bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic degradation of caffeine and E. coli inactivation using silver oxide nanoparticles obtained by a facile green co-reduction method
Authors: Muthukumar Harshiny , Palanirajan Santosh Kumar , Shanmugam Manoj Kumar , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O-NPs) were synthesized from silver nitrate using green amaranth leaf extract as reducing agent. The degradation of caffeine and inactivation of Escherichia coli by Ag2O-NPs was studied under compact fluorescent lamp illumination irradiation. Apart from that, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Ag2O-NPs were also examined. Synthesized Ag2O-NPs were shaped like monodispersed husk, and cubic structured with surface area and average particle size was detected to be 100.21 (m2/g) and 81 nm respectively. Antioxidant efficacy of the Ag2O-NPs was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 91% inhibition was achieved with 100 µg Ag2O-NPs. Bacteriocidic propensity of Ag2O-NPs was examined against the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa by disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Live and dead assay. It was observed that the NPs have higher bactericidal effect on Gram-negative as compared to Gram-positive bacteria. Up to 96% photocatalytic inactivation of E. coli was achieved using 30 µg/mL of NPs, Photocatalytic degradation of caffeine (50 ppm initial concentration) was observed to be 99% at pH 9 in 15 h using 50 mg/L of Ag2O NPs. These results indicate that Ag2O NPs can be employed in environmental applications like harmful bacteria inactivation and organic pollutants degradation.
Effectiveness of Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism in an Implicit Inflation Targeting Regime: The Case of Nigeria.
Authors: Akinlo Anthony Enisan , Apanisile Olumuyiwa Tolulope 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The study examines the effectiveness of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Nigeria by estimating a sticky-price DSGE model using the Bayesian estimation approach. This study is important given the implicit inflation targeting framework employed in the implementation of monetary policy in the country. The study employs quarterly data from 2000:1 to 2019:4 to estimate the two main categories of monetary policy frameworks, monetary aggregate and implicit inflation targeting, respectively. Data are sourced from World Development Indicator (online version). Empirical results show that the monetary policy transmission channels are effective in transmitting policy impulses to the economy within this regime. However, the monetary aggregate framework that is made explicit dampens the achievement of this framework. The study, therefore, concludes that inflation targeting should be made explicit in the country in other to reap the benefits embedded in the framework.
Determinants of Time to Treatment Dropout among Tuberculosis Patients in Buno-Bedele and Illu Ababora Zones, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: GOBENA WOLDEMARIAM , ABABU DEREJE , GETANEH AZMERAW 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs (pulmonary tube) but, can affect other parts of the body as well (extra pulmonary tube). The study was aimed to investigate the determinants of time to drop out of treatment for TB patients. Secondary data was used from 375 TB patients of the selected health stations and hospitals at Buno-Bedele and Illu Aba Bora Zones. The response variable for this study was the survival time (Time to dropout the treatment among TB patients) measured in days and the covariates were gender of the patient, marital status, HIV co-infection, Phase of TB treatment, TB type, TB category, Previous TB history, HIV Co infection, Anemia and Physical inactivity. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier Estimation method, Semi-parametric survival models and parametric survival models were used for the analysis of time to TB treatment dropout dataset. From 375 patients who started TB treatments about 24.8% dropout and 75.2% censored at the end of the study and the median survival time of TB patients were 199 days. The Log-rank results showed that marital status, HIV co infection, Diabetic mellitus, Cancer and Anemia cases had significant difference between the survival experience at 5% level of significance, whose different levels have an impact in the survival time of TB patients; whereas Sex, Phase of TB treatment, TB type, TB category, previous TB status, co-morbidity, and physical inactive had not significant difference between the survival experience at 5% level of significance. Finally, the result of Cox-proportion hazard model showed that, age, HIV co-infection and Anemia had a significant effect on tuberculosis patients during the study period.
Association Between Omentin-1 and Indices of Glucose Metabolism in Early Pregnancy: a Pilot Study
Authors: Papatheodorou Stefania , Gelaye Bizu , Williams Michelle 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Omentin-1 plays an important role in regulating insulin sensitivity outside pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate whether circulating maternal omentin-1 concentrations are associated with fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and maternal obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat thickness measurements in normoglycemic pregnant participants.Methods: Omentin-1 was measured in a sub-cohort of 50 participants in the Omega study. We examined the cross-sectional association between omentin-1 and fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, BMI and subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat thickness. We performed a subgroup analysis by BMI category.Results: Omentin-1 was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and insulin and inversely associated with serum glucose concentration in the fully adjusted model ( −47%; slope per tertile increase in concentration −0.19; P-trend 0.01). This association was significant in non-overweight/obese (<25 kg/m2) but not among overweight/obese (≥25 kg/ m2) participants. The association with serum insulin in the fully adjusted model was not significant. Conclusion: Circulating omentin-1 concentrations are inversely associated with serum glucose concentrations. Although the significance of these findings remains to be elucidated, it may indicate a mechanism for the development of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. Follow-up studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Effects of Urban Matrix on Plant Diversity of Urban Remnant Mountains in Karst Area: A Case Study of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.
Authors: Tang Na , Wang Zhi-Tai , Bao Yu , Ma Xinyu , Wei Guangfu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
With the rapid development of urbanization, large numbers of cone-shaped or tower-shaped isolated peaks and peak forest were surrounded by a human-dominated urban matrix in the process of urban expansion in Karst areas,forming urban remnant hills (URHs), which are important resources of indigenous plant diversity from the urban environment in these areas.Although the studies on urban plant diversity have been extensive, studies on the plant diversity of the remnant habitats, especially those based on URHs,is very weak.In this study, a total of 143 sample plots were set up on 15 hills based on the combination of slope direction and elevation.Alpha diversity was calculated at four levels, i.e.,tree,shrub,herb and whole plant.Four urban matrix characteristic indices,namely,percent total impervious surface area (PTIA),land use,vegetation coverage (VC) and fragmentation indices (FIs),were measured for each hill.Twenty scales, ranging from 100 m to 2000 m and with increasing steps of 100 m,were used as spatial scales.Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression model were used to study the relationship between URHs plant diversity indices and urban matrix indices.The results showed the following:(1)There was a significant positive correlation between the overall plant diversity of URHs of different sizes and PTIA in the surrounding urban matrix within 1600 m.The overall plant diversity of URHs of different scales was significantly correlated with single or multiple Land-use types.There was no significant correlation between VC,FI and URHs overall plant diversity.(2)There was a significant linear relationship between plant diversity at all levels of different scales URHs and the four urban matrix indices.In addition to the small URHs herbaceous diversity,plant diversity at all levels of URHs was jointly affected by double or multiple factors at the 1800 m spatial scale. plant diversity of URHs of different scales in hilly Karst cities are extremely complex under the combined action of multiple factors and multiple scales.
Changes in Organic Matter Composition Caused by EDTA Washing of two Soils Contaminated with Toxic Metals
Authors: Jez Erika , Bravo Carlo , Lestan Domen , Gluhar Simon , Martin-Neto Ladislau , De Nobili Maria , Contin Marco 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Two soils contaminated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) contrasting in pH and mineralogy were remediated with CaEDTA, and changes in soil organic matter (SOM) composition were investigated. Previous studies showed no significant loss of SOM from CaEDTA-treated soils, but the results of our study reflected significant decreases (from 46 to 49%) in the free fraction of humic acids (HAs). Remediation affected the composition of the free HA fraction via disturbance of intermolecular bonds - an increase in phenolic and aromatic groups with a simultaneous decrease in carbohydrates - which was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy in both soils. Because non-radical molecules such as carbohydrates were selectively removed, the concentration of free radicals in the free HA fraction increased in acidic soil. The bound fraction of HAs and fulvic acids (FAs) in SOM, which are important due to their stability and the permanent effects they have on the soil’s physical properties, remained unchanged in both remediated soils. The effect of soil recultivation was observed only in the EEM fluorescence spectra of HAs. In terms of SOM, CaEDTA soil washing can be considered moderately conservative, however, the restoration of free humic fractions is likely to be a long-term process.
Understanding the Impacts Induced by Cut-Off Thresholds and Likelihood Measures on Confidence Interval When Applying GLUE Approach
Authors: Li Zhenya , Yang Tao , Zhang Na , Zhang Yandong , Wang Jiahu , Xu Chongyu , Shi Pengfei , Qin Youwei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Generalized likelihood uncertainty estimate (GLUE) approach are heavily affected by the choices of cut-off thresholds and likelihood measures. This work attempts to study the potential mechanisms behind the impacts induced by cut-off thresholds and likelihood measures on confidence interval obtained by GLUE. A theoretical analysis on typical likelihood measures reveals that the error model of likelihood measure has essential impacts on the sampling processes of GLUE. Likelihood measures based on a same error model are mathematically transferrable, leading to an identical population of acceptable parameter sets. A case study is conducted by applying GLUE to uncertainty analysis on daily flows simulated by HBV model for the source region of the Yellow River basin. Seven interval indicators are adopted to describe the geometric features of confidence intervals, which are integrated into a comprehensive score for an overall assessment by multiple attribute decision making (MADM) framework. Results indicate that 1) With an increase of cut-off threshold, confidence interval widens in low-level flow sections, moves upward in recession phases of medium-level flow sections whereas narrows in high-level flow sections. Trade-off mechanism amongst widening, moving and narrowing trends is a potential reason behind the variations of interval indicators with cut-off threshold. 2) Much higher similarities in confidence intervals can be detected for likelihood measures based on a same error model than those based on different error models; 3) increasing cut-off threshold highlights the impacts induced by the error models of likelihood measures, whereas weakens the impacts induced by the formulas of likelihood measures.
Modelling for Anaemia and Malnutrition in Children Less Than Five Years of Age in Lesotho: A Case Study of a Cross-Sectional Dataset Using Multivariate Joint Model.
Authors: Gaston Rugiranka Tony , Ramroop Shaun , Habyarimana Faustin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Anaemia and malnutrition remain jointly a serious health issue worldwide especially in developing countries. In Lesotho, the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition remains highly significant especially among children less than five years of age.
Objectives

The primary objective of the present study was to determine the association between anaemia and malnutrition, and identify the associated factors with the two diseases among children less than five years of age in Lesotho.
Methods

The present study was cross-sectional and used secondary data from the 2014 Lesotho Demographic Health Survey (LDHS). The study considered a total number of 3112 children and utilized a multivariate joint model under the scope of the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) for the data analysis.
Results

The prevalence of anaemia and stunting in children less than five years of age were 51% and 43% respectively. The multivariate results revealed that there is a strong relationship between anaemia and malnutrition. In addition, the results indicated that education, residence, wealth index and childbirth weight have a significant effect on stunted or malnourished child, while child with fever and diarrhoea have a significant effect on anaemia. Lastly, child’s age has a significant effect on both stunting and anaemia.
Conclusion

The study indicated a strong association between anaemia and stunting or malnutrition in the long-term, and controlling one disease should result in reducing the other. The socio-economic, geographical and demographic variables have a significant impact on improving stunting and anaemia. Thus, improving nutrition in children less than five years, especially those from rural area and having a birthweight less than 2500g, and educating the mothers to take their children to the health care facility when they have fever and diarrhoea, especially those from poor background, would contribute immensely to the reduction of malnutrition and anaemia in children from Lesotho.
The Effect of Ofloxacin in Men With Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen
Authors: Rabani Seyedhossein , Mousavizadeh Ali , Rabani Seyed Mohammadreza 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Antibiotic prescription is a common practice in men with elevated serum prostate specific antigen. The thought is that if patients were to have a drop in, or normalization of their PSA, we can be able to avoid unnecessary prostate biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ofloxacin in men with elevated PSA.Methods: 224 men with elevated PSA from the base of 4 ng/ml were enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria were age less than 50 or greater than 75, history of allergy to fluoroquinolones, cases with history of recent prostate manipulation, men on 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, and known cases of prostate cancer. After a duration of 10 days ofloxacin 200 mg twice a day orally, PSA level was rechecked.Results: Mean age was 61.18 year. Mean PSA level before administering antibiotic was 26.3 ng/ml (-21.9 +97.4). In 120 patients (53.57%) a significant drop in serum PSA was detected so prostate biopsy was not done and in the remainder 104 patients (46.43%), Prostate biopsy was done that showed 65 adenocarcinomas of prostate and 39 benign prostate hyperplasia. Conclusions: This study showed in a patient with active urinalysis (pyuria) and normal rectal examination, trans rectal ultrasonography and prostate biopsy should be post ponded and antibiotic be started. If significant drop in serum PSA was seen, antibiotic should be continued to avoid unnecessary biopsies, otherwise, no benefit in asymptomatic men with normal urinalysis, but elevated PSA.
Global and regional health and food security in a Half Earth world
Authors: Henry Roslyn , Arneth Almut , Jung Martin , Rabin Sam , Rounsevell Mark , Visconti Piero , Warren Frances , Alexander Peter 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Global biodiversity is rapidly declining and goals to halt biodiversity loss, such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, have not been achieved. To avoid further biodiversity loss and aid recovery some have argued for the protection of 50% or 30% of the Earth’s terrestrial land surface. We use a state of the art global land use model, LandSyMM, to assess global and regional human health and food security outcomes when potential area based strategies for conserving biodiversity are modelled. We find diet and weight changes in strictly enforced 30% and 50% land protection scenarios, cause an additional 5.1 million deaths in 2060. At a regional level, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa experience high levels of underweight-related mortality, causing an additional 200,000 deaths in these regions alone. Developed regions in contrast are less affected by protection measures. Our results highlight that radical measures to protect areas of biodiversity value may jeopardise food security and human health in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
FGF21 Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Meng Fanrui , Khoso Mir Hassan , Kang Kai , He Qi , Cao Yukai , Jiang Xinghao , Xiao Wei , Li Deshan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Previous study reports that FGF21 could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis, but its mechanisms have not been fully investigated. In this study, three models were used to investigate the mechanism by which FGF21 alleviates liver fibrosis. CCL4 and DMN were respectively used to induce hepatic fibrosis animal models. Our results demonstrated that liver index and liver function were deteriorated in both models. HE and Masson’s staining showed that the damaged tissue architectonics were observed in the mice of both models. Treatment with FGF21 significantly ameliorated these changes. ELISA analysis showed that the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated in both models. However, administration of FGF21 significantly reduced these inflammatory cytokines. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that mRNA and protein expression of collagenI, α-SMA and TGF-β were significantly decreased by treatment with FGF21. PDGF-BB stimulant was used to establish the experimental cell model in HSCs. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression of collagenI and α-SMA were significantly upregulated by this stimulant in model group. Interestingly, our results showed that mRNA and protein expression of leptin were also significantly induced in PDGF-BB treated HSCs. Administration of FGF21 could significantly reduce leptin expression in a dose dependent manner and these effects were reversed in siRNA (against β-klotho) transfected HSCs. Furthermore, the leptin signaling pathways related protein p-ERK/t-ERK, p-STAT3/STAT3 and TGF-β were significantly downregulated by FGF21 treatment in a dose dependent manner. The expression of SOCS3 and Nrf-2 were enhanced by treatment with FGF21. The underlying mechanism may be that FGF21 regulates leptin-STAT3 axis via Nrf-2 and SOCS3 pathway in activated HSCs.
Th17 Cell Differentiation Induced by Cytopathogenic Biotype BVDV-2 in Bovine PBLCs
Authors: Li Yanping , Liu Tingli , Chen Guoliang , Wang Liqun , Guo Aimin , Li Zhi , Pan Li , Mao Li , Luo Xuenong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major pathogen that causes bovine viral diarrhea/mucosal disease (BVD-MD), which has become a global infectious disease due to its wide spread and the lack of effective treatment. The process of BVDV infection is complex. Once infected, host immune cells are activated and modulated. As a major immune cell, peripheral blood lymphocyte cells (PBLCs) are the primary target of BVDV. In order to further understand the mechanism of BVDV- host interaction, the expression profiles of host lymphocytes mRNAs associated with BVDV infection were investigated by transcriptomic sequencing analysis. Results: The transcriptomic sequencing analysis was performed on bovine PBLCs infected with CP BVDV-2 GS2018 after 12 h of infection. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that 1,052 genes were differentially expressed in GS2018 infected PBLCs compared with the control group. Of these genes, 485 genes were up-regulated and 567 were down-regulated. 19 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were selected for validation using quantitative real-time PCR and the results were consistent with the results of RNA-Seq. Gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that 1052 DEGs were significantly enriched in 16 pathways, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL17 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. PPI network analysis showed that IL17A, IFN-γ and TNF-α interacted with various proteins and may play crucial roles in BVDV-2 infection. Of note, we confirmed that GS2018 induced Th17 cell differentiation in PBLCs and persistently increased the expression levels of IL17A. In turn, the replication of GS2018 was inhibited by IL17A. Conclusion: In this study, the transcription changes of DEGs related to host immune responses in bovine PBLCs were caused by CP BVDV-2 infection. In particular, the effector molecules IL17A of Th17 cells were significantly up-regulated, which inhibited viral replication. These results will contribute to exploration and further understanding of the host immune response mechanism and interaction between host and BVDV-2.
Utilization of HIV Testing and Counselling Services By Women With Disabilities During Antenatal Care in Uganda: Analysis of 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Zandam Hussaini , Akobirshoev Ilhom , Nandakumar Allyala , Mitra Monika 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: HIV testing and counselling during antenatal care (ANC) is critical for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. We investigated disparity in utilization of HIV testing and counselling services (HTC) between women with and without disabilities in Uganda.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the nationally representative 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The study sampled 10,073 women between age 15-49 who had a live birth in the last 5 years. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio for receiving pre-test HIV counselling, obtaining an HIV test result, and post-test HIV counselling by disability status using logistic regressions.Results: We found that women with disabilities were less likely to receive pre-test HIV counselling (59.6 vs 52.4), obtain an HIV test result (68.2 vs 61.4), receive post-test HIV counselling (55.5 vs 51.6), and all HTC services (49.2 vs 43.5). From the regression analysis, women with disabilities were less likely to receive pre-test counselling [AOR = 0.83; CI = 0.74, 0.93] and obtain an HIV test result [AOR = 0.88; CI = 0.78, 0.99].Conclusions: Our findings revealed that women with disabilities are less likely to receive HTC service during ANC and highlighted the need for disability-inclusive HIV and reproductive health services. Government, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders should consider funding inclusive campaigns and identifying other mechanisms for disseminating health information and behavioral interventions to women with disabilities.