bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flood forecasting using quantitative precipitation forecasts and hydrological modeling in the Sebeya catchment, Rwanda
Authors: Assoumpta Mukakarangwa , Aja Daniel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe absence of a viable flood early warning system for the Sebeya River catchment continues to impede government efforts towards improving community preparedness, the reduction of flood impacts and relief. This paper reports on a recent study that used satellite data, quantitative precipitation forecasts and the rainfall–runoff model for short-term flood forecasting in the Sebeya catchment. The global precipitation measurement product was used as a satellite rainfall product for model calibration and validation and forecasted European Centre Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) rainfall products were evaluated to forecast flood. Model performance was evaluated by the visual examination of simulated hydrographs, observed hydrographs and a number of performance indicators. The real-time flow forecast assessment was conducted with respect to three different flood warning threshold levels for a 3–24-h lead time. The result for a 3-h lead time showed 72% of hits, 7.5% of false alarms and 9.5% of missed forecasts. The number of hits decreased, as the lead time increased. This study did not consider the uncertainties in observed data, and this can influence the model performance. This work provides a base for future studies to establish a viable flood early warning system in the study area and beyond.
In vitro toxicity studies of novel solar water disinfection reactors using the E-screen bioassay and the Ames test
Authors: Diez Paloma Ozores , Polo-López M. Inmaculada , Martínez-García Azahara , Waso Monique , Reyneke Brandon , Khan Wesaal , McGuigan Kevin G. , Fernández-Ibáñez Pilar , Devery Rosaleen , Quilty Bríd 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a cost-effective point of use method for disinfecting water, usually in a 2 L polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle. To increase the volume of water disinfected, three novel transparent reactors were developed using PET in 25 L transparent jerrycans, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in tubular solar reactors capable of delivering &gt;20 L of water and polypropylene (PP) in 20 L buckets. In vitro bioassays were used to investigate any toxic substances leached from the plastic reactors into disinfected water as a result of exposure to sunshine for up to 9 months. The Ames test was used to test for mutagenicity and the E-screen bioassay to test for estrogenicity. No mutagenicity was detected in any sample and no estrogenicity was found in the SODIS treated water produced by the PMMA reactors or the PP buckets. While water disinfected using the PET reactors showed no estrogenicity following exposure to the sun for 3 and 6 months, estrogenicity was detected following 9 months' exposure to sunlight; however levels detected were within the acceptable daily intake for 17β-estradiol (E2) of up to 50 ng/kg body weight/day.
Variation of snow cover in the Nyang River basin of southeastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Zongxue , Zuo Depeng , Ban Chunguang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Snow cover is highly sensitive to global climate change and strongly influences the climate at global and regional scales. Because of limited in situ observations, snow cover dynamics in the Nyang River basin (NRB) have been examined in few studies. Five snow cover indices derived from observation and remote sensing data from 2000 to 2018 were used to investigate the spatial and temporal variation of snow cover in the NRB. There was clear seasonality in the snow cover throughout the entire basin. The maximum snow-covered area was 8,751.35 km2, about 50% of the total basin area, and occurred in March. The maximum snow depth (SD) was 5.35 cm and was found at the northern edge of the middle reaches of the basin. Snow cover frequency, SD, and fraction of snow cover area increased with elevation. The decrease in SD was the most marked in the elevation range of 5,000–6,000 m. Above 6,000 m, the snow water equivalent showed a slight upward trend. There was a significant negative correlation between snow cover and temperature. The results of this study could improve our understanding of changes in snow cover in the NRB from multivariate perspectives. It is better for water resources management.
Soil moisture migration model based on flux-concentration relation under steady rainfall
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Gang , Zhao Ming-zhi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Moisture content distribution in soil is of great importance for understanding rainfall-induced slope failure and roadbed settlement. This study aims to develop a moisture migration model that improves the quantification of moisture content at an arbitrary point of the soil at any time for the whole process of infiltration under steady rainfall. The model was derived from the Richards equation using the flux-concentration relation, which was validated by numerical solutions calculated by Hydrus-1D software to evaluate the performance of the model. Results showed good accuracy and high adaptability for the moisture migration simulation of a wide range of soil types, and is applicable for short-duration and long-duration steady rainfall. Moreover, it can also reflect the stratification phenomenon for soil profile wetting by infiltration. Our analysis indicates that the flux and surface volumetric moisture content together can bound the boundary conditions of rainfall infiltration, which presents a shift from constant-flux to constant-concentration during long-duration steady rainfall. The migration rate of the wetting front in the later stage of infiltration positively correlates with rainfall intensity under the constant-flux condition, while it finally stabilizes at Ks/(θs − θi) under the constant-concentration condition (i.e., Ks – saturated hydraulic conductivity, θs – saturated volumetric moisture content, θi – initial volumetric moisture content).
Anticholinergic Exposure in Elderly Complex Chronic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tristancho-Pérez Ángela , Villalba-Moreno Ángela , Santos-Rubio María D. , López-Malo María D. , Santos-Ramos Bernardo , Sánchez-Fidalgo Susana 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions are closely linked to polymedication,
a condition that is also highly associated with the presence of adverse effects, such as those observed by anticholinergic
activity. Anticholinergic burden is defined in a very variable way and is described inconsistently
using different scores and providing different interpretations of the risk of suffering from anticholinergic
adverse effects.

Objective:
The objective is to analyse the anticholinergic risk exposure in elderly complex chronic patients.

Methods:
A observational multicentre study was performed for a cohort of complex chronic patients over 65
years who received treatment with at least one drug with anticholinergic activity. Anticholinergic exposure was
assessed using ten scales included in the Anticholinergic Burden Calculator.

Results:
473 patients were recruited, being 67.7% with excessive polypharmacy. 80 was the total number of
anticholinergic drugs with any scale, with a median of 2 drugs with anticholinergic activity per patient (IQR=2).
Three scales evaluated more than 70% of the patients (Chew: 79.1%; Drug Burden Index (DBI): 77.8%; Anticholinergic
Cognitive Burden (ACB): 75.9%). The percentage of different drugs with anticholinergic properties
evaluated ranged from 13.8% (Anticholinergic Burden Classification (ABC)) to 57.5% (DBI) and anticholinergic
drugs prescriptions oscillated from 14% (Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS)) to 53.3% (DBI). 71.1% of patients
were at risk (moderate and high risk) according to DBI vs. 9.7% by ARS at the opposite side. Important
differences of anticholinergic risk in patients with excessive polypharmacy were in ACB, ABC and DBI scales.

Conclusions:
This study has highlighted clear differences between the scales used. DBI seems to be the scale
that identifies a higher number of elderly chronic complex patients at risk of developing anticholinergic adverse
effects.
Fatty Acid Composition in Local and International Food Products
Available in the Maldives
Authors: Naila Aishath , Raheem Raheema Abdul , Ismail Aishath Shaheen 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Consumption of food high in saturated and trans fatty acids is a risk factor associated with non-communicable diseases such as overweight, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Till to-date, no study has been carried out to analyze fatty acid contents in the food products available in the Maldives markets.

Aims and objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess the fatty acid contents in the food products available in the Maldives supermarkets that are both locally produced and imported into the country. The objective of the study was to collect local and imported food products from the three island markets of the Maldives (Hdh Kulhudhufuish, Naviyani Fuvahmulah and Male’), and analyze the collected food samples for fatty acid composition.

Methods:
A purposive sampling was used to collect fatty food products from the markets of three major islands of the Maldives, Male’, Kulhudhufushi and Fuvahmulah. Total 180 samples were collected and analysed in an accredited laboratory situated in Sri-Lanka, SGS Lanka Laboratory Pvt Ltd.

Results:
The results revealed that 92% of the analyzed products did not detect trans fat and only 7% of the product contained trans fat in the range between <1 to 1.64%. The lowest and highest saturated fatty acids found were in Gulab jamun (0.18 ± 0.03%) and GRB Ghee (62.26 ± 0.68%), respectively. The total fat, mono unsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids ranged between 0.45 ± 0.07% to 99.9 ± 0.00%, 0.075 ± 0.01% to 73.58 ± 1.08%, and 0.02 ± 0% to 57.04 ± 0.16%, respectively.

Conclusion:
The food products available in the Maldives supermarkets contained polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, which are healthy for the human body. However, the food products also contained saturated fatty acids and trans fats, which may contribute to non-communicable diseases in excess consumption. However, the finding of this study did not provide the total intake of trans fat and saturated fatty acids by individuals. Thus, it is recommended to conduct a dietary survey to assess the fatty acid intake level of the population and to develop and regulate the dietary guidelines based on the dietary survey findings. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested to conduct awareness programs on the importance of reducing the consumption of trans fats and saturated fatty acids.
Synthesis and Bio-evaluation of 2-Alkyl Substituted Fluorinated Genistein
Analogues against Breast Cancer
Authors: Yao Xu , Zeng Wenbin , Zhu Yingli , Zheng Fan , Xiao Can , Liu Xiaohe 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. The current
methods of chemotherapy for breast cancer generally have strong adverse reactions and drug resistance.
Therefore, the discovery of novel anti-breast cancer lead compounds is urgently needed.

Objective:
This study aimed to design and synthesize a series of 2-alkyl substituted fluorinated
genistein analogues and evaluate their anti-breast cancer activity.

Methods:
Target compounds were obtained in a multistep reaction synthesis. The anti-tumor activity
of compounds I-1~I-35 was evaluated with MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, and MCF-10A
cell lines in vitro, with tamoxifen as the positive control. Molecular docking was used to study the
interaction between the synthesized compounds and PI3K-gamma.

Results:
A series of 2-alkyl substituted fluorinated genistein analogues was designed, synthesized,
and screened for their bioactivity. Most of the compounds displayed better selectivity toward breast
cancer cell lines as compared to tamoxifen. Among these analogues, I-2, I-3, I-4, I-9, I-15, and I-17
have the strongest selective inhibition of breast cancer cells. Compounds I-10, I-13, I-15, I-17, and I-
33 were found to have significant inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells. Molecular docking studies
have shown that these compounds may act as PI3Kγ inhibitors and may further exhibit anti-breast
cancer effects.

Conclusion:
Most of the newly synthesized compounds could highly, selectively inhibit breast cancer
cell lines. The experimental results indicate that the synthesized analogs may also have obvious
selective inhibitory effects on other malignant proliferation cancer cells.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Amidine Substituted Monocyclic β-Lactams
Authors: Yang Haikang , Yang Zhixiang , Zhai Lijuan , He Lili , Liu Yuanbai , Myo Ko Ko , Iqbal Zafar , Sun Jian , Ji Jinbo , Ji Jingwen , Mu Yangxiu , Gao Yuanyu , Tang Dong 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Mononcyclic β-lactams are regarded as the most resistant class of β-lactams
against a series of β-lactamases, although they possess limited antibacterial activity. Aztreonam,
being the first clinically approved monobactam, needs broad-spectrum efficacy through structural
modification.

Objective:
We strive to synthesize a number of monocyclic β-lactams by varying the substituents at
N1, C3, and C4 positions of azetidinone ring and study the antimicrobial effect on variable bacterial
strains.

Methods:
Seven new monobactam derivatives 23a-g, containing substituted-amidine moieties linked
to the azetidinone ring via thiazole linker, were synthesized through multistep synthesis. The final
compounds were investigated for their in vitro antibacterial activities using the broth microdilution
method against ten bacterial strains of clinical interest. The minimum inhibitory concentrations
(MICs) of newly synthesized derivatives were compared with aztreonam, ceftazidime, and meropenem,
existing clinical antibiotics.

Results:
All compounds 23a-g showed higher antibacterial activities (MIC 0.25 μg/mL to 64 μg/mL)
against tested strains as compared to aztreonam (MIC 16 μg/mL to >64 μg/mL) and ceftazidime
(MIC >64 μg/mL). However, all compounds, except 23d, exhibited lower antibacterial activity
against all tested bacterial strains compared to meropenem.

Conclusion:
Compound 23d showed comparable or improved antibacterial activity (MIC 0.25
μg/mL to 2 μg/mL) to meropenem (MIC 1 μg/mL to 2 μg/mL) in the case of seven bacterial species.
Therefore, compound 23d may be a valuable lead target for further investigations against multi-drug
resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Synthesis and Molecular Modeling of Novel 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)
benzylamino Benzamides as Potential CETP Inhibitors
Authors: Khalaf Reema Abu , Awad Mohammad , Al-Qirim Tariq , Sabbah Dima 
Published: August 2021

Background:
There is an alarming spread of cases of lipid disorders in the world that
occur due to harmful lifestyle habits, hereditary risk influences, or as a result of other illnesses or
medicines. Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) is a 476-residue lipophilic glycoprotein that
helps in the transport of cholesteryl ester and phospholipids from the atheroprotective HDL to the
proatherogenic LDL and VLDL. Inhibition of CETP leads to elevation of HDL cholesterol and reduction
of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; therefore, it is considered a good target for the treatment
of hyperlipidemia and its comorbidities.

Objectives:
In this research, synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation
of eight 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamino benzamides 9a-d and 10a-d were carried out.

Methods:
The synthesized molecules were characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, and HR-MS.
They were biologically tested in vitro to estimate their CETP inhibitory activity.

Results:
These compounds offered inhibitory effectiveness ranging from 42.2% to 100% at a concentration
of 10 μM. Compounds bearing unsubstituted three aromatic rings (9a) or ortho-CF3 substituted
(9b) were the most effective compounds among their analogs and showed IC50 values of 1.36 and
0.69 μM, respectively. The high docking scores of 9a-d and 10a-d against 4EWS imply that they
might be possible CETP inhibitors. Pharmacophore mapping results demonstrate that the series approves
the fingerprint of CETP active inhibitors and therefore explains their high binding affinity
against CETP binding site.

Conclusion:
This work concludes that 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamino benzamides can serve as
a promising CETP inhibitor lead compound.
Ginsenoside Rg1 Attenuates Premature Ovarian Failure of D-gal Induced
POF Mice Through Downregulating p16INK4a and Upregulating SIRT1
Expression
Authors: Liu Xiao-Hu , Cai Shi-Zhong , Zhou Yue , Wang Ya-Ping , Han Yan-Jun , Wang Cui-Li , Zhou Wen 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Premature ovarian failure (POF) refers to pathological amenorrhea before
40 years.

Aim/Objective:
To explore the regulatory effect of Rg1 on POF and clarify associated mechanisms.

Materials and Methods:
POF mice were induced by injecting with D-galactose (D-gal, 200 mg/kg/-
day). Mice were divided into phosphate buffered saline (PBS), D-gal (POF mice), D-gal/Rg1 group
(POF mice administrating D-gal/Rg1). Weight growth rate and ovarian weight coefficient were
measured. Serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), superoxide
dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) levels were examined using ELISA. The status of follicle
and corpus luteum was determined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. P16INK4a and silent-
mating type information regulation-2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) were determined using western blotting
and RT-PCR.

Results:
Weight growth rate and ovarian weight coefficient of mice in D-gal group were significantly
decreased than PBS group (p<0.05). Serum E2, LH, SOD, CAT levels were significantly decreased,
FSH levels were remarkably increased in D-gal group than PBS group (p<0.05). Rg1 (D--
gal/Rg1 group) significantly increased weight growth rate and ovarian weight coefficient, enhanced
E2, LH, SOD, CAT levels and decreased FSH levels than D-gal group (p<0.05). HE staining
demonstrated normal follicle morphology/structure of mice in PBS group and decreased the
number of follicles, obvious vacuolation of corpus luteum and increased atretic follicles of mice in
D-gal group. Compared with D-gal group, the number of follicles was increased, luteal follicles
were decreased in mice in D-gal/Rg1 group (p<0.05). Rg1 significantly (D-gal/Rg1) downregulated
p16INK4a and upregulated SIRT1 expression in ovarian tissues of mice compared to the D-gal
group (p<0.05).

Conclusions:
Rg1 could delay premature ovarian failure in D-gal induced POF mouse model
through downregulating p16INK4a and upregulating SIRT1 expression.
Pediatric Clinicians’ Use of Telemedicine: Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Finkelstein Julia B , Tremblay Elise S , Van Cain Melissa , Farber-Chen Aaron , Schumann Caitlin , Brown Christina , Shah Ankoor S , Rhodes Erinn T 
Published: August 2021

Background
Bedside manner describes how clinicians relate to patients in person. Telemedicine allows clinicians to connect virtually with patients using digital tools. Effective virtual communication or webside manner may require modifications to traditional bedside manner.

Objective
This study aims to understand the experiences of telemedicine providers with patient-to-provider virtual visits and communication with families at a single large-volume children’s hospital to inform program development and training for future clinicians.

Methods
A total of 2 focus groups of pediatric clinicians (N=11) performing virtual visits before the COVID-19 pandemic, with a range of experiences and specialties, were engaged to discuss experiential, implementation, and practice-related issues. Focus groups were facilitated using a semistructured guide covering general experience, preparedness, rapport strategies, and suggestions. Sessions were digitally recorded, and the corresponding transcripts were reviewed for data analysis. The transcripts were coded based on the identified main themes and subthemes. On the basis of a higher-level analysis of these codes, the study authors generated a final set of key themes to describe the collected data.

Results
Theme consistency was identified across diverse participants, although individual clinician experiences were influenced by their specialties and practices. A total of 3 key themes emerged regarding the development of best practices, barriers to scalability, and establishing patient rapport. Issues and concerns related to privacy were salient across all themes. Clinicians felt that telemedicine required new skills for patient interaction, and not all were comfortable with their training.

Conclusions
Telemedicine provides benefits as well as challenges to health care delivery. In interprofessional focus groups, pediatric clinicians emphasized the importance of considering safety and privacy to promote rapport and webside manner when conducting virtual visits. The inclusion of webside manner instructions within training curricula is crucial as telemedicine becomes an established modality for providing health care.
Exploring Self-Regulation of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Belinda Belinda , Dewi Zahrasari Lukita 
Published: August 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis often experience residual impacts of the treatment on their physical, economic, social, and psychological, to an extent that CKD is considered a barrier for individuals to fully participate and enjoy life. It is crucial for CKD patients self-regulate their cognitive, social and emotional health in order to function optimally. This research aimed to explore the self-regulation process of CKD patients. This research adopted a qualitative exploratory utilizing in-depth interview as a data collection technique. There were three participants in the research recruited through convenience sampling, two men and one female aged 50-60 years and undergoing hemodialysis within 6-10 months. The analysis process used thematic analysis guided by a common-sense model of self-regulation. Findings showed that at an initial stage patients perceived CKD and its treatment emotionally, but this was changed over time to be more positive. Two participants had adequate coping strategies and received support from the closest relatives to assist in the evaluation, while, one participant was more emotionally harboring and lacked social support. The evaluation process could encourage participants to seek information and understand CKD better. Further research suggested that sampling techniques could involve participants with a more diverse age range in order to have more varied data that can be used by other CKD patients with diverse age range.