bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The foot drawing method: Reliability of measuring foot length and outward rotation in children with clubfoot.
Authors: Manousaki Evgenia , Andriesse Hanneke , Hägglund Gunnar , Ström Axel , Esbjörnsson Anna-Clara 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The Ponseti method is the gold standard for clubfoot treatment. However, relapse and residual gait deviations are common, and follow-up until 7 years of age is recommended. We evaluated the reliability of the foot drawing method, a new instrument for the follow-up of clubfoot. The method uses drawings of the foot in the neutral position and external rotation to measure foot length and outward rotation.Methods: Nineteen children aged 2.5–7 years who were treated with the Ponseti method for congenital clubfoot were included. Two raters made the drawings twice (D1 and D2). Each rater measured foot length, foot rotation, and foot–tibial rotation independently (D1). Later, the raters repeated the measurements (D2). Interrater reliability was assessed using the D1 from each rater. Intrarater reliability was assessed using the measurements from each rater’s D1 and D2. Bland–Altman plots were used to visualize the limits of agreement (LoA). The mean, 95% confidence interval, and one standard deviation of the differences in all measurements were calculated.Results: The mean differences between and within raters were: foot length <1 mm, foot rotation <1°, and foot–tibia rotation <2°, which indicated no systematic differences. The LoA for foot length were: 4.5 mm and 5.9 mm between raters for D1, –4.8 mm and 5.9 mm for rater 1 (D1–D2), and –5.1 mm and 5 mm for rater 2 (D1–D2). The LoA for foot rotation: were –12° and 10.6° between raters (D1), –8.4° and 6.6° for rater 1 (D1–D2), and –14° and 14.1° for rater 2 (D1–D2). The LoA for foot–tibia rotation were: –17.8° and 14.3° between raters (D1), –12° and 12.2° for rater 1 (D1–D2), and –12.7° and 13.6° for rater 2 (D1– D2).Conclusions: The absence of systematic differences between and within raters, and LoA observed indicate that the foot drawing method is applicable in clinical practice and research. However, the results of the foot and foot–tibia rotation analyses imply that caution is needed when interpreting changes in foot rotation in feet with higher degrees of rotation.
Not waiting for the death knell. A pilot study to examine supplementation and survivorship in a declining population of Tasmanian eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus).
Authors: Hamer Rowena P , Robinson Natasha , Brewster Rob , Barlow Molly , Guinane Morrigan , Humphrey Morgan , Mifsud Adrian , Kutt Alex S. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Tasmanian populations of the eastern quoll Dasyurus viverrinus, which represent the last wild stronghold of this species after its extirpation from the Australian mainland, have experienced declines of more than 50% over the past three decades. In this pilot study, we investigate the feasibility of supplementing wild populations with captive-bred individuals to attempt to reverse observed declines. Our results are encouraging, in that we recorded high initial survival and low initial dispersal of captive-bred individuals relative to previous release attempts in mainland Australia. Further work is ongoing to determine long-term survival of released individuals and the genetic and population-level impacts on local populations. Our preliminary results support the use of population supplementation as an effective conservation action, which allows for early intervention to address species declines while simultaneously testing hypotheses about their underlying causes.
Molecular xenomonitoring as a complement to human antigen seroprevalence for lymphatic filariasis surveillance in Samoa
Authors: McPherson Brady , Mayfield Helen J. , McLure Angus , Gass Katherine , Naseri Take , Thomsen Robert , Williams Steven A. , Pilotte Nils , Kearns Therese , Graves Patricia M. , Lau Colleen L. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Molecular xenomonitoring (MX), the detection of filarial DNA in mosquitoes using molecular methods (PCR), is a potentially useful surveillance strategy for lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programs. Delay in filarial antigen (Ag) clearance post-treatment limits the usefulness of human surveys as an early indicator of the effectiveness of mass drug administration (MDA), and MX may be more sensitive in this setting. We compared prevalence of infected mosquitoes pre- and post-MDA (2018 and 2019) in Samoa, and investigated associations between presence of PCR-positive mosquitoes and Ag-positive humans. We observed a statistically significant decline in mosquito infection prevalence post-MDA, but no change in human Ag prevalence during this time. Presence of PCR-positive pools of ‘all species’ was most sensitive (78.6%) for detecting villages with Ag-positive humans, while Ae. polynesiensis provided the highest positive predictive value (81.8%). Our study provides promising evidence for MX as a complement to human surveys in post-MDA surveillance.
Effects of a New Filling Technique on the Mechanical Properties of ABS Specimens Manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Hussam Heba , Abdelrhman Yasser , Soliman Mohamed Emad S. , Hassab-Allah Ibrahim M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
No one can deny the widespread of 3D printing in many different fields. This paper aims to improve the mechanical properties of parts printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) specimens are printed with custom printing parameters, these parameters give a tensile strength that is 86% of the injection molded ABS strength, and give one of the best results recorded for 100% infill printed ABS tensile specimens. Furthermore, a post filling technique has been studied, specimens are printed with inner voids and different densities using slicing software. Void shape is precisely selected to conform to the filling process. High-strength low-cost thermoset resin is injected through specimens to fill these voids. A tensile test has been performed after full curing of the resin and a morphology analysis is done. By this technique strength to printed weight ratio is improved by 151% and the cost is reduced by 51%.
The design of novel intelligent paradigms for future prediction smoking model with saturated occurrence rate
Authors: Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Shoaib Muhammad , Zubair Ghania , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Morsy Ahmed 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The approach of artificial neural network backpropagation with Levenberg Marquardt algorithm (LMA) and Bayesian Regularization algorithm (BRA) is used to analyze the smoking model in this study. We start by looking at a delayed smoking model wherein potential smokers be supposed to meet the logistic equation. As in manner of Delayed Differential Equations (DDEs), we analyze the dynamic characteristics of the developed framework and provide criteria regarding asymptotic stability of the system in steady condition. The model's Hopf bifurcation study is also addressed. The Adam numerical approach is used to build the reference dataset in Mathematica. The numerical and graphical results to the smoking problem is then interpreted using this dataset in MATLAB. The validity of applied techniques is validated using regression plots, MSE curves, and error histogram.
Impact of COVID19 pandemic on the incidence of health-care associated Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Merchante Nicolás , Chico Pablo , Márquez-Saavedra Esther , Riera Gerónima , Herrero Rocío , González-de-la-Aleja Pilar , Aller Ana I. , Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Rodríguez-Fernández Miguel , Ramos José Manuel , Trigo-Rodríguez Marta , Merino Esperanza 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of COVID19 pandemic on the incidence of health-care associated Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI).Methods: Retrospective study conducted in the Hospital Universitario de Valme (HUV) and the Hospital General Universitario de Alicante (HGUA) in Spain between January 2019 and February 2021. The study period was divided into non-COVID19 period (2019 and months from 2020-2021 with ≤ 30 hospitalized COVID19 patients) and COVID19 period (months from 2020-2021 with > 30 COVID19 patients). HA-CDI incidence rates (IR) were calculated as the number of new CDI cases per 10.000 occupied bed-days (OBD) and antimicrobial consumption by means of the defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 OBD. Results: During the COVID19 period, HA-CDI IR in the HUV was 2.6 per 10.000 OBD, which was lower than what was observed during the non-COVID19 period (4.1 per 10.000 OBD; p=0.1). In the HGUA, HA-CDI IR during COVID19 period was 3.9 per 10.000 OBD, which was not significantly different to the IR observed during the non-COVID19 period (3.7 per 10.000 OBD; p=0.8). There was a slight increase in the total antibiotic consumption during COVID19 period in both hospitals, with significant increases of certain high-risk antibiotics as cephalosporins. Conclusions: HA-CDI incidence has not increased during the COVID19 pandemic in two tertiary centers in Spain, in spite of a slightly higher antibiotic consumption during the COVID19 period in both hospitals. These findings suggest that, in the presence of strict infection control measures, hospital antibiotic consumption might have a lower impact than expected on HA-CDI.
OsWDRP3, a WD-40 repeat protein interacts with OsBAK1 to control leaf angle by modulating BR signaling
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xi Di , Wang Zi-Ying , Long Chen-Jie 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Leaf angle is an essential component of plant architecture. Brassinosteroids (BRs) plays important roles in regulating leaf angle. WD-40 repeat proteins (WDRPs) act as versatile scaffolds for protein–protein interactions and participate in plant growth and development. To date, the functions of OsWDRPs have been largely unknown. Here, we found that OsWDRP3 regulates leaf angle through the BR pathway in rice. qRT–PCR and GUS reporter assays revealed that OsWDRP3 was expressed in a variety of tissues, especially leaves. OsWDRP3 predominantly resides in the cytoplasm and aggregates near the cell membrane. OsWDRP3-RNAi plants exhibited less sensitivity to BR than the wild type. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays and Co-IP, we determined that OsWDRP3 interacts physically with OsBAK1. More importantly, an in vitro cell-free degradation assay showed that OsWDRP3 participates in the protein degradation of OsBAK1. We also found that the degradation of OsBAK1 was delayed in OsWDRP3 RNAi plants. In conclusion, our data suggest that OsWDRP3 affects BR signaling by regulating the concentration of OsBAK1 in the cytoplasm and thus regulating the leaf angle in rice.
Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD-specific antibodies prior to and during the pandemic in 2011-2021 and Covid-19 observational study in 2019-2021
Authors: Gumanova Nadezhda , Gorshkov Alexander U. , Bogdanova Natalya L. , Korolev Andrew I. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundLongitudinal surveys to continually monitor the seroprevalence around the globe are required to support the prevention and control efforts for assessment of the levels of endemic stability in certain countries and regions. We investigated seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2-S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD)–specific antibodies in the samples of participants recruited for various cardiovascular studies unrelated to exposure to the virus in 2011-2021. A cohort study recruited in 2019-2021 was used to evaluate the vaccination and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2–S1 RBD-positive statuses to assess the resistance and severity of Covid-19. Materials and MethodsThe present observational study included subjects 18 years of age and older randomly selected from various cohorts previously recruited from 2011 to 2021 from the city of Moscow and Moscow Region for a total of 565 serum samples including recent participants (N = 310); recruited in 2019-2021. The phone survey of the participants of this cohort was conducted in October, 2021. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD-specific antibodies were assayed in the serum samples (N = 565). At endpoint (October 30, 2021), participants of the 2019-2021 cohort (N = 310) were interviewed over phone using a questionnaire that included 5 questions as follows: 1) did the participant experience a respiratory disorder at any time before or after the enrolment in the study; 2) the date of the disorder; 3) severity of the disorder, including asymptomatic, mild, medium (fever and cough), or severe (hospitalization); 4) was the participant vaccinated and the date of vaccination; and 5) brand of a vaccine. ResultsThe data of the present study indicated that a small percentage (3-6%) of SARS-CoV-2-S1 RBD-specific antibodies was detected in participants recruited in 2011-2019. The percentage of SARS-CoV-2-S1 RBD-specific antibodies was increased to 16.5% in 2020 and to 46% in 2021. The vaccination rate of 238 respondents of this cohort was 58% from August, 2020 to October, 2021. If this rate is added to the rate of not vaccinated SARS-CoV-2-S1 RBD-positive subjects (11%), collective immunity was able to reach 69%. The data indicated that 12% of respondents were hospitalized. No cases of hospitalization were reported in vaccinated respondents. The morbidity rate in the subgroup of anti-SARS-CoV-2-S1 RBD-positive respondents was 5.4-fold higher than that in the subgroup of vaccinated respondents (OR = 5.4; CI: 1.4 -19.8; P = 0.01).ConclusionDetected small percentage of SARS-CoV-2-S1 RBD-specific antibodies in participants recruited in 2011-2019 indicated possible spreading of coronaviruses during the pre-pandemic period. Collective immunity in Moscow and Moscow region was able to reach 69% from August, 2020 to October, 2021. Obtained results demonstrated that vaccination protects against COVID-19 and related hospitalization
Fish skin microbiota under healthy and diseased conditions
Authors: Al-Ashhab Ashraf , Alexander-Shani Rivka , Avrahami Yosef , Erlich Roberto , Strem Rosa Ines , Meshner Shiri , Shanital Noam , Sharon Galit 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The welfare of farmed fish is influenced by numerous environmental and management factors. Fish skin is an important site for immunity and a major route by which infections are acquired. The objective of this study was to characterize bacterial composition variability on skin of healthy, diseased and recovered Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) and Barramundi (Lates calcarifer). S. aurata, which are highly sensitive to gram-negative bacteria, were challenged with Vibrio harveyi. In addition, and to provide a wider range of infections, both fish species (S. aurata and L. calcarifer ) were infected with gram-positive Streptococcus iniae, to compare the response of the highly sensitive L. calcarifer to that of the more resistant S. aurata. All experiments also compared microbial communities found on skin of fish reared in UV (a general practice used in aquaculture) and non-UV treated water tanks. Results: Skin swab samples were taken from different areas of the fish (lateral lines, abdomen and gills) prior to controlled infection, and 24, 48 and 72 hours, 5 days, one week and 1 month post-infection. Fish skin microbial communities were determined using Illumina iSeq100 16S rDNA for bacterial sequencing. The results showed that naturally present bacterial composition is similar on all sampled fish skin sites prior to infection, but the controlled infections (T1 24 h post infection) altered the bacterial communities found on fish skin. Moreover, when the naturally occurring skin microbiome did not quickly recover, fish mortality was common following T1 (24 h post infection). We further confirmed the differences in bacterial communities found on skin and in the water of fish reared in non-UV and UV treated water under healthy and diseased conditions. Conclusions: Our experimental findings shed light on the fish skin microbiome in relation to fish survival (in diseased and healthy conditions). The results can be harnessed to provide management tools for commercial fish farmers; predicting and preventing fish diseases can increase fish health and welfare, and enhance commercial fish yields.
Genomic analyses identify significant genes and processes in adrenocortical carcinoma cells with overexpressed Ptch1
Authors: Zhang Min , Guo Hongmei , Gu Hanming , Liu James 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignancy that mainly comes from family diseases. However, the mechanism and treatment of this cancer are still unclear today. Here, our objective is to determine the significant genes and signaling by analyzing the RNA-seq data from the Ptch1 overexpression cancer cells. The KEGG and GO analyses showed the Calcium signaling pathway and Pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were the key signaling pathways in Ptch1-overexpressed cancer cells. Moreover, we further identified the ten interactive molecules including ALB, STAT3, FOS, NRXN1, SNAP25, SYP, FYN, SPP1, THY1, GRIN2A. Our study may provide insights into the mechanism of Ptch1 regulating adrenocortical carcinoma.
The asymmetric effect of technology shocks on CO2 emissions: A panel analysis of BRICS economies
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Yang Fuwei , Liu Yicen , Usman Ahmed 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Technological innovation positively contributes to economic development in BRICS countries; their environmental consequences cannot be ignored. Thus, it is imperious to explore the impact of technological shocks on environmental quality. We used ARDL and NARDL models to draw empirical consensus on the data set from 1990 to 2019 for BRICS economies. The results of ARDL model reveal that technological shocks positively affect carbon emissions in the long-run and short-run. The findings of NARDL model reveal that positive shocks in technology positively affect carbon emissions in the long-run and short-run, implying that an increase in technological development triggers an increase in carbon emissions. However, the negative shocks in technology have a negative impact on carbon emissions in the long-run, inferring that a reduction in technological development leads to a decrease in carbon emissions. The negative shock in technology has no significant impact on carbon emissions in the short-run. The findings emphasize the importance of environmental-friendly technology to achieving sustainable development goals.
Flood frequency analysis and inundation mapping for lower Narmada basin, India
Authors: Mangukiya Nikunj K. , Mehta Darshan J. , Jariwala Raj 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Floods are one of the world's most destructive natural disasters, taking more lives and causing more infrastructural damage than any other natural phenomenon. Floods have a significant economic, social, and environmental impact in developing countries like India. As a result, it is essential to address this natural disaster to mitigate its effects. The lower Narmada basin has experienced numerous floods, including severe flooding in 1970, 1973, 1984, 1990, 1994, and 2013. The objective of the present study is to use flood frequency analysis to anticipate peak floods and prepare flood inundation maps for the lower Narmada River reach. The flood frequency analysis was carried out using Gumbel's and Log-Pearson Type III Distribution methods. The hydrodynamic simulation was performed using HEC-RAS v6.0 to prepare flood inundation maps for predicted flood peaks. The result shows that the Log-Pearson Type-III distribution method gives good results for the lower return period while Gumbel's method gives good results for the higher return period. The hydrodynamic model results indicate that as the return period increases, the area of the high-risk zone increases while the area of the low-risk zone remains almost constant. The present study concludes that the existing embankment system on the banks of the Narmada River is not sufficient for significant floods. The developed maps will be helpful to government authorities and individual stakeholders to decide the flood mitigation measures.
Effects of community-based water management decisions at catchment scale, an interdisciplinary approach: the case of the Great Ruaha River Catchment, Tanzania
Authors: Richards Nathalie , Gutierrez-Arellano Claudia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Water User Associations are community-based institutions that cover segments of rivers and are responsible for water management decisions. These are the result of institutional blueprints designed by the international community, widely adopted around the world. However, the implementation gaps between these generic institutional designs and the working on the ground are vast and require site-specific information to support water management decisions at the local scale. We used a hydrological modelling approach to assess how community-based decisions can maximize their outcomes and improve overall availability of water resources in the Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania, a catchment that is under severe drought pressures and is of the utmost ecological, social, and political relevance at the national scale. We provide information to support decisions on when and where to focus conservation and management strategies by identifying the seasonal and spatial variability of water availability in the catchment. Our methods have the potential to be used in other catchments around the world. This study shows the importance of assessing the hydrological processes affecting the geographies of community-based institutions to identify priority areas of action.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer-
Technological Prospecting and Critical Analysis
Authors: Droppa-Almeida Daniela , de Oliveira Clauberto Rodrigues , Padilha Francine Ferreira , de Souza Roberto Rodrigues , de Albuquerque-Júnior Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Polymeric nanoparticles have a wide diversity, and due to their toxicity and
biodegradability, they have been widely used in the health area. Its use allows stability of some compounds,
targeted delivery, and increased half-life, in this context, making some treatment proposals
more effective. Prostate cancer, in turn, is among the types of cancer with the highest mortality, and the
lack of effective treatment causes several strategies to meet this need.

Objective:
The objective of this work was to verify patents that use polymeric nanoparticles for the
treatment of prostate cancer.

Methods:
For that, specific keywords to direct the search were applied in Patent Scope. After obtaining
the patents, one was selected for the development of critical analysis in relation to its chemistry and biology.

Results:
A total of five patents were found and, of these, an invention that used PCL-PLGA-PEGCOOH
polymeric nanoparticles with two natural compounds, resveratrol and celastrol, providing an
alternative method to traditional monotherapies.

Conclusion:
The prospective analysis serves to direct us in relation to the technologies currently used
in certain fields. Based on several cases of cancer and specifically the countless cases of prostate cancer,
five recent patents were found using polymeric nanoparticles. However, only one brought a different
aspect of all the treatments used lately. It brought an invention containing two natural compounds
being carried with polymeric nanoparticles with promising results.