bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed and Seedling Response of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Baill. to Lengths of Storage at Room Temperature and Pretreatments
Authors: Olayode Olufunke O. 
Published: June 2020

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the response of seeds and seedlings of Irvingia gabonensis to different lengths of storage at room temperature and pretreatments.
Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the nursery of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Methods: Mature fruits of I. gabonensis were obtained from its area of natural range in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Depulped seeds were subjected to different lengths of storage and pretreatments. The different lengths of storage were Fresh, 7days, 14days, 21days and 28days represented as LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4 and LS5 respectively. Pretreatments were control, steeping in water at room temperature, soaking in hot water and scarification represented as PT1, PT2, PT3 and PT4 respectively.
Results: In LS1, germination began under PT1, PT2 and PT4 at 20, 19 and 21 Days after Sowing (DAS) respectively producing 90%, 100% and 100% germination respectively. Under LS2, seeds subjected to PT1, PT2 and PT4 germinated at 23, 24 and 23 DAS giving 90%, 90% and 80% germination respectively. At LS3, germination began in PT1, PT2 and PT4 at 26, 27 and 26 DAS producing 60%, 90% and 60% germination. However, seeds subjected to PT3 did not germinate throughout duration of experiment. Although, Analysis of Variance revealed significant difference at certain assessment period for seedling growth variables, there were no marked differences.
Conclusion: Seeds of Irvingia gabonensis can be successfully stored for up to four weeks at room temperature without a significant loss in viability although germination percentage would reduce with increasing length of storage. Soaking I. gabonensis seeds in water at room temperature can be adopted for pretreating its seeds prior to sowing although untreated seeds still produced good germination.
Technical Sheet of the Preparation of Traditional Cassava Starters Used for Attieke Production in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Abel Boli Zamblé Bi Irié , Jean-Paul Bouatenin Koffi Maïzan , Alfred Kouamé Kouhi , Hermann Coulibaly Wahauwouele , Celah Kakou Abodjo , Nevry Rose Koffi- , Marcellin Dje Koffi 
Published: June 2020

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the different methods of preparing the traditional cassava starters used for attiéké production in Côte d'Ivoire, allowed the recounting of five different production methods.
Study Design: Sampling of cassava starters were collected from attiéké producers de four areas of south of Côte d’Ivoire. The cassava starters obtained with the braised cassava were collected from attiéké women producers of Grand-Lahou, those obtained directly from fresh cassava were collected from attiéké producers in the region of Bonoua, and those obtained with the cassava cooked at water were collected from attiéké women producers of Abidjan and Jacqueville. Place and Duration of Study: University of Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (between March 2018 and June 2019).
Methodology: Traditional cassava starters are produced with the bitter or sweet variety of cassava, either freshly preserved without cooking until fermented, boiled in boiling water or braised over a wood fire.
Conclusion: This study highlighted five methods of preparing traditional cassava starters used in Côte d'Ivoire for the preparation of attiéké, a food derived from cassava. This is the starters from fresh preserved uncooked cassava that derived from fresh braised cassava and those (three) from fresh cassava cooked with boiling water either with the casing or without the casing after cooking and without the shell during cooking.
Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants used as Anti-Obesity Remedies in Foumban and Dschang Cities (West-Cameroon)
Authors: Epoh Nadine Joissy , Dongmo Olivette Laure Matafack , Tchouanguep Félicité Mbiapo , Telefo Phelix Bruno 
Published: June 2020

Aim: Obesity is a public health problem on a global and national scale. It is associated with high blood pressure, type II diabetes and certain metabolic complications. In Cameroon, obesity is observed in both rural and urban population where the people are still very attached to traditional values to solve their health problems. The present study was aimed at determining antiobesity medicinal plants used by the traditional healers in the Foumban and Dschang Municipalities.
Methodology: An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used against obesity was conducted in 2 localities, Foumban and Dschang, of the western region of Cameroon. The questionnaire was submitted and the information was collected via oral interviews with traditional healers and the people of the localities who benefited from anti-obesity treatments based on medicinal plants.
Results: Twenty five medicinal plants belonging to 16 families and used in the management of obesity were identified. Leaves and bark are the most used plant parts; they are followed by fruits (seeds) and Roots. Most herbal remedies are prepared as decoction in Foumban (30%) and Dschang (62%) respectively. The most common plant used by these people was Solanum indicum (49.27%, Foumban) and Tetrapleura tetraptera (40%, Dschang).
Conclusion: Relatively to the management of obesity with medicinal plants, the population of these localities presented interesting knowledge. However, there is still a need for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations of the above common and most used ones.
Malaria Parasitaemia and Variations in Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Buea
Authors: Nyanga Judith Lum Ndamukong- , Wolloh Gisele Christiana Miangu , Yunga Nyanga Bernard , Jacqueline Nchangsen , Ndamukong Ngum Catherine 
Published: June 2020

Background: Malaria is a life threatening parasitic disease that is entirely preventable and curable. Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups to this deadly disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to reduce morbidity and mortality. Haematological changes that occur during malaria infection have been suggested as a potential predictor that can aid in the diagnosis of malaria infection.
Methods: A cross sectional study involving 276 pregnant women with signs and symptoms of malaria was conducted at Regional Hospital Buea (RHB) from April to July 2018. Baselines characteristics of the study population were collected. Blood (4 ml) was collected from each pregnant woman and dispensed into an EDTA tube. Identification of malaria parasite was done using a rapid diagnostic test (Care StartTM). Complete blood count was performed using an automated haematology analyzer (Mindray®, BC-5300).
Results: Out of the 276 pregnant women, 98 (35.51%) had malaria. A total of eighty eight (31.88%) of the pregnant women were anaemic, with forty eight (17.4%) being malaria infected and forty (14.5%) non-malaria. The mean (± SD) of total white blood cell count in the malaria infected group was 5.9 (±2.4) and was significantly different (p = 0.039) from that of non-malaria infected (6.7[±1.9]) population. Red blood cells significantly (p = 0.001) decreased in malaria infected patients (3.7 [± 0.6]) as compared to non-malaria infections (4.2 (±1.0). The mean (± SD) of platelets counts in malaria infected group was significantly different from that of non-malaria infected pregnant women.
Conclusion: Pregnant women infected with malaria exhibited changes in haematological parameters with low platelets (thrombocytopenia) and Haemoglobin concentration being the most significant predictors of malaria in our study area. These parameters could improve malaria diagnosis when used in combination with other clinical diagnosis.
Dearomatization‐Enabled Visible‐Light‐Induced 1,2‐Alkylsulfonylation of Alkenes Using Sodium Sulfinates and Pyridinium Salts
Authors: Yang Yuan , Xu Chong‐Hui , Teng Fan , Li Jin‐Heng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe demonstrate a three‐component 1,2‐alkylsulfonylation of alkenes using sodium sulfinates and pyridinium salts through visible light photoredox catalysis, wherein heteroarenium salts are harnessed as radical acceptors via dearomatization. This reaction allows the simultaneous incorporation of sulfonyl and 1,4‐dihydropyridine groups across the C=C bonds to access various sulfonyl‐containing 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives with a broad substrate scope and represents a mechanistically distinct approach to achieve alkene difunctionalization through reductive single‐electron transfer.magnified image
Recent Advances in Carbonylative Difunctionalization of Alkenes
Authors: Peng Jin‐Bao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe carbonylation reaction represents one of the most powerful methods for the rapid build‐up of carbonyl structures and has widely applied in both academic and industry fields. Carbonylative difunctionalization of alkenes, which installs a unique functional group and a carbonyl group across the C−C double bonds, offers a high potential strategy for the selective synthesis of β‐substituted carbonyl compounds. The carbonylative difunctionalization of alkenes involves the formation of three σ‐bonds and two stereocenters as well as a carbonyl group in a single transformation. Careful design of the substrate and control of reaction pathway would result unexpected advantages in constructing complex structures, which are ubiquitous in natural products, pharmaceuticals and functional materials. In this Review, the important advances and contributions in carbonylative difunctionalization of alkenes are summarized based on the different reaction types, with the wish to inspire future studies and promote further developments in this field.magnified image
Gene therapies for transfusion dependent β‐thalassemia: Current status and critical criteria for success
Authors: Soni Sandeep 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThalassemia is one of the most prevalent monogenic diseases usually caused by quantitative defects in the production of β‐globin leading to severe anemia. Technological advances in genome sequencing, stem cell selection, viral vector development, transduction and gene editing strategies now allow for efficient ex‐vivo genetic manipulation of human stem cells that can lead to production of hemoglobin, leading to a meaningful clinical benefit in thalassemia patients. In this review, the status of the gene‐therapy approaches available for transfusion dependent thalassemia are discussed, along with the critical criteria that affect efficacy and lessons that have been learned from the early phase clinical trials. Salient steps necessary for the clinical development, manufacturing, and regulatory approvals of gene therapies for thalassemia are also highlighted, so that the potential of these therapies can be realized. It is highly anticipated that gene therapies will soon become a treatment option for patients lacking compatible donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplant and will offer an alternative for definitive treatment of β‐thalassemia.
Enhancing operational performance and productivity benefits in breweries through smart manufacturing technologies
Authors: Nimbalkar Sachin , Supekar Sarang D. , Meadows Will , Wenning Thomas , Guo Wei , Cresko Joseph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article uses case studies to demonstrate the potential of smart manufacturing (SM) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance operational performance and productivity in industry. The analysis highlights benefits such as cost reduction, production flexibility, shorter product time‐to‐market, energy/water efficiency and environmental impact reduction, and increased productivity. To illustrate the effectiveness of SM and IoT approaches, the authors sought out manufacturers currently implementing or seeking to implement SM and IoT technologies. The authors identified beer brewing (NAICS Code 312120) as a rapidly expanding industry whose members appear eager to implement SM technologies to optimize production lines by revealing bottlenecks and identifying performance‐reducing nodes. This article presents two case studies based on SM and IoT technologies in breweries. It briefly describes a systematic framework introduced elsewhere by the authors and uses it to assess the energy productivity and competitiveness of SM applications in breweries. This article addresses questions concerning the information and communications technology infrastructure needed to build smart breweries and how corporations simplify the installation and deployment of SM and IoT components. This article was originally published in the Proceedings of the 2019 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry.
High‐Activity Organocatalysts for Polyether Synthesis via Intramolecular Ammonium Cation Assisted SN2 Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Yang Guan‐Wen , Zhang Yao‐Yao , Xie Rui , Wu Guang‐Peng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis manuscript describes a kind of bifunctional organocatalyst with unprecedented reactivity for the synthesis of polyethers via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of epoxides under mild conditions. The bifunctional catalyst incorporates two 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane centers on the two ends as Lewis acidic sites for epoxide activation and a quaternary ammonium halide in the middle as the initiating site. The catalyst could be easily prepared in two steps from commercially available stocks on up to kilogram scale with ≈100 % yield. The organoboron catalyst mediated ROP of epoxides displays living behavior with low catalyst loading (5 ppm) and enables the synthesis of polyethers with molecular weights of over a million grams per mole (>106 g mol−1). Based on the investigations on crystal structure of catalyst, MALDI‐TOF, and 11B NMR spectroscopy, an intramolecular ammonium cation assisted SN2 mechanism is proposed and verified by DFT calculations.
Hypoxia‐Induced Pro‐Protein Therapy Assisted by a Self‐Catalyzed Nanozymogen
Authors: Li Xudong , Wei Yuansong , Wu Yuchen , Yin Lichen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe success of intracellular protein therapy demands efficient delivery and selective protein activity in diseased cells. Therefore, a cascaded nanozymogen consisting of a hypoxia‐activatable pro‐protein, a hypoxia‐inducing protein, and a hypoxia‐strengthened intracellular protein delivery nanovehicle was developed. RPAB, an enzymatically inactive pro‐protein of RNase, reversibly caged with hypoxia‐cleavable azobenzene, was delivered with glucose oxidase (GOx) using hypoxia‐responsive nanocomplexes (NCs) consisting of azobenzene‐cross‐linked oligoethylenimine (AOEI) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Upon NC‐mediated delivery into cancer cells, GOx catalyzed glucose decomposition and aggravated tumoral hypoxia, which drove the recovery of RPAB back to the hydrolytically active RNase and expedited the degradation of AOEI to release more protein cargoes. Thus, the catalytic reaction of the nanozymogen was self‐accelerated and self‐cycled, ultimately leading to a cooperative anti‐cancer effect between GOx‐mediated starvation therapy and RNase‐mediated pro‐apoptotic therapy.
Optimization of hybrid oil/water‐swelling ethylene/propylene/diene monomer compounds
Authors: Raffa Patrizio , Peixoto Claudia S. P. , da Costa Pedro F. A. , Polgar Lorenzo M. , Machado Ana V. , Hough Philip , van Duin Martin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHybrid swell packers are rubber products capable of swelling in (saline) water and hydrocarbon oils, by exploiting the hydrocarbon diffusion properties of an nonpolar elastomer with the osmotic swelling of a water absorbent (WA). In this study, a variety of modified natural and synthetic WAs and mixtures thereof have been screened in a rubber compound with respect to swelling in decalin, demineralized, and saline water, respectively. We aimed at achieving high and fast swelling in all used media. Mixing of the various WAs in an ethylene/propylene/diene monomer (EPDM)/carbon black masterbatch at an addition level of 75 phr did not pose any problems, although it was found that the WAs did affect the sulfur vulcanization. Decalin swelling of the vulcanizates is very fast, reaching high equilibrium swelling within 1.5 days. Swelling in demineralized or saline water is much slower, with up to 300% swelling in water and up to 100% swelling in saline water. Significant leaching of the organic WA from the EPDM vulcanizates to the water phase occurs. Some combinations of WAs show synergetic effects for swelling in water. To our knowledge, such a systematic study of hybrid swelling elastomers constitutes a novelty in the open literature.
The anatomy of the peridural membrane of the human spine
Authors: Bosscher Hemmo A. , Grozdanov Petar N. , Warraich Irfan I. , MacDonald Clinton C. , Day Miles R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA peridural membranous layer exists between the bony wall of the spinal canal and the dura mater, but reports on the anatomy of this structure have been inconsistent. The objective of this study is to give a precise description of the peridural membrane (PDM) and to define it unambiguously as a distinct and unique anatomical entity. Thirty‐four cadaveric sections of human thoraco‐lumbar spines were dissected. On gross examination, the PDM appears as a smooth hollow tube that covers the bony wall of the spinal canal. An evagination of this tube into the neural foramen contains the exiting spinal nerve. The entire epidural venous plexus, including its extension into the neural foramina, is contained in the body of the PDM. Histological examination of the PDM shows a variable distribution of veins arteries, lymphatics, and nerves embedded in a continuous sheath of fibrous, areolar, and adipose tissue. The posterior longitudinal ligament may be considered a dense condensation of fibrous tissue within the membrane. Thus, the PDM is a unique, continuous, and complete anatomical structure. In the spinal canal, the PDM is adjacent to the periosteum. In the neural foramen, suprapedicular PDM and pedicular periosteum separate anatomically to form a suprapedicular compartment, bounded anteriorly by the intervertebral disc and posteriorly by the facet joint. Trauma or degeneration of the disc or facet joint may lead to inflammation and pain sensitization of PDM. This protective mechanism may be of considerable importance for the functioning of the spine under conditions of strain.
Do Smoking and Socioeconomic Factors Influence Imaging Outcomes in Axial Spondyloarthritis? Five‐Year Data From the DESIR Cohort
Authors: Nikiphorou Elena , Ramiro Sofia , Sepriano Alexandre , Ruyssen‐Witrand Adeline , Landewé Robert B. M. , van der Heijde Désirée 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between smoking and imaging outcomes over 5 years in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to assess whether socioeconomic factors influence these relationships.MethodsAxial SpA patients from the Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifferérenciées Récentes cohort were included. The following 4 imaging outcomes were assessed by 3 central readers at baseline, 2 years, and 5 years: spine radiographs (using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score [mSASSS]), sacroiliac (SI) joint radiographs (using the modified New York criteria), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine (using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada [SPARCC] score), and MRI of the SI joint (using the SPARCC score). The explanatory variable of interest was smoking status at baseline. Interactions between smoking and socioeconomic factors (i.e., job type [blue‐collar or manual work versus white‐collar or nonmanual work] and education [low versus high]) were first tested, and if significant, analyses were run using separate strata. Generalized estimating equations models were used, with adjustments for confounders.ResultsIn total, 406 axial SpA patients were included (52% male, 40% smokers, and 18% blue collar). Smoking was independently associated with more MRI‐detected SI joint inflammation at each visit over the 5 years, an effect that was seen only in patients with blue‐collar professions (β = 5.41 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.35, 9.48]) and in patients with low education levels (β = 2.65 [95% CI 0.42,4.88]), using separate models. Smoking was also significantly associated with spinal inflammation (β = 1.69 [95% CI 0.45, 2.93]) and SI joint damage (β = 0.57 [95% CI 0.18, 0.96]) across all patients, irrespective of socioeconomic factors and other potential confounders.ConclusionStrong associations were found between smoking at baseline and MRI‐detected SI joint inflammation at each visit over a time period of 5 years in axial SpA patients with a blue‐collar job or low education level. These findings suggest a possible role for mechanical stress amplifying the effect of smoking on axial inflammation in axial SpA.
Calcite Deposits Differentiate Cave from House‐Farmed Edible Bird's Nest as shown by SEM‐EDX, ATR‐FTIR and Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Shim Eric Kian‐Shiun , Lee Soo‐Ying 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe difference between the swiftlet white edible bird's nest from limestone caves versus house‐farmed ones, especially in response to high temperature and stewing time in water where the latter type would disintegrate readily, has been a puzzle for a long time. We show that edible bird's nests from the limestone caves have calcite deposits on the surface of the nest cement as compared to the house‐farmed nests which are built by swiftlets on timber planks. The micron and sub‐micron calcite particles are seen in SEM‐EDX and further characterized by ATR‐FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy. The calcite deposits make it possible for the cave nest to retain a gelatinous texture under the harsh retort conditions at 121 °C for 20 mins in commercial bottling. We show that house‐farmed nests can be soaked in CaCl2(aq) followed by rinsing with Na2CO3(aq) to grow the same calcite deposits on the nest cement with the same characteristic as cave nests. Therefore, there should no longer be a need to harvest cave nests, and we can better conserve the dwindling population and natural habitats of cave swiftlets.