bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating Dark Fermentation as a Sustainable Organic Waste Management Technology for Producing Biohydrogen From Fruit and Vegetable Waste
Authors: Magama Primrose , Chiyanzu Idan , Mulopo Jean 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) is made up of biodegradable organic compounds whose disposal in landfills leads to water and environmental pollution and the emission of lethal greenhouse gases such as methane. Given the high organic content of FVW and its abundant and constant supply, FVW can serve as valuable feedstock for energy production and other value added bio-commodities. Whilst anaerobic digestion is a mature and proven waste management technology, there is need to investigate and develop other environmentally friendly waste treatment technologies. Dark fermentation is a promising alternative waste treatment technology that can be utilized to generate biohydrogen, however, more R&D is still required to improve process efficiency and enhance hydrogen yields. This study investigated the production of biohydrogen via dark fermentation using fruit and vegetable waste as a substrate. To enhance hydrogen production the study applied seed inoculum pre-treatment including heat, alkali, acid, and heat-alkali. The results show that FVW can be used as a feedstock for biohydrogen production and that inoculum pre-treatment enhances hydrogen yields. Acid pre-treatment resulted in the highest hydrogen yield (142, 74 Nml/g VS) and hydrogen content (54%) while heat pre-treatment generated the lowest hydrogen yield (0, 90 Nml/g VS). The hydrogen yields of the pre-treatments tested were substantially different (p<0.001). From highest to lowest, the order of pre-treatment efficacy in terms of hydrogen yield enhancement was acid>heat-alkali>alkali>heat. Under all pre-treatments and controls, the main volatile fatty acid (VFA) formed was valeric acid. The maximum valeric acid fraction observed was 86.1% under acid inoculum pre-treatment.
NNT-AS1 in CAFs-derived exosomes inhibits miR-889-3p in PDAC cells and then promotes proliferation, metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming through favorably regulating HIF-1α
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Wang Qun , Lu Weijun , Zhang Feng , Wu Dongde , sun junwei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIt is metabolic and signaling crosstalk between stromal cells and tumors in the tumor microenvironment, which influences several aspects of tumor formation and drug resistance, including metabolic reprogramming. Despite considerable findings linking lncRNAs in HIF-1-related regulatory networks to cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, little emphasis has been given to the lncRNAs' role in communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells. Previously, we observed that NNT-AS1 was substantially expressed in CAFs cells and CAFs exosomes, and subsequently investigated the influence of CAFs exosomal NNT-AS1 on glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis of PDAC cells. MethodsTransmission electron microscopy was used to examine exosomes secreted by PDAC patient-derived CAFs. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate at the expression of NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. The role of CAFs-derived exosomal NNT-AS1 in PDAC cell proliferation, metastasis, and metabolism has been identified. Dual luciferase reporter assays were used to look at the binding between NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1.ResultsAfter PDAC cells co-culture exosomes secreted by CAFs, we found that they alter glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. In PDAC cells, CAF-derived exosomal lncRNA NNT-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-889-3p. Furthermore, HIF-1 could be targeted by miR-889-3p and was controlled by NNT-AS1.ConclusionThis study explores the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 influences the interaction of CAFs on glycolytic remodeling, proliferation, and metastasis of tumor cells through regulating miR-889-3p/HIF-1α, which also helps discover new clinical treatment targets for PDAC.
Becoming a wage earned or a self-employed: Does Young Educational Level determine the Choice of the Working Labour Force Status in Cameroon?
Authors: Maximilien KOUL NGWE MANGUELLE 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
If employment is recognized as a key driver for growth, development and well-being improvement, human capital is probably a main determinant of the labour force participation. By often analyzing this relationship in wage earning jobs, studies used to leave self-employment untreated despite the fact that its proportion is growing significantly in several countries. This leads us to the following question: does the accumulating human capital determine access to all forms of employment? Focusing on young people, this article analyzes effects of the educational level used as a proxy of the accumulating human capital on the choice of the working labour force status in Cameroon. Using discrete-choice models on data drew from the second Employment and Informal Sector Survey carried out by the National Institute of Statistics, empirical findings reveal that educated young people are more likely to make a decision to work as wage earned and the corresponding probability rises with the increasing of their educational levels. However, the willingness to become self-employed decline with the rising of the educational level. Therefore, compared to the decision to work as a wage earned, becoming a self-employed does not appear as a human capital outcome. This paradoxical result for a low wage economy suggests a reform of educational and training systems starting at least from high school with emphasizes in sectors with a high potential of self-employment development and a setting-up of an apprenticeship plan.
Prevalence of Anxiety among Paramedic Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah , Bayazeed Abdulrahman , Alzahrani Alhussain , Alkahtani Faisal , Alzahrani Saeed , Alzahrani Abdullah 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Anxiety disorders are the most common of all psychiatric illnesses and result in considerable functional impairment and distress. The stressful nature and hard work demand of studying and practicing paramedics makes them more prone to psychiatric illnesses one of which is Anxiety. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety among paramedic students in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Paramedic students of third and fourth year from Emergency Medical Services of College of Applied Medical Sciences at all KSAU-HS branches in Jeddah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa’a in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected in May 2020. The study utilized the General Anxiety Disorder -7 (GAD-7) test to screen for anxiety and assess its severity level in paramedic students. Results: There were a total of 181 participants, of which 133 (73.5%) were male students, and with almost all participants being unmarried (99.4%). For GAD-7 test, 32.6% had no anxiety, while the most had mild anxiety (43.1%), and 14.9% had moderate anxiety, with the fewest (9.4%) had severe anxiety.Conclusion: Significant levels of anxiety were reported among the students and most of them showed excessive levels of worrying and nervousness, which affected their academically and occupationally. Hopefully, more researches are required to assess the prevalence of anxiety among paramedic practitioners. Addressing the problem at an earlier stage will positively affect the students who will become practitioners in the future.
Development and Validation of a Multi-lingual Online Questionnaire for Surveying the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures used in Global Workplaces
Authors: Ingram Carolyn , Chen Yanbing , Buggy Conor , Downey Vicky , Archibald Mary , Rachwal Natalia , Roe Mark , Drummond Anne , Perrotta Carla 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background Despite widespread COVID-19 vaccination programs, there is an ongoing need for targeted disease prevention and control efforts in high-risk occupational settings. This study aimed to develop, pilot, and validate an instrument for surveying occupational COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures available to workers in diverse geographic and occupational settings. Methods A 44-item online survey was developed, translated, and validated for face, content, and cross-cultural validity according to literature review, expert consultation, and pre-testing. The survey was piloted with 890 workers from diverse industries in Canada, Ireland, Argentina, Poland, Nigeria, China, the US, and the UK. Odds ratios generated from univariable, and multivariable logistic regression assessed differences in ‘feeling protected at work’ according to gender, age, occupation, country of residence, professional role, and vaccination status. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, and internal consistency reliability verified with Cronbach’s alpha. Hypothesis testing using two-sample t-tests verified construct validity (i.e., discriminant validity, known-groups technique), and criterion validity. Results After adjustment for occupational sector, characteristics associated with feeling protected at work included being male (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.18,2.99), being over 55 (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.25,3.77) and working in a managerial position (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.99,4.83). EFA revealed nine key IPC domains relating to: environmental adjustments, testing and surveillance, education, costs incurred, restricted movements, physical distancing, masking, isolation strategies, and areas for improvement. Each domain showed sufficient internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.60). Hypothesis testing revealed differences in survey responses by country and occupational sector, confirming construct validity (p < 0.001), criterion validity (p = 0.04), and discriminant validity (p < 0.001). Conclusions The online survey, developed to identify the COVID-19 protective measures used in diverse, international workplace settings, showed strong face validity, content validity, cross-cultural validity, internal consistency, criterion validity, and construct validity. It can be used by decision makers in the distribution of IPC resources, and to guide occupational safety and health (OSH) recommendations for preventing COVID-19 and future infectious disease outbreaks.
Efficacy of Foliar Spray of Two Biostimulants in Phytoremediation and Overcoming Salinity Stress in Halophytic Grass, Puccinellia Distans
Authors: Hosseini Saeed , Shabani Leila , Sabzalian Mohammad R. , Gharibi Shima 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Plants pre-treatment with various chemicals has often been used to diminish salinity stress impact on plants. In the present study, we used foliar spray of two commercially biostimulants (Algabon® and Bomamid®) before the stress, to study interactive effects of biostimulants and salinity stress in halophytic grass, Pucccinellia distans. Results: Our results showed that biomass, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, K+ content, K+/Na+ ratio, and protein and N contents were also negatively affected by 300 mM NaCl. The results obtained in the present study showed the beneficial effects of the pre-treatments of two biostimulants on P. distans seedlings under non salinity stress conditions with respect to increasing plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, K+ content, the content of proteins and nitrogen percentage. The results suggested that foliar spray of Bonamid could considerably diminish NaCl-caused stress on P. distans seedlings, probably due to higher accumulation of shoot biomass, photosynthetic pigments, K+/Na+ ratio, protein and N contents, phytoremediation potential, as well as upregulation of Na+/H+ antiporters located in plasma membranes and vacuoles. Conclusions: Collectively, it could be concluded that, intensification of osmotic adjustment by the accumulation of osmotic metabolites and the compartmentalization of salts in vacuoles in pre-treated plants with amino acid-derived biostimulant (Bonamid) can diminish the NaCl-induced deleterious effects in P. distans seedlings.
Mapping Nutrition Interventions in Guatemala to Identify Opportunities to Improve Coverage and Coordination
Authors: Asturias Gabriela , Cordon Ana , Pineda Estuardo , Figueroa Alice , Zhang Xian , Proaño Gabriela V , Jimenez Elizabeth Yakes , Rohloff Peter 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition (stunting) in the world, with minimal improvements over time, despite intensifying efforts. In 2018, a mapping effort was conducted with nutrition stakeholders, modelled after similar successful efforts in other countries.Methods: A public-private consortium used a survey to collect information from non-governmental nutrition stakeholders in Guatemala, including institutional name, sector, geographic areas of activities, and types of activities implemented. The survey data were used to populate an online mapping tool (ArcGIS Online). The distribution of institutions and programmatic activities at the departmental level was compared to child stunting prevalence using heat maps and linear regression. Geographic distribution of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive activities aligning with Guatemala's four national strategy pillars (primary care services; education and behavior change; water sanitation and hygiene; and household income generation) were examined.Results: 5,861 program activities from 99 institutions were mapped. The majority of institutions were national non-governmental, community-based, or private sector organizations. Heat maps and statistical analysis demonstrated some misalignment between the distribution of resources versus national strategy priority areas and nutrition need. There were a low number of education and behavior change activities at a national level and relatively few primary care and health-sector strengthening activities in some priority departments.Conclusions: Mapping stakeholder institutions and nutrition activities in Guatemala identified several areas where resource allocation could be optimized to better address child stunting. The mapping initiative has been incorporated into Guatemala's national planning process and can assist with future monitoring efforts.
The Validity and Reliability of Immersive VR Device in Measuring Craniocervical Range of Motion.
Authors: Yan Chunyi , Wang Hong , Wu Tingkui , Gong Xingheng , Jin Yuanzhi , Liu Hao , Wang Beiyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Craniocervical range of motion (CROM) is a crucial index for assessing the neck's function. Its accurate evaluation could assist in detecting certain disorders, optimizing the therapy, and tracking intervention progress. In recent years, as VR technology has advanced rapidly, it has been widely applied in the medical field as it can simulate the real world. However, whether the novel immersive VR device could achieve a good performance in evaluating CROM remains explored.
Methods

This research aims to verify intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of an immersive virtual reality (VR) device in measuring craniocervical range of motion (CROM) and compare its performance with the universal goniometer. Forty-two healthy adults without neck disorders were recruited for CROM measurement using an immersive VR device and a universal goniometer. We considered all six aspects of freedom, including flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. Two raters participated in the examination. The first rater was required to repeat measurements twice with a five-minute interval using an immersive VR device to evaluate intra-rater reliability while also measuring the same subject with the same subject universal goniometer. To ascertain inter-rater reliability, the second rater conducted the third examination using the immersive VR device. A two-way random effect model was employed in calculating intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)).
Results

The immersive VR device revealed excellent reliability of intra-rater (ICC from 0.885 for right rotation to 0.978 for extension) and inter-rater (ICC from 0.770 for left rotation to 0.920 for left lateral flexion). By analyzing Bland-Altman plot, a small mean difference (≤1.64°) was revealed between the immersive VR device and universal goniometer. They demonstrated an excellent agreement in measuring CROM (r values from 0.833 to 0.964).
Conclusions

In healthy subjects, the immersive VR device provided excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and a high agreement with the universal goniometer. Whether VR devices could achieve a similar performance between patients with neck disorders still requires future investigation.
A Modified Adventitial Inversion With Graft Insertion Technique in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Liang Wei-Tao , Yue Hong-Hua , Wu Zhong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Acute type A aortic dissection may originate from a primary intimal tear located in the ascending aorta and often extends retrogradely into the aortic root. How to prevent bleeding in the aortic root and eliminate false lumen is very important in aortic dissection. We have developed a modified anastomotic technique that involves inverting adventitial and graft into aorta and reinforcing with a felt strip on the external border of the aortic wall. 45 consecutive patients had undergone this surgical procedure for aortic root reconstruction in aortic dissection, there had been no reoperations either for bleeding or remnant dissection so far.
Distinct Alteration Patterns of Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Corticostriatal Circuits Effected by Cigarette Smoking in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients and Cognitively Normal subjects
Authors: Qiu Tiantian , Xie Fei , Zeng Qingze , Shen Zhujing , Du guijin , Xu Xiaopei , Wang Chao , Li Xiaodong , Luo Xiao , Li Kaicheng , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Jinling , Dai Shouping , Zhang Minming 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To explore the interaction effects of smoking status (non-smoking vs. smoking) and disease (cognitively normal (CN) vs. MCI) based on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the corticostriatal circuits. We included 304 CN non-smokers, 44 CN smokers, 130 MCI non-smokers, and 33 MCI smokers. The seed-based rsFC of striatal subregions (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens [NAc]) with the whole-brain voxel was calculated. Furthermore, we performed mixed effect analysis to explore the interaction effects between smoking status and disease. Significant interaction effects were detected between: (1) right caudate and left inferior parietal lobule (IPL); (2) right putamen and bilateral cuneus; (3) bilateral NAc and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The post-hoc analyses revealed that the CN smokers showed increased rsFC between right caudate and left IPL compared to non-smokers; while the MCI smokers demonstrated decreased rsFC between right putamen and cuneus, and increased rsFC between bilateral NAc and ACC compared to non-smokers. In MCI smokers, the rsFC value between left NAc and ACC was positively correlated with Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF, r = 0.387, p = 0.026), and the rsFC value between right NAc and ACC was positively correlated with SVF (r = 0.390, p = 0.025), Wechsler memory scale-logical memory (WMS-LM) immediate recall (r = 0.378, p = 0.03), and WMS-LM delayed recall (r = 0.367, p = 0.036). Our findings suggest that chronic nicotine exposure may lead to functional connectivity alterations of corticostriatal circuits in MCI patients, and the pattern is different from CN smokers.
The Novel Role of Arsenic (+3 oxidation state) Methyltransferase in Arsenic Genotoxicity
Authors: Sun Mingjun , He Yuefeng , Cheng Huirong , Zhang Yongchang , Chen Qian , Wen Weihua 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT) is the key enzyme in methylation metabolism of arsenic. It is closely related to DNA methylation, but little is known about the novel molecular mechanisms.Methods: 79 workers and 41 individuals in the control group were recruited. Arsenic, relative indexes, 28 relative RNAs, and base modifications of exon 5-8 of p53 were detected. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to detect the expression of AS3MT protein in all subjects. A series of methods were used to analyze the relationships between them. The AS3MT protein was detected in A549 and 16HBE cells after treated using sodium arsenite, MMA and DMA for 48 hours. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to investigate the role of AS3MT in arsenite-induced tumorigenesis. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with MTT assay, EdU assay, HO/PI double staining and JC-1 assay. The real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot analyses were used to evaluate the expression of genes. The p53 luciferase reporter gene assay and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to identify the interactions of target proteins.Results: AS3MT RNA is closely related to p53, a series of ncRNAs and mRNAs, and likely to have causal correlations. Base modifications of p53, miR-548 and miR-190 have significant distinctive effects, but arsenic may play limited roles. AS3MT is over expression in lung cancer patients who have not exposed to arsenic, human lung adenocarcinoma and bronchial epithelial cells with arsenic treatment for 48h. AS3MT protein is induced in arsenic exposed population. Down regulation of AS3MT inhibit proliferation and promotes apoptosis of cells. Mechanistically, AS3MT specifically bind with c-Fos, and block the binding ability between c-Fos and c-Jun. Additionally, knockdown of AS3MT mediated by siRNA enhance the phosphorylation level of p53 Ser392 through activating p38 MAPK. These probably lead to activation of p53 signaling and up regulation in downstream targets, such as p21, Fas, Puma and Bax.Discussion: Here showed that AS3MT RNA plays a great role in the genotoxicity and carcinogenesis which started by arsenic, but influenced by other factors. Up regulation of AS3MT can directly act on cell, and affect cell proliferation and apoptosis through activation of p53 signaling and up regulation in downstream targets.
Salicylic Acid Inhibits Growth and Sensitizes Cervical Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy by Activating AMPK/TSC2/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Jie Zhou , Wenjing Ye , Yi Guangming , Huang Jianming , Deng Siyao , Li Minglun , Li Yimin , Song Yanqiong , Zhang Jiayu , Wei Lichun , Lu Shun , Zhu Guiquan , Lang Jinyi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Radioresistance remains a major clinical challenge in cervical cancer therapy. Salicylic acid (SA)-mediated direct activation of AMP–activated protein kinase (AMPK) is critical to radiosensitivity. However, limited data exists regarding the combination of SA and radiotherapy, even though there are several indications that this might be a promising treatment strategy. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of SA on human cervical cancer cells and its potential molecular mechanism.
Methods

Cervical cancer cells were treated with SA and ionizing radiation. The expression of γ-H2AX was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of AMPK/TSC2/mTOR pathway.
Results

SA inhibited basal proliferation of cervical cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, SA increased radiation-induced DNA damage, promoted apoptosis, triggered a redistribution of cell cycle from G2-M phase to G1-S phase of cervical cancer cells, and hence increased cell sensitivity to radiation. Moreover, SA treatment elevated the expression levels of p-AMPKα and p-TSC2, whereas the level of p-mTOR was significantly decreased.
Conclusion

SA enhances the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells by targeting AMPK/TSC2/mTOR signaling pathway, and might serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.