bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking, Genetic Predisposition, and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Chen Xuechen , Jansen Lina , Guo Feng , Hoffmeister Michael , Chang-Claude Jenny , Brenner Hermann 
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Smoking and genetic predisposition are established risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to assess and compare their individual and joint impact on CRC risk using the novel approach of genetic risk equivalent (GRE).

METHODS:
Data were extracted from the Darmkrebs: Chancen der Verhütung durch Screening study, a large population-based case-control study in Germany. A polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 140 CRC-related single nucleotide polymorphisms was derived to quantify genetic risk. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the individual and joint impact of smoking and PRS on CRC risk, and to quantify the smoking effect in terms of GRE, the corresponding effect conveyed by a defined difference in PRS percentiles.

RESULTS:
There were 5,086 patients with CRC and 4,120 controls included. Current smokers had a 48% higher risk of CRC than never smokers (adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.27–1.72). A PRS above the 90th percentile was significantly associated with a 3.6-, 4.3-, and 6.4-fold increased risk of CRC in never, former, and current smokers, respectively, when compared with a PRS below the 10th percentile in never smokers. The interaction between smoking and PRS on CRC risk did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.53). The effect of smoking was equivalent to the effect of having a 30 percentile higher level of PRS (GRE 30, 95% confidence interval 18–42).

DISCUSSION:
Both smoking and the PRS carry essentially independent CRC risk information, and their joint consideration provides powerful risk stratification. Abstinence from smoking can compensate for a substantial proportion of genetically determined CRC risk.
Nilai LC50 Cymbopogon nardus L terhadap Musca domestica
Authors: Susilawati Susilawati , Salbiah Salbiah , Fathmawati Fathmawati 
Published: March 2021

Latar belakang: Pengendalian serangga umumnya dilakukan menggunakan bahan kimia yang dapat mengancam kesehatan manusia dan lingkungan. Pemanfaatan tanaman sebagai insektisida alami perlu dikembangkan. Cymbopogon citratus diketahui mengandung zat-zat yang berpotensi sebagai insektisida. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui nilai LC50 formulasi Cymbopogon citratus terhadap M. domestica. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimental. Formulasi dilakukan dengan mengekstraksi Cymbopogon citratus menggunakan methanol dan mengevaporasinya. Aplikasi formulasi dengan mengencerkan ekstrak Cymbopogon citratus menggunakan aquades dengan konsentrasi 20%, 25%, 30% dan 35%. Lalat rumah (M. domestica) yang digunakan adalah lalat dewasa yang ditangkap ke dalam Flytrap dengan diberikan umpan dan dimasukkan ke kandang uji yang berukuran 30x30x30 cm3. Perbedaan persentase kematian diuji dengan oneway ANOVA dan nilai LC 50 ditentukan dengan melakukan analisis probit.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan secara statistik persent ase kematian M. domestica setelah dikontakkan dengan formulasi Cymbopogon citratus dengan berbagai konsentrasi. Nilai LC50 formulasi Cymbopogon citratus setelah dikontakkan selama 24 jam terhadap M. domestica adalah 26,51%.Simpulan: Cymbopogon citratus mempunyai potensi membunuh lalat Musca domestica setelah dikontakkan selama 24 jam. ABSTRACTTitle: LC50 value of Cymbopogon citratus for Musca domesticaBackground: Insect control is generally carried out using chemicals that can threaten human health and the environment. The use of plants as bioinsecticides needs to be developed. Cymbopogon citratus is known to contain substances that have the potential to be insecticides. This study aims to determine the LC50 value of Cymbopogon citratus formulations for M. domestica.Method: This research was quasi-experimental. The formulation was carried out by extracting Cymbopogon citratus using methanol and evaporating it. Cymbopogon citratus extract was diluted using aqua dest with concentrations of 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%. The house flies (M. domestic) used were adult flies that were caught into the flytrap by being given the bait and put into a test cage measuring 30x30x30 cm3. The difference in the percentage of deaths was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and the LC50 value was determined to conduct probit analysis.Result: The results showed no statistical difference in the percentage of M. domestica deaths after contacting with Cymbopogon citratus formulations with various concentrations. The LC50 value of Cymbopogon citratus formulation after being contacted with 24 -hour greetings to M. domestica was 26.51%.Conclusion: Cymbopogon citratus has the potential to kill Musca domestica after being contacted for 24 hours.
Translanguaging practices of Chinese/English bilingual engineers’ communications in the workplace
Authors: Du Juan , Zhou Xiaodi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Existing literature argues for the urgent need to improve workplace and professional communication in the engineering field across the world. This paper reports on a study examining Chinese/English bilingual engineers’ translanguaging practices in their communications in English-speaking high-tech corporations in the United States. Evidence showed that bilingual engineers translanguaged extensively to construct meaning to meet the diverse communication needs at their workplace, which enables them to demonstrate their professional talents and skills. However, when English was the sole language for the interaction, they struggled to sound like English native speakers to convey their ideas and present their work, which disadvantaged them professionally, socially and emotional as professionals. Therefore, this study calls for a creation of a translanguaging space in the workplace to empower bilingual engineers and also a need to modify engineering education programs that recognize multilingual competence of bilinguals and enhance the development of their English professional communication ability (speaking and writing) in higher education.
Ethiopia’s Bilateral Investment Treaties and Environmental Protection; The Need of Re-Negotiation for Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Abate Ayalew 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article argues that the bulk of the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) that Ethiopia has ever concluded, to regulate its bilateral foreign investment relations, don’t contain an environmental provision that require investing corporations to discharge responsibility towards environment and there is a pressing call for either to re-negotiate, update or engage in concluding of environmental side agreements (ESA). To substantiate the argument the trends of BIT making is assessed, the status of Ethiopian BITs have been evaluated through content analysis, environmental responsibility of Ethiopia has been examined both from domestic and international perspective, relevant reasons for the regulation of environment in foreign investment through BIT have been discussed and justifications for the need to renegotiate, update or make ESA in Ethiopia have been highlighted.
Ultrasonic cavitation driven fabrication of organic solvent free lignin/prochloraz nano capsules to promote resistance to photolysis and rain wash, and provide extended release performance
Authors: Chen Jingtian , Wang Miao , Qian Yong , Tan Shanyuan , Wang Huan , Zhou Mingsong , Que Xueqing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Lignin is a natural macromolecular sun blocker and provides an ideal protection material for pesticides that have poor photostability. In this study, alkali lignin/prochloraz capsules (AL-P) were prepared via one-pot ultrasonic cavitation. The results demonstrated that the produced AL-P were uniform spheres with sizes of 170–375 nm. The prochloraz encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) reached as high as 91.8 and 98.5%, respectively. Adding a small of surfactant reduced the size of the capsules, but both EE and LC were decreased. AL-P exhibited excellent extended release performance. The cumulative release of AL-P in the first 45 h was 76.1% and continuous release was maintained after 96 h. The resulting AL-P have improved photostability under UV irradiation radiation. Finally, AL-P capsules were sprayed on the mango leaves and bananas to act as preservatives, AL-P capsules had stronger rain wash resistance and were better preserved demonstrating their industrial applicability. Together, organic solvent free AL-P capsules demonstrate a method to improve the efficiency of photosensitive pesticides.
Private Agricultural R&D: Do the Poor Benefit?
Authors: Anderson Jock R. , Birner Regina , Nagarajan Latha , Naseem Anwar , Pray Carl E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Private agricultural research and development can foster the growth of agricultural productivity in the diverse farming systems of the developing world comparable to the public sector. We examine the extent to which technologies developed by private entities reach smallholder and resource-poor farmers, and the impact they have on poverty reduction. We critically review cases of successfully deployed improved agricultural technologies delivered by the private sector in both large and small developing countries for instructive lessons for policy makers around the world.
An analysis of research quality underlying IDSA clinical practice guidelines: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Greiner Benjamin , Essex Ryan , Wheeler Denna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
As a result of new developments in medicine, the need for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) is of utmost importance. However, studies have shown that many medical societies are using low quality research to develop CPGs.

Objectives
To evaluate the quality of research underlying the CPGs issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Methods
We examined 29 CPGs issued between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2019 and classified each by research quality according to levels reported by the CPG authors and previously specified by the IDSA: Levels I through III, corresponding to high, moderate, and low quality of evidence, respectively. Each ranking was cross-checked with a second researcher to improve inter-rater reliability. To analyze evolution of research quality over time, three updated CPGs were randomly selected and compared to their original versions. Chi-square analysis was then performed to determine statistical significance.

Results
We evaluated the quality of research for 2,920 recommendations within the 29 CPGs that met our criteria and found that 418 (14%) were developed using high-quality (Level I) research from randomized, controlled trials. Of the remaining recommendations, 928 (32%) were based on moderate quality research (observational studies) and 1574 (54%) on low quality research (expert opinion). A Pearson chi-squared analysis indicated no-statistically significant difference between original guidelines or their subsequent updates for Clostridium difficile (χ2=0.323; n=85; degrees of freedom [df]=2; p=0.851), candidiasis (χ2=4.133; n=195; df=2; p=0.127), or coccidiomycosis (χ2=0.531; n=95; df=1; p=0.466).

Conclusions
The proportion of high-quality research underlying guideline recommendations is remarkably low, indicating that moderate and low quality evidence is still influencing infectious disease guidelines despite IDSA standards. Moreover, the quality of research has not significantly changed over time. IDSA CPGs are a formidable source of information for clinicians, but an increased number of quality studies should be utilized to further guide CPG development.
Evaluating transition in Turner syndrome in the West of Scotland
Authors: Zahra Baryab , Lyall Helen , Sastry Aparna , Freel E. Marie , Dominiczak Anna F. , Mason Avril 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
A Turner Syndrome (TS) Transition clinic, Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow (RHCG), with paediatric and adult endocrinology/gynaecology teams was established in 1998 with an aim of improving health outcomes in TS throughout the lifespan.

Objective
To evaluate the success of our TS transition service, focussing on evaluating established follow-up after transfer to adult services.

Methods
Girls attending the TS Transition clinic at Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow, 1998–2017, were identified. Attendance data were obtained from patient records and an electronic appointment system. We assessed good and late early attendance in our cohort of TS patients as well as established endocrine follow-up, defined as those still attending adult endocrine services 3 years after transfer. Success of TS transition was determined by the proportion of girls in established endocrine follow-up.

Results
Forty-six girls (median age 18.3 yrs) were identified. Thirty-six, 36/46 girls transferred prior to 2015 and 26 of those (72%) were in established follow-up at 3 years, 22/36 girls had met with an Adult specialist prior to transfer and 14/36 had not met with an adult specialist prior to transfer. Twenty-one (80.7%) were good early attenders (p = 0.10). In the early attenders’ cohort, there was no significant difference between those that had and had not met an adult specialist prior to transfer.

Conclusion
A significant proportion of girls with TS are currently lost to endocrine follow-up following transfer to adult clinics. Early attendance at an adult clinic appears to predict established long-term follow-up. Strategies to improve early attendance and long-term endocrine follow-up are needed to ensure lifelong health needs are addressed.
Dual diagnosis of Ochoa syndrome and Niemann-Pick disease type B in a consanguineous family
Authors: Cesur Baltacı Hande Nur , Taşdelen Elifcan , Topçu Vehap , Eminoğlu Fatma Tuba , Karabulut Halil Gürhan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Ochoa syndrome (UFS1; Urofacial syndrome-1) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the HPSE2 gene that results bladder voiding dysfunction and somatic motor neuropathy affecting the VIIth cranial nerve. Niemann-Pick disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder with systemic involvement resulting from sphingomyelinase deficiency and generally occurs via mutation in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 gene (SMPD1).

Case presentation
Here, we report a 6-year-old girl with symptoms such as urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, peculiar facial expression, mainly when smiling, hypertelorism, constipation, incomplete closure of eyelids during sleep and splenomegaly. Homozygote mutations in two different genes responsible for two distinct syndromes were detected in the patient. Homozygous NM_000543.5:c.502G>A (p.Gly168Arg) mutation was found in the SMPD1 gene causing Niemann-Pick disease. In addition, some of the clinical features were due to a novel homozygous mutation identified in the HPSE2 gene, NM_021828.5:c.755delA (p.Lys252SerfsTer23).

Conclusions
Here, we discuss about the importance of considering dual diagnosis in societies where consanguineous marriages are common. Accurate diagnosis of the patient is very important for the management of the diseases and prevention of complications.
Re-thinking Information Ethics: Truth, Conspiracy Theories, and Librarians in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Lor Peter , Wiles Bradley , Britz Johannes 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic is an international public health crisis without precedent in the last century. The novelty and rapid spread of the virus have added a new urgency to the availability and distribution of reliable information to help curb its fatal potential. As seasoned and trusted purveyors of reliable public information, librarians have attempted to respond to the “infodemic” of fake news, disinformation, and propaganda with a variety of strategies, but the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique challenge because of the deadly stakes involved. The seriousness of the current situation requires that librarians and associated professionals re-evaluate the ethical basis of their approach to information provision to counter the growing prominence of conspiracy theories in the public sphere and official decision making. This paper analyzes the conspiracy mindset and specific COVID-19 conspiracy theories in discussing how libraries might address the problems of truth and untruth in ethically sound ways. As a contribution to the re-evaluation we propose, the paper presents an ethical framework based on alethic rights—or rights to truth—as conceived by Italian philosopher Franca D’Agostini and how these might inform professional approaches that support personal safety, open knowledge, and social justice.
circAPLP2 promotes colorectal cancer progression by upregulating HELLS by targeting miR-335-5p
Authors: Xiang Rui , Feng Min , Zhou Xin , Ma Lihong , Dong Ningfei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in CRC pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the role of circAPLP2 and explore a potential mechanism of circAPLP2 action in CRC.

Methods
The expression of circAPLP2, miR-335-5p and helicase lymphoid-specific (HELLS) mRNA in CRC tissues and cells was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The functional effects of circAPLP2 on cell cycle progression/cell apoptosis, colony formation, cell migration, invasion and glycolysis metabolism were investigated by flow cytometry assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and glycolysis stress test. Glycolysis metabolism was also assessed by the levels of glucose uptake and lactate production. The protein levels of HELLS and HK2 were detected by western blot. The interaction between circAPLP2 and miR-335-5p, or miR-335-5p and HELLS was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The role of circAPLP2 on solid tumor growth in nude mice was investigated.

Results
circAPLP2 and HELLS were overexpressed, but miR-335-5p was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Functional analyses showed that circAPLP2 knockdown suppressed CRC cell cycle progression, colony formation, migration, invasion and glycolysis metabolism, induced cell apoptosis and blocked solid tumor growth in nude mice. Moreover, miR-335-5p was a target of circAPLP2, and miR-335-5p could also bind to HELLS. Rescue experiments presented that miR-335-5p inhibition reversed the effects of circAPLP2 knockdown, and HELLS overexpression abolished the role of miR-335-5p restoration. Importantly, circAPLP2 could positively regulate HELLS expression by mediating miR-335-5p.

Conclusion
circAPLP2 triggered CRC malignant development by increasing HELLS expression via targeting miR-335-5p, which might be a novel strategy to understand and treat CRC.
Re-Assessing the Evidentiary Threshold for Zinā’ in Islamic Criminal Law: A De Facto Exemption Proposal
Authors: Ahmad Hassan M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article considers the four eyewitness threshold for zinā’ in Islamic criminal law. In some Muslim-majority countries where zinā’ remains an offence, judiciaries have by-passed the threshold by accepting singular confessions from male fornicators or, otherwise, inferring fornication from pregnancy outside of marriage. As a result, a disproportionate number of women have been prosecuted, convicted, and even punished for zinā’. I assert that the four-eyewitness threshold allows for an alternative way to view zinā’ that can result in a different set of consequences. If the threshold is taken seriously such that it becomes the only evidentiary basis upon which a zinā’ conviction can be entered, it will create an effective or de facto exemption where alleged perpetrators can never be convicted, except in the rarest cases where four independent eyewitnesses can be corralled. If adopted, this approach would provide a principled basis to reject opportunistic confessions that deflect punishment to accused female fornicators. And as an ‘internal’ solution that arises within the framework of the sharī’a, a de facto exemption approach is more likely to be perceived as legitimate when compared with proposed solutions that find their basis in international human rights legal instruments.
Noise complaints during a pandemic: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Yildirim Yalcin , Arefi Mahyar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has affected people’s lives in different ways from reduced mobility and staying-at-home orders to other daily life routines. These changes have, in turn, affected the quality of life in urban environments including air quality and noise. The noise aspect, for example, suggests quieter environments due to fewer vehicles on streets, and less human activities. On the other hand, staying at home may cause more activities happening at the building level, i.e., more people in buildings may make more noise for neighbors. In order to understand this nexus, the study examines the noise complaints data in Dallas, USA. To do this, the study first compares the noise complaints after the COVID-19 intercourse and the same data period in 2019. Findings surprisingly show reduced noise complaints during the COVID-19 time frame by about 14% compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The majority of this reduction occurred in and around the city center. In other words, the noise complaints seem more spatially dispersed at the outskirts of the city. Another finding that directs more detailed analyses, however, considers the massive reduction of ridership, traffic circulation, and building permits. This needs some other techniques for determining the sources for incommensurate noise complaints.
Disparity in Nurse Discharge Communication for Hospitalized Families Based on English Proficiency
Authors: Choe Angela Y. , Thomson Joanna E. , Unaka Ndidi I. , Wagner Vanessa , Durling Michelle , Moeller Dianna , Ampomah Emelia , Mangeot Colleen , Schondelmeyer Amanda C. 
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES:Effective communication is critical for safely discharging hospitalized children, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), who are at high risk of reuse. Our objective was to describe and compare the safety and family centeredness of nurse communication at hospital discharge for English-proficient (EP) and LEP families.METHODS:In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we used direct observation of hospital discharges for EP and LEP children. Observers recorded quantitative and qualitative details of nurse-family communication, focusing on 3 domains: safe discharge, family centeredness, and family engagement. Patient characteristics and percentages of encounters in which all components were discussed within each domain were compared between EP and LEP encounters by using Fisher’s exact tests. We used field notes to supplement quantitative findings.RESULTS:We observed 140 discharge encounters; 49% were with LEP families. Nurses discussed all safe discharge components in 31% of all encounters, most frequently omitting emergency department return precautions. Nurses used all family-centered communication components in 11% and family-engagement components in 89% of all encounters. Nurses were more likely to discuss all components of safe discharge in EP encounters when compared with LEP encounters (53% vs 9%; P &lt; .001; odds ratio: 11.5 [95% confidence interval 4.4–30.1]). There were no differences in family centeredness or family engagement between LEP and EP encounters.CONCLUSIONS:Discharge encounters of LEP patients were less likely to include all safe discharge communication components, compared with EP encounters. Opportunities to improve nurse-family discharge communication include providing written discharge instructions in families’ primary language, ensuring discussion of return precautions, and using teach-back to optimize family engagement and understanding.