bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trace element contamination in rice and its potential health risks to consumers in North-Central Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Thao Le , Kim Kyoung-Woong , Nguyen Dinh Quoc , Ngo Huong Thi Thuy 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study assessed the potential health risks of five elements (Ni, Cr, As, Cd, and Pb) in rice collected from three provinces in North-Central Vietnam, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh. These provinces comprise areas with and/or without mining and industrial activities, focusing on two local population groups (adults and children under five years old). Trace elements were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The potential health risks were evaluated for different age groups using the estimated daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (HI), and target carcinogenic risks (TR). The highest element levels (mg kg−1 dry weight) were observed in Thanh Hoa for Cr (0.30 ± 0.106), As (0.13 ± 0.034) and for Pb (0.05 ± 0.015), and in Ha Tinh for Cd (0.06 ± 0.022). The highest estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of Cr (4.1 μg d−1), Ni (3.3 μg d−1), As (2.3 μg d−1), Cd (1.2 μg d−1), and Pb (0.32 μg d−1) were observed in several sites. The THQ of rice in three provinces showed a risk trend in the following order: Thanh Hoa > Ha Tinh > Nghe An. The HIs of trace elements revealed that As is a key component, with Cr and Cd as secondary risk factors in adults and children, with HIs being 1.5 times higher in girls under five than in other groups. The TR of Ni was much greater than that of Pb, and it was higher in children than adults, with the maximum risk levels of Ni and Pb were 3.0 x 10-3 and 2.7 x 10-6 for baby girls under the age of five in Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa, respectively. The risk assessment of trace element dietary intake suggests that rice consumption poses significant health risks to the local population, both in non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects.
Perception of health workers on availability of medicines for non-communicable diseases in public health facilities in Lesotho
Authors: Maja Lineo , Mahlatsi Gauda 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are essential in the management of patients with NCDs therefore, it is important that they are readily available to patients at health facilities.
Objective

This study aimed to assess the availability of medicines used in the management of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma and epilepsy in public outpatient departments (OPDs) and healthcare centres in Lesotho.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at public OPDs in district hospitals and healthcare centres in Lesotho using self-administered structured questionnaires targeting all health workers in managerial positions. Ethical approval was obtained from a licenced Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (Ethics number: 00048-18-A1) and the Ministry of Health Ethics Committee and Review Board of Lesotho (ID120-2018). Data were analysed descriptively.
Results

Ten of 16 respondents at OPDs perceived that medicines for diabetes mellitus were available and nine thought those for hypertension and asthma were available. Eight of 16 respondents perceived that medicines for epilepsy were available at OPDs. At healthcare centres, 73.3% (n = 63) of respondents perceived that medicines for diabetes mellitus were available, 62.8% (n = 54) thought hypertension medicines were available, 68.6% (n = 59) indicated that medicines for asthma were available, and 61.6% (n = 53) perceived that medicines for epilepsy were also available.
Conclusion

The majority of health workers at OPDs and healthcare centres perceived that medicines for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma and epilepsy were available at health facilities. Thus, suggesting that the public health facilities in Lesotho seem to almost always have medicines for NCDs.
Design of High Performance Hybrid Plasmonic Modulator Based on ITO and Graphene
Authors: Abbaszadeh-Azar Omid , abedi kambiz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a hybrid plasmonic modulator based on ITO and graphene is designed. Graphene and ITO are used in the active region, which increases the light-matter interaction and reduces the device's operating voltage in the proposed modulator. As a result, it increases the extinction ratio (ER) and reduces the proposed modulator's power consumption and device footprint compared to similar modulators. The values of 8.12 dB/µm and 5.4 fJ are obtained for ER and power consumption, respectively. The time-domain finite-difference (FDTD) method is used to simulate the modulator. Integrating a modulator with high light-matter interaction and low power consumption in the silicon-on-insulator platform has significant potential for broadband, compact and efficient communication interconnects and circuits.
The Phylogenetic Position of Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) from South African Pet Shops
Authors: Blom E. , Coetzer Willem G. , Schneider S-R. , Grobler J.P. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio), a small freshwater fish that originates from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and northern Myanmar, have been widely used as a model organism for studies of developmental biology and genetics. The current study aimed to determine the origin of South African pet shop stock that are currently being used to establish a laboratory population founded from diverse sources available locally. Zebrafish DNA was extracted from 65 specimens housed at the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Genetics. For phylogenetic analysis, cytb sequences were generated from all samples. A further 178 sequences were downloaded from the GenBank database, including sequences of an outgroup species (Danio kyathit). Five microsatellite markers were used to further assess the genetic diversity of the UFS zebrafish specimens. A maximum likelihood analysis was performed for the cytb data. Results of the phylogenetic analyses divided the sequences into three major genetic groups, which was congruent with a previous study on laboratory zebrafish provenance. The SA pet shop fish grouped with the strains from the northern and north-eastern regions of India. High levels of microsatellite genetic diversity were observed for the pet shop sourced population, correlating to what has previously been observed in zebrafish. These results can be used to guide the future development of laboratory strains suited to the needs at the UFS.
Understanding the Learning Process in Down Syndrome by Analyzing the Gene Ontology Result of Two Different Drugs
Authors: Kulan Handan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is considered as the most prevalent cause of mental retardation. Possible causes of DS are nondisjunction of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) or a Robertsonian translocation between Hsa21 and another chromosome. Scientists are trying to develop drugs to rescue learning performance in DS disease. In the last few years, a large number of drugs and small molecules have been shown to recover one or more abnormalities in transgenic mouse models. In this study, the effect of memantine and RO4938581 drugs on rescued learning was determined by evaluating the protein expression level of the transgenic mouse model using machine learning algorithm techniques. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed and both drugs were found to have an effect on common gene ontology (GO) terms. Thanks to the applied methodology and the result of this study, it may be possible to diagnose and treat the disease by developing a new drug that stimulates areas where the common GO terms are precisely determined.
2,4 -Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Induced Modulations in Immune System and Histopathological Alterations in Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio
Authors: Dhot Amandeep Singh , Shanthanagouda Admane Holeyappa , Bansal Neelam , BT Naveenkumar , Tyagi Anuj 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), the most commonly applied herbicide since 7 decades in different formulations. Its effects in the aquatic environment are not well documented, particularly on fishes. In the current study, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings were exposed to 2,4-D to understand the effect of different concentrations in two experiments including i) LC50 study for acute and ii) sub-lethal toxicity for physiological responses. In the acute toxicity, fish were exposed to 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mgL-1 2,4-D and resulted in 290 mgL-1 as LC50 in 96 h exposure. During 96 h, fish behaviour was monitored and mortality was recorded. In sub-lethal toxicity test, a separate batch of fish were exposed to 2.9 mg/L (1/100th LC50), 29 mg/L (1/10th LC50) and 58 mg/L (1/5th of LC50) for 28 days, followed by immunological and histopathological responses were studied. The immunological responses indicated the adverse effect of 2,4-D on common carp by increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) responses indicating the DNA damage, in contrast the lysozyme activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) declined. Meanwhile, histomorphological responses revealed the impairment in tissue microarchitecture such as proliferated nerve cells, clumped erythrocytes, tumour like structures in the brain, and prominent aneurysms and vasodilatations in gills, increased Bowman’s space and melanomacrophages (MMCs) in the kidney, and vacuolizations in the liver. The results revealed that 2,4-D is immunotoxic and disparagingly alters tissue microarchitecture of fish.
Caenorhabditis Elegans NHR-14/HNF4α Cooperates with cep-1/ p53 to Regulate DNA Damage-induced Apoptosis
Authors: Sun Jianwei , Sang Lei , Dong Rui , Liu Rui , Hao Qinggang , Wang Xingshun , Zeng Yong , Yang Mei 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Nuclear hormone receptor is involved in transcriptional regulation and many important cellular processes including development and metabolism. However, its role in DNA damage-induced apoptosis remains elusive.Methods: Synchronized young adult animals were irradiated with different doses of gamma-Ray, and then put back to culture at 20 0 C. Germline cell apoptosis was scored at different time point.Results: Deletion of nhr-14 led to decreased DNA damage-induced germline apoptosis, but not the physiological programmed cell death. We also demonstrate that nhr-14 is not a checkpoint gene and functions downstream of the checkpoint pathway. Moreover, we show that nhr-14 regulates egl-1 and ced-13 transcription upon DNA damage. Mechanistically, NHR-14 and its human homolog hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 transcription factor alpha (HNF4α) form a complex with CEP-1/p53.Conclusions: Our results indicate that NHR-14/ HNF4α, in addition to its role as a nuclear hormone receptor, also cooperates with CEP-1/p53 to regulate DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
Efficacy and Safety of Focused Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy Versus Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jia Lang , Li Dongqian , Wei Xia , Chen Jinyun , Zuo Deyu , Chen Wenzhi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(FLIPUS)and pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) are presented as possible solution to attenuate the loss of function in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis(OA). The question remains unanswered which one is better modalities. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of FLIPUS with PSWD in subjects with painful knee OA. In a prospective randomized trial,114 knee OA patients were randomly allocated to receive FLIPUS or PSWD therapy. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total and subscale scores. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale (NRS), Time Up and Go (TUG) test, active joint range of motion (ROM), and Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale. Data were collected at baseline, 12 days, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Patients receiving FLIPUS therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in WOMAC total scores than patients receiving PSWD therapy at 12 days post-therapy (mean difference, -10.50; 95% CI, -13.54 to -7.45; P = 0.000). The results of the NRS scores, TUG test, ROM and GRC scale showed that participants treated with FLIPUS reported less pain and better physical function and health status than those treated with PSWD (P =0.011, P =0.005, P =0.025, P =0.011,respectively). Furthermore, patients in the FLIPUS group showed significant improvements in the WOMAC total scores and NRS scores at 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up (P =0.000 for all). FLIPUS immediately improved knee pain, dysfunction and health status compared with PSWD. In addition, the benefit of FLIPUS persists throughout follow-up. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032735. Registered 08/05/2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx? proj= 53413.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumor Liver Metastases with the Combination of Apatinib and Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Zhu Licheng , Zhang Weihua , Chen Lei , Ren Yanqiao , Sun Tao , Sun Bo , Guo Yusheng , Gui Yuxi , Zhao Huangxuan , Guo Xiaopeng , Zheng Chuansheng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThere are no exact treatments been recommended for gastrointestinal tumor liver metastasis patients. This study intends to assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus apatinib as a combination treatment for gastrointestinal tumor liver metastasis patients.MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2019, 53 patients with gastrointestinal tumor liver metastases were included in the analysis.ResultsThe median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) numbers were 7 months and 17 months, respectively. The mPFS of metastatic sites was 12 months. The disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) values were 86.8% (46/53) and 49.1% (26/53), respectively. The multivariate regression analysis showed that Child-Pugh and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) were independent predictors for OS. The independent predictors for overall PFS include carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA 724), CA 199, TACE session, Child-Pugh, and ECOG; while for liver tumor PFS, the independent predictors are TACE session and ECOG scores. There were no changes of leukocyte, lymphocyte, carcinoemnryonicantigen (CEA), CA 724, CA 199, CA 125 of patients before receiving the treatments and one month after receiving the treatment (all P>0.05). Common adverse events at any grade were poor appetite (64.2%), hypertension (56.6%), and hand-foot syndrome (50.9%). Some patients had III or IV-grade adverse events after receiving the TACE-apatinib combination treatment. However, these adverse events alleviated after reducing apatinib administration or receiving symptomatic treatments.ConclusionsThe TACE-apatinib combination might be an effective treatment option against gastrointestinal tumors liver metastases with promising safety.
The Relationships Between IBS And Perceptions of Physical And Mental Health – A Norwegian Twin Study
Authors: Kutschke Julia , Harris Jennifer R. , Bengtson May-Bente 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and aims: Poor quality of life is a main complaint among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Self-rated health (SRH) is a powerful predictor of clinical outcomes, and also reflects psychological and social aspects of life and an overall sense of well-being. This population-based twin study evaluates how IBS affects ratings of physical and mental health, and influences perceptions of hindrance of daily activity by physical or mental health. Further, we examine how IBS is related to these SRH measures.Methods: The sample included 5288 Norwegian twins aged 40–80, of whom 575 (10.9%) suffer from IBS. Hierarchical regressions were used to estimate the impact of IBS on perceptions of health, before and after accounting for other chronic physical and mental health conditions. Two dimensions of SRH, physical and mental, and two aspects of functional limitations, the extent to which physical or mental health interferes with daily activities, were included as outcomes in separate models.Co-twin control analyses were used to explore whether the relationships between IBS and the four measures of SRH are causal, or due to shared genetic or shared environment effects.Results: IBS was an independent predictor of poor self-rated physical health (OR = 1.83 [1.42; 2.35]), the size of this effect was comparable to that predicted by chronic somatic conditions. However, in contrast to somatic diseases, IBS was associated with the perception that poorer ratings of mental health (OR=1.46 [1.03; 2.07]), but not physical health (OR = 1.24 [0.96; 1.59]), interfered with daily activity. The co‐twin control analyses suggest that causal mechanisms best explain the relationships between IBS with self-rated physical health and with hindrance of daily activities. In contrast, the relationship between IBS and self-rated mental health was consistent with shared genetic effects.Conclusion: IBS is predictive of poor self-rated physical health. The relationship between IBS and self-rated mental health is best explained by shared genetic effects which might partially explain why mental health interferes with daily activity to a larger degree among those with IBS.
Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity Is Positively Associated With Happiness Occurrence Among Young Adults In Taiwan
Authors: Ho Chien-Chang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aims to examine the relationship between regular leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and happiness among young adults in Taiwan. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide study was conducted, and data derived from the National Physical Activity Survey in Taiwan 2020 were reviewed. The participants included 5,611 men and 5,029 women, aged 23 to 44 years. Each participant completed a computer-assisted telephone interviewing with a standardized, structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, LTPA behavior, self-reported health status, and self-evaluations (comprising height, body weight, and happiness). Results: By using multiple regression, after potential confounders adjustment, we observed that regular LTPA was significantly associated with happiness scores for men (β = 0.043, p = 0.001) and women (β = 0.050, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression results indicated that with the non-regular LTPA as a baseline, significant associations were observed both for men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.410, 95% CI: 1.173-1.693, p < 0.0001) and women (OR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.169-1.735, p < 0.0001) at regular LTPA. Conclusions: The current study suggested that regular LTPA, potentially improve the occurrence of happiness among young men. Moreover, this positive effect of regular LTPA was observed for the occurrence of happiness in young women.
Soft Computing based Artificial Neural Network and Multiple Feature set Intelligence system for Image Retrieval
Authors: K Venkataravana Nayak , Arunalatha J S , Vasanthakumar G U , Venugopal K R 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes an Image Retrieval model using Multiple Feature Sets and Artificial Neural Network (IR-MFS-ANN), where the multiple features Histogram of oriented Gradient (HoG), Overlapping Local Binary Pattern (OLBP), Color and Statistical features are considered. Visual information is one of the most important data in the field of social networking, medicine, military, and these areas contain an enormous volume of semi-organized and organized heterogeneous information related to explicit subjects. However, retrieval and usage of suitable information from the comprehensive information archives are important to meet the content extraction and retrieval challenges. To improve retrieval performance, the image representation, modeling, scalable algorithm that permit accessing large archives are integrated into the retrieval framework. The proposed model utilizes ANN to find the distance between feature vectors. The proposed algorithm is tested and analyzed with various retrieval techniques and it is found that ANN-based image retrieval outperforms the state-of-the-art techniques [1–5]. The proposed method results in accuracy of 94%, 92%, 95%, and 94% for Wang, Cifar-10, Oxford Flower, and ImageNet standard databases respectively.
Association Between Contraception Use, Diabetes and Hypertension: Findings from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Islam M Mofizul , Islam Rakibul M 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of chorionic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension is increasing among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh. Pregnancy in women with uncontrolled chronic conditions may increase the risks of adverse consequences, including maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Appropriate contraception use can help women to prevent pregnancy until women have controlled chronic conditions and reduce the risks of adverse maternal and child health consequences. We investigate the associations between diabetes and/or hypertension and contraception use among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh.Methods: We analysed data of 3,947 women, extracted from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Women’s contraception using patterns were our outcome variable, which was classified as (i) any contraception method use vs no use, (ii) modern methods vs traditional methods or no use, (iii) modern methods vs traditional methods use. The explanatory variables were diagnosis of diabetes only, hypertension only or both diabetes and hypertension. The multilevel Poisson regression with robust variance was used to explore the associations.Results The overall prevalence of contraception use was 68.0% (95% CI: 66.3-69.7), 69.4% (95% CI: 61.8-76.1) in women with diabetes only, 67.3% (95% CI: 63.5-70.9) with hypertension only, and 62.0% (95% CI: 52.8-70.4) in women having both diabetes and hypertension. The prevalence of modern methods of contraception use was lower (46.4%, 95% CI: 37.4-55.6) and traditional methods use higher (16.6%, 95% CI: 13.8-16.8) in women who had both diabetes and hypertension than women who did not have these conditions. The fully adjusted regression model showed that the prevalence of traditional method use was 31% (95% CI: 1.02-2.01) higher in women having both diabetes and hypertension compared with their counterparts who had none of these conditions. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, women with both diabetes and hypertension were more likely to use traditional contraception methods. These women are likely to experience increased risks of unwanted pregnancies and associated adverse maternal and child health outcomes.
Using Directional OCT To Analyze Photoreceptor Visibility Over AMD-Related Drusen
Authors: Marsh-Armstrong Brennan , Murrell Kelly S. , Valente Denise , Jonnal Ravi S. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Investigators have reported reduced visibility of the cone photoreceptors overlying drusen using adaptive optics (AO) imaging techniques. Two concordant hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. Firstly, the disease-related deformation of the photoreceptor outer segment (OS) may reduce its ability to act as a wave guide, thus decreasing the cell’s familiar reflectance pattern. Alternatively, drusen could disorient the photoreceptors away from the eye’s pupil, reducing the amount of light reflected back out the pupil. In this work we use directional OCT (dOCT) images of drusen in AMD patients to measure the respective contributions of the above-mentioned deforming and disorienting factors.