bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A real-world disproportionality analysis of Amiodarone: data mining of the public version of FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Xu Ye , Zhao Bin , He Liqun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic medication used to treat arrhythmias for decades. The objective of this study was to enhance the current understanding of adverse events (AEs) associated with Amiodarone by employing data mining methods on the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Methods: The AE records were selected by searching the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database from September 2014 to September 2023. The disproportionality analysis algorithms, including reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) and empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM) were used to detected signals of Amiodarone-related adverse events.
Results: Among 8,595,344 reports, 7,841 specifically mentioned Amiodarone use, with the majority of AEs occurring in males over 60 years old. The United States was responsible for the highest proportion of reported AEs. Reports of severe outcomes, including hospitalization, life-threatening events and death, were notable. Significant system organ classes (SOC) included “Cardiac disorders” (SOC: 10007541), “Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders” (SOC: 10038731), and “Metabolism and nutrition disorders” (SOC: 10027433), etc. The significant AEs were then mapped to preferred terms such as “myxoedema coma” (n=108, EBGM05=499.73), “thyrotoxic crisis” (n=97, EBGM05=194.83), and “mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase increased ” (n=8，EBGM05=186.19)，which have emerged in the study usually reported in patients with Amiodarone. Of note, unexpected significant AEs, including “thyroiditis” (n=161, EBGM05=127), “electrocardiogram T wave alternans” (n=13, EBGM05=236.29) and “iodine overload” (n=5, EBGM05=152.03), were uncovered in the label.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the significance of vigilantly monitoring and comprehending the potential risks linked to Amiodarone use. Unexpected AEs discovered made a thorough understanding of the drug, which is essential for clinicians to ensure safe use of Amiodarone.
Predicting water status, growth and yield of tomato under different irrigation regimes using the RGB image indices and artificial neural network model
Authors: El-baki Mohamed S. Abd , Ibrahim Mohamed M , Elsayed Salah , El-Fattah Nadia G. Abd 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Water stress is a global challenge that severely impacts crop production by hindering essential processes such as nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and respiration. To address this issue, proximal sensing has emerged as a promising technique for detecting stress in plants. By utilizing remote sensing and non-destructive methods, early and spatial identification of stress in vegetable crops becomes possible, enabling timely management interventions and optimizing yield in precision farming. This study aimed to use RGB image indices and an artificial neural network (ANN) model to quantify the responses of various plant traits, such as fresh biomass (FB) weight, dry biomass (DB) weight, canopy water content (CWC), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), soil moisture content (SMC), and tomato yield across different irrigation levels, growth stages, and growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, capturing digital RGB images and measuring plant traits at the flowering and fruit-ripening stages. The results revealed that a reduced irrigation level led to decreased FB, DB, CWC, SMC, and tomato yield. The study also revealed significant differences in RGB image indices between different irrigation levels, with lower values observed under severe stress treatment. The majority of RGB image indices incorporating the green component demonstrated strong positive relationships, with R2 ranging between 0.52 and 0.94 for FB, 0.49 and 0.92 for DB, 0.44 and 0.85 for CWC, 0.29 and 0.82 for SPAD, 0.27 and 0.74 for SMC, and 0.42 and 0.89 for tomato yield. Notably, we did not observe a significant correlation between any of the RGB image indices and SPAD during the combined data of both stages. However, the red-blue simple ratio (RB) index, which does not consider the green component (G), did not significantly correlate with any of the plant traits. The ANN models utilizing RGB image indices achieved high prediction accuracy, as indicated by R2 values ranging from 0.84 to 0.99 for FB, 0.88 to 0.98 for DB, 0.81 to 0.97 for CWC, 0.67 to 0.98 for SPAD, 0.55 to 0.81 for SMC, and 0.83 to 0.96 for tomato yield. These findings underscore the practicality and reliability of employing RGB imaging indices in conjunction with ANN models for effectively managing tomato crop growth and production, particularly under conditions of limited water availability for irrigation.
Development of an In-House Indirect ELISA kit for the serological detection of antibodies against infectious bursal disease in Chickens of Ethiopia
Authors: Hurisa Takele Tesgera , Jing Zh-Zhong , Abayneh Takele , Bayisa Berecha , Tolera Teshale Sori , Dinka Hunduma , Mokonnin Mulatu , Bulto Warkisa Chala , Negi Teferi Degefa , Demeke Birhan , Yami Megersa Mindaye , Jemal Mohammed , Legesse Abinet , Tesfaye Yeneneh , Akalu Mirtneh , Geresu Adunya , Sherefa Kedir , Ayele Getu , Zeleke Amde 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) causes a highly contagious disease in young chickens. Due to its worldwide distribution, IBDV poses an important threat to the commercial poultry industry. Lymphoid cells in the bursa of Fabricius are the target cells of IBDV serotype-1 strains. The study was designed for the development of an In-House Indirect Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) kit as a suitable serological method for the rapid detection of antibodies against IBDV. The IBDV antigen dilution (1:2), the sample serum (1:500), and the mouse anti-chicken immunoglobulin G (IgG) labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) (1:2,000) were determined to be optimal for this assay. The calculated cut-off value was 0.24. This homemade ELISA method was compared with the commercial ELISA kit for the detection of antibodies against IBDV in Chickens in Ethiopia. The performance of the newly developed and commercial ELISA kit was evaluated by the method reported by Samad et al. (1994). The sensitivity and specificity of the current ELISA assay showed 95.1% and 89.7% respectively. The average intra-assay % CV of the triplet of 2 samples showed 7.6 and interassay comparisons indicated a CV of 5.45%. Taking into consideration these data, we elaborated a home-based ELISA kit that is a valuable and cost-effective substitute for commercial kits in the diagnosis and control of IBDV infection in Ethiopia.
The occurrence of Otodectes cynotis in owned cats: prevalence, morphometry and risk factors in Egypt
Authors: El-Dakhly Khaled Mohamed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Feline otoacariasis is a worldwide parasitic infestation caused by the common ear mite, Otodectes cynotisHering, 1838 (Family: Psoroptidae). The current study aimed to detect the occurrence of Otodectes cynotis in owned cats of various breeds in Cairo, Giza and Beni-Suef provinces, Egypt. The life cycle and risk factors including age, sex, breed and seasons were considered. Questionnaire of cat owners was done. Data including age, sex, season, breed and residence assessed. Mites were collected from cats and underwent laboratory investigations for further identification. The recovered mites were microscopically identified. Adult males, females as well as developmental stages, including eggs, protonymphs and deuto-/tritonymphs, were recognized. The overall prevalence of mites was 25.47% (174/683). The mite was predominant in the ear canal of infested cats. Among risk factors, it has been found that age, seasons and breed significantly influenced the prevalence of otoacariasis. On the other hand, no statistical significance relative to the sex was obtained. Based on the revealed criteria, it has been found that the recovered mite was Otodectes cynotis. Further investigations are needed for molecular identification of the mites as well as control programming in terms of hygiene.
Trading Food for Energy? Global Evidence of Solar Projects Undermining Food Security
Authors: He Tingting , Yang Runjia , Xiao Wu , Ye Yanmei , Hu Yihua , Chen Yuwei , Sun Zhipei , Wang Kechao , Chen Wenqi , Zhang Maoxin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The rapid growth of photovoltaic (PV) power generation is recognized as a key solution for climate mitigation and future energy demands. However, this expansion often involves significant land use, particularly on croplands, which leads to conflicts over land use and poses hidden threats to food supply. Addressing the dual challenges of food insecurity and energy demand necessitates a thorough analysis of the global impact of solar projects on cropland and food production. Here, we examine the spatiotemporal footprint of PV installations on cropland and associated food production losses; through revealing the trade-offs between energy and food, we forecast the future energy threat to food security under various scenarios. Findings indicate an exponential increase of PV installations on cropland, covering 1372 km2 or 27% of PV facilities by 2018, with over a third situated on high-yield field. The proportion of cropland occupied fluctuates and peaks at 61% in 2007, while the hotspots shift towards higher quality cropland. Food production losses from this trend reach ~4 petacalories in 2018, an amount capable of feeding 4.3 million people for a year, about one third is attributed to China’s surge in PV power. Projections up to 2050 suggest that annual food losses will escalate to ~62 petacalories, a 20,000-fold increase from 2003. Whereas implementing area- and cost-based interventions regarding PV deployment is expected to bend the food loss curve by 47% and 25%, respectively. This study presents a first global analysis of the conflicts between solar power generation and food production, alongside favorable insights for reconciling food and energy security.
Temperature annealing and aluminum atomic concentration effect on structural, morphological and optical properties of ZnO-Al 2 O 3 nanocomposites powders and photocatalytic performances
Authors: Benmaamar Ferial , Ayadi Aicha , Maifi Lyes , Chari Abdelhamid , Agroui Kamel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Pure ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO- Al2O3 nanocomposites prepared with Al2O3 content of 10, 20 and 30 atomic ratios were synthetized via Sol-gel method and then calcined for 2 h at different temperature 450 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the powder as-synthetized are investigated. The methylene blue degradation reaction was used to assess the photocatalytic activities of ZnO powders. In the present work, the high purity of the nanoparticles was confirmed by EDS spectra. The XRD results show that ZnO powder has a wurtzite structure. The aluminum in composite powders leads to the appearance of the ZnAl2O4 spinel phase and increasing of annealing temperature reduce the crystallite size. The flower-like morphology was well defined in these nanocomposites with an average size in the nanometer range. Photoluminescence reveals the incorporation of aluminum into the as-synthetized nanocomposites. The optical absorption spectra have been presented the relationship between the band gap, particle size, annealing temperature, Al concentration and Urbach energy. Our result suggests that the annealing temperature 700 ⁰C can be considered as an order-disorder transition temperature. The best characteristics were present in the ZnO-30% at Al nanocomposite which give the best photoactivities.
Exploring the association between lipid-modifying drugs and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a drug-target Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Gexiang , Liu Jingjing , Cai Mengsi , Shao Lianyou 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a respiratory disorder of obscure etiology and limited treatment options, possibly linked to dysregulation in lipid metabolism. While several observational studies suggest that lipid-lowering agents may decrease the risk of IPF, the evidence is inconsistent. The present Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to determine the association between circulating lipid traits and IPF and to assess the potential influence of lipid-modifying medications for IPF.
Methods
Summary statistics of 5 lipid traits (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B) and IPF were sourced from the UK Biobank and FinnGen Project Round 10. The study’s focus on lipid-regulatory genes encompassed PCSK9, NPC1L1, ABCG5, ABCG8, HMGCR, APOB, LDLR, CETP, ANGPTL3, APOC3, LPL, and PPARA. The primary effect estimates were determined using the inverse-variance-weighted method, with additional analyses employing the contamination mixture method, robust adjusted profile score, the weighted median, weighted mode methods, and MR-Egger. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) was used to confirm significant lipid-modifying drug targets, leveraging data on expressed quantitative trait loci in relevant tissues. Sensitivity analyses included assessments of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out methods.
Results
There was no significant effect of blood lipid traits on IPF risk (all P>0.05). Drug-target MR analysis indicated that genetic mimicry for inhibitor of NPC1L1, PCSK9, ABCG5, ABCG8, and APOC3 were associated with increased IPF risks, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as follows: 2.74 (1.05–7.12, P = 0.039), 1.36 (1.02–1.82, P = 0.037), 1.66 (1.12–2.45, P = 0.011), 1.68 (1.14–2.48, P = 0.009), and 1.42 (1.20–1.67, P = 3.17×10− 5), respectively. The SMR method identified a significant association between PCSK9 gene expression in whole blood and reduced IPF risk (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50–0.99, P = 0.043), and a trend towards a positive correlation for NPC1L1 in adipose subcutaneous tissue (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73–1.00, P = 0.051). Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of bias.
Conclusions
Serum lipid traits did not significantly affect the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Drug targets MR studies examining 12 lipid-modifying drugs indicated that PCSK9 inhibitors could dramatically increase IPF risk, a mechanism that may differ from their lipid-lowering actions and thus warrants further investigation.
Novel phthalimide-pyrimidine hybrids as potent anti-tubercular agents
Authors: Shehta Wael , Alsaiari Norah A. , Farag Basant , Abdel-Aziz Marwa M. , Youssif Shaker , Elfeky Sherin M , El-Kalyoubi Samar , Awni Nermeen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes with 2-(6-amino-2-chloropyrimidin-4-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione and 2-(6-amino-2-hydrazineylpyrimidin-4-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione afforded 2-(2-chloro-6-((3 alkylbenzylidene)amino) pyrimidin-4-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (6a-f) and 2-(6-amino-2-(2-(arylidene) hydrazineyl)pyrimidin-4-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8a-f), respectively, as phthalimide-aminopyrimidine hybrids. Compounds showed a wide range of anti-tubercular activity against sensitive MDR and XDR M. tuberculosis strains, with 8f and 6a showing the highest activity. 8f and 6a inhibited sensitive M. tuberculosis with MIC =0.48 μg/ml and 0.98 μg/ml, respectively, comparable to isonizide (INH) (MIC =0.12 μg/ml). Both 8f and 6a inhibited MDR strain with MIC=1.95 μg/ml and 7.81 μg/ml, respectively, and XRD with MIC=7.81 μg/ml and 15.63 μg/ml, respectively. Both 8f and 6a could inhibit mycobacterial InhA enzyme in-vitro (IC50 =0.717±0.033µM and 1.646±0.069µM, respectively). Molecular docking simulation revealed that 8f and 6a were also capable of interacting at the catalytic site of the InhA enzyme in a manner similar to the native ligand, via binding with NAD+ and Tyr158. Compounds 6a and 8f showed physicochemical properties of oral bioavailable drug-like compounds with high gastrointestinal absorption. Predictions showed that compounds have no side effects on the CNS and no anticipated hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity, or acute oral toxicity in models.
Navigating Immigrants’ Experience with the Necessity of English Language Skills in Their Workplace Earnings
Authors: Liton Hussain Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Can English language skills (i.e., oral and written) heighten useful career-boosting opportunities for immigrants in any transnational context? In overseas workplace settings, migrant workers’ communicative competence in English marks visible recognition of labor market integration and the achievement of better job positions/opportunities, which are significant determinants of better earnings. In light of these auspicious prospects, this study intends to determine Bangladeshi immigrants’ experiences and perceptions of the need for English language communication skills in the workplace because such skills enhance their earnings and labor market integration and adaptability. To this end, this study piloted a direct interview with Bangladeshi immigrants working in the city of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The interview process followed the preset interview questions (see Appendix A). The interview technique was adopted as a qualitative data collection tool. The author followed the qualitative research methods and thematic data analysis policy. The data analysis findings revealed that immigrants’ communication competence in English opens diverse career paths and enables them to integrate into the job market, better job management, and better job performance, which impacts the achievement of better job positions/opportunities, consolidating increased payment or earnings. The study also showed that migrants should prioritize bilingual skills, i.e., English, as well as the language of the (host) country beforehand any economic migration engagement. In addition, the study highlights some insightful implications based on research investigations. It is assumed that the current study will be a useful complement to the intersectional approach to economic migration as well as immigrants’ better earnings enhanced by professional English communication skills in transnational settings.
Spatial and temporal distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals loads in Guanshan River Basin based on SWAT modeling
Authors: Chen Wulin , Ma Teng , Chen Liuzhu , Liu Wenhui , Shang Ruihua , Chen Zhanqiang 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

This study takes Guanshan River Basin, a typical inflow river of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, as the research area, and the nonpoint source (NPS) pollution characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated by establishing a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The pollution characteristics of heavy metals were also evaluated by combining the SWAT and simple output coefficient method. The results show that the pollutant load in Guanshan River Basin contributes significantly to the Danjiangkou Reservoir. Temporally, pollutant loads were primarily concentrated in the flood season, which had a significant positive correlation with precipitation, water yield, and sediments in the abundant period. Among them, sediments were the most important driving factor, followed by water yield. Spatially, pollutant loads were mainly concentrated downstream of the basin, where cultivated land is widespread. In this regard, it is suggested that the input of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock manure in cultivated land should be controlled and soil erosion downstream of the basin should be prevented to mitigate nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metal pollution. This research offers a basis for the formulation and implementation of watershed management for the Danjiangkou Reservoir.
Comparative evaluation of different pre-treatment alternatives for granular media filters treating greywater and their ranking using analytical hierarchy process
Authors: Shaikh Irshad N. , Ahammed M. Mansoor 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

In this study, the performance of four different pre-treatment alternatives for granular media filtration, namely, settling, aeration, coarse media filtration and chemical coagulation were compared experimentally. Further, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to compare their performance based on economic, environmental, technical and performance criteria. Performance of settling and aeration were evaluated up to 24 h duration. The coarse media filter was intermittently operated with 10 L of greywater in downflow mode while alum was used for chemical coagulation. Experimental results showed that settling up to 6 h did not show significant removal of different pollutants whereas 24 h settling resulted in moderate removal of turbidity and organic content but was not efficient in the removal of nutrients and faecal coliforms. Chemical coagulation reduced 93, 66, 48 and 97% of turbidity, COD, NH4-N and faecal coliforms, respectively from greywater but resulted in excessive sludge generation and is difficult to adopt on-site and requires skilled supervision. Coarse filtration of greywater resulted in 61, 41, 36 and 35% removal of turbidity, COD, PO4-P and faecal coliforms, respectively. Considering different criteria AHP gave coarse filtration as the best pre-treatment option to the granular media filters treating greywater.