bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Dilution on the Pollutant Monitoring in Decentralised Treatment Facilities Using Electrical Conductivity Sensors: Experimental and Modelling Insights
Authors: Yu Qiangqiang , Liu Rui , Liang Zhiwei , Song Xiaoyan , Ye Linyi , Chen Lujun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Electrical conductivity (EC) is a common and cheap water monitoring sensor, and in some way reflects the water body pollution level qualitatively. In this study, the domestic sewage characteristic analysis for decentralised treatment facilities in plain and mountainous rural areas, Eastern China, showed that influent TN/NH3-N/TP concentrations were strongly and linearly correlated with influent EC values. EC source apportionment indicated that although no single ion in rural domestic sewage dominated the EC value, EC was packed with vast amounts of information on pollutant content and colud be precisely predicted by support vector machine (SVM) regression model (R = 0.9520). According to field investigation and dilution simulation analysis, the mechanism of correlations between influent TN/NH3-N/TP concentrations and EC values was confirmed and attributed to dilutions by background water during pipeline transport. Particularly, although the dilution processes in plain and mountainous areas were similar and the dilution coefficients were speculated to both obey a Poisson distribution, the average dilution coefficient in plain area was 0.35 ± 0.16 with λ=4 while that in mountainous area was 0.23± 0.15 with λ=2. Our results demonstrate that the EC sensor provides a cheap, rapid and reliable alternative pollutant monitoring method for decentralised treatment facilities in rural areas with mechanism clear.
Unmethylated Cytosine phosphate guanine DNA (CpG-DNA) exacerbates liver Kupffer cells (KCs) inflammation through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in diabetic rats
Authors: Cai Simin , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaoming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recently, gut microbiota for various pathogens has attracted attention. The present study investigated the role of gut microbiota unmethylated cytosine phosphate guanine DNA (CpG-DNA) on liver Kupffer cells (KCs) inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in diabetic rats. We induced diabetic rats models and sequenced the gut microbiota composition of fecal samples. We also applied CpG-DNA and TLR9 inhibitor on KCs to investigate the regulation of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling pathway. We found a significant difference of gut microbiota between the control and the diabetic rats with increased Clostridium. Meanwhile, diabetes could upregulate TLR9 in KCs and increase IL-1β concentration. Furthermore, high concentration of unmethylated CpG-DNA could significantly increase IL-1β secretion while it was suppressed by TLR9 inhibitor in KCs cultured in high glucose medium. Our study suggests that unmethylated CpG-DNA, which was highly expressed in diabetic rats, activated KCs through TLR9, and induced IL-1β secretion in vitro and in vivo which plays an important role in diabetic liver inflammation. It may contribute to the progress of the diabetes.
Prenatal Phthalate Exposure Reduction Through an Integrated Intervention Strategy
Authors: Wu Wei , Cao Liu , Zheng Ting-Ting , Feng Shu-Yu , Ma Guan-Wei , He Ying-Ying , Wu Ping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pregnancy represents a sensitive susceptibility window to phthalate esters (PAEs). In this study, we develop an intervention strategy for reducing the exposure of pregnant women to phthalates. Thirty-five pregnant women, who initially underwent maternity examination, were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal prospective prenatal cohort study. The intervention strategy integrates diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Participants were encouraged to modify their behaviors and habits according to the intervention strategy at three different periods. Urine samples were collected from the participants after antenatal examination every month, for 8 months, to measure ten PAEs metabolites. The mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) (MEHHP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) declined significantly after the 1st intervention, while mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and mono-methyl phthalate (MMP) noticeably reduced after 2nd intervention. The sum of the molar concentrations of MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, and MECPP reduced by 20% to 40% during subsequent intervention. In addition, the sum of the molar concentrations of MEP, MnBP, MMP, and MiBP) as well as the sum of the molar concentrations of the ten metabolites also reduced. Our findings suggest that intervention through written recommendations can effectively reduce the burden of phthalates during pregnancy.
MiR-3146 Induces Neutrophil Extracellular Traps to Aggravate Acute Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Shan Lizhen , Yang Di , Feng Fabo , Zhu Danjie , Li Xiaolin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
MiR-3146 plays an important role in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) during the pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis (AGA).The aim of our study was to explore the underlying role and molecular mechanism of miR-3146 in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) during the pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis (AGA). The expression of miR-3146 and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was determined by real-time PCR and western blot. The luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the targeting relationship between miR-3146 and SIRT1. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescent staining. NETs formation was demonstrated via immunofluorescence staining and ELISA method. AGA model was induced in rats to verify the effects of miR-3146 inhibition on histopathological changes and NETs. Here, we found miR-3146 expression was dramatically increased in neutrophils of patients with AGA, presenting higher levels of NETs. Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals significantly increased miR-3146 expression and ROS production in neutrophils. The NETs process was also triggered by MSU crystals. Furthermore, we verified the interaction between miR-3146 and SIRT1. Additionally, antagomir-3146-based therapy effectively inhibited the formation of NETs in rats with AGA. MiR-3146-mediated NETs formation may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of AGA.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of TRAF2 and TRAF5 Gene in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Kong Jiangping , Huang Li , Xie Huimin , Wang Feier , Zhou Tingting , Zhang Xiaoyi , Yu Lingxiang , Xu Shengqian , Pan Faming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of eight locus polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and TRAF5 gene and their interaction in the susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Chinese Han population.MethodsEight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3750511, rs10781522, rs17250673, rs59471504, rs6540679, rs12569232, rs4951523, rs7514863) of TRAF2 and TRAF5 gene were genotyped in 673 AS patients and 687 controls.ResultsThe SNPs of TRAF2 and TRAF5 does not indicate a correlation with the susceptibility of AS in Chinese Han population. Genotype frequencies of rs3750511were statistically significant in females between patients and controls. The genotype frequencies of rs12569232 and allele frequencies of rs3750511were statistically significant between groups of different diseases activity. One three-locus model, TRAF2 (rs10781522, rs17250673) and TRAF5 (rs12569232), had a maximum testing accuracy of 52.67% and a maximum cross-validation consistency (10/10) that was significant at the level of P=0.0001, after determined empirically by permutation testing. As to environmental variables, only marginal association was found between sleep quality and AS susceptibility.ConclusionTRAF2 rs3750511 polymorphism may be associated with the susceptibility and severity of AS. Besides, the interaction of TRAF2 and TRAF5 genes may be associated with AS susceptibility, but many open questions remain.
Security Guards’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - the Status Quo and Influencing Factors in China
Authors: Yang Mingzhu , Chai Shuang , Kang Mei , Fang Fang , Zhou Yi , Wan Wen , Peng Youqing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: First aid provided in public places is life-saving when unexpected emergencies, such as cardiac arrests occur. Security guards who constantly patrol public places can perform or assist cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac arrest situations if they are appropriately trained. However, little is known about the status quo of the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of CPR among the security guards in China .Aims: This study aims to investigate the current status quo and explore the influencing factors of the KAP of CPR among security guards, and provide guidance for developing CPR training programs for them in China.Methods: We conducted a convenience sampling on the security guards from 2 tertiary hospitals, 1 airport, 16 commercial buildings, 10 supermarkets and 14 residential complexes in China. Data was collected from the questionnaire about the KAP of CPR given to the security guards enrolled. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of the KAP of CPR.Results: The total scores of each element, the knowledge on CPR among security guards was (25.72±12.31), attitude (31.99±3.94), practice (20.89±4.54), and the total score (78.60±14.70). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, the workplace of security guards, previous occupations, previous exposure, training and performance of CPR, age, and educational background were the main factors affecting the KAP of CPR of the security guards (all of the P values <0.05).Conclusions: The KAP of CPR among the security guards in Shanghai needs further improvement. The training and intervention program should combine their cultural background, educational background and other influencing factors to improve the level of CPR and first aid ability of security guards.
Outage Performance Analysis for User Cooperative NOMA with Incremental Hybrid Forwarding Protocols
Authors: Li Suyue , Liu Junhuai , Wang Anhong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) collaborative communication is extremely beneficial to the users with poor channel conditions. It is essential to examine the performance of different NOMA users with superior cooperative forwarding protocols. This paper addresses the user cooperative NOMA system where one strong user (U2) assists one weak user (U1) to forward messages, and investigates the outage performance of both users with hybrid decode-and-amplify forwarding (HDAF) protocol. First, we derive the outage probability of U2 and U1 with HDAF. Secondly, we provide the closed-form expression for outage probability of U1 with the incremental hybrid decode-and-amplify forward (IHDAF) protocol at U2, which can further enhance the outage performance of U1 compared with HDAF. Moreover, we also present the system throughput expression and provide deep analysis on the effect of different forwarding protocols. Numerical results and Monte Carlo simulations jointly confirm the correctness of all the analytic derivations. In addition to saving the energy consumption of U2, IHDAF can make U1 achieve superior outage performance to HDAF. However, the system throughput almost overlap for both schemes given a threshold rate pair.
Understanding the Local Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis in an Indian Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Saha Avinandan , Prasad Priyanka , Nataraj Gita 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of community and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). In the year preceding this study, our laboratory reported an MRSA isolation rate of 2% from 50,549 specimens. Molecular typing of MRSA identifies sources of infection, transmission chains and informs infection control practices, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is the gold standard. This study was conducted to gain an understanding of the local molecular epidemiology of MRSA in our hospital using PFGE, to inform hospital infection control practices.Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the microbiology laboratory of our 2,200-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai, India.The antibiotic susceptibility profiles and pulsed-field profiles (PFPs) of 100 consecutive non-duplicate clinical isolates of MRSA were obtained. The PFPs were compared to check for relatedness of isolates. The distribution of various pulsotypes across disciplines and hospital locations was examined.Results: Clinical specimens accounted for 86 (86%) of the MRSA isolates, whilst 14 (14%) were from screening of healthcare workers. Maximum isolates, 68 (68%), were from surgical disciplines. Confirmed HAIs accounted for 25 (25%) MRSA isolates. Seventeen antibiotypes were obtained and there was no correlation between antibiotype and pulsotype. Totally 43 pulsotypes were identified, with most isolates, 40 (40%), belonging to pulsotype 1. Seven clusters were identified. Cluster I had maximum pulsotypes, 14, and 58 (58%) isolates. Isolates belonging to clusters I and II were found in all hospital locations. Relatedness was observed between isolates from HAIs and screening specimens, and between community and HAI isolates.Conclusions: PFGE typing revealed the disciplines at greatest risk from MRSA in our hospital. The commonality between MRSA isolated from HAIs and screening of healthcare workers, and between MRSA isolated from HAIs and from community-acquired infections highlighted the horizontal transmission of MRSA and the need to reinforce infection control measures to limit this.
Are There Variations in Hotspots in Clinical Malaria in Pregnancy and Neonatal Malaria? Evidence From Ghana
Authors: ALLOTEY NAA-KORKOR , Osae Kofi , Mohammed Wahjib , Kotoh Agnes Millicent , Kenu Ernest 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMalaria in pregnancy (MIP) is a significant public health problem, and affects both mother and foetus. MIP has both direct and indirect effects. These direct effects attributed to malaria in pregnancy are clinical malaria in pregnancy and congenital malaria. Although there has been a steady decline of malaria in pregnancy (MIP); reducing from 9% in 2004 to 1.4% in 2016, the decline, does not seem equitable across the country. There was therefore a need to identify areas where clinical MIP and neonatal was high and target them for interventions (neonatal malaria was used because data for malaria was available only for the first 28 days). As a result, this study sought to use routine data to identify areas of high transmission (hotspots) for clinical malaria in pregnancy and neonatal malaria (extrapolating for congenital malaria hotspots).Methods Clinical MIP and neonatal malaria (suspected and confirmed) data were retrieved from the national routine database. Using expected pregnancy and all clinical malaria cases as the denominators of clinical malaria in pregnancy and clinical malaria respectively, the per 1000 cases of malaria in pregnancy and percentage neonatal malaria were calculated for both conditions. These two data sets were fed into ARC GIS software and hotspots spatially determined for both conditions from 2014 to 2016. ResultsVariations in hotspots were identified both chronologically and geospatially for clinical MIP and neonatal malaria respectively. Nevertheless, stable hotspots were found for clinical malaria in pregnancy for the three years and stable hotspots also identified for Neonatal malaria for two years. Congenital malaria was extrapolated from neonatal malaria data only for Bole District in the Northern Region of Ghana for 2015.Conclusions:Hotspots for malaria in pregnancy show marked variation year on year both for clinical malaria in pregnancy and neonatal malaria and vary geospatially. The differences in hotspots in clinical malaria in pregnancy and neonatal malaria also show that neonatal malaria cannot be attributed to congenital malaria and therefore is not the effect of malaria in pregnancy. However, stable hotspots for clinical malaria in pregnancy should be targeted for intervention.
Attenuation and Dispersion in Cancellous Bone: Implication in Developing Ultrasound-Guided Spinal Navigation
Authors: Li Suoyuan , Li Peiyang , Shao Weiwei , Jiao Yang , Li Zhiqiang , Lu Wenjia , Cui Yaoyao , Fan Junjie , Shen Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to understand the acoustic properties of vertebral cancellous bone by combining micro-CT scan data and use this as the theoretical basis for ultrasonic navigation with posterior pedicle screw fixation during spinal fusion surgery. Results: Two bovine spinal cancellous bone blocks and two human spinal allograft bone blocks simulated the condition of cancellous bone in the pedicle screw channel. Transmission experiments were performed on them, including amplitude, attenuation and sound velocity tests. Four unfocused wideband ultrasonic transducers were used for the detection, with the central frequencies of 2.2MHz, 2.5MHz, 3MHz and 12MHz respectively. The results were favorable and stable. The amplitude of the signal decreased with depth penetration (p< 0.05). With the increase of frequency, sound attenuation and sound velocity increased (p< 0.05).Conclusions: In summary, the conclusions lay a theoretical foundation for the ultrasonic navigation system. However, how ultrasound navigation will facilitate pedicle screw insertion in spine surgery remains to be determined. Therefore, ultrasonic guided pedicle screw implantation is effective and promising in theory.
The Power of Partnerships: State Public Health Department Multisector Collaborations in Major Chronic Disease Program Areas
Authors: Tsai Edward , Allen Peg , Saliba Louise F , Brownson Ross C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Multisector collaboration between state health departments (SHDs) and diverse community partners is increasingly recognized as important for promoting positive public health outcomes, addressing social determinants of health, and reducing health inequalities. This study investigates collaborations between SHDs and different types of organizations addressing chronic disease in and outside of the health sector.
Methods

SHD employees were randomly selected from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors membership list for participation in an online survey. Participants were asked about their primary chronic disease work unit (cancer, obesity, tobacco, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and others), as well as their work unit collaborations (exchange of information/cooperation in activities) with organizations in health and non-health sectors. As a measure of the different organizations SHDs collaborated with in health and non-health sectors, a collaboration heterogeneity score for each program area was calculated. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests were used to assess differences in collaborator heterogeneity between program areas.
Results

A total of 574 participants were surveyed. Results indicated the cancer program area, along with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, had significantly less collaboration heterogeneity with organizations outside of the health sector compared to the obesity and tobacco program areas.
Conclusions

Evidence suggests that to address social determinants of health and promote health equity, increased public health collaborations with diverse non-health sector community-based settings is critical.
Synthesis of Anatase TiO2 Microspheres and Their Efficient Performance in Dye-sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: V Gowthambabu , Deshpande Murnal , R Govindaraj , K Nithesh Krishna V. , M Leela Charumathi , J Manish Kumar , S Dhilip Vignesh M. , R Isaac Daniel , P Ramasamy 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nanomaterials play important role in performance of dye sensitized solar cells. In this paper, highly phase pure anatase TiO2 microspheres were synthesized using a low-cost hydrothermal route. Initially, X-ray diffraction studies and Raman spectroscopic analysis were carried out and the formation of tetragonal structure of TiO2 with the anatase phase was confirmed. The UV-Vis DRS studies showed the excellent reflectance and optical bandgap energy of 3.29 eV. The well-interconnected spherical nanoparticles with different sizes were examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis. The fabricated dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) composed of prepared TiO2 microspheres as photoanode exhibited a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) (η) of 5.4% as compared to commercial P25 with PCE of 3.6%. The higher Jsc (12.03 mA/cm2) in the fabricated DSSC due to efficient dye loading capacity and high light-scattering property was also observed.
Profiling of in vitro rumen digestibility, fermentation parameters and fatty acid biohydrogenation of palm kernel cake-based diet supplemented with corn
Authors: Saeed Osama Anwer , Sani Umar M. , Sazili Awis Q. , Akit Henny , Alimon Abdul R. , Samsudin Anjas A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Corn supplementation can enhance the function of rumen and mitigate methane production. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro rumen digestibility, fermentation parameters and fatty acid biohydrogenation of palm kernel cake-based (PKC) diet substituted with different levels of corn. Corn was substitution into PKC basal diet at the levels; T1= (0% corn + 75.3% PKC), T2= (5% corn + 70.3% PKC) and T3= (10% corn + 65.3% PKC) of the diet. Rumen liquor was obtained from four fistulated Dorper sheep and incubated with 200 mg of each treatment for 24hrs and 72hrs. Net gas production, fermentation kinetics, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), rumen microbial population and fatty acid biohydrogenation were determined. The results of the in vitro study showed that production of gas increased from 0 hr until 9 hrs with T2 having the highest gas production during this phase. After 48 hrs, the gas production began to decrease gradually with increase in incubation time. No significant differences were observed in the IVDMD, IVOMD, NH3-N, pH and VFA at 72 hrs. However, higher significant methane gas (CH4) production was observed in T3 when compared with T1 and T2. Microbial population did not differ significantly between treatment groups for total bacteria, F. succinogenes and R. flavefaciens. The rates of biohydrogenation were not affected by corn substitution although a significant difference was observed in that of C18:1n9. In conclusion, corn substitution maintained fermentation characteristics with increasing of unsaturated fatty acids.