bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception and Acceptance of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLSD) Degree (A Professional Doctorate Degree) among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria
Authors: Amadi Kemzi N. Elechi- , Briggs Ojoye N. , Ugochi Valerie E. , Uchejeso Obeta M. , Yakubu Abdulsalam 
Published: December 2020

Background: The practice of Medical Laboratory Science has witnessed advancement globally, with increasing need for laboratory input in modern healthcare delivery. This has brought about the need for advanced education and training for practitioners of Medical Laboratory Science.
Objectives: This descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed the perception and acceptance of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLSD) degree among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria.
Methods: The study involved five hundred (500) Medical Laboratory Scientists across Nigeria, who participated based on informed consent. The survey instrument was a structured questionnaire that contained demographic information and 16 items which the respondents responded to.
Results: Out of the 500 respondents, 380(76%) were male while 120(24%) were female, with majority of them within 20 to 49 years of age. On the perception of the MLSD degree, 355(71%) of the respondents agreed that MLSD will increase employment opportunities for practitioners, 460(92%) agreed that it will offer practitioners enhanced emoluments while 490(98%) agreed that MLSD will enhance the knowledge base and clinical expertise of practitioners. Also, 400(80%) agreed that MLSD will help reduce quackery and impersonation of Medical Laboratory Scientists, 485(97%) agreed that it will enhance the prestige of the profession, 470(94%) agreed that it will enhance laboratory diagnosis and biomedical research. Data on acceptance show that 420(84%) of the respondents indicated that they would like to obtain the MLSD degree, 345(69%) will like one of their children to obtain the MLSD degree, 305(61%) do not support quasi-specialization in MLSD, 445(89%) agreed that MLSD without quasi-specialization will broaden the clinical knowledge and skills of practitioners and improve patient-care while 415(83%) believe that the MLSD without quasi-specialization will give more meaning to postgraduate specialization.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the MLSD has positive perception and acceptance among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria. Therefore, MLSD is recommended for adoption and implementation for the training of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigerian universities.
Improving the Recombinant Protein Expression of Human Galectin-3 in BL21 Bacterial Host System
Authors: Vemuri Praveen Kumar , Varakala Nikhil Reddy , Dhakate Divyanshu , Ravavarapu Tripura , Dumpala Faina Philberta , Muddana Susmita Sri , Bommepalli Haritha , Modiboyana Spurthi 
Published: December 2020

Background: Regardless of the broad explore in the territory of glycobiology concerning structure and capacity of glycans, lectins and glycosylation forms, numerous viewpoints are still left unexplored.
Aim: In this study, we analyzed the effect of shuttle vector on the secretion of human galectin recombinant protein.
Methods: The galectin was expressed in E. coli BL21 by growing the bacterial culture in SOC medium and purified by nickel-based affinity chromatography due to its His-tag.
Results: After cell lysis the protein was identified as a single 29 KDa band by 12% SDS-PAGE. Conclusion: Characterization studies clearly revealed that the purified protein was indeed galectin 3.
Potential of Oilseeds Native to Amazon and Brazilian Cerrado Biomes: Benefits, Chemical and Functional Properties, and Extraction Methods
Authors: Cornelio‐Santiago Heber P. , Bodini Renata Barbosa , de Oliveira Alessandra Lopes 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe primary objective of this study was to shed greater light on the characteristics and multifaceted potential of oil extracts from kernels of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut), seeds of the Plukenetia species and Caryocar species. These are but a few of the multitude of the plant species found in the Amazon and Brazil's Cerrado biomes. They have many substantial organoleptic, nutritional, and functional properties that are comparable or exceed better known oils, and they manifest health benefits and prospective economic opportunities as an oil source for foods, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. It is also hoped that this study gives rise to further research that may be beneficial to the industry and improve the local economies where these raw materials are found.
Projected impact of mandatory food fortification with folic acid on neurosurgical capacity needed for treating spina bifida in Ethiopia
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Koning Jan , Biluts Hagos , Woldemariam Mersha , Kibruyisfaw Zewdie , Belete Addisalem , Koning Marinus 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSpina bifida, also known as meningomyelocele, is a major birth defect mostly associated with folate deficiency in the mother early in pregnancy. The prevalence of spina bifida is disproportionately high in Ethiopia compared to the global average; about 10,500 liveborn are affected annually. Many affected infants do not receive timely repair surgery. There are a high number of stillbirths, and neonatal, infant, and under‐five deaths. Mandatory fortification of staple foods such as wheat and maize flour with folic acid, a B vitamin, is an effective primary prevention strategy for spina bifida. Survival in those with spina bifida increases if neurosurgical intervention is available soon after birth, along with continuous surgical and clinical aftercare throughout the lifespan. Currently, Ethiopia does not have mandatory food fortification for primary prevention or adequate neurosurgical capacity to meet the need to prevent adverse outcomes associated with spina bifida. We present in this paper two concurrent and complementary policy and practice solutions occurring in Ethiopia through global partnerships: (1) capacity‐building of neurosurgery care through training programs; and (2) promoting national mandatory folic acid fortification of staples for primary prevention of spina bifida. These two policy and practice interventions ensure all affected infants can receive timely pediatric neurosurgery and sustained surgical aftercare through required neurosurgeon availability, and ensure primary prevention of spina bifida. Primary prevention of spina bifida frees up significant neurosurgical capacity in resource‐poor settings that can then be directed to other critical neurosurgical needs thus lowering child mortality and morbidity.
Serum antinuclear antibodies associate with worse prognosis in AQP4‐positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Fan Rong , Zhang Yuefeng , Xu Yunqi , Tong Jiayi , Chen Zhigang , Gu Meifeng , Fan Wenkui , Chen Yong , Peng Fuhua , Jiang Ying 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundStudies have demonstrated that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) may be correlated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, the conflicting results of studies about the value of ANAs in AQP4 antibody‐positive NMOSD patients need to be further investigated.MaterialCase data were collected from 143 patients with AQP4 antibody‐positive NMOSD. Patients were divided into two groups based on the ANA test results. The analysis of clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and MRI examination results were compared between two groups: the NMOSD patients with ANA (+) and with ANA (−).ResultsDisease duration of NMOSD is shorter in the ANA (+) patients with EDSS < 4 than in the ANA (−) patients (12.05 ± 16.73 versus 29.43 ± 41.03, p‐value = .013). The median time from disease onset to an EDSS score of 4.0 is significantly longer in the ANA (−) NMOSD patients than in the ANA (+) patients (48.2 months versus 24 months, p = .04). In addition, ANA (RR, 2.234; 95% CI, 1.078–4.629; p‐value = .031) can predict the severity of NMOSD.ConclusionsAntinuclear antibodies seem to be associated with more severe disease activity in NMOSD patients.
Randomized phase II trial of S‐1 plus cisplatin or docetaxel plus cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for inoperable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shimokawa Tsuneo , Yamada Kazuhiko , Tanaka Hiroshi , Kubota Kaoru , Takiguchi Yuichi , Kishi Kazuma , Saito Haruhiro , Hosomi Yukio , Kato Terufumi , Harada Daijiro , Otani Sakiko , Kasai Takashi , Nakamura Yoichi , Misumi Toshihiro , Yamanaka Takeharu , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy is considered standard treatment for unresectable locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (LA‐NSCLC). This study examined two regimens of chemotherapy in concurrent chemoradiation. Eligible patients with unresectable, radically irradible LA‐NSCLC were randomized to either the SP (S‐1 and cisplatin) or DP (docetaxel and cisplatin) arms with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy of 60 Gy, comprising 2 Gy per daily fraction. The primary endpoint was the overall survival (OS) rate at 2 years (the 2‐year OS rate). From May 2011 to August 2014, 110 patients were enrolled. Of 106 eligible patients, the 2‐year OS rates were 79% (95% CI: 66%–88%) and 69% (95% CI: 55%–80%) the SP and DP arms, respectively. The median progression‐free survival was 11.6 months for the SP arm and 19.9 months for the DP arm, while the median survival time was 55.2 months for the SP arm and 50.8 months for the DP arm. Grade 3/4 leukopenia were more frequent in DP arm. The incidences of febrile neutropenia and pneumonitis tended to be higher in DP arm. There were no treatment‐related deaths in either arm. The primary endpoint was met in both arms. The SP arm as a future reference regimen will be chosen due to fewer toxicities and better OS.
Effect of Ba and CN Additives on the Catalytic Performance of Co/Al2O3 in Fischer−Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Guo Shupeng , Niu Congcong , Ma Zhongyi , Wang Jungang , Hou Bo , Jia Litao , Li Debao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA simple and effective method to modify Co/Al2O3 catalyst to improve the catalytic performance in Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis reaction is described. It is found that the electron density on the cobalt surface increases via electron donation from the dopant Ba and CN species, leading to an enhanced C5+ selectivity and C3 o/p ratio. However, the presence of Ba increases the cobalt crystalline size while the introduction of CN species leads to the formation of smaller cobalt nanoparticles and greatly increases their dispersion, thus resulting in a different distribution of heavy hydrocarbon products. Our work offers a new avenue to obtain catalyst with high activity and selectivity.
Photoelectrochemical Complete Decomposition of Cellulose for Electric Power Generation
Authors: Kageshima Yosuke , Yoshimura Takumi , Koh Sangho , Mizuno Masahiro , Teshima Katsuya , Nishikiori Hiromasa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA photo‐assisted fuel cell (photofuel cell; PFC) consisting of a porous TiO2 photoanode and a Pt cathode in an aqueous electrolyte containing an organic fuel has been developed to generate an electric power by photoelectrochemically decomposing the fuel. Although direct utilization of cellulose as a fuel should be preferable, photocatalytic direct decomposition of cellulose, polymeric macromolecules, has been rarely reported. In the present study, a cellulose thin film deposited onto the TiO2 photoanode was used as the fuel. It was revealed that the cellulose was decomposed into CO2 through small carbonyl hydrocarbon intermediates. The complete decomposition of cellulose into CO2 implies that almost all the Gibbs free energy of cellulose can be converted into an electric power with the assistance of the photon energy. The PFC composed of the cellulose‐deposited TiO2 and Pt‐deposited Ni foam exhibited excellent photovoltaic performances (1.1 V of photovoltage and quantum efficiency up to 52 %). The present study should represent a potential means of electric power generation based on renewable energy sources by effectively treating waste biomass.
Age, sex, and regional differences in scavenger receptor CD36 in the mouse brain: Potential relevance to cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Edler Melissa K. , Johnson Cooper T. , Ahmed Hashim S. , Richardson Jason R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractScavenger receptor CD36 contributes significantly to lipid homeostasis, inflammation, and amyloid deposition, while CD36 deficiency is associated with restored cerebrovascular function in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model. Yet the distribution of CD36 has not been examined in the brain. Here, we characterized CD36 gene and protein expression in the brains of young, middle aged, aged, and elderly male and female C57BL/6J mice. Age‐related increases in CD36 mRNA expression were observed in the male hippocampus and female midbrain. Additionally, male mice had greater CD36 mRNA expression than females in the striatum, hippocampus, and midbrain. CD36 protein was primarily expressed intravascularly, and this expression differed by region, age, and sex in the mouse brain. Although male mice brains demonstrated an increase in CD36 protein with age in several cortices, basal ganglia, hippocampus, and midbrain, a decrease with age was observed in female mice in the same regions. These data suggest that distinctive age, region, and sex expression of CD36 in the brain may contribute to Aβ deposition and neuroinflammation in AD.
Square‐wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Method for Novelty Detection of Bismuth Extracted by Aqueous Two‐phase Systems
Authors: Bettio B. Guilherme , Okumura Leonardo L. , Zacché Danillo S. , Chagas Francielle O. , Hespanhol Maria C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this work, a voltammetric sensor was used to monitor the concentration of bismuth extracted from an eutectic alloy of BiSn by aqueous two‐phase system. This strategy is a sustainable and economically viable way of recovering bismuth from secondary sources. In the aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS), biodegradable and non‐toxic constituents dispersed in water (major constituent) are used. For monitoring the extraction, bismuth was determined in the upper phase of the aqueous two‐phase system, which is rich in L35 copolymer, that causes attenuation of the electrochemical signal (anodic peak current). The electrode and operational parameters of the square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) were evaluated according to the deposition and stripping processes of the bismuth on the surface of the carbon paste electrode (CPE). It was observed a similarity between the electrochemical response of the bismuth extracted by ATPS and with the standard solution of bismuth. The proposed method shows a linear range of 1.29–8.94 μmol L−1, limit of detection (1.07 μmol L−1) and limit of quantification (3.57 μmol L−1) and good precision (RSD%=2.27 %). This method was validated by comparing the results with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS), using statistical tests to verify precision and accuracy. In conclusion, using a voltammetric sensor to monitor the concentration of bismuth extracted by ATPS proved to be an efficient method, in agreement with the concentrations of the referenced method.
Optimization under uncertainty for robust fuel cycle analyses
Authors: Skarbeli A. V. , Álvarez‐Velarde F. , Bécares V. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryOptimization of nuclear fuel cycles is essential for experts and policy makers for studying and analyzing the future of the nuclear energy. In the case of advanced electronuclear transition scenarios, multiple parameters with a complex dependence have to be fine‐tuned in order to achieve a set of predefined objectives. However, in the presence of uncertainties the solutions obtained in this way may not be stable since small perturbations could break the delicate balance between different parts of the scenario. In this work, the optimization of an uncertainty European‐based sustainable transition scenario has been studied. This scenario, which has been analyzed with the TR_EVOL nuclear fuel cycle simulator system, is aimed at reducing the transuranic inventory masses while keeping the fuel cycle costs. To that end, an extension of the DEMO evolutionary multiobjective algorithm has been implemented within TR_EVOL for allowing the inclusion of constraints and uncertainties with a methodology that can be used by any fuel cycle simulator. Results show the importance of coupling optimization and uncertainty analyses due to the suboptimal and unstable solutions that can be obtained if not considered jointly. In addition, the uncertainties shrink the decision space. It was found that in their presence the transuranic mass can be reduced and stabilized by a factor ranging between 65% and 71% with an increase of the cost of 16% and 18.5% after 300 years of operation by using advanced systems when compared with an open fuel cycle strategy.
Treating cross‐sectional and time series momentum returns as forecasts
Authors: Kwon Oh Kang , Satchell Stephen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we analyse theoretically the distributional properties and the forecastability of cross‐sectional momentum (CSM) and time series momentum (TSM) returns. By decomposing these returns into their fundamental building blocks, we expose their structural similarities and differences that shed valuable insights into the conditions under which one outperforms the other. Considering in detail the special case of two underlying assets, which captures much of the salient features of the general case, we provide explicit expressions for the probability density function and the first four moments of CSM and TSM returns. We then analyse and compare the performances of these momentum strategies using three different measures of predictability. Consistent with the findings in the empirical literature, all three measures draw the similar conclusion that TSM outperforms CSM when asset returns are positive and that this is primarily due to TSM being net long while CSM is net zero in the underlying assets in such situations.
Cryptocurrencies: A survey on acceptance, governance and market dynamics
Authors: Hairudin Aiman , Sifat Imtiaz Mohammad , Mohamad Azhar , Yusof Yusniliyana 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper briefly overviews several challenging dimensions pertaining to cryptocurrencies with respect to their valuation, legitimacy, design, consensual acceptance and market‐based stylized facts with a view to understanding whether this new asset class indeed has the potential to become an alternative, or a replacement, to traditional fiat currencies. Our survey indicates that public embrace of cryptocurrencies continues to lag as the masses currently show reluctance in embracing cryptocurrencies as a complement, let alone a substitute to fiat counterparts. Governments have also successfully defended their sovereignty in preserving legal tender status, structural seigniorage and exclusivity. Market‐based studies hint at consistent inefficiencies across the spectrum. Furthermore, whether fundamental and mining factors determine cryptocurrencies' values remain unsettled. The most promising areas of research for crypto‐financial intelligentsia would be delving into establishing trial runs for central bank‐backed cryptocurrencies. In addition, we highlight that several methodological and data‐based obstacles remain in assessing the link between cryptocurrencies and their traditional rivals. This avenue remains a fertile ground for potential future research.
Functional interaction between long non‐coding RNA and microRNA in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Sheng Li , Nie Lei , Wen Xiaoyun , Mo Xiaodan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA) has received widespread attention for its role in several key cellular processes such as cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autoimmune diseases. Although we now have a good understanding of miRNA expression and function, our knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is still in its infancy. In this review, we will briefly introduce the definition and function of lncRNA and summarize the interactions between lncRNA and miRNA and their research progress in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The expression of miR‐16, miR‐146a, miR‐155, and miR‐223 and the interactions between HOTAIR and miR138, ZFAS1 and miR‐27a, and GAPLINC and miR‐575 are representative examples that may augment the understanding of the pathogenesis of RA and help in the development of new biomarkers and target therapies.
A survey of aortic disease biorepository participants’ preferences for return of research genetic results
Authors: Love‐Nichols Jamie , Uhlmann Wendy R. , Arscott Patricia , Willer Cristen , Hornsby Whitney , Roberts J. Scott 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThere is ongoing debate on whether and what research genetic results to return to study participants. To date, no study in this area has focused on aortopathy populations despite known genes that are clinically actionable. Participants (n = 225, 79% male, mean age = 61 years) with an aortopathy were surveyed to assess preferences for receiving research genetic results. Participants were ‘very’ or ‘extremely likely’ to want results for pathogenic variants in aortopathy genes with implications for family members (81%) or that would change medical management (76%). Similarly, participants were ‘very’ or ‘extremely likely’ to want actionable secondary findings related to cancer (75%) or other cardiac diseases (70%). Significantly lower interest was observed for non‐actionable findings—pathogenic variants in aortopathy genes that would not change medical management (51%) and variants of uncertain significance (38%) (p < .0001). Higher health and genomic literacy were positively associated with interest in actionable findings. Most participants (>63%) were accepting of any means of return; however, a substantial minority (18%–38%) deemed certain technological means unacceptable (e.g., patient portal). Over 90% of participants reported that a range of health professionals, including cardiovascular specialists, genetics specialists, and primary care providers, were acceptable to return results. Participants with aortopathies are highly interested in research genetic results perceived to be medically actionable for themselves or family members. Participants are accepting of a variety of means for returning results. Findings suggest that research participants should be asked what results are preferred at time of informed consent and that genetic counseling may clarify implications of results that are not personally medically actionable.
Rational Optimization of the Petasis Three‐Component Reaction as a Feasible Elementary Reaction in Polymer Chemistry
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Kakuchi Ryohei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this research, the Petasis three‐component reaction (Petasis‐3CR) among aromatic boronic acids, amines, and glyoxylic acids is feasibly optimized to seek integration with polymer synthesis. The Petasis‐3CR is expanded using protected boronic acids, bypassing the disadvantages of the polymers featuring boronic acids. Based on the modification, the Petasis‐3CR is now highly compatible with synthetic polymer chemistry, yielding poly (α‐amino acids), which are otherwise difficult to synthesize.