bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recycling and Extraction of Zinc Ions in Disc-Donut Column Considering Forward Mixing Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction and Effects of Pulsed and non-Pulsed Condition
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torkaman Rezvan , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Saremi Mojtaba 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The current study focuses on the recovery of zinc ions by solvent extraction in the pulsed contactor. The Zn(II) ions from chloride solution were extracted into the organic phase containing D2EHPA extractant. The resulting data were characterized for the relative amount of (a) pulsed and no-pulsed condition; and (b) flow rate of both phases. Based on the mass balance equations for the column performance description, numerical computations of mass transfer in a disc-donut column were conducted and validated the experimental data for zinc extraction. Four different models, such as plug flow, backflow, axial dispersion, and forward mixing were evaluated in this study. The results showed that the intensification of the process with the pulsed condition increased and achieved higher mass transfer rates. The forward mixing model findings based on the curve fitting approach validated well with the experimental data. The results showed that an increase in pulsation intensity, as well as the phase flow rates, have a positive impact on the performance of the extractor, whereas the enhancement of flow rate led to the reduction of the described model parameters for adverse phase.
A Novel circRNA Highlights a Path to Cardiac Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
Authors: Tabakoff Boris , Mahaffey Jennifer , Mahaffey Spencer , Vanderlinden Lauren , Saba Laura , Hoffman Paula , Pravenec Michal 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCardiac hypertrophy can be considered a maladaptive response which in many cases results in heart failure and sudden death. Genetic predisposition to cardiac hypertrophy is ill-defined, but current research has given credence to a role of non-protein-coding RNAs in the development of cardiac hypertrophy.ResultsWe used microarrays, RNA-Seq and quantitative genetics with the spontaneously hypertensive, SHR (SHR/OlaIpcv) rat strain, the normotensive Brown Norway (BN-Lx/Cub) rat strain, and a recombinant inbred (RI) panel of rats (HXB/BXH) derived from these strains to examine the areas of the genome associated with cardiac hypertrophy. We identified circular (circ) RNAs coded within these areas. Of the 122 differentially expressed circRNAs in left ventricle of SHR and BN-Lx rats, three were transcribed from areas corresponding to the QTLs we identified for cardiac hypertrophy using the HXB/BXH rat panel. We then identified microRNAs which are “sponged” by the circ RNAs and the mRNAs which are destabilized by the microRNAs. 265 miRNAs could be identified as targets for the three circRNAs. We focused on the four miRNAs that were also differentially expressed between SHR and BN-Lx rats. One of the miRNAs (Mir-210-5p) was a target of the differentially expressed circ H2afy and circ H2afy was located within the QTL on Chr 17 (genome wide p-value = 0.011). Mir-210-5p has a binding site on the 3’ UTR of DR6, which is differentially expressed and in turn controls the expression level of NFκB. NFκB is an important component of the oxidative stress response leading to hypertrophy.ConclusionsOur work identified a novel circRNA that may be the mediator of a cascade of events that influence a cardiac hypertrophy phenotype. The circRNA and miRNA which we identified may become useful as markers of the risk for cardiac hypertrophy.
High-power Terahertz Waves for a Recycle System of Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Kawasaki Takayasu , Yamaguchi Yuusuke , Kitahara Hideaki , Irizawa Akinori , Tani Masahiko 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Recycling of persistent materials is one of most important subjects to be addressed towards the sustainable society. Amyloid fibril is such a tough biomaterial that can be designed for various industrial applications, and it is usually difficult to dissociate the once made fibrous conformation due to the cross β-sheet stacks. We propose here a unique but versatile approach to handle the fibril formation by using two-kinds of high-power terahertz waves. Lysozyme and β2-microglobulin peptide fragment were employed as model samples, and those fibrils were clearly disaggregated accompanied by decrease of β-sheets and increase of α-helices by the irradiation of 5.3 THz free electron laser tuned to 56 μm, as shown by infrared (IR) microscopy and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). In contrast, those fibrous conformations were reversely self-associated by the irradiation of 0.42 THz wave tuned to 720 μm from gyrotron, as shown by optical and IR microscopies, SEM, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The overall reaction is performed at room temperature within 30 min without external heating and high-pressures. Therefore, amyloid fibrils can be dissociated and associated under the proper far-infrared radiation conditions, which inspires a sustainable recycling system of fibrous biomaterials.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic On Sleep Quality in Students and Employees: Web-Based Survey
Authors: Ionescu Tiberiu Constantin , Zaharia Stefan , Minecan Elma , Fetecau Bogdana Ioana , Tudose Catalina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Thus, during the last year, drastic changes occurred in everyday life of every human being. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns (loneliness, anxiety, depression, or insomnia) have developed.
Methods

Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns (loneliness, anxiety, depression, or insomnia) have developed. The objective of this study was to explore the sleep quality in students and employees, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 620 responses were validated.
Results

In this study, more than 20% of the participants scored above the cut-off score for insomnia and almost 40% screened positive for mild problems with sleep. All these results are indicating an exacerbation of sleep disturbances. Although there is an increased prevalence of sleep disorders among respondents, these changes were not directly associated with the presence of the infection or its severity, but rather with various demographic, socio-economic variables and finally with the presence of a pre-existing psychiatric disorder.
Conclusions

In conclusion, sleep disorders among students and employees are a major health issue associated with great psychological burden. Up to date, research of insomnia during a pandemic crisis is limited. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to explore sleep difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic in students and employees in Romania. This study uncovered a high-level of insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women, single people, or presence of psychiatric disorders were more susceptible to sleep difficulties.
The role of mHLA-DR in the early diagnosis of sepsis patients with severe trauma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Guo-sheng , Wen Da-Lin , Qiu Jin-Chao , Wang Qiang , Peng Guo-Xuan , Du Juan , Zhang Peng , Zhang An-Qiang , Deng Jin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

HLA-DR is a common and significant biomarker in sepsis. However, as a biomarker of post-traumatic sepsis, there are few studies. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the value of HLA-DR in the diagnosis of severe traumatic sepsis.
Methods

We developed a strategy for literature retrieval from the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science,EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. All studies published until June 1, 2021, were retrieved. All studies that were included considered HLA-DR in the diagnosis of adult post-traumatic sepsis, and each study calculated the sensitivities and specificities.
Results

The study included 8 articles involving 639 trauma patients. combined sensitivity was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.86), the combined specificity was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62–0.71), the positive likelihood ratio was 2.29 (95% CI, 1.73–3.04), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.23–0.44). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84(95% CI, 0.80–0.87), and the Q index was 0.76. The combined diagnostic odds ratio was 9.11 (95% CI, 5.37–15.45).
Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis showed that HLA-DR could be considered as a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of severe traumatic sepsis. Its sensitivity and diagnostic abilities are excellent. However, its specificity is inadequate. Therefore, it should be combined with other clinical indicators to assess post-traumatic sepsis, and cannot be used in the diagnosis of a disease alone.
Application of DSM-BIA in dry weight assessment in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang Zheng , Liu Na , Mu Shujuan , Guo Peng , Li Shichao , Bai Jiajia , Zhou Jingwei , Li Yan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesDry weight assessment (DWA) is an important part of dialysis and fluid management in patients receiving renal replacement therapy. With the development of bioimpedance analysis (BIA), the development of the direct segmental multi-frequency BIA (DSM-BIA) has provided a more convenient measure for DWA of dialysis patients, but its accuracy remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the application of DSM-BIA in DWA of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study. Using the conventional BIA as a reference, we examined the accuracy of the DSM-BIA technique for assessing dry weight in CAPD patients and analyzed the potential factors influencing their fluid volume status.Setting and Participants:A total of 31 patients with end-stage renal disease receiving CAPD and 310 healthy volunteers were recruited for this study.MethodsThe intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the consistency between DSM-BIA and the conventional BIA for DWA. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors associated with the edema index.ResultsDSM-BIA and the conventional BIA technology were consistent in DWA in CAPD patients (ICC female 0.972, ICC male 0.882, ICC total 0.960). Similarly, Bland-Altman plots showed good agreements between the two methods in DWA for both genders. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis showed both eGFR level (P = 0.04) and serum NT-pro BNP concentration (P = 0.007) were positively correlated with the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TCW).ConclusionsDSM-BIA in DWA has good accuracy in clinical applications and has potential application value for fluid volume management in CAPD patients.
The Need for Surgery of Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Disease Care Based on Imaging Findings
Authors: Uraguchi Kensuke , Higaki Takaya , Kozakura Kenichi , Doi Akira , Makihara Seiichiro , Noda Yohei , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Kariya Shin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: In general, ISSD may be detected due to clinical symptoms, but some ISSDs are found incidentally during radiological examinations for the assessment of unrelated diseases. This study aims to evaluate the clinical aspects of all ISSDs detected by image inspection. Methods: A total of 94 patients with ISSD were enrolled in this study. The study patients were classified into two groups: a group who improved with conservative treatment (n=25), and a group who did not improve with conservative treatment (n=69). Their clinical symptoms, medical histories, pathologies, and imaging findings were assessed.Results: The incidence of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in the improvement group was significantly higher compared with the non-improvement group. Conversely, the incidences of bone erosion and expansion were significantly higher in the non-improvement group. Of the 42 cases receiving surgery, 10 cases (23.8%) had asymptomatic ISSD.Conclusion: This study suggests that ISSD with high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and/or without bone erosion and expansion in imaging findings could improve by conservative treatment or watchful waiting. Because some asymptomatic ISSD cases required surgery, proper diagnosis of ISSD regardless of clinical symptoms is important to prevent severe illness.
Post-Evaluation of Slope-Cutting on Loess Slopes Under Long-Term Rainfall Based on Model Test
Authors: Liu Guodong , Xu Shiqiang , Zhou Zhijun , Li Tao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Failures of treated slope occurring in China are at a consistently increasing rate, leaving the huge number of treated loess slopes calling for post-evaluation, however, no mature technique is in place. Depended on an loess slope in Shaanxi province treated by slope-cutting, indoor geotechnical and model tests were conducted, revealing the rainwater infiltration characteristics and pressure varying characteristics inside the slope, the results of which were then adopted to perform the post-evaluation of the treated slope. The results showed that the rainwater scouring effect on the loess slope surface attenuates gradually, and enters a steady stage after the first year of rainfall. The rainwater preferentially penetrates the platforms with gradually attenuating rates, however the wetting front can not be deemed as the boundary between the saturated and unsaturated areas, as the most parts of the model slope were indicated unsaturated by the pore water pressure sensors. Caused by the in-situ stress release, the soil pressures don’t increase but decrease sharply at the start of the rainfall. The displacements mainly occurs in the first two years of rainfall, following by steady periods. The model test results and investigation results were then used to conduct the post-evaluation of the prototype slope, which formed a post-evaluation frame relevant to other slope post-evaluations.
Components Analysis of Recycled Alkali Black Liquor Combined with Corn Straw under Ozone Pretreatment
Authors: Li Fei , Lu Xiaohong , Li Yiming , Fang Shuo , Zhou Xia , Zhao Zhezhen , Liu Ping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Previous studies showed that the cellulase hydrolysis of corn straw pretreated with circulating alkali black liquor combined with ozone was suppressed. In this paper, the alkali black liquor was sequentially withdrawn for 0–6 times under the optimal pretreatment conditions, and components characterization was analyzed to identify the main factors inhibiting cellulase hydrolysis in recycled alkali black liquor. Through the component analysis, the organic matter and acid precipitation contents increased throughout the cycles. At the fourth cycle, the cellulase hydrolysis rate was decreased significantly, the growth of lignin content in alkali black liquor was slowed down and the total dissolved solid increment was decreased to 8.33mg/mL, 69.52% lower than previous cycle increase. GC-MS results showed that phenols, benzene ring heterocyclic and furans were main degradation products. It indicated that small molecular organics and lignin were inhibitors of cellulase hydrolysis, which accumulated during recycling, reducing alkali utilization and delignification efficiency, resulting in lower enzymatic hydrolysis rate. This study has revealed the components inhibiting the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn straw in recycled alkali black liquor, which is beneficial to the recovery and efficient utilization of recycled alkali black liquor.
Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Solitary Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Nasr Burkan , Nasr Burkan , Qubati Mohammed , Qubati Sultan , Tamimi Abd alhakim Al , Rabo Yasser Abd , Tam Abd alfatah Al , Shujaa Mohamed Al , Shehari Mohammed Al , Aljunaeed Anwar 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aim

Preoperative distinction between benign and malignant in solitary thyroid nodules is important. It helps to avoid unnecessary surgery and its adverse effects, such as hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia, and recurrent nerve injury.
Methods

Descriptive perspective analyzed data over a period of 6 years April 2015__April 2021 in Saudi Hospital at Hajjah, Yemen. 226 thyroid operations for 207 patients ,135 patients diagnosis as Solitary thyroid nodule and 72 patients as Multi nodular goiter. Patients with a clinically solitary thyroid nodule were included in the study group.
Results

135 cases of clinically detected STN,126 female and 9 male patients, between 14_65 years age, median 41 years and mean 39.76 years, (94, 41)patients respectively Rt side thyroid effect more than Lt side, FNAC sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was (61%, 72%, 64%)respectively. Postoperative histopathology reported 100 (74%) patients as having benign thyroid nodules and 35 patients (26%) as having malignant thyroid nodules. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia was observed in 9 patients (7%), and temporary horsnese was observed in 3 patients (2%).
Conclusion

The incidence of malignancy in STN is high. Rapid growth by history and hard fixed nodule by examination and hypoechoic, micro calcification and cervical lymphadenopathy on USG frequently in malignant nodules. Male risk factors for thyroid cancer included age, number and size of nodules. FNAC is more helpful for diagnosing aspiration under USG guidance and reading by experience histopathologists. The type of surgery depends on preoperative evaluation, including history, examination, ultrasound, FNAC result, and intraoperative assessment of the nodule. There are fewer complications of thyroid surgery by experienced surgeons.
Association of Triglyceride Glucose-Body Mass Index and Incident Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Retrospective Analysis Based On a Chinese Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Fan , Ding Xiaohan , Chen Zhuangsen , Liao Yan , Chen Miaoling , Yao Weili , Liang Qian , Hu Haofei , Wang Xinyu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) has been proposed as a marker of insulin resistance (IR). However, evidence for the relationship between TyG-BMI and the incidence of diabetes mellitus remains limited. This study investigated the association between TyG-BMI and diabetes occurrence in Chinese individuals.MethodsThis retrospective study included a cohort of 204978 non-diabetic individuals using data from healthy screening program data in China between 2010 and 2016. The independent and dependent variables are TyG-BMI and incident of diabetes, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the relationship between TyG-BMI and incident diabetes. Generalized additive models were used to identify non-linear relationships. Subgroup analysis helped better understand other factors that may affect the association between TyG-BMI and diabetes to identify potential special populations. And the data were downloaded from the DATADRYAD website.ResultOur study indicated that the incidence of diabetes increases with the rise of TyG-BMI (HR = 1.023, 95%CI(1.022, 1.024) ) after adjusting age, gender, SBP, DBP, TC, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST, Scr, smoking status, drinking status, family history. There was a nonlinear relationship between TyG-BMI and the incidence of diabetes, and the inflection point was 232.416. The effect size and confidence interval of the left and right sides of the inflection point were 1.029 (1.027, 1.031), 1.016 (1.014, 1.018), P for interaction < 0.0001. Subgroup analysis showed that the correlation was stronger in the population aged 20–30 (P for interaction < 0.0001, HR 1.029, 95%CI:1.024 to 1.035),and the same trend was found in the following populations: age 30–40(HR = 1.032), age 40–50(HR = 1.029), HDL (high group) (HR = 1.024 ), SBP<140(HR = 1.025), DBP<90(HR = 1.024), current drinker(HR = 1.031), and ever drinker(HR = 1.032).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that increased TyG-BMI was positively correlated with incident diabetes in Chinese. TyG-BMI and incident diabetes had non-linear relationship. Before and after TyG-BMI equals 232.416, the risk of diabetes increased by 2.9% and 1.6%, respectively, when TyG-BMI increased one unit.
Structural and Genetic Diversity of Entamoeba Gingivalis Trophozoites Isolated From Diseased and Healthy Periodontal Sites
Authors: EL-Dardiry Marwa A. , Abdel-Aal Amany A. , Nahnoush Reham K. , Elmallawany Marwa A. , Akmal Mohamed , Afife Adam A. , Badr Mohamed S. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The variability aspects of Entamoeba gingivalis concerning periodontal diseases are poorly studied. The reason is that many researchers rejected the notion that it can cause periodontal disease. The current study aimed to compare the morphological and genetic variability within trophozoites isolated from diseased and healthy periodontal sites. The practical investigation included a detailed microscopic analysis and gene scanning of the 18S-SSU rRNA by real-time PCR. All trophozoites isolated from diseased sites were significantly larger than those from healthy sites. Besides, they were clustered together with many other leuko-phagocytes. Gene scanning revealed diversity within the isolates of mutant trophozoites isolated from diseased sites. Four melting curves matched the H57 strain, while the remaining eight expressed the wild strain. Most of the isolates from healthy sites were wild-type, while only two isolates represented the H57 strain. However, the study confirmed morphological and genetic variability between different isolates, more in-depth molecular studies are required to investigate the role of this oral protozoan in the pathogenicity of periodontal affection. The study highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary diagnostic strategies by employing exported clinical investigators to reach truthful scientific outcomes concerning the association of certain microorganisms to particular diseases or disorders.
The role of indigenous knowledge and local knowledge in water sector adaptation to climate change in Africa: A structured assessment
Authors: Zvobgo Luckson , Johnston Peter , Williams Portia Adade , GAMI Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative , Trisos Christopher , Simpson Nicholas Philip 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Evidence of human adaptation actions responding to climate impacts is increasing in Africa. However, a holistic understanding of effective adaptation across the diversity of African contexts is still limited at a continental scale. Despite high reliance on indigenous knowledge (IK) and local knowledge (LK) for climate adaptation in Africa, the potential risk reduction of IK and LK and its role in supporting transformative adaptation responses is yet to be established. Here, we assess the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water sector adaptation in Africa and describe the relationship between adaptation and indigenous and local knowledge systems. Eighteen (18) water sector response types were identified from the academic literature through the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI). The most implemented measures across Africa influenced by IK and LK were household-level and individual measures and included irrigation, rainwater harvesting, water conservation and ecosystem-based measures (mainly agroforestry). Southern, west, and east Africa show relatively high evidence of the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water adaptation responses while north, and central Africa show lower evidence. At country level, Zimbabwe display highest evidence (77.8%) followed by Ghana (53.6%), Kenya (46.2%) and South Africa (31.3%). Adaptation responses with IK and LK influence recorded higher evidence of risk reduction compared to articles without IK and LK. Analysis of intended nationally determined contributions (iNDCs) shows the most implemented water adaptation actions in academic literature are consistent with water sector adaptation targets set by most African governments. Yet only 10.4% of the African governments included IK and LK in adaptation planning in the iNDCs. The study recommends a coordinated approach to adaptation that integrates multiple knowledge sources including IK and LK to ensure greater effectiveness and scalability of current and potential water adaptation measures in Africa.