bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concomitant Gallstone Disease Was Associated With a Worse Prognosis in Non-Cirrhotic Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Chen Sha , Li Mengqi , Li Buer , Lv Tingting , Li Shuxiang , Li Min , Kong Yuanyuan , Zhang Dong , Ma Hong , Ou Xiaojuan , You Hong , Duan Weijia , Jia Jidong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background & Aims: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare disease manifested as intrahepatic cholestasis, whereas gallstone disease is a common disease. Little is known on the prevalence and impact of gallstone disease (GD) on the clinical course of PBC. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and the impact of GD on the prognosis of PBC in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic PBC patients in China.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled PBC patients and followed them by reviewing of electronic records and structured, standardized telephone interviews. GD was defined as gallstones demonstrated on ultrasonography or history of cholecystectomy for gallstones. The primary endpoints of the present study were liver-related death and/or liver transplantation.Results: Among 985 PBC patients enrolled in the present study, 258 (26.2%) had GD, with 157 (22.9%) in non-cirrhotic patients and 101 (33.8%) in cirrhotic patients. No difference was observed in the prevalence of GD between women and men (p>0.05). Compared with PBC patients without GD, those with GD were older, more often coexistent type 2 diabetes, and had a more severe liver disease at baseline. Furthermore, those with GD had lower transplant-free survival and higher incidence of hepatic events in non-cirrhotic PBC patients (both p<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression showed that concomitant GD, older age, male sex, and higher bilirubin were independent risk factors associated with transplant-free survival in non-cirrhotic PBC patients. Conclusions: Concomitant GD was common and an independent risk factor that associated with a worse prognosis in non-cirrhotic PBC patients.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Risk Factors among Manufacturing Industry Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hapsari Ananda Ajeng , Kusmawan David 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction : Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is an occupational disease caused by continuous long-term acute exposure to intense noise with a noise intensity level higher than 85 dB(A). Noise being one of the potential hazard in the workplace, is the most common risk factor for health problems (22%), after workplace injuries (40%). The aim of this work is to synthesize evidence on risk factors related to NIHL among the manufacturing industries workers. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in the electronic search trough databases: SCIENCE DIRECT, PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR using appropriate keywords related to the theme. The keywords used in the databases were: “faktor risiko noise induced hearing loss” “industri” for national database, “noise induced hearing loss” AND “risk factors’’ AND “industry” for international databases. Results: 1.175 studies were identified from the search, thus 1.049 were screened following the removal of duplicates. Title and abstract were screened, resulting in 1.049 articles being removed, 212 articles left for full text assessment and 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Risk factors for NIHL among manufacturing industry workers include noise intensity, years of service, duration of exposure (hours), age, hypertension, risk behaviors and Hearing Protection Device (HPD) usage.
miRkit: R Framework Analyzing miRNA PCR Array Data
Authors: Tsagiopoulou Maria , Togkousidis Anastasis , Pechlivanis Nikolaos , Maniou Maria Christina , Batsali Aristea , Matheakakis Angelos , Pontikoglou Charalampos , Psomopoulos Fotis 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: The characterization of microRNAs (miRNA) in recent years is an important advance in the field of gene regulation. To this end, several approaches for miRNA expression analysis and various bioinformatics tools have been developed over the last few years. It is a common practice to analyze miRNA PCR Array data using the commercially available software, mostly due to its convenience and ease-of-use. Results: In this work we present miRkit, an open source framework written in R, that allows for the comprehensive analysis of RT-PCR data, from the processing of raw data to a functional analysis of the produced results. The main goal of the proposed tool is to provide an assessment of the samples’ quality, perform data normalization by endogenous and exogenous miRNAs, and facilitate differential and functional enrichment analysis. The tool offers fast execution times with low memory usage, and is freely available under a ΜΙΤ license from https://github.com/BiodataAnalysisGroup/miRkitl. Overall, miRkit offers the full analysis from the raw RT-PCR data to functional analysis of targeted genes, and specifically designed to support the popular miScript miRNA PCR Array (Qiagen) technology.
Characterization and Beneficiation of Ethiopian Kaolin for use in Fabrication of Ceramic Membrane
Authors: Zewdie Tsegahun Mekonnen , Prihatiningtyas Indah , Dutta Abhishek , Habtu Nigus Gabbiye , Bruggen Bart Van der 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Kaolin (china clay) is a rock material that is very rich in kaolinite. A kaolin ore from Debre Tabor, Ethiopia containing 59.2 wt.% SiO2, 24.9 wt.% Al2O3, 2.4 wt.% Fe2O3, and 8.22 wt.% loss on ignition (LOI) was physically beneficiated, chemically leached, and thermally treated for possible industrial use, especially for ceramic membrane fabrication. The leaching experiments were carried out using oxalic acid solutions as leaching reagents for the iron extraction process. The effect of acid concentration, reaction temperature, and contact time on iron leaching was investigated. It was determined that the rate of iron extraction increased with the oxalic acid concentration, leaching temperature, and contact time. A substantial reduction of iron oxide (2.4 to 0.36 wt. %) from the raw kaolin was observed at operating conditions of 2.0 M oxalic acid, the temperature of 120°C, and contact time of 120 min. A maximum kaolin whiteness index of 81.4 % was achieved through this leaching process. Finally, the physically beneficiated, chemically leached, and thermally treated kaolin raw material was used to fabricate a low-cost kaolin-based ceramic membrane. After firing at 1100°C the ceramic membrane was found to have a mass loss of 11.04 ± 0.05%, water absorption of 8.9 ± 0.4 %, linear shrinkage of 14.5 ± 0.05%. It was demonstrated to be chemically stable, having less than 3 % mass loss in acid solution, and less than 1 % mass loss in alkali solution. The newly developed membranes have thus properties comparable to commercial ceramic membranes.
The New Complex High-entropy Metal Boron Carbonitride: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Guan Jingyi , Li Daxin , Yang Zhihua , Wang Bingzhu , Cai Delong , Duan Xiaoming , He Peigang , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Dense (Ta, Nb, Hf, Zr, Ti)(BCN) ceramics (HEC-2) were successfully synthesized via hot-pressing sintering. Results show that sintering temperature and (BCN) addition have great impacts on the microstructure and mechanical properties of HEC-2 ceramics. The microstructure and phase of HEC-2 bulk ceramics were characterized by SEM, XRD and TEM. It was found that high-entropy phase, oxide phase and BN/C phase were precipitated when HEC-2119 powders were sintered at 1900 oC. In addition, the Vicker’s hardness, Bending strength, Bulk density and Open porosity of HEC-2319 ceramic are 24.54 GPa, 522.00 MPa, 9.07 g/cm3 and 0.05%, respectively, whose molar ratio of metal to (BCN) is 1: 0.334. In this work, BCN high-entropy ceramics were sintered on the basis of powder preparation, as provided that sintering temperatures and components have great influences on microstructure and mechanical properties of HEC-2 ceramics.
The Development of Social Capital in Different life Cycles of Tunisian Agritourism Entrepreneur
Authors: Khazami Nesrine , Lakner Zoltan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The role of social capital in the early phases of development of a family business is well documented, but the dynamism of the entrepreneur's social capital in the agritourism business remains is relatively lesser studied area. The current research on an inductive, exploratory, and qualitative base aims to uncover the place and role of social capital in the establishment of agritourism enterprise, from concept formation to stabilisation. Results of the study highlight the importance of governmental help in financial and networking help for launching the enterprise especially in remote areas, where these additional activities are relatively lesser known. The role of the network is relatively weak in the risk analysis of the business. This fact enhances the vulnerability of enterprises.
Primary Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor of the Submandibular Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: zhou jiayu , Li Qingling , luo baihua , fu xiaodan , ou chunlin , gao xiaomei , feng dengyun , yang keda 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a sporadic, highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The abdomen and pelvis have been reported as the primary localization sites. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are few reports on primary DSRCT in the submandibular gland.Case presentation: We have reported a case of a 26-year-old Chinese man who presented with a mass in the right submandible. Imaging studies showed a hypoechoic mass in the right mandibular region. Intraoperative pathology revealed that the tumor tissue was composed of small round tumor cells and a dense desmoplastic stroma. On immunostaining, the tumor cells showed markers of epithelial, mesenchymal, myogenic, and neural differentiation. The EWSR1 gene rearrangement was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Based on the overall morphological features and immunohistochemical findings, a final diagnosis of DSRCT was made. The patient was treated with comprehensive anti-tumor therapy mainly based on radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Conclusions: DSRCT is a very uncommon disease in which submandibular gland involvement is rare. Considering DSRCT in the differential diagnosis of small round blue cell tumors, even in extraperitoneal locations, is beneficial for a precise diagnosis. The purpose of this report was to describe a cases of DSRCT of submandibular gland and review the literature on the other published cases of DSRCT over the past five years. Full recognition of the clinicopathological features will help to better diagnose this disease.
Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Predictors of Takayasu Arteritis Patients With Pulmonary Artery Involvement
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Gao Dongfang , Liu Xiaoning , Liang Yan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, long-term results, and prognostic predictors of Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients with pulmonary artery involvement (PAI).Methods: A total of 806 TA patients admitted to Fuwai Hospital were screened for inclusion in this study. Clinical symptoms, imaging features, and prognosis were analyzed, and patients were categorized into those with and those without pulmonary hypertension (PH). Additionally, risk factors associated with cardiac death and repeated hospitalization were explored. Results: Among 806 TA patients, a total of 142 patients with PAI were included, 90.8% (n = 129) of whom had PH (diagnosed by right heart catheterization) and 9.2% (n = 13) of whom did not have PH. The median follow-up time was 54 months (range, 29–83 months). Sixteen patients died from right heart failure caused by PH. Patients with PH were significantly more likely to have worse outcomes than patients without PH (P = 0.027). The multivariate Cox proportional regression hazard model showed that 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and PH-targeted therapy were independent prognostic predictors of cardiac death and hospital readmissions.Conclusion: This study found that that a significant proportion of TA patients with PAI had PH. Patients with PH had a worse prognosis than patients without PH. Further 6MWD and PH-targeted therapy were independent prognostic predictors. In future, a multi-center clinical studies are needed to further clarify this issue prospectively.
Neurological Manifestations of Mycetoma
Authors: Elkhansa.A.Ali  , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Alhusseini Radi Tofaha , Abdallah Abdallah M. , Ibrahim Muaz A. , Siddig Amira , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla , Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction:

Mycetoma is a chronic specific granulomatous progressive and disfiguring subcutaneous inflammatory disease. It is caused by true fungi (Euomycetoma) or by higher bacteria (Actinomycetoma).Mycetoma mainly affects lower limbs, followed by upper limbs, back and rarely head and neck. Mycetoma is mainly transmitted through trauma with infected sharp objects.
Objectives:

To determine the neurological manifestations of mycetoma.
Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional community based study included 160 patients with mycetoma seen in White Nile state.
Results:

Almost 160 patients were included in the study, 90% of them were male. Two patients presented with entrapment neuropathy, one presented with proximal neuropathy, one has peripheral neuropathy, one has dorsal spine involvement presented with spastic paraplegia with sensory level, one has cervical cord compression, and one patient has repeated attacks of convulsion.
Conclusion:

Although it is rare, clinicians should highly suspect neurological involvement in mycetoma patients.
Análise das fontes de financiamento das micro e pequenas empresas
Authors: Ferreira Nogueira Alisson , Chaves Nobre Fábio , Holanda Nepomuceno Nobre Liana 
Published: June 2021

As micro e pequenas empresas brasileiras são marcadas por uma desigualdade no que se refere ao acesso de crédito e financiamento, se comparadas às empresas de maior porte. Dessa forma, surge a necessidade de investigar o cenário das micro e pequenas empresas mediante o contexto da liberação de crédito. Diante disso, a pesquisa objetiva averiguar as liberações de crédito para as micro e pequenas empresas por porte e se há associação estatística e significativa em tais liberações. A amostra foi composta de 269 empresas. Foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado para verificar as associações entre o porte e os tipos de liberação de crédito. Diante disso, foram elaborados quatro hipóteses para testar as associações descritas no trabalho. Os resultados sugerem que não há associação significativa entre o porte da empresa e o tipo de recurso utilizado para financiar o investimento fixo no que tange o alongamento de prazos com fornecedores. A pesquisa evidencia que há uma associação significativa entre o porte e o tipo de financiamento com utilização de empréstimos bancários públicos. Por fim, há uma associação entre o porte empresarial e o tipo de liberação de crédito para pessoa jurídica voltados para MEs e EPPs, os MEIs são voltados para a liberação de crédito para pessoa física.
Source water quality requirements for artificial groundwater recharge
Authors: Hägg K. , Chan S. , Persson T. , Persson K. M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study was an investigation of the need for pre-treatment of a new raw water source for artificial groundwater recharge. The study was done through a column test, well sampling and survey data relating to 11 artificial recharge plants in Sweden. The column test showed that only 30% of the natural organic matter (NOM) was removed from the new raw water source during infiltration. The survey revealed that the new water source's quality was within the range requiring pre-treatment prior to infiltration. The well sampling results showed a significant correlation between the NOM content in the raw and treated waters for WTPs without pre-treatment (r = 0.78 and ρ = 0.04), indicating one of the short-term limitations of artificial recharge. The study results indicate that the new raw water source is unsuitable for direct use in artificial recharge and that treatment is required prior to infiltration.
Role of xylose from acidic hydrolysates of agave bagasse during biohydrogen production
Authors: Muñoz-Páez Karla María , Buitrón Germán 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study compares the H2 production from glucose, xylose, and acidic hydrolysates of Agave tequilana bagasse as substrates. The fermentation was performed in a granular sludge reactor operated in two phases: (1) model substrates (glucose and xylose) and (2) acidic hydrolysates at 35 °C, pH 4.5 and a hydraulic retention time of 5.5 h with glucose (10 g L−1) and xylose (12 g L−1). A sequencing batch reactor was used to acclimate the biomass between the glucose and xylose continuous fermentation (with a mixture of xylose-glucose) and acidic hydrolysates. During the discontinuous acclimating step, the xylose/glucose ratio increment negatively affected the H2 productivity. Although the continuous H2 production with xylose was negligible, the co-fermentation with glucose (88–12%) allowed H2 productivity of 2,889 ± 502 mL H2 L−1d−1. An acidic hydrolysate concentration of 3.3 gcarbohydrate L−1 showed a three-fold higher H2 productivity than with a concentration of 10 g L−1. The results indicated that xylose, as the only substrate, was challenging to metabolize by the inoculum, and its mixture with glucose improved the H2 productivity. Therefore, the low H2 productivity with hydrolysates could be related to the presence of xylose.
Anti-convulsive Effect of Thiamine and Melatonin Combination in Mice: Involvement of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Dehdashtian Ehsan , Hosseinzadeh Azam , Hemati Karim , Karimi Mohammad Yahya , Fatemi Iman , Mehrzadi Saeed 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Epilepsy, the second most frequent neurological disease, is a chronic disorder
with a high lifetime prevalence. Therefore, various studies are needed to find new effective therapeutic
agents to treat seizures or prevent their complications. In this study, we investigated the effects
of thiamine, melatonin and their combination on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced tonic-clonic
seizures in mice.

Methods:
Male mice were randomly divided into six groups, including control, seizure control, diazepam,
melatonin, thiamine and melatonin, and thiamine combination groups. Drugs were given
orally in drinking water for 14 days. On the 15th day, the seizure was induced (except the control
group) by intraperitoneal injection of PTZ. In all groups, the time between the injection and the
start of the seizure (latency), and also the length of the seizure attack (duration), were measured in
a 30-minute period. After measuring the latency and duration in all groups, mice were killed by
CO2 Box and their brains were dissected to be analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a
marker of oxidative stress.

Results:
The seizure duration was significantly lower in the groups of melatonin, thiamine and thiamine
and melatonin combination compared to the seizure control group. The latency times in these
groups were significantly greater than in the seizure control group. Moreover, MDA concentrations
were lower in these groups compared to the seizure control group.

Conclusion:
Thiamine, melatonin and their combination can decrease the duration time of seizure
and increase the latency period, which may result from inhibition of oxidative stress in the brain.
Spin-casting of Micron-Scale Thick PMMA Films with Embedded Au
Nanoparticles Formed by Laser Ablation in Liquid
Authors: Musaev Omar 
Published: June 2021

Background:
A Facile, scalable approach to fabrication of organic thin films with an
embedded layer of nanoparticles in the ambient environment. The approach is based on step-bystep
spin-coating of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) films and a nanoparticle layer.

Objective:
The goal of the present work is to fabricate a sandwich structure of the PMMA films for
the top and bottom layers of a sandwich structure as well as a middle layer of nanoparticles formed
in solution by the Laser Ablation in Liquid (LAL) method.

Methods:
First, a PMMA thin film was fabricated by spin-casting of PMMA solution in ethylacetate.
Secondly, a solution of Au nanoparticles synthesized by laser ablation in ethanol was spin-cast
on a prefabricated PMMA film. The distribution of Au nanoparticles and the morphology of the resulting
film were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, and
atomic microscopy (AFM). Finally, another PMMA layer was spin-cast on the nanoparticle-decorated
film.

Results:
A hybrid organic film with the embedded layer of nanoparticles was fabricated using the
spin-casting method for top and bottom layers as well as for the middle layer of Au nanoparticles
fabricated by laser ablation in ethanol by a pulsed UV laser. Statistical and fractal analysis shows
uniform distribution of nanoparticles on length scale above ten microns.

Conclusion:
Spin-cast-based layer-by-layer approach to fabrication of sandwich structures of organic
films with embedded nanoparticlesis a facile and scalable method for hybrid organic - nanoparticle
films. This approach can be extended for the fabrication of multi-layered hybrid structures.
Appropriation of mHealth Interventions for Maternal Health Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: Hermeneutic Review
Authors: Maliwichi Priscilla , Chigona Wallace , Sowon Karen 
Published: June 2021

Background
Many maternal clients from poorly resourced communities die from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The situation is especially grave in sub-Saharan Africa. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve maternal health outcomes. mHealth interventions are used to encourage behavioral change for health care–seeking by maternal clients. However, the appropriation of such interventions among maternal health clients is not always guaranteed.

Objective
This study aims to understand how maternal clients appropriate mHealth interventions and the factors that affect this appropriation.

Methods
This study used a hermeneutic literature review informed by the model of technology appropriation. We used data from three mHealth case studies in sub-Saharan Africa: Mobile Technology for Community Health, MomConnect, and Chipatala Cha Pa Foni. We used the search and acquisition hermeneutic circle to identify and retrieve peer-reviewed and gray literature from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Google, and PubMed. We selected 17 papers for analysis. We organized the findings using three levels of the appropriation process: adoption, adaptation, and integration.

Results
This study found that several factors affected how maternal clients appropriated mHealth interventions. The study noted that it is paramount that mHealth designers and implementers should consider the context of mHealth interventions when designing and implementing interventions. However, the usefulness of an mHealth intervention may enhance how maternal health clients appropriate it. Furthermore, a community of purpose around the maternal client may be vital to the success of the mHealth intervention.

Conclusions
The design and implementation of interventions have the potential to exacerbate inequalities within communities. To mitigate against inequalities during appropriation, it is recommended that communities of purpose be included in the design and implementation of maternal mHealth interventions.