bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disseminated nocardiosis caused by Nocardia vulneris in a macroglobulinemia patient
Authors: QIU Fu lan , MA Zhiyi , ZHONG Rongrong , HUANG Hao nan , WANG Yue Hua , Liu Hui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Headings Background : This is a case of a human disseminated nocardiosis caused by Nocardia vulneris which made the patient presenting with fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain and multiple tubercle. Methods: Bacterial culture the blood, sputum, lung rinses and scalp pus samples of the patient, Nocardia vulneris was isolated and identified using the 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequence sequence data. and determine the sensitivity of the isolated bacteria to antibiotics and analysis of the strain's antibiotic treatment. Results: The isolated was identified as Nocardia brasiliensis, which was resistant to ciprofloxacin, but susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic, moxifloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxim, imipenem. The patient recovered and his condition remained stable by combinations with linezolid, amikacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conclusions: This is the first case report of disseminated nocardiosis caused by Nocardia vulneris, and the current case was treated successfully with linezolid, amikacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Clinicians should be aware of its diagnostic, and the MIC value of the drug sensitivity test should be concerned when there is a wide choice of medicines, for the disseminated cases which are diagnosed definitely should be treated with at least 12 months of antimicrobial therapy, bacteriological examination and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be performed repeatedly.
Significant Risk Factors Associated With Stunting for Children Under the Age of 5-years in Malawi: the Application of Proportional Odds Model Using DHS Datasets.
Authors: Magagula Mzwakhe , Ramroop Shaun , Habyarimana Faustin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundChild malnutrition is perhaps the one of the main medical condition influencing general human wellbeing, mainly in non-industrial nations. The improvement of legitimate evaluations of malnutrition is one of the difficulties encountered by policymakers in numerous countries worldwide. In this manner, the current study was embraced with the essential goal of evaluating and determining all potential determinants of childhood malnutrition in Malawi, using the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data 2015/16. The study seeks to reveal some of the significant factors that are perpetuating the incidence of malnutrition in children of Malawi. It also designed to offer deeper insights on how the probability of being diagnosed with this medical condition (malnutrition) evolves across the different levels of the found significant factors.Methods The proportional odds (PO) model was the best model to utilize, motivated by the design of the current study's data set. The PO model is an alternative to conceptualize how the ordinal designed data can be sequentially into dichotomous groups without losing the ordinal nature of response variables. The model is an extension of logistic regression models with two outcomes, it is one of the best models to deal with ordinal response variable comprising of more than two categories. The PO model, as well as the logistic regression models are common classes of generalised linear models (GLMs) mostly used to model association between dependent variable and independent variables. ResultsThe observations derived from fitting the PO model on the Malawi DHS data to investigate risk factors associated with malnutrition (stunting) suggested that: the age of the child; birth type (singleton/multiple births), parents' level of education, household's type of resident; mother's age at the time of birth, mother's BMI, incident of diarrhoea in the last two weeks before the survey, are the most significant independent risk factors of malnutrition (stunting). ConclusionsAll the aforementioned risk factors are controllable, and they can be improved through intervention strategies. The policies that undergird the country are required to counteract this condition, as the majority of the risk factors need the coherent actions of several governing authorities.
The use of complementary/alternative medicine among paediatric patients
Authors: Myrup Christina , Madsen Hanne , Barkholt Natalia Krantz , Sander Stine Dydensborg , Hoest Arne 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing. The aim of this study was to characterise the use of CAM among patients in an outpatient clinic in a paediatric department. All patients aged 0–18 years, attending the paediatric outpatient clinic at Hans Christian Andersen Children’s Hospital during a 2-week period, in the autumn of 2020, were asked to participate. In total, 771 patients (83.2%) participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which consisted of 12 questions. CAM was divided into three groups: Herbal medicine (herbal drugs or dietary supplements) (HM), alternative therapy (AT) (e.g. acupuncture) and chiropractic (CHI). Of the 771 paediatric patients enrolled in this study, 59% (n = 455) had used complementary and alternative medicine at least once. CHI was the most used type of CAM and is especially used for disorders not usually treated with conventional medicine, such as infantile colic. Conclusion: The prevalence of children using CAM in Denmark is high and increasing, compared to previous studies. Paediatricians should be aware of this, and paediatric patients should be interviewed about their use of CAM with regard to side-effects, interactions or lack of compliance with conventional medicine.
SRC activation skews cell fate from apoptosis to senescence
Authors: Anerillas Carlos , Herman Allison , Rossi Martina , Munk Rachel , Lehrmann Elin , Martindale Jennifer , Cui Chang-Yi , Abdelmohsen Kotb , De Supriyo , Gorospe Myriam 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cells responding to DNA damage implement complex adaptive programs that often culminate in two distinct outcomes: apoptosis or senescence. To systematically identify factors driving each response, we analyzed human IMR-90 fibroblasts exposed to increasing doses of the genotoxin etoposide and identified SRC as a key kinase contributing to this dichotomous decision. SRC was activated by low (50 μM) etoposide but not by high (200 μM) etoposide levels. With low DNA damage, SRC-mediated activation of p38 critically promoted cell survival and senescence, and increased pro-survival BCL2L2 levels, while SRC-mediated repression of p53 prevented a rise in pro-apoptotic PUMA levels. With high DNA damage, SRC was not activated, leading to elevation of p53, inhibition of p38, and apoptosis. In mice exposed to DNA damage, pharmacologic inhibition of SRC prevented tissue accumulation of senescent cells. We propose that inhibiting SRC could be exploited to induce senescent-cell apoptosis in tissues to improve health outcomes.
Genome wide identification and functional characterization of the cotton C-repeat binding factor (CBF) under cold stress condition
Authors: Liu Jiangna , Magwanga Richard , Xu Yanchao , Wei Tingting , Zheng Jie , Hou Yuqing , Wang Yuhong , Okuto Erick , Agong Stephen Gaya , Wang Kunbo , Zhou Zhongli , Cai Xiaoyan , Liu Fang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Low temperature is a common biological abiotic stress in major cotton growing areas. Cold stress significantly affects the growth, yield and yield quality of cotton. Therefore, it is important to develop a more robust and cold stress tolerant cotton germplasms. In response to climate change and erratic conditions, plants have evolved various survival mechanisms, one of which induction of various stress responsive transcription factors, such as the C-repeat binding factors (CBFs), which have been found to enhance cold tolerance in various plants. Results In this study detailed evaluation of the cotton CBF has been carried out. A total of 29, 28, 25, 21, 30, 26 and 15 proteins encoded by the CBF genes were identified in Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium thurberi, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium turneri, Gossypium longicalyx and Gossypium australe, respectively. Phylogenetic evaluation revealed that the proteins were grouped into seven clades, with clade 1 and 6 being the largest. Moreover, majority of the proteins encoded by the genes were predicted to be located within the nucleus, while some were distributed in other parts of the cell. Based on the transcriptome and RT-qPCR analysis, Gthu17439 (GthCBF4) was highly upregulated under cold stress, and was further validated through forward genetics. The Gthu17439 (GthCBF4) overexpressed plants showed a significantly tolerance to cold stress, with higher germination rate, higher root growth and high induction levels of stress responsive genes. The over-expressed plants exhibited low level of oxidative damage, due to significant reduction in the H2O2 production. Conclusion The results showed that the Gthu17439 (GthCBF4) could be playing a significant role in enhancing cold stress tolerance in cotton and can be further exploited in developing cotton germplasm with an improved cold-stress tolerance
Rhythmic Sensory Stimulation on Gait in Patients With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Lee Yungon , Shin Sunghoon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with stroke suffer from impaired locomotion which exhibit unstable walking with increased gait variability. Rhythmic sensory stimulation is one approach for improving the gait of persons with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or the elderly. However, the effects of this approach on the gait of patients with chronic stroke are unclear. This study was conducted to identify the effects of rhythmic sensory stimulation on the gait of patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty 20 older adults with stroke (mean age ± SD, 72.10 ± 7.15 years; female/male, 8/12) and twenty age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age ± SD, 72.65 ± 6.93 years; female/male, 8/12) walked 60 m under four conditions: (1) normal walking with no stimulation, (2) walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), (3) walking with rhythmic somatosensory stimulation (RSS), and (4) walking with rhythmic combined stimulation (RCS: RAS + RSS). RAS was applied through an earphone in the ear of each participant, while RSS was applied through a haptic device on the wrist of the participant. RCS was applied simultaneously via an earphone and haptic device. The gait performance (i.e., mean gait speed, stride length, gait cycle, cadence, stance ratio, swing ratio, and double support ratio) and gait variability (i.e., coefficient of variation (CV) value of stride length, gait cycle, stance ratio, swing ratio, and double support ratio) were evaluated. Results: Gait performance in the stroke group was significantly improved in walking with RAS, RSS, and RCS compared to normal walking with no stimulation (P < 0.008). Gait variability was significantly decreased in the RAS, RSS, and RCS conditions compared to that during normal walking (P < 0.008). The gait performance and variability in the healthy control group were not significantly different under the RAS, RSS, or RCS conditions compared to those under normal walking (P > 0.008). Conclusions: Rhythmic sensory stimulation is effective in improving the gait of patients with chronic stroke, regardless of the type of rhythmic stimuli, compared to healthy controls. Trial registration: This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee (IRB-2019-04-003-001), and all participants provided written informed consent.
OQR-SC: An optimal QoS aware routing technique for smart cities using IoT enabled wireless sensor networks
Authors: D Karunkuzhali , B Meenakshi , Lingam Keerthi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Internet of things (IoT) makes a machines optimization in everyday which processing the data by very intelligently and make communication more effectively and efficiently. However, in order to decrease the harm of IoT, nearby is angrowinglonging to move en route for green IoT which is environmentally friendly. In smart city environments, the data collection and communication play an important role in defining quality. Since the research period, it has been recommending a new data acquisition and data communication software framework for IoT smart applications. For further improvements, we recommend an optimal QoS aware routing technique for smart cities using IoT enabled wireless sensor networks (OQR-SC). In data gathering phase, we introduce chaotic bird swarm optimization (CBSO) algorithm for IoT sensor cluster formation; the improved differential search (IDS) algorithm used to estimate the faith degree of each sensor node, the highest trust node act as cluster head (CH). In data transferring phase, we illustrates lightweight signcryption technique for data encryption between two IoT sensors. Then, we use optimal decision making (ODM) algorithm to compute the optimal path between source-destination in IoT platform. Finally, the proposed OQR-SC technique is implemented using network simulation (NS2) tool and analyzes the performance of proposed technique with existing state-of-art techniques.
Clinical Features, Radiological Findings and Treatment Outcome in Patients with Pulmonary Nocardiosis – A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Yadav Prakrati , Meena Durga S , Kumar Deepak , Bohra Gopal K , Jain Vidhi , Garg Pawan , Dutt Naveen , Agarwal Ashwini , Garg Mahendra K 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction - Lack of specific clinical features makes the diagnosis difficult in Pulmonary Nocardiosis. High index of suspicion is required for diagnosis especially in cohort pre-existing risk factors. This study aimed at describing the clinical and radiological characteristics and outcome in patients with Pulmonary Nocardiosis.Methods - This was a retrospective observational study. Data of confirmed cases with Pulmonary Nocardiosis were collected from digital patient management system. Results - Total eight cases of Pulmonary Nocardiosis were included. The mean age of patients was 50 ± 14.3 years with female preponderance (62.5%). The most common co-morbidity was chronic lung disease (37.5%). The common clinical feature of pulmonary nocardiosis was cough with expectoration (50%). The mean duration of symptoms was 18 days. The common radiological (CT thorax) finding were consolidation, bronchiectasis, mediastinal lymphdenoathy and nodularity (50% each). One patient had extension of pulmonary disease in chest wall. Microbiological detection of Nocardia spp. was done in sputum samples (50%) and in BAL samples (50%). Culture was positive in two BAL samples. Intravenous empirical antibiotics in combination with oral trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole double standard (15 mg/kg trimethoprim) was started at the time of diagnosis. Ceftriaxone and amikacin were commonly used antimicrobials.Conclusion - Nocardia spp. commonly causes disease in patients with pre-exisitng lung pathological with or without defective cell mediated immunity. A high index of suspesion is required in patients with subacute to chronic respiratory symptoms, raised inflammatory markers and absence of common respiratory pathogens in evaluation.
Sleep Quality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With High Risk of Acute Exacerbation
Authors: Xing Chong , Shen Hui , Li Wenyang , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This was a prospective case-control study aimed to explore the sleep quality, especially sleep-related disorders, among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with high risk of acute exacerbation, and to determine the risk factors. We enrolled COPD patients with acute exacerbation or health control visited the first hospital of China Medical University from October 1st, 2017 to October 28th, 2018. The subjective and objective sleep parameters were compared among them, and then the stepwise multiple regression analysis were performed. We found that COPD patients with high risk of acute exacerbation had decreased subjective and objective sleep quality. Patients with COPD-obstructive sleep apnea overlap syndrome revealed decreased slow wave sleep than patients with COPD alone. The subjective sleep parameters were correlated with the frequency of acute exacerbation, dyspnea index and Epworth sleepiness score. The objective sleep parameters were related to the degree of airflow obstruction, COPD Assessment Test score and the Modified British Medical Research Council dyspena score. So, we believe that the subjective and objective sleep quality of patients with high risk of acute exacerbations of COPD was poor, and the sleep quality of patients with overlap syndrome was worse than that of patients with COPD alone.
Ultraviolet-B induced responses of Psoralea corylifolia L. with special emphasis on: growth, anatomy, physiology, yield, essential oil content and composition
Authors: Pandey Avantika , Agrawal Madhoolika , Agrawal Shashi Bhushan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Psoralea corylifolia L. is a traditionally and medicinally important, endangered plant of the family Fabaceae. Seeds obtained from it widely used in treatment of skin diseases like leprosy, psoriasis, leucoderma, vitiligo. The present study was aimed to assess the growth, physiology, anatomy, yield and essential oil content and composition of P. corylifolia in response to elevated UV-B (eUV-B; ambient + 7.2 kJm− 2day− 1). The results showed reductions in the growth and physiological parameters under eUV-B treatment (except chlorophyll a/b ratio, carotenoids content and water use efficiency which showed increment) while reverse trend was observed for UV-B absorbing compounds. The total thickness of leaves decreased by 13.8% under eUV-B exposure. Due to eUV-B exposure number of racemes, flowers and seeds, and the length of racemes significantly reduced whereas length of flowers, seed size and seed mass (thousand seeds weight) showed non-significant variations. The essential oil content of seeds showed increment by 46.4% under eUV-B treatment. The GC-MS analysis of essential oil revealed 28 major compounds from control and eUV-B exposed plants. Overall the monoterpenes showed reduction whereas sesquiterpenes and meroterpene showed increment. The metabolites caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide and bakuchiol (possess anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory activities) were identified as major metabolites of essential oil, which showed increment under eUV-B treatment. The study displayed that eUV-B enhanced the content of essential oil with improvement in the quality of seeds in terms of medicinally important compounds of seeds.
ERIL: An Algorithm for Emotion Recognition From Indian Languages Using Machine Learning
Authors: MEHRA PRAMOD , Jain Parag 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
For a human interaction with machine, it is important that it understand the mood of the speaker. Until now we train machines on neutral speeches or utterances. The mood of a person would affect their performances. Deciphering human mood is challenging for the machines, as human can create fourteen distinct sound in a second. For a machine to understand the human behaviour, it should understand the acoustic abilities of the human ear. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and Linear Prediction coefficients (LPC) can replicate human auditory system. The proposed model Emotion Recognition from Indian Languages (ERIL) extracts emotions like fear, anger, surprise, sadness, happiness, and neutral. ERIL first pre-processes the voice signal, extracts selective MFCC, LPC, pitch, and voice quality features, then classifies the speech using Catboost. ERIL is a multilingual emotion classifier, it is independent of any language. We checked it on Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Bangla, Tamil, Oriya, and Telugu. We recorded a speech dataset of various emotions in these languages. ERIL is compared to other benchmark classifiers.
Photonic perceptron at Giga-OP/s speeds with Kerr microcombs for scalable optical neural networks
Authors: tan mengxi , xu xingyuan , Moss David 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Optical artificial neural networks (ONNs) have significant potential for ultra-high computing speed and energy efficiency. We report a novel approach to ONNs that uses integrated Kerr optical micro-combs. This approach is programmable and scalable and is capable of reaching ultra-high speeds. We demonstrate the basic building block ONNs — a single neuron perceptron — by mapping synapses onto 49 wavelengths to achieve an operating speed of 11.9 x 109 operations per second, or Giga-OPS, at 8 bits per operation, which equates to 95.2 gigabits/s (Gbps). We test the perceptron on handwritten-digit recognition and cancer-cell detection — achieving over 90% and 85% accuracy, respectively. By scaling the perceptron to a deep learning network using off-the-shelf telecom technology we can achieve high throughput operation for matrix multiplication for real-time massive data processing.
Promotion to leadership, not just merit, but insider knowledge: What do school principals say?
Authors: Steed Kevin , De Nobile John , Waniganayake Manjula 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Whilst extensive research has been undertaken concerning educational leadership and management, there is a paucity of scholarship regarding the merit-selection of school leaders other than principals. This is especially true of principal-led merit selection panels convened to recruit middle-level school leaders, namely deputy principals, assistant principals and head teachers. Meritocratic discourse holds that merit-based selection should, ostensibly be an objective, fair and equitable process enabling applicants to compete on a level playing field via a comparative assessment of their capabilities, talents and attitudes. This paper explores the extent to which government school principals in the state of New South Wales Australia, consider the school-based merit selection process they lead is objective and bias-free. Hence, the findings reported here reveal that despite the New South Wales Department of Education (NSWDE) promulgating the primacy of merit in its school-based selection paradigm, non-merit variables (factors having little to do with merit) exert considerable influence over the appointment decisions made by NSWDE principals when assembling their respective school leadership teams.