bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amine-grafted Walnut Shell for Efficient Removal Phosphate and Nitrate from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dovi Evans , Aryee Aaron Albert , Li Jianjun , Li Zhaohui , Qu Lingbo , Han Runping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The presence of emerging pollutants such as PO43− and NO3− in water bodies has attracted worldwide concern about their severe effects on water bodies and the health of humankind in general. Therefore, to preserve the health of humankind and environmental safety, it is of the essence that industrial effluents are treated before they are discharged into water bodies. To accomplish this, the walnut shell was functionalized (ACWNS) with amine for effective removal of PO43− and NO3−. Characterization studies of ACWNS were conducted using FTIR, XRD, XPS and BET techniques. Removal of both ions was enhanced at lower temperature (293 K). The maximum uptake capacity of phosphate and nitrate, at 293 K, was 82.2 and 35.7 mg g− 1, respectively. The primary mechanism by which these ions were uptaken onto ACWNS could be electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.Pseudo-second-order kinetics fitted the PO43̶ and NO3− adsorption, while Freundlich and Langmuir models best fitted the PO43̶ and NO3̶ adsorption, respectively. Furthermore, in the binary system, the uptake capacity of phosphate decreased by 14.4% while nitrate witnessed a reduction in its uptake capacity by 10.4 %. So ACWNS has a higher attraction towards both ions and this could be attributed to the existence of a variety of active areas on ACWNS that exhibit a degree of specificity for the individual anions. Results obtained from real water samples analysis confirmed ACWNS as highly efficient to be utilized for practical remediation processes.
Identification and Bioinformatics Analysis of Differentially Expressed Milk Exosomal Micrornas in Milk Exosomes of Heat-Stressed Holstein Cows
Authors: Wang Yue , Fang Jian , Zeng Han-Fang , Li Hui-Xia , Chen Kun-Lin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
In summer, heat stress is one of the primary reasons for the compromised health and low milk productivity of dairy cows. Hyperthermia affects milk synthesis and secretion in the mammary glands of dairy cows. As molecules for intercellular communication, milk-derived exosomes carry genetic material, proteins and, lipids, playing a crucial role in mammary tissue growth and milk synthesis in dairy cows. The aim of this study was to explore the milk exosomal miRNAs profile of heat-stressed and normal Holstein cows.
Results
We isolated and identified milk exosomes to screening for differentially expressed miRNAs using small RNA sequencing. Then, TargetScan and miRanda algorithms were used to predict the putative targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs, whereas GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed for the differentially expressed miRNA-target genes. Our results showed that 215 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in heat-stressed milk exosomes, of which one was up-regulated and 214 were significantly downregulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that differentially expressed miRNAs might play a role in apoptosis, autophagy, and the p38 MAPK pathway. qRT-PCR assay verified that the expression of miRNAs was consistent with the sequencing results, warranting further verification of their specific targets of action.
Conclusions
In conclusion, changes in the miRNA expression profile of milk exosomes indicated the role of exosomal miRNAs in regulating heat stress resistance and apoptosis in dairy cows. Our results suggested that milk-derived exosomal miRNAs could increase mammary gland resistance to heat stress, thereby enhancing milk synthesis in dairy cows.
Knowledge and attitude toward ethics committee and ethical research practice among researchers of three sectors: An institutional study in Kuwait
Authors: Shiju Rashmi , Thankachan Smitha , Akhil Ayesha , Sharma Prem , Bennakhi Abdullah 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Adherence to ethical guidelines in the conduct of research is of paramount importance. This ensures that the research is conducted with integrity which in turn builds trust in the researchers and their results. However, misconduct occurs frequently in the research.
Methods
In this anonymous online cross-sectional survey, researchers from Dasman Diabetes institute were surveyed about their knowledge of and attitude toward ethics committee and research ethics practices across sectors. The study was conducted in November and December 2019 using an online Microsoft forms questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into five parts including demographics, knowledge of ethical principles and the function of ethics committee, knowledge of ethics and attitudes toward ethics committees and ethical practices. Question-formats were combination of multiple-choice, yes or no, and five-point Likert-scale formats. Researchers applied, the Chi-square test, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA, the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, the Student’s t-test, and or the Mann-Whitney U test for data analysis.
Results
The study had a response rate of 86%. Among the 55 participants of this study, 43 (78%) had prior training in research ethics. Those with maximum training were from the medical sector (82.4%) followed by the research sector (80.8%) and operations sector (66.7%). Significant association was observed between prior ethics training and different number of projects handled by a respondent. Similar significant association was noted among the trained participants on knowledge and awareness of the role of the ethics committee, ethical principles, the committee’s ways of reviewing protocol and attitude towards consenting process. However, knowledge and awareness of ethics committee and its function varied significantly across sectors and across different number of projects handled. Attitude toward ethical practices such as misconduct and manipulation of data was also found to vary significantly across sectors.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that research sector and medical sector were aware of the knowledge and attitude toward ethics committee, its function and research ethical practices in comparison to operations sector. This indicates a gap in knowledge and attitude which can be bridged by continuous and customized ethics training based on the type of research.
Barrier Function-Based Adaptive Integral Sliding Mode Finite-time Attitude Control for Rigid Spacecraft
Authors: Wang Jie , Hu YuShang , Ji Wenqiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper investigates the problem of the finite-time attitude tracking control for rigid spacecrafts with external disturbances and inertia uncertainties. Firstly, a finite-time approach is designed to achieve attitude tracking control of the rigid spacecraft in absence of disturbances and inertia uncertainties and the time of convergence can be chosen in advance. Then, the integral sliding mode combined with barrier function-based adaptive laws is proposed to reject the disturbances and inertia uncertainties, and at the same time, a barrier function-based adaptive method can also ensure the solutions of the rigid spacecraft system belonging to a stipulated vicinity of the intended variables starting from the initial moment and the uncertainties' upper bound is not overestimated. Finally, numerical simulation is provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed control protocol.
Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With Early-Stage Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tanveer Fahad , Arslan Syed Asadullah , Darain Haider , Ahmad Ashfaq , Gilani Syed Amir , Hanif Asif 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is beneficial in accelerating fracture recovery, enhancing their capacity to execute tasks of daily life and, as a result, their autonomy. Methods: Thirty-four (29 males and 5 females) pre-diagnosed patients referred by an orthopaedic surgeon exhibiting symptomatic low back pain for at least four months were recruited and randomly divided into LIPUS group and Routine Physical Therapy (RPT) group. The lottery method was used to randomly assign patients into two groups. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was utilized for the measurement of pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability. Patients were assessed at baseline, at the end of 12th and 20 th week. Interventions were applied by the physical therapist having more than eight years of clinical experience for 10 weeks on alternate days. Results: LIPUS group reported greater reduction in pain with mean change of 3.18 points (95% CI: 2.2, 4.2; p < 0.001) at 12 th week, 6.18 points (95% CI: 5.5, 6.8; p < 0.001) at 20th week follow-up and functional disability with mean change of 28.24 points (95% CI: 23.7, 36 32.8; p < 0.001) at 12th week and 39.47 points (95% CI: 31.8, 47.1; p < 0.001) at 20th week follow-up compared with the RPT group.Conclusion: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound has significantly reduced pain and functional disability in patients with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis and could be preferred as a safe non-invasive treatment method for early bone healing. Trial registration: WHO-Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT20200206046396N1, Dated: 02/05/2020).
An Optimal Integration of Multiple Machine Learning Techniques to Real-Time Reservoir Inflow Forecasting
Authors: Huang I-Hang , Chang Ming-Jui , Lin Gwo-Fong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A reservoir inflow forecasting system represents a crucial technique in reservoir operation and disaster prevention, particularly in areas where the primary water source derives from typhoon events. This includes the study area of the current research, i.e., the Shimen Reservoir (Taiwan). Effectively depositing short and high-intensity rainfall and avoiding disaster losses present significant challenges in this regard. However, the high variability and uncertainty of such rainfall events make them difficult to forecast using traditional physical-based models, which require too many calculations for application in real-time disaster forecasting. Accordingly, in this study, seven machine learning (ML) algorithms, including three conventional ML and four deep learning algorithms, were compared to derive their effectiveness for reservoir inflow forecasting in extreme weather events. The forecasting lead-times were set to 1, 4, and 6-h, representing short, medium, and long-term forecasting, respectively. Moreover, to ensure the stability and credibility of the models, two types of integrated approaches, ensemble means and switched prediction method (SP) were also employed. The results showed that although an optimal algorithm could be selected for the short, medium, and long-term, individual algorithms did not always perform well in all events. Nonetheless, the integrated approaches can effectively combine the advantages of all the included algorithms and generate more accurate and stable forecasting results, particularly when using SP, which was involved in the top three performances among all typhoon examples and indicated the best average performance. Accordingly, when using a single forecasting algorithm, gated recurrent unit, a type of transformed recurrent neural network, will yield the best performance. Furthermore, integrated forecasts, particularly involving SP, can effectively improve the accuracy and stability of forecasts to render a model more applicable to an actual situation.
MEX3A and MEX3B as Potential Prognostic Indicators in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zou Junwei , Huang Yong , Wu Zhaoying , Xie Hao , Wang Rongsheng , Xing Chungen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Stomach adenocarcinoma(STAD) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. The expression levels of family members of mex-3 RNA that bound MEX3A (member A) and MEX3B (member B) were high expressions in different cancers and interconnected to deficient prognosis. The present research assessed the potential regarding the expression of MEX3A and MEX3B in STAD by analysing the facts of STAD (viz. The Cancer Genome Atlas). TCGA, MEX3A and MEX3B in the cancers were analyzed using TIMER2.0, Kaplan Meier Plotter, and cBioPortal. The data was visualized using version 4.0.3 of R. We found MEX3A and MEX3B had various expressions regarding major cancer and relevant common tissues. Especially, high expression of MEX3A and MEX3B had relationships with the OS (namely overall survival) with deficiency and RFS (viz. relapse-free survival) concerning STAD. The expressions of MEX3B had correlations to T stage with P being 0.012 and to the race with P being 0.049. MEX3B was highly expressed in T3 and T4 stages, and was highly expressed in the white race. MEX3A mutation had a better survival without diseases, with P being 0.0205. However, the situation was different with non-overall survival, with P being 0.194, in comparison with the patients who did not have MEX3A change. MEX3A and MEX3B on tumor pathogenesis might be related to "RNA splicing" and "spliceosomal complex" and "single-stranded RNA binding". We further investigated the association between MEX3A and MEX3B and immune cells. The mast cells of the most connections to MEX3A (R=-0.300, P<0.001) and the NK cells were positively correlation with MEX3B (R=0.590, P<0.001). It showed that they might be potential prognostic molecular biomarkers in patients with STAD.
Long-Term Clinical Results of Trabectome Surgery
Authors: Un Yasemin , Buyukavsar Cihan , Comerter Dogukan , Sonmez Murat 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To analyze the long-term results of trabectome surgery and to characterize risk factors for failure.Method: This is a single-center retrospective study including 66 eyes of 56 patients who underwent trabectome alone (TA) or phacotrabectome (TP) surgeries between 2012-2016. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) drop by 20% or IOP ≤21 mmHg and no further glaucoma surgery. Risk factors for further surgeries were analyzed with Cox proportional hazard ratio models. Cumulative success analysis of subgroups was completed with the Kaplan Meier analysis.Results: Mean follow-up period was 59.7±14.1 months. During the follow-up period, 15 of 62 (24.2%) eyes had additional glaucoma surgery. The mean preoperative IOP was 26.8±6.5 mmHg. The mean last visit IOP was 18.7±4.5 mmHg (p<0.01). IOP decreased 30.1% from baseline at the last visit. Average numbers of medications used were 3.42 ±0.76 (range 1-4) and 2.45±1.33 (range 0-4) at preoperative and last visit, respectively (p<0.01). The risk factors for further surgery requirements were higher baseline IOP (HR:1.12, p:0.01), higher central corneal thickness (CCT) (HR:1.01, p:0.04), and higher amounts of preoperative drugs (HR:2.22, p:0.08). The cumulative probability of success was 93.5%, 90.5%, 85.5%, 80.6%, and 77.4% at 3, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months, respectively. Kaplan Meier survival plots indicating the time of additional glaucoma surgery in the subgroups showed higher survival probability in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), males, phacotrabectome cases, early stage glaucoma, and eyes without previous glaucoma surgery. Conclusion: Trabectome success ratio was 50% at 59 months. Higher baseline IOP and thicker CCT are associated with an increased risk of further glaucoma surgery.
Economic Impact of Switching From Partially Combined Vaccine “Pentaxim ® and Hepatitis B” to Fully Combined Vaccine “Hexaxim ® ” in The Malaysian National Immunization Program
Authors: Aljunid Syed Mohamed , Bashir Lama Al , Ismail Aniza Binti , Aizuddin Azimatun Noor , Zafirah S A , Nur Amrizal Muhammad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The decision to implement new vaccines should be supported by public health and economic evaluations. Therefore, this study was primarily designed to evaluate the economic impact of switching from partially combined vaccine (Pentaxim® plus hepatitis B) to fully combined vaccine (Hexaxim®) in the Malaysian National Immunization Program (NIP) and to investigate healthcare professionals (HCPs)’ and parents/caregivers’ perceptions.Methods: In this economic evaluation study, 22 primary healthcare centers were randomly selected in Malaysia between December 2019 and July 2020. The baseline immunization schedule includes switching from Pentaxim® (four doses) and hepatitis B (three doses) to Hexaxim® (four doses), whereas alternative scheme includes switching from Pentaxim® (four doses) and hepatitis B (three doses) to Hexaxim® (four doses) and hepatitis B (one dose) administered at birth. Direct medical costs were extracted using a costing questionnaire and an observational time and motion chart. Direct non-medical (cost for transportation) and indirect costs (loss of productivity) were derived from parents/caregiver’s questionnaire. The vaccine societal cost was calculated as cost per dose, per fully immunized child and per birth cohort, and then the net cost savings were calculated upon the total cost of Hexaxim® and Pentaxim® plus hepatitis B. Also, HCPs’ and parents/caregiver’s perceptions were investigated using structured questionnaires.Results: The cost per dose of Pentaxim® plus hepatitis B vs. Hexaxim® was Malaysian ringgit (RM) 31.90 vs. 17.10 (direct medical cost), RM 54.40 vs. RM 27.20 (direct non-medical cost), RM 221.33 vs. RM 110.66 (indirect cost), and RM 307.63 vs. RM 155.00 (total cost). Similar trend was observed for alternative scheme. Compared with Pentaxim® plus hepatitis B, total cost savings per dose of Hexaxim® were RM 137.20 and RM 104.70 in the baseline and alternative scheme, respectively. Conclusions: Incorporation of Hexaxim® within Malaysian NIP is highly recommended because the use of Hexaxim® has demonstrated substantial direct and indirect cost savings for healthcare providers and parents/caregivers with high percentage of positive perceptions, compared with Pentaxim® plus hepatitis B.Trial registration: Not applicable
Unplanned Removal of a Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Device During Retrieval of an Inferior Vena Cava Filter
Authors: Agzarian Marc , Sinhal Ajay 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This brief communication reports what appears to be the first case of an interaction between an inferior vena cava filter and a patent foramen ovale closure device. During removal of the inferior vena cava filter, the patent foramen ovale closure device was unintentionally removed. This case report serves to highlight the possible interaction of these two devices.
Multipopulational Transcriptome Analysis of Post-Weaned Beef Cattle at Arrival Further Validates Candidate Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Scott Matthew , Woolums Amelia , Swiderski Cyprianna , Perkins Andy , Nanduri Bindu , Smith David , Karisch Brandi , Epperson William , Blanton John 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the leading infectious disease in post-weaned beef cattle. The objective of this investigation was to contrast the at-arrival blood transcriptomes from cattle derived from two distinct populations that developed BRD in the 28 days following arrival versus cattle that did not. 48 blood samples from two populations were selected for mRNA sequencing based on even distribution of development (n=24) or lack of (n=24) clinical BRD within 28 days following arrival. Sequenced reads (~50M/sample, 150 bp paired-end) were aligned to the ARS-UCD1.2 bovine genome assembly. 132 unique DEGs were identified between groups stratified by disease severity (healthy, n=24; treated_1, n=13; treated_2+, n=11) with edgeR (FDR < 0.05). DEGs in treated_1 relative to both healthy and treated_2+ were predicted to increase neutrophil activation, cellular cornification/keratinization, and antimicrobial peptide production. DEGs in treated_2+ relative to both healthy and treated_1 were predicted to increase alternative complement activation, decrease leukocyte activity, and increase nitric oxide production. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated from expression data for six DEGs identified in our current and previous studies (MARCO, CFB, MCF2L, ALOX15, LOC100335828 (aka CD200R1), and SLC18A2) demonstrated good-to-excellent predictability for classifying disease occurrence and severity. This investigation identifies candidate biomarkers and functional mechanisms in at arrival blood that predicted development and severity of BRD.
Optimization of An O2-Balanced Bioartificial Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes Using Statistical Design of Experiment.
Authors: Mouré Anne , Bekir Sawsen , Bacou Elodie , Haurogne Karine , Allard Marie , De Beaurepaire Laurence , Bosch Steffi , Riochet David , Gauthier Olivier , Blancho Gilles , Soulillou Jean-Paul , Poncelet Denis , Mignot Grégoire , Courcoux Philippe , Jegou Dominique , Bach Jean-Marie , Mosser Mathilde 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A bioArtificial pancreas (BAP) encapsulating high pancreatic islets concentration is a promising alternative for type 1 diabetes. However, the main limitation of this approach is O2 supply, especially until graft neovascularization. Here, we described a methodology to design an optimal O2-balanced BAP using statistical design of experiment (DoE). A full factorial DoE was first performed to screen two O2-technologies on their ability to preserve pseudo-islet viability and function under hypoxia and normoxia. Then, response surface methodology was used to define the optimal O2-carrier and islet seeding concentrations to maximize the number of viable pseudo-islets in the BAP containing an O2-generator under hypoxia. Monitoring of viability, function and maturation of neonatal pig islets for 15 days in vitro demonstrated the efficiency of the optimal O2-balanced BAP. The findings should allow the design of a more realistic BAP for humans with high islets concentration by maintaining the O2 balance in the device.
TBHQ Regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway to Enhance Stem Cell Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: XU Ze-Peng , TIAN Ni , LI Song-Tiao , LI Kun-Meng , WANG Xiao-Yu , LI Xiao-Jie , DONG Yan , AN Mei-Xia , YU Xiao-Yi , ZHONG Rui-Ying , LIU Qiu-Hong , WANG Xiao-Chuan , YANG Yan , LUO Ying-Zi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in diabetic rats, and to study the mechanism of hUCMSCs in treating diabetic retinopathy by tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.Methods: The diabetic rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The experimental animals were divided into six groups: Normal, diabetes mellitus (DM), hUCMSCs, tBHQ, combined tBHQ-hUCMSCs, and all-trans-retinoid acid (ATRA)-hUCMSCs combined group. Visual function experiments and histological analyses were performed eight weeks post intravitreal injection. Biochemical and molecular analyses were used to assess the hUCMSCs composition and its biological effects.Results: Improvements in systemic oxidative stress and inflammation were found in the tBHQ group. Although hUCMSCs had no significant effect on oxidative stress, retinal structure was improved, visual defects reduced and expression of local retinal inflammatory factors were inhibited following its application. The effect of combined therapy was better than that of single therapy. Inhibition of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway can promote the expression of systemic inflammatory factors and inhibit the therapeutic effect of hUCMSCs in the retina.Conclusions: Intravitreal administration of hUCMSCs triggers an effective cytoprotective microenvironment in the retina of diabetic mice. Alone, however, it may not significantly improve the systemic inflammatory response of diabetes. In combination with tBHQ it may promote Nrf2expression, systemic antioxidant stress and therapeutic effects of hUCMSCs.