bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Drug and Alcohol Use among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Nigerian Private University
Authors: Oyeniran O. I. , Chia T. , Ajagbe A. O. 
Published: September 2019

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of drug and alcohol use among medical students in a private University based in Abuja, Nigeria.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: College of Health Sciences (CHS), Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, between June 2018 and September 2018.
Methodology: Using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, information was obtained from 49 second year medical students (11 males, 38 females; age range 17-25 years), who were surveyed for the prevalence and reason of drug and alcohol use. Data retrieved was sorted, collated and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 23.0 statistical package.
Results: The mean age of students was 18.9 years and a higher proportion of respondents were female students (n=38; 77.6%). Out of the 49 students examined in this study, only 2 students currently use drugs while 8 students consume alcohol, given a prevalence of 4% and 16.3% respectively. Reasons given by one male alcohol user include: to build self-confidence (12.5%), while one female drug user uses it to escape from worries or troubles (50%). The prevalence of alcohol use was highest among male students (n=5; 62.5%), while that of drug use was highest among female students (n=2; 100%). Results also showed that the majorities of students were occasional users; and so there was no evidence of physical dependence.
Conclusion: Findings established low prevalence of drug and alcohol use among study groups. However evaluation of full-scale university-level intervention is highly necessary.
Trace Elements, Antioxidants, Uric Acid, C-Reactive Proteins and Estrogen Levels of Preeclamptic Pregnant Women in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Nwadike C. N. , Eze A. A. , Nosiri C. I. , Ezekwe A. S. , Anyagwa M. T. , Aloy-Amadi O. C. , Onyeabo C. 
Published: September 2019

Aims: The present study investigated levels of trace elements, antioxidants, uric acid, C-reactive proteins and estrogen in preeclamptic pregnant women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria using patients from Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and specialists Hospital in Owerri, Nigeria.
Study Design: A total of 350 pregnant women between the ages of 20-40 years from two known hospitals in Owerri were examined for the study. The examined pregnant women were group into 160 normotensive pregnant women as control and 190 preeclamptic pregnant women.
Results and Discussion: Results obtained for serum trace elements revealed significant decrease (p<0.05) in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women. Antioxidant vitamins C and E; and estrogen significantly decreased (p<0.05) in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women. Uric acid and C-reactive protein levels increased in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women. The decrease in trace elements could be linked to development of preeclampsia since some of these trace elements perform antioxidant function. Increased antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation could be behind the reduced levels of vitamins C and E, and estrogen in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women.
Conclusion: This study has revealed the trace elements, antioxidants, uric acid, C-reactive proteins, and estrogen levels of preeclamptic pregnant women in Owerri, Nigeria.
What Does the Patient Global Health Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Tell Us? Contribution of Specific Dimensions of Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Craig Ethan T. , Perin Jamie , Zeger Scott , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Bykerk Vivian P. , Bingham Clifton O. , Bartlett Susan J. 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo estimate the contributions of health‐related quality of life domains to the patient global assessment of disease activity (PtGA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsData are drawn from baseline visits of 2 observational RA cohorts. Participants completed forms for patient‐reported outcome measures, including PtGA and measures from the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, and clinical data were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify latent variables, and multivariable linear regression was used to estimate determinants of the PtGA.ResultsPatients were mostly female (81%), white (78%), and had established disease (mean ± SD 12.3 ± 10.7 years), with 62% in remission or having low disease activity. In cohort 1 (n = 196), the following 2 factors emerged: 1) daily function (moderate‐to‐strong [i.e., >|0.65|] loadings of physical function, pain interference, social participation, and fatigue, and weak [>0.35] loadings of sleep disturbance); and 2) emotional distress (strong loadings of depression and anxiety). In crude analysis, daily function explained up to 53% and emotional distress up to 20% of the variance in PtGA. In both cohorts, in adjusted analyses, daily function and, to a much lesser extent, swollen joint count independently predicted PtGA; age was inversely related to PtGA in cohort 1 only.ConclusionThese findings suggest that in patients with RA, PtGA ratings largely reflect the extent to which patients feel they can function in everyday roles and are not impacted by mood. This suggests that higher than expected PtGA scores may offer an opportunity to discuss patient expectations regarding roles and activities and the impact of their RA symptoms on daily function.
Management of Hallux Valgus in General Practice in Australia
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Harrison Christopher , Britt Helena , Whittaker Glen A. , Landorf Karl B. , Munteanu Shannon E. 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the management of hallux valgus by general practitioners (GPs) in Australia.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health program from April 2000 to March 2016. Patient and GP encounter characteristics were extracted. Hallux valgus encounters were identified using the International Classification of Primary Care, Version 2 Plus terms hallux valgus and bunion. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals around point estimates.ResultsThe data set included 1,568,100 patient‐encounter records among which hallux valgus was managed 658 times (4.2 management occasions per 10,000 encounters). This management rate extrapolates to an estimated 60,000 GP–patient encounters across Australia in the most recent year data were available (from 2015 to 2016). The management rate was 3 times higher in female compared to male patients and was most frequent among patients ages 45–64 years. Hallux valgus was most frequently managed by referral to orthopedic surgeons (28 per 100 management occasions), counseling or advice (25 per 100), and referral to podiatrists (16 per 100). Pharmacologic management was also frequently used (20 per 100) and primarily involved prescription of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (7 per 100).ConclusionHallux valgus is a commonly encountered problem in Australian general practice and is mostly managed by provision of advice and referral to orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists. Further research is required to examine the factors that influence the selection of surgical and nonsurgical treatment pathways by GPs and their comparative effectiveness.
A Divergent Duo: Palladium Catalyzed Carboamination in Enantioselective Desymmetrization and Regiodivergent Catalysis
Authors: Dolja Etilia , Funken Nico , Slak Daniel , Schnakenburg Gregor , Gansäuer Andreas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe describe a regiodivergent synthesis of pseudo‐C2‐symmetrical and pseudo‐meso bis‐indoline scaffolds from norbornadiene and substituted o‐iodo‐anilines. The Pd(0)/Josiphos system enables the highly regioselective catalyst controlled carboaminations required for the two step synthesis of the scaffolds.
Solvent Selection for Lignin Value Prior to Pulping
Authors: Kwok Thomas T. , Bright John R. , Vora Soor R. , Chrisandina Natasha J. , Luettgen Christopher O. , Realff Matthew J. , Bommarius Andreas S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSolvent selection guides are crucial in chemical process design and development. Lignin from lignocellulosic biomass is a potentially attractive feedstock for sustainable chemical feedstocks. One approach would use a solvent to recover lignin prior to the traditional pulping process to make cellulose fibers: lignin value prior to pulping (LVPP). A solvent selection methodology for LVPP is presented herein that may be expanded for any proposed solvent for this process. Four screening categories are elucidated, providing metrics for 30 solvents across multiple molecular functional groups. Through performance, hazards and environment, cost and availability, and process‐economics screens, the initial list of solvents is reduced to two top‐tier candidates, 1,6 hexamethylenediamine and diethanolamine. 1‐Methylpiperazine also emerged as a potential candidate. This solvent‐selection methodology streamlines experimentation and provides promising candidates for LVPP. In addition to creating a tailored solvent selection guide, valuable biomass pretreatment data that may be utilized in different renewable applications are also presented.
Long‐term dynamics and drivers of coral and macroalgal cover on inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authors: Ceccarelli Daniela M. , Evans Richard D. , Logan Murray , Mantel Philippa , Puotinen Marji , Petus Caroline , Russ Garry R. , Williamson David H. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractQuantifying the role of biophysical and anthropogenic drivers of coral reef ecosystem processes can inform management strategies that aim to maintain or restore ecosystem structure and productivity. However, few studies have examined the combined effects of multiple drivers, partitioned their impacts, or established threshold values that may trigger shifts in benthic cover. Inshore fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) occur in high‐sediment, high‐nutrient environments and are under increasing pressure from multiple acute and chronic stressors. Despite world‐leading management, including networks of no‐take marine reserves, relative declines in hard coral cover of 40–50% have occurred in recent years, with localized but persistent shifts from coral to macroalgal dominance on some reefs. Here we use boosted regression tree analyses to test the relative importance of multiple biophysical drivers on coral and macroalgal cover using a long‐term (12–18 yr) data set collected from reefs at four island groups. Coral and macroalgal cover were negatively correlated at all island groups, and particularly when macroalgal cover was above 20%. Although reefs at each island group had different disturbance‐and‐recovery histories, degree heating weeks (DHW) and routine wave exposure consistently emerged as common drivers of coral and macroalgal cover. In addition, different combinations of sea‐surface temperature, nutrient and turbidity parameters, exposure to high turbidity (primary) floodwater, depth, grazing fish density, farming damselfish density, and management zoning variously contributed to changes in coral and macroalgal cover at each island group. Clear threshold values were apparent for multiple drivers including wave exposure, depth, and degree heating weeks for coral cover, and depth, degree heating weeks, chlorophylla, and cyclone exposure for macroalgal cover, however, all threshold values were variable among island groups. Our findings demonstrate that inshore coral reef communities are typically structured by broadscale climatic perturbations, superimposed upon unique sets of local‐scale drivers. Although rapidly escalating climate change impacts are the largest threat to coral reefs of theGBRMPand globally, our findings suggest that proactive management actions that effectively reduce chronic stressors at local scales should contribute to improved reef resistance and recovery potential following acute climatic disturbances.
Construction of Nucleus‐Targeting Iridium Nanocrystals for Photonic Hyperthermia‐Synergized Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Liying , Zhang Tingting , Huo Minfeng , Guo Jia , Chen Yu , Xu Huixiong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractProminent tumor‐cell nucleus targeting of radiosensitizer substantially affects the therapeutic consequence of advanced tumor radiotherapy via lethal nucleus DNA damage. Herein, ultrasmall iridium nanocrystals (Ir NCs, <5 nm) are constructed for efficient tumor‐specific photonic hyperthermia‐synergized radiotherapy. To endow the NCs with qualified cell nucleus‐targeting performance, polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐modified Ir NCs are decorated with αvβ3 integrin‐targeting cyclic arginine‐glycine‐aspartic (c(RGDyC)), designated as RGD, peptides and human immunodeficiency virus‐1 transactivator of transcription protein(TAT), respectively, facilitating the tumor‐cell‐membrane (with overexpressed αvβ3 integrin) and cell‐nucleus targeting. The formulated Ir‐RGD‐TAT (Ir‐R/T) NCs are demonstrated to accumulate inside the nucleus of tumor cells and generate effective DNA lesions upon X‐ray irradiation. Further in vivo evaluations verify the satisfactory carcinoma destruction performance against 4T1 tumor xenografts. Importantly, the intriguing photonic NIR adsorption of Ir‐R/T NCs has enabled the hyperthermia therapeutics accompanied with photoacoustic imaging modalities, achieving clinically promising biocompatible multifunctional radiosensitized nanoplatforms for effective tumor therapeutics.
SnS2/Co3S4 Hollow Nanocubes Anchored on S‐Doped Graphene for Ultrafast and Stable Na‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wu Ya‐Qian , Yang Hui‐Xian , Yang Yu , Pu Hao , Meng Wen‐Jie , Gao Rui‐Ze , Zhao Dong‐Lin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSnS2 has been widely studied as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) based on the high theoretical capacity and layered structure. Unfortunately, rapid capacity decay associated with volume variation during cycling limits practical application. Herein, SnS2/Co3S4 hollow nanocubes anchored on S‐doped graphene are synthesized for the first time via coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods. When applied as the anode for SIBs, the sample delivers a distinguished charge specific capacity of 1141.8 mAh g−1 and there is no significant capacity decay (0.1 A g−1 for 50 cycles). When the rate is increased to 0.5 A g−1, it presents 845.7 mAh g−1 after cycling 100 times. Furthermore, the composite also exhibits an ultrafast sodium storage capability where 392.9 mAh g−1 can be obtained at 10 A g−1 and the charging time is less than 3 min. The outstanding electrochemical properties can be ascribed to the enhancement of conductivity for the addition of S‐doped graphene and the existence of p–n junctions in the SnS2/Co3S4 heterostructure. Moreover, the presence of mesopores between nanosheets can alleviate volume expansion during cycling as well as being beneficial for the migration of Na+.
A Toeplitz-Like Operator with Rational Symbol Having Poles on the Unit Circle III: The Adjoint
Authors: Groenewald G. J. , ter Horst S. , Jaftha J. , Ran A. C. M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper contains a further analysis of the Toeplitz-like operators $$T_\omega $$

T
ω

on $$H^p$$

H
p

with rational symbol $$\omega $$
ω
having poles on the unit circle that were previously studied in Groenewald (Oper Theory Adv Appl 271:239–268, 2018; Oper Theory Adv Appl 272:133–154, 2019). Here the adjoint operator $$T_\omega ^*$$

T
ω
∗

is described. In the case where $$p=2$$

p
=
2

and $$\omega $$
ω
has poles only on the unit circle $${\mathbb {T}}$$
T
, a description is given for when $$T_\omega ^*$$

T
ω
∗

is symmetric and when $$T_\omega ^*$$

T
ω
∗

admits a selfadjoint extension. If in addition $$\omega $$
ω
is proper, it is shown that $$T_\omega ^*$$

T
ω
∗

coincides with the unbounded Toeplitz operator defined by Sarason (Integr Equ Oper Theory 61:281–298, 2008) and studied further by Rosenfeld (Classes of densely defined multiplication and Toeplitz operators with applications to extensions of RKHS’s, 2013; J Math Anal Appl 440:911–921, 2016).
A new name in Moquilea (Chrysobalanaceae)
Authors: Sothers C. A. , Prance G. T. 
Published: September 2019

Summary
Following the break-up of the Neotropical genus Licania into eight genera, an overlooked homonym was found. Therefore, the new name, Moquilea magnifructa Sothers & Prance, is here proposed for Moquilea macrocarpa (Cuatrec.) Sothers & Prance.
Magnetic tuned sorghum husk biosorbent for effective removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution: isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics and optimization studies
Authors: Adeogun Abideen Idowu , Akande James Asamu , Idowu Mopelola Abidemi , Kareem Sarafadeen Olateju 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDyes containing effluents constitute hazards to the environments and endanger human and aquatic lives. Although activated charcoal has been adjudged the best for adsorption treatment of wastewater, its regeneration and high cost have limited their applications, hence the quest for alternative adsorbent. Magnetic tuned biosorbent was prepared from sorghum husks by in situ co-precipitation of Fe3O4. It was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The biosorbent was then used for the removal of crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) dyes from aqueous solutions in a batch process. The effects of temperature, initial dye concentration, dosage, contact time as well as pH were investigated, and data obtained were analysed with appropriate kinetic and isotherm models. Response surface method was used for the optimization study of the adsorption using Box–Behnken experimental design. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the most appropriate model for both dyes with correlation coefficient (R2) > 0.9 and low % standard error values. The equilibrium data were best fitted with Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 18.87 and 30.00 mg g−1for CV and MB, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption processes showed that it was spontaneous, endothermic and random systems with free energy changes less than zero, enthalpy changes (∆H) of + 49.81 and + 51.18 kJ mol−1, entropy changes (∆S) of + 178.39 and + 177.34 J mol−1 K−1for MB and CV dyes, respectively. Optimization studies revealed that 95% of the dyes are removable at 1.0 g adsorbent dosage and pH of 4.05 at 50 °C with initial dye concentration of 50 mg L−1. The prepared adsorbent is cheap, easily recycled and highly effective for the treatment of dye-contaminated water.
Fruit and vegetable import duty reduction in Fiji to prevent obesity and non-communicable diseases: a case study
Authors: Bell Colin , Latu Catherine , Coriakula Jeremaia , Waqa Gade , Snowdon Wendy , Moodie Marj 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjective:To describe the development of Fiji’s fruit and vegetable fiscal policies between 2010 and 2014 and explore the impact they have had on import volumes.Design:Qualitative case study and in-depth analysis of policy process. Policy impact was assessed using publicly available import volume data and prices of food products.Setting:Fiji.Participants:Senior government policy makers, non-communicable disease officers from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) and supermarket managers.Results:In 2011, the Fijian Government introduced an import excise of 10 % on vegetables and reduced the import fiscal duty on fruit that was also grown in Fiji by 10 %. The import tax on vegetables was removed in 2012 in response to a MoHMS request. Policy makers from several sectors supported the MoHMS request, recognized their leadership and acknowledged the importance of collaboration in achieving the removal of the excise. Tariff reductions appear to have contributed to increases in the volume of vegetables (varieties not grown in Fiji) and fruit (varieties grown in Fiji) imported, but it is not clear if this increased population consumption.Conclusions:Reductions in import duties appear to have contributed to increases in volumes of vegetables and fruit imported into Fiji. This case study has demonstrated that governments can use fiscal policy to meet the needs of a range of sectors including health, agriculture and tourism.
Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Features of the Seasonal Changes in the Epididymal Epithelium of Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Ibrahim Dalia , Abdel-Maksoud Fatma M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn order to evaluate the influence of reproductive activity on the functional role of the epididymal epithelium in the Egyptian dromedary camel, Connexin-43 (Cx-43), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity in the epididymal epithelium and the fine structure of the principal, dark, basal, apical, and halo cells were investigated. The secretory activity of the principal cells was amplified in the breeding season, while its endocytotic function became more active in the nonbreeding season. This was evidenced by punctate strong immunoreactive signals for Cx-43, which appeared to be more intense in the apical region of these epithelial cells, and the extremely long slender stereocilia (microvilli) with multiple junctional complexes. The nonbreeding principal cells revealed granular immunoreactive signals for VEGF scattered in the apical and basal cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally, both extreme vacuolation and several multivesicular inclusion bodies were observed in their cytoplasm. Dark cell size greatly diminished in the nonbreeding season and their nuclear morphology greatly changed from oval to lobulated shape. The plasma membrane of the apical cells expressed several infoldings (microvilli) in the breeding season. However, it was almost smooth in the nonbreeding season except for a small microvillus that appeared as a bleb-like projection. In some regions, a strong dense immunoreactivity for VEGF could be recognized in the cytoplasm of the apical cells and some basal ones. Halo cells with numerous multivesicular inclusions occupying most of the cytoplasm and a lobulated eccentric nucleus were detected in the nonbreeding season. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the reproductive activity has a significant impact on the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural profiles of the epithelial cells lining the Egyptian dromedary camel epididymis.