bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE SOCIOCULTURAL IMPEDIMENTS TO FEMALE IN GETTING HIGHER EDUCATION IN PUKHTUN SOCIETY
Authors: Khan Younas , Hanan Fazal , Abdullah  , Rahman Habib ur , Ullah Asad 
Published: May 2021

Purpose of the study: This study was designed to explore the socio-cultural impediments to females getting higher education in pakhtun society.
Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative research method was conducted in district Dir lower Pakistan. A well-structured interviewed schedule (encompassing all the study attributes) was used for primary data collection from 375 female respondents after the pre-test procedure. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and inferential statistics(x2 test) to ascertain the association between dependent (female higher education) and independent (sociocultural impediments) variables.
Principal Findings: Based on the study results, a significant association (P=0.000) was found between the dependent variable and sociocultural attributes; the prevalence of patriarchal norms (P=0.00), preferences of early marriages (P=0.00), fear of sexual harassment (P=0.00), parents carelessness (P=0.00), Parda (veiling for women and protecting their honour) and lack of decision-making power (P=0.00) impedes women from getting their higher education.
Applications of this study: Early marriage is a symbol of female exploitation under the man-made unwritten codes of conduct (Pukhtoonwali) which, should be banned through formal (legislation) and informal agencies (familial and religious) level; with a collaboration of educating female to ensure dethroning the partisan character in the form of patriarchal norms, which women faced since the dawn of the history. A slogan or any other campaign through mass media and print media is the order of the day. The government should ensure to play their role on macro and micro level to eliminate the negative stigmatization of women generally while in getting higher education particularly.
Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is an attempt to insight into the socio-cultural barriers to female attainment of higher education in pukhtun society through perceptional based study along with quantitative research designs to measure the association between the variables as mentioned above with an amalgamation of an addition to the existing stock of knowledge in the field of sociology of education.
Risk Factor Analysis for Predicting Kyphosis Reoccurrence of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Patients Treated with Posterior Short-Segment Fixation
Authors: Sun Xiangyao , Sun Wenzhi , Hu Hailiang , Wang Wei , Zhang Tongtong , Kong Chao , Sun Siyuan , Hai Yong , Lu Shibao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The thresholds of risk factors of kyphosis recurrence in thoracolumbar burst fracture patients were still controversial. The aim of this multi-center study was to identify these thresholds.Methods: 169 patients were included in this study. Upper intervertebral angle (UIVA), lower intervertebral angle (LIVA), Cobb angle (CA), anterior vertebral height ratio (AVH%), regional angle (RA), posterior vertebral height ratio (PVH%), vertebral wedge angle (VWA), anteroposterior ratio (A/P%), Clinical assessment included Load Sharing Classification (LSC) score, Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Body mass index (BMI) were perioperatively evaluated. Patients were divided into KR group and none KR (NKR) group according to whether the loss of CA correction was less than 15˚ or not. The risk factors of KR before or after implant removal were analyzed, respectively. Result: There were significant improvements in postoperative parameters compared with preoperative parameters, such as AVH%, A/P%, VAS, CA, VWA, PVH% (P < 0.001, respectively), and UIVA (P = 0.02). Age (AUC = 0.828) and BMI (AUC = 0.846) were good predictors of KR before implant removal. BMI (AUC = 0.871) was a good predictor of KR after implant removal. Conclusion: There were significant differences in risk factors of KR at different postoperative follow-up stages: age > 49 years, BMI > 24 were risk factors of KR before implant removal; BMI > 25.17 was a risk factor of KR.
Reproductive Factors and Breast Cancer Risk in Palestine: A Case Control Study
Authors: Sharif Nuha El , Khatib Imtithal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background: Early age at menarche, late age at menopause, and late age at first full-term pregnancy are linked to a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer (breast ca). This study aims to investigate the reproductive determinants of breast cancer among women in the West Bank of Palestine.A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a case-control study (237 registered cases and 237 controls). A multivariate analysis model was used to adjust for the association between women’s reproductive factors and breast ca risk. This study was approved by Al Quds University Ethical Research Committee and the Ministry of Health research unit. Results: In the multivariate analysis, menarche after 13 years of age, use of oral contraceptives for more than two months, hormonal contraceptives use, and becoming pregnant at an early age (≤18 years) significantly doubled the risk for breast ca. Women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were significantly associated with higher odds (6 times) of having breast ca versus those who did not use them (p <0.05). Similarly, nulliparous women showed 6 times the odds of breast ca compared with women with one or more children (p = 0.005). Also, parental consanguinity marriage and positive family history of the condition can be strong determinants for breast ca in this study. Conclusion: This study provides clear evidence that the use of reproductive hormones, whether as a birth control tool or for therapeutic purposes, must be rationalized worldwide and in Palestine in particular.
The Study of Laccase Immobilization Optimization and Stability Improvement on CTAB-KOH Modified Biochar
Authors: Wang Zhaobo , Ren Dajun , Jiang Shan , Yu Hongyan , Cheng Yaohui , Zhang Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Wangsheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Although laccase has a good catalytic oxidation ability, free laccase shows a poor stability. Enzyme immobilization is a common method to improve enzyme stability and endow the enzyme with reusability. Adsorption is the simplest and common method. Modified biochar has attracted great attention due to its excellent performance. Results: In this paper, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-KOH modified biochar (CKMB) was used to immobilize laccase by adsorption method (laccase@CKMB). Based on the results of the single-factor experiments, the optimal loading conditions of laccase@CKMB were studied with the assistance of Design-Expert 12 and response surface methods. The predicted optimal experimental conditions were laccase dosage 1.78 mg/mL, pH 3.1 and 312 K. Under these conditions, the activity recovery of laccase@CKMB was the highest, reaching 61.78 %. Then, the CKMB and laccase@CKMB were characterized by TGA, FT-IR, XRD, BET and SEM, and the results showed that laccase could be well immobilized on CKMB, the maximum enzyme loading could reach 57.5 mg/g. Compared to free laccase, the storage and pH stability of laccase@CKMB was improved greatly. The laccase@CKMB retained about 40 % of relative activity (4 ℃, 30 days) and more than 50 % of relative activity at pH 2-6. In addition, the laccase@CKMB indicated the reusability up to 6 reaction cycles while retaining 45.1 % of relative activity. Moreover, the thermal deactivation kinetic studies of laccase@CKMB showed a lower k value (0.00275 min-1) and higher t1/2 values (252.0 min) than the k value (0.00573 min-1) and t1/2 values (121.0 min) of free laccase. Conclusions: We explored scientific and reasonable immobilization conditions of laccase@CKMB, and the laccase@CKMB possessed relatively better stabilities, which gave the immobilization of laccase on this cheap and easily available carrier material the possibility of industrial applications.
Radiosynthesis of A Novel Antisense Imaging Probe Targeting LncRNA HOTAIR in Malignant Glioma
Authors: Ren Jiongyu , Zhang Xiyuan , Cao Jiang , Tian Jiali , Luo Jin , Yu Yaping , Wang Fengkui , Zhao Qian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR was manifested amplifying in many human carcinomas, which could serve as a useful target for cancer therapy. The 99mTc radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) could visualize the expression of HOTAIR and provide a diagnostic value for malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to radiosynthesis 99mTc with HOTAIR ASON and investigate the in vivo imaging in malignant glioma xenografts.Methods: The ASON targeting lncRNA HOTAIR as well as mismatched ASON probe (ASONM) were designed and modified. The radiolabeling of 99mTc with two probes were via the conjugation of bifunctional chelator HYNIC. Then probes were purified by Sephadex G25 and tested for their radiolabeling efficiency and purity, as well as stability by ITLC and gel electrophoresis. Then the radiolabeled probes were transfected with lipofectamine 2000 for cellular uptake test and the next experimental use. Furthermore, biodistribution study and SPECT imaging were performed at different times after probes were intravenously injected in glioma tumor-bearing mice models. All data were analyzed by statistical software.Results: The labeling efficiencies of 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON and 99mTc-HYNIC-ASONM measured by ITLC were (91 ±1.5) % and (90 ±0.6) %, respectively, and the radiochemical purity were more than 89%. The probes showed good stability within 12 hours. Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the oligomers were successfully radiolabeled no significant degradation was found. Cellular uptake experiment showed that liposomes had the ability to carry probes into cells. Biodistribution study demonstrated that liposome coated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON had significantly higher uptake in the tumor and higher T/M ratio than the mismatched group. Meanwhile, the tumor was clearly shown at 1-hour post probe injection of liposome coated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON on SPECT/CT imaging, no tumor was seen in mismatched and blocking group.Conclusion: The liposome encapsulated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON probe can be used in the in vivo, real-time imaging of lncRNA HOTAIR expression in malignant glioma.
Estimating the Dog Population, Responsible Pet Ownership, and Intestinal Parasitism in Dogs in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Grijalva Colon Jaime , Walden Heather S. , Crawford P. Cynda , Levy Julie K. , Pine William E. , Hernandez Jorge A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In 2011, authorities of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, approved an ordinance to promote public health and animal welfare through responsible pet ownership promotion. The population of dogs was not known, and the relationships between dog abundance, socio-economic factors, prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites, and pet ownership responsibility had not been investigated. The objectives of this study were (i) to estimate the human:dog (HD) ratio, (ii) to examine the relationship between household factors and responsible pet ownership and (iii) to estimate the prevalence of households with one or more dogs infected with intestinal parasites in Quito, Ecuador. Space-based random sampling procedures were used for estimation of HD ratios in stray dogs and confined owned dogs. The relationship between household factors and a responsible pet ownership index was examined using logistic regression. Dog fecal samples were tested for intestinal parasites. Among stray dogs, the observed HD ratio was 58:1. Among dogs kept indoors, the observed HD ratio was 3,5:1. A positive interaction effect between number of dogs in study households and household living conditions (a proxy for household wealth) on responsible pet ownership was observed, which we discuss in this report. Prevalence of households with dogs infected with intestinal parasites was 28% (95% CI = 21-37). Ancylostoma spp. was the most frequent intestinal parasite in study dogs kept indoors. This study provides new information that can be used by policy makers to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies and education programs aimed at enhancing pet ownership responsibility in Ecuador.
Meta-QTL Analysis for Stripe Rust Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Jan Irfat , Saripalli Gautam , Kumar Kuldeep , Kumar Anuj , Singh Rakhi , Batra Ritu , Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Balyan Harindra Singh , Gupta Pushpendra Kumar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn (Pst) is one of the most prevalent wheat diseases causing upto 70% yield losses worldwide. The present study was conducted in wheat for the first time to identify important meta-QTL (MQTL) regions for their use in developing stripe rust resistant wheat cultivars and to understand the genetic architecture of stripe rust resistance in wheat. For this purpose, a dense consensus map consisting of 76,753 markers was constructed and 353 QTLs from earlier studies were projected on this consensus map. As many as 61 MQTLs were identified using 184 (out of 353) original QTLs. Ten important genomic regions including six breeders’ MQTLs (PVE >20%) and four MQTL hotspots were selected to be used by wheat breeders. As many as 409 important candidate genes (CGs) were also identified, which either encoded known R proteins (265) or showed differential expression (144) due to stripe rust infection. These included genes encoding the following proteins: NBS-LRR, WRKY domains, ankyrin repeat domains, sugar transporters, etc. Overall, the present study provided robust MQTLs and underlying CGs which may be potential targets for molecular breeding for development of stripe rust resistant wheat cultivars or may be the target for future molecular studies to understand the mechanism of stripe rust resistance.
Assay of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Accompanying Different Impurities
Authors: Sayed Mohsen A. , El-Bassuony Asmaa A. H. , Abdelsalam H. K. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
No doubt that antimicrobial compounds such as antibiotics are the basic tools in clinical medicine. Increase in antimicrobial resistance may cause several human diseases. The potential of drugs and other agents can be improved by using nanoparticles. Wide use of antimicrobial compounds resulted in formation of resistance in microbes. There is demand to look for novel agents for therapy. Novel silver nanoparticles accompanied different impurities were assayed against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis (Gram-negative bacteria). In addition to Aspergillus niger, A. terrus, Penicillium cluclauni and Rhizopus stolonofer fungi. Four Candida spp. were also assayed: C. krusei, C. famata, C. parapsilosis and C. utiliz. The method which applied in assaying these microorganisms was diffusion method. Dilution method was obtained for the tested nanoparticles to find the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC. The annealing temperature of the tested nanoparticles affected on antifungal and antibacterial activities. It was found that the preparation of nanoparticles at room temperature gave higher activities against tested antimicrobial than that at high temperatures.
Acupuncture And Chinese Herb Medicine Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction For The Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: A Study Protocol For A Multi-Center, Controlled and Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wu Chuting , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Chunyan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Endometriosis is an inflammatory estrogen-dependent gynecological disease, which is one of the common reasons for infertility. The current treatments of endometriosis-associated infertility often involve laparoscopic surgery, medical therapy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy, which are expensive, and the therapeutic effects are far from the expectation. Acupuncture and Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YZD) which have the advantages of effective and inexpensive, have been used clinically for the infertile female in China for many years. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence of their efficacy is lacking. Our study intends to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and YZD on endometriosis-associated infertility (EAI).Methods/design: This study is a multi-center, controlled and randomized clinical trial. A total of 224 eligible patients with endometriosis-associated infertility will be randomly assigned into two groups, in a 1:1 ratio as the treatment group or the control group. All participants will receive pregnancy guidance. The participants assigned to the treatment group will be treated with acupuncture and YZD while the control group will receive the GnRH-a therapy. The trial will include three menstrual cycles of treatment and twelve menstrual cycles of follow-up. The primary outcome is pregnancy rate that will be verified by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) tests and secondary outcomes include the result of ultrasound, cancer antigen 125 (CA125), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), sex hormones, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the Endometriosis Health Profile-5 (EHP-5). Outcome will be collected at baseline, the end of treatments and follow-up visits at 3, 6 and 12 menstrual cycles. All the data including the major adverse events will be recorded in electronic case report forms and analysed by SPSS V.25.0.Discussion: This study protocol will help to evaluate whether acupuncture and Chinese herb medicine Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction are effective in increasing pregnancy rate of the infertile female with endometriosis.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100042830; Registered on 29 January 2021.
Comparison of Clinical Features between Immune-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis and Hepatitis
Authors: Takinami Masaki , Ono Akira , Kawabata Takanori , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Wakuda Kazushige , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Endo Masahiro , Kiyohara Yoshio , Yasui Hirofumi , Niwakawa Masashi , Takahashi Toshiaki 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Immune-related hepatotoxicity is often regarded as immune-related hepatitis (irHepatitis) despite including immune-related sclerosing cholangitis (irSC). This study examined the clinical differences between irSC and irHepatitis.Methods A single-center retrospective study of 530 consecutive patients who received immunotherapy between August 2014 and April 2020 was performed. IrSC and irHepatitis were respectively defined as the radiological presence and absence of bile duct dilation and wall thickness.Results Forty-one patients (7.7%) developed immune-related hepatotoxicity. A CT scan was performed on 12 patients, including 11 of 12 with ≥grade 3 aminotransferase elevations. IrSC and irHepatitis were diagnosed in 4 (0.8%) and 8 (1.5%) patients, respectively. All the irSC patients had been treated with anti-PD-1. IrHepatitis was more common among patients receiving anti-CTLA-4 than among those receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (14%, 7/50 vs. 0.2%, 1/480, P <0.001). A ≥grade 2 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation resulting in a cholestatic pattern was seen in all 4 irSC patients. Among the irSC patients, 3 (3/4, 75%) developed ≥grade 3 aminotransferases elevation. The median duration from the start of immunotherapy until ≥grade 2 liver enzymes elevation was 257 and 55.5 days in irSC and irHepatitis patients. The median times for progression from grade 2 to 3 liver enzyme elevation were 17.5 and 0 days, respectively.Conclusions IrSC and irHepatitis have different characteristics in the class of immune checkpoint inhibitor and onset pattern. Radiological examination for the diagnosis of irSC should be considered for patients with ≥grade 2 ALP elevation resulting in a cholestatic pattern. (Registration number J2020-36, Date of registration June 3, 2020)
STOX2 Is the Target of Mir-30a to Increase Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Hydatidiform Mole Through ERK, AKT and P38 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Guo Zhenzhen , Zhu Chenyu , Li Zhen , Wang Youhui , Wang Lu , Fan Jianhui , Xu Yuefei , Zou Na , Kong Ying , Li Dong , sui linlin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHydatidiform mole is a disease caused by abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic cells. MiR-30a acts as a tumor suppressor gene in most tumors and participates in the development of various cancers. But its role in hydatidiform mole is not clear. MethodsRT-qPCR was used to verify the expression level of miR-190 and STOX2. Flow cytometry (FCM) assays were performed to detect cell cycle. CCK-8 assay, EDU assay and colony formation assay was used to detect proliferation ability. Transwell assay was used to test invasion ability. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting were used to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved.ResultThe low expression of miR-30a promoted the ability of proliferation, migration and invasion in trophoblastic cells (JAR and HTR-8). The dual luciferase assay confirmed that STOX2 was a new target of miR-30a and resisted the effect of up-regulated miR-30a in trophoblastic cells. In addition, up-regulation of STOX2 by miR-30a could activate ERK, AKT and P38 signaling pathways. These results revealed that a new mechanism for ERK, AKT and P38 activation by miR-30a/STOX2, which could create excessive proliferation of trophoblast cells in the hydatidiform mole.Conclusions﻿In this study, we found that miR-30a plays an important role in the development of HM. Taken together, these fndings indicate that miR-30a may effect the malignant transformation of human trophoblastic cells by downregulating STOX2, which strengthens our understanding of miR-30a in regulating BC cell transformation.
A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenia After COVID-19 Vaccination: Coincidental or Causal Effect? Running Title: ITP After COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Vigna Ernesto , Caracciolo Daniele , Martino Enrica , Mendicino Francesco , Lucia Eugenio , Olivito Virginia , Morelli Rosellina , Gentile Massimo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The discovery and the introduction of different vaccines in the therapeutic armamentarium against SARS-CoV-2 represents a big hope in the fight against the pandemic. However, safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is continuously monitored for the emergence of potential new side effects, such as recently reported thrombotic events, after the use of certain types of vaccines. In this context, we report a case of 31-year-old woman who developed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) after 3 weeks from receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. She developed significant widespread petechiae and gum bleeding, with severe thrombocytopenia documented at her hemogram. Over a 10-day period, thrombocytopenia was treated first with high dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and platelet transfusions, without a platelet response. Two days later, she received the TPO-mimetic and after three days, his platelet count began to rise reaching the normal range 18 days from her admission to our Hematology department. These findings cannot actually elucidate if vaccination was causal or coincidental effect of ITP, but further highlights the need of additional pharmacovigilance studies to empower SARS-CoV2 vaccine efficacy.