bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and optimization of a glyphosate-degrading Rhodococcus soli G41 for bioremediation
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Ngoc , Vo Van Tam , Nguyen Phong The Hong , Kiefer Rudolf 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A widely used herbicide for controlling weeds, glyphosate, is causing environmental pollution. It is necessary to remove it from environment using a cost-effective and eco-friendly method. The aims of this study were to isolate glyphosate-degrading bacteria and to optimize their degradative conditions required for bioremediation. Sixteen bacterial strains were isolated through enrichment and one strain, Rhodococcus soli G41, demonstrated a high removal rate of glyphosate than other strains. Response surface methodology was employed G41 strain to optimize distinct environmental factors on glyphosate degradation of G41 strain. The optimal conditions for the maximum glyphosate degradation were found to have the NH4Cl concentration of 0.663% and glyphosate concentration of 0.115%. Degradation analysis showed 47.1% of glyphosate in soil was degraded by G41 strain after 14 days. The presence of soxB gene in G41 strain indicates that the glyphosate is degraded via the eco-friendly sarcosine pathway. The results indicated that G41 strain has the potential to serve as an in-situ candidate for bioremediation of glyphosate polluted environments.
Community-level Mental Health and Psychosocial Support During Armed Conflict: A Cohort Study from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Nigeria
Authors: Andersen Ida , Rossi Rodolfo , Hubloue Ives 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Community-level mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) was the first type of MHPSS program launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) back in 2004. Standardized beneficiary-level monitoring was put in place in late 2018. This is the first study to explore whether this type of program correlates, as intended, with reduced psychological distress and increased daily functioning.Methods: Between December 2018 and June 2020, 6,413 victims of violence received MHPSS through 32 community-level projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Nigeria. Symptoms of psychological distress (IES-R or DASS21) and daily functioning (ICRC scale) were assessed before and after the intervention and logistical regression models were used to identify predictors of these symptoms. Results: The most predominant perpetrators were weapon-bearers (76%) and the most common type of violence was rape (46%). Victims of violence committed by weapon-bearers were more likely to show high levels of anxiety prior to MHPSS (aOR 3.51; p<0.0001). Also, victims of physical violence were more likely to show high levels of stress (aOR 1.49; p<0.0001) whereas victims who had witnessed physical violence were more like to report high levels of depression (aOR 2.54; <0.0001). Lack of social support stood out as a predictor of both high anxiety (aOR 2.10; p<0.0001) and post-traumatic stress (aOR 2.04; p<0.0001) prior to MHPSS. Following MHPSS, the vast majority of beneficiaries reported a reduction in distress on the DASS21 (96.58%) and the IES-R scales (92.70%) as well as an increase of functioning (82.26%). Adherence to group therapy (7 sessions on average) was stronger than individual therapy (4 sessions on average). A linear trend was found between length of treatment and likelihood of reporting reduced symptoms of depression. Having suffered destruction or loss of property or income was predicted less improvement of functioning following MHPSS (aOR 0.90; p=0.044). Conclusion: Community-level MHPSS is associated with increased well-being among the vast majority of beneficiaries. To further increase intended health outcomes, it is recommended to increase the number of sessions per beneficiary and address, where relevant, the financial consequences of violence. Also, a longitudinal study is recommended to assess the longer-term changes in symptoms.
Fast Sheath-driven Electrothermal Artificial Muscles with High Power Densities
Authors: Hu Xinghao , Jia Jingjing , Wang Yingming , Tang Xintian , Fang Shaoli , Wang Yilun , Wang Jian , Baughman Ray , Ding Jian-Ning 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Electrothermal carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn muscles can provide large strokes during heating-cooling cycles. However, the slow cooling rate of thermal muscles limit their applications, since large diameter prior-art thermal muscles cannot be rapidly cycled. We here report an ultrafast thermally powered sheath-driven yarn muscle that uses a hybrid CNT sheath and an inexpensive polymer core. Our coiled muscle contracts 14.3% at 1 Hz and 7.3% at 8 Hz in air when powered by a square-wave electrical voltage input. The 70-mm-diameter actuated muscle cools in air to 16℃ from 150℃ within 0.5 s, compared with 6 s for a 65-mm-diameter sheath-run muscle that uses an electrothermally heated CNT core and 9 s for a 78-mm-diameter muscle that uses the sheath material for the entire muscle. An average power density of 12 kW/kg was obtained for a sheath-driven muscle, which is 42 times that for human skeletal muscle. This high performance results since the heating that drives fast actuation cycles is largely restricted to the muscle sheath, and this sheath is in direct contact with ambient temperature air.
AKT-mTOR Signaling-Mediated Rescue of PRKAG2 R302Q Mutant-Induced Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Treatment with β-AR Blocker Metoprolol
Authors: Zhuo Jian , Geng Haihua , Yao Lihong , Wu Xiaohui , Fan Mengkang , Sheng Hongzhuan , Yao Jian 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome, as a common form of metabolic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) caused by mutations in PRKAG2 gene, often shows myocardial hypertrophy and abnormal glycogen deposition in cardiomyocytes. However, it remains incurable due to lacking of a management guideline for treatment. Herein, a β1-AR blocker Metoprolol was applied to 5 patients with PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome identified from a PRKAG2 R302Q mutant family, resulting in significantly postponed progression of cardiac hypertrophy. Overexpression of PRKAG2 R302Q in primary cardiomyocytes increased the activity of AMPK, induced cellular hypertrophy and glycogen storage, and promoted the phosphorylation levels of AKT-mTOR signaling. Application of either β1-AR blocker metoprolol or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 to the cardiomyocytes rescued the HCM-like phenotypes induced by PRKAG2 R302Q, including suppression of both AKT-mTOR phosphorylation and AMPK activity. In conclusion, the current study not only determined the mechanism regulating HCM induced by PRKAG2 R302Q mutant, but also demonstrated a therapeutic strategy using β1-AR blocker to treat the patients with PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome.
Navigating communication between Conventional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A case study of cancer patients in Hong Kong
Authors: Pun Jack , Wong Wendy 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a growing phenomenon around the world. However, despite its historical role in Chinese society, there has been limited research exploring the nature of communication around cancer patients who receive TCM care in additional to conventional medicine. If TCM practitioners with adequate knowledge in understanding the needs and communication issues around patients with cancer, particularly those who simultaneously receive conventional medicine, it will lead to a better quality of care and result in better clinical outcomes such as high patient satisfaction and compliance with treatments.Objectives: To fill in this gap, this study aims to explore the nature of the communication amongst cancer patients in Hong Kong who receive TCM treatment in addition to conventional medicine.Participants: Twenty patients, 5 oncologists and 5 TCM practitioners were invited to conduct in-depth interviews to elicit their views towards their TCM treatment.Method: A qualitative approach called Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is adopted.Results: Based on the themes that emerged from the interview transcripts, we outline the priorities of communication when dealing with cancer patients who receive both TCM and conventional medicine. A framework was developed to assist training TCM practitioners to better integrate their patients' conventional medical history when delivering patient care. Conclusions: The findings of this study can shed light to inform priorities in communication when caring for patients who opt for TCM care in addition to conventional treatments, and to provide useful information for developing future clinical research of providing integrated approach between TCM and conventional medicine in treating cancer patients.
Identification and Profiling of Microbial Community from Industrial Sludge
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Singh Surendra Pratap 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This study aims to identify microbial communities and their taxonomical profiling basis of order, species, genus, family, and class at the level in the sludge of pulp and paper industry. Studies showed dominant phyla in 16S rDNA Illumina Miseq analysis inside sludge were Anaerolinea, Pseudomonas, Clostridia, Bacteriodia, Gammaproteobacteria, Spirochetia, Deltaproteobacteria, Spirochaetaceae, Prolixibacteraceae and some unknown microbial strains are also dominant. The results of metabarcoding of the V3-V4 16S rRNA regions acquired from paired-end Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to analyze bacterial communities and structure. Microorganisms can produce a vast variety of secondary metabolites, all of which are playing a crucial in biogeochemical cycle processes. The present work demonstrates the potential approach to sludge treatment in the open environment via the naturally adapted microorganism, which could be an essential addition to the disposal site. In summary, these investigations indicate that the indigenous microbial community is an acceptable bioresource for remediation or detoxification following secondary treatment. This research aims at understanding the structure of microbial communities and their taxonomic diversity (%) in highly contaminated sludge to perform in-situ bioremediation.
Respiratory Rehabilitation Does not Prevent Post-Pperative Pulmonary Complications, Morbidity and Mortality After Esophagectomy.- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: VASAVADA BHAVIN , patel Hardik 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Aim: The analysis aimed to study the effect of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation on post-operative pulmonary complications, overall morbidity, and mortality after esophagectomy.Methods: The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement (2020) and MOOSE guidelines. The meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4. We compared postoperative pneumonia, postoperative pulmonary complications, morbidity, and mortality between the preoperative respiratory group vs. no prehabilitation group. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test. The random-effect model was used with I2 was more than 25% otherwise fixed-effect model was used. I2 less than 25%, 25-50%, and more than 50% were taken as low, moderate, or high heterogeneity.Results: Seven studies consisting of. 606 patients were included in the analysis. 322 patients in the respiratory prehabilitation group and 284 in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pneumonia (p=0.11), post-operative pulmonary complications (p= 0.09), All cause morbidity and mortality. (p=0.98, and 0.30 respectively). However, heterogeneity was moderate to high in most analyses.Conclusion: There is no conclusive evidence as of now regarding the benefits of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation in esophagectomy. However, further studies are needed to confirm it.
Phenanthrene-Enriched Extract from Eulophia Macrobulbon Using Subcritical Dimethyl Ether for Phosphodiesterase-5A1 Inhibition
Authors: Srivi Jukkarin , Boonnoun Panatpong , Saesong Tongchai , Pingyoda Chitaporn , Chaichamnong Nattiya , Engsuwan Jinutda , Temkitthawon Prapapan , Scholfield C. Norman , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Khorana Nantaka , Ingkaninan Kornkanok 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Eulophia macrobulbon (E.C.Parish & Rchb.f.) Hook.f. contains a natural PDE5A1 inhibitor, the phenanthrene, 1-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-4,8- dimethoxyphenanthrene-2,7-diol (HDP) a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction. This investigation aimed to improve extraction efficiency of HDP from E. macrobulbon by using greener extraction methodology, subcritical fluid dimethyl ether extraction (sDME) rather than classical solvent extraction (CSE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The efficiency and quality of obtained extracts were evaluated by: %process yield; solvent amount; extraction period; temperature; %HDP content by LC-MS assay, bioactivity as inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5A1 (PDE5A1) by radio-enzymatic assay; and chemical profiles by LC-QTOF-MS analysis. sDME yielded the highest content of HDP in the extract at 4.47%, much higher than using ethanol (0.4-0.5%), ethyl acetate (1.2-1.7%), or dichloromethane (0.7-1.4%). Process yield for sDME (1.5-2.7%) was similar or less than that observed with other solvents (0.9-17%), but providing that process yield is not prohibitively low, concentration is a more important metric for clinical application. Optimal sDME extraction conditions were: extraction period, 40 mins; 200% water as a cosolvent; sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:8; temperature, 35°C. Phenanthrene aglycone and glycoside derivatives were major constituents in sDME extracts and lesser amounts of phenolic compounds and sugars. Inhibition of PDE5A1 by sDME (IC50 0.67±0.22 µg/mL) was 10-fold more potent than the ethanolic extract and other extraction methods, suggesting a high likelihood of clinical efficacy. Thus, sDME was more efficient, faster, solvent-sparing, greener extraction methodology and more selective for phenanthrene when extracted from E. macrobulbon.
Cacoepy (bad pronunciation or mispronunciation) of scientific terms and their effect on learning of secondary level science students
Authors: Rasheed Arsalan , Awan Anita 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This research investigates cacoepy of science terminology encountered by the secondary level school students of Kohat district. The problem of cacoepy of scientific terms needs investigation due to the assumption that mispronunciations if learned in secondary level were still frequently performed by the advanced level students or may be throughout their life. The current research was designed in order to identify the cacoepy of common science terminologies by secondary school students and to study the science teachers’ views on secondary level science textbooks produced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook board. It was found that majority of the students like science subjects and find the terminologies difficult in which most of the terms contain more than 7 alphabets and were considered as complex terms. Due to this complexity, students feel difficulty in learning of scientific terms. Most of science terms were derived from Greek, Latin and other ancient languages, so students cannot understand their meanings. Almost every chapter of secondary school biology, chemistry and physics is overloaded with difficult terms and students felt difficulty in preparation of those subjects in which mostly difficult terms were found in biology. Mostly science teachers emphasize goals for school science that are directed only toward preparing students for the next academic level (for further formal study of science) and finishing his course within session ignoring the students` pronunciation of scientific terminologies. It is recommended that authors should use simple terms and avoid terms containing more than 7 alphabets. It is important to expose the students of secondary level to such a workload which is appropriate for their studying needs instead of annual books`s revision and insertion of high workload. Teachers should insert few terms into science lessons for practising daily, and it is enough to devote a minute or two to some pronunciation issue so that fluency during lecture is not interrupted a lot. Pointing out a pronunciation problem when it has just arisen in the course is a good way of introducing correct pronunciation into the class. English plays an important part in the development of students because of its present and future as an international language. Real life activities or examples should be associated with important topics. Textbooks should be altered for language of explanation to match the level of students in secondary schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some outdated themes should be replaced with new themes to meet the needs of the 21st century. It is suggested that the textbook board in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should include the urdu phonology and meaning of the found terminologies at the start of each chapter.
Detection of child abuse on computed tomography imaging due to presence of severe caries: A case report
Authors: tokue hiroyuki , Tokue Azusa , Tsushima Yoshito 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Child abuse can result from physical, verbal, or sexual harm. While child abuse often involves an action that harms the child, inaction, such as neglect, can also cause harm.Case presentation: We present a case in which child abuse was detected through computed tomography imaging findings of severe dental caries. This case was a 5-year-old girl who fell down the stairs and hit her head. The computed tomography of her head showed no abnormalities; however, severe dental caries was detected. The mother’s incomplete history and inadequate explanation of injuries further made us suspect abuse. A whole-body computed tomography was conducted for child abuse screening, which showed an unnatural fracture in the left arm. Through these imaging findings, we were able to identify and help a victim of child abuse.Conclusions: Physicians should be aware that severe dental caries may be a sign of child abuse.
Electrical Transport and Fluctuation Processes in NbRe and NbReN Ultrathin Films for Superconducting Electronics Applications
Authors: Barone Carlo , Cirillo Carla , Carapella Giovanni , Granata Veronica , Santoro Daniele , Attanasio Carmine , Pagano Sergio 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
NbRe-based superconducting thin films recently received relevant interest in the field of low-temperature electronics. However, for these materials the electrical conduction mechanisms, in particular in the normal state, still need to be investigated in more detail. Here, NbRe and NbReN films of different thicknesses have been deposited on two different substrates, namely monocrystalline Si and SiO2 buffered Si. The films were characterized by DC electrical transport measurements. Moreover, a connection with the charge carriers fluctuation processes has been made by analyzing the electrical noise generated in the normal state region. Despite the films morphology seems not to be affected by the substrate used, a lower noise level has been found for the ones grown on SiO2, in particular for NbReN. From this study it emerges that both NbRe and NbReN ultrathin films are of very good quality, as far as the low-temperature electrical noise and conduction are concerned, with noise levels competitive with NbN. These results may further support the proposal of using these materials in a nanowire form in the field of superconducting electronics.
Factors associated with a malaria outbreak at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, 2021: A case-control study
Authors: Takarinda Kudzai Patience , Nyadundu Simon , Govha Emmanuel , Chadambuka Addmore , Gombe Notion Tafara , Juru Tsitsi Patience , Tshimanga Mufuta 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMalaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among forcibly displaced populations including refugees, approximately two-thirds of whom reside in malaria endemic regions. Data from the rapid disease notification system (RDNS) reports for Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe showed that despite implementation of malaria control initiatives, there was an increase in number of malaria cases above action thresholds at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge District during weeks 12-14. We investigated the malaria outbreak describing the outbreak by person, place and time, assessing malaria emergency preparedness and response and appropriateness of case management. We also determined the factors associated with contracting malaria to enable the formulation of appropriate interventions, establish control and prevent future malaria outbreaks among this vulnerable population.MethodsWe conducted a 1:1 unmatched case control study involving 80 cases and 80 controls using interviewer-administered questionnaires at household level. Data was entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using Epi InfoTM version 7.2.4 to generate medians, proportions, odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.ResultsMalaria cases were distributed throughout the 10 residential sections within Tongogara Refugee Camp, the majority being from section 7, 28/80 (35%). Despite constituting 11% of the total population, Mozambican nationals accounted for 36/80 (45%) cases. Males constituted 47/80 (59%) among cases versus controls 43/80 (54%), p=0.524. Median age for cases was also lower compared to controls; 15 years [Interquartile range (IQR), 9-26] versus 17 years (IQR, 10-30). Several natural and manmade potential vector breeding sites were observed around the camp. Risk factors associated with contracting malaria were engaging in outdoor activities at night [AOR 4.26 (95% CI, 1.43-12.68)], wearing clothes that do not cover the whole body [AOR=2.74 (95% CI 1.04-7.22) while sleeping in a refugee housing unit reduced the risk of contracting malaria [AOR=0.18 (CI, 0.06-0.55)]. ConclusionsThe malaria outbreak at Tongogara Refugee Camp reemphasizes the role of behavioral factors in malaria transmission. We recommend intensified health education to address human behaviors that expose residents to malaria and habitat modification with larviciding to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.