bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Vegetable Cultivation Practices: An Adoption Study among the Farmers’ of Some Selected Areas in Bangladesh
Authors: Mobarak Mou Moushumi , Islam Md. Rafiquel , Mondal Tanushree , Monalesa Nipa , Abdullah Md. Masum 
Published: December 2019

The research work has been done to determine the extent of adoption of improved vegetable cultivation practices by the farmers. Attempt was also made to explore the contribution of selected characteristics of farmers viz. age, education, family size, farm size, experience in vegetable cultivation, annual income, vegetable cultivation knowledge, extension media contact, organizational participation, innovativeness, training experiences and problems confrontation on their adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation.
It is a Field Survey Research Shajahanpur upazila under Bogra district of Bangladesh by the department of Agricultural Extension and Information System between January to June of 2018.
Data were collected from randomly selected 112 farmers of Chopinagar union under Shajahanpur upazila of Bogra district by using a structured interview schedule. Appropriate scales were developed in order to measure the variables. Multiple regression test was used to ascertain the contribution of the concerned independent variables on the dependent variable of the research work.
50% of the farmers had low adoption while 40% had medium adoption and 9.80% had high adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation. Among the selected characteristics education, experiences in vegetable cultivation, annual income, innovativeness and training experiences showed significant and positive contribution to their adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation. However, family size and problems confrontation showed the negative significant contribution to adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation of the farmers. Age, farm size, vegetable cultivation knowledge, extension media contact and organizational participation did not show any significant contribution on the adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation of the farmers.
Adoption of improved vegetable cultivation practices by the farmers will not be possible to improve in a significant extent unless the concerned authorities (like-Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Department of Agricultural Extension) take proper steps.
Functional Iron Indices and Highly Sensitive CRP Post Single Dose Irradiation with Cobalt60 and the Ameliorating Effects of Single and Combined Doses of Aqueous Extracts of Parquetina nigrescens, Camellia sinensis and Telfairia occidentalis in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Olatunbosun L. O. , G. Khalil E. A. , Shittu A. O. , Olalere F. D. , Lawal S. A. , Biliaminu S. A. , Ogunwale K. A. T. , Sanni E. O. , Atunwa S. A. , Oyenike M. A. 
Published: December 2019

Background: The relationship between iron, hypoxia, inflammation, and erythropoietin in cellular homeostasis is well documented. Patients on radiotherapy are known with active immune/inflammatory disorders often accompanied with reduced iron uptake or unavailability of circulatory iron and hence, must be adequately evaluated. The present study hypothesized “aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis, Telfairia occidentalis and Parquetina nigrescens have chemical properties of ameliorating and restoring to normal, functional iron deficiency sequel to Cobalt 60 irradiation effect”.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-Five young male guinea-pigs approximately 450 gram in weight were recruited and thirty were randomly assigned to 3 groups (A, B and C) for the study. Groups A and B were further divided into 4 (A1-4 and B1-4) with 3 animals (n=3) per group. Three guinea-pigs were also assigned to group C. Groups A and B belonged to Pre and post-irradiation groups while groups C served as control. Each animal was given 400r (4.0 Gy) whole-body gamma-irradiation under general anaesthesia, using a Co60 therapy unit as a source. Groups A1, A2, A3 and A4 had 1,400 mg/kg C. sinensis, 4000 mg/kg P. nigrescens, 3,500 mg/kg T. occidentalis and Combined dose (1,400 mg/kg C. sinensis + 400 mg/kg P. nigrescens + 3,500 mg/kg T. occidentalis) respectively twice daily 72 hours prior to irradiation and continued throughout the 14 days of the study. Groups B1, B2, B3 and B4 had similar treatment but commenced 24 hours after exposure to radiation and likewise continued throughout the 14 days of the study. Group C were not given any treatment but also had irradiation.
Results: Total Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin, Serum Transferrin receptor and Iron were all increased significantly for all the extracts pre and post irradiation. However, C-reactive protein decreased significantly.
Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis, Parquetina nigrescens and Telfairia occidentalis leaves have good ameliorating effect on irradiation-induced injuries.
Functional Properties of Defatted Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Seeds Protein and Its Hydrolysates
Authors: Tounkara Fatoumata , Togola Issiaka , Sissoko Lassana , Fane Mah Moutaga , Diarra Nouhoum , Traoré Nah 
Published: December 2019

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional properties of Roselle seed protein isolates and its hydrolysates.
Place and Duration of Study: The Roselle seeds were collected in Koutiala (Mali), in November 2018. All analysis were conducted in the Faculty of Sciences and Technics, particularly in the Laboratory of Plant and Food Biochemistry and Biotechnology from January to June 2019.
Methodology: The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the functional properties of Roselle seed protein (RSP) was investigated. Defatted Roselle seed flour was used to extract the protein isolates. The protein was digested for 2 hours and 3 hours using pepsin followed by pancreatin.
Results: The 2 hours and 3 hours Roselle seed protein hydrolysates (RSPH2, RSPH3) compare to RSPI, exhibited a good foaming capacity of 300, 315 and 165% respectively. The water holding capacity (WHC) of the RSPI, RSPH2 and the RSPH3 were 2, 2.5 and 2.2 ml/g respectively. The oil holding capacity ranged from 5.75 to 5.32 ml/g, the emulsifying capacity of the RSPH2 was higher than that of the RSPH3 and the RSPI, 105, 97 and 82 ml/g respectively.
Conclusion: The ability of pepsin and pancreatin hydrolysates to be functional is primarily due to their soluble peptide content. The samples have good functional properties. These results proposed that pepsin and pancreatin hydrolysates could be useful as whole or partial replacement of high-price materials such as egg albumen and casein.
Evaluation of Clinical Symptoms and Serum Lead Level in Patients with History of Oral Opium Use being Admitted to Hazrat Rasoul Akram, Firoozgar, Firoozabadi and Haft Tir Hospitals, Tehran
Authors: Tavirani Majid Rezaei , Beigvand Hazhir Heidari 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Drug abuse and its complications is a socio-health problem in Middle Eastern countries such as Iran. Smugglers may add lead to drug during drug production, which is in order to increase its weight for greater benefit. Considering the frequency of the patients with various complaints among Iranians, this study was designed and conducted to evaluate the clinical symptoms and serum levels of lead in patients being admitted to Hazrat Rasoul Akram, Firoozgar, Firouzabadi and Haft Tir hospitals with any complaints.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, serum levels of lead were measured in 128 samples in case and control groups. The case group consisted of 64 patients using oral opium who being admitted to Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar, Haft Tir and Firouzabadi hospitals with different complaints in May 2017. The control group consisted of 64 patients with no history of addiction that were homogenized with the case group in terms of age and sex. They were evaluated for serum levels of lead and other variables. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The mean serum lead level was 76.34±17.82 in the group using opium and was 7.68±3.72 in the control group that the difference was statistically significant (P <0.001). The most common complaints of patients were abdominal pain and symptoms of bowel obstruction. The mean rate of oral opium consumption was 1.73±0.23 in subjects under 50 years old and with a mean of 2.89±0.27 in subjects over 50 years old. Serum lead level was significantly (P = 0.032) increased compared to the amount consumed. Duration of oral opium consumption was 5 months to 30 years with a mean of 15.24 years, which was not significantly correlated to serum lead level (P = 0.213). Also, the hemoglobin range was significantly correlated to different levels of lead in patients consuming oral opium (P = 0.027).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed a high mean serum lead level in oral opium addicts in the study population. The results also confirm numerous reports suggesting the definitive diagnosis of lead poisoning as a justifying factor in addicted patients with nonspecific symptoms, which may indicate the need for serum lead level screening in opiate addicts to prevent more serious complications.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Jain Nitin , Faderl Stefan , Kantarjian Hagop M. , O'Brien Susan 
Published: December 2019

OverviewIn adults, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a disease with poor prognosis. In the past several years, there have been significant advances in understanding the disease biology, prognostication, and in the development of novel therapies. These include development of monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and more recently, chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy. These therapies are beginning to result in improvements in survival of patients with ALL.
Theory and Ab Initio Calculation of Optically Excited States—Recent Advances in 2D Materials
Authors: Xie Kaichen , Li Xiaosong , Cao Ting 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRecent studies of the optical properties of 2D materials have reported unique phenomena and features that are absent in conventional bulk semiconductors. Many of these interesting properties, such as enhanced light‐matter coupling, gate‐tunable photoluminescence, and unusual excitonic optical selection rules arise from the nature of the two‐ and multi‐particle excited states such as strongly bound Wannier excitons and charged excitons. The theory, modeling, and ab initio calculations of these optically excited states in 2D materials are reviewed. Several analytical and ab initio approaches are introduced. These methods are compared with each other, revealing their relative strength and limitations. Recent works that apply these methods to a variety of 2D materials and material‐defect systems are then highlighted. Understanding of the optically excited states in these systems is relevant not only for fundamental scientific research of electronic excitations and correlations, but also plays an important role in the future development of quantum information science and nano‐photonics.
Artificial canopy bridges improve connectivity in fragmented landscapes: The case of Javan slow lorises in an agroforest environment
Authors: Birot Hélène , Campera Marco , Imron Muhammad Ali , Nekaris K.A.I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCanopy bridges are increasingly used to reduce fragmentation in tropical habitats yet monitoring of their impact on the behavior of primates remains limited. The Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is endemic to Java, Indonesia, where the species most often occurs in human‐dominated, highly patchy landscapes. Slow lorises cannot leap, are highly arboreally adapted, and are vulnerable on the ground. To increase arboreal connectivity, as part of a long‐term conservation project in Cipaganti, West Java, we built and monitored seven slow lorises bridges of two types—waterline or rubber—and monitored their use by seven adult individuals from 2016 to 2017. Motion triggered camera traps collected data for 195 ± standard deviation (SD) 85 days on each bridge. We collected 341.76 hr (179.67 hr before and 162.09 hr after the installation of bridges) of behavioral and home range data via instantaneous sampling every 5 min, and terrestrial behavior (distance and duration of time spent on the ground) via all occurrences sampling. We found that slow lorises used bridges on average 12.9 ± SD9.7 days after their installment mainly for traveling. Slow lorises showed a trend toward an increase in their home range size (2.57 ha before, 4.11 ha after;p = 0.063) and reduced ground use (5.98 s/hr before, 0.43 s/hr;p = 0.063) after implementation of bridges. Although the number of feeding trees did not change, new feeding trees were included in the home range, and the proportion of data points spent traveling and exploring significantly decreased (p = 0.018). Waterline bridges serve a purpose to irrigate the crops of local farmers who thus help to maintain the bridges, and also ascribe value to the presence of slow lorises. Other endemic mammal species also used the bridges. We advocate the use and monitoring of artificial canopy bridges as an important supplement for habitat connectivity in conservation interventions.
Evaluation of appropriate indications for the use of sivelestat sodium in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Maki Chika , Inoue Yoshiaki , Ishihara Tadashi , Hirano Yohei , Kondo Yutaka , Sueyoshi Koichiro , Okamoto Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi 
Published: December 2019

AimSivelestat sodium, a selective neutrophil elastase inhibitor, is the only commercially available, specific therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, its clinical efficacy is controversial. We aimed to evaluate appropriate indications for its use in ARDS.MethodsWe studied 66 patients with ARDS who were treated with sivelestat sodium. They were divided into survivors (n = 37) or non‐survivors (n = 29) at 60 days, and clinical characteristics were analyzed.ResultsPatients’ backgrounds evaluated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were significantly different between both groups (survivors versus non‐survivors: APACHE II score, 14.7 ± 6.7 versus 20.5 ± 4.7, P < 0.01; SOFA, 7.25 ± 2.5 versus 9.82 ± 3.5, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in other patients’ characteristics. On receiver operator characteristic analysis of APACHE II scores before the use of sivelestat sodium, the estimated cut‐off value for survival was calculated to be 18.5.On receiver operator characteristic analysis of the PaO2/FIO2 ratio, the area under the curve was the highest 3 days after the treatment, with the optimal cut‐off point at 198.ConclusionAn APACHE II score ≤18, and a PaO2/FIO2 ratio >198 at 3 days after the use of sivelestat sodium predicted a good outcome.
Photomechanical Luminescence from Through‐Space Conjugated AIEgens
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Fan Jianzhong , Liu Xinzhi , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTransforming molecular motions into the macroscopic scale is a topic of great interest to nanoscience. The photomechanical effect is a promising strategy to achieve this goal. Herein, we report an intriguing photomechanical luminescence driven by the photodimerization of 2‐phenylbenzo[b]thiophene 1,1‐dioxide (P‐BTO) in molecular crystals and elucidate the working mechanism and substituent effect through crystallographic analysis and theoretical calculations. Striking splitting, hopping, and bending mechanical behaviors accompanied by a significant blue fluorescence enhancement are observed for P‐BTO crystals under UV light, which is attributed to the formation of photodimer 2P‐BTO. Although 2P‐BTO is poorly π‐conjugated because of the central cyclobutane ring, it exhibits prominent through‐space conjugation and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), affording strong solid‐state blue fluorescence at 415 nm with an excellent quantum yield of up to 96.2 %.
UK deep‐sea conservation: Progress, lessons learned, and actions for the future
Authors: Chaniotis Peter D. , Robson Laura M. , Lemasson Anaëlle J. , Cornthwaite Alice L. , Howell Kerry L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Despite a relatively long history of scientific interest fuelled by exploratory research cruises, the UK deep sea has only recently emerged as the subject of targeted and proactive conservation. Enabling legislation over the past 10 years has resulted in the designation of marine protected areas and the implementation of fisheries management areas as spatial conservation tools. This paper reflects on progress and lessons learned, recommending actions for the future.
Increased investment has been made to improve the evidence base for deep‐sea conservation, including collaborative research surveys and use of emerging technologies. New open data portals and developments in marine habitat classification systems have been two notable steps to furthering understanding of deep‐sea biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in support of conservation action.
There are still extensive gaps in fundamental knowledge of deep‐sea ecosystems and of cause and effect. Costs of new technologies and a limited ability to share data in a timely and efficient manner across sectors are barriers to furthering understanding. In addition, whilst the concepts of natural capital and ecosystem services are considered a useful tool to support the achievement of conservation goals, practical application is challenging.
Continued collaborative research efforts and engagement with industry to share knowledge and resources could offer cost‐effective solutions to some of these barriers. Further elaboration of the concepts of natural capital and ecosystem services will aid understanding of the costs and benefits associated with human–environment interactions and support informed decision‐making in conserving the deep sea.
Whilst multiple challenges arise for deep‐sea conservation, it is critical to continue ongoing conservation efforts, including exploration and collaboration, and to adopt new conservation strategies that are implemented in a systematic and holistic way and to ensure that these are adaptive to growing economic interest in this marine area.
A novel hexamerin with an unexpected contribution to the prophenoloxidase activation system of the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Liu Chengbao , Zhu Jinye , Ma Jingjing , Zhang Jinghai , Wang Xialu , Zhang Rong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHexamerin was originally identified as a storage protein but later confirmed to be involved in many physiological processes. In the present study, we cloned and characterized a novel hexamerin complementary DNA sequence from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi (Ap‐hexamerin), which shows high homology with reported insect methionine‐rich hexamerins. The tissue distribution and time course of expression demonstrated that Ap‐hexamerin was predominantly synthesized in the fat body and the expression level was significantly increased in response to the microbial challenge, suggesting the relevance of Ap‐hexamerin to immune responses. In further immune functional studies, Ap‐hexamerin was confirmed to take part in the upregulation of prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation in A. pernyi haemolymph triggered by pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Additional molecular interaction analysis revealed that Ap‐hexamerin is capable of binding the PAMPs used in the phenoloxidase assay, suggesting hexamerin in A. pernyi may positively regulate haemolymph PPO activation, acting as a pattern recognition protein.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 4‐methoxy‐3‐arylamido‐N‐(substitutedphenyl)benzamide derivatives as potential antiplatelet agents
Authors: Liu Xiujie , Chen Xin , Qiu Kai , Zhang Zhihao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA series of 4‐methoxy‐3‐arylamido‐N‐(substitutedphenyl)benzamides 6a–u were designed according to the splicing principle of structural design in the medicinal chemistry theory and were synthesized in five steps: nitration, acylation, ammoniation, reduction, and secondary ammoniation. The structures of the target compounds were characterized and verified by infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and electron spray ionization spectroscopy. Their in vitro antiplatelet aggregation activities induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or arachidonic acid (AA) were assessed by Born's method. The biological evaluation revealed that all compounds exhibited certain levels of activities in both of the antiplatelet aggregation assays; compounds 6c (IC50 = 3.84 μM) and 6f (IC50 = 3.12 μM) displayed the strongest antiplatelet aggregation activities in the ADP‐induced and AA‐induced assay, separately. Moreover, compounds that had stronger activities were chosen for cell toxicity testing via the cell counting kit‐8 assay. The results indicated that none of the compounds had obvious cell toxicity against L929 cells at the doses of 10 and 20 μM. It is worth pointing out that compound 6c showed the highest antiplatelet activity and the lowest cell toxicity. In general, 4‐methoxy‐3‐arylamido‐N‐(substitutedphenyl)benzamides have the potential to become a kind of safer and more effective antiplatelet agents.
Experiences of compassion focused therapy in eating disorder recovery: A qualitative model
Authors: Mullen Georgina , Dowling Clodagh , Doyle Jillian , O'Reilly Gary 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis qualitative study explores participants' patterns of relating to self and others before and after attending a Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders‐2 (CFT‐E2) group intervention.MethodData from semi‐structured interviews conducted before (n = 13) and after (n = 9) the intervention were analysed using thematic and relational analyses.ResultsPre‐intervention participants described experiencing difficult memories, identity struggles, negative self‐evaluation, powerlessness to the eating disorder, emotional dysregulation and an interest in change. Participants' descriptions of CFT‐E2 were broadly positive with some experiences common to group therapy approaches, such as feeling hope and trust, and some experiences specific to CFT‐E2, such as the flow of compassion and knowledge in the group. Postintervention, the interviews reflect positive changes that participants experienced. Participants reported a more compassionate mentality in their relationship with themselves and others, self‐belief, a sense of responsibility, stronger relationships, experiences of relinquishing control of their eating disorder and feeling less overwhelmed.DiscussionCompassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders‐2 offers a new approach for treating self‐criticism and shame for people with eating disorders. This qualitative study supports the view that this approach offers novel and generic group therapy benefits for clients.
Demonstrating synchronization of isorhythmic dissociation with stress testing
Authors: Clarke John‐Ross David , Ul Haq Faheem , Ranjan Saurabh , Zarich Stuart 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere are a variety of causes of atrial and ventricular dyssynchrony. The mechanism underlying the arrhythmia is usually a guide to further management. This case highlights the key distinguishing features of more benign etiologies.