bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Investigation on Short and Long Fiber Reinforcement in Tampico and Palymira Reinforced LLDPE Produced by Rotational Moulding Process.
Authors: Abhilash S S , Singaravelu D.Lenin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Rotational moulding is a powder processing technology widely used to manufacture hollow plastic products. It is a well-known process used for the manufacturing of large containers, water tanks, fuel tanks, refrigerated containers etc. The present work aimed at the incorporation of Tampico and Palmyra fibers as reinforcement in Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix. The effect of fiber length on various properties like mechanical, morphological and vibration damping characteristics of the composites were investigated. The fibers were initially treated with 5% NaOH solution for better reinforcing efficiency and to improve the degradation temperature. Thermo Gravimetry Analysis (TGA) reported that a sufficient increment in degradation temperature is achieved by NaOH treatment on fibers. The short fiber composites considered for the study has obtained better mechanical strength than long fiber reinforced LLDPE composites. The results proved that fiber length has less effect on the vibration damping characteristics of the composites, but the percentage of fiber content is a significant factor for improving the natural frequency of the composites.
Is edema zone volume associated with Ki-67 index in glioblastoma patients?
Authors: Caramanti Ricardo , Chaddad-Neto Feres , de Morais Dionei , Rocha Carlos , Marques Lúcia Neves , Tognola Waldir , Góes Mário José 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Despite all the progress with genetic mapping and multimodal treatment, the prognosis of GBM remains poor, with median overall survival (OS) of only 12 to 15 months. Several studies showed correlations between clinical features and prognosis, however the same don`t occurs with radiological features. The purpose of this study is to determine possible correlations between the volumetric analysis of glioblastoma compartments and the proliferation index represented by Ki-67. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of MRI studies of 70 patients with glioblastoma multiforme acquired up to one week before surgery. The tumor compartments were divided in enhancing zone; edema zone and tumor total zone. Each compartment was submitted to volumetric analysis using Horos Project software. Linear regression model was used to assess correlations between ki-67 index and volume of each compartment with p value of 0,05. Results: Male/female ratio in our study was 1.7:1, at a mean age of 60.7 ± 14.6 years. Tumor predominant location was the temporal lobe with 25% of cases and cystic morphology was present in 17%. The median of Ki-67 was 40%. The average tumor compartment volume was 40.8 cm3 for contrast-enhancing zone, 62.7 cm3 for edema zone and 103.5 cm3 for total tumor volume. A significant association between Ki-67 index and edema zone volume (p=0.02). Conclusion: Volumetric analysis of the edema zone in ​​patients with MRI scans suggestive of glioblastoma could offer the possibility of predicting tumor aggressiveness through correlation with Ki-67 index.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in US Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations: A Systematic Review of Implementation Data to Address Health Disparities
Authors: Sanchez Tonya Faye , Santamaria E. Karina , Rubenstein Dana , Brewer Judson , Operario Don 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a persistent public health challenge. Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBI) have been researched for CVD risk factors, though their effectiveness, generalizability, and potential for implementation to racial and ethnic minorities remain unclear. This review examines studies of MBI on CVD risk for characteristics of and variations in implementation (i.e., intervention design, delivery, uptake, and contextual factors) and analyzes potential barriers and challenges to implementation. A systematic review in February 2020 identified 30 studies from 5 databases and hand searches. Included studies were randomized controlled trials testing meditation or mindfulness-based interventions against any control to measure change or improvement in cardiovascular health measures or risk behaviors in adults living in the United States or territories. Analysis of the implementation characteristics and contextual factors of included studies was conducted using the Oxford Implementation Index. Thirty reports from 26 distinct trials were selected for inclusion, examining outcomes related to diet (k [number of studies] = 13), smoking (k = 11), obesity (k = 9), exercise (k = 4), diabetes (k = 3), and blood lipids (k = 2). All studies were published between 2011 and 2020 and correspond to early stages of research. As such, numerous limitations and implementation characteristics with potential consequence for CVD risk disparities were reported. This review outlines several potential targets for future research. Based on reported findings across all included studies, MBI could be of benefit for cardiovascular disease risk. Further research is needed to explore acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness in minority populations.
The Effect of Alkaline Earth (Ba, Sr and Ca) Doped Iron Bismuth Glasses on The Structural, Thermoelectric and Electrical Properties
Authors: Hannora Ahmed , Ali A. M. , El-Falaky E. , El-Desoky M. M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Glasses with nominal composition 70Bi2O3-30Fe2O3 and 10A-60Bi2O3-30Fe2O3 (mol%); (A = Ba, Sr and Ca) were prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) confirm the amorphous nature of the glass samples. The iron-bismuth glasses show good solubility of alkaline earth elements ions. In temperatures range of 310–450 K, the dc conductivity of the glass samples containing alkaline earth elements enhanced. Glass sample containing Sr shows interesting electrical properties. All glass samples showed a transition from negative to positive Seebeck coefficient, this means that the conduction is mixed of electrons and holes charge carriers. The conduction mechanism of all samples obeys non-adiabatic small polaron hopping model of electron between iron ions. The calculated small polaron coupling constant, (γp) was found to be in the range of 10.25–17.28. Also, the calculated hopping mobility (µ) and carrier density (Nc) of glasses were in the range of 4.65\(\times {10}^{- 7}\)- 4.11\(\times {10}^{-3}\left({\text{c}\text{m}}^{2}{\text{V}}^{-1}{\text{s}}^{-1}\right)\) and 0.029-10 \(\left({\times {10}^{1 7}\text{c}\text{m}}^{-3}\right)\) at 333 K, respectively.
Distribution and conservation of the species of Marmosini (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Colombia
Authors: González Baltazar , Brook Federico , Martin Gabriel M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Marmosini species were taxonomically revised recently, however, little is known about their distribution and conservation. The aim of this research was to delimit the distribution of all species of Marmosini that inhabit Colombia, and analyze their conservation using potential distributions, protected areas, and human pressure data of the country. We used the widely known ecological niche modeling algorithm maxent to model the distribution of each species using two approaches to estimate the modeling area: a buffer-derived and an ecoregion-derived. After selecting a final model, we used data on protected areas and human pressure specific to Colombia, and analyze their conservation and pressure scenarios. Finally, we generated a species richness map for Marmosini in Colombia. We found that most species of Marmosini from Colombia co-occur at mid-elevations of the Andes with an upper elevation limit of maximum richness at ~ 2000 m. Marmosini species’ distribution covers 91% of the country's continental area, and the maximum area protected for any species of this group is between 29–5.4% of their modeled distribution. Most of the protected areas under strict and national conservation types presented small areas of high human pressure, while other categories (conservation units under managed resources and other conservation types) presented large areas of high human pressure. These species are poorly protected by the Natural Protected Areas of Colombia. Future reserves that cover Andean regions below 2000 m could help optimize their conservation.
BATF2 and PDK4 As Diagnostic Molecular Markers of Sarcoidosis and Their Relationship With Immune Infiltration
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhou Jing , He Jie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Sarcoidosis (SA) is an immune disorder disease featured with granulomas formation. The work purposed to uncover potential markers for sarcoidosis (SA) diagnosis and explore how immune cell infiltration contributes to the pathogenesis of SA.Methods: Sarcoidosis GSE83456 samples and GSE42834 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed as the training and external validation sets, respectively. R statistical software was employed to uncover the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GSE83456. SVM algorithms and LASSO logistic regression were applied for screening and verification of the diagnostic markers for key module genes. The infiltration of immune cells in sarcoidosis patients’ blood samples was assessed by CIBERSORT. The expression of serum BATF2 and PDK4 was detected by RT-qPCR method, and the value of BATF2 and PDK4 mRNA expression in the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis was analyzed.Results: In total, 580 DEGs were identified from the key module. PDK4 (AUC=0.942) and BATF4 (AUC=0.980) were revealed as diagnostic markers of sarcoidosis. We found that monocytes, T cells regulatory (Tregs), mast cells, macrophages，NK cells, and dendritic cells may contribute to sarcoidosis development. In addition, PDK4 and BATF4 were closely associated with these immune cells. BATF2 and PDK4 were highly expressed in pulmonary sarcoidosis. BATF2 and PDK4 combined to predict the area under the ROC curve of pulmonary sarcoidosis was 0.922.Conclusions: PDK4 and BATF4 could be used as diagnostic markers of sarcoidosis, and immune cell infiltration severs an important role in sarcoidosis.
Management of Lung Cancer-Associated Malignant Pericardial Effusion With Intrapericardial Administration of Carboplatin: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Imai Hisao , Kaira Kyoichi , Masubuchi Ken , Minato Koichi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: It has been reported that 5.1-7.0% of acute pericarditis is carcinomatous pericarditis. Malignant pericardial effusion (MPE) can progress to cardiac tamponade, which is a life-threatening condition. The effectiveness and feasibility of intrapericardial instillation of carboplatin (CBDCA; 150 mg/body) have never been evaluated in patients with lung cancer, which is the most common cause of MPE. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of intrapericardial administration of CBDCA following catheter drainage in patients with lung cancer-associated MPE.Methods: In this retrospective study, 21 patients with symptomatic lung cancer-associated MPE, who were administered intrapericardial CBDCA (150 mg/body) at Gunma Prefectural Cancer Center between January 2005 and March 2018, were included. The patients’ characteristics, response to treatment, and toxicity incidence were evaluated.Results: Thirty days after the intrapericardial administration of CBDCA, MPE was controlled in 66.7% of the cases. The median survival period from the day of administration until death or last follow-up was 71 days (range: 10–2435 days). Grade 1–2 pain, nausea, fever, and neutropenia were noted after intrapericardial CBDCA administration. No treatment-related deaths were noted in current study.Conclusions: Intrapericardial administration of CBDCA (150 mg/body) did not cause serious toxicity, and patients exhibited promising responses to lung cancer-associated MPE. Prospective studies using larger sample sizes are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of this treatment for managing lung cancer-associated MPE.
Mitogenomic analysis of extant condor species provides insight into the molecular evolution of vultures
Authors: De Panis Diego , Lambertucci Sergio , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Dopazo Hernán , Almeida Francisca , Mazzoni Camila , Gut Marta , Gut Ivo , Padró Julián 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The evolution of large vultures linked to mountainous habitats was accompanied by extreme physiological and behavioral specializations for energetically efficient flights. However, little is known on the genetic traits associated with the evolution of these obligate soaring scavengers. Mitochondrial DNA plays a vital role in regulating oxidative stress and energy production, and hence may be an important target of selection for flight performance. Herein, we characterized the first mitogenomes of the Andean and California condors, the world’s heaviest flying birds and the only living representative of Vultur and Gymnogyps genus. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and evaluated possible footprints of convergent evolution associated to the life-history traits and distributional range of vultures. Our phylogenomic analyses supported the independent evolution of vultures, with the origin of Cathartidae in the early Paleogene (~ 59 Mya), and estimated the radiation of extant condors during the late Miocene (~ 10 Mya). Selection analyses indicated that vultures exhibit signals of relaxation of purifying selection relative to other accipitrimorph raptors, possibly indicating the degeneration of flapping flight ability. Overall, our results suggest that the extreme specialization of vultures for efficient soaring flight has compensated the evolution of large body sizes mitigating the selection pressure on mtDNA.
Polymorphism in FASN, SCD1 and ANXA9 Genes: A Preliminary Study of Markers Which May Serve As Genetic Predictors of the Fatty Acid Profile of Sheep Milk
Authors: Pecka-Kiełb Ewa , Kowalewska-Łuczak Inga , Czerniawska-Piątkowska Ewa , Króliczewska Bożena 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ANXA9 (annexin 9), FASN (fatty acid synthase) and SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) genes were analyzed as factors influencing fatty acid profiles in milk from Zošľachtená valaška sheep. SNP in selected genes was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The long-chain fatty acids profile in sheep milk was identified by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis of the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism showed that the milk of the homozygous AA animals was characterized by a lower (P < 0.05) share of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 in comparison to the homozygous CC sheep. The milk of heterozygous sheep was characterized by a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of C13:0 acid compared to the milk of sheep with the homozygous AA type. A higher (P < 0.05) level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was found in the milk of CC genotype sheep compared to the AA genotype. Our results lead to the conclusion that the greatest changes were observed for the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the least significant ones for FASN/AciI. Moreover, it is the first evidence that milk from sheep with SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the homozygous AA genotype showed the most desirable fatty acids profile.
Sinanaerobacter Chloroacetimidivorans Sp. Nov., An Obligate Anaerobic Bacterium Isolated From Anaerobic Sludge
Authors: Bao Yixuan , Liu Junwei , Zhang Xuan , Lei Peng , Qiu Jiguo , He Jian , Li Na 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
An obligate anaerobic bacterial strain (BAD-6T) capable of degrading acetochlor and butachlor was isolated from an anaerobic acetochlor-degrading reactor. Cells were Gram-positive, straight to gently curved rods with flagella. The major fermentation products in peptone-yeast (PY) broth were acetate and butyrate. The optimum temperature and pH for growth was 30 °C and 7.2−7.5, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (>10%) were C14:0 FAME, C16:0 FAME and cyc-9,10-C19:0 DMA. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 4.80 Mb, a G+C content of 43.6 mol% and 4741 protein-coding genes. The most closely related described species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences was Anaerovorax odorimutans NorPutT in the order Clostridiales of the class Clostridia with sequence similarity of 94.9 %. The nucleotide identity (ANI) value and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the genomes of strain BAD-6T and Ana. odorimutans NorPutT are 70.9% and 15.9%, respectively. Based on the distinct differences in phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics between strain BAD-6T and related species, Sinanaerobacter chloroacetimidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the strain. Strain BAD-10T is the type strain (= CCTCC AB 2021092T = KCTC 72521T).
Catheter, Surgical, or Hybrid Procedure: What Future for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation?
Authors: Nasso Giuseppe , Lorusso Roberto , Moscarelli Marco , De Martino Giuseppe , Dell’Aquila Angelo M. , Motekallemi Arash , Bari Nicola Di , Condello Ignazio , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Santarpino Giuseppe , Speziale Giuseppe 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background - The debate on the best treatment strategy for AF has expanded following the introduction of the so-called “hybrid procedure” that combines minimally invasive epicardial ablation with endocardial catheter ablation. However, the advantage of the hybrid approach over conventional epicardial ablation remains to be established.Methods -From June 2008 to December 2020, 609 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency (RF) device was used, whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar RF device was used. In addition, between September 2016 and April 2017, 60 patients underwent endocardial completion of epicardial linear ablation. In 30 of these latter patients, surgical isolation of the Bachmann’s bundle (BB) was also performed. Starting from 2021, surviving patients at follow-up were asked to undergo ECG evaluation and left ventricular function assessment and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF. Results - The ablation procedure was completed in all patients. Upon discharge, 30 (4.9%) patients showed recurrence of AF, whereas the remaining patients (95.1%) were in sinus rhythm. All patients in whom a hybrid approach was used either with or without BB ablation were discharged in sinus rhythm. After a mean follow-up of 74 months, 122 (20%) patients developed recurrent AF, including 19.9% in whom a unipolar RF device was used, 21% in whom a bipolar RF device was used, 23% who had undergone a hybrid procedure without BB ablation and 3.3% who had undergone a hybrid procedure. On multivariate analysis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, worsening of EHRA symptom class, and cognitive impairment or depression during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence. Conclusions - Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe and may allow the creation of additional linear lesions, particularly in the BB. The placement of adjunctive linear lesions in the setting of a hybrid procedure is more effective in reducing the risk for AF recurrence than isolated surgical ablation or hybrid ablation without the addition of further linear lesions, with no incremental risk to the patient.
Detecting Schistosoma Haematobium Infection by Microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr) In School Children In The Three Senatorial Districts of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Esiere Rosemary Kaiso , Ibeneme Emmanuel onyekachukwu , Effanga Emmanuel Offiong , Imalele Edema Enogiomwan , Esiere Miracle Kaiso , Inyang-Etoh Paul Columba , Alaribe Ambrose Anyanwu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
As a result of the poor sensitivity and specificity of the standard parasitological diagnostic methods currently being used, this study was conducted to compare the standard parasitological diagnostic methods and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in determining the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Cross River State (CRS). The study was conducted between April 2015 and March 2016. Seven hundred and seventy seven (777) urine samples were randomly collected from selected school-age children. The urine samples were subjected to standard parasitological and molecular examinations. Chi-square test was used to test the differences between the data on subgroups and the results from specimen examinations. An overall prevalence of 1.7% was recorded using microscopy and 34.7% recorded using PCR. The highest prevalence of infection by microscopy occurred in the Southern Senatorial District (2.3%), while the Northern Senatorial District recorded the highest prevalence of infection by PCR (53.2%) (p < 0.05). Males were more infected (2.4%) than females (0.6%) using microscopy. With PCR, males were also more infected (35.7%) compared to females (33.3%) (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence of infection using microscopy and PCR both occurred in school-age children aged 5–8 years (3.6% and 47.8% respectively), while the lowest prevalence for both methods occurred in participants aged 17–20 years (0% for both methods) (p < 0.05). This study has shown PCR to be effective in detecting schistosomiasis infection and also re-affirms the endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis in the three Senatorial Districts of CRS.
The Parental Perspective of Thalassaemia in Bangladesh: Lack of knowledge, Regret, and Barriers
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Hasan Md. Mahbub , Petrou Mary , Telfer Paul , Mosabbir Abdullah Al 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Thalassaemia, a hereditary haemoglobin disorder, is a major public health concern in some parts of the world. Despite Bangladesh is located in the world’s thalassaemia belt, the information on this disease is scarce. Besides, the awareness on this life threatening but potentially preventable disease is surprisingly poor. However, mass awareness is pivotal for developing an effective preventive strategy. In this context, the understanding of parental perspectives is essential to realize the magnitude of the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the parental knowledge gaps and perceptions regarding thalassemia, the barriers confronted by the parents for caring for their thalassaemic children and their attitude to prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2018 at a dedicated thalassemia hospital located in Dhaka. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews with parents of thalassaemic children. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.ResultsOf 365 respondents, nearly all respondents (97%) had not heard about the term, ‘thalassemia’ before the disease was diagnosed in their children; all (100%) were unscreened for carrier status prior to marriage. Mean knowledge scores were significantly higher in respondents with higher income and education. Most respondents (~ 91%) had a guilty feeling for not undergoing premarital screening. Only around 36% of them had heard about prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 25% participants would consider prenatal diagnosis in a future pregnancy, while 70% of them were unsure and only ~ 5% would decline prenatal diagnosis. Only 9.3% mothers had prenatal diagnosis in a previous pregnancy. Nearly 80% of the parents faced difficulty for obtaining blood donors regularly and a similar proportion (~81%) of them did not receive support from any organized blood clubs. More than 40% of the parents reported they felt socially stigmatized. ConclusionThis study suggests poor parental knowledge on thalassaemia including prenatal diagnosis and the challenges they are facing while caring for their children. These findings would be of paramount importance in planning and devising effective prevention and intervention strategies in Bangladesh as well as in other countries with similar sociocultural setting.