bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Wing Length on the Prevalence of Trypanosomes in Glossina Morsitans Morsitans in Eastern Zambia
Authors: Mweempwa Cornelius , Chilongo Kalinga , Hayashida Kyoko , Namangala Boniface 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) transmit trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock). Several studies have indicated that the age, sex, site of capture, starvation and microbiome symbionts, among others, are important factors influencing trypanosome infection in tsetse flies. However, reasons for a higher infection rate in females than in males still largely remain unknown. As species and sexes of tsetse flies of larger body size are the most mobile and the most available to stationary baits, it was hypothesized in this study that, the higher trypanosome prevalence in female than in male tsetse flies was because females were larger than males.Materials and methodsBlack screen fly rounds and epsilon traps were used to collect tsetse flies in eastern Zambia. Wing vein length was measured and the presence of trypanosomes was examined by microscopy. Principal component method was carried out to determine which variables had potential to be used as predictor variables. The multilevel binary logistic regression method was applied on whole data, one-method data and one-sex data sets to evaluate the hypothesis. ResultsA total of 2,195 Glossina m. morsitans data were evaluated (1,491 and 704 males and females, respectively). The wing length variable contributed the highest variance percentage (39.15%) to the first principal component. The wing length variable showed significant influence on prevalence of trypanosomes when the whole data set was analyzed. The log odds for the prevalence of trypanosomes significantly increased by 0.123 (p = 0.032), per unit increase in wing length. Moreover, moving from females to males, wing length significantly reduced by 0.150 (p < 0.0001) and females had higher trypanosome prevalence rates than males, though not always significant. ConclusionWing length is an important determinant factor for trypanosome prevalence in G. m. morsitans and could partially explain the higher prevalence of trypanosomes in females than in males. To verify this status, however, it’s clear that, reasonably representative population data is required for analysis – a serious challenge with the current tsetse sampling methods. Nonetheless, analysis of combined data from mobile and stationary methods that includes both sexes data, could verify the status.
Medium Plant Cover has the Highest Heterogeneity of Fine-Scale Spatial Vegetation Patterns in Humid grasslands
Authors: Yang Qin , Cheng Hua , Pu Hongmei , Zhao Xuechun , Dong Rui , Chen Yulian , Yang Shenghui , Wu X. Ben , Chen Chao , Jin Baocheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Context Fine-scale spatial vegetation patterns are ubiquitous and can have profound impacts on large scale ecological processes including surface runoff, soil erosion, and livestock forage efficiency. However, we have limited knowledge of the fine-scale spatial vegetation patterns in humid grasslands.Objectives The objectives were to characterize the spatial vegetation patterns at centimeter scale in humid grasslands, quantify the vegetation patterns variation under different image pixel sizes and plant covers, and explore the potential ecological implications of the spatial vegetation patterns.Methods Seventy plots with plant covers ranging from 30.8–99.3% were selected from seven humid grasslands in southwest China and their spatial vegetation patterns quantified at image pixel sizes of 0.04, 0.25, 1, and 4 cm.Results With increasing pixel size, plant patch density and total edge density decreased, plant patch size increased, and the plant patch shape became more regular. At a plant cover level below 50%, increasing plant cover will result in increasing patch density and patch size, leading to greater spatial heterogeneity. At plant cover levels above 50%, increasing plant cover will cause the rapid expansion of patch size, along with a lower patch density, forming a more homogeneous landscape dominated by plant patches. The small stems, branches, and leaves of grasses fragmented non-plant patches into smaller patches with increasing plant cover; this fragmentation resembles road-induced landscape fragmentation processes.Conclusions Medium plant cover has the highest heterogeneity of spatial vegetation pattern at the fine scale, which may have significant implications on ecological processes and related management practices.
Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection following colorectal surgery in Iran: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rajaei Siamak , Mohammadi Masoud , Balajelini Mohammad Hosein Taziki , Afghani Reza , Zare Mehrshad , Rajabi Abdolhalim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery remains a significant problem for its negative clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of SSI after colorectal surgery in 5-Azar hospital of Gorgan, Golestan province, Iran and to further evaluate the related risk factors.
Methods

A prospective design was applied. Patients in the 5-Azar hospital of Gorgan, Golestan province, Iran was prospectively monitored for SSI after colorectal surgery. The demographic and perioperative characteristics were collected, and the main outcome were SSI within postoperative 30 days. Univariate analyses were used to identify risk factors.
Results

A total of 240 patients were enrolled in the study and the overall SSI rate was 23.3% (56 patients). Univariate analyses indicated that corticosteroids use (Risk Ratio (RR) = 3, 95% CI: 1.62–5.54), segmental resection with anastomosis (RR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.12–4.63), anemia (RR = 4.52, 95% CI: 3.11–6.59), diabetics (RR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.73–4.14), and opium use (RR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.17–2.99) are risk factors for SSI.
Conclusions

SSI still seems to be a problem in colon surgery despite the observance of scientific principles. There are some risk factors for SSI that can be prevented.
Discover of No-Side Effect Phenytoin Drug from Catharanthus Roseus Plant
Authors: Govindan Nagaraj 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Phenytoin drug is commonly used for seizures and breast cancer, but chemically prepared phenytoin drug has more side effect. Herein, we have discovered phenytoin drug (100%) without side effect from Catharanthus Roseus (CR) plant using a photon-induced method (PIM). The pure plant (absence of metal nanoparticles) synthesized by green chemistry offers a novel and potential alternative to non-chemically synthesized Catharanthus Roseus nano-sized particles (CR-NPs,) studied for the first time. The GC-MS analysis of CR-NPs provides all peaks determining the presence of phenytoin compound and 1H NMR analysis of chemical shift conformed phenytoin structure. The XRD analysis results in highly crystalline material and crystallite size is 25 nm. The CR NPs highly killed breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cell-lines), while without killed the normal cells (VERO cell-lines). Our findings brought new insights into the development of nano-sized plant exerting strong next generation of no-side effect nature drug.
Free flap transfer, a safe and efficient method for reconstruction of composite skull base defects after salvage resection of advanced intra- and extracranial communicating tumors
Authors: Liu Hou jie , Li Xue-Ji , Qian Hai-Peng , An Chang-Ming , Li De-Zhi , Wan JingHai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Propose: Surgical treatment of advanced intra- and extracranial communicating skull base tumors is challenging, especially for the reconstruction of the large composite defect left by tumor resection. The aim of the study is to evaluate the utility of the free flap reconstruction of the defects resulting from radical resection of these tumors. Methods: The clinical data of 17 consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for defect left by salvage resection of advanced intra- and extracranial communicating tumors from 2013 to 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: There were 5 squamous cell carcinomas, 4 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 2 basal cell carcinomas, 2 meningiomas, 1 anaplastic hemangiopericytoma, 1 pleomorphic adenoma, 1 osteosarcoma and 1 chondrosarcoma. All patients had recurrent neoplasms, 2 of which had pulmonary metastasis. A modified radical cervical dissection was performed in 6 patients. The anterolateral thigh flap myocutaneous (ALT) flap and rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap were used in 15 patients (88.2%) and 2 patients (11.8%), respectively. Complications were seen in 3 of 17 patients (17.6%) with 1 total flap loss. The median PFS duration was 31 months. The 3- and 5-year PFS rate was 0.47 and 0.24, respectively. The mean OS duration was 66 months. The 3- and 5-year OS rate was 0.85 and 0.68, respectively. Conclusion: Free flap transfer is a safe and effective method with acceptable complications, useful for reconstruction of large composite skull base defects after salvage resection of advanced intra- and extracranial communicating tumors. The functional and cosmetic results are satisfying.
The trajectory of putative astroglial dysfunction in first episode schizophrenia: A longitudinal 7-Tesla MRS study
Authors: Jeon Peter , MacKinley Michael , Theberge Jean , Palaniyappan Lena 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Astroglial pathology has been long suspected in schizophrenia. Myo-inositol, a metabolic marker particularly abundant in astroglia, is reduced in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of patients with schizophrenia. We investigate the status of astroglial integrity indexed by ACC myo-inositol at the onset and over the first 6 months of treatment of first episode schizophrenia. We employed 7T magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and quantified myo-inositol spectra at the dorsal ACC in 31 participants; 21 patients with schizophrenia with median lifetime antipsychotic exposure of less than 3 days, followed up after 6 months of treatment, and 10 healthy subjects scanned twice over the same time period. We studied the time by group interaction for myo-inositol after adjusting for gender and age. We report significant reduction in myo-inositol concentration in the ACC in schizophrenia at an early, untreated state of acute illness that improves over time. This trajectory indicates that dynamic astroglial changes are likely to operate in the early stages of schizophrenia. MRS myo-inositol may be a critical marker of amelioration of active psychosis in early stages of schizophrenia.
Multilevel characteristics of TiOx transparent non-volatile resistive switching device by embedding SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Kwon Sera , Kim Min-Jung , Chung Kwun-Bum 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
TiOx-bsed resistive switching devices have recently attracted attention as a promising candidate for next-generation non-volatile memory devices. A number of studies have attempted to increase the structural density of resistive switching devices. The fabrication of a multi-level switching device is a feasible method for increasing the density of the memory cell. Herein, we attempt to obtain a non-volatile multi-level switching memory device that is highly transparent by embedding SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) into the TiOx matrix (TiOx@SiO2 NPs). The fully transparent resistive switching device is fabricated with an ITO/TiOx@SiO2 NPs/ITO structure on glass substrate, and it shows transmittance over 95 % in the visible range. The TiOx@SiO2 NPs device shows outstanding switching characteristics, such as a high on/off ratio, long retention time, good endurance, and distinguishable multi-level switching. To understand multi-level switching characteristics by adjusting the set voltages, we analyze the switching mechanism in each resistive state. This method represents a promising approach for high-performance non-volatile multi-level memory applications.
Efficient Data-Mining Classification Approach For Ecg Data In Health Care Application
Authors: J Shana , T Venkatachalam 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Data mining enables classification of Electrocardiographic (ECG) signals of the heart for diagnosing many cardiac diseases. ECG signals often consist of unwanted noises, speckles and redundant features. An unwanted noise and redundant features always degrade the quality of ECG signal and may lead to loss of accuracy in classification technique. To overcome these challenges, we introduced Optimize Discrete Kernel Vector (ODKV) classifier with an impressive pre-processing in this paper. In order to remove the noises, image processing filter namely the Adaptive Notch Filters (ANF) are initially used to remove Power Line Interference from ECG Signals. Moreover, reducing the redundant features from the ECG signal plays a vital role in diagnosing the cardiac disease. So, Optimize Discrete Kernel Vector (ODKV) classifier is used to reduce the redundant features and also to enhance the classification accuracy of the input ECG signal. Thus, Optimize Discrete Kernel Vector (ODKV) classifier identifies the Q wave, R wave and S wave in the input ECG signal. Finally, performance metrics Sensitivity, Specificity, Accuracy and Mean Square Error (MSE) are calculated and compared with the existing method such as SVM-kNN, ANN-kNN, GB-SVNN, and CNN to prove the enhancement of the classification technique.
Methane Emission and Carbon Sequestration Potential from Municipal Solid Waste Landfill, India
Authors: BP NAVEEN 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The quantities of waste generation are drastically increased every day, and most of the waste is disposed off through open dump and landfilling. Methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are major greenhouse gases (GHG’s) produced from landfill sites. However, the global warming potential of methane is 21 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. Hence, there is immense concern for utilization from landfill sites. In developing countries, the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) has higher biodegradable waste (50–60%). This leads to emit higher GHG’s from a per ton of MSW compared to the developed world. In this study, the attempt will be made to estimate the amount of carbon stored in MSW burial in landfills. Tests were conducted in two different locations at the Mavallipura landfill. MSW samples were collected for every meter interval (1-2m, 2-3m & so on) up to 6m. The result shows that carbon stored in organic matter increases with depth from approximately 2.2% at 1.0 m depth to 4.8% at 6m depth. Based on MSW's carbon storage factor and data on MSW generation, global carbon sequestration from MSW burial in the Mavallipura landfill is estimated to be at least 10 million metric tons per year. Also, the study aims to quantify methane gas production from the ward levels and the Mavallipura landfill site in India.
Satellite communication anti-jamming based on ABC blind source separation
Authors: Li Jiong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The existing satellite communication anti-jamming technology mostly realizes anti-jamming communication from the perspective of interference suppression, and has defects such as low spectrum efficiency and limited anti-jamming capability. This paper proposes to use the independence of communication signal and interference signal to separate communication signal and interference signal in the waveform domain, and then realize communication anti-interference. This method can realize anti-jamming communication under strong jamming without reducing the spectrum efficiency. The blind source separation problem is essentially a multi-parameter joint optimization problem, and there is no analytical solution. This paper uses an artificial bee colony optimization algorithm to solve the blind separation problem and obtains a sub-optimal solution.
Reduced neutralization of B.1.351 variant SARS-CoV-2 by convalescent sera of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Virtanen Jenni , Uusitalo Ruut , Korhonen Essi , Aaltonen Kirsi , Smura Teemu , Kuivanen Suvi , Pakkanen Sari , Mero Sointu , Patjas Anu , Riekkinen Marianna , Kantele Anu , Nurmi Visa , Hedman Klaus , Hepojoki Jussi , Sironen Tarja , Huhtamo Eili , Vapalahti Olli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection raises neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). While studies have shown differing NAb kinetics, they generally point to the antibody arm of immunity providing most recoverees protection against contemporary strains. However, the effect against newly emerged variants of concern (VoCs) has remained uncertain. Here, applying neutralization tests to paired recoveree sera (N=38) of spring 2020 COVID-19 patients with clinical isolates of wildtype D614G and VoC1 and -2 strains (B.1.1.7 and B 1.351) from Finland, we show that NAbs of these patients are equally effective in inhibiting both contemporary and VoC1 strains whereas inhibition of VoC2 is reduced 8-fold (p<0.001) with 50% of sera failing to show NAbs. Our results align with an increased ability of VoC2 to reinfect previously SARS-CoV-infected populations.
A Uracil Auxotroph Toxoplasma gondii Exerting Immunomodulation to Inhibit Breast Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Xu Li-Qing , Yao Li-Jie , Jiang Dan , Chen Min , Liao Wen-Zhong , Zou Wei-Hao , Zhou Li-Juan , Peng Hong-Juan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among women, and patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have poor prognosis, so it is necessary to develop new effective therapies urgently. Recent studies have demonstrated that uracil auxotroph Toxoplasma gondii vaccine displays antitumor effects. Here, we examined the immunotherapy effects of an attenuated uracil auxotroph strain of T. gondii against 4T1 murine breast cancer.Methods: We constructed a uracil auxotroph strain, the orotidine 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase gene deleted strain of T. gondii (RH-Δompdc) with the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Its virulence in vitro and in vivo was determined by parasite replication assay, plaque assay, the parasite burden detection in mice peritoneal fluids and the survival analysis of T. gondii infection mice. Its immune modulation ability was evaluated by cytokines detection. Its antitumor effect was evaluated after its in situ inoculation to 4T1 tumors in mouse model, the tumor volume was measured, the 4T1 lung metastasis was detected by H&E and Ki67 antibody staining, and the cytokines levels were measured by ELISA.Results: RH-Δompdc strain could proliferate normally with uracil supplement, however, it was unable to propagate without uracil and in vivo, which implicated that it is avirulent to the hosts. This mutant showed vaccine characteristics that it could induce intense immune responses both in vitro and in vivo by boosting the expression of inflammatory cytokines significantly. RH-Δompdc in situ inoculation to the 4T1 tumors in mice could inhibit the tumor growth, reduce the lung metastasis, promote the survival of the tumor-bearing mice, and also increase the secretion of Th1 cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ both in serum and in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Conclusion: The uracil auxotroph RH-Δompdc inoculation to the 4T1 tumors stimulated the anti-infection and antitumor immunity in mice, resulted in the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, the promotion in survival of the tumor-bearing mice, and the increasing secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ both in serum and in the TME. Our findings implied that the immunomodulation resulted by RH-Δompdc could be a potential antitumor strategy.
Direct Ink Writing of Cellulose - plasticized Aqueous Ceramic Slurry for YAG Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Ji Haohao , Zhao Jin , Chen Jie , Shimai Shunzo , Chen Hetuo , Liu Yu , Zhang Jian , Wang Shiwei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Additive manufacturing based on direct ink writing (DIW) opens a novel means to prepare transparent ceramics, which can comprise of both complex structures and multiple functional phases. However, there still remains a vital challenge to obtain a stable and printable aqueous ceramic slurry with high solids loading, which is important for forming high quality transparent ceramics. Therefore, we report a fabrication method by using celluloses for enhancing the plasticity of the aqueous YAG ceramic slurry with high solids loading up to 52 vol. %, by which both of the printability of ceramic slurries and the optical quality of transparent ceramics have been considerably improved. In the example, the in-line transmittance at 1064 nm for a 1.2 mm thick YAG ceramic can approach about 81.5%. This research provides a facile DIW method for preparing transparent ceramic from water - based slurry.
Psychological Distress Among Lebanese Women During the COVID-19 Confinement: Any Mediating Effect of Violence?
Authors: Haddad Chadia , Malaeb Diana , Sacre Hala , Malhab Sandrella Bou , Khachman Dalia , Lahoud Nathalie , Azzi Joelle , Salameh Pascale 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Violence among women is associated with poor psychological health and increased internalizing symptoms, such as depression, stress, and anxiety. The primary objective was to evaluate the association of marital conflict, pregnancy status, socioeconomic status, and stressful life events with violence, depression, anxiety, and stress. The secondary objective was to evaluate the mediating effect of violence on psychological distress.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 women between June 8 and August 1, 2020. The questionnaire was developed on Google Forms and distributed online, using the snowball technique. Results: Higher marital conflict (Beta=0.159), financial difficulties (Beta=2.572), a history of child abuse (Beta=2.546), and higher violence scores (Beta=0.121) were significantly associated with higher depression scores. Higher marital conflict (Beta=0.358) and having financial difficulties (Beta=3.859) were significantly associated with higher anxiety scores. Higher marital conflict (Beta=0.070) and financial difficulties (Beta=1.483) were significantly associated with higher perceived stress scores. Composite abuse scale partially mediated the association between pregnancy status (25.28%), financial difficulties (7.71%), history of child abuse (21.92%), abuse by a family member (50.50%), and anxiety scale. Also, the composite abuse scale partially mediated the association between marital conflict (21.42%), financial difficulties (14.17%), history of child abuse (20.05%), abuse by a family member (33.57%), and depression scale. Conclusion: Our main findings suggest that violence mediated the association between pregnancy status, marital conflicts, financial difficulties, and depression and anxiety but did not mediate between these factors and stress. Further studies are needed to understand better the factors that mediate the relations between domestic violence and mental well-being among Lebanese women.