bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale zero‐valent Ni–Fe alloy catalyst featuring a dual galvanic effect to promote formate formation by CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Zhao Yi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGlobal greenhouse effect is being exacerbated by continuously increasing CO2 emissions. Hence, we prepared a nanoscale zero‐valent Ni–Fe alloy featuring a dual galvanic effect to facilitate the formation of formate by CO2 hydrogenation in this work. The properties of the bimetallic nanocatalyst were characterized by various techniques, such as X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer, X‐ray powder diffraction, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, indicating that the major phase composition was an alloy of Ni0 and Fe0. According to the catalyst characterizations before and after the reaction, experimental phenomena, and related literatures, we proposed that the dual galvanic effect between Ni0 and Fe0 was an especially important mechanism to promote the release of BH4‐n(OH)n– (n = 0–3) from KBH4, which acted as the hydrogen donor for CO2. Furthermore, the optimization of process parameters was carried out to determine the optimal experimental conditions: the catalyst dosage was 1 g·L–1, the KBH4 concentration was 0.2 mol·L–1, the reaction temperature was 65 °C, the solution pH was 9.5 and the flue gas velocity was 0.5 L·min–1. The average CO2 conversion efficiency and the formate selectivity reached 60.50 and 54.97%, respectively. Our research results can provide reference for the development of novel CO2 resource utilization technologies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical management of recurrent vaginal obliteration due to severe erosive lichen planus
Authors: Kanneganti Abhiram , Ismail‐Pratt Ida , Yasin Nooraishah , Low Jeffrey J. H. 
Published: May 2021

SynopsisRecurrent vaginal stenosis secondary to severe vulvar lichen planus can be treated with surgical division, anti‐adhesion gels, and sustained post‐operative topical steroid and dilator usage.
WNT3A‐loaded exosomes enable cartilage repair
Authors: Thomas Bethan L. , Eldridge Suzanne E. , Nosrati Babak , Alvarez Mario , Thorup Anne‐Sophie , Nalesso Giovanna , Caxaria Sara , Barawi Aida , Nicholson James G. , Perretti Mauro , Gaston‐Massuet Carles , Pitzalis Costantino , Maloney Alison , Moore Adrian , Jupp Ray , Dell'Accio Francesco 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCartilage defects repair poorly. Recent genetic studies suggest that WNT3a may contribute to cartilage regeneration, however the dense, avascular cartilage extracellular matrix limits its penetration and signalling to chondrocytes. Extracellular vesicles actively penetrate intact cartilage. This study investigates the effect of delivering WNT3a into large cartilage defects in vivo using exosomes as a delivery vehicle. Exosomes were purified by ultracentrifugation from conditioned medium of either L‐cells overexpressing WNT3a or control un‐transduced L‐cells, and characterized by electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and marker profiling. WNT3a loaded on exosomes was quantified by western blotting and functionally characterized in vitro using the SUPER8TOPFlash reporter assay and other established readouts including proliferation and proteoglycan content. In vivo pathway activation was assessed using TCF/Lef:H2B‐GFP reporter mice. Wnt3a loaded exosomes were injected into the knees of mice, in which large osteochondral defects were surgically generated. The degree of repair was histologically scored after 8 weeks. WNT3a was successfully loaded on exosomes and resulted in activation of WNT signalling in vitro. In vivo, recombinant WNT3a failed to activate WNT signalling in cartilage, whereas a single administration of WNT3a loaded exosomes activated canonical WNT signalling for at least one week, and eight weeks later, improved the repair of osteochondral defects. WNT3a assembled on exosomes, is efficiently delivered into cartilage and contributes to the healing of osteochondral defects.
High‐quality pectin from cantaloupe waste: eco‐friendly extraction process, optimization, characterization and bioactivity measurements
Authors: Kazemi Milad , Amiri Samani Sara , Ezzati Shiva , Khodaiyan Faramarz , Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Jafari Maryam 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe rind from cantaloupe is an agricultural waste of cantaloupe industrial processing. The current study tried to (i) evaluate the potential use of cantaloupe rind as a pectin source, (ii) optimize the factors of microwave‐assisted extraction process using Box–Behnken design, and (iii) characterize the isolated pectin using various physicochemical, structural, functional and bioactivity properties.RESULTSFour variables of the extraction process were successfully optimized at a microwave power of 700 W, irradiation time of 112 s, pH value of 1.50 and liquid to solid (LS) value of 30 mL g−1, with a yield of 181.4 g kg−1. The analysis indicated a high‐methylated galacturonic acid‐rich (703.4 g kg−1) sample with an average molecular weight of 390.475 kDa. Also, the isolated pectin showed considerable functionality and antioxidant ability. The main functional groups, structural characteristics and crystallinity of samples were comparatively studied using Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopies.CONCLUSIONIn comparison to commercial citrus pectin, isolated pectin showed a significantly higher value for most of the functional analysis such as oil holding capacity, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and reducing power assay. In other analyses the isolated sample was close to the commercial one, indicating that cantaloupe rinds should be considered as a suitable additional resource for pectin production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Outcomes of a Postoperative Data‐Extraction Questionnaire After Adenotonsillectomy in Children
Authors: Billings Kathleen R. , Stake Christine , Arzu Jennifer , Lavin Jennifer 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate outcomes of a postoperative telephone questionnaire for children who underwent adenotonsillectomy (T&A). To determine whether episodes of postoperative hemorrhage were not captured until the call, and whether this impacted knowledge of physician rates of hemorrhage.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.MethodsRetrospective analysis of outcomes of an 11‐question data extraction tool utilized at a tertiary care children's hospital for follow‐up in T&A patients <18 years of age over a 2‐year period. Sub‐analysis of positive responses to the question asking about incidence of postoperative hemorrhage.ResultsDuring the study period, 1,068/3,142 (34.0%) parents responded to the phone call. Median age was 6.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0–8.2), and 566 (53.0%) were male. Ninety (8.4%) noted that the child was still snoring, but only 9 (0.84%) reported signs of obstructed breathing. A total of 402 (37.6%) reported a voice change after surgery. Most children (n = 885, 82.9%) did not receive opioid analgesics, and 252 (23.6%) received acetaminophen/ibuprofen 7 days postoperatively. Return visits to the emergency department were reported in 149 patients; primarily for hemorrhage in 46 (30.8%). In 7 (15.2%) patients, the hemorrhage event was not recorded until the call. The majority‐of respondents (n = 1,031, 96.5%) were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure.ConclusionsThe postoperative T&A tool provided a means of gathering information on success and satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Children were able to be managed primarily with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Most complications were captured in the electronic record, although some episodes of hemorrhage were not noted until the call, emphasizing the importance of follow‐up.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2821–E2826, 2021
The impact of CYP19A1 variants and haplotypes on breast cancer risk, clinicopathological features and prognosis
Authors: Alwan Ahmad Mohammed , Afzaljavan Fahimeh , Tavakol Afshari Jalil , Homaei Shandiz Fatemeh , Barati Bagherabad Matineh , Vahednia Elham , Kheradmand Nahid , Pasdar Alireza 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDifferent genetic variants in hormone‐regulating pathways have been identified to influence the risk of breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CYP19A1 rs10046 and rs700519 polymorphisms with the risk, clinicopathological factors and prognosis of breast cancer.MethodsIn a case‐control study, rs10046 and rs700519 polymorphisms were genotyped using ARMS‐PCR and high‐resolution melting (HRM), respectively, in a total of 702 females. Statistical analysis and evaluation of haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium were performed using SPSS v16, PHASE and 2LD.ResultsAlthough no association of rs700519 with breast cancer was observed, rs10046 in different genetic models as well as C‐C/C‐T and C‐C/C‐C diplotypes, revealed the association with the risk of breast cancer (p < 0.05). Moreover, the rs700519‐C allele was shown to be associated with longer overall survival. In contrast, the T‐T haplotype conferred s a shorter overall survival. rs700519‐C allele was also significantly associated with menarche age.ConclusionBased on the identified independent association between CYP19A1 diplotypes and rs700519‐C allele with the risk and prognosis of the disease, the gene region and its genetic variants may have a diagnostic and prognostic role in breast cancer development. Further confirmation using other variants in this locus can validate these findings.
A Systematic Review Assessing Clinical Utility of Curcumin with a Focus on Cancer Prevention
Authors: Howells Lynne , Malhotra Mukhtyar Rushad , Theofanous Despoina , Pepper Coral , Thomas Anne , Brown Karen , Khan Sameena 
Published: May 2021

ScopeThere is extensive pre‐clinical evidence for utility of curcuminoids across many diseases with a particular focus on cancer prevention, yet there remains a paucity of clinical evidence for its approved use. To assess current knowledge on the broader potential for clinical efficacy of curcumin and in particular, in cancer prevention strategies, this study undertook a systematic review determining the number and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) undertaken across any pathology.Methods and ResultsSearch strategies for RCTs using a quantifiable amount of curcuminoids, are applied across Medline (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov. There are 314 curcuminoid‐based RCTs, with 100 of these revealing significant within‐ and between‐group changes relating to the primary outcome. Twenty three studies are conducted in a setting where there is an increased risk of cancer. Fifteen of these meet all prescribed quality criteria, and 10 reveal positive outcomes.ConclusionsA substantial number of studies reveal positive outcomes following curcumin use. However, despite the vast array of preclinical data, there are relatively few RCTs conducted in the prevention setting. Future approaches to trials must deliver improved robustness and credibility of curcumin‐related research to facilitate approvals for use in clinical settings.
The Variational Field Equations of Cosmological Topologically Massive Supergravity
Authors: Dereli Tekin , Yetişmişoğlu Cem 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe discuss the formulation of cosmological topologically massive (simple) supergravity theory in three‐dimensional Riemann‐Cartan space‐times. We use the language of exterior differential forms and the properties of Majorana spinors on 3‐dimensional space‐times to explicitly demonstrate the local supersymmetry of the action density involved. Exact coupled field equations that are complete in both of their bosonic and fermionic sectors are derived by a first order variational principle subject to a torsion‐constraint imposed by the method of Lagrange multipliers. Cotton and Cottino 2‐forms that are complete to all orders in the gravitino field are derived and their properties such as trace are investigated.
Quantized output‐feedback guaranteed cost control for discrete‐time large‐scale interconnected systems with actuator faults
Authors: Priyanka S. , Sakthivel R. , Tharanidharan V. , Nithya V. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the problem of designing a decentralized static output feedback control for a class of large‐scale interconnected discrete‐time systems with quantized signals and time‐varying actuator faults wherein the control input is quantized by means of logarithmic quantizer to avoid chattering. Based on Lyapunov stability theory together with the improved reciprocally convex approach, sufficient conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Specifically, with the aid of cone complementarity linearization technique, the control law is derived which ensures the asymptotic stabilization of considered system with prescribedH∞performance index and also guarantees optimum cost bound in spite of quantization and fault occurs. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the significance of the designed control method.
Composition of Different Carbohydrate Fractions in Potatoes: Effect of Cooking and Cooling
Authors: Raigond Pinky , Parmar Vandana , Thakur Asha , Lal Milan Kumar , Changan Sushil Sudhakar , Kumar Dharmender , Dutt Som , Singh Brajesh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEffect of cooking methods (boiling, microwaving, pressure cooking) and storage conditions (–20, 4, 12 °C) on resistant starch (RS), amylose, and sugars in the Indian cultivars, viz., Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Chipsona‐1 is investigated. Starch decreased significantly in Kufri Pukhraj and non‐significantly in Kufri Chipsona 1 with a concomitant significant increase in reducing sugars and sucrose in cooked potatoes. Storage of microwaved tubers at 4 °C for 48 h results in 4–6% reduction in starch content with 66–109% and 16–18% increase in reducing sugars and sucrose, respectively. Increase in RS content at –20, 4 and 12 °C after 48 h is 14%, 21%, and 27% after microwaving, 12%, 25%, and 23% after boiling, and 13%, 15%, and 20%, respectively, after pressure cooking. Amylose showed high positive correlation with RS at 4 °C (R = 0.756) and 12 h storage (R = 0.924). The study reveals that storage of microwaved potatoes at 12 °C for 48 h increases the RS to a higher extent, therefore, these cooking and storage conditions may be used by potato consumers. Due to inverse relation of RS and amylose with glycemic index they can be used for indirect estimation of glycemic index.
The site‐specific selection of the infiltration model based on the global dataset and random forest algorithm
Authors: Kim Seongyun , Karahan Gülay , Sharma Manan , Pachepsky Yakov 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe selection of the infiltration equation is important in various water research and management fields. Different infiltration equations were found to perform better than others in previous studies. Our objective was to use the Soil Water Infiltration Global (SWIG) database for (a) evaluating and comparing infiltration equations and (b) using the random forest algorithm to investigate how soil properties, land use, and infiltration measurement methods influence the infiltration equation selection. The performance of six equations (Horton, Mezencev, Collis‐George, Green–Ampt, Philip, and Swartzendruber) was characterized by the Akaike information criterion obtained after fitting them to 4,830 cumulative infiltration datasets from the SWIG database. Then, the random forest algorithm was applied to predict the best infiltration equation using soil texture class, organic matter content, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, land use, and infiltration measurement method as inputs. The Horton, Mezencev, and Collis‐George models were the best in 36, 24, and 12% of cases, respectively. Swartzendruber, Philip, and Green–Ampt were the best in 11, 10, and 7% cases, respectively. The different error of predicting the best infiltration equation was observed in different parts of input variable space. The infiltration method was by far the most important predictor for a model being the best across the whole database, followed by the organic C content and land use type. Organic C content and land use type were the most important predictors for the tension infiltrometer datasets. The SWIG database presents the opportunity to forecast which infiltration equation will work best in site‐specific conditions.
Plastic Pollution and Climate Change: Role of Bioremediation as a Tool to Achieving Sustainability
Authors: Idowu S. A. , Arotupin D. J. , Oladejo S. O. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPollution from post-consumer plastics is a growing global environmental challenge whose negative impacts are exacerbating climate change. Plastics are stable, durable, and hydrophobic. They possess high molecular weight, complex three-dimensional structure, and are not readily available to be used as substrate by biological agents such as microorganisms and enzymes. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the examples of petrochemical-based plastics. PET is a strong, clear, and light-weight plastic with global usage in the production of bottles. Technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, change in consumption pattern, and bioremediation are some of the approaches that are currently being used to mitigate environmental pollution from post-consumer PET bottles. The ubiquitous property of microorganisms and their ability to survive in almost every environment, including very extreme ones, make them good candidate for biodegradation. Bioremediation is simply defined as engineered or enhanced biodegradation. This review discusses the potential of bioremediation as sustainable and environment-friendly tool to clean up post-consumer PET bottles that already accumulate on land, in soil, and in water bodies.
Role of Cassava and Sweetpotato in Mitigating Drought in Semi-Arid Makueni County in Kenya
Authors: Githunguri C. M. , Njiru E. N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCassava and sweetpotato are major factors in food security across sub-Saharan Africa. Though cassava and sweetpotato varieties that are early maturing and resistant to diseases have been developed, many farmers still grow local varieties. Cassava and sweetpotato cultivars that mature between 6 and 12 and 3 and 4 months after planting, respectively, are available. The objective of the synthesis was to obtain a general overview of cassava and sweetpotato production in Matiliku subcounty of Makueni County in semi-arid eastern Kenya before the establishment of a seed system for them. Participatory rural appraisal and focused group discussions with key stakeholders in Makueni County on the current status of these crops provided very useful information. It was observed that there are a few early cassava and sweetpotato adopters, meaning a lot of effort in communicating the need to commercialize them needs to be made. Even though the farmers had sufficient experience in growing them at subsistence level, they were searching for cultivars that combine both nutritional and food security. There is a need to engage more extension service providers in order to campaign on their adoption. There is a need to carryout training and awareness creation on their role in food security and wealth creation.
Integrating Climate Adaptation, Poverty Reduction, and Environmental Conservation in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Ambrosino Chiara , Hufton Ben , Nyawade Benson Okinyi , Osimbo Harriet , Owiti Phanuel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractShoreline erosion, flood surges, river sediments, and water pollution are only a few of the common threats to many coastal areas, with extreme climate-related events exacerbating the intensity and urgency of the resulting negative impacts. In addition, some coastal areas are excessively mined for sand, protective mangroves are destroyed, and coastal waters are overfished, affecting the well-being, safety, and livelihoods of local communities. These threats disproportionally affect the poorest and most marginalized groups, including women and children, leading to their increased vulnerability to climate change and adoption of negative coping mechanisms.This chapter proposes an integrated people-centered approach, with a particular focus on women, to address the triple crisis – poverty, climate change, and nature – at the local level. Findings will be shared from a 2-year project implemented in the southernmost coastal region of Kwale County in Kenya, which aimed to achieve beneficial and interconnected social, environmental, and climate outcomes. The chapter discusses findings, successes, and lessons learned from the action and the requirement to position vulnerable groups at the center of initiatives designed to address the triple crisis. Limitations of the study and main recommendations for future programming in similar contexts are also shared.
Land Use Cover Types and Forest Management Options for Carbon in Mabira Central Forest Reserve
Authors: Jjagwe Aisha , Kakembo Vincent , Bernard Barasa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR), one of the biggest forest reserves in Uganda, has increasingly undergone encroachments and deforestation. This chapter presents the implications of a range of forest management options for carbon stocks in the Mabira CFR. The effects of forest management options were reviewed by comparing above-ground biomass (AGB), carbon, and soil organic carbon (SOC) in three management zones. The chapter attempts to provide estimates of AGB and carbon stocks (t/ha) of forest (trees) and SOC using sampling techniques and allometric equations. AGB and carbon were obtained from a count of 143 trees, measuring parameters of diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter (CW), and height (H) with tree coordinates. It also makes use of the Velle (Estimation of standing stock of woody biomass in areas where little or no baseline data are available. A study based on field measurements in Uganda. Norges Landbrukshoegskole, Ås, 1995) allometric equations developed for Uganda to estimate AGB.The strict nature reserve management zone was noted to sink the highest volume of carbon of approximately 6,771,092.34 tonnes, as compared to the recreation zone (2,196,467.59 tonnes) and production zone (458,903.57 tonnes). A statistically significant relationship was identified between AGB and carbon. SOC varied with soil depth, with the soil surface of 0–10 cm depth registering the highest mean of 2.78% across all the management zones. Soil depth and land use/cover types also had a statistically significant effect on the percentage of SOC (P = 0.05). A statistically significant difference at the 95% significance level was also identified between the mean carbon stocks from one level of management zones to another. Recommendations include: demarcating forest boundaries to minimize encroachment, enforcement of forestry policy for sustainable development, promote reforestation, and increase human resources for efficient monitoring of the forest compartments.