bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of lipid-lowering drugs with COVID-19 outcomes from a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Wuqing , Xiao Jun , Ji Jianguang , Chen Liangwan 
Published: December 2021

Background:Lipid metabolism plays an important role in viral infections. We aimed to assess the causal effect of lipid-lowering drugs (HMGCR inhibitiors, PCSK9 inhibitiors, and NPC1L1 inhibitior) on COVID-19 outcomes using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.Methods:We used two kinds of genetic instruments to proxy the exposure of lipid-lowering drugs, including expression quantitative trait loci of drugs target genes, and genetic variants within or nearby drugs target genes associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol from genome-wide association study). Summary-data-based MR (SMR) and inverse-variance-weighted MR (IVW-MR) were used to calculate the effect estimates.Results:SMR analysis found that a higher expression of HMGCR was associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.81). Similarly, IVW-MR analysis observed a positive association between HMGCR-mediated LDL cholesterol and COVID-19 hospitalization (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.00–1.74). No consistent evidence from both analyses was found for other associations.Conclusions:This two-sample MR study suggested a potential causal relationship between HMGCR inhibition and the reduced risk of COVID-19 hospitalization.Funding:Start-up Fund for high-level talents of Fujian Medical University.
Profile of Beneficiary Farmers of Jalyukt Shivar Campaign
Authors: Thakare Pranali N. , Tekale V. S. 
Published: December 2021

In Maharashtra state, nearly 82 per cent area of the state falls in rainfed sector and 52 per cent area is drought prone. To mitigate drought in Maharashtra, state government specially launched Jalyukt Shivar Campaign in December, 2014. In Vidarbha, drought is the major challenge hence the research objective was formulated to study profile of beneficiary farmers of Jalyukt Shivar Campaign in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. An ex-post facto research design of social research was used for present investigation. The study was conducted in Nagpur and Yavatmal district in month of October and November, 2020, with 320 beneficiary farmers of Jalyukt Shivar Campaign. The findings revealed that, more than half of the respondents (54.69%) were belonged to middle age i.e. between 36 to 50 years. Majority of the respondents (70.00%) were engaged in agriculture as their main occupation for earning. Slightly more than two fifth of the respondents (40.63%) had annual income in the range of Rs. 2,36,001/- to 4,02,000/-. Nearly two fifth of the respondents (39.06%) from study area belonged to small land holding 1.01 to 2.00 ha. Majority of the respondents (70.63%) were belonged to medium category of social participation. Majority of the respondents (72.19%) were belonged to medium level of extension participation. Over three fifth of the respondents (62.50%) were using medium sources of information. Majority of the respondents (66.88%) belonged to medium innovativeness. Majority of the respondents (66.88%) belonged to medium risk preference and medium economic motivation (65.63%). It is suggested that, efforts should be made by government to involve young farmers in agricultural development programmes like Jalyukt Shivar Campaign as well as in performing farming as main occupation. For success of this campaign, extension agencies must increase participation of farmers in local social institutions, extension activities and contact with information sources outside beneficiaries social systems.
Yield Performance of Non-spiny Brinjal Variety VRM (Br)2 in Northern Zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Nanthakumar S. , Savitha B. K. 
Published: December 2021

Aim: To identify the yield performance of non-spiny brinjal variety VRM (Br)2.
Study Design: Non-spiny brinjal variety VRM (Br)2 was developed by hybridization between Senur local x spiny brinjal VRM (Br) 1 followed by pedigree method of selection.
Place and Duration of the Study: The present study was carried out at northern districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupathur, Thiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri during 2015-2016.
Methodology: VRM (Br) 2 was evaluated under different trials during 2017-2020 at various locations along with ruling check variety VRM (Br) 1.The observations were recorded at yield and yield characters.
Results: VRM (Br) 2 recorded highest fruit yield of 46.35 t/ha as compared to check variety VRM (Br) 1 (32.85 t/ha). It was 41.00 % higher fruit yield over check variety VRM (Br) 1 and moderately resistant to major insect pests. viz., epilachna beetle, whiteflies and shoot and fruit borer.
Conclusion: All the plant and fruit characters are similar to spiny brinjal VRM (Br) 1, whereas the spines are absent in the variety VRM (Br) 2. Due to it’s non-spiny nature, intercultural operations viz., harvesting, packing, storage and transport are easy to do.
Fibrin Monomer in Chronic HCV ‎Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Ram B. B. CH. Eman , Sherief M. A. M. D. , Wesam S. M‎. , Mohammed K. Z. 
Published: December 2021

Background: Cirrhosis is a diffuse pathophysiological state of the liver that is thought to be the final stage of various liver injuries. It is characterized by chronic necroinflammatory and fibrogenetic processes, which result in the conversion of normal liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules, dense fibrotic septa, concomitant parenchymal exaustment, and liver tissue collapse.
Aim of this Work is to study fibrin monomer in chronic HCV patients with and without portal hypertension aiming to investigate its value in these patients and if it aides in early detection of thrombus formation.‎
Patients and Methods: They were fifty chronic HCV cirrhotic patients with and ‎without portal hypertension. Patients of these study were selected from Tropical and internal medicine departments and investigated at Clinical Pathology department in Tanta University hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University during the period from July 2018 to January 2020.
Results: The individuals included in this study were comprised as: Group 1: Twenty-five healthy volunteers (matched for age and gender) were investigated as a control group. Group 2: Twenty-five diagnosed cirrhotic patients without portal hypertension. Group 3: Twenty-five diagnosed cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. The result of the present study was statistically analyzed, summarized and presented in tables.
Conclusion: It may be concluded that soluble fibrin monomer complex could represent a useful marker ‎for early detection of thrombus generation in chronic HCV cirrhotic patients. It may enable ‎us to pick up vulnerable patients in early stages to start early management.
Development of Curcumin loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Preparation, Characterization and In-vitro Evaluation of Anti-cancer Activity Against A-549 Human Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Patel Shoaib , Shah Jinal , Bhairy Srinivas , Hirlekar Rajashree 
Published: December 2021

Aims: The present study was aimed at preparing stable lyophilized curcumin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The optimized lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs were characterized and evaluated for various quality control parameters.
Methodology: The optimized curcumin loaded NLCs were prepared by modified hot emulsification using compritol 888 ATO (CMPR), capmul MCM C8 EP (CAP) as solid and liquid lipids respectively. The combination of tween 80 (T80) and solutol HS 15 (SHS) were used as an emulsifier. The NLCs dispersion was lyophilized into powder form to improve the thermodynamic stability of the formulation. The lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs were evaluated for particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading, assay, in-vitro drug release, crystallinity, thermal behavior and surface morphology studies.
Results: The optimized lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs have a mean particle size of 332.88 ± 5.9 nm with a size distribution of 0.350 ± 0.007, a zeta potential of 0.098 ± 0.019 mV with high entrapment of 97.64 ± 1.59% and drug loading of 2.50 ± 0.16%. The X-ray diffraction and endothermic peaks confirmed the maximum encapsulation of curcumin in lipid matrices. The particles were spherical with smooth surface morphology. In-vitro release studies showed sustained release for up to 24 h. The cytotoxicity against human lung cancer line A-549 for curcumin loaded NLCs was confirmed with positive control adriamycin (ADR).
Conclusion: Curcumin loaded NLCs prepared had a nanosize particle distribution with maximum entrapment efficiency. Dispersion stability was increased by the lyophilization process. The solid lyophilized powder is reconstituted for oral delivery.
Influence of Different Crop Establishment and Irrigation Methods on Growth and Growth Indices of Rice
Authors: Theerthana T. , Fathima P. S. , Denesh G. R. 
Published: December 2021

The increasing global demand for water in many sectors has become a universal concern. Challenge is to develop advanced production systems that allow rice production to be sustained in the face of waning water availability. With the intention to find the efficient water saving technology and establishment method, a field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, and Bangalore during Kharif 2018. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three main plot irrigation treatments and five sub plot rice establishment treatments. The paddy variety used was ‘MTU 1001’. Objective was to study the irrigation and establishment methods on growth of rice. The results revealed that, continuous flooding recorded significantly higher plant height (80.67 cm) at harvest. Whereas, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) recorded higher leaf area index (5.06), CGR at 30 to 60 DAS, 60 to 90 DAS and 90 DAS to harvest (1.49, 3.50 and 2.47 g m-2 day-1, respectively), NAR at 30 to 60 DAS and 60 to 90 DAS (7.19 and 4.37 mg cm-2 day-1, respectively). Among establishment methods, manual transplanting recorded higher plant height (81.82 cm), LAI (5.70), DME (55.77), AGR at 30 DAS (0.36 g day-1), CGR at 30 to 60 DAS and 60 to 90 DAS (1.73 and 3.94 g m-2 day-1, respectively) and LAD at 30 to 60 DAS, 60 to 90 DAS and 90DAS to harvest (49.50, 128.70 and 272.80, respectively). However, mechanical transplanting recorded significantly more number of tillers m-2 (765.67), NAR at 30 to 60 DAS and 60 to 90 DAS (9.96 and 4.41 mg cm-2 day-1, respectively). AWD method of irrigation in mechanical transplanting and manual transplanting are found to be better among all other methods due to the higher growth and development.
Comparative Study on Treatment using Water-based Extract of Fresh and Dry Unripe Banana Peels with Conventional Antibiotics on UTI
Authors: Eedee Konne Felix , Chiladi Isomah , Solomon Ogbonna Ikechi , Nwokah Easter , Fyneface Amadi Chikadibia 
Published: December 2021

Almost every part of a banana plant has use in medicine. Increased bacterial resistance to the conventional antibiotics has led to research into the development of alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics. This study focuses on the antimicrobial properties of banana peels against selected isolates from Urinary Tract Infection sample. The isolates from cultures further analysed with agarose gel electrophoresis for the presence of 16SrRNA and Phylogenetic analysis revealed Staphylococcus sciuri strain, a coagulase‐negative species, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. Fresh unripe and dry unripe were used to determine the antimicrobial activities. A measure of 150grams of both fresh unripe and dry unripe was extracted with 100ml of water solvent (sterile) respectively for about 2days. The solvent extracts were concentrated separately under reduced pressure, 10g of each concentrated solvent extracts were dissolved in 5ml of sterile distilled water and used for antimicrobial assay using agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical analysis of fresh unripe and dry unripe revealed that alkaloid, flavonoid, cardiac glycosids,and phenols were present.. Musa sapientum L peels showed some effect on Escherichia coli, Enterococcusfaecalis, Staphylococcus sciuri, Klebsiellapneumoniae and Proteus mirabilisat 80% concentrations for water. Dry unripe has advantage over fresh unripe banana peels. The peels of Musa sapientum exhibited some inhibitory activity on these selected UTIs isolates, which could be attributed to the presence of certain secondary metabolites. Finally, when compared the peels extracts against the standard antibiotics drugs as the control, the water solvent extract were less effective.
Stress and Financial Burden Faced by Dentists Amidst COVID 19 Pandemic
Authors: Patil Amruta Popatrao , Magdum Dilip , Jadhav Santosh , Jadhav Abhijeet , Vhatkar Prakash , Kavle Pratibha Gopal 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic, initiated in Wuhan, China, had devastating effects on the dental industry world-wide. The mode of transmission of SARS Cov-2, causative agent of Covid-19, was through aerosol and saliva contamination putting dentists at high risk of contracting Covid-19. The measures taken to contain the spread of virus had financial repercussion on the dental industry. The survey was conducted to understand the mental health of dentists amidst Covid-19 pandemic.
Aim: To analyse the concerns and anxiety faced by dental surgeons regarding vaccination and the psychological and socio-economic impact Covid-19 pandemic had on dental setups.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 3 months. A sample size of 300 dentists belonging to age group of 25years to 45years was analysed. The dentists included in the sample practiced in Maharashtra, India. A questionnaire was formulated in Google forms and circulated through social media platform. The result was analysed and demonstrated in pie-charts.
Results: The survey analysed that majority of dentists were apprehensive to carry out dental procedures. Along with the risk of contracting and being a source of transmission of Covid-19, dentists had huge financial burden of clinic rents, EMI loan pending bills, the cost of preventive kits and reduced patient flow.
Conclusion: The survey was successful in analysing the monetary and safety concerns faced by dentists amidst Covid-19 pandemic. The survey also pointed out the mental stress dentists had to overcome to practice dental procedures.
Title: Clinical Profile of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonates with Role of Sildenafil in its Outcome: Rural India NICU Experience
Authors: Pathak Sunil , Bhil Deepika , Prabodh Sakshi , Rasania Manish , Kumar Saurabh , Jain Shailesh 
Published: December 2021

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN) result from failure of normal fall in pulmonary vascular resistance at or shortly after birth. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity.
Objectives: To estimate incidence, risk factors; and outcome within limited resources – conventional ventilation, sildenafil, dobutamine and milrinone therapy.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out on cases of PPHN admitted between March 2017 to August 2018. PPHN was suspected clinically, and then confirmed by echocardiography.
Results: Out of 2811 inborn live births 12 (0.43%) developed PPHN. Out of total 942 NICU admissions, PPHN was diagnosed in 40(4.2%). 32 (80%) were full term, 6 (15%) were late preterm and 2(5%) were post term neonates. 25(62.5%) were male. Major etiological factors were asphyxia 19(47.5%), EOS (early onset sepsis) 18(45%) and MAS (meconium aspiration syndrome) 12(30%). 20(50%) responded to oral sildenafil and dobutamine therapy, 6 more responded with addition of milrinone. The overall survival rate was 26(65%) and poor outcome in 14 (35%) in our study. Median duration of respiratory support was 1.5(1 – 6) days in those with poor outcome and 6(4 – 7) in those survived. Duration of hospital stay was 1.5(1 – 6) days in poor outcome and 17(13 – 22) in those survived.
Conclusions: Asphyxia, EOS and MAS are common causes of PPHN. Severity of respiratory distress on admission is correlated with mortality rather than etiological factors. Conventional ventilation, dobutamine, sildenafil and milrinone therapy are mainstay of treatment of PPHN cases in resource limited settings, and helps to reduce mortality to some extent.
Advances in Precise Structure Control and Assembly toward the Carbon Nanotube Industry
Authors: Zhu Zhenxing , Cui Chaojie , Bai Yunxiang , Gao Jun , Jiang Yaxin , Li Bofan , Wang Yao , Zhang Qiang , Qian Weizhong , Wei Fei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess a unique tubular structure composed of highly graphitized atoms. Since their sp2 hybridized skeleton is discovered under the microscope, extensive attention is paid to their peculiar physics and extraordinary performances in mechanics, optics, and electricity. However, due to the challenges in controlled synthesis and mass production, there is a long bottleneck period in both the science and engineering of CNTs. In the recent decade, significant advances have emerged in ton‐scale production, 3D microprocessors, ultrastrong fibers, etc., which have pushed the renaissance of CNTs toward a new peak. This important progress benefits from the critical but commonly ignored breakthroughs in the precise structure control and assembly of CNTs. Herein, the morphological manipulation and technical routes toward the CNT industry will be focused on. First, the growth mechanism of defect‐free aligned CNTs will be discussed. Subsequently, nondestructive flow‐guided fabrication methods and their application paradigms are summarized. Then, attention will be turned to assembly‐based industrial production and applications of CNTs. Some research prospects toward the precise synthesis and CNT industry are proposed at last, in the hope of building a comprehensive understanding on the catalytic assembly toward defect‐free nanostructures and their high‐end applications.
Metal Oxides/Carbon Felt Pressure Sensors with Ultra‐Broad‐Range High Sensitivity
Authors: Wang Xiu‐man , Chai Yujun , Wang Ze‐ping , Yu Jiabing , Chen Xianping , Wong Ching Ping 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFlexible piezoresistive pressure sensors have been extensively used in the field of wearable sensors. However, it is difficult to achieve both ultrahigh sensitivity and pressure range, with traditional pressure sensors. Therefore, a new Co3O4/carbon felt pressure sensor is proposed here, where Co3O4 as nanospacer provides low initial current without loading. Carbon felt with a rough surface as a flexible substrate provides a high output current under loading and extends the measurement range of the pressure sensors. The high sensitivity of the pressure sensors can be achieved with a low initial current and high output current. The Co3O4/carbon felt pressure sensors exhibit high sensitivity (243 kPa−1), ultralow detection limit (1.3 Pa), fast response (14 ms), and broad range (up to 180 kPa) of measurements. These excellent performances indicate that the Co3O4/carbon felt pressure sensor has great potential for application in wearable, healthcare devices. Furthermore, this strategy can be extended to the fabrication of other metal oxides/carbon felt pressure sensors.
A Self‐powered Triboelectric Coral‐Like Sensor Integrated Buoy for Irregular and Ultra‐Low Frequency Ocean Wave Monitoring
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Liu Jianhua , Wang Siyuan , Zheng Jiaxi , Guan Tangzhen , Liu Xiangyu , Wang Tingyu , Chen Tianyu , Wang Hao , Xie Guangming , Xu Peng , Tao Jin , Xu Minyi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe design of efficient ocean wave sensors for monitoring the marine environment and revealing dynamic changes has been a major challenge. In this study, a self‐powered bionic coral wave sensor (BCWS) based on a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed. The BCWS captures wave data, which are useful for marine engineering construction, marine resource development, and marine disaster warning. It is mainly composed of triboelectric perceiving units (60 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 1.5 mm in thickness) encapsulated in coral tentacles, a fixation mechanism, a buoyancy tray, and a counterweight mechanism. With the help of its bio‐inspired structural design, the BCWS effectively improves the signal response time and sensitivity in the 3D perception of wave information. In particular, the coral tentacles stimulated by a load cause contact‐separation between fluorinated ethylene propylene and conductive ink electrodes, thereby generating electric signals. This analysis of the experimental data reveals that the BCWS perceives wave height, wave frequency, wave period, and wave direction with millimeter accuracy. To demonstrate the applicability and stability of the BCWS, several of its potential functions are illustrated, including controlling light emitting diodes, perceiving wave information in the ocean, and assisting overboard rescue. The results show that the BCWS provides an intelligent solution for modern marine monitoring.
Enhanced Photoluminescence of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskites by Quasi‐3D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Carreño José Mendoza , Passarelli Nicolás , Otero‐Martínez Clara , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Pérez Luis A. , Reparaz Juan Sebastián , Alonso María Isabel , Mihi Agustín 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for manufacturing portable lasers and light sources. In order to harness and exploit their photoluminescence more effectively, the nanocrystals are often accompanied by a photonic scheme that improves light emission. In this work, a quasi‐3D photonic crystal is introduced which is composed of a 2D‐grating on top of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and provides a greater photoluminescence enhancement than the isolated architectures alone. The quasi‐3D photonic crystals support both Rayleigh‐Wood anomalies and guided modes that populate the photonic bandgap of the Bragg mirror, all of them capable of enhancing the outcoupling of light from the emitting layer. In order to demonstrate the benefits of the quasi‐3D system, the authors prepare 2D‐gratings, DBRs, and quasi‐3D photonic crystals covered with metal halide perovskite nanocrystals and study the photoluminescence enhancement produced in each case. Interestingly, the quasi‐3D structure exhibits a photoluminescence enhancement of 16 times and an increase in spontaneous emission rate, greatly exceeding the values observed for the separate components.
Glycerol‐derived solvents containing two or three distinct functional groups enabled by trifluoroethyl glycidyl ether
Authors: Qian Shuai , Liu Xiaoyang , Turner Christoffer Heath , Bara Jason E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractConversion of epichlorohydrin to glycidyl ethers creates versatile precursors that can be transformed into a variety of molecular species with glycerol skeletons, enabling the design of molecules with highly tailored functionalities. The synthesis of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl glycidyl ether (TFGE, IUPAC name: 2‐[(2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxy)methyl]oxirane, CAS# 1535‐91‐7) was optimized to provide high yield/selectivity and good “green metrics.” TFGE was then used as a platform molecule in the synthesis of asymmetric glycerol 1,3‐diether‐2‐alcohol derivatives, which were subsequently transformed to 1,2,3‐triethers or 1,3‐diether‐2‐ketones. The density, viscosity, and CO2 solubility of each molecule were measured and compared with those of other glycerol‐derived compounds as well as compounds with similar functional groups. Furthermore, quantum chemical calculations were performed to understand the structure–property–performance relationships of these molecules for CO2 absorption. Based on the results in this work, we foresee that TFGE (and similar glycidyl ethers) would offer great flexibility in molecular design of green solvents and precursors to more complex compounds.