bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cereal Mycotoxins Contamination and Associated Risk Factors: A Consideration of Lringa Municipality in Tanzania.
Authors: Rajabu Rahma , Chilipweli Peter , Mang'ara Revocatus 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Mycotoxins have various serious health effects when consumed by humans and animals including, acute aflatoxicosis when consumed in high levels. Chronic exposure to low levels of contamination in crops increases liver cancer risk and can suppress the immune system, particularly for populations that test positive for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Also when contaminated foods are consumed by young children can lead to stunting and growth impairment.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was carried out at one-time point .A total of 296 participants were enrolled. Surveys were conducted to determine risk factors for mycotoxin contamination in cereal in Iringa municipality. The study involved 4 wards namely Kwakilosa, Mlandege, Kihesa and Ruaha, in which 2 streets were selected from each ward where a minimum of 25 respondents were selected in each street by using quota and convenience sampling techniques. A questionnaire was administered to assess community‟s level of knowledge on mycotoxin contamination in cereals. A checklist was used to explore the conditions and facilities used store cereal,Results: Majority of respondents 71(36.2%) their age ranged 29-39 years, few being above 61 making up 3.6%. Also 87.2% did not have knowledge on mycotoxin contamination in cereals, while only 12.8% had knowledge on mycotoxin contamination in cereals which showed that 56.6% of the storage rooms were not properly ventilated, with proper ventilation were 43.4% of the total storage rooms. The study also revealed that majority 67.1% placed cereals in rooms with no ceilings, while also 60.8% leaned their cereal bags directly against the wall without leaving space contributing to favorable conditions for fungal growth as it increases the likelihood of cereal bags to absorb moisture from the wall, 86.7% cleaned their packaging material before use while only 46.9% and 44.8% cleaned their rooms and milling machines before storage or processing respectively. Majority 80.4% used woven sacks while 22.4% and 46.9% had pallets and tarpaulin respectively.Conclusion: Majority of respondents 171 individuals equivalent to 87.2% did not have knowledge on mycotoxin contamination in cereals, while only 25 individuals equivalent to 12.8% had knowledge on mycotoxin contamination in cereals. While the storage conditions and facilities used, showed that majority of individuals 111(77.6%) piled up bags of cereals on bare floors (no pallets) and 87(60.8%) leaned them directly against the walls with majority of them 96(67.1%) placed under roofs with no ceiling.
First Trimester Pregnancy Outcomes in a Large&nbsp;ART Center From the Lombardy County (Italy) During the Peak COVID-19 Pandemic.
Authors: Levi-Setti Paolo Emanuele , Cirillo Federico , Immediata Valentina , Morenghi Emanuela , Canevisio Valentina , Ronchetti Camilla , Baggiani Annamaria , Albani Elena , Patrizio Pasquale 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study evaluates if the pandemic has influenced ART outcome in an asymptomatic infertile population treated at one of the major COVID-19 epicenters during the weeks immediately preceding the lockdown. All ART procedures during two time periods were used for comparison: November 1st, 2018 to February 28th, 2019 (non COVID-19 risk) and November 1st, 2019 to February 29th, 2020 (COVID-19 risk). We analyzed 1,749 fresh cycles (883 non COVID-19 risk and 866 COVID- 19 risk), 1,166 embryo and 63 oocytes warming cycles (538 and 37 during non COVID and 628 and 26 during COVID-19 risk respectively). Clinical pregnancies per cycle were not different: 370 (25,38%) in non COVID vs 415 (27,30%) (p=0.237) during COVID-19 risk. There were no differences in biochemical pregnancy rates 52 (3,57%) vs 38 (2,50%) (p=0.089) nor in ectopic pregnancies 4 (1,08%) vs 3 (0,72%) (p=0,594), spontaneous abortions 84 (22,70%) vs 103 (24,82%) p=0,487, intrauterine ongoing pregnancies 282 (76,22%) vs 309 (74,46%) p=0.569. A multivariate analysis investigating differences in abortion rate showed no differences between the two times frame. Our results support no differences in asymptomatic infertile couples’ ART outcomes between pre COVID and COVID-19 period in one of early and most severe pandemic area.
Prevalence of Human Leukocyte Antigen HLA-B*57:01 in Individuals with HIV in West and Central Africa
Authors: KOLOU Malewe , PODA Armel , DIALLO Zellica , KONOU Esther , DOKPOMIWA Tatiana , ZOUNGRANA Jacques , SALOU Mounerou , MBA-TCHOUNGA Lionèle , BIGOT André , OUEDRAOGO Abdoul-Salam , BOUYOUT-AKOUTET Marielle , EKOUEVI Didier K. , EHOLIE Serge P. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The presence of the human leukocyte antigen HLA-B*57:01 is associated with the development of a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir (ABC). Limited data exist on HLA-B*57:01 prevalence in individuals with HIV-1 in Africa. This study aimed to estimate HLA-B*57:01 prevalence in individuals with HIV-1 in West and Central Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four countries in West and central Africa (Burkina-Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Togo) from January 2016 to February 2020 to determine the status of HLA-B*5701 in adults with HIV-1. The presence of HLA-B*57:01 was determined by using Single Specific Primer-Polymerase Chain Reaction (SSP-PCR) in blood samples. Prevalence rates were stratified based on country. Results: A total of 4,016 (69.8% women) individuals with HIV were enrolled. Their median age was 45, and the interquartile range was 38-52. We included 500 (12.4%) patients in Burkina-Faso, 1,453 (36.2%) in Côte d’Ivoire, 951 (23.7%) in Gabon, and 1,112 (27.7%) in Togo. The overall HLA-B*57:01 prevalence was 0.1% [95% CI: 0.0–0.2%]. The prevalence of HLA-B*57:01 was similar according to the four countries. Only one case was reported in each country except Togo, with no cases.Conclusions: HLA-B*57:01 prevalence is low in individuals with HIV in West and central Africa, and there is no difference among countries. This study does not confirm the utility of HLA-B*57:01 allele testing in this region.
Proteomic Analysis of the Spineless Cuttlefish Sepiella Japonica: Exploratory Analyses on the Phenomenon of Death after Spawning
Authors: Guo Baoying , Lin Shuangrui , Qi Pengzhi , Fan Meihua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Senescence and death occur after the spawn of female cuttlefish, which results in an immense loss of reproductive resources. To better understand the physiological mechanisms involving death after spawning in Sepiella japonica (Japanese spineless cuttlefish). We used proteomic methods to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the optic glands of S. japonica at three distinct growth stages: pre-spawning after sexual maturity (group A); spawning (group B) and post-spawning before death (group C). About 955, 1000, and 1024 DEPs were identified for each comparative group analysis (i.e. group B vs A, group B vs C, and group C vs A). The gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the function of DEPs was correlated with peptidase activity, metal-ion binding and structural molecule activity, and the majority of DEPs were involved in signal transduction and energy metabolism. It was also identified some aging-related pathways in the results of KEGG annotation. Based on previous studies of anti-aging effects in cephalopods, our study provides a new insights about the death of S. japonica after spawning at the protein level.
Association of Genetic Variants of Oxidative Stress Responsive Kinase 1 (OXSR1) with Asthma Exacerbations in Non-Smoking Asthmatics
Authors: Kim¹ Min-Hye , Chang Hun Soo , Lee Jong-Uk , Shim¹ Ji-Su , Park Jong-Sook , Cho¹ Young-Joo , Park Choon-Sik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Asthma exacerbation threatens patient's life. Several genetic studies have been conducted to determine the risk factors for asthma exacerbation, but this information is still lacking. We aimed to determine whether genetic variants of Oxidative Stress Responsive Kinase 1(OXSR1), a gene with functions of salt transport, immune response, and oxidative stress, are associated with exacerbation of asthma.Methods: Clinical data were obtained from 1,454 asthmatics and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of OXSR1 were genotyped. Genetic associations with annual exacerbation rate were analyzed depending on smoking status. Results: Eleven SNPs were selected using Asian data in the International HapMap database. The common allele of rs1384006 C>T of OXSR1 showed a significantly higher annual exacerbation rate than the rare allele in non-smoking asthmatics (CC vs. CT vs. TT: 0.43 ± 0.04 vs. 0.28 ± 0.03 vs. 0.31 ± 0.09, P=0.004, Pcorr=0.039). The frequent exacerbators had a significantly higher frequency of the common allele of rs1384006 C>T than did the infrequent exacerbators (74.4% vs. 55.2%, P=0.004, P corr=0.038). Conclusion: The common allele of rs1384006 C>T of OXSR1 was associated with the asthma exacerbation rate and a higher risk of being a frequent exacerbator, indicating that non-smoking asthmatics who carry common alleles may be vulnerable to asthma exacerbations.
High Resolution Endoscopic Classification of Chronic Gastritis and Helicobacter Pylori Infection Through Microvascular Pattern
Authors: Ko Weon Jin , Shin Hee Kyung , Shin Hyekyeong , Park Yu Sun , Cha Boram 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and Aims The aim of this study was to validate the usefulness of high resolution (HR) endoscopy for predicting chronic gastritis and H. pylori (HP) infection status.Method Based on microvascular (MV) patterns, HR endoscopic findings were classified into three types; Class I: present with regular arrangement of collecting venule (RAC) and subepithelial capillary network (SECN), Class II: loss of RAC with uneven SECN, Class III: loss of RAC with loss of SECN. These findings were analyzed to determine how well it is correlated with histologic findings, serological analysis, and rapid urease test.Result Diagnostic accuracy compared with biopsy results were described. In the MV pattern, accuracy of class I in antrum and body were 56.3% and 100%, class II in antrum and body were 90% and 94.4%, and class III in antrum and body were 89.5% and 70%. In the PGI / PGII correlation with MV pattern classification, PGI / PGII was significantly higher in class I compared to class II or III (p<0.001). In the endoscopic prediction of HP infection, class I with negative HP infection rate 94.1%, however Class II and III showed positive HP infection in 100% and 90%.Conclusion Chronic gastritis classification algorithm through microvascular changes including RAC and SECN showed high accuracy in diagnosing chronic gastritis by HR endoscopy. In addition, the algorithm helps us to distinguish recent HP infections.
Isolation and Characterisation of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells from Lung Tissues Affected by Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Nishino Koichi , Yoshimatsu Yasuhiro , Muramatsu Tomoki , Sekimoto Yasuhito , Mitani Keiko , Kobayashi Etsuko , Okamoto Shouichi , Ebana Hiroki , Okada Yoshinori , Kurihara Masatoshi , Suzuki Kenji , Inazawa Johji , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Watabe Tetsuro , Seyama Kuniaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare pulmonary disease characterised by the proliferation of smooth muscle-like cells (LAM cells), and an abundance of lymphatic vessels in LAM lesions. Studies reported that vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) secreted by LAM cells contributes to LAM-associated lymphangiogenesis, however, the precise mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis and characteristics of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in LAM lesions have not yet been elucidated. In this study, human primary-cultured LECs were obtained both from LAM-affected lung tissues (LAM-LECs) and normal lung tissues (control LECs) using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We found that LAM-LECs had significantly higher ability of proliferation and migration compared to control LECs. VEGF-D significantly promoted migration of LECs but not proliferation of LECs in vitro. cDNA microarray and FACS analysis revealed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3 and integrin α9 were elevated in LAM-LECs. Inhibition of VEGFR-3 suppressed proliferation and migration of LECs, and blockade of integrin α9 reduced VEGF-D-induced migration of LECs. Our data uncovered the distinct features of LAM-associated LECs, increased proliferation and migration, which may be due to higher expression of VEGFR-3 and integrin α9. Furthermore, we also found VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 and VEGF-D/ integrin α9 signaling play an important role in LAM-associated lymphangiogenesis.
Organozinc Pivalates for Cobalt-Catalyzed Difluoroalkylarylation of Alkenes and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Cheng Xinyi , Liu Xingchen , Wang Shengchun , Hu Ying , Hu Bingjing , Lei Aiwen , Li Jie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A set of cobalt-catalyzed regioselective difluoroalkylarylation of both activated and unactivated alkenes with bench-stable solid arylzinc pivalates and difluoroalkyl bromides through a cascade Csp3‒Csp3/Csp3‒Csp2 bond formation has been developed under mild reaction conditions. Indeed, a wide range of functional groups on difluoroalkyl bromides, olefins, 1,3-dienes as well as (hetero)arylzinc pivalates are well tolerated by the cobalt-catalyst, thus furnishing three-component coupling products in good yields and with high regio- and diastereoselectivity. Kinetic experiments comparing arylzinc pivalates and conventional arylzinc halides highlight the unique reactivity of these new organozinc pivalates. Detailed mechanistic studies strongly support that the reaction involves direct halogen atom abstraction via single electron transfer to difluoroalkyl bromides from the in situ formed cobalt(I) species, thus realizing a Co(I)/Co(II)/Co(III) catalytic cycle.
Maternal Serum EG-VEGF as A First Trimester Predictor of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zeng Shiyu , Yu Ling , Ding Yiling , Yang Mengyuan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

This study aims to explore whether plasma endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) in the first trimester can be used as a predictor of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and compare it with placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) to evaluate its prediction of HDP value.
Methods

This is a prospective cohort study that records the medical history of the pregnant women included in the study at 11–13 weeks’ gestation, and analyzes serum biochemical markers including EG-VEGF, PIGF, sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PIGF. The predictive values of these tests were determined. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to find the optimal cut-off value for each biomarker and compare the operating characteristics (sensitivity, specificity). Logistic regression analysis was used to create a prediction model for HDP based on maternal characteristics and maternal biochemistry.
Results

Data were obtained from 205 pregnant women. 17 cases were diagnosed with HDP, the incidence rate was 8.2% (17/205). Women who developed HDP had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Serum EG-VEGF levels in the first trimester are significantly higher in pregnant women with HDP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of serum EG-VEGF levels more than 227.83 pg/ml for predicting HDP were 43%, 93%, 86% and 62%, respectively. We established a prediction model in the first trimester include maternal BMI, MAP, and EG-VEGF, with an AUC of 0.8861 (95%CI: 0.7905–0.9818), which is better than using EG-VEGF alone (AUC: 0.66).
Conclusion

This study demonstrated that serum EG-VEGF is a promising biomarker for predicting HDP in the first trimester. It has better predictive performance compared with the currently used biomarkers like PIGF and sFlt-1. Combining maternal clinical characteristics and biochemical tests at 11–13 weeks can effectively identify women at high risk of HDP.
Comparative Study of Structural and Optical Properties of SiO2 Nanoparticles Prepared by DC Reactive Sputtering and Sol-Gel Route
Authors: Mutesher Nora H. , Kadhim Firas Jawad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the present work, silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanostructures were synthesized using two different techniques: sol-gel deposition and dc reactive plasma sputtering deposition. Amorphous structural phase of silica films was observed for the samples synthesized by two decomposition methods. The results of scanning electron microscopy indicated the nanostructural characteristic of such compounds. In addition to, the dependence of such nanostructures on the synthesis parameters in each preparation method. The FT-IR spectroscopic measurements showed the formation of siloxan bonds as well as the high content of hydroxyl groups in silica sol-gel samples compared with samples derived sputtering. The UV-Vis. Spectroscopic measurements were used to investigate the optical properties of such nanostructure films in order to select the optimum samples that can be employed in different optoelectronics applications such as scatters in amplifying media.
Cost-Effective Fabrication, Antibacterial Application and Cell Viability Studies of Modified Nonwoven Cotton Fabric
Authors: Nawaz Rahat , Naqvi Sayed Tayyab Raza , Fatima Batool , Zulfiqar Nazia , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Javeed Asghar , Khan Waheed Qamar , Rasul Azhar , Jafari Laila , Hussain Dilshad , MAJEED Saadat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Nonwoven cotton fabric has been fabricated and designed for antibacterial applications using low cost and ecofriendly precursors. The treatment of fabric with alkali leads to formation of active sites. The surfaces were dip coated with silver nanaoparticles and chitosan. The surface was chlorinated in next step to transform amide (N-H) groups in chitosan into N-halamine (N-Cl). The modified and unmodified surfaces of the nonwoven cotton fabric have been characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The active chlorine loading is measured with iodine/ sodium thiosulphate. The antimicrobial activity and cell toxicity assay were carried out with and without modifications of nonwoven cotton fabric. The antimicrobial efficacies of loaded fabric were evaluated against four bacterial species (Micrococcus lutes, Staphylococcus aurea, Enterobacter aerogenes, and E.coli). It was found that modified fabric exhibited superior efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains as compared to their bulk counterparts upon exposure without destroying and affecting fabric nature. The overall process is economical for commercial purposes. The modified fabric can be used for antimicrobial, health, and food packaging industries, and in other biomedical applications.
The effect of the interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and gait function on the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older people
Authors: Kamide Naoto , Sato Haruhiko , Sakamoto Miki , Shiba Yoshitaka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Fall-related self-efficacy and gait function are known to be associated. However, whether the interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and gait function affects future falls has not been investigated.Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and spatiotemporal gait parameters on the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older people. Methods A total of 265 elderly persons (age ≥65 years) living independently in the community were recruited. For gait function, spatiotemporal gait parameters at usual and maximum effort paces were measured using a 2.4-m walkway system with embedded pressure sensors. Furthermore, changes in gait parameters between usual and maximum paces were calculated (Δgait parameters). Fall-related self-efficacy was assessed using the short version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International (Short FES-I). The occurrence of falls was prospectively investigated 6 months later. The effect of the interaction between Short FES-I and gait parameters on falls was analyzed using logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors.Results Several gait parameters were significantly different by self-efficacy level. As for the effect of the interaction of fall-related self-efficacy and gait parameters on falls, smaller Δgait parameters in those with high efficacy were associated with higher odds ratios of falls, whereas Δgait parameters in those with low efficacy were not associated with falls.Discussion and conclusions The interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and gait function appeared to affect future falls. Assessments combining fall-related self-efficacy and gait function may improve the accuracy of prediction of future falls.
Expanding The Clinical Phenotype and Genetic Spectrum of PURA-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Choi Sun Ah , Lee Heun-Sik , Park Tae-Joon , Park Soojin , Ko Young Jun , Kim Soo Yeon , Lim Byung Chan , Kim Ki Joong , Chae Jong-Hee 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: PURA-related neurodevelopmental disorders (PURA-NDDs) include 5q31.3 deletion syndrome and PURA syndrome. PURA-NDDs are characterized by neonatal hypotonia, moderate to severe global developmental delay/intellectual disability (GDD/ID), facial dysmorphism, epileptic seizures, nonepileptic movement disorders, and ophthalmological problems. PURA-NDDs have recently been identified and underestimated in neurodevelopmental cohorts, but their diagnosis is still challenging. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics, genetic spectrum, and diagnostic journey of patients with PURA-NDDs.Results: We report 2 patients with 5q31.3 microdeletion and 5 with PURA pathogenic variants. They demonstrated hypotonia (7/7, 100%), feeding difficulties (4/5, 80%), and respiratory problems (4/7, 57%) in the neonatal period. All of them had severe GDD/ID and could not achieve independent waking and verbal responses. Distinctive facial features of open-tented upper vermilion, long philtrum, and anteverted nares and poor visual fixation and tracking with or without nystagmus were most commonly found (5/7, 71.4%). There were no significant differences in clinical phenotypes between 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome and PURA syndrome. PURA-NDDs need to be considered as a differential diagnosis in individuals who show severe hypotonia, including feeding difficulties since birth and severe developmental retardation with distinctive facial and ophthalmological features.Conclusions: Our data expands the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of PURA-NDD. Next-generation sequencing methods based on the detailed phenotypic evaluation would shorten the diagnostic delay and would help this rare disorder become a recognizable cause of neurodevelopmental delay.