bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of Hounsfield Units as a Measure of Bone Density: Applications in the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Ullrich Bernhard Wilhelm , McLean Aaron Lawson , Mendel Thomas , Kaden Ingamr , Hein Elizabeth , Lattauschke Anne , Beyer Julia , Hofmann Gunther Olaf , Klauke Friederike , Schenk Philipp 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of Hounsfield units (HU) for bone density measurement in spinal trauma. HU have already been demonstrated to be reliable for this purpose in degenerative spine disease.Methods This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis considering CT scanner model, slice thickness and HU in native and contrast CT scans. Linear regression, bivariate correlation and ROC analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between qCT values and HU. The inter-rater reliability of HU measurements was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient.Results344 patient datasets were analyzed. CT scanner model and slice thickness were found to have no significant impact on HU. The inter-rater reliability for HU measurements from native CT scans was ICC(3, 1)=0.932 (CI95: 0.919 – 0.943, p<0.001). The formula qCT=0.8·HUwithout CM+5 can be used to predict qCT values from native CT scan HU. ROC analysis revealed maximum sensitivity and specificity of 0.91 and 0.93, respectively, with a cut-off value of 93 HU to predict osteoporosis.For contrast CT scans we determined an ICC(3,1) of 0.889 (CI95: 0.801 – 0.948, p<0.001) and a formula of qCT=0.6·HUwith CM-4. The maximum sensitivity and specificity calculated using HU in the presence of contrast medium were 0.83 and 0.89 with cut-off of values of 122 and 125 HU, respectively, depending on the observer.ConclusionsHU are reliable for measurement of bone quality in spinal trauma, especially in native CT scans. HU measurements from contrast CT scans should be used more cautiously for bone quality estimation.
Harmful Alcohol Use Among Healthcare Workers at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya
Authors: JAGUGA FLORENCE , KWOBAH EDITH , MWANGI ANN , PATEL KIRTIKA , MWOGI THOMAS , KIPTOO ROBERT , ATWOLI LUKOYE 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a major negative impact on public mental health particularly among health care workers. Alcohol use is a common maladaptive response to stress that is associated with adverse health consequences and that could impair productivity in the workplace for the health workforce. The aim of this study is to document the burden and factors associated with harmful alcohol use among health care workers at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from a parent online survey that investigated the prevalence and factors associated with mental disorders among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Analyses for this study were conducted to examine the burden and factors associated with harmful alcohol use among a sub-group of 887 participants who completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire.Results: Three hundred and eighty nine (43.9%) participants reported harmful alcohol use. The factors significantly associated with increased odds of endorsing harmful alcohol use were: being male (AOR= 1.56; 95% CI=1.14, 2.14; p=0.006), being not married (AOR= 2.06; 95% CI=1.48, 2.89; p<0.001), having 11-20 years of experience as compared to having 20+ years of experience (AOR= 1.91; 95% CI=1.18, 3.12; p=0.009), and being a specialist (AOR=2.78; CI=1.64, 4.78; P=<0.001) or doctor (AOR= 2.82; 95% CI=1.74, 4.63; p<0.001) as compared to being a nurse. Conclusions: A high proportion of health care workers reported harmful alcohol use at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Males, the unmarried, those with 11-20 years of experience in the health field, doctors and specialists were more likely to report harmful alcohol use. These findings highlight the need to institute interventions for harmful alcohol use targeting these groups of health care workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cadmium Adsorption in Leaf Cell Walls Prevents Redistribution to Silique in Arabidopsis Thaliana Ecotypes Jm-1 and Kyo-0
Authors: Xiao Yan , Liu Dong , Li Li , Zhang Zhenhua , Luo Jin-Song 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Along with the rapid progress of industrialization and urbanization in the world, soil Cd pollution has become an increasingly serious problem. Phytoremediation has been widely used to mitigate heavy metal pollution in soils; however, it is difficult to reduce the Cd content in the grains of food crops using Cd pollution remediation techniques. Results: Here, we found that the Cd concentrations in the leaves, stems, and siliques of Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) ecotype Jm-1 were higher than in the ecotype Kyo-0. The Cd concentrations in the cell walls (CW) of the leaves were lower in Jm-1 than in Kyo-0, while the concentrations in the CW of the stem and silique were significantly higher in Jm-1 than in Kyo-0. The Cyclohexane Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (CDTA)-pectin and hemicellulose in Kyo-0 had higher Cd concentrations than those of Jm-1. The pectin methylesterase (PME) activity was higher in Kyo-0 than in Jm-1, and the expression levels of PME1, PME2, PME12, and PME25 were upregulated in Kyo-0 after Cd treatment. In addition, no significant differences in the Cd concentrations were found in the xylem of the two ecotypes, while the Cd concentration in the phloem was significantly higher in Jm-1 than in Kyo-0. The expression of iron transport-related genes showed that only YSL3 and ZIP11 had significant differences between the two ecotypes after Cd treatment, and the expression of the vacuolar Cd compartment-related genes that are responsible for transferring Cd from the cytoplasm to the vacuole showed that only CAX1 expression was significantly higher in Kyo-0 than in Jm-1. Conclusions: Kyo-0 accumulated less Cd than Jm-1 in the silique, which may be because (1) the activity of PME that is mainly regulated by PME1, PME2, PME12, and PME25 was higher in Kyo-0 leaves, leading to more Cd chelation in the pectin of the CWs, and (2) the expression of YSL3 was induced to regulate the transport of Cd in the phloem, thus reducing the transport of Cd to the silique. This study would benefit future research and agricultural practices.
Propofol Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in CCI Rat Model via the miR-140-3p/JAG1/Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cheng Fang , Qin Wei , Yang Ai-xing , Yan Feng-feng , chen Yu , Ma Jian-Xin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
As a renowned anesthetic, propofol exerts excellent analgesic function in nerve injury. However, the underlying mechanism of propofol on neuropathic pain (NP) remains unknown. The research aims to analyze propofol’s analgesia mechanism to alleviate NP in CCI rats. The chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve was used to established NP rat models. CCI rats were treated with propofol and its paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PMWT) and paw withdraw thermal latency (PWTL) were measured. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 were detected. CCI rats with propofol treatment were injected with antagomiR-140-3p. After the targeting relationship between miR-140-3p and JAG1 was checked, JAG1 expression was detected. Propofol-treated CCI rats were further injected with Ad-JAG1. Finally, the levels of JAG1 and Notch pathway-related proteins were detected. As a result, propofol could alleviate NP, including thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical pain threshold, and ameliorate neuroinflammation. Mechanically, propofol enhanced the level of miR-140-3p in CCI rats. JAG1 was a direct target of miR-140-3p. The downregulation of miR-140-3p or upregulation of JAG1 could reduce the protective effect of propofol against NP. Propofol inhibited activation of Notch signaling via miR-140-3p/JAG1. Overall, Propofol could inhibit the neuroinflammation and Notch signaling pathway via miR-140-3p/JAG1 to alleviate NP.
Optimizing Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients With Recurrent or Residual Craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Ogino Akiyoshi , Niranjan Ajay , Kano  , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford Lawrence Dade 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an important management strategy for residual and recurrent Craniopharyngiomas. The current study evaluated the factors which affected tumor control and complications in craniopharyngioma SRS.MethodsThis study includes 53 consecutive patients who underwent single-session SRS for recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas. The median age was 41 years with 28 male and 25 females. The median tumor volume was 0.63 cm3 and median margin dose was 12 Gy (range, 9-25 Gy).ResultsThe overall 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 97.8%, 92.7% and 88.5%. The overall 3-, 5-, and 10-year tumor control rates were 81.0%, 72.1%, and 53.4%. In univariate analysis, >3 mm distance from optic structures (p=0.002), only solid or cystic tumor type (p=0.037), and >12 Gy to ≥85% of the tumor (p<0.001) were significantly associated with improved tumor control. In multivariate analysis, only solid or cystic tumor type, (p=0.034), and >85% of the tumor receiving >12 Gy (p=0.004) were significantly associated with better tumor control. When >85% of the tumor received >12 Gy the tumor control rates at 3-, 5-, and 10-year were 100%, 93.3%, and 93.3%. Higher conformity index was not associated with better tumor control.ConclusionsThe tumor control rates after recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas SRS were improved by ensuring that at least 85% of the tumor received >12 Gy even when the distance between the tumor and the optic system is <3 mm. This concept refutes the conformity theory that a high conformity index is a critical feature of effective SRS.
Safety And Usefulness of 3D-printed Coplanar Puncture Template Assisted CT- guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy of Small (≤20mm) Pulmonary Nodules: 3 Years of Experience
Authors: Wang Hansheng , Chen Xiao , Ren Tao , Chen Peipei , Luo Guoshi , Wang Xiao , Wei Na , Tang Yijun , Wang Meifang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and Objective: Computed tomography guided percutaneous lung biopsy is a commonly used method for clarifying the nature of pulmonary nodules. However, due to the existence of breathing movement, the lungs have greater mobility, and biopsy of small pulmonary nodules is difficult. In recent years, 3D-printed coplanar templates are gradually used in percutaneous biopsy of small pulmonary nodules. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application value of 3D-printed coplanar puncture template assisted computed tomography guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of small (≤20mm) pulmonary nodules. Method: From January 2018 to January 2021 in Taihe Hospital, 210 hospitalized patients with pulmonary nodules underwent percutaneous core needle biopsy for histopathology/cytopathology diagnosis and were included in the study. All patients were allocated into two groups, patients in Free-hand group underwent percutaneous core needle biopsy without 3D-printed coplanar templates, and patients in 3D-PCT group underwent percutaneous core needle biopsy with 3D-printed coplanar templates. The number of needle adjustments, number of CT scans, surgical time-consuming, diagnostic accuracy, and incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Rapid on site evaluation was routinely used for guiding specimens’ triage. Approval for this trial was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Taihe hospital. Result: The number of needle adjustments (1.41±0.63 vs. 2.23±0.85), the number of CT scans (3.63±0.73 vs. 4.25±0.81) and the incidence of pneumothorax (9.6% vs. 21.1%) during the procedure were significantly lower in the observation group than the control group (P< 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy (95.2% vs. 94.3%) and incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage (65.4% vs. 62.3%) between the two groups (P> 0.05), however, the surgical time-consuming in 3D-PCT group is significantly more than Free-hand group.Conclusions: These findings indicated that the 3D-printed coplanar puncture template combined with CT guided percutaneous biopsy can relatively fix the target lesion, reduce the number of needle adjustments and number of CT scans, reduce iatrogenic radiation, and reduce the incidence of complications, especially pneumothorax.
A Recurrent Wavelet based Brain Emotional Learning Network Controller for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Zhang Juncheng , Chao Fei , Zeng Hualin , Lin Chih-Min , Yang Longzhi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Conventional control systems often suffer from the co-existence of non-linearity and uncertainty. This paper proposes a novel brain emotional neural network to support addressing such challenges. The proposed network integrates a wavelet neural network into a conventional brain emotional learning network. This is further enhanced by the introduction of a recurrent structure to employ the two networks as the two channels of the brain emotional learning network. The proposed network therefore combines the advantages of the wavelet function, the recurrent mechanism, and the brain emotional learning system, for optimal performance on nonlinear problems under uncertain environments. The proposed network works with a bounding compensator to mimic an ideal controller, and the parameters are updated based on the laws derived from the Lyapunov stability analysis theory. The proposed system was applied to two uncertain nonlinear systems, including a Duffing-Homes chaotic system and a simulated 3-DOF spherical joint robot. The experiments demonstrated that the proposed system outperformed other popular neural-network-based control systems, indicating the superiority of the proposed system.
Growth Performance of Arsi, Borana, Harar and HF-Crossbred Bulls Finished under Similar Feeding Condition
Authors: Abdurehman Ahmedin , Mummed Yesihak Yusuf , Kurtu Mohammed Yusuf , Temesgen Melese , O’Quinn Travis Gene 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the fattening performance of Arsi, Borana, Harar and HF-Crossbred bulls finished under similar feeding condition at the beef farm in Haramaya University. A total of 24 bulls with age categories of 2-3 and 4-5 years were used in the complete block design for the experiment. Total mixed ration was provided at 3% of their BW during experimental periods. The average daily weight gain of the four breeds range from 0.49 to 0.71 kg. Feed conversion efficiency also ranges from 0.11 – 0.15. Simple linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between live body weight change and change in BCS as well as seven linear body measurements for all age groups. An average change for a unite of body condition score was equivalent to 20.3, 20.61, 22.42 and 27.78kg for Borana, Arsi, Harar and HF-crossbred bulls respectively. BCS was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by breeds. There was a significant (P<0.05) breed by age interaction effect on the initial body condition score of the four breeds. There was a significant and positive strong association between change in BW and BCS. There was a significant and strong correlation between change in BW and change in Total topline, neck length, heart girth, flank circumference and rump length having correlation coefficient ranges (r = 0.57 to 0.97). Higher (P<0.01) net profit of 7,380.47 ETB per head was recorded by Borana bulls followed by Harar bulls, Arsi and HF Crossbred with net profit of 5,406.86, 5193.29 and 3,384.98 ETB per head respectively.
Editorial Office BMC Biology The Origin and Evolution of a Two-Component System of Paralogous Genes Encoding the Centromeric Histone CENH3 in Cereals
Authors: Elisafenko Evgeny , Evtushenko Elena , Vershinin Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The cereal family Poaceae is one of the largest and most diverse angiosperm families. The central component of centromere specification and function is the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3). Some cereal species (maize, rice) have one copy of the CENH3 gene, while some (wheat, barley, rye) have two. We applied a homology-based approach to sequenced cereal genomes, in order to finally trace the mutual evolution of the structure of the CENH3 genes and the nearby regions in various tribes. Results: We have established that the syntenic group or the CENH3 locus with the CENH3 gene and the boundaries defined by the Cdpk2 and bZip genes first appeared around 50 Mya in a common ancestor of the subfamilies Bambusoideae, Oryzoideae and Pooideae. This locus came to Pooideae with one copy of CENH3 in the most ancient tribes Nardeae and Meliceae. The βCENH3 gene as a part of the locus appeared in the tribes Stipeae and Brachypodieae around 35-40 Mya. The duplication was accompanied by changes in the exon-intron structure. Purifying selection acts mostly on αCENH3s, while βCENH3s form more heterogeneous structures, in which clade-specific amino acid motifs are present. In barley species, the βCENH3 gene assumed an inverted orientation relative to αCENH3 and the Cdpk2 gene was substituted with Cbp3c. As the evolutionary and breeding processes went on, the locus was growing in size due to an increasing distance between αCENH3 and βCENH3 because of a massive insertion of the main LTR-containing retrotransposon superfamilies, gypsy and copia, without any evolutionary preference on either of them. A comparison of the molecular structure of the locus in the A, B and D subgenomes of the hexaploid wheat T. aestivum showed that invasion by mobile elements and concomitant rearrangements took place in an independent way even in evolutionarily close species. Conclusions: The CENH3 duplication in cereals was accompanied by changes in the exon-intron structure of the βCENH3 paralog, which it was not in other plant taxa. The observed general tendency towards the expansion of the CENH3 locus reveals an amazing diversity of ways in which different species implement the scenario described in this paper.
Elevation of Systemic Defense in Potato Against Alternaria Solani by a Consortium of Compatible Trichoderma Spp.
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Chandra Ram , Behera Lopamudra , Keswani Chetan , Sansinenea Estibaliz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The crop loss due to phytopathogens is a serious problem affecting the entire world. To avoid economic losses due to phytopathogens synthetic chemicals have been used for years generating serious concerns about the human health and environment. Today the use of beneficial microorganisms to treat phytopathogens is gaining attention. In this way, Trichoderma spp. has been used for combating plant diseases and inducing defense response in plants. With this idea in mind, in this study we evaluate the effectiveness of Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum as single as well as in combination for elevating the defense response and growth promotion activities in potato challenged with Alternaria solani. The mycelial inhibition of A. solani by T. viride and T. harzianum was recorded and compared with control. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation revealed the collapsed hyphae and sunken conidia of A. solani due to antagonistic activity of T. viride and T. harzianum. Induction of defense enzymes including TPC, PAL, SOD and total protein content was increased in Trichoderma spp, treated plants as compared with pathogen inoculated plants. HPLC analysis demonstrated higher production in phenolic compounds during combined application of Trichoderma spp. treated potato plants in the response of A. solani infection. Moreover, treatment with Trichoderma spp. consortium showed significant growth promotion in potato plants comparing with the control.
Blended Learning: The New Normal Teaching - Learning Pedagogy Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Mishra Pooja Manghirmalani 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 has been declared a Public Health Emergency and is of International concern. In the 21st century, everyone is a global citizen. Keeping in mind that the teachers are powerful agents of change and caregivers for the next generation of scientists and doctors, their professional needs cannot be compromised due to the uncertainties that will occur post-pandemic. Sustaining safe school operations or reopening schools after a closure requires many considerations. Similarly, the professional growth of teachers of all types of educational institutions also needs reconsideration. The present situation (of the year 2020) in the world demands teachers and educators to adopt blended learning teaching practices. These practices will not just be for teaching but also for learning. There are several digital educational resources, such as the SWAYAM MOOCs and NPTEL courses are available for the teachers. Along with, many premium global institutions are conducting skill development webinars, short term courses, etc to train and better equip teachers with e-learning tools and technologies. The present study addresses the attitude of 313 teachers towards blended learning approach and its six dimensions viz. learning flexibility, online learning, study management, technology, classroom learning and online interaction as a strategy to meet their professional needs post COVID 19 pandemic era. The present study investigated the attitude of male and female teachers towards blended learning and its dimensions. Also, the study aimed to find the difference in attitude of teachers teaching in English medium institutes and those teaching in institutes having other languages like Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, etc as their medium of instruction. The results indicated that the attitude of male teachers is greater than that of female teachers with respect to online learning. Also, teachers teaching in English medium institutes have a positive attitude towards Learning Flexibility dimension of blended learning when compared to those teaching in institutes having other medium of instruction. There is a need for a paradigm shift in the education system to create and enable technology dependent learning environments post COVID-19 pandemic which will help in maintaining safety and enhance learning experiences not just for students but for teachers' professional growth.
Compounding Impacts of Hazard Exposures on Mental Health in Houston, TX
Authors: Sansom Garett , Thompson Courtney , Sansom Lindsay , Fawkes Leanne , Boerlin Elizabeth 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Natural and anthropogenic hazards are increasingly becoming commonplace due to climate change and population pressures. The state of Texas is particularly vulnerable to these hazards and is ranked first in the United States due to the immense variety and frequency of large-scale events. While much research has looked at the immediate impacts these incidents have on mental health, little research has addressed the effects of compounding and repeated exposure to hazards.
Methods
This cross-sectional study (N = 1,224) collected survey data from a representative sample within the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area. Utilizing the 12 item Short Form Health Survey version 2 a general composite score assessing mental health was compared against the type and frequency of hazard exposures.
Results
Findings revealed an observed reduction in mental health scores as participants had repeated exposures to major disasters. Further, the only significant result (P < 0.001) in dictating a reduced mental health scores was repeat exposure to hazards even after adjusting for demographic data and socioeconomic variables.
Conclusion
This research reveals the long-term mental impact hazard exposures can have and underscores the need for target public health interventions and engaged community efforts.