bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Trend of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments from River Ethiope in the Niger Delta Region of Southern Nigeria
Authors: Edjere O. , Agbozu I. E. , Asibor G. , Otolo S. , Bassey U. 
Published: June 2020

Seasonal trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the sediment of River Ethiope in Delta State, Southern Nigeria were assessed in this study. Samples were taken from six different points at Ethiope River along its banks during the dry and rainy seasons. Samples were extracted using soxhlet apparatus and analysed with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The results obtained for the PAHs concentration ranges from 184.73 µg/kg – 3679.13 µg/kg for dry season and for rainy season, some stations were below detection limit (BDL) to a maximum value of 693.43 µg/kg. The result clearly shows that the total concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon detected in the dry season was higher than those of the rainy season. Similarly, more PAHs compound of higher and lower rings were found in the dry season than in the rainy season in sediment samples. Although, the PAHs concentrations were quite low which indicated no danger status from the consumption or dermal contact for humans’ point of view, however, the levels can cause adverse effects for lower aquatic organisms which are exposed to the sediments on a daily basis. Therefore, persistent monitoring and strict adherence to responsible waste discharge should be upheld by all manufacturing and agro industries located in the study area in order to avoid deleterious effects of the biodiversity in the water bodies as well as ensuring safety of the consumers.
Studies on Physio-chemical Properties of Maintainer, Restorer Lines and Hybrids of Chilies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Nikornpun Maneechat , Tunjai K. , Kaewsombat K. , Tarinta T. , Boonyakiat Danai 
Published: June 2020

Physio-chemical properties of hybrid chilies (Capsicum annuum L.), parental lines and commercial varieties were evaluated in three experiments and showed significant differences among them. Heterosis, and heterobeltiosis were studied in hybrids while, combining abilities were investigated in maintainers and restorers. Positive statistical differences in the general combining ability of the maintainer lines for vitamin C, capsaicin and Hue were observed and general combining ability indicated that, CA1286 and CA1303, were good maintainers for the improvement of capsaicin and vitamin C. The other maintainers;-, CA1441 and CA1442, are good for the improvement of L* and Chroma. The maintainer, CA1441, was better than CA1442 for capsaicin content,- while the maintainer, CA1442, was better than CA1441 for vitamin C. Positivity and statistically significant differences among the restorers were observed for vitamin C, capsaicin, Hue and Chroma and the lines;-, CA 1447, CA 1448, CA 1449, CA 1450 and CA 1451, were useful for the improvement of these physio-chemical properties of chilies.
Efficacy and Side Effects of Intracameral Moxifloxacin as Prophylaxis after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Chaudhary Bhanu Prakash , Tripathi Baldev Prasad 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of intracameral moxifloxacin at the end of cataract surgery.
Methods: Retrospective record based study. Study was based on a consecutive case series of patients who had cataract surgery during 2009 through 2019 in the Department of Ophthalmology at Maharishi Vashishth State Medical College, Basti (India). Intracameral preservative free moxifloxacin injection was given at the conclusion of surgery to most patients. Standardized operating room and sterilization protocols were used. All The medical records were reviewed for the 8 weeks after surgery. Post-operative endophthalmitis rate was computed using the number of cases of postoperative endophthalmitis as the numerator and the number of cataract surgeries as the denominator.
Results: Of the 10,108 surgeries performed during study period, 2012 (19.9%) involved intracameral moxifloxacin injection. No adverse drug reactions were reported from administration of intracameral antibiotics during the study period. The post-operative endophthalmitis rate in patient who had not received intracameral antibiotic injection was 0.06%. There was no endophthalmitis case reported in patients who had received intracameral moxifloxacin injection as prophylaxis.
Conclusion: The results of this study support the use if intracameral moxifloxacin as a routine prophylaxis for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Especially in rural setting as the patients postoperative instruction compliance is poor and many patients are lost to follow-ups sue to different reasons.
Prevalence, Risk Factors Associated with Brucellosis and Presence of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Camel Milk in Garissa County, Kenya
Authors: Noor M. , Rotich V. , Kiarie J. W. , Cheruiyot K. , Kagira J. M. 
Published: June 2020

Aim: The current study was undertaken to assess the prevalence, risk factors of brucellosis and presence of pathogenic bacteria isolated from camel milk in Garrisa County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study design was cross-sectional where questionnaires were administered to farmers to assess the risk factors associated with brucellosis. The experimental study was also employed to identify bacteria in milk samples which were collected from 104 camels. Fifty milk samples were obtained from local farms while 54 were from sales point at Garissa market. Further test for brucellosis using milk ring test was also carried out.
Results: The overall prevalence of brucellosis in camel milk was 8%. Most (12.5%) of the positive samples were from Dadaab Sub-county while the rest of the positive samples were from Fafi (5.9%) and Balambala (5.9%) sub-counties. All the 54 samples obtained from Garissa market were negative of brucellosis. Of the total (118) bacteria isolates, those from the farm level were 68.6% and from market were 31.2%. The bacteria isolated from the 104 milk samples were Pseudomonas spp. (32.2%), Salmonella spp. (30.5%), Staphylococcus spp (21.2%), Eschericia coli (8.5%) and Shigella spp. (7.6%). The risk factors that significantly (p<0.05) associated brucellosis were: age of lactating camels (higher in camels aged above 20 years), herd size (higher in camels from herd sizes of between 30-50 camels) and herding of camels with other livestock (higher in camels kept with other livestock).
Conclusion: In conclusion, a few milk samples from camels in Garissa County were found to have brucellosis and were heavily infected with bacteria which can cause mastitis. Considering that most people in the study area drank raw milk, spread of these bacteria to man is a high possibility and thus animal and public health officers should implement one health disease control strategies.
In search of a one plan solution for VMAT post‐mastectomy chest wall irradiation
Authors: Monajemi T. T. , Oliver P. A. K. , Day A. , Yewondwossen M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study was designed to evaluate skin dose in both VMAT and tangent treatment deliveries for the purpose of identifying suitable bolus use protocols that should produce similar superficial doses.MethodsPhantom measurements were used to investigate skin dose in chest wall radiotherapy with and without bolus for 3D and rotational treatment techniques. Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) with and without housing and EBT3 film were used. Superflab (3, 5, and 10 mm) and brass mesh were considered. Measured doses were compared with predictions by the Eclipse treatment planning system. Patient measurements were also performed and the bolusing effect of hospital gowns and blankets were highlighted. The effect of flash for VMAT plans was considered experimentally by using 2 mm couch shifts.ResultsFor tangents, average skin doses without bolus were 0.64 (EBT3), 0.62 (bare OSLD), 0.77 (jacketed OSLD), and 0.68 (Eclipse) as a fraction of prescription. For VMAT, doses without bolus were 0.53 (EBT3), 0.53 (bare OSLD), 0.64 (jacketed OSLD), and 0.60 (Eclipse). For tangents, the average doses with different boluses as measured by EBT3 were 0.99 (brass mesh), 1.02 (3 mm), 1.03 (5 mm), and 1.07 (10 mm). For VMAT with bolus, average doses as measured by EBT3 were 0.83 (brass), 0.96 (3 mm), 1.03 (5 mm), and 1.04 (10 mm). Eclipse doses agreed with measurements to within 5% of measurements for all Superflab thicknesses and within 15% of measurements for no bolus. The presence of a hospital gown and blanket had a bolusing effect that increased the surface dose by approximately 10%.ConclusionsResults of this work allow for consideration of different bolus thicknesses, materials, and usage schedules based on desired skin dose and choice of either tangents or an arc beam techniques.
Demographic characteristics and neuropsychological assessments of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) (plus)
Authors: Hao Lixiao , Sun Yu , Li Yun , Wang Jieyu , Wang Zichen , Zhang Zhongying , Wei Zhanyun , Gao Ge , Jia Jianguo , Xing Yue , Han Ying 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSince SCD (plus) was standardized, little is known about its demographic characteristics and its outcomes of neuropsychological assessments, including the SCD questionnaire 9 (SCD‐Q9).ObjectiveTo characterize SCD (plus) by comparing the neuropsychological features among its subgroups and with normal controls (NC). Also, to explore its demographics and to understand the relation of the chief complaints and the scores of SCD‐Q9.MethodsMultistage stratified cluster random sampling was conducted to select participants. As a result, 84 NC and 517 SCD (plus) were included. SCD (plus) was further classified into several subgroups (SCD‐C: concerned cognitive decline; SCD‐F: complaints about SCD within the past five years; SCD‐P: feeling performance being not as good as their peers; SCD+: presented> 3 of SCD (plus) features; SCD‐: presented ≤ 3 of SCD (plus) features (see the diagnostic criteria for the details)) and between‐group comparisons of neuropsychological scores were conducted. Point‐biserial correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the demographic characteristics of its subgroups. Finally, Spearman correlation was used to better understand the relation of SCD (plus) to SCD‐Q9.Results(1) Scores of AVLT‐LR (AVLT‐LR: Auditory Verbal Learning Test‐Long Delayed Recall) and MoCA‐B (MoCA: Montreal Cognitive Assessment‐Basic) were lower in the SCD‐P group than those in the NC group, and the SCD+ group scored lower in the MoCA‐B and CDT(CDT: Clock Drawing Test) than the SCD‐ group. (2) Females were more concerned than male participants. Individuals with lower education level felt that their cognitive performance were worse than their peers. Also, younger people might express concerns more than the more elderly. People who had complaints of SCD‐P might be more likely to report SCD‐C, but less likely to report SCD‐F. (3) Positive correlations were found between the chief complaints of SCD (plus) and some items of SCD‐Q9.ConclusionsSCD (plus) may be related to demographic factors. Individuals with SCD (plus) already exhibited cognitive impairment, which can be detected by SCD‐Q9.
Mitochondrial encephalopathy Due to a Novel Pathogenic Mitochondrial tRNAGln m.4349C>T Variant
Authors: Ji Kunqian , Wang Wei , Lin Yan , Xu Xuebi , Liu Fuchen , Wang Dongdong , Zhao Yuying , Yan Chuanzhu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveMitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA, among which, mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes possessing prominent status. In most of the cases, however, the detailed molecular pathogenesis of these tRNA gene mutations remains unclear.MethodsWe performed the clinical emulation, muscle histochemistry, northern blotting analysis of tRNA levels, biochemical measurement of respiratory chain complex activities and mitochondrial respirations in muscle tissue and cybrid cells.ResultsWe found a novel m.4349C>T mutation in mitochondrial tRNAGln gene in a patient present with encephalopathy, epilepsy, and deafness. We demonstrated molecular pathomechanisms of this mutation. This mutation firstly disturbed the translation machinery of mitochondrial tRNAGlnand impaired mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, followed by remarkable mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production.Interpretation.This study illustrated the pathogenicity of a novel m.4349C>T mutation and provided a better understanding of the phenotype associated with mutations in mitochondrial tRNAGln gene.
Urate is closely linked to white matter integrity in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Yoo Han Soo , Chung Seok Jong , Lee Yang Hyun , Ye Byoung Seok , Sohn Young H. , Kwon Hunki , Lee Phil Hyu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the association of the serum urate level with cortical thickness and white matter integrity in multiple system atrophy (MSA).MethodsWe recruited 75 MSA patients and 42 controls who underwent brain MRI and measured serum urate level at baseline. Using cortical thickness and tract‐based spatial statistics analyses, we investigated the correlation between serum urate levels and cortical thickness or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures in controls and MSA patients. Interaction effects were analyzed to find different patterns of correlation according to sex and clinical subtype. We evaluated the relationship between serum urate levels, DTI measures, and total UMSARS score, using path analysis.ResultsSerum urate levels showed a positive correlation with FA values in the corpus callosum and a negative correlation with MD values in widespread regions including cerebellar, brainstem, and cerebral white matter in patients with MSA. Both sexes showed a negative correlation between serum urate levels and MD values without significant interaction effect. In subgroup analysis according to subtype, patients with cerebellar subtype showed a negative correlation. Serum urate levels did not correlated with cortical thickness. Path analysis showed that MD values in middle and inferior cerebellar peduncle mediated the association between serum urate level and total UMSAR score.InterpretationThe present study demonstrated that serum urate levels played a pivotal role in white matter disintegrity and clinical disability in MSA. It would provide an evidence of the role of urate as a potential neuroprotective factor against white matter neurodegeneration in MSA.
2D Inorganic Bimolecular Crystals with Strong In‐Plane Anisotropy for Second‐Order Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Feng Xin , Sun Zongdong , Pei Ke , Han Wei , Wang Fakun , Luo Peng , Su Jianwei , Zuo Nian , Liu Guiheng , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou 
Published: June 2020

Abstract2D inorganic bimolecular crystals, consisting of two different inorganic molecules, are expected to possess novel physical and chemical properties due to the synergistic effect of the individual components. However, 2D inorganic bimolecular crystals remain unexploited because of the difficulties in preparation arising from non‐typical layered structures and intricate intermolecular interactions. Here, the synthesis of 2D inorganic bimolecular crystal SbI3·3S8 nanobelts via a facile vertical microspacing sublimation strategy is reported. The as‐synthesized SbI3·3S8 nanobelts exhibit strong in‐plane anisotropy of phonon vibrations and intramolecular vibrations as well as show anisotropic light absorption with a high dichroism ratio of 3.9. Furthermore, it is revealed that the second harmonic generation intensity of SbI3·3S8 nanobelts is highly dependent on the excitation wavelength and crystallographic orientation. This work can inspire the growth of more 2D inorganic bimolecular crystals and excite potential applications for bimolecular optoelectronic devices.
Farmers’ insights on soil health indicators and adoption
Authors: Bagnall Dianna K. , McIntosh Wm. Alex , Morgan Cristine L.S. , Woodward Richard T. , Cisneros Marissa , Black Michael , Kiella Erin M. , Ale Srinivasulu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLack of adoption of soil health–promoting practices (SHPPs) leaves soil vulnerable to erosion, exacerbating flooding and contributing to high nutrient and sediment levels in surface waters. To aid in the adoption of SHPPs, changes in soil health need to be measured and related to things that both clearly and directly matter to farmers and stakeholders, yet soil scientists still grapple with which indicators to measure when assessing soil health. Useful indicators of soil health show changes in soil function resulting from changes in soil management, are measurable, and have clear and direct value to their target audience. These “linking indicators” need to be identified in context for successful promotion of SHPPs. We collected data from two focus groups of farmers in the Brazos River Watershed, TX, who had either adopted SHPPs or who had not. Content analysis of focus group transcripts revealed soil health was an important part of a farmer's stewardship ethic. Farmers perceived that water management, organic matter, yield, and biomass were meaningful indicators of soil health that benefited their enterprise. However, using yield and biomass alone has the potential to create a “false positive” for soil health. When farmers chose their management practices, two themes interacted with farmer concerns for soil health: profitability and social interactions. This work provides context and recommended linking indicators for soil scientists to use for communication with farmers. Researchers and policymakers should be aware of these interactions if efforts to promote SHPP adoption are to be successful.
Elevated resting metabolic rates among female, but not male, reindeer herders from subarctic Finland
Authors: Ocobock Cara , Soppela Päivi , Turunen Minna T. , Stenbäck Ville , Herzig Karl‐Heinz 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveElevated resting metabolic rates (RMR, kcal/day) are a well‐established mechanism for maintaining core body temperature among cold climate populations. A high degree of interindividual variation has recently been noted among circumpolar populations. To further examine RMR variability, we investigated anthropometric and metabolic differences among reindeer herders from subarctic Finland.MethodsResting metabolic rates, body mass, body composition, height, age, and sex were measured among 20 reindeer herders (5 females, 15 males, 20‐64 years) from seven herding districts surrounding the Arctic Circle of Finland in January of 2019.ResultsFemales had a mean RMR of 1798 ± 216 kcal/day and males 1753 ± 503 kcal/day. When controlling for body mass and fat‐free mass, females had significantly higher RMRs relative to males (P < .01). Contrary to previous cold climate population studies, measured RMR among males was not significantly different from predictive equation estimates (P > .05). However, predictive equations significantly underestimated female RMR by a mean of 25.2% ± 5.9% (P < .01).ConclusionThese results mirror earlier findings, though in ways previously unseen. In this population: (a) There is a high degree of RMR interindividual variability, but only among males, and (b) there is evidence for elevated RMR, but only among females. Though the sample size is small, preliminary results suggest the presence of sex‐based differences in metabolic adaptations to cold climates within this population subset. Potential reasons for this sex‐based difference are discussed including a presentation of a hypothesis about the dual role of thyroid hormone in both reproductive and metabolic processes.
Proportionality indices, geographic altitude, and gestational age in newborns from Jujuy, Argentina
Authors: Martínez Jorge I. , Revollo Gabriela B. , Alfaro Emma L. , Grandi Carlos , Dipierri José E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are several different proportionality indices (PRIs) to evaluate size at birth by gestational age (GA). Yet, the explanatory power of alternative PRIs has not been evaluated in highland (HL) populations.AimEvaluate the relative utility of three PRIs, weight to length ratio (W/L), body mass index (BMI), and ponderal index (PI), for assessing nutritional status in newborns (NBs) from highland (HL ≥ 2000 m) and lowland (LL < 2000 m) regions of the Jujuy Province of Argentina.Subjects and methodsBirths were registered by the Ministry of Health (Jujuy, 2009‐2014). Data were grouped according to HL and LL altitude groups based on of maternal residence. The main outcome measures were the PRIs W/L ratio, BMI, and PI. Percentiles were generated by the LMS method and compared with references. ANOVAs and Pearson correlations were used to examine the relationship between outcome measures with weight and length by altitude, sex, and GA.ResultsIn both altitude zones, W/L and BMI increased with GA, while PI stabilized between 37th and 42th weeks. The LL sample had significantly higher values for all the PRIs from the 37th week of GA. In the HL sample, the 50th percentiles for all three PRIs were lower than the reference. Regardless of GA and altitude level, BMI showed the lowest correlation with length and the higher with the weight.ConclusionThe HL sample of term NBs had lower values for all PRIs compared to their LL counterparts. In both altitude zones, the BMI is the preferred PRI to evaluate the nutritional status.
Variable pulmonary manifestations in Chitayat syndrome: Six additional affected individuals
Authors: Suter Aude‐Annick , Santos‐Simarro Fernando , Toerring Pernille Mathiesen , Abad Perez Angela , Ramos‐Mejia Rosario , Heath Karen E. , Huckstadt Victoria , Parrón‐Pajares Manuel , Mensah Martin Atta , Hülsemann Wiebke , Holtgrewe Manuel , Mundlos Stefan , Kornak Uwe , Bartsch Oliver , Ehmke Nadja 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHand hyperphalangism leading to shortened index fingers with ulnar deviation, hallux valgus, mild facial dysmorphism and respiratory compromise requiring assisted ventilation are the key features of Chitayat syndrome. This condition results from the recurrent heterozygous missense variant NM_006494.2:c.266A>G; p.(Tyr89Cys) in ERF on chromosome 19q13.2, encoding the ETS2 repressor factor (ERF) protein. The pathomechanism of Chitayat syndrome is unknown. To date, seven individuals with Chitayat syndrome and the recurrent pathogenic ERF variant have been reported in the literature. Here, we describe six additional individuals, among them only one presenting with a history of assisted ventilation, and the remaining presenting with variable pulmonary phenotypes, including one individual without any obvious pulmonary manifestations. Our findings widen the phenotype spectrum caused by the recurrent pathogenic variant in ERF, underline Chitayat syndrome as a cause of isolated skeletal malformations and therefore contribute to the improvement of diagnostic strategies in individuals with hand hyperphalangism.