bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnomedicinal Study of Plants in Begumgonj, Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Kazi-Marjahan Akter , Sajib Noor Hasan , Kang Dong-Min , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Uddin Sheik Bokhtear 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Backgraound: The aim of this study was to document and preserve the ethnomedicinal knowledge used by traditional healers of Begumganj upazila, Bangladesh, to treat human diseases and evaluate the relative efficacy of the medicinal plants.Methods: The uses of medicinal plants were documented as an ethnomedicinal data sheet using direct observation, field interview, plant interview and group interview techniques from December 2012 to January 2014 in the study area. Data were collected from 98 traditional healers through a questionnaire survey and analyzed through informant consensus factor and fidelity level.Results: Overall, 75 plant species under 71 genera of 47 families were documented, which are used to treat 41 diseases. Data analysis revealed that 41.33%, 14.67%, 36% and 8% of the medicinal plant species were herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers, respectively. Leaves were the most used parts, followed by stem, root, fruit, bark, latex and rhizome. The most frequently treated diseases were dysentery, rheumatism and skin diseases.Conclusions: This is the first ethnobotanical survey, which recorded the importance of medicinal plants in Begumgonj upazila, Bangladesh. This study can contribute to preserving the indigenous knowledge on the traditional use of medicinal plants in this region and attract future generations towards traditional healing practice.
The Impact of Multidisciplinary Pre-Dialysis Care on the Outcomes of Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wang I-Kuan , Yu Tung-Min , Yen Tzung-Hai , Yip Hei-Tung , Lai Ping-Chin , Li Chi-Yuan , Sung Fung-Chang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary pre-dialysis care (MDPC) on the risks of peritonitis, technique failure and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Incident end-stage renal disease patients were classified into two groups, the MDPC group and the control group, that received the usual care by nephrologists. Risks of the first episode of peritonitis, technique failure and mortality were compared between the two groups. Patients in the MDPC group initiated dialysis earlier than those in the non-MDPC group. There was no significant difference between these two groups in time to the first episode of peritonitis. Compared to the non-MDPC group, the MDPC group was at similar risks of technique failure (adjusted HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.64–1.15) and mortality (adjusted HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.42–1.02). Among patients with diabetes, the risk of mortality was significantly reduced in the MDPC group with an adjusted HR of 0.45 (95% CI = 0.25–0.80).There was no significant difference in time to develop the first episode of peritonitis, and risks of technique failure and mortality between these two groups. Diabetic PD patients under MDPC had a lower risk of mortality than those under the usual care.
Determinants of Vertical Integration in Poultry Production in Ghana: Application of Count Data Models
Authors: Adams Faizal , Mensah Amos , Etuah Seth , Aidoo Robert , Mensah James Osei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Poultry production has significant potential to reduce protein deficiency, food insecurity and poverty in Ghana. However, limited vertical integration and high cost of production in the sector have stifled growth and exposed poultry farms in the country to many risks, leading to poor business performance. This study uses cross-sectional data from 102 commercial poultry farms to assess the determinants of extent of vertical integration in the Ghanaian poultry industry by employing zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) and Zero-inflated Binomial (ZINB) models. The results show that one in every four poultry farms in the country are vertically integrated, either partially or fully. The ZINB model, which best fits the data, reveals that the extent of vertical integration in the poultry business is significantly influenced by a set of personal (education, occupation, and farming experience) and farm level (land tenure, flock size, production cost, and farm revenue) characteristics as well as institutional factors (credit access, extension access and membership of association). The paper discusses the implications of these findings and provides appropriate recommendations for strengthening the poultry industry in Ghana.
Influence of the “Great Acceleration” of the Anthropocene on the fluxes of trace elements in sediments of the Santos and São Vicente estuarine system, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Angeli José Lourenço Friedmann , Sartoretto Julie , Kim Bianca , Ferreira Paulo , Mahiques Michel , Figueira Rubens 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The worldwide evidence of human activities on the environment led the scientific community to recognize a new geologic time unit known as the Anthropocene. Since the twentieth century, the estuaries have been largely impacted by urbanization and industrialization needs driven by population and economic growth. To assess the contamination, provenance, and fluxes of trace elements (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sc, V and Zn) over the last century, a geochemical and chemometric technique was employed in sediment cores of the Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System (SSVES), an industrial and port region of international importance. The results indicated low contamination, with the highest enrichment factors (EF) for Cu (EF = 3.1), Pb (EF = 2.7), Zn (EF = 2.4) and As (EF = 2.3) found next to the harbor area. The Pre-industrial records confirm the relatively high concentrations of As and its naturally enriched occurrence on the Brazilian shelf. Sediment accumulation rates and trace element fluxes showed a general increase over the years, since the early 1960s, associated with the “Great Acceleration” of the mid-twentieth century. These alterations are human-induced and include urbanization and industrialization. Nonetheless, as the contents and enrichment of trace elements indicate that the region is not severely polluted, we hypothesize that the contamination in the SSVES is likely related to the drainage and erosion of the urbanized adjacent area, rather than direct disposal of inorganic contaminants from the industrial activity.
Dissipationless zero energy epigraphene edge state for nanoelectronics
Authors: Prudkovskiy Vladimir , Hu Yiran , Zhang Kaimin , Hu Yue , Ji Peixuan , Nunn Grant , Zhao Jian , Shi Chengqian , Tejeda Antonio , Wander David , de Cecco Alessandro , Winkelmann Clemens , Jiang Yuxuan , Zhao Tianhao , Wakabayashi Katsunori , Jiang Zhigang , Ma Lei , Berger Claire , de Heer Walt 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The graphene edge state is essential for graphene electronics and fundamental in graphene theory, however it is not observed in deposited graphene. Here we report the discovery of the epigraphene edge state (EGES) in conventionally patterned epigraphene using plasma-based lithography that stabilizes and passivates the edges probably by fusing the graphene edges to the non-polar silicon carbide substrate, as expected. Transport involves a single, essentially dissipationless conductance channel at zero energy up to room temperature. The Fermi level is pinned at zero energy. The EGES does not generate a Hall voltage and the usual quantum Hall effect is observed only after subtraction of the EGES current. EGES transport is highly protected and apparently mediated by an unconventional zero-energy fermion that is half electron and half hole. Interconnected networks involving only the EGES can be patterned, opening the door to a new graphene nanoelectronics paradigm that is relevant for quantum computing.
A Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository for COVID-19 Survivors with and without Post-Acute Sequelae
Authors: LaVergne Stephanie M , Sophia Stromberg , Baxter Bridget A , Webb Tracy L , Dutt Taru S , Berry Kailey , Tipton Madison , Haberman Jared , Massey Benjamin R , McFann Kim , Alnachoukati Omar , Zier Linda , Heacock Thomas , Ebel Greg , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Dunn Julie , Ryan Elizabeth P 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 has swept across the globe, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Though most survive, many experience symptoms of COVID-19 for months after acute infection. Successful prevention and treatment of acute COVID-19 infection and its associated sequelae is dependent on in-depth knowledge of viral pathology across the spectrum of patient phenotypes and physiologic responses. Longitudinal biobanking provides a valuable resource of clinically integrated, easily accessed, and quality-controlled samples for researchers to study differential multi-organ system responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), and vaccination. MethodsAdults with a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR are actively recruited from the community or hospital settings to enroll in the Northern Colorado SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository (NoCo-COBIO). Blood, saliva, stool, nasopharyngeal specimens, and extensive clinical and demographic data are collected at 4 time points over 6 months. Patients are assessed for PASC during longitudinal follow-up by physician led symptom questionnaires and physical exams. This clinical trial registration is NCT05603677.ResultsWe have enrolled and collected samples from 119 adults since July 2020, with 66% follow-up rate. Forty-nine percent of participants assessed with a symptom surveillance questionnaire (N=37 of 75) had PASC at any time during follow-up (up to 8 months post infection). Ninety-three percent of hospitalized participants developed PASC, while 23% of those not requiring hospitalization developed PASC. At 90-174 days post SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, 67% of all participants had persistent symptoms (N=37 of 55), and 85% percent of participants who required hospitalization during initial infection (N=20) still had symptoms. The most common symptoms reported after 15 days of infection were fatigue, loss of smell, loss of taste, exercise intolerance, and cognitive dysfunction. ConclusionsPatients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have PASC than those not requiring hospitalization, however 23% of patients who were not hospitalized also developed PASC. This patient-matched, multi-matrix, longitudinal biorepository from COVID-19 survivors with and without PASC will allow for current and future research to better understand the pathophysiology of disease and to identify targeted interventions to reduce risk for PASC. Registered 27 October 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04603677.
Evaluation of the association between duodenal eosinophil counts, functional dyspepsia, symptomatic erosive GERD and other variables: A retrospective multi-ethnic Malaysian study.
Authors: Raj Sundramoorthy Mahendra , Ravindran Sarala , Kaur Manreesha , Braganza Michelle Clare , Kunnath Anil Philip 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Duodenal eosinophilia is postulated to play a key role in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Our objective was to evaluate the relative strength of the associations, between duodenal eosinophil counts functional dyspepsia, symptomatic erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the presence of co-morbidities and a number of other variables.Methods: Eosinophil counts of archived endoscopic duodenal biopsies of 289 subjects were determined by a pathologist blinded to the clinical data. Duodenal eosinophilia was defined by a count of more than 15 per 5 high power fields. Clinical charts were reviewed by a gastroenterologist blinded to the histology review. Results: The primary diagnosis was functional dyspepsia (undifferentiated by subtypes) in 45, symptomatic erosive GERD in 29, gall stone disease in 17, irritable bowel syndrome in 23 and an alternative or undetermined diagnosis in 175 subjects respectively. On logistic regression analyses, eosinophil counts were associated with symptomatic erosive GERD (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.05; p=0.035) but not functional dyspepsia. Pre-defined duodenal eosinophilia was associated with symptomatic erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.11 - 8.80; p=0.030), the presence of co-morbidities (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16 - 3.84; p=0.014), Chinese (compared to Malay and Indian) ethnicity and lower age but not with either functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstone disease, Helicobacter pylori infection or gender. Conclusion: Duodenal eosinophilia was associated with symptomatic erosive GERD, the presence of co-morbidities and Chinese ethnicity but not with undifferentiated functional dyspepsia. Taken in conjunction with other studies, these findings support the hypothesis that subsets of GERD and functional dyspepsia may be part of a disease spectrum characterised by duodenal eosinophilia.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Sars-cov-2 Infection in Healthcare Personnel of the Spanish Central Military Hospital. Results of a Case-control Study
Authors: BAZAN MARIA JULIA AJEJAS , MORA CARLOS FUENTES , ORCAL LUCÍA ELENA BALLESTER , WÄRNBERG JULIA , PÉREZ LUIS HERRERO , VICENTE MIGUEL PUERRO , FARINÓS NAPOLEÓN PÉREZ 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background. Spain is the country with the highest number of health care workers affected by COVID-19 disease in the world. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of SARS-COV-2 infection in HCW at the Gómez Ulla Military Hospital. Methods. A case-control study was conducted during the first outbreak of COVID 19 at GUMH. The study was extended to the total number of HCW in the hospital who met the inclusion criteria. HCW of the GUMH were civilian and military personnel that included Nursing and Medicine students of Spanish Military Academy, Medicine specialty residents and Nursing residents of Medical Surgical Specialty in Operations (EMQO). An ad hoc questionnaire of 33 items was made up. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the entire population of study. With this questionnaire personnel were classified into sick (cases) or healthy (controls). Results and Conclusions. 150 professionals answered the questionnaire. Cases were defined as those who tested positive in the diagnostic tests (n=28, 20.7 %) and controls were those who tested negative (n=107, 79.3 %). Therefore, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the GUMH was 20.7 %. Of the total number of cases, 64.3 % were men (p<0.05), with a mean age of 47.1 (SD 13.3), with a mean BMI of 25.3 (SD 3.8), 48.2 % were overweighted. Of the total cases, 59.3 % had A blood group type and 69.2 % were Rh positive. 50 % were physicians, 32.1 % were nurses and 17.9 % were auxiliary nurses (p<0.05). Cases and controls with vitamin D deficiency and who took supplements had a lower risk of suffering COVID-19, with significant differences. Fever, cough and diarrhea were found in at least 50% of the sample with significant differences.
The prognostic value of a tumor microenvironment-based immune cell infiltration score model in colon cancer
Authors: Pan Xiaofen , Tang Xingkui , Liu Minling , Luo Xijun , Zhu Mengyuan , Huang Shan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTumor microenvironment consists of tumor cells, immune cells and other matric components. Tumor infiltration immune cells are associated with prognosis. But all the current prognosis evaluation system dose not take tumor immune cells other matrix component into consideration. In the current study, we aimed to construct a prognosis predictive model based on tumor microenvironment.MethodCIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to reveal the immune cell infiltration landscape of colon cancer. Patients were classified into three clusters by ConsensusClusterPlus algorithm. Immune cell infiltration (ICI) scores of each patient were determine by principal-component analysis. Patients were divided to high and low ICI score groups. Survival, gene expression and somatic mutation of the two groups were compared.ResultsPatients with no lymph node invasion, no metastasis, T1-2 disease and stage I-II had higher ICI scores. Calcium signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TGF β pathway, and WNT signaling pathway were enriched in high ICI score group. Immune-checkpoint genes and immune-activity associated genes were significantly decreased in high ICI score. Patients in high ICI score group had better survival than low ICI score group. Prognostic value of ICI score was independent of TMB.ConclusionICI score might serve as an independent prognostic biomarker in colon cancer.
Capnography and Pulse Oximetry Improve Fast Track Extubation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Moradian Seyed Tayeb , Beitollahi Fatemah , Ghiasi Mohammad Saeid , vahedian-azimi Amir 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Use of capnography as a non-invasive method during the weaning process for fast track extubation (FTE) is controversial. We conducted the present study to determine whether pulse oximetry and capnography could be utilized as alternatives to arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements in patients under mechanical ventilation (MV) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 70 patients, who were candidates for CABG surgery, were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 35); the intervention group and the control group. In the intervention group, the ventilator management and weaning from MV was done using Etco2 from capnography and SpO2 from pulse oximetry. Meanwhile, in the control group, weaning was done based on ABG analysis. The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, time to extubation, number of manual ventilator setting changes, and alarms were compared between the groups.
Results

The end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels in the intervention group were completely similar to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCo2) in the control group (39.5 ± 3.1 vs. 39.4 ± 4.32, P > 0.05). The mean extubation times were significantly shorter in the intervention group compared to those in the control patients (212.2 ± 80.6 vs. 342.7 ± 110.7, P < 0.001). Moreover, the number of changes in the manual ventilator setting and the number of alarms were lower in the intervention group (P < 0.05). However, the differences in the length of stay in ICU between the two groups were not significant (P = 0.219).
Conclusion

According to our results, the use of non-invasive monitors, including capnography and pulse oximetry, is emphasized in order to utilize FTE after CABG surgery. Furthermore, it is a safe and valuable monitor that could be a good alternative for ABG in this population. Nevertheless, further studies with larger sample sizes and on different disease states and populations are required to assess the accuracy of our findings.
Trial registration:

IRCT, IRCT201701016778N6, Registered 3 March 2017, https://www.irct.ir/trial/7192
New Segmentation and Feature Extraction Algorithm for Classification of White Blood Cells in Peripheral Smear Images
Authors: Tavakoli Eslam , Ghaffari Ali , Kouzehkanan Zahra Mousavi , Hosseini Reshad 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article addresses a new method for the classification of white blood cells (WBCs) using image processing techniques and machine learning methods. The proposed method consists of three steps: detecting the nucleus and cytoplasm, extracting features, and classification. At first, a new algorithm is designed to segment the nucleus. For the cytoplasm to be detected, only a part of it which is located inside the convex hull of the nucleus is involved in the process. This attitude helps us overcome the difficulties of segmenting the cytoplasm. In the second phase, three shapes and four novel color features are devised and extracted. Finally, by using an SVM model, the WBCs are classified. The segmentation algorithm can detect the nucleus with a dice similarity coefficient of 0.9675. The proposed method can categorize WBCs in Raabin-WBC, LISC, and BCCD datasets with accuracies of 94.65 %, 92.21 %, and 94.20 %, respectively. It is worth mentioning that the hyperparameters of the classifier are fixed only with the Raabin-WBC dataset, and these parameters are not readjusted for LISC and BCCD datasets. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed method is robust, fast, and accurate.
Systolic Dyssynchrony Index as a Diagnostic Tool for Subclinical Cardiac Involvement of Sarcoidosis: A cross-sectional single center study.
Authors: Cabuk Ali Kemal , Cabuk Gizem 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Sarcoidosis with cardiac involvement has a relatively high morbidity and mortality, and early diagnose of cardiac sarcoidosis is a critical issue. Systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) measured by three-dimensinonal echocardiography was used in our study for detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with sarcoidosis and normal LV function on two-dimensional echocardiography.Methods: Forty-four patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis (without clinically apparent cardiac involvement) and 44 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Conventional 2D echocardiographic parameters and SDI measured by 3D echocardiography were analyzed in all participants.Results: While two-dimensional echocardiographic results of study groups were similar; SDI_16 (SDI for 16 segments of LV) results were significantly higher in sarcoidosis group compared to healthy controls (6.99 + 5.02 vs 2.89 + 1.32, p<0.0001), and 47.7% of patients with sarcoidosis had SDI_16 value of >6%.Conclusion: SDI_16 was higher in patients with sarcoidosis and this parameter could be used as a marker to identify patients with cardiac involvement of sarcoidosis in the early phase.
Detection and difference analysis of the enzyme activity of colloidal gold nanoparticles with negatively charged surfaces prepared by different reducing agents
Authors: Cao Junjun , Zhang Jie , Yuan Ning , Sun Yixiao , Xu Zhihua , Shi Feng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Research on the activity of nanoenzymes has always been a focus of nanomaterials. In this study, several reducing agents with different structures were used to prepare colloidal gold with a negative charge and similar size by controlling the temperature and pH. The affinity analysis of the substrate H 2 O 2 and TMB showed that the activity of colloidal gold nanoenzymes prepared by different reducing agents was in the order of Cc, Hq, Rs, Vc, Ga, Sc, Sm, St. The rule is that the enzyme activity of colloidal gold reduced by benzene ring is higher than that of colloidal gold enzyme reduced by linear chain. Finally, we discussed the activity of colloidal gold peroxidase from the number and position of isomers and functional groups, and demonstrated that the nanoenzyme activity affected the surface activity of colloidal gold, the elimination of hydroxyl radical and TMB binding efficiency.
Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach (SCOLA) for Umbilical Hernia with Diastasis of Rectus Abdominis Muscle: A Case Report
Authors: Tasdelen Halil Afsin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) is a common pathology, usually associated with midline abdominal wall hernias. The midline ventral hernias with diastasis have a significantly high recurrence rate, so repairing the hernia defect and the diastasis should be considered. Claus et al. previously described the subcutaneous onlay laparoscopic approach (SCOLA). We report a case of diastasis recti associated with umbilical hernia repaired with SCOLA technique. A 46-year-old male patient presented with a disturbing bulge in the upper midline and painful umbilical swelling. The CT scan followed by physical examination revealed 28 mm. umbilical hernia and 35 mm. diastasis recti. We aimed to introduce the SCOLA technique using a narrated video clip and showed all the critical steps and anatomical landmarks in the video. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. The SCOLA technique is a feasible and reproducible alternative for the repair of midline hernias associated with DRAM.