bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the airway epithelium related genes CDHR3 and EMSY are associated with asthma susceptibility
Authors: Zhang Miao miao , Chen Guo , Wang Yu , Wu Shou quan , Sandford Andrew J , He Jian qing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: As a main line of defense of the respiratory tract, the airway epithelium plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. CDHR3 and EMSY were reported to be expressed in the human airway epithelium. Although previous genome-wide association studies found that the two genes were associated with asthma susceptibility, similar observations have not been made in the Chinese Han population.Methods: A total of 300 asthma patients and 418 healthy controls who were unrelated Chinese Han individuals were enrolled. Tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (Tag-SNPs) were genotyped and the associations between SNPs and asthma risk were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the A allele of rs3847076 in CDHR3 was associated with increased susceptibility to asthma (OR = 1.407, 95% CI: 1.030-1.923). For the EMSY gene, the T alleles of both rs2508746 and rs12278256 were related with decreased susceptibility to asthma (additive model: OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.536-0.961; OR = 0.558, 95% CI: 0.332-0.937, respectively). In addition, the GG genotype of rs1892953 showed an association with increased asthma risk under the recessive model (OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 1.104-2.518) and the GATCTGAGT haplotype in EMSY was associated with reduced asthma risk (P = 0.037).Conclusions: This study identified novel associations of rs3847076 in CDHR3, as well as rs1892953, rs2508746 and rs12278256 in EMSY with adult asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. Our observations suggest that CDHR3 and EMSY may play important roles in the pathogenesis of asthma in Chinese individuals. Further study with larger sample size is needed.Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Histological Study of Sheep Skin Transformation in the Course of Parchment Manufacturing Process
Authors: Fourneau Marc , Canon Caroline , Vlaender Daniel Van , Collins Matthew J. , Fiddyment Sarah , Poumay Yves , Deparis Olivier 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We report a simple histological study on skin biopsies from young domestic sheep following each step in transformation from skin to parchment production. Histological analyses were conducted; before and after lime treatment, hair removal, and stretching. Sections were fixed and stained using a variety of histological stains to identify the presence of different molecular classes and the fibrous proteins, collagen and elastin. The results reveal surprisingly few histological changes in most steps in the production process. However, very visible changes in the supramolecular ordering of skin macromolecules (elastin, collagen) occur during the final stage of parchment production when stretched on the frame. Collagen fibres and hair follicles were all strongly re-oriented in the direction of strain. Surprisingly, despite the thinness of the lambskin and the exhaustive treatment in lime, not all fats were saponified and even in the final product Oil Red O stained fat bodies were detectable on the hair side of the skin.
Pressure Distribution Management System in 3D Printed Transtibial Prosthetic Socket during Static Loading: A Preliminary Assessment during Stance Phase
Authors: Subih Murad Abdullah , Arifin Nooranida , Al-Fakih Ebrahim 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

A management system within a prosthetic socket for efficient redistribution and interface pressure reduction is highly demanded. This research article developed a new control system for interface pressure in a 3D printed transtibial prosthetic socket. This system aimed to redistribute and reduce the high interface pressure along residual limb regions in a 3D printed socket.
Methods

A 3D printed socket was built with tiny air bladders that were integrated with the liner. This 3D socket had three air bladders located on the posterior, lateral, and medial sides, and connected to three separate mini pumps and valves for inflation and deflation. The air bladders' inflation and deflation were controlled by using a pre-programed keypad. The keypad with an electronic system (electronic circuit, mini pumps, and valves) was attached to a prosthetic pylon in a small box. A universal tensile machine was employed to apply loads into the prosthetic device to resemble human body weight. The interface pressure in the 3D printed socket was evaluated by using F- socket transducers at proximal, middle, and distal regions of an artificial residual limb during inflation and deflation of the air bladders in stance phase.
Results

The pressure control system minimized the interface pressures within the 3D printed prosthetic socket during inflation. The posterior and medial sides recorded a maximum reduction in pressure during the inflation of posterior and medial air bladders, respectively. Statistically, the highest significant pressure reduction (p < 0.05) was 6.81%, which was recorded at the posterior proximal subregion and 3.44% (p > 0.05) at the medial middle, but it was not significant. There was no statistical change in the mean pressure values at the whole anterior side, but there were significant differences during lateral and medial air bladder inflation and deflation.
Conclusions

This study is intended to recognize the impact of high interface pressure around the residual limb more deeply. The new pressure distribution management system offered rearrangement with minimized interface pressure over the artificial residual limb subregions.
Can healthy checkout counters in supermarkets promote healthier food choices? Two real-life experiments in supermarkets in a disadvantaged urban area in the Netherlands
Authors: Huitink Marlijn , Poelman Maartje P. , Seidell Jacob C. , Kuijper Lothar D. J. , Hoekstra Trynke , Dijkstra S. Coosje 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Most foods displayed at supermarket checkouts are unhealthy and do not support healthy purchases. This study investigates the sales effects of introducing healthier alternatives at supermarket checkouts.
Methods

We performed two real-life quasi-experimental studies in supermarkets located in a disadvantaged urban area in the Netherlands. In Study 1, we examined the impact of substituting healthier options for all the unhealthy snacks at checkouts (n = 1 supermarket). In Study 2, we investigated the impact of placing healthier snacks at checkouts (placement intervention), as well as the impact of offering a discount on healthier checkout snacks (placement + price intervention), while continuing to display unhealthy snacks for sale (n = 2 supermarkets). Supermarket sales data were used to measure purchases.
Results

In Study 1, median weekly sales/1000 customers of checkout snacks were 2.3 times lower (SE: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.9–2.7) during the intervention period – when healthier options were substituted for the entire unhealthy snack assortment – (median: 10, IQR: 2.8), as compared to the control period (median: 24, IQR: 2.8). In Study 2, median daily sales/1000 customers of healthier snacks were 2.1 times higher (SE: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.3–3.3) during the placement-intervention period (median: 7.8, IQR: 4.6), as compared to the control period (median: 4.2, IQR: 4.6). Similarly, median daily sales/1000 customers of healthier snacks were 2.7 times higher (SE: 1.2, 95%CI: 2.0–3.6) during the placement + price-intervention period (median: 5.8, IQR: 2.2), as compared to the control period (median: 2.2, IQR: 4.7). There was no difference between the effect of the placement intervention and that of the placement + price intervention (ratio: 1.1, SE: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.7–1.9). Neither did we observe a decline in purchases of unhealthy snacks (ratio: 1.3, SE: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5).
Conclusions

This study showed that if we want to promote healthier food purchases at supermarket checkouts the substitution of the unhealthy snacks with healthier alternatives is an effective intervention, which is not the case if the unhealthy snacks remain in place at the checkouts, even with discounts on the healthier snacks. Future research should assess the feasibility and willingness of eliminating unhealthy checkout snacks in supermarkets.
Coronavirus Pandemic - #STAYHOME: How Are You Holding Up? Questions And Tips For 11-18 Year Olds To Make It Better
Authors: Szentiványi Dóra , Horváth Lili Olga , Kjeldsen Anne , Buist Kirsten L , Farkas Bernadett Frida , Ferenczi-Dallos Gyöngyvér , Garas Péter , Győri Dóra , Győrfi Ágnes , Győrfi Dóra , Balazs Judit 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds. Adolescents have to cope with several challenges and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of those incongruent with the typical developmental tasks of adolescent age. Some adolescent might be particularly vulnerable in this situation, including those who are deprived of psychological, social or health care services and/or are exposed to abuse or neglect in their home environment.The aims of the current international multicentre follow-up study are to: 1. collect data on the mental health and quality of life of adolescents during and after the pandemic; 2. improve their mental health by providing an online prevention program that addresses their actual needs on a weekly basis; 3. accelerate the development of culturally adapted prevention programs by involving an international team, and 4. to contribute to adequate preparation for any potentially occurring, similar situation in the future. Methods. Participants aged 11-18 years and their parents/caregivers from different parts of Europe and non-European countries are recruited online. Data are collected on a weekly basis by means of structured self-administered online questionnaires on adolescents’ mental health, quality of life and current attitudes and needs. The prevention program is developed and provided based on the continuously analysed incoming data.Discussions. Prevention based on the results of the study is expected to contribute to maintaining adolescents’ mental health, improve their quality of life, increase their and their environment’s cooperation with the necessary restrictions during the pandemic, and to make reintegration easier once the restrictions are over. Furthermore, the study has the potential to inform on the wellbeing of children and adolescents in extreme situations in general, thus contribute to future preventive measures and policymaking.
Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , Akour Amal , Alfalah Laith 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.
Helicobacter pylori infection and its correlates among the patients of peptic perforation and gastric carcinoma
Authors: Saha Subhendu Bikas , Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Tapas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Presence of H. pylori infection was found associated with peptic perforation and gastric carcinoma. Present study tried to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in those patients and to find out the correlates of H. pylori infection.Methods: After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of diagnosed peptic perforation and gastric carcinoma were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study.Results: Among the study population, gastric carcinoma was found in higher age group; whereas peptic perforation was found in lower age group; male and female ratio was 2:1 in both groups of patient. Laborer and housewives were mostly affected in both cases. Gastric carcinoma was more prevalent in urban residents, opposite was seen in peptic perforation. Most patients in two groups had no previous co-morbid condition. Use of NSAIDs was found in high frequency in both groups. Most of the patients were chronic alcoholic and chronic smoker, and most of them had history of taking spicy foods more than twice in a week.Conclusions: H. pylori infection was found in high frequency in both group of patients, and it was higher in peptic perforation. The study establishes the association of H. pylori with the gastric carcinoma and peptic perforation.
In Silico high-throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study to identify 3CLpro inhibitor of COVID-19
Authors: Parvez Amreesh , Yadav Sunita , Pandey Vivek , Qi Xianghui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 is an ongoing coronavirus pandemic with more than 260,000 deaths worldwide so far. In the event of no targeted drug and vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of COVID-19, finding newer targets becomes indispensable. 3CLpro is a processing enzyme of viral replicase-transcriptase complex, chosen as a potential drug target. 3CLpro of COVID-19 is structurally similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV 3CLpro. Here, we built up an in-house inhibitor library for 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The library revealed 7 non-toxic compounds with 5 compounds showing significant protease and enzyme inhibition activity. Molecular docking of these compounds with 3CLpro shown lower binding energy profile of compounds 1 and 2. The compactness and flexibility analysis of compounds 1 and 2 complexes with 3CLpro showed lower stability profile as compared to unbound 3CLpro. The results cite the potential of compounds 1 and 2 as probable inhibitors of 3CLpro as a prospective therapeutic target for COVID-19.
First report of Ovomermis sinensis (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in China
Authors: Sun Bingjiao , Li Fen , He Xiaorui , Cao Fengqin , Bandason Elizabeth , Shapiro-Ilan David , Ruan Weibin , Wu Shaoying 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda invaded China in the end of 2018 and has caused severe damage to maize and other crops. Several S. frugiperda naturally parasitized by nematodes were observed in Hainan Province, China. The morphological characteristics based on the results of scanning electron microscopy indicated that the nematode belongs to the family Mermithidae. Additionally, coding sequences for the 18 S and 28 S rDNA were amplified from the nematode genome, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nematode belongs to Ovomermis sinensis, a known entomoparasitic nematode. Our finding is the first record that S. frugiperda was naturally parasitized by O. sinensis. The results of this study are of great significance for potential biological control of S. frugiperda by indigenous natural beneficial organisms, i.e. O. sinensis within an integrated pest management system.
Sludge Thermal Hydrolysis: Application and Potential
Authors: Barber William 
Published: May 2020

Thermal hydrolysis is revolutionizing wastewater treatment. Current treatment methods have evolved little since pioneering work in the late 19th and early 20th c enturies. Subsequently, most wastewater treatment plants are not designed to meet modern drivers such as energy conservation and nutrient recovery. Additionally, sludge management is expensive and often not viewed in high regard by external stakeholders.
By changing the properties of sewage sludge, thermal hydrolysis allows wastewater treatment works to become more efficient, enabling the treatment of greater flowrates to higher standards. Production of renewable energy from sludge is increased, whilst quantity of treated material reduced, which further decreases processing requirements and costs regardless of what they may be. This book, aimed at students and practitioners alike, describes the development of the technology, and highlights the design and economics by means of examples. Benefits and challenges related to thermal hydrolysis are also characterized alongside selected case-studies and ideas for future applications.
Dr William (Bill) Barber has had a k een interest in thermal hydrolysis for numerous years and was instrumental in the development of Europe's largest facility as well as advising water utilities, consultants, researchers and government organizations on its potential to modernize wastewater treatment.
ISBN: 9781789060270 (paperback)
ISBN: 9781789060287 (eBook)
ISBN: 9781789060294 (ePub)
Phytoremediation of acid mine drainage using by-product of lysine fermentation
Authors: Nagy Attila , Magyar Tamás , Juhász Csaba , Tamás János 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The main point of this research is to assess the applicability of condensed molasses soluble (CMS), which is an organic by-product of lysine fermentation, as an environmentally friendly complexing agent in rhizofiltration of heavy metal contaminated acid mine drainage (AMD). First, the ecotoxicological properties (growth inhibition, seed germination) of CMS were examined with often applied indicator plant species such as duckweed (Lemna minor) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) so as to define the possible applicable CMS concentration. Then the heavy metal accumulation and translocation properties of root accumulator plant species, i.e. common reed (Phragmites australis) and sedge (Carex flacca), were studied to optimize CMS concentration for rhizofiltration. Due to the CMS application, significant increase in bioaccumulation was detected in the case of every examined heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) at the end of the experiment. Results also showed that CMS increased the heavy metal concentration in shoots, but did not affect the root accumulation characteristics of the plants. Furthermore, CMS treated plants accumulated heavy metals at higher rates in their roots compared to control. The results suggest that CMS is a viable additive and a complexing agent to aid rhizofiltration of heavy metal contaminated AMD.
Analysis of anaerobic digester mixing: comparison of long shafted paddle mixing vs gas mixing
Authors: Bergamo U. , Viccione G. , Coppola S. , Landi A. , Meda A. , Gualtieri C. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The anaerobic digestion (AD) process is influenced by a variety of operation parameters, such as sludge rheology, mixing, temperature, solid retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solids concentration. The optimum in the mixing lies somewhere between no-mixing and continuous mixing, as the lack or excessive mixing can lead to poor AD performance instead. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics steady/unsteady model, incorporating the rheological properties of the sludge, was developed and applied to quantify mixing in a full-scale anaerobic digester. Mechanical and gas mixing solutions were taken into account, keeping constant the daily energy consumption. Results, consisting of velocity magnitude and patterns, dead zone formation and turbulence levels were discussed. Compared to the mechanical mixing, gas mixing had lower percentage of dead zones (about 5% against 50%), larger maximum velocity (about 3 m/s against 1 m/s) as well as larger turbulent kinetic energy levels (0.24 m2/s2 against 0.001 m2/s2).
Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Equinus Foot Deformity in Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Fathi Mohamed , Hussein Ahmed S. , M.Elghazaly Shrouk , Al-Kinawy Asmaa M. , Abdeltawab Ahmed K. , Mansour Yasmin M. , Elbehbeh Nada A. , Sherif Ahmed , Afifi Ahmed M. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain disorder that affects the development, movement and
posture leading to limitation of Range of Movement (ROM) in the growing children. CP leads to deformities such
as equinus foot deformity. We aim to investigate the efficacy of different botulinum toxin (BTX) products with or
without serial casting in reducing the muscle spasticity in equinus foot deformity in patients with CP.

Methods:
A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching different electronic databases. Pub-
Med, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and GHL databases were used. We analyzed the extracted data by network
meta-analysis method using the R software package (version 3.5.0).

Results:
Regarding Modified Ashworth score (MAS), BTX-A was superior compared to placebo and BTX-A
plus immediate casting (MD = −0.39, 95% CI [−0.60; −0.18]) and (MD = −0.50, 95% CI [−0.98; −0.02]), respectively.
Concerning growth motor function movement Classification System (GMFM), Neuronox ranked above at
3 months (MD = −1.60, 95% CI [−2.87; −0.33]) and at six months (MD = −1.90, 95% CI [−3.48; −0.32]) compared
to BTX-A. Regarding the Modified Tardieu scale (MTS) with knee flexion, BTX-A was superior to BTX-A
plus immediate casting (MD = 8.60, 95% CI [1.76; 15.44]). Concerning passive range of movement (PROM)
with Knee flexion or extension at 3 months, BTX-A showed a significant improvement compared to BTX-A plus
immediate casting.

Conclusion:
BTX-A ranked best on a physician rating scale (PRS), MAS, MTS with knee flexion and PROM
(Knee flexion and extension) compared to Neuronox and Botulax. BTX-A alone was also better than BTX-A plus
immediate casting.