bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic Nitrate Pollution in Groundwater and Its Health Risks in The View of Background Concentration in a Semi-Arid Area of Rajasthan
Authors: Rahman Abdur , Mondal N.C. , Tiwari K.K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
An increased nitrate (NO3-) concentration in groundwater has been a rising issue on a global scale in recent years. Through different consumption mechanisms, it clearly illustrates the adverse effects on human health. The goal of this present study is to assess the natural and anthropogenic NO3- concentration in groundwater and its related risks to human health in the different groups of ages such as children, males, and females. Groundwater samples (n=101) were obtained and analysed for their physicochemical components, along with the nitrate concentration in a semi-arid area of Rajasthan. The results show that most of the samples were influenced by anthropogenic activities. The background and anthropogenic levels had been estimated and marked as 7.2 mg/L and 13.3 mg/L for the background and anthropogenic concentrations, respectively. About 83% of nitrate samples were exceeded the background limit, while 28% of the samples were beyond the permissible limit of 45 mg/L as stated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Nitrate health risks were also measured by oral intake and dermal contact sources for the residents in this area. The oral exposure of nitrate was very high as compare to dermal contact. With regards to the non-carcinogenic health risk, the total Heath Index (HITotal) values of groundwater nitrate in the study area varied from 0.045 to 3.153 with an average of 0.964 for males, 0.053 to 3.726 with an average of 1.139 for females, and 0.061 to 4.278 with an average of 1.308 for children. The nitrate health risk assessment shows that about 38%, 46%, and 49% of groundwater samples constitute the non-carcinogenic health risk to males, females, and children, respectively.
Pulmonary Nocardia infection in child with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis: case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Qin , Zhang Feizhou , Tao Xiaofen , Tang Lanfang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) encompasses a rare and agnogenic group of diffuse alveolar capillary hemorrhagic diseases. Corticosteroid treatment is the globally preferred therapeutic strategy for IPH. However, its long-term administration can cause immunodeficiency. Nocardia infection often occurs in immunocompromised patients and primarily involves the pleura and lungs. Herein, we describe a case of pediatric pulmonary Nocardia infection complicated by IPH.Case presentationA 7-year-old girl presented with chief complaints of pale complexion persisting for 1 year and a cough for 20 days. Abundant hemosiderin-laden macrophages were detected in the gastric juice during the last hospitalization. Uninterrupted small doses of corticosteroids (1–2 mg/kg/day) were administered to the patient to treat the IPH. After nearly two months of corticosteroids therapy, the children began to cough. Next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sample revealed the presence of Nocardia abscessus (N. abscessus) DNA and confirmed IPH again. Linezolid was administered to treat the N. abscessus infection. She recovered well and was discharged after 18 days of hospitalization. After 1 month of follow-up, her pulmonary lesions exhibited gradual resorption, the iron deficiency anemia had resolved, and the IPH appeared to be well-controlled.ConclusionsThis pediatric case of N. abscessus infection complicated by IPH, including the nonspecific clinical manifestations, time-consuming diagnosis, and timely adjusted treatment, provided considerable clinical experience and enlightenment.
Development and Design of a Nursing Intervention Following a Theory and Evidence-Based Approach to Promote Maternal Sensitivity and Preterm Infant Neurodevelopment in the NICU
Authors: Lavallée Andréane , Aita Marilyn , Côté José , Bell Linda , Grou Bénédicte 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Maternal sensitivity is an important predictor of long-term mother-infant attachment and infant development. Considering the behavioral specificities of preterm infants that may impede the development of maternal sensitivity, it is essential to promote these outcomes soon after a preterm birth. A systematic review showed that current evidence on the effectiveness of parent-infant intervention promoting parental sensitivity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is of low to very low quality. The aim of this project was to develop and design a novel nursing intervention to enhance maternal sensitivity and preterm infant neurodevelopment in the NICU. Methods: The Medical Research Council’s guidance to develop and evaluate complex health interventions, that is an evidence and theory-based approach, was used for this study. Thus, based on the MRC framework, three main steps were conducted: 1- Identifying existing empirical evidence; 2- Identifying and developing theory; 3- Modeling processes and outcomes.Results: We developed a guided participation intervention for mothers to participate in their preterm infant’s care and positioning (GP_Posit). GP_Posit is based upon the Attachment theory, the Guided participation theory as well as the Synactive theory of development. Conclusion: This novel intervention is being tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT03677752).
Nuclear Morphology Optimized Deep Hybrid Learning (NUMODRIL) For Accurate Diagnosis and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sengupta Duhita , Ali Sk Nishan , Bhattacharya Aditya , Mustafi Joy , Mukhopadhyay Asima , SENGUPTA KAUSHIK 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Nuclear morphological features are potent determining factors for clinical diagnostic approaches adopted by pathologists to analyse the malignant potential of cancer cells. Considering the structural alteration of nucleus in cancer cells, various groups have developed machine learning techniques based on variation in nuclear morphometric information like nuclear shape, size, nucleus-cytoplasm ratio and various non-parametric methods like deep learning have also been tested for analysing immunohistochemistry images of tissue samples for diagnosing various cancers. Our aim is to study the morphometric distribution of nuclear lamin proteins as a specific parameter in ovarian cancer tissues. Besides being the principal mechanical component of the nucleus, lamins also present a platform for binding of proteins and chromatin thereby serving a wide range of nuclear functions like maintenance of genome stability, chromatin regulation. Altered expression of lamins in different subtypes of cancer is now evident from data across the world. It has already been elucidated that in ovarian cancer, extent of alteration in nuclear shape and morphology can determine degree of genetic changes and thus can be utilized to predict the outcome of low to high form of serous carcinoma. In this work, we have performed exhaustive imaging of ovarian cancer versus normal tissue and introduced a novel Deep Hybrid Learning approach on the basis of the distribution of lamin proteins. Although developed with ovarian cancer datasets in view, this architecture would be of immense importance in accurate and fast diagnosis and prognosis of all types of cancer associated with lamin induced morphological changes and would perform across small/medium to large datasets with equal efficiency.
Association Between Sleep Habits/Disorders and Emotional/Behavioral Problems Among Japanese Children
Authors: Takeshima Masahiro , Ohta Hidenobu , Hosoya Tomoko , Okada Masakazu , Iida Yukako , Moriwaki Aiko , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Kamio Yoko , Mishima Kazuo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesActual sleep status and the association between sleep habits/disorders and emotional/behavioral problems among children in the development stage have not been fully clarified. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on the sleep habits/disorders (Brief Child Sleep Questionnaire; BCSQ) and emotional/behavioral problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ) of 87,548 children enrolled in ordinary classes in nine grade levels from the first grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high school from December 2009 to April 2010. ResultsAs school grade increased, children’s bedtimes were delayed and sleep duration was reduced by 2.0 hours over the nine grade levels. Based on the BCSQ, 18.3% of children were judged to have some type of sleep disorder, and about 30% to 40% of children had sleep symptoms at bedtime, during sleep, and at wake time. Multiple regression analysis showed that emotional and behavioral problems were associated with presence of any sleep symptom, longer sleep latency, and longer awake time after sleep onset, whereas total sleep time was not. Sleep symptoms at wake time were most strongly associated with emotional and behavioral problems.ConclusionsStatus of sleep habits/disorders should be considered when interpreting emotional/behavioral problems in school-age children.
A Life Cycle Assessment of reprocessing face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Straten Bart van , Ligtelijn Sharina , Droog Lieke , Putman Esther , Dankelman Jenny , Weiland Niek Sperna , Horeman Tim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction/background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to threatening shortages in the healthcare of medical products such as face masks. Due to this major impact on our healthcare society, an initiative was conducted between March and July 2020 for reprocessing face masks from 19 different hospitals. This exceptional opportunity was used to study the cost impact and the effects of the CO2 footprint of reprocessed face masks relative to new disposable face masks.Aim: The aim of this study is to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess and compare the environmental impact of disposed versus reprocessed face masks.Methods: In total, 18,166 high-quality medical FFP2 face masks were reprocessed through steam sterilization between March and July 2020. CO2 emissions equivalent (kg CO2 eq) and other impact categories, such as water consumption during production, transport, sterilisation and end-of-life processes, were assessed. A Monte Carlo model was used to predict the sensitivity of different factors in the whole process on the kg CO2 eq.Results: The average kg CO2 eq appears to be 42% lower for reprocessed face masks based on a rejection rate of 20% than new ones. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the loading capacity of the autoclave and rejection rate of face masks have a large influence on kg CO2 eq. The estimated cost price of a reprocessed mask was €1,40 against €1.55.Discussion: The life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrates that reprocessed FFP2 face masks from a circular economy perspective have a lower environmental impact on kg CO2 eq and water usage than new face masks. For policymakers, it is important to realize that the CO2 footprint of medical products such as face masks may be reduced by means of circular economy strategies.Conclusion: This study demonstrated a lower environmental impact and financial burden for reprocessed medical face masks than for new face masks without compromising qualifications. Therefore, this study may serve as an inspiration for investigating the reprocessing of other medical products that may become scarce. Finally, this study advocates that circular design engineering principles should be taken into account when designing medical devices. This may lead to more sustainable products that require less CO2, have less water consumption and lower costs.
SEC61G Overexpression and DNA Amplification Correlates With Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tianzhu , Chen Yiping , Gong Xiaochang , Guo Qiaojuan , Lin Canyang , Luo Qingfeng , Tu Ziwei , Li Jingao , Pan Jianji 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The SEC61 translocon gamma subunit (SEC61G) is a component of the SEC61 complex, which import protein into the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the correlation between SEC61G and disease prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. Methods: SEC61G expression was analyzed using publicly-available datasets. The association between SEC61G and disease prognosis was evaluated. SEC61G methylation and copy number variation were investigated and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene ontology (GO) analyses identified SEC61G-associated functions. We also investigated the correlation between SEC61G and immune cell infiltration. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect SEC61G expression in oropharyngeal carcinoma. Results: SEC61G was overexpressed in pan-cancers, including HNSCC, and negatively correlated with overall survival (p<0.001 for TCGA-HNSCC and p=0.019 for GSE65858). Moreover, SEC61G was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in TCGA and GSE65858 [hazard ratio (HR)=1.80, 95% CI: 1.35-2.39, p<0.001; HR＝1.87, 95% CI: 1.14-3.07, p=0.013, respectively). SEC61G DNA amplification (9.66% of patients) was significantly associated with poor OS (p=0.034). SEC61G overexpression and DNA amplification negatively correlated with B cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration (all p<0.05). Among patients with metastatic urothelial cancer received atezolizumab, patients with high SEC61G expression had an inferior OS (p=0.006). Furthermore, SEC61G protein expression was also an independent prognostic factor of OS (HR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.15-5.30, p=0.020) and progression-free survival (HR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.36-5.84, p=0.005) for oropharyngeal cancer. Conclusions: SEC61G is overexpressed in HNSCC and is an independent prognostic factor for OS. SEC61G DNA amplification contributes to overexpression and poor outcome. Interestingly, SEC61G correlates with immune cell infiltration in HNSCC. These findings suggest that SEC61G is a potential broad-spectrum biomarker for prognosis in HNSCC.
Development of a Model To Predict Pathologic Response to Chemotherapy in Patients With Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Xu Da , Wang Yan-Yan , Yan Xiao-Luan , Li Juan , Wang Kun , Xing Bao-Cai 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Preoperative chemotherapy has widely been used in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). Pathological response to chemotherapy is very important in evaluating tumor biology. However, there is still a lack of a non-invasive and accurate method to evaluate pathological response before surgery.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic data of patients with CRLM who underwent liver resection after preoperative chemotherapy between January 2006 and December 2018. Pathological responses were defined as minor when there are ≥50% remnant viable cells and as major when 0-49% remnant viable cells exist.Results: A total of 482 patients were included and randomly divided into training (n = 241) and validation (n = 241) cohorts. The proportion of major pathologic response was similar between the two groups (51.5% and 48.5%). Multivariate analysis determined the disease-free interval, tumor size, tumor number, and RAS status as independent predictors of major pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy. The nomogram incorporating these variables showed good concordance statistics in the training cohort (0.746, 95% CI: 0.685-0.807) and validation cohort (0.764, 95% CI: 0.704-0.823). In addition, the nomogram showed good applicability in patients with different characteristics.Conclusions. The established nomogram model performed well in predicting pathological response in patients with CRLM.
An Evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s Advocacy and Policy Strengthening Strategy
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Moore Michael , Chislett Wai-Kwan , Jones Alexandra , Trieu Kathy , Webster Jacqui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Public health advocacy strategies facilitate policy change by bringing key health issues to the forefront of public and political discourse, influencing decision-makers and public opinion, and increasing policy demand. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership (VSRP) was established in 2014 in response to inadequate government action to improve population diets in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate the success of the VSRP’s advocacy and policy strengthening strategy.Methods: Documentation of VSRP activities and outputs were collected, and semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a comprehensive process evaluation. For this study, the “Kotter Plus” 10-step public health advocacy evaluation framework was used to guide data extraction, analysis and synthesis.Results: A sense of urgency for salt reduction was generated by producing evidence and outlining the potential impact of a state-based salt reduction program. This enabled the creation of a coalition with diverse skills and expertise, which facilitated the development of an innovative and collaborative advocacy action plan. A clear change vision was established but communication of the vision to decision-makers was lacking, which reduced the impact of the program as decision-makers were not provided with a clear incentive for policy change. Program outputs were achieved; however, these did not translate to achieving broader strategic goals during a limited-term intervention in an unsympathetic political climate.Conclusions: The “Kotter Plus” 10-step framework was a useful tool for evaluating the success of the VSRP advocacy and policy strengthening strategy. The framework enabled the identification of key strengths, including the creation of the guiding coalition, and areas where efforts could be improved in future similar strategies, such as effective communication within the partnerships and to decision-makers, to better influence policy and improve public health impact.
Identification, Pyramid and Candidate Genes of QTLs for Associated Traits Based on a Dense Erect Panicle Rice CSSL-Z749 and Five SSSLs, Three DSSLs and One TSSL
Authors: Wang Dachuan , Zhou Kai , Xiang Siqian , Zhang Qiuli , Li Ruxiang , Li Miaomiao , Liang Peixuan , Farkhanda Naz , He Guanghua , Ling Yinghua , Zhao Fangming 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Seed-set density is an important agronomic trait in rice. However, its genetic mechanism is complex. Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are ideal materials for studying complex traits.
Results

A rice CSSL, Z749, with a dense and erect panicle phenotype, was identified among progeny of the recipient parent Nipponbare and the donor parent Xihui 18. Z749 carried seven substitution segments (average length 2.16 Mb). Compared with Nipponbare, Z749 showed significant increases in the numbers of primary (NPB) and secondary branches (NSB), number of spikelets (SPP) and grains per panicle (GPP), seed-set density (SSD), and decrease in panicle length (PL). A secondary F2 population derived from a cross between Nipponbare and Z749 was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for associated traits. Fifteen QTLs distributed on chromosomes 5, 7, 8, and 10 were detected. The QTL qPL7 might be an allele of OsFAD8 and the remaining 14 QTLs (e.g., qSSD5 and qSSD10 etc.) might be novel. Fourteen QTLs were verified using five single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs). The seed-set density of Z749 was controlled predominantly by one major QTL (qSSD10) and two minor QTLs (qSSD5 and qSSD8). The QTLs qSSD10, qSSD5, and qSSD8 were fine-mapped to intervals of 1.05, 1.46, and 1.53 Mb on chromosomes 10, 5, and 8, respectively. Analysis of QTL additive effects indicated that qSSD5, qSSD8, and qSSD10 from Xihui18 increased seed-set density of Z749 by 14.1, 11.38, and 5.11 spikelets per 10 cm panicle, respectively. Analysis of QTL epistatic effects revealed that pyramiding of qSSD5 and qSSD8, qSSD5 and qSSD10, qSSD8 and qSSD10, and qSSD5, qSSD8 and qSSD10 produced novel genotypes with increased seed-set density.
Conclusions

Inheritance of seed-set density in Z749 was controlled predominantly by one major QTL (qSSD10) and two minor QTLs (qSSD5 and qSSD8). Then, they were fine-mapped to intervals of 1.05, 1.46, and 1.53 Mb on chromosomes 10, 5, 8, respectively. Two MAPK genes (OsMPK9 and OsMPK17) and one gene (candidate gene 6) involved in auxin metabolism might be candidate genes for qSSD5, and OsSAUR32 might be the candidate gene for qSSD8. Pyramiding of qSSD5, qSSD8, and qSSD10 enhanced seed-set density.
Stable and Novel Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Confer Narrow Root Cone Angle in An Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production System
Authors: Vinarao Ricky , Proud Christopher , Zhang Xiaolu , Snell Peter , Fukai Shu , Mitchell Jaquie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Aerobic rice production (AP) may be a solution to the looming water crisis by utilising less water compared to traditional flooded culture. As such, development of genotypes with narrow root cone angle (RCA) is considered a key AP adaptation trait as it could lead to deeper rooting and ensure water uptake at depth. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes associated with rooting angle have been identified in rice, but usually in conventional transplanted systems or in upland and drought conditions. This study aimed to identify QTL associated with RCA in AP systems using a recombinant inbred line population derived from IRAT109. Results Four experiments conducted in glasshouse and aerobic field conditions revealed significant genotypic variation existed for RCA in the population. Single and multiple QTL models identified the presence of eight QTL distributed in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11. Combined, these QTL explained 36.7-51.2% of the genotypic variance in RCA present in the population. Two QTL, qRCA1.1 and qRCA1.3, were novel and may be new targets for improvement of RCA. Genotypes with higher number of favourable QTL alleles tended to have narrower RCA. qRCA4 was shown to be a major and stable QTL explaining up to 24.3% of the genotypic variation, and the presence of the target allele resulted in as much as 8.6° narrower RCA. Several genes related to abiotic stress stimulus response were found in the qRCA4 region. ConclusionStable and novel genomic regions associated with RCA have been identified. Genotypes which had combinations of these QTL, resulted in a narrower RCA phenotype. Allele mining, gene cloning, and physiological dissection should aid in understanding the molecular function and mechanisms underlying RCA and these QTL. Ultimately, our work provides an opportunity for breeding programs to develop genotypes with narrow RCA and deep roots for improved adaptation in an AP system for sustainable rice production.