bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Retail Samples of Cowpea - Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp
Authors: Okoye C. S. , Oguh C. E. , Umezinwa O. J. , Uzoefuna C. C. , Nwanguma B. C. , Ezeanyika L. U. S. 
Published: March 2021

Quantification of pesticide residues in retail samples of food is one way to determine the level of human exposure to these chemicals and hence their potential health hazards. The study was aimed at quantifying the level of some known pesticides in retail samples of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Cowpea) from two cropping seasons. Five cultivars of cowpea from two different harvest seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) were purchased from Ogige Market, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. The cowpeas were identified based on city/state where they were cultivated. Two foreign samples were also purchased from London, UK. The pesticide residues were determined using gas chromatography coupled with electron capturing detector (GC-ECD). The results showed that the retail samples of cowpea contained residues of one or more organochlorines and organophosphates. The levels of post-harvest pesticides, 2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) in 2016/17 season (0.02 μg/g) exceeded the international permissible standards (0.01 μg/g). The levels of the pre-harvest pesticides, glyphosate was low in both seasons (0.01 μg/g) when compared to the international permissible standards (0.1 μg/g). The DDVP was not detected in the two foreign samples. HCB (Hexachlorobenzene), α-HCH (alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane), Chlorpyrifos, g-chlordane, t-nonachlor, p-p’-DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), p-p’-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichlo-rowthylene), and p-p’-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) were detected in the cowpea from two cropping seasons despite being banned from agricultural use. This could be due to the additional application of pesticides during storage of the cowpeas. The findings concludes that the levels of some of the residues exceeded the safety limits while some were below the safety limits, suggesting that some of samples of the cowpea were not safe for human consumption as bioaccumulation, persistence, and toxicity of these residues was likely to pose serious health risks to the consumers. Generally, cowpea from the 2016/17 season contained higher pesticide residues than those from the 2017/18 season.
Impact of Food Diversification on the Status of Fat- Soluble Vitamins in School-aged Children in the Nawa Region (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Maurel Allico Mousso Jean , Edith Agbo Adouko , Laurent Séri Kipré , Lydie Boyvin , Félix Yapi Houphouët , Christophe Kouamé , Joseph Djaman Allico 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: In Côte d'Ivoire, there is an imbalance between the dietary intake and the nutritional requirements of school-aged children. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of food diversification, namely sweet potato, soya and cowpea, on vitamin A, D and E profiles among school-aged children in Côte d'Ivoire.
Methodology: This study was conducted over eight months (from October 2017 to May 2018). It included 240 school-aged children (6 - 12 years old) who were divided into four groups of 60 pupils. These children consumed food at school canteens in 12 localities of the Nawa region. Four types of meals were proposed: rice with fish (Group 1 control), sweet potato porridge accompanied by green soybean (Group 2), sweet potato porridge accompanied by white cowpea (Group 3), and sweet potato porridge accompanied by cowpea with soya balls (Group 4). Three blood samples were collected: Phase 0 (prior to the consumption of the meals), Phase 1 (sampling taken three months later) and Phase 2 (sampling taken six months later). Blood assay for vitamins A, D and E was performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: Before the children consumed food at the canteen (phase 0), a sufficient amount of vitamins A, D and E was observed, except for group 4 where a deficiency of vitamin D (<30 ng/mL) was noted. The levels of vitamins A and D decreased in groups 1, 2 and 3 from phase 0 to phase 2. However, they increased in children of group 4 from 0.5 to 0.8 mg/L and from 22 to 28 ng/mL respectively. The vitamin E level increased in all groups from phase 0 to phase 2. The improvement in vitamin E status was more remarkable in the children of group 2 and group 4 with levels varying from 8.5 to 11.8 mg/L and 8.3 to 10.6 mg/L respectively.
Conclusion: Improvements in vitamin A, D, and E status were more pronounced in children who ate sweet potato, soybean, and cowpea meal compared to their mean concentration at the beginning of the study. The sweet potato, soybean, and cowpea-based meal could be chosen as a means of food diversification in school canteens in order to improve the vitamin status of school-aged children.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Common Uropathogens among Adult Inpatients of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital
Authors: Akhter Shahida , Rizwan A. S. M. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Urinary tract infection is one of the common community and nosocomial problem that we encounter at a daily basis. The mounting problem of emergence of resistant strains of bacteria causing urinary tract infection (UTI) is a great concern. We had tried in this study to outline the local pattern of antibiotic resistance of the commonly found uropathogens.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in the Ad-din Sakina Women’s Medical College Hospital, Jashore, Bangladesh on patients attending inpatient Department from January to December 2020. Presence of more than or equal to 105 colony forming units/ml in urine culture was considered as significant for UTI. Isolated bacteria were tested by disk diffusion method.
Results: Out of 1170 urine sample tested, 372 (31.8%) were found to be culture positive cases. A clear female preponderance (77.15%) was noted in positive culture rate. E. coli was the commonest organism found among all isolates (82.25%) followed by enterococci (4.3%), klebsiella (3.76%), pseudomonas (2.95%), proteus (2.68%), enterobacter (2.15%) and Staphylococcus aureus (1.88%). High resistance was noted in E. coli isolates against nalidixic acid (77%), Cefuroxime (75%), azithromycine (61%), cefotaxime (58%) and ceftazidime (54%). The antibiotic which showed least resistance overall includes imipenem, meropenem, nitrofurantoin and gentamicin.
Conclusions: Antibiotic stewardship in accordance to local resistance and sensitivity pattern of uropathogens is mandatory to prevent the development of multidrug resistant strains.
The Most Predominant Gram Negative Bacteria in a Public Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. 
Published: March 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the occurrence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria in a hospital in Al-Kharj.
Methodology: The study included the review of antibiogram results to find the number and percentage of these bacteria in 4 years, 2015-2018.
Results: The total number of bacterial cultures in the 4 years was 3327. Most of these cultures were for gram negative bacteria (81.06%). Regarding gram negative bacteria in the 4 years, the most common was Escherichia coli (represents 19.30% of the total bacteria and 23.80% of gram negative bacteria).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the most prevalent gram negative bacteria were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. It is important to conduct more researches to know the prevalence of these bacteria, to know their resistance rate to help health care providers to prescribe and dispense antibiotics wisely.
Optical Fiber Delivered Ultrafast Plasmonic Optical Switch
Authors: Yang Jinghui , Zhang Xinping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUltrafast optical switch based on plasmonic nanostructures has large application potentials in optical logic circuits and optical communication systems. Integration of plasmonic optical switching devices with optical fibers is a breakthrough for realizing practical applications in long‐range optical data transmission or communication techniques. Here, the incorporation of plasmonic optical switch devices onto the end facets of optical fibers is reported, so that the switched optical signals are generated by interaction between femtosecond laser pulses and plasmonic nanostructures on one end of the fiber, and are delivered via the fiber waveguide to the other end for detection or decoding. “Quenching” of localized surface plasmon in the gold nanowires by its interaction with band‐edge modulation in gold through strong optical excitation is the responsible photophysics. This work accomplishes for the first time the implementation of ultrafast plasmonic optical switch device on optical fiber tips for logic data transmission.
Mechanistic Understanding of the Interactions and Pseudocapacitance of Multi‐Electron Redox Organic Molecules Sandwiched between MXene Layers
Authors: Boota Muhammad , Hussain Tanveer , Yang Long , Bécuwe Matthieu , Porzio William , Barba Luisa , Ahuja Rajeev 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing a combined theoretical and experimental approach, a mechanistic understanding of the interactions and pseudocapacitance of different quinone‐coupled viologen and pyridiniumium molecules sandwiched between titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene layers has been provided. Three different derivatives of quinone‐coupled viologen and pyridiniumium are synthesized using nucleophilic substitution reaction and subsequently hybridized with Ti3C2Tx MXene (organic@Ti3C2Tx) using self‐assembly approach. The atomic structure of pristine Ti3C2Tx and organic@Ti3C2Tx hybrid films is investigated using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray pair distribution function analysis using synchrotron radiation. Spectroscopic results confirm the coupling of quinones with viologen and pyridiniumium molecules and their non‐covalent functionalization to the MXene without their catalytic decomposition. First‐principles calculations confirm that the preferred orientation of organic molecules upon intercalation/adsorption is horizontal to the Ti3C2Tx surface. The authors reveal that these molecules attach to the Ti3C2Tx surface with a significantly high binding energy (up to −2.77 eV) via a charge transfer mechanism. The electronic structure calculations show that all organic@Ti3C2Tx hybrids preserved their metallic behavior. Free‐standing organic@Ti3C2Tx hybrid films show a more than three times higher capacitance at ultra‐high scan rates (up to 20 V s−1) compared to their pristine counterpart due to molecular pillaring of organic molecules between Ti3C2Tx layers via strong binding energies and charge transfer.
Novel technical developments in mass spectrometry imaging in 2020: A mini review
Authors: Dilmetz Brooke A. , Lee Yea‐Rin , Condina Mark R. , Briggs Matthew , Young Clifford , Desire Christopher T. , Klingler‐Hoffmann Manuela , Hoffmann Peter 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe applicability of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has exponentially increased with the improvement of sample preparation, instrumentation (spatial resolution) and data analysis. The number of MSI publications listed in PubMed continues to grow with 378 published articles in 2020‐2021. Initially, MSI was just sensitive enough to identify molecular features correlating with distinct tissue regions, similar to the resolution achieved by visual inspection after standard immunohistochemical staining. Although the spatial resolution was limited compared with other imaging modalities, the molecular intensity mapping added a new exciting capability. Over the past decade, significant improvements in every step of the workflow and most importantly in instrumentation were made, which now enables the molecular analysis at a cellular and even subcellular level. Here, we summarize the latest developments in MSI, with a focus on the latest approaches for tissue‐based imaging described in 2020.
Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors: Progress and Future Perspective
Authors: Gong Xuefei , Chen Jingwei , Lee Pooi See 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe increasing concern on the safety risks associated with the flammable organic electrolytes in alkali‐ion batteries and the pursuit of both high energy density and power density in one device has spurred the investigation of aqueous multivalent metal ion hybrid supercapacitors. Zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) have the advantages of low standard potential, high theoretical capacity and good safety in aqueous electrolytes. In this review, the recent advancements achieved in ZIHSCs have been summarized and discussed. The progress in cathode, anode, electrolyte and the approaches adoptable to improve the electrochemical performance of ZIHSCs have been categorized. Mechanism investigation through different ex‐situ and in‐situ methods, incorporation of multi‐functionality and integration are also demonstrated. Adoption of more in‐situ characterization methods to understand the electrochemical mechanism of ZIHSCs is encouraged. Future development of ZIHSCs with higher active materials utilization rate and power output for practical applications is envisioned, assembly of ZIHSCs with more functionality is also expected.
Physical features of newborns exposed during pregnancy to anticonvulsant medication and developmental monitoring
Authors: Peller Allyson J. , Hunt Anne‐Therese , Holmes Lewis B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAntiepileptic drug (AED) use during pregnancy can affect the physical features, intelligence, and behavior in the exposed infants and children. Identifying these AED‐related effects early makes intervention in childhood possible. To examine the accuracy of the identification of AED effects on the physical features of newborn infants, the written findings in routine physical examinations in medical records can be evaluated.MethodsDocumentation of AED exposure and the physical findings recorded was obtained from the hospital medical records of 207 infants at a large birthing hospital. Comparison was made of the findings in these infants by private pediatricians and two study pediatricians who were unaware of infant exposure status. The comparisons of the findings were analyzed using the Kappa statistic.ResultsThe level of agreement in the assessment of the presence of facial features characteristic of midface hypoplasia by private pediatricians and the study pediatricians was poor (Kappa = 0.04; 95 CI—0.07 to 0.01); for microcephaly was fair (Kappa = 0.39; CI—0.14 to 0.93); and for growth restriction was fair (Kappa—0.22; CI—0.18 to 0.63).ConclusionsFindings recorded by hospital pediatricians in medical records during routine medical care showed that most (74%) of the pediatricians were aware of the infant's exposure to AED during pregnancy. Pediatricians did not do well in identifying the physical signs of midface or digit hypoplasia or microcephaly or growth restriction. Better early identification of the physical effects from AED exposure would make it possible for infants to benefit from developmental monitoring.
TMT‐based proteomics analysis of the effects of Qianjinweijing Tang on lung cancer
Authors: Huo Bingjie , Song Yanru , Tan Bibo , Li Jianbo , Zhang Jie , Zhang Fengbin , Chang Liang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQianjinweijing Tang (QJWJ) is a classic traditional Chinese formula that is often used in the treatment of treat lung cancer (LC). However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of the anticancer effects of QJWJ remain unclear. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay and levels of apoptosis measured by flow cytometry. Animal experiments were conducted to determine the effects of QJWJ on tumor growth in vivo. We used a proteomics approach to study the effects of QJWJ on LC cells and applied bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins that were validated by western blotting. QJWJ inhibited the proliferation of LC cells and induced apoptosis. The tumor growth delay effects of QJWJ were confirmed in vivo. We identified 104 differentially expressed proteins following QJWJ treatments of which 45 proteins were upregulated and 59 were downregulated. The levels of differentially expressed proteins were validated by western blotting. Our study indicated that QJWJ has anticancer effects in vivo and in vitro and that these effects are mediated by modulating the expression of tumor‐related proteins.
The impact of compassionate mind training on qualified health professionals undertaking a compassion‐focused therapy module
Authors: Beaumont Elaine , Bell Tobyn , McAndrew Sue , Fairhurst Helen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCompassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) aim to help people cultivate compassion for self and others. To date, there is little evidence exploring the effects CMT has on those engaged in or embarking on a career in the helping professions. Interventions that encourage self‐reflection and self‐practice may help practitioners cultivate self‐compassion, leading to the promotion of self‐care.AimTo explore the impact CMT has on students’ levels of self‐compassion and self‐criticism, and on their work as healthcare practitioners/counsellors/psychotherapists.MethodologyThis was a mixed‐methods study (N = 15). Pre‐ and post‐quantitative data were collected via three questionnaires: The Self‐Compassion Scale‐SF, the Forms of Self‐Criticising/Self‐Attacking and Self‐Reassuring Scale and the Functions of Self‐Criticising/Self‐Attacking Scale. Qualitative data were collected via diaries and a focus group to portray the impact training had on students.FindingsResults revealed a statistically significant increase in self‐compassion post‐training and a statistically significant increase in scores on the reassured self subscale. Statistically significant reductions in self‐correction scores and inadequate self scores were observed post‐training. There was no statistical significant difference post‐training on the hated self or self‐persecution subscales. Themes identified from the weekly diaries included the following: the benefits of compassion; when compassion arises; and difficulties and opportunities. Themes identified by the focus group data included the following: self‐reflection and self‐practice; finding balance; and critical self and compassionate self.ImplicationsIncorporating interventions into education programmes that help student’s foster compassion may help them cultivate a compassionate mindset and learn to be kinder to self.
Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Evaluation of O‐Alkylated/Acylated Quinazolin‐4‐one Schiff Bases
Authors: Manhas Neha , Singh Parvesh , Mocktar Chunderika , Singh Moganavelli , Koorbanally Neil 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA series of quinazolin‐4‐one Schiff bases were synthesized and tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity against two cancerous cell lines (MCF‐7, Caco‐2) and a human embryonic cell line (HEK‐293) including their antibacterial evaluation against two Gram‐positive and four Gram‐negative bacterial strains. Most of the quinazoline‐Schiff bases exhibited potent cytotoxicity against Caco‐2. 3‐[(Z)‐({4‐[(But‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)oxy]phenyl}methylidene)amino]‐2‐methylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one (6f) with the O‐butyne functional group displayed three‐fold higher cytotoxic activity (IC50=376.8 μM) as compared to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU; IC50=1086.1 μM). However, all compounds were found to be toxic to HEK‐293, except for 3‐[(Z)‐({4‐[(2,4‐difluorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl}methylidene)amino]‐2‐methylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one (6h) that showed ∼three‐fold lower toxicity and higher selectivity index than 5‐FU. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that O‐alkylation generally increased the anticancer activity and selectivity of quinazoline‐4‐one Schiff bases toward Caco‐2 cells. The fluorinated Schiff‐base generally exhibited even more significant cytotoxic activity compared to their chlorine analogs. Surprisingly, none of the quinazoline‐4‐one Schiff bases displayed encouraging antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains investigated. Most of the compounds were predicted to show compliance with the Lipinski parameters and ADMET profiles, indicating their drug‐like properties.
TTP488 ameliorates NLRP3‐associated inflammation, viability, apoptosis, and ROS production in an Alzheimer's disease cell model by mediating the JAK1/STAT3/NFκB/IRF3 pathway
Authors: Xue Jie , Jia Peng , Zhang Dong , Yao Zhiwen 
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent dementia, is identified as a neurodegenerative disease arising from a degenerative disturbance in the central nervous system. A previous study reported that TTP488 could ameliorate symptoms in patients with mild AD, but the underlying mechanisms need to be studied further. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the role of TTP488 in the development of an AD cell model. Administration of TTP448 in an AD cell model reduced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α], reversed the inhibitory role of Aβ on cell proliferation and viability, and decreased Aβ‐triggered cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, Aβ treatment induced activation of JAK1/STAT3/NFκB/IRF3 pathway as well as NLRP3 expression, and TTP488 administration partially reversed the activation of this pathway and NLRP3 expression. Use of WP1160, a STAT3 agonist, re‐activated the downstream STAT3/NFκB/IRF3 pathway and NLRP3 expression. Moreover, we found that WP1160 counteracted the role of TTP488 in Aβ‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells' viability, inflammation, apoptosis, and ROS production.Significance of the studyThis study explores the role of TTP488 in the development of an Alzheimer's disease (AD) cell model and confirms that TTP488 administration notably promotes cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis, inflammatory factor expression, and reactive oxygen species generation. Further, this study suggests that the NLRP3‐relevant JAK1/STAT3/P65/IRF3 signalling pathway is related to AD pathogenesis.
Cystic form of Actinomycotic mycetoma: A new case with a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Bellalah Ahlem , Abdeljelil Nouha Ben , Njima Manel , Hammouda Seifeddine Ben , Khalifa Sarah Ben , Koubaa Mustapha , Zakhama Abdelfatteh , Hadhri Rim 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMycetoma, commonly known as Madura foot, is a chronic granulomatous infection caused either by fungi (eumycetoma) known as actinomycete. This disease occurs preferentially in young adults, and it affects the foot in particular. We report a Tunisian case of mycetoma occurring in an old patient, particular by its cystic presentation.
Numerical Study of Mixing and Mass Transfer in a Micromixer by Stimulation of Magnetic Nanoparticles in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Azimi Neda , Rahimi Masoud , Zangenehmehr Parastoo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA numerical study on the hydrodynamics of ferrofluid flow and mass transfer characteristics in a Y‐type micromixer is performed. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is accomplished to survey the behavior of ferrofluid flow subject to an external magnetic field and to specify its effect on the mass transfer between two immiscible liquid phases. The geometric reconstruction scheme (Geo‐Reconstruct) based on piecewise linear interpolation is applied to reconstruct the two‐phase interface. The results of CFD modeling are validated by experimental data, and good agreements are achieved, with a maximum relative error for the extraction efficiency of about 7.52 %. This research work shows that ferrofluid stimulation by a magnetic field can be an efficient mixing factor in microdevices.