bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anderson transition: a novel route to high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Garmroudi Fabian , Parzer Michael , Riss Alexander , Ruban Andrei , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Reticcioli Michele , Knopf Matthias , Michor Herwig , Pustogow Andrej , Mori Takao , Bauer Ernst 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Discovered exactly 200 years ago in 1821, thermoelectricity is nowadays of global interest as it allows to directly interconvert thermal and electrical energy via the Seebeck/Peltier effect, which could be exploited to enhance energy efficiency. In their seminal work, Mahan and Sofo mathematically derived the conditions for ’the best thermoelectric’ − a delta-distribution-shaped electronic transport function, where charge carriers contribute to transport only in an infinitely narrow energy interval. So far, however, only approximations to this concept were expected to really exist in nature. Here, we propose as a physical realisation of this scenario the Anderson transition in an impurity band, i.e. the transition from Anderson-localised to extended quantum states. We obtained a significant enhancement and dramatic change of the thermoelectric properties from p-type to n-type in the stoichiometric Heusler compound Fe2VAl, which we assign to a narrow region of delocalised electrons in the energy spectrum near the Fermi energy. We achieved this through an innovative approach of driving the Anderson transition via continuous disorder tuning: variable amounts of atomic defects are induced in a controlled fashion by thermal quenching from high temperatures (950 − 1380 °C). Based on our experimental electronic transport and magnetisation results, supported by Monte-Carlo and density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate a universal enhancement strategy towards colossal thermoelectric performance that is applicable to diverse material classes.
Evidence for a Novel Partitivirus Isolated From Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema Ceratophorum
Authors: Wang Shuangchao , Ahmed Irfan , Li Xianhui , Guo Lihua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Nematodes are abundant, yet little is known about their viruses. In this study, we report a novel partitivirus isolated from Entomopathogenic nematode specie “Steinernema ceratophorum, named as Steinernema ceratophorum Partiti-like Virus 1 (ScPV1). The complete genome of ScPV1 is comprised of two dsRNA segments, dsRNA1 (2352 bp) and dsRNA2 (2196 bp) in length. Both dsRNAs contained a single open reading frame (ORF), encoding a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a coat protein (CP), respectively. The sequences of the RdRp and CP showed the highest similarity (47% and 33% identity, respectively) to Plasmopara viticola associated Partitivirus 7. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis of RdRp of ScPV1 with other selected viruses indicated that ScPV1 is the new member of genus Betapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae.
Prognostic Value of Hepatocyte Growth Factor for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Katayama Satoshi , Schuettfort Victor M. , Pradere Benjamin , Mori Keiichiro , Mostafaei Hadi , Quhal Fahad , Motlagh Reza Sari , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Grossmann Nico C. , Aydh Abdulmajeed , Rajwa Pawel , König Frederik , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Haydter Martin , Moschini Marco , Abufaraj Mohammad , Lotan Yair , Lee Richard K. , Trinh Quoc-Dien , Compérat Eva , Teoh Jeremy , Nasu Yasutomo , Shariat Shahrokh F. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe HGF/MET pathway is involved in cell motility, angiogenesis, proliferation, and cancer invasion. We assessed the clinical utility of plasma HGF level as a prognostic biomarker in patients with MIBC.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 565 patients with MIBC who underwent radical cystectomy. Logistic regression and Cox regression models were used, and predictive accuracies were estimated using the area under the curve and concordance index. To estimate the clinical utility of HGF, DCA and MCID were applied.ResultsPlasma HGF level was significantly higher in patients with advanced pathologic stage and LN metastasis (p=0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Higher HGF levels were associated with an increased risk of harboring LN metastasis and non-organ-confined disease (OR1.21, 95%CI 1.12-1.32, p<0.001, and OR1.35, 95%CI 1.23-1.48, p<0.001, respectively) on multivariable analyses; the addition of HGF improved the predictive accuracies of a standard preoperative model (+7%, p<0.001 and +8%, p<0.001, respectively). According to the DCA and MCID, half of the patients had a net benefit by including HGF, but the absolute magnitude remained limited. In pre- and postoperative predictive models, a higher HGF level was significant prognosticator of worse RFS, OS, and CSS; in the preoperative model, the addition of HGF improved accuracies by 6% and 5% for RFS and CSS, respectively.Conclusion﻿Preoperative HGF identified MIBC patients who harbored features of clinically and biologically aggressive disease. Plasma HGF could serve, as part of a panel, as a biomarker to aid in preoperative treatment planning regarding intensity of treatment in patients with clinically MIBC.
High incidence of hypertension-mediated organ damage in a series of Chinese patients with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Zhao Zhiyuan , Lu Lin , Wang OU , Wu Xueyan , Sun Bang , Zhang Wei , Wang Xi , Mao Jiangfeng , Chen Shi , Tong Anli , Nie Min 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective
To analyze the prevalence of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and its relationship with enzyme activity of mutant CYP17A1 and other risk factors in patients with 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17-OHD).
Methods
A total of 68 patients with 17-OHD were recruited in the Peking Union Medical Hospital from 2003 to 2021.The incidence of hypertension and HMOD was analyzed. CYP17A1 sequencing was performed for all patients and the enzyme activity of CYP17A1 mutant was determined by analyzing the characteristics of mutation itself and the functional data reported previously. A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the factors related to HMOD and the specific damaged organs in patients with 17-OHD.
Result(s):
Sixty-five patients (95.6%) exhibited hypertension,32 of whom were diagnosed with HMOD in this 17-OHD cohort. c.985_987del TAC ins AA (p. Y329KfsX418) (53.8%) and c.1459_1467del (p. del D487_F489) (11.4%) were the top 2 mutations in this cohort, and no correlation was found between enzyme activity of mutant CYP17A1 and HMOD. Age, hypertension grade, and hypokalemia grade were independent risk factors for HMOD in 17-OHD patients. The risk of HMOD increased by 27% for each additional year of age, 7.7-fold for each one-grade increase in hypertension level, and 1.7-fold for each grade of exacerbation of hypokalemia.
Conclusion
Patients with 17-OHD experience high incidence of HMOD. There was no correlation between the HMOD occurrence and enzyme activity of mutant CYP17A1.Age, hypertension grade, and hypokalemia grade are independent risks for the occurrence of HMOD.
"We Need a System that's not Designed to Fail Māori": Experiences of Racism Related to Kideny Transplantation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Walker Rachael Claire , Abel Sally , Palmer Suetonia , Walker Curtis , Heays Nayda , Tipene-Leach David 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundReported experiences of racism in Aotearoa New Zealand are consistently associated with negative measures of health, self-rated health, life satisfaction, and reduced access to high quality healthcare with subsequent poor health outcomes. In this paper we report on perceptions and experiences of prejudice and racism by Indigenous Māori with kidney disease, their family members and donors who took part in a wider study about experiences of kidney transplantation.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 Māori. Participants included those with kidney disease who had considered, were being worked up for, or who had already received a kidney transplant as well as family members and potential or previous donors. We examined the data for experiences of racism using a theoretical framework for racism on three levels: institutionalised racism, personally mediated racism, and internalised racism.ResultsWe identified subthemes at each level of racism: institutional (excluded and devalued by health system; disease stigmatisation; discriminatory body weight criteria, lack of power), personally-mediated (experiencing racial profiling; explicit racism) and internalized racism (shame and unworthiness to receive a transplant).ConclusionsThe wide-reaching experiences and perceptions of racism described by participants with kidney disease and their families in this research point to an unfair health system and suggests that racism may be contributing to kidney transplantation inequity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Addressing racism at all levels is imperative if we are to address inequitable outcomes for Māori requiring kidney transplantation.
Research-ready data for multi-cohort analyses: The Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) C-Surv data model
Authors: Bauermeister Sarah , Bauermeister Joshua R , Bridgman Ruth , Felici Caterina , Newbury Mark , North Laura , Orton Christopher , Squires Emma , Thompson Simon , Young Simon , Gallacher John E J 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Research-ready data (that curated to a defined standard) increases scientific opportunity and rigour by integrating the data environment. The development of research platforms has highlighted the value of research-ready data, particularly for multi-cohort analyses. Following user consultation, a standard data model (C-Surv), optimised for data discovery, was developed using data from 12 population and clinical cohort studies. The model uses a four-tier nested structure based on 18 data themes and 137 domains selected according to user behaviour or technology. Standard variable naming conventions are applied to uniquely identify variables within the context of longitudinal studies. The model was used to develop a harmonised dataset for 11 cohorts. This dataset populated the Cohort Explorer data discovery tool for assessing the feasibility of an analysis prior to making a data access request. It was concluded that developing and applying a standard data model (C-Surv) for research cohort data is feasible and useful.
Characterization of a case series of Mastocytosis in a health care center in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Sandoval Daniela Marulanda , Montes Oscar Felipe Borja , Urbano Jose Leonel Zambrano , Gutierrez Rigoberto Gomez 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Mastocytosis is a group of rare diseases, which correspond to neoplasms of the myeloid lineage. In Colombia there are only case reports and so far there are no studies of greater extension. We conducted a case series in which an active search was made for patients with a diagnosis of mastocytosis, either cutaneous (CM) or systemic (SM), from the total number of consultations between June 2004 and June 2019 in the reference hemato-oncologic center ("mastocytosis"). A total of 4 cases of CM and 3 cases of SM were identified. The most frequent clinical manifestations were skin lesions, which were present in 100% of patients; of these hyperpigmented macules were the most frequent findings. Serum tryptase (TS) levels were found to be elevated in 67% (2/3) of patients with DM. Both TS levels and mean absolute eosinophils were higher in patients with MS. In this case series we found a higher frequency of extracutaneous involvement, and in general a very poor response to the management. The findings of this series are comparable to those reported in world literature.
Increasing IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic blood donors through the second COVID-19 wave in Karachi associated with exposure and immunity in the population
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Moiz Bushra , Qiaser Shama , Ghous Zara , Hussain Areeba , Masood Kiran Iqbal ,   Natasha Ali1, Simas J Pedro , Veldhoen Marc , Alves Paula , Abidi Syed Hani , Ghias Kulsoom , Khan Erum , Hasan Zahra 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Introduction

One million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Pakistan until August 1, 2021. However, SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing capacity is limited, and the true level of SARS-CoV-2 infections is unknown. Most individuals have asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and remain undiagnosed. Volunteer healthy blood donors can be a control population for assessment of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. We determined COVID-19 seroprevalence during the second pandemic wave in Karachi.
Materials and Methods

We enrolled 558 healthy blood donors at the Aga Khan University Hospital blood bank between December 2020 and February 2021. Serum IgG reactivity were measured to spike and receptor binding domain (RBD) proteins. Clinical history was taken from individuals with a positive IgG result.
Results

Of the 558 study subjects, 553 (99.1%) were males and 5 (0.9%) were females with a mean (± SD) age of 29.0 ± 7.4 years (range 17–53 years). Positive IgG responses to spike were detected in 298/558 blood donors (53.4%). Of the spike IgG positive cases, 93/298 individuals (31.2%) had IgG antibodies to RBD. Clinical information was available for 63.7% of spike IgG positive cases. Of these, 37% had flu-like symptoms, 25% had travelled, individuals had contact with COVID-19 suspected (18%) or confirmed (15%) cases. Within the year prior to blood donation, 29% of individuals had laboratory confirmed COVID-19.
Conclusions

The seroprevalence of 53.4% of IgG antibodies to spike and 31.2% of IgG to RBD of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy blood donors indicates high rates of exposure and gives insights into protective immunity in the population.
Awareness and practice of standard precautions among Kerala State Health Services personnel in Neyyattinkara
Authors: H Veena Saroji , Kannan Srinivasan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Standard precautions are the basic infection control precautions that should be followed in any setting where health care is delivered. This study aims to determine the level of awareness and practice of standard precautions among health personnel, factors that influence practice and the possible hindrances in practice of the same.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done using a structured interview schedule among 78 doctors, 151 nurses, 80 nursing assistants and 16 lab technicians working in the State health service institutions of Neyyattinkara Taluk. SPSS version 21 software was used for analysis.Results: The findings of the study show that 86.5 percent of the health care personnel (HCP) had good awareness in hand hygiene (HH), 64 percent in use of personal protective equipment (PPE), 78.8 percent in respiratory hygiene (RH), 93.5 percent in safe injection practices (SIP) and 18.5 percent in waste disposal and decontamination (WD). Good practice was seen in 9.2percent of HCP for HH, 69.5 percent in PPE, 94.2 percent in RH, 86.8 percent% in SIP and 97.8percent for WD respectively. When all elements were analysed together nurses were the most likely to have good awareness (15.9%) and doctors were the most likely to have good practice (8.97%). Significant association was noted between age and awareness in HH (p=0.012) and RH (p=0.049), between availability of resources and practice in RH(p=0.004), PPE(p=0.042) and HH(p=0.045) and between trainings received and practice in RH(p=0.037). Hepatitis B vaccination was taken by 68.6 percent of respondents onlyConclusion: Awareness and practice of standard precautions are much deficient among the study population. Trainings and availability of resources have some positive effect in practice. Training coverage and Hepatitis B vaccination coverage were deficient. The needs for extensive trainings and for making the resources available are suggested.
Efficient tetracycline removal from aqueous solutions using ionic liquid modiﬁed magnetic activated carbon (IL@mAC)
Authors: Bazrafshan Edris , Zarei Amin Allah , Mohammadi Leili , Zafar Muhammad Nadeem , Foroughi Maryam , Aman Summan , Sabri Faezeh , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Barahuie Farahnaz 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Tetracycline (TCy) belongs to PPCPs is such an widely used antibacterial drug, which is discharged from urban wastewater treatment plants or agricultural effluents. Due to low metabolism, poor absorption, overuse, and misuse, TCy is considered as threat to environmental and its removal from waste-water is vital. In this research, a novel ionic liquid modified magnetic activated carbon nanocomposite (IL@mAC) was synthesized, characterized, and the adsorption efficiency of IL@mAC for removal of TCy was investigated under different operational parameters of pH (3–11); dose of IL@mAC (0.01–0.1 g/50 mL); reaction time (30–240 min), and initial TCy concentration (50-1500 mg/L). The IL@mAC characterization was done using XRD, VSM, SEM-EDX, BET, and FTIR. Results of equilibrium experiment showed that the highest removal efficiency (~ 98%) was obtained using 0.06 g of IL@mAC in 135 min at pH 7 and temperature 303 K. Considering the correlation coefficients (R2) for different adsorption models, it can be deduced that adsorption of TCy onto IL@mAC is better followed by Langmuir (0.9977) in comparison to Freundlich (0.9412), and Temkin (0.9536) models. Furthermore, Langmuir adsorption capacity was observed to be 666.7 mg/g. The regeneration study showed that IL@mAC retained around 85% TCy adsorption efficiency after 6th cycle. Finally, the present study indicates that the IL@mAC is of a high applicability and has extremely high adsorbent capacity to remove TCy from water compared to most of other benchmark adsorbents reported in literature.
Genetic Detection and Phylogenetic Relationship of Babesia Species Infecting Domestic Dogs from Select Regions in Kenya
Authors: Ngoka Ismail Thoya , Mbogo Kevin , Kyallo Martina , Obiero David , Pelle Roger 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The genus Babesia has more than 100 species that are transmitted by ticks with some being zoonotic. They can infect humans, livestock, and wildlife. Although canine babesiosis occurs locally, published studies on the species involved are limited. Babesia parasites cause severe disease in dogs which can be fatal. Drawbacks of the current control methods necessitate vaccine development. The study objective was to identify the Babesia species infecting dogs from three Kenyan counties; Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and determine their phylogenetic relationship. This will enable improved control and rule out zoonotic potential. The study period was October 2018 to November 2019.The study design was descriptive and sampling opportunistic. One hundred and forty-three dogs were sampled. From whole blood, total DNA was extracted using the TanBead extractor followed by PCR amplification targeting Babesia 18S rRNA. Positive samples were purified and sequenced using the Sanger Dideoxy method.CLC Genomics Workbench, GenBank™ and BLASTn™ on NCBI were used for sequence processing and analysis. Geneious prime™ was used for multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence of Babesia canis was 9.0% (95% CI: 4.37–13.81). Two out of 13 positive samples (2/13) were identified as Babesia canis vogeli, with a prevalence of 1.4% (95% CI: 1.38–14.2, n = 143) while 11/13 were identified as Babesia canis rossi, with a prevalence of 7.69% (95% CI: 3.3–12, n = 143). The Babesia rossi sequences identified were closely related to sequences from black-backed jackals, while the Babesia vogeli ones were related to sequences from a pet cat in China. Babesia rossi which causes severe canine babesiosis was identified in 84.6% of the positive samples, immediate and aggressive clinical intervention is necessary. The possible sylvatic cycle of Babesia rossi and low levels of infections by Babesia vogeli should inform pertinent control measures.
Surfactant rhamnolipid promotes anaerobic codigestion of excess sludge and plant waste
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Zhou Xiaohui , Dai Bin , Zhu Xiaoqiang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In order to solve the bottleneck of low methane production in anaerobic codigestion of excess sludge (ES) and plant waste (PW), a new strategy of enhancing hydrolysis and acidification by rhamnolipid (RL) was proposed under thermophilic condition. The results showed that the optimal dosage of RL was 50 g/kg total suspended solids, and the maximum yield of methane was 198.5 mL/g volatile suspended solids (VSS), which was 2.3 times of that in the control. RL promoted the dissolution of organic matter in the codigestion process of ES and PW, and the higher the dosage of RL, the higher the concentration of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in the fermentation broth. When RL was 100 g/kg, the maximum content of SCOD in fermentation broth was 2,451 mg/L, and the contents of soluble protein and polysaccharide were 593 mg/L and 419 mg/L on 10 d, respectively, which were significantly higher than other groups. In addition, the yield of VFA in RL group was also significantly increased, and acetate and propionate were the main components of VFAs. This research work provides data support for the resource utilization of ES and PW, and expands the application field of RL.
Anodic oxidation of synthetic refinery effluent on lead anode: mass transport and charge rate balance
Authors: Zier T. , Bouafia-Chergui S. , Chabani M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A synthetic wastewater based on Algiers refinery real effluent was prepared and treated using anodic oxidation. Full factorial plan design was used to conduct the statistical analysis of the results. The aim of the study was to assess the interaction between current density (CD) and stirring degree (SD), and quantify their effects on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and electric energy specific consumption (EESC). With an initial COD of 487 mg/L, pH of 5.5 and 0.05 M of Na2SO4 as supporting electrolyte, it was found that a 55 rpm stirring degree variation led to a substantial gain in COD removal and energy consumption: 6% and 8.5 KWh/kg, respectively. Current density was found to have a different effect on removal efficiency within the applied stirring domain, and mass transport coefficient (km) is inversely correlated to energy consumption. A theoretical model describing the process was reviewed and the relation between concentration, hydrodynamics and applied current was emphasized.
Treatment of seawater salinity sewage with intermittent sand bioreactors
Authors: Conroy Kristen M. , Mancl Karen M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In water stressed areas, flush toilets using fresh water are unsustainable. This paper explores the ability of intermittent sand bioreactors (ISBs) to treat seawater salinity septic tank effluent for on-site wastewater treatment in coastal regions. Two ISB designs, sand only and layered sand and gravel, are compared for treatment efficacy. Six columns of each design were constructed in the laboratory and dosed four times per day, for a total hydraulic loading rate of 4 cm/day, with artificial seawater salinity septic tank effluent over 21 months. Average TOC and ammonia removal for both designs averaged &gt;90% and &gt;96%, respectively. No statistically significant difference existed in the percent removal or effluent concentrations between the two designs. Half of the columns of each design produced effluent with &gt;4 mg/L ammonia at least once during the study, resulting in discontinuation of wastewater application for seven weeks. This resting approach resulted in effective treatment for up to 9 months (limited by the end of the study). The results indicate that both ISB designs can treat artificial seawater salinity septic tank effluent, but that an additional 1/3 capacity is needed to maintain a consistent hydraulic loading rate while accounting for resting ISBs when treatment efficacy declines.