bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Statistical Image Watermark Detector in RHFMs Domain using Beta Exponential Distribution
Authors: Niu Panpan , Tian Jing , Tian Jialin , Wang Xiangyang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The detection of watermarks can be achieved by statistical approaches. How to select robust modeling object, appropriate statistical model, and decision rules is one of the major issues in statistical image watermark detection. In this paper, we propose a new image watermark detector in robust fast radial harmonic Fourier moments (FRHFMs) magnitudes domain, wherein the Beta exponential distribution model and locally most powerful (LMP) decision rule are used. We first investigate the statistical modeling of the robust FRHFMs magnitudes by the Beta exponential distribution. It is shown that the Beta exponential distribution model fits the empirical data more accurately than the formerly employed statistical distributions, such as the Cauchy, Weibull, BKF and Exponential, do. Motivated by the statistical modeling results, we design a blind image watermark detector in FRHFMs magnitudes domain by using Beta exponential distribution and LMP test. Also, we utilize the Beta-exponential model to derive the closed-form expressions for the watermark detector. We provide comparative experimental results to alternative approaches to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed image watermark detector.
Remote Photonic Detection of Human Senses Using Secondary Speckle Patterns
Authors: Kalyuzhner Zeev , Agdarov Sergey , Orr Itai , Beiderman Yafim , Bennett Aviya , Zalevsky Zeev 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Neural activity research has recently gained significant attention due to its association with sensory information and behavior control. However, current methods of brain activity sensing require expensive equipment and physical contact with the subject. We propose a novel photonic-based method for remote detection of human senses. Physiological processes associated with hemodynamic activity due to activation of the cerebral cortex affected by different senses have been detected by remote monitoring of nano‐vibrations generated due to the transient blood flow to specific regions of the brain. We have found that combination of defocused, self‐interference random speckle patterns with a spatiotemporal analysis using Deep Neural Network (DNN) allows associating between the activated sense and the seemingly random speckle patterns.
Rhino-orbital mucormycosis related to COVID-19- A case series exploring risk factors
Authors: Aggarwal Sushil Kumar , Kaur Upinder , Talda Dolly , Pandey Akshat , Jaiswal Sumit , Kanakan Ahalya , Goyal Arpit , Yadav Ramraj , Singh Anshuman , Dhameja Neeraj , Selvaraj Siva , Chakrabarti Sankha Shubhra 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
There has been a surge of rhino-orbital mucormycosis cases in India in the wake of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been widely suggested that dysglycaemia due to diabetes present as a common comorbidity in these COVID-19 patients as well as indiscriminate steroid use has resulted in this surge. Here, we report a series of 13 cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients admitted at our center between mid-April and early June 2021. Out of the 13, the only common factor was COVID-19 at some time point before diagnosis of mucormycosis or coexistent with it. The cases showed a male preponderance and four of them showed intracranial extension of disease. Eleven of them had received steroids as part of COVID-19 management protocol and twelve of them had pre-existing or newly diagnosed diabetes. We have summarized other probable risk factors being considered such as immunosuppressed state, antiviral and Ayurvedic (Indian traditional) medications, oxygen therapy, with each of which we could not find a link of mucormycosis. We propose that COVID-19 itself through molecular mechanisms predisposes to mucormycosis, with other factors such as dysglycaemia providing a second hit.
Bottlenecks to Intervention Scale Up: Supply and Demand Side Perspectives From a Large, Community-based Trial of Malaria Testing
Authors: Kirui Joseph , Malinga Josephine , Sang Edna , Ambani George , Abel Lucy , Nalianya Erick , Namae Jane , Boyce Matthew , Laktabai Jeremiah , Menya Diana , O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Maximizing the impact of community-based programs requires understanding how the supply of and demand for the intervention interact at the point of delivery. We present results from a large-scale community health worker study designed to increase the availability of and demand for malaria diagnostic testing in a rural, malaria-endemic region in western Kenya between 2015 and 2017. Methods: Community Health Workers (CHWs) provided free malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test(mRDT) in the community. Those with a positive malaria test were provided with a discounted first-line antimalarial over-the-counter. We conducted a community-based survey to collect individual study outcomes at 12- and 18-months post-implementation. In addition, we collected monthly testing data from the 244 participating CHWs and also conducted in-depth interviews with a random sample of 70 CHWs. Results: From the survey, 55% (n=948/1738) reported having a malaria test for their recent illness with 38% having been tested by a CHW. Being aware of a local CHW (95% CI:1.10-2.04) and belonging to a wealthy household (95% CI:1.14-2.06) were associated with higher malaria testing uptake from any source. Poorer households were more likely to receive a test from a CHW. School-aged children between 5-17 years were more than twice as likely to be tested by a CHW (95% CI:1.47-4.14). Both confidence in AL treatment (95% CI:1.54-4.92) and perceived accuracy of an RDT performed by a CHW (95% CI:1.12-5.27) were strongly and positively associated with testing by a CHW. In adjusted analyses, specific CHWs attributes were significantly associated with higher testing rates including formal employment (95% CI:0.05-2.70), those serving more than 50 households (95% CI:0.70-2.74) and those serving areas with a higher proportion of positive tests (95% CI:1.05, 3.22). On both the supply side and the demand side, confidence in a test performed by a CHW was strongly correlated with the success of the intervention.Conclusion: Scale-up of community-based malaria testing intervention through CHWs is feasible and effective at reaching the poorest households. In order to maximize the impact of such interventions, it is important to recognize factors that may restrict both delivery and demand for such services.
Standardization of Loop mediated isothermal amplification for detection of D. nodosus and F. necrophorum causing footrot in sheep and goats
Authors: madineni kavitha , Kumar N. Vinod 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) was standardized for rapid detection of D. nodosus and F. necrophorum. A total of 250 foot swabs (200) were screened from sheep and (50) were from goats from different districts of Rayalaseema viz., Chittoor, Nellore, Kadapa, Anantapur. Out of 250 samples 75 (30.0%) and 85 (34.0%) were positive for D. nodosus and F. necrophorum respectively. All the 250 samples were screened individually for both the organisms by LAMP. Among them, 104 (41.6%) were found to be positive for D. nodosus and 120 (48.0%) were positive for F. necrophorum. The efficacy of LAMP in terms of sample DNA detection limit was compared with the PCR by using standard dilutions of DNA extracted from D. nodosus and F. necrophorum cultures. The detection limit was found to be higher than PCR for both the organisms. The sensitivity of LAMP is compared with PCR by targeting 16S rRNA gene of D. nodosus and lktA gene of F. necrophorum. In case of D. nodosus, out of 250 samples, 75 (30.0%) were positive by PCR and 104 (41.6%) were positive by LAMP. Among 250 samples, 85 (34.0%) were positive by PCR and 120 (48.0%) were positive by LAMP in case of F. necrophorum. The LAMP was found to be more sensitive than PCR in detecting the organisms with high statistical significance.
Effect of different nutrient diets on developmental and reproductive fitness of Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: N Madhu T , K Muralimohan , G Arunkumara C , C Nagaraju M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidopetra: Gelechiidae) is one of the most important pest of cotton. In this paper, we studied the influence of different nutrient rearing diets on developmental and reproductive characteristics of pink bollworm under laboratory conditions. Larvae were reared on four diets (two natural diets and two artificial diets) with varied nutritional value. Larval diet affects the survival, development duration, pupal weight, adult emergence and fecundity. Pink bollworm attained the fastest larval development on NRD (19.8 days) with a survival rate of 88.2% and slowest on NPD and okra (~ 27.1 days) with a survival rate of 47.5% and 58.1% respectively. Pupal weight was highest (26.86 mg) on NRD and reached maximum fecundity (107 eggs/female), while lowest fecundity on NPD (37 eggs/female). Among natural diets, egg hatching rate on cotton and okra were 87% and 71%. Adult emergence starts early and the adult eclosion window was narrow on cotton and NRD. Adult longevity was varied with diets, while female moths lived longer than males in all diet treatments. Our study may help to understanding the effect of nutrition from different diets and enhanced the fecundity of P. gossypiella on NRD under laboratory conditions.
Local Fruit Waste Driven Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell: A Sustainable Approach to Toxic Metal Removal and Bioelectricity Generation
Authors: Yaqoob Asim Ali , Guerrero–Barajas Claudia , Ibrahim Mohamad Nasir Mohamad , Umar Khalid , Yaakop Amira Suriaty 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The present work focused on the utilization of three local wastes i.e., rambutan (nephelium lappaceum), langsat (lansium parasiticum) and mango (mangifera indica) wastes as organic substrates in benthic microbial fuel cell (BMFC) to reduce the cadmium and lead concentrations from synthetic wastewater. Out of the three wastes, the mango waste promoted a maximum current density (87.71 mA/m2) along with 78 % and 80 % removal efficiencies for Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively. The bacterial identification proved that Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter were responsible for metals removals and energy generation. Lastly, the BMFC mechanism, challenges and future recommendations are enclosed.
Pharmacogenetic and Clinical Predictors of Ondansetron Failure in a Diverse Pediatric Oncology Population
Authors: Jacobs Shana , Dome Jeffrey S , Gai Jiaxiang , Gross Andrea , Postell Elena , Hinds Pamela , Davenport Lionel , Anker John N van den , Mowbray Catriona 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a frequently seen burdensome adverse event of cancer therapy. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron has improved the rates of CINV but, unfortunately, up to 30% of patients do not obtain satisfactory control. This study examined whether genetic variations in a relevant drug metabolizing enzyme (CYP2D6), transporter (ABCB1) or receptor (5-HT3) were associated with ondansetron failure. Methods: DNA was extracted from blood and used to genotype: ABCB1 (3435C>T (rs1045642) and G2677A/T (rs2032582)), 5-HT3RB (rs3758987 T>C and rs45460698 (delAAG/dupAAG)) and CYP2D6 variants. Ondansetron failure was determined by review of the medical records and by patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Results: 129 patients were approached; 103 consented. Participants were less than 1 to 33 years (mean 6.85). 39.8% were female, 58.3% were White (22.3% Black, 19.4% other); and 24.3% were Hispanic. A majority had leukemia or lymphoma, and 41 (39.8%) met the definition of ondansetron failure. Of variants tested, rs45460698 independently showed a significant difference in risk of ondansetron failure between a mutant (any deletion) and normal allele (p=0.0281, OR 2.67). Age and BMI were both predictive of ondansetron failure (Age > 12 (OR 1.12, p=0.0012) and higher BMI (OR 1.13, p=0.0119)). In multivariate analysis, age > 12 was highly predictive of ondansetron failure (OR 7.108, p=0.0008). rs45460698 was predictive when combined with an increased nausea phenotype variant of rs1045642 (OR 3.45, p=0.0426). Conclusion: Select phenotypes of 5-HT3RB and ABCB1, age, and potentially BMI can help predict increased risk for CINV in a diverse pediatric oncology population.
SARS-CoV-2-IgG Response and the Role of ACE2 G8790A and ACE I/D Polymorphic Variants as Determinants of Covid-19 Severity-A Genetic Association Study in north Indian Population
Authors: Malik Gawharul Haq , Bhat Imtiyaz A , Rasool Sadaf , Bashir Insha , Bashir Arooja , Dar Taief A , Shafi tabassum , Rashid Fouzia , Masoodi Shariq R , Shah Zafar A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme-II and Angiotensin-converting enzyme are an integral part of Renin-Angiotensin system and mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcome. Here we studied the role of host antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 G8790A single nucleotide polymorphism, and ACE insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) as key determinants of Covid-19 severity and outcome. Methods: We evaluated anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers by chemiluminescence. ACE2 G8790A and ACE I/D were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) and PCR respectively. Results: The overall positivity rate for SARS-CoV-2-IgG was 83.72%, but a significantly lower positivity was observed in asymptomatic subjects (66.67%, p < 0.05). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were comparatively higher in subjects who required hospitalization (13.06 ± 14.42 vs 7.37 ± 10.79, p < 0.05). ACE2 G8790A ‘AA’ genotype was significantly higher in subjects who did not require hospitalization (OR=0.40, CI 0.14-0.71, P= 0.007). In addition, the frequency of ACE I/D ‘ID’ genotype was significantly lower in symptomatic as compared to asymptomatic subjects (OR=0.235, CI 0.09-0.56, P=0.001). Conclusion: In summary, the current study shows that serological response to SARS-CoV-2 is more pronounced in symptomatic and severe covid-19 cases. Both ACE2 G8790A ‘AA’ and ACE I/D ‘ID’ genotype were observed to show protective role as far as the severity of covid-19 infection was considered. The study provides preliminary evidence of a genetic link between the analyzed polymorphic variants and covid-19 severity suggesting a subtle way of covid-19 risk stratification and utilization of respective variants as predictive biomarkers.
Acute Responsive Elevation of Serum Secretory Acid Sphingomyelinase Activity in Infants with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis
Authors: Yamamoto Shoko , Noguchi Atsuko , Hatazawa Chiaki , Hatazawa Takako , Kondo Daiki , Kubota Hiroki , Tsuchida Satoko , Takahashi Tsutomu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Biomarkers of disease severity may be significant in improving management. Blood secretory acid sphingomyelinase (S-ASM) activity has been recognized as a biomarker of cytokine release, inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the vascular endothelium in various diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate whether serum S-ASM activity is increased and correlates with disease severity in infants with RSV bronchiolitis.Methods: Serum S-ASM activity was determined in 31 infants with RSV bronchiolitis, nine infants with RSV-negative febrile infection, and eight healthy infants. Laboratory data including two cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-18, and clinical observatory findings, including clinical severity score specific for bronchiolitis, were analyzed for correlation with the levels of serum S-ASM activity.Results: Serum S-ASM activity was significantly higher among the 31 infants with RSV bronchiolitis (9.5 ± 5.4 nmol/mL/h) than in those in each of the control groups (RSV-negative febrile infection patients, 4.0 ± 1.4 nmol/mL/h, p<0.005; healthy controls, 4.3 ± 1.9 nmol/mL/h, p<0.005). Serum S-ASM activity negatively correlated with IFN-γ levels (rho=−0.448, p=0.0129), but were not correlated with any other outcomes analyzed in this study.Conclusion: Serum S-ASM activity was significantly higher in infants with RSV bronchiolitis; however, its clinical significance requires further study.
High Level of Heterozygous Haplotype of Hemoglobin in Abidjan
Authors: Koui Tossea A Stephane , GNONDJUI Albert Alloh , ADJI Agbessi Eric , AKO Ako Aristide Berenger , COULIBALY Baba , AKA A Delpêche , BI Sery GONEDELE , TOURE Andre Offiana , JAMBOU Ronan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an hemoglobin disorder that concerns 300,000 newborns each year around the world. Hemoglobin haplotypes can modulate SCD clinical expression. In Côte d’Ivoire, no study has yet investigated the distribution of hemoglobin haplotypes in the population. The goal of this study was to identify hemoglobin haplotypes for people attending dispensary with mild malaria in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) independently of their SCD status. Methods To determine haplotypes, specific restriction enzyme (RE) method is used after PCR amplification with different couples of primers. According to the digestion profile of PCR products, five hemoglobin haplotypes are found over the world. ResultsIn Abidjan, four different “classical” haplotypes of hemoglobin were detected: Benin (56.5%), Bantou (28.5%), Senegal (4%), Cameroun (1%). In parallel 10% of atypical profiles were described. Heterozygous haplotype (69%) was more frequent than homozygous haplotype (31%). ConclusionsBenin haplotype usually associated with more severe of SCD symptoms was predominant in the study population. However this preliminary study highlights also a high prevalence of atypical and heterozygous haplotypes in the population.
Characteristics and Symptom Profiles of Patients Evaluated By A Nurse Practitioner Consultant In A Multidisciplinary Palliative Radiotherapy Clinic.
Authors: Pituskin Edith , Rabel Hope , O'Rourke Tammy , Duggleby Wendy , Hunter Kathleen , Ghosh Sunita , Fairchild Alysa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Palliative radiation therapy is an essential but often impromptu service, depending on the patient condition and symptom burden. Radiation oncologists are the usual consultant in this setting, however, there is potential to extend capacity with the addition of advanced providers such as a nurse practitioner. Purpose: to examine characteristics and symptom profiles of patients individually evaluated by a nurse practitioner with those evaluated by a radiation oncologist in a rapid access, multidisciplinary palliative radiotherapy clinic. Methods & Materials: Data were retrieved from an ethics-approved, prospective database. Patients were grouped and analyzed based on the consultant. Results: The nurse practitioner completed consultations for a total of 137 patients, the radiation oncologist for 98. No significant differences were observed in symptom profile, functional status or whether radiotherapy was prescribed. By working as a team, 58% more patients with painful bone metastases were able to access the clinic. Conclusions: An experienced nurse practitioner can significantly enhance access to consultation in a palliative radiotherapy clinic. We expect this research to inform ways that advanced providers can improve access to timely care and reduce suffering.
Paclitaxel Chemotherapy Induces Long-Term Memory Impairment and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Chung Ni-Chun , Chang Aeson , Gillis Ryan , Sloan Erica , Walker Adam K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has been reported in cancer survivors 20 years or more after cancer treatment, and has been associated with sustained increases in circulating inflammatory biomarkers. One of the major risk factors for CRCI is chemotherapy, and preclinical studies typically examine the impact of chemotherapy in cancer naïve mice to evaluate potential mechanisms However, clinical evaluation of the long-term effects of chemotherapy cannot avoid the potential cumulative impact of preceding factors on the brain including the cancer itself and cancer surgery. MethodsTo evaluate the cumulative impact of cancer-related factors on cognitive impairment and hippocampal cytokine expression, we evaluated the effect of paclitaxel chemotherapy vs. placebo on a background of 67NR mammary carcinoma and surgical resection of the primary tumour in mice. Memory was assessed using the Y maze test and novel object/novel place recognition test. Changes in hippocampal pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, microglia and neuron markers were assessed using qRT-PCR. Results Cancer and cancer surgery was sufficient to induce long-term memory impairment and sustained increases in hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines. Paclitaxel prolonged spatial memory impairment in the Y maze test and exacerbated hippocampal Il6 and Tnfa mRNA expression compared with placebo treatment. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that cancer and cancer surgery can sensitise the brain to an exaggerated neuroinflammatory response to chemotherapy, and may contribute to sustained chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment observed in cancer survivors.
Goji Berry Intake Increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Authors: Li Xiang , Holt Roberta R. , Keen Carl L. , Morse Lawrence S. , Yiu Glenn , Hackman Robert M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a biomarker for AMD, is a non-invasive measure to assess risk. The macula xanthophyll pigments lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) protect against blue light and provide oxidant defense, which can be indexed by MPOD. This study examined the effects of L- and Z-rich goji berry intake on MPOD and skin carotenoids in healthy individuals. A randomized, unmasked, parallel-arm study was conducted with 27 participants, aged 45–65, who consumed either 28 g of goji berries or a supplement containing 6 mg L and 4 mg Z (LZ), five times weekly for 90 days. After 90 days, MPOD was significantly increased in the goji berry group at 0.25 and 1.75 retinal eccentricities; RE; p = 0.029 and p = 0.044, respectively), while no changes were noted in the LZ group. Skin carotenoids were significantly increased in the goji berry group at day 45 (p = 0.025) and day 90 (p = 0.006), but not in the LZ group. Regular intake of goji berries in a healthy middle-aged population increases MPOD, which may help prevent or delay the development of AMD.