bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Self-inflicted ballpoint pen in a male urinary bladder and successful endoscopic management - a rare case report ”
Authors: Sharma Somanatha , Prakash JVS , V Natarajan. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Self-inflicted foreign bodies in the urinary bladder are extremely rare sometimes posing a great challenge in the management. Most of these objects are introduced through the urethra for sexual gratification. It is very rare for foreign bodies inserted per the urethra, to reach the bladder, especially in men owing to the anatomy of the urethra.Case presentation: We report a case of the self-inflicted ball-point pen in the urinary bladder of a male patient during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down. The uniqueness of this presentation is the patient was able to negotiate the foreign body through the normal curvatures of the urethra to reach the urinary bladder in its entirety without causing any significant injury to the lower urinary tract and its successful endoscopic extraction using nephroscope and the challenges faced during the extraction.Conclusion: This is the first reported successful endoscopic extraction of a long rigid foreign body from a male urinary bladder. A combined or open procedure is the usual approach for the removal of large bladder foreign bodies. It is now clear to us that the even long rigid bladder foreign bodies in men can be extracted successfully with endoscopy provided adequate endoscopic instruments and armamentarium are available
Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change, Long-term Variability and Trends in Rainfall in Apac District, Northern Uganda
Authors: Atube Francis , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Nyeko Martine , Okello Daniel M. , Mugonola Basil , Omony George William , Okello-Uma Ipolto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Climate change poses a serious threat to agricultural livelihoods and food security of smallholder farmers in Sub Saharan Africa. Understanding long-term rainfall trends of variability and extremes at local scales and perceptions regarding long-term changes in climate variables is important in planning appropriate adaptation measures to climate change. This paper examines the perception of farmers in Apac district regarding long-term changes in climate variables and analyzes the trend of occurrence in seasonal and annual rainfall in Apac district, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data on perception of farmers regarding long-term changes in climate from 260 randomly selected small-holder farmers’ households across two sub-counties in Apac district by the administration of semi-structured questionnaires in February 2018. Monthly rainfall data sets from the Uganda Meteorological Authority (UMA) for the period 1980 to 2019 for the Apac district were also used to analyze trends of occurrences in seasonal and annual rainfall in the study area. The nonparametric Sequential Mann-Kendall (SMK) and Sequential SMK tests were employed at a 5% significance level to detect trends and abrupt change points in mean seasonal rainfall. Results: The majority of the respondents (87%) perceived a decrease in precipitation over the past 39 years. The plot of forward regression u(ti) values and backward regression u’(ti) values showed interactions indicating rainfall trends: rainfall lower and upper limits and abrupt change points in the different cropping seasons. Analysis of historical series of mean monthly and annual rainfall showed an abrupt change in rainfall in March, April, May (MAM) season in 1982. Although the September, October and November (SON) season did not show an abrupt significant change, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in rainfall above the upper limit from 1994 to date. Conclusion: The mean seasonal rainfall for MAM and SON cropping seasons in the Apac district were highly variable from different time points within the past 39 years (1980-2019), while JJA did not realize a significant change in rainfall within the same study period. Thus, the two cropping seasons (MAM and SON) in the district experienced remarkable variations in rainfall. This, therefore, provides a basis for Government to strengthen the provision of an effective climate tailored agricultural advisory service to aid farmers’ adaptation planning at the local level and to assist smallholder farmers and land-use managers in developing effective adaptation management strategies to the effects of climate change.
Adapting Coordinated Specialty Care in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Study Protocol for an Integrative Mixed-methods Study
Authors: Patel Sapana , Bello Iruma , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Nossel Ilana R. , Wall Melanie M. , Montague Elaina , Rahim Reanne , Mathai Chacku M. , Dixon Lisa B. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs provide evidence-based services for young people with a recent onset of a psychotic disorder. OnTrackNY is a nationally recognized model of CSC treatment in New York state. In 2019, OnTrackNY was awarded a hub within the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) to advance its learning health care system (LHS). The OnTrackNY network is comprised of 23 CSC teams across New York state. OnTrack Central, an intermediary organization, provides training and implementation support to OnTrackNY teams. OnTrack Central coordinates a centralized data collection protocol for quality improvement and evaluation of program fidelity and a mechanism to support practice based-research. OnTrackNY sites’ breadth coupled with OnTrack Central oversight provides an opportunity to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in New York State. Methods: This project will examine the implications of modifications to service delivery within the OnTrackNY LHS during and after the COVID-19 crisis. We will use the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME) to classify systematically, code, and analyze modifications to CSC services and ascertain their impact. We will utilize integrative mixed methods. Qualitative interviews with multi-level stakeholders (program participants, families, providers, team leaders, agency leaders, trainers (OnTrack Central), and decision-makers at the state and local levels) will be used to understand the process making decisions, information about modifications to CSC services, and their impact. Analysis of OnTrackNY program data will facilitate examining trends in team staffing and functioning, and participant service utilization and outcomes. Study findings will be summarized in a CSC Model Adaptation Guide, which will identify modifications as fidelity consistent or not, and their impact on service utilization and care outcomes. Discussion: A CSC Model Adaptation Guide will inform CSC programs, and the state and local mental health authorities to which they are accountable, regarding modifications to CSC services and the impact of these changes on care process, and participant service utilization and outcomes. The guide will also inform the development of tailored technical assistance that CSC programs may need within OnTrackNY, the EPINET network, and CSC programs nationally. Trial Registration: NCT04021719, July 16th, 2019.
Repair of Aluminum 6061 Plate by Additive Friction Stir Deposition
Authors: Martin Louis Peter , Luccitti Allen , Walluk Mark 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The deposition of new alloy to replace a worn or damaged surface layer is a common strategy for repairing or remanufacturing structural components. For high-performance aluminum alloys common in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, however, traditional fusion-based deposition methods can lead to solidification cracking, void formation, and loss of strength in the heat affected zone. Solid state methods, such as additive friction stir deposition (AFSD), mitigate these challenges by depositing material at temperatures below the melting point. In this work, a solid state volumetric repair was performed using AFSD of aluminum alloy 6061-T6 to fill grooves machined into the surface of a plate of 6061-T651. The groove-filling process is relevant to replacement of cracked or corroded material after removal by localized grinding. Three groove geometries were evaluated by means of metallographic inspection, tensile testing, and fatigue testing. For the process conditions and groove geometries used in this study, effective repairs were achieved to a depth of 3.1 – 3.5 mm. Below that depth, the interface between the substrate and AFSD filler exhibited poor bonding associated with insufficient shear deformation. The mechanical properties of the filler alloy, the depth of the heat affected zone, and areas for further optimization are discussed within the context of precipitation hardened aluminum alloys.
Characterisation of Levonorgestrel Resistant Endometrial Cancer cells
Authors: Dore Molly , Filoche Sara , Danielson Kirsty , Henry Claire 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Endometrial Cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy in the developed world, and incidence is increasing in premenopausal women. The Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) is gaining traction as an alternative treatment for hyperplasia and early-stage EC for women who are unable to undergo surgery. Thirty to 50% of women do not respond to this treatment, making the unknown mechanisms of Levonorgestrel (LNG) resistance a critical obstacle for the conservative management of EC. This study aimed to characterise LNG-IUS treatment resistance in early-stage endometrial cancer in cell line models.
Method:

LNG resistant endometrial cancer cell lines (MFE296R and MFE319R) and cultures from three early stage endometrial cancer patients were developed. The behavioural profile of MFE296R and MFE319R were analysed using proliferation, adhesion, migration (wound healing and transwell) and invasion (spheroid) assays. LNG sensitive cell lines (MFE296S and MFE319S) were compared to LNGR cell lines (MFE296R and MFE319R). A literature search was conducted to identify possible candidate biomarkers of LNG resistance. RT-qPCR was used to analyse the mRNA expression of 17 candidate biomarkers in MFE296R and MFE319R. mRNA expression of the top differentially expressed genes was measured using RT-qPCR in primary cultures.
Results

LNG resistance did not affect proliferation or invasion in immortalised endometrial cancer cells, however significantly increased transwell migration in MFE319R cells (p = 0.03). LNG resistance led to a decrease in cellular adhesion in both MFE296R cells (p = 0.012) and MFE319R cells (p = 0.04) compared to LNG sensitive clones. mRNA expression of KLF4 and SATB2 was significantly amplified in MFE296R and MFE319R cells compared to their LNG sensitive clones. mRNA expression of KLF4 was significantly upregulated and mRNA expression of ER was significantly downregulated in LNG resistant primary cell lines compared to their LNG sensitive clones.
Conclusion

LNG resistant cells may be slightly more aggressive and therefore, have more oncogenic potential than their LNG sensitive counterparts. There were significant changes in the mRNA profile of LNG resistant cells compared to LNG sensitive cells, with relative expression of KLF4 and SATB2 significantly upregulated in resistant immortalised cell lines. This study presents promising preliminary results in biomarker discovery for guiding LNG-IUS treatment of early stage endometrial cancer.
Potentials of straw return and potassium supply on maize (Zea mays L.) photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield
Authors: Fan Yafang , Gao Julin , Sun Jiying , Liu Jian , Su Zhijun , Hu Shuping , Wang Zhigang , Yu Xiaofang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered one of the most important grains in the world. Straw return and potassium fertilization can enhance the maize yield. Therefore, three field experiments were carried out in the three years (2018–2020) to study the effects of straw return at two methods and four levels of potassium fertilization on photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield of the maize ‘Xianyu 335’. To conduct the field trials, a split plot system in five replications was established. Two straw return methods (straw return with deep tillage and straw mulching with no tillage) were in the main plots, and four potassium fertilization levels (0, 30, 45 and 60 kg/ha) were in the subplots. Each sub-plot consisted of 10 rows with 5 m length and 0.6 m width, and each sub-plot area was 30 m2 in the three years. The results indicated that the straw return methods and the potassium supply significantly affected the maize photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield in the three years. Under the same potassium supply, straw return with deep tillage significantly improved the maize photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield compared to straw mulching with no tillage. The above characteristics improved with increased potassium supply. The treatment of SFK60 recorded the highest values for the parameters of maize photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield during the three harvest seasons. The treatment of SFK45 reached maximum profit of maize planting, which was 12088.77 yuan/ha. Therefore, SFK45 was an effective way to ensure the stable and higher yields of maize and to maximize the income of farmers.
Unpacking Future Climate Extremes and their Sectoral Implications in Western Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Dipesh , Dhaubanjar Sanita , Bharati Luna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Existing climate projections and impact assessments in Nepal only consider a limited number of generic climate indices such as means. Few studies have explored climate extremes and their sectoral implications. This study evaluates future scenarios of extreme climate indices from the list of Expert Team on Sector-specific Climate Indices (ET-SCI) and their sectoral implications in the Karnali Basin in western Nepal. First, future projections of 26 climate indices relevant to six climate-sensitive sectors in Karnali were made for the near (2021–2045), mid (2046–2070), and far (2071–2095) future for low- and high-emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively) using bias-corrected ensembles of 19 regional climate models from the COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment for South Asia (CORDEX-SA). Second, a qualitative analysis based on expert interviews and a literature review on the impact of the projected climate extremes on the climate-sensitive sectors was undertaken. Both the temperature and precipitation patterns are projected to deviate significantly from the historical reference already from the near future with increased occurrences of extreme events. Winter in the highlands is expected to become warmer and dryer. The hot and wet tropical summer in the lowlands will become hotter with longer warm spells and fewer cold days. Low-intensity precipitation events will decline, but the magnitude and frequency of extreme precipitation events will increase. The compounding effects of the increase in extreme temperature and precipitation events will have largely negative implications for the six climate-sensitive sectors considered here.
In-Situ Polymerization of Maleic Acid in Presence of Aloe vera Gel for Development of Eco-Friendly Eri Silk based Handlooms
Authors: Banerjee Ashis Narayan Amita , Majumdar Abhijeet , Datta Dibyendu Bikash , Das Debasish 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Polycarboxylic acid compounds such as butane-tetra-carboxylic acid, cyclopentane-tetra-carboxylic acid, and citric acid offer an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and safe alternative to toxic formaldehyde condensate resin as a silk cross-linking agent. However, the sodium salts of phosphorus-containing mineral acids used as esterification catalysts with such polycarboxylic acids are not environmentally friendly because of their reported adverse effects on the aquatic environment and soil. Also, finishes based on such non-polymeric polycarboxylic acids cannot retain or improve the strength and moisture-regain characteristics of silk. Moreover, most polycarboxylic acids are too expensive for practical exploitation. In view of the above, the present work was aimed at establishing the optimum condition for the application of vinyl monomer containing carboxylic acid like maleic acid in presence of initiator and catalysts on silk fabric in the presence of ammonium persulphate as the free radical polymerization catalyst and trisodium citrate as the esterification catalyst. In this study, eri silk-based handloom fabrics were finished with Aloe vera gel and maleic acid as a cross-linking agent using the pad-dry-cure method. Water-soluble Aloe vera gel with varying concentrations of 5 to 15% (w/v) was also added in the finishing bath to add antibacterial activity to the fabric along with the anti-crease properties. Evaluation of attainable changes or improvements in the eri silk based handloom fabric properties in respect of tensile strength, wrinkle recovery, flexibility, antimicrobial, porosity and moisture regain on such treatments have been done. Besides this, changes in the chemical nature of silk fabric on such modifications have been studied by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and reported in this research article. The study proposes thermal curing system is conducive for in-situ polymerization of maleic acid in presence of Aloe vera for the development of eco-friendly eri silk based handlooms with antibacterial and anti-crease properties, without a significant loss in strength properties. The effects of the antimicrobial agent were assessed even after the 10 wash cycle.
Cancer Immunotherapy Based on Carbon-Quantum-Dot Modified Cancer Cells
Authors: Tang Zikang , Liang Tao , Lei Josh Haipeng , Tao Jinsong , Guo Sen , Gao Hanlu , Zhu Lipeng , Zhou Yinning , Liu Youcheng , Xi Long , Tong Haibo , Liu Enshan , Zhang Bohan , Sun Heng , Zhang Huiqi , Luo Kathy Qian , Zhao Qi , Liu Tzu-Ming , Ouyang Defang , Ge Wei , Zheng Ying , Deng Chuxia , Qu Songnan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy based on carbon-quantum-dot (CQD) modified cancer cells (CM-cancer) has proven effective. The CQDs non-distinctively modify the conformational structure of proteins by hydrogen bonding between the protein chains and the permeated CQDs via a thermal treatment. CM-cancer vaccines exhibit robust immunogenicity, which can recruit macrophages and dendritic cells to effectively deliver the cancer antigens into lymph nodes to activate CD8+ T cells, and eventually leads to an anti-cancer immune response all over the body. The CM-cancer vaccinations are not only able to inhibit primary tumors, but also clearly eliminate metastatic tumors. Our research demonstrates a promising personalized cancer immunotheraputic technology for potential clinical applications.
Transmittance measurements in non-alternating magnetic field as reliable method for determining of heating properties of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Radović Magdalena , Mirković Marija , Nikolić Aleksandar S. , Kuraica Milorad , Iskrenović Predrag , Milanović Zorana , Vranješ-Đurić Sanja , Peric Marko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Different phosphates and phosphonates have shown excellent coating ability toward magnetic nanoparticles, improving their stability and biocompatibility which enables their biomedical application. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of phosphates (IDP and IHP) and phosphonates (MDP and HEDP) coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were evaluated in an alternating magnetic field. For a deeper understanding of hyperthermia, the behavior of investigated MNPs in the non-alternating magnetic field was monitored by measuring the transparency of the sample. To investigate their theranostic potential coated Fe3O4-MNPs were radiolabeled with radionuclide 177Lu. Phosphate coated MNPs were radiolabeled in high radiolabeling yield (> 99%) while phosphonate coated MNPs reached maximum radiolabeling yield of 78%. Regardless lower radiolabeling yield both radiolabeled phosphonate MNPs may be further purified reaching radiochemical purity of more than 95%. In vitro stabile radiolabeled nanoparticles in saline and HSA were obtained. The high heating ability of phosphates and phosphonates coated MNPs as sine qua non for efficient in vivo hyperthermia treatment and satisfactory radiolabeling yield justifies their further research in order to develop new theranostic agents.
A single chromosome strain of S. cerevisiae exhibits diminished ethanol metabolism and tolerance
Authors: Doughty Tyler W , Yu Rosemary , Chao Lucy Fang-I , Qin Zhongjun , Siewers Verena , Nielsen Jens 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background:Eukaryotic organisms, like the model yeast S. cerevisiae, have linear chromosomes that facilitate organization and protection of nuclear DNA. A recent work described a stepwise break/repair method that enabled fusion of the sixteen chromosomes of S. cerevisiae into a single large chromosome. Construction of this strain resulted in the removal of 30 of 32 telomeres, over 300kb of subtelomeric DNA, and 107 subtelomeric ORFs. Despite these changes, characterization of the single chromosome strain uncovered modest phenotypes compared to a reference strain.Results:This study further characterized the single chromosome strain and found that it exhibited a longer lag phase, increased doubling time, and lower final biomass concentration compared with a reference strain when grown on YPD. These phenotypes were amplified when ethanol was added to the medium or used as the sole carbon source. RNAseq analysis showed poor induction of genes involved in diauxic shift, ethanol metabolism, and fatty-acid ß-oxidation during growth on ethanol compared to the reference strain. Enzyme-constrained metabolic modeling identified decreased flux through the enzymes that are encoded by these poorly induced genes as a likely cause of diminished biomass accumulation. The diminished growth on ethanol for the single chromosome strain was rescued by nicotinamide, an inhibitor of sirtuin family deacetylases, which have been shown to silence gene expression in heterochromatic regions. Conclusions:Our results indicate that sirtuin-mediated silencing in the single chromosome strain interferes with growth on non-fermentable carbon sources. We propose that the removal of subtelomeric DNA that would otherwise be bound by sirtuins leads to silencing at other loci in the single chromosome strain. Further, we hypothesize that the poorly induced genes in the single chromosome strain during ethanol growth could be silenced by sirtuins in wildtype S. cerevisiae during growth on glucose.