusters point to the possibility of improved public health as a result of demand-side solutions. The centrality of the policy cluster suggests that political actions are what bring the different specific approaches together. Fourth, by mapping the underlying epistemic communities we find that researchers are already highly interconnected, glued together by common interests in sustainability and energy demand. We conclude by outlining avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration, synthetic analysis, community building, and by suggesting next steps for evaluating this body of literature.
Prediction of Missing Data in Rainfall Dataset by using Simple Statistical Method
Authors: Amani Mohd Jafri Izzati , Mohamed Noor Norazian , Zia Ul-Saufie Ahmad , Suwardi Annas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Almost all of the data obtained from hydrological station contains missing data. Usually, this problem occurs due to equipment failures, maintenance work and human error. Incomplete dataset will reduce the ability of a statistical analysis and can cause a bias estimation due to systematic differences between observed and unobserved data. In this study, four simple statistical method such as Series Mean, Average Mean Top Bottom, Linear Interpolation and Nearest Neighbour were applied to predict the missing values in a rainfall dataset. An annual daily data for rainfall from nine selected monitoring station (from 2009 until 2018) were described using descriptive statistic. Then, the dataset were randomly simulated into 4 percentages of missing (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) by using statistical package for social sciences software. The performance of this imputation methods were evaluated by using four performance indicators namely Mean Absolute Error, Root Mean Squared Error, Prediction Accuracy, and Index of Agreement. Overall, Linear Interpolation method was selected as the best imputation method to predict the missing data in the rainfall dataset.
General Framework for Ecosystem Assessment for Measures to Adapt and Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Valentina Coman , Madalina Voicu , Lucian Laslo , Anda Rotaru , Monica Matei , Norbert Bara , Natalia Enache , Madalina Boboc , György Deak , Silvius Tanciu , Mohamed Noor Norazian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The effects of climate change are becoming more intense in the last decades. Moreover, according to many official reports, climate changes are directly affecting ecosystems and their services. To assess the impact of climate change on ecosystems, various methods are being used in order to identify changes and interactions with other pressures such as degradation or fragmentation. Adaptation and mitigation measures on the effects of climate change generally include land use changes and land use practices. In order to assess the effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation measures, the services provided by ecosystems and their status are monitored. The paper presents the general framework for evaluating adaptation and mitigation measures and it is based on research from reference works that generally recommend how to evaluate adaptation and mitigation measures. A local adaptation of the mitigation and adaptation framework is presented, by identifying methods for assessing state indicators and ecosystem services. Depending on the availability and accuracy of the data, are proposed methods structured on different levels of detail such as: statistical data, field measurements, modeling software. The application of the proposed methods was verified in a case study: Divici Pojejena wetland, for which detailed methods of assessing the state and services of ecosystems were used.
Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter Concentrations in the Vicinity of Plastic Waste Processing Industries
Authors: Yasina Yusuf Sara , Rahim Nur Alis Addiena A , Zulaikha Wazam Wan , Naidu Dewika , Jamian Ruwaida 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
While plastic recycling has gained conclusive acceptance by various stakeholders as a preferable products’ end-of-life management, plastic waste processing industries may contribute to serious air pollutants emission and impair human health, especially if it is in uncontrolled conditions. Apart from toxic gas pollutants, this industry may also emit significant concentration of particulates matter or dust, notably via physical (shredding, sorting, and washing) and melt (re-granulation and reprocessing) processes. Meanwhile, in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia, public anguish is increasing in recent years due to mushrooming plastic waste recycling industries in its residential area. Thus, a study was conducted to analyse the day- and night-time ambient air PMio levels and their relationship with selected meteorological parameters (ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) at two different locations (Cinta Sayang Resort Villa, CSRV and Metro Specialist Hospital, HM) in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia. The mean ambient PMio levels of Cinta Sayang Resort Villa (CSRV) and Metro Specialist Hospital (HM) were found exceeding the New Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Standard at 150 (μg/m3 (24-hours), which were 568.082 + 266.441 (μg/m3 615.046 + 355.672 (μg/m3, respectively. Distribution of PMio concentrations betwen day and night-time were found to be statistically insignificant at both sites. Meteorological parameters have also contributed to the trend of PMio concentrations at both sites especially at HM. Inverse correlation with PMio at CSRV was explained by the absence of moisture (or rain) at the site while the positive correlation observed at HM was due to the hot temperature-strong wind association at the site. Temperature was found to be the manipulating factor for PMio at HM, via linear regression model developed at PMouth = - 4352.426 + 170.557 x Th with F(1, 8) = 15.224 at p < .005, accounting for 65.6% of the variation Thus, proper attention should be given to the particulates matter emitted in Sungai Petani, believed to be influenced by the uncontrolled emission from the plastic recycling industries.
Detection of Emerging Pollutants Oxytetracycline and Paracetamol and the Potential Aquatic Ecological Risk Associated with their Presence in Surface Waters of the Arges-Vedea, Buzau-Ialomita, Dobrogea-Litoral River Basins in Romania
Authors: Ilie Mihaela , Deák György , Marinescu Florica , Ghita Gina , Tociu Carmen , Matei Monica , Ileana Covaliu Cristina , Raischi Marius , Yasina Yusof Sara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are a major group of emerging pollutants frequently identified in surface waters. The occurrence of pharmaceuticals as environmental pollutants is a problem involving multiple aspects and continue to cause new and serious challenges to ecosystems and human health. For example, antibiotics exert a selective pressure on bacterial communities in aquatic environments, leading to the selection and increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a major problem in the effective treatment of bacterial infections, while for analgesics, a number of adverse effects such as accumulation in tissues and behavioral changes were observed in aquatic organisms. In this paper, the detection by UHPLC-MS/MS of two widely used pharmaceuticals was performed, oxytetracycline (antibiotic) and paracetamol (analgesic) respectively, in surface water matrix from the Arges-Vedea, Buzau-Ialomita and Dobrogea-Litoral river basins in Romania. The potential aquatic ecological risk (RQ) was also estimated by the ratio between Measured Environmental Concentration (MEC) and Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC).
Strategic Actions for Packaging Waste Management and Reduction
Authors: Radu Violeta-Monica , Chiriac Magdalena , Deak Gyorgy , Pipirigeanu Mariana , Nurati Tengku Izhar Tengku 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Following the growing trend of packaging waste quantities, it has become more and more actual the issue of the impact of this waste flow over environment and human health, as a consequence of inappropriate disposal methods and technologies. For this purpose, waste hierarchy must be applied, focusing on waste prevention, prepare for reuse, recycling and recovery, while waste landfilling should be the last available option of management, which corresponds to the highest level of loss and denaturation of resources. The food packaging is not only useful for food protection, but it is key element to attract consumers and to impact their consumption behavior. Food packaging should grow the value of the product that is packed, but also must meet certain requirements for recycling when packaging becomes waste. This is the reason why proper and efficient management of packaging waste is important for environment and human health. The problems generated by the packaging waste have determined governments to take measures for policy improvement, focusing also on other options of management, such as reduction of unnecessary packaging, promotion of packaging reuse and use of alternative packaging materials, in addition to growing the recycling efficiency and gradual ban of single use packaging. This paper presents strategic actions for packaging waste management and reduction, as measures to reduce negative impact of waste on environment and human health, in the context of circular economy. Therefore, reduction of packaging waste inputs to the environment must be tackled as a global multidisciplinary approach priority.
Influence of Drainage Layer Thickness on the Preconsolidation Rate of Dredged Marine Soils: A Lab Simulation
Authors: Johan Siti Farhanah S.M. , Chan Chee-Ming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study conducted to investigate the improved consolidation rate of dredged marine soils used as backfills in land reclamation, with the aim of making the material’s reuse more favourable on site compared to disposal as in the normal practice. In order to quicken the dissipation of excess pore water under loading, efficiency of the drainage layers sandwiching the dredged marine soil plays an important role. With modification of a large oedometer, the present study examines the efficiency of three granular materials, i.e. sand (S), palm oil clinker (POC) and pavement milling waste (PMW) in two different drainage thicknesses for the effective discharge of pore water during consolidation of the dredged marine soils. With sand adopted as Control, it observed that thicker layers (100%) of the granular materials produced higher consolidation rates by 10% compared to 50% of thickness. Settlement reduction also found at POC and PMW as the drainage layers, i.e. 0.6% and 0.5% respectively in comparison with sand. Obviously, the improvement of DMS consolidation about 2% when implantation of granular layer.
Synthesis of Studies Conducted to Reveal the Impact of the Bastroe Canal on the Physico-Chemical Conditions and Biodiversity in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR)
Authors: Bratfanof Edward , György Deak , Tudor Georgeta , Dănălache Tiberius , Holban Elena , Boboc Mădălina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper aims to identify the impact of anthropogenic changes caused by the construction of the Bastroe Canal on the hydrology, hydrochemistry and biodiversity of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR). The paper wants to provide a knowledge tooi that can be a working basis for government and local decision-makers due to the special importance of conserving the biodiversity of this area. The impact of the Bastroe Canal will be revealed through a synthesis of the conclusions of the main studies carried out by institutes in Romania in the period 2004 - 2020.
Effect of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Fabricated with Different Thickness of Rutile-Anatase TiO2 Electrode on the Electrical Performance
Authors: Gomesh Nair , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Daud Zawawi , Azan Tajarudin Husnul , Ong Song-Quan , Ramli Syafinar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
DSSC is in the third generation of PV technology which employ easily available raw material with low cost manufacturing methods. Dye- Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) consist of a photo electrochemical cell of oxide semiconductor layer, dye molecules, electrolyte and counter electrode. This paper presents the comparison of the thickness of the TiO2 using Rutile-Anatase composition at 1:4 ratioto the electrical performance of the DSSC. The Dr. Blade method was employed to the fabrication of the DSSC with a reference dyes and platinum sputtered technique counter electrode. The result shows that solar cell with an efficiency of 0.36 % of was produced from electrode film thickness of 10 µm. Further increase in the thickness shows decreased of the efficiency, especially the short circuit current. From the experiment conducted, it shows the 10 µm is suitable size to fabricate the DSSC using the RA-TiO2 but further investigation is needed to verify the electron transfer efficiency and recombination rate in thicker/thinner films.