bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to investigate the deposition of (bio)chemical sediments: The sedimentation velocity of cyanobacteria–ferrihydrite aggregates
Authors: Li Yuhao , Sutherland Bruce R. , Gingras Murray K. , Owttrim George W. , Konhauser Kurt O. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Sedimentation velocities of various chemical sediments are typically calculated using Stokes's law. However, applying it to chemical sediments that form in situ in the water column is not ideal because the particle properties do not fulfill many of the assumptions underpinning the applicability of Stokes' law. As a consequence, it has been difficult to predict the sedimentation rate of ancient chemical sediments, such as Precambrian banded iron formations (BIF), because their primary sediments likely comprised aggregates of ferric hydroxides, such as ferrihydrite [Fe(OH)3], and marine bacterial biomass, including cyanobacteria. In this work we use a new experimental method to address the mechanisms by which primary BIF sediment, formed by the oxidation of dissolved Fe(II) by O2 and simultaneously incubated with cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., were deposited to the Archean ocean. Specifically, we formed the aggregates in situ over a wide range of initial pH and Fe(II) concentrations, continuously recorded the entire settling processes of aggregates under each condition, and then processed the data in MATLAB according to different settling mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that ferrihydrite–cyanobacteria aggregates settled to the ocean floor either through the formation of uniformly descending concentration fronts or through convective plumes. The sedimentation mechanism depended on both initial Fe(II) concentration and the pH. Correspondingly, two algorithms were developed to characterize the sedimentation velocity. These algorithms tracked the alteration of light intensity from low to high as sediments descended from an initially homogeneous state through a water tank, and as well calculated the average light intensity over time, from which vertical time series were constructed allowing calculation of the sedimentation velocity. Our method not only provides an accurate estimation of the in situ sedimentation velocity of cell–mineral aggregates, but also provides new insights into the physical mechanisms by which the primary sediments composing BIF were deposited.
Human Operating Risk Assessment for Outdoor Terminal Box of Electric Power
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Dai Zhengqing , Rao Jiahao , Tian Meng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the process of maintenance and repair for outdoor terminal box of electric power, safety accidents often occur due to human factors. For the correct evaluation of operation process of man-made factors on the failure and the effect of outdoor terminal box, in this paper, the common performance condition of the CREAM (Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method) model be used to analyze the human behavior mechanism and behavior reliability of the terminal box operation process. Moreover, the SLIM (Success Likelihood Index Method) model is used to calculate the probability of human error, and the proportional hazard model is used to calculate the outdoor terminal box's own failure rate. Taking a circuit breaker terminal box as an example, the simulation results show that the corresponding probability of human error is 1.56%, the equipment failure rate is 0.84%, the risk value of the system is 10.7%, and the risk level of the system is 3. From the probabilistic perspective, the effects of human error are higher. Hence, if management department controls the influence factors, the risk level of system can be decreased.
Comparison of Tc-99m Pertechnetate Thyroid Uptake Rates by Gamma Probe and Gamma Camera Methods for Differentiating Graves’ Disease and Thyroiditis
Authors: Jin Meihua , Ahn Jonghwa , Jo Seong-gil , Park Jangwon , Jeon Min Ji , Kim Won Gu , Kim Tae Tong , Kim Won Bae , Shong Young Kee , Ryu Jin-Sook 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Although technetium-99m (99mTc) pertechnetate thyroid uptake rate can be measured by gamma camera with scintigraphy as well as by gamma probe, the normal reference range known as quite different between them. This study was performed to compare their diagnostic accuracy for evaluating patients with hyperthyroidism. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive 371 patients (euthyroid 89, Graves 167, and thyroiditis 115) who had simultaneously measured data of thyroid uptake rates by both gamma probe and camera methods in our hospital from November 2019 to June 2020. The reference ranges in euthyroid patients were 2.0-4.7% and 0.3–1.9% for probe and camera methods, respectively. For differentiating Graves’ disease and thyroiditis, the area under the curve of the camera method was significantly greater than that of the probe method (0.988 vs 0.975, p = 0.030) on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. With a cutoff value of 0.7%, the sensitivity and specificity for the camera method were 93.4% and 94.8%, respectively. With a cutoff value of 3.0%, those for the probe method were 92.2% and 91.3%, respectively. In conclusion, 99mTc pertechnetate thyroid uptake rate measured by the camera method with scintigraphy had higher diagnostic accuracy than the probe method for evaluating patients with hyperthyroidism.
Pharmacokinetics of Liposomal Amphotericin B for Injection in Chinese Healthy Subjects Based on a Bioequivalence Study
Authors: Zhang Xueyuan , Qi Huanhuan , Wang Manman , Ji Yuhuan , Li Chunlei , Zhao Limei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety of Liposomal Amphotericin B for injection in healthy Chinese volunteers based on a pilot bioequivalence clinical trial between a generic formulation and Ambisome ® Methods: This randomized, two sequence, open label, single dose,two period crossover study was conducted in healthy volunteers at the dose of 2mg kg Blood samples were collected at pre defined time points up to 674 h after the start of the 2 h infusion. Plasma concentrations of total, unencapsulated and encapsulated amphotericin B were determined. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non compartmental model . The formulations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% confidence interval ls (CIs) of the geometric mean ratio of C max and AUC of both products for free and encapsulated amphotericin B were within80.00 1 25.00 for L n transformed data. Results and conclusion: All the 12subjects completed the two period study , no subjects withdrew the study. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile of liposomal amphotericin B based on free, encapsulated and total amphotericin B demonstrated the characteristics of a three compartment al model. The majority drug in the circulating system after IV infusion of liposomal amphotericin B is remained liposomal form . Pharmacokinetic behaviors in Chinese population w ere consistent with that in western healthy population based on total and unbound amphotericin B concentrations in plasma. The generic liposomal amphotericin B for injection is bioequivalent to Ambisome ® in terms of the Pharmacokinetic parameters for free, encapsulated and total amphotericin B. Trial registration number at National Medical Products Administration CTR20200885 . Date of registration: May 22 , 20 2 0.
Treatment of Patellar Fracture With Kirschner Wire Tension Band With Absorbable Sutures
Authors: Jin shilong , Qin Fengwei , Chen qiyuan , Hu jinfang , Wei libin , Zhou yuanheng , Liu jian , Zhu xinlong , Gao cheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Study designRetrospective cohort studyObjectiveTension band wiring is considered the standard treatment for patella fractures. However, it is limited for fractures with marginal involvement, comminution, and osteoporotic bone. Our experience indicates that these limitations can be overcome with the technique of Kirschner wire combined with absorbable suture. We evaluated the radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with patella fracture treated with this new technology.MethodsWe enrolled 32 patients who underwent the new technology for patella fracture at our hospital between 2018 and 2019. Fracture classification and surgical options were reviewed. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Levack score system, WOMAC test form of pain, stiffness and function, and knee joint range of motion (ROM) were applied for functional evaluation.Results32 patients were followed up for an average follow-up time of 13 months (11 to 24 months). All fractures were unioned, no wound infection, Kirschner wire exposure and second displacement of fracture fragment was found. None of the patients had knee stiffness, and the range of motion of the knee was 125.6° (110-135). The average NRS for knee pain was 7.5 (6-9) preinjury and 0.5 (0-2) at the last follow-up. Knee joint function recovered well, excellent and good rate was 93.75% (30/32). The average Levack score was 10.0 (6-12), which included twenty evaluations of “excellent” and twelve of “good”. WOMAC averaged 22.5 (14 - 38).ConclusionThe combination of Kirschner wire and absorbable suture for patella fractures is simple and clinically satisfactory, restores knee function well, and is a worthy orthopedic method.
Women's Views on Mode of Birth in Public Hospitals in Argentina: Inputs From a Formative Research to Optimize the Use of Caesarean Section
Authors: Perrotta Carla , Romero Mariana , Sguassero Yanina , Righetti Natalia , Gialdini Celia , AP Betrán , Ramos Silvina Ramos 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis paper reports on women's perspectives on the birth mode in five public maternity hospitals in Argentina. The study is a formative research study component aimed at tailoring interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean section (CS) use. MethodsParticipants were postpartum women aged ≥15 years old in five hospitals in the provinces of Salta, Corrientes, Tucuman, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires City. Hospitals completed an institutional survey indicating the availability of obstetric services. The fieldwork was carried out from November 2018 to June 2019. Trained interviewers gathered data on obstetric history, companionship, mode of delivery preferences, and general opinion on vaginal and caesarean section births through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were coded and analysed with standard quantitative methods. ResultsThe five hospitals had a CS rate between 29.2 and 45.5. Four institutions indicated limited access to epidural and other pain management strategies and a restricted antenatal education schedule. The sample included 621 postpartum women with a mean age of 26 years (± SD 6). 60% of them had a vaginal birth (VB). More than 90% of women in three hospitals favoured VB, and in two, 67% (p<0001). CS preference was associated with giving birth in those two hospitals and the numbers of miscarriages adjusting by maternal age and previous pregnancies. The reasons for preferring a VB included faster recovery, feeling ready, and considering it more natural. Most women chose CS as the best mode of birth to avoid birth pain. CS disadvantages included post-procedure pain, dependence on others to take care of her or the baby afterwards, and prolonged time in the hospital. Six out of ten women would have liked to be asked by their providers about the MOB of choice. ConclusionsWomen giving birth in public maternity hospitals of Argentina preferred a vaginal delivery to a caesarean section. There is an ongoing need to improve access to pain management during labour and vaginal birth and include women's opinions along the decision-making process for selecting the mode of childbirth. Hospitals with a lower preference for VB will require additional efforts to understand women's needs and values. Trial registration: IS002316
Anti-hyperuricemic effect of Polydatin in model mice: promoting uric acid excretion and inhibiting XOD
Authors: Wu Shuxie , Wu Gao , Jiang Hong , wu hanbin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective

The aim of this study was to understand the role of anti-hyperuricemic mechanism and nephro-protective effects of polydatin.
Methods

The oxonate-induced hyperuricemia mice model was established and uric acids in serum were observed. Kidney tissues were used to detect gene contents of URAT1, OAT1 and OAT3 by real-time-PCR. and to detect pathological features .The activity of XOD in liver tissues of mice was detected .
Results

Polydatin significantly reduced serum urate levels in hyperuricemic mice. Polydatin significantly inhibited increasing tendency of the mRNA and the protein levels of OAT1 and OAT3 ,and decreasing tendency of the mRNA and the protein level of URAT1 in hyperuricemic mice. Polydatin significantly inhibited the level of XOD in liver tissues of mice in a concentration-dependent manner in hyperuricemic mice. Polydatin showed a protective effect on the pathological injury of kidney in hyperuricemic mice.
Conclusion

The anti-hyperuricemic effect of polydatin was related to the down-regulation of renal URAT1, up-regulated renal OAT1 and OAT3 and inhibition XOD in the hyperuricemic mice.
Why are African Immigrants in Canada Reluctant to Use Mental Health Services? A Systematic Inventory of Reasons
Authors: Boukpessi Tchaa Balakiyéme , Kpanake Lonzozou , Gagnier Jean-Pierre 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundStudies suggest that despite a high prevalence of mental health conditions among African immigrants in Western countries, they tend to underuse mental health services, compared with native-born people. This study explored the reasons for underuse of conventional mental health services among African immigrants in Canada.MethodThe study participants were 280 African immigrants who had experienced depressive symptoms but did not use conventional mental health services. They were presented with a questionnaire that contained 50 statements referring to reasons for not using conventional mental health services while experiencing depressive symptoms. They were asked to indicate their degree of agreement with each of the statements on a scale of 0-10. Responses were then analyzed using factor analysis.ResultsA eight-factor structure of reasons was found: "Symptoms underestimation and perceived self-efficacy" (important for 61% of the sample), "Relying on community support" (56% of the sample), "Cost and waiting time" (45% of the sample), "Influence of significant others" (34% of the sample), "Denying competence" (32% of the sample), "Fear of stigmatization" (23% of the sample), "Nature of the consultation" (10% of the sample) and "Social models" (8% of the sample). Scores on these factors were related to participants’ demographics. Conclusion﻿These findings strongly suggest that strategies to promote the use of mental health services among African immigrants must be multifaceted rather than focused on one single barrier. When implementing these strategies, policymakers should put more emphasis on increasing mental health literacy among African immigrant communities, as well as providing them with culturally sensitive mental healthcare.
Synthesis and Characterization of Analcime (ANA) Zeolite using a Kaolinitic Rock
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Analcime is nowadays an important component in dental porcelain sysytems, in heterogeneous catalysis, in the nanoelectronic field, in selective adsorption and in stomatology. Analcime synthesis from a kaolinite rock coming from Romana (Sassari, Italy) is here presented. A synthesis protocol is proposed that aims to make an improvement of synthesis conditions compared to the past. The hydrothermal treatment is in fact here achieved without aging times and without the use of sodium silicate, as reported in the literature. Lower calcination temperature, synthesis temperatures and crystallization times are verified in this work. The kaolin is subjected to calcination at the temperature of 650°C and then mixed with NaOH. The experiment is performed at ambient pressure and 170 ± 0.1°C. The degree of purity of Analcime is calculated in 97,57 % at 10h. Analcime is characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and thermal analysis. Density is also calculated. Cell parameters and the amount of amorphous phase in the synthesis powders is estimated with quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods. The experimental conditions make the synthesis protocol particularly attractive from an economic point of view. Both chemical and physical characterization of Analcime is satisfactory making the experimental protocol very promising for an industrial transfer.
Inoculation of Mother’s Own Milk Could Personalize Microbiological, Metataxonomic and Peptidomic Profile of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk Used for Feeding Preterm Infants
Authors: Mallardi Domenica , Tabasso Chiara , Piemontese Pasqua , Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Biscarini Filippo , Cremonesi Paola , Castiglioni Bianca , Pica Valentina , Stuknyte Milda , Noni Ivano De , Amato Orsola , Liotto Nadia , Mosca Fabio , Roggero Paola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Human milk is a vehicle of bioactive compounds and beneficial bacteria which promote the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome of newborns, especially of preterm infants. Pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) is the second-best option when preterm mother’s own milk is unavailable. Since pasteurization affect the quality of donor milk, the effect on bacterial growth, human milk microbiota diversity and proteolytic phenomena in PDHM inoculated with different preterm milk samples, was evaluated.
Methods

Ten preterm milk samples was used to perform inoculation of PDHM at 10% v/v. Microbiological, metataxonomic and peptidomic analysis, on preterm milk samples at the baseline (T0) and PDHM and inoculated milk (IM) samples at T0, after 2h (T1) and 4h (T2) of incubation at 37°C, were conducted.
Results

IM samples at T2 showed a Total Bacterial Count not significantly different (p > 0.01) compared to preterm milk samples. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) level was restored in all IM at T2. After inoculation, metataxonomic analysis showed that Proteobacteria remained the predominant phylum while Firmicutes moved from 3% at T1 to 9.4% at T2 in IM samples. Peptidomic profile of IM resembled that of PDHM incubated for the same time in terms of number and type of peptides.
Conclusion

The study demonstrated that inoculation with fresh mother’s own milk could restore bacterial growth and personalize human milk microbiome in PDHM. This effect could be beneficial thanks to the presence of maternal probiotic bacteria which make PDHM more similar to mother’s own milk.
The Course of Primary Progressive Aphasia Diagnosis : A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Mouton Aurélie , PLONKA Alexandra , FABRE Roxane , Tran Maï , ROBERT Philippe , MACOIR Joel , MANERA Valeria , GROS Auriane 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) diagnosis trajectory is debated, as several changes in diagnosis occur during PPA course, due to phenotype evolution from isolated language alterations to global cognitive impairment.The goal of the present study, based on a French cohort was to describe the demographics and the evolution of subjects with (PPA) in comparison with Alzheimer Disease (AD) on a period of seven years. MethodsWe conducted a repeated cross-sectional study. The study population comprised individuals with PPA and AD diagnosis (N=167191) from 2010 to 2016 in the French National data Bank (BNA). Demographic variables, MMSE scores, diagnosis status at each visit and prescribed treatments were considered.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2016, 5186 patients were initially diagnosed with PPA, 162005 with AD. Compared to AD subjects, significant differences were found concerning: age (younger at first diagnosis for PPA), gender (more balanced in PPA), education level (higher in PPA) and MMSE score (higher in PPA). Percentage of pending diagnosis, delay between first consultation and first diagnosis and the number of different diagnoses before the diagnosis of interest were significantly higher in PPA group compared to AD group. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were significatively more recommended following PPA than AD diagnosis.ConclusionThis study improves the knowledge of PPA epidemiology and has the potential to help adopting appropriate public health service policies. It supports the hypothesis that PPA is diagnosed later than AD. The PPA diagnosis increases the prescription of non-pharmacological treatments, especially speech and language therapy (SLT) that is the main treatment available and most effective when at the initial stage.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03687112
Epidemiology and contact tracing assessment of COVID-19 and potential risk of transmission at different exposure settings: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Noman Abu Shadat M , Karim Mohammed Rezaul , Zahed ASM , Karim ATM Rezaul , Islam Syed S 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Transmission risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to close contacts and at different exposure settings are yet to be fully understood for the evaluation of effective control measures. Methods: We traced 1171 close contact cases who were linked to 291 index cases between July 3, 2020 and September 3, 2020. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of all index cases, close contacts, and secondary contact cases were collected and analyzed the secondary attack rate and risk of transmission at different exposure settings. Results: Median age of 291 index cases were 43.0 years (range 18.5-82.3) including 213 male and 78 females. Among all 1171 close contact cases, 39(3.3%) cases were identified as secondary infected cases. Among 39 secondary cases, 33(84.62%) cases were symptomatic and 3 (7.69%) cases were asymptomatic. Of the 33 symptomatic cases, 31(86.1%) male and 5(13.9%) female. Of these 36 symptomatic cases, 24(66.7%) cases between age 20-59 and remaining 12(33.3%) cases were age 60 and over. Of the 36 symptomatic cases, 11(30.6%) cases were identified as severe, 19(52.8%) as moderate and 6(16.7%) as mild. The overall secondary clinical attack rate was 3.07% (95% CI 2.49-3.64). The attack rate was higher among those aged between 50 to 69 years and shows higher risk of transmission than age below 50 years. The attack rate was higher among household contact (6.17%(95%CI 4.7-7.6; risk ratio 2.44[95%CI1.5-3.4]), and lower in hospital facility (2.29%,95%CI0.58-3.40; [risk ratio 0.91,95%CI 0.17-1.9]), funeral ceremony (2.53%,95%CI 0.32-4.73), work places (3.95%,95% CI2.5-5.42 [risk ratio 1.56,95%CI 0.63-2.5]), family contacts (3.87%,95%CI 2.4-5.3; risk ratio 1.53,95%CI 0.61-2.45]). Conclusions: Among all exposure settings analyzed, household contact exposure setting remained the highest transmission probability and risk of transmission of COVID-19 with the increase of age and disease severity.