bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RIVER WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSE
Authors: Adegbola Gbolagade Adeyemi , Soyewo Luke Temitope , Odey Bernard Ogbor , Ajani Adeyemi Babatunded 
Published: March 2022

Irrigation water quality refers to water suitability for agricultural purpose. Good water quality has the possibilities to allow maximum yield of crops under good soil and water administration practices. Ikose River water which they are using for irrigation purposes by the rural communities was evaluated for its quality. Water samples were collected in dry as well as rainy season into sterilized, labelled bottles and were transported in ice pack to laboratory for analyses. Results were pH range of 6.36-6.43, calcium (Ca2+) 23-25 mg/L, magnesium (Mg2+) 8-12 mg/L, potassium (K+) 2.40–2.50 mg/L, sodium (Na+)1.74-1.90 mg/L, bicarbonate (HC03-) 200-230 mg/L-, phosphate (PO3-P) 0.10-0.12 mg/L, electrical conductivity (EC) is within 0.06 mg/L, Nitrate (NO3-N) 0.04–0.42 mg/L, sulphate (SO42-) 24-25 mg/L, total dissolved (TDS) 28.70-30.20 mg/L for the dry season and the pH ranged from 7.01-7.03, (Ca2+) 45-48 mg/L, (Mg2+) 24-18 mg/L, (K+) 4.20–4.30 mg/L, (Na+) 2.12-2.14 mg/L, (HCO-3) 350-360 mg/L, (PO3-P) 0.19-0.20 mg/L, (EC) is within 0.11 mg/L, (NO3-N) 0.10-0.11 mg/L, (SO42-) 38.00-39.00 mg/L, (TDS) 54.50-54.60 mg/L for the rainy season. The samples analyzed were within the recommended standard limits set for irrigation water quality. The water quality indicators MAR, 29.4; SAR,0.08; SSP,3.78; KR,0.04; PS, 0.46; PI, 92.95; RSC,1.46; TH, 101.5 for dry season and MAR, 36.11; SAR, 0.06; SSP, 2.03; KR, 0.02; PS,0.28; PI, 54.94; RSC, 1.36; TH, 224.5 for rainy season were under safe limits.
ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SOME TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES OF TWO LIGANDS DERIVED FROM AMINO ACIDS AND 2 – IMINO – 1 – METHYLIMIDAZOLIDIN – 4 – ONE
Authors: Manir Muhammad , NURA SULEIMAN GWARAM  , Usman Ahmad Madaki  
Published: March 2022

Plant extracts are most of the time used for antioxidant and antimicrobial studies. The Present study was designed to evaluate the activity of metal complexes as antioxidant and against some selected bacterial and fungal isolates. The new metal complexes of Cr (III) and Zn (II) containing ligands derived from Tyrosine, Leucine and 2 – imino – 1 – methylimidazolidin – 4 - one were selected. The test compounds were evaluated for their possible antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging activity via using 1,1 – diphenyl – 2 – picryl – hydrazyl (DPPH) method. All the complexes exhibited good to moderate activity with Cr (III) complex (CrL1) and (CrL2) as the best radical scavengers having the % inhibition value of 67.74 and 65.33 respectively. The complexes were also screened for their antimicrobial activities against two bacterial isolates and one fungal isolate (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillus niger). The result showed that all the compounds have the moderate activity against the tested organisms.
DNA VACCINES: CHALLENGES AND APPROACHES
Authors: Omaji G. O. , Anakaa T. M. , Ilouno L. E. 
Published: March 2022

Since the discovery of the first vaccine about 200 years ago, improvement in vaccine development approaches has occurred over the years. Most notably, the emergence of DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines can evoke both humoral and cell mediated immunity, they are safe and have several advantages over other vaccines types. Despite this, poor immunogenicity produced by DNA vaccines in humans has called for novel strategies. This review highlight ways to improve the efficacy of DNA vaccines through plasmid modification, delivery systems, prime boost and addition of adjuvants. The review also discusses the potential of DNA vaccine in pandemic settings such as that of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Acute Ecotoxicological Effects of Bauxite Residue Addition on Mortality and Motion-frequency of Dendrobaena veneta and Enchytraeus albidus (Annelida) in Three Types of Soils
Authors: Kerekes Ivett Kriszta , Pusztai Éva , Feigl Viktória , Kemény Sándor 
Published: March 2022

The bauxite residue is produced in high amounts all over the world. This industrial waste is a possible soil-amendment material. Although the material has been produced in high amounts, it is not frequently reused. We investigated its ecotoxicological effects on two annelid species: Dendrobaena veneta and Enchytraeus albidus. Two forms of bauxite residue (BR: S – untreated; G – dried, filter pressed, and gypsum neutralized) and three natural soils (NH: Nagyhörcsök, NY: Nyírlugos, OB: Őrbottyán) were examined. To determine the safe concentration of bauxite residue in soil on the short, acute mortality and sublethal behavioral tests (peristaltic motion-frequency) were performed. The bauxite residue addition (<5/10%) raised the pH and water holding capacity level of soils. Both types of the bauxite residue increased the motion-frequency of the worms. The untreated type had an acute mortality effect (>25%). Both species refused the soils containing both bauxite residue types at higher concentrations (>10%). Slight bauxite residue addition may improve the life circumstances of annelids in acidic sandy soils because of the potential rise of the pH level and water holding capacity.
THE EFFECT OF EXPOSURE FACTORS ON RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE QUALITY ON THORAX PHANTOM WITH PA PROJECTION
Authors: Prayoga Aryadiva Nugrahaning , Suraningsih Nanik , Puspita Mega Indah 
Published: March 2022

The posteroanterior projection (PA) chest radiograph is the most frequently performed radiological examination for various purposes of diagnosis. Radiographic examination of the anatomy of the body can provide as much information as possible which can be determined by the Radiologist, which requires good quality radiographic images. To be able to produce radiographs that provide as much information as possible, optimal radiographs are needed. In the radiographic examination, factors that can affect the quality of the photo are needed in order to get good results. These factors include the exposure factor. Exposure factor consists of mains voltage (kV), tube current (mA) and time (s).
The objectives to be achieved in this study were to determine the effect of exposure factors on the quality of radiographic images on the use of phantom thorax with PA assessment. The method used in experimental research. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of the Diploma III X-Ray Engineering Study Program, Widya Husada University, Semarang. In several variations of exposure factors, there is no difference in quality both in terms of sharpness and sharpness. The resulting image from each variation is good and informative. So it can be useful that the use of exposure factors is chosen as minimal so that the exposure or dose received is smaller. Image quality analysis should be made with a wider variety of kV and mAs, and using phantom objects other than phantom thorax.
Three-Dimensional Silk Fibroin/Chitosan Based Microscaffold for Anticancer Drug Screening
Authors: Niu Hui , Xiao Jiarui , Lou Xiaoli , Guo Lingling , Zhang Yongsheng , Yang Runhuai , Yang Hao , Wang Shouli , Niu Fuzhou 
Published: March 2022

Traditional monolayer cell cultures often fail to accurately predict the anticancer activity of drug candidates, as they do not recapitulate the natural microenvironment. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been increasingly applied to cancer research and drug screening. Materials with good biocompatibility are crucial to create a 3D tumor microenvironment involved in such systems. In this study, natural silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) were selected as the raw materials to fabricate 3D microscaffolds; Besides, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) were used as cross-linking agents. The physicochemical properties of obtained scaffolds were characterized with kinds of testing methods, including emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water absorption, and swelling ratio analysis. Cancer cell lines (LoVo and MDA-MB-231) were then seeded on scaffolds for biocompatibility examination and drug sensitivity tests. SEM results showed that EDC cross-linked scaffolds had smaller and more uniform pores with great interconnection than the TPP cross-linked scaffolds, and the EDC cross-linked scaffold exhibited a water absorption ratio around 1000% and a swelling ratio of about 72%. These spatial structures and physical properties could provide more adhesion sites and sufficient nutrients for cell growth. Moreover, both LoVo and MDA-MB-231 cells cultured on the EDC cross-linked scaffold exhibited good adhesion and spreading. CCK8 results showed that increased chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity was observed in 3D culture compared with 2D culture, particularly in the condition of low drug dose (&lt;1 μM). The proposed SF/CS microscaffold can provide a promising in vitro platform for the efficacy prediction and sensitivity screening of anticancer drugs.
Repair of a Rat Mandibular Bone Defect by Hypertrophic Cartilage Grafts Engineered From Human Fractionated Adipose Tissue
Authors: Cheng Chen , Chaaban Mansoor , Born Gordian , Martin Ivan , Li Qingfeng , Schaefer Dirk J. , Jaquiery Claude , Scherberich Arnaud 
Published: March 2022

Background: Devitalized bone matrix (DBM) is currently the gold standard alternative to autologous bone grafting in maxillofacial surgery. However, it fully relies on its osteoconductive properties and therefore requires defects with healthy bone surrounding. Fractionated human adipose tissue, when differentiated into hypertrophic cartilage in vitro, was proven reproducibly osteogenic in vivo, by recapitulating endochondral ossification (ECO). Both types of bone substitutes were thus compared in an orthotopic, preclinical mandibular defect model in rat.Methods: Human adipose tissue samples were collected and cultured in vitro to generate disks of hypertrophic cartilage. After hypertrophic induction, eight samples from two donors were implanted into a mandible defect in rats, in parallel to Bio-Oss® DBM granules. After 12 weeks, the mandible samples were harvested and evaluated by Micro-CT and histology.Results: Micro-CT demonstrated reproducible ECO and complete restoration of the mandibular geometry with adipose-based disks, with continuous bone inside and around the defect, part of which was of human (donor) origin. In the Bio-Oss® group, instead, osteoconduction from the border of the defect was observed but no direct connection of the granules with the surrounding bone was evidenced. Adipose-based grafts generated significantly higher mineralized tissue volume (0.57 ± 0.10 vs. 0.38 ± 0.07, n = 4, p = 0.03) and newly formed bone (18.9 ± 3.4% of surface area with bone tissue vs. 3 ± 0.7%, p &lt; 0.01) than Bio-Oss®.Conclusion: Our results provide a proof-of-concept that adipose-based hypertrophic cartilage grafts outperform clinical standard biomaterials in maxillofacial surgery.
Biocatalytic Elimination of Pharmaceutics Found in Water With Hierarchical Silica Monoliths in Continuous Flow
Authors: Sebai Wassim , Ahmad Sher , Belleville Marie-Pierre, , Boccheciampe Alexis , Chaurand Perrine , Levard Clément , Brun Nicolas , Galarneau Anne , Sanchez-Marcano Jose 
Published: March 2022

Pharmaceutical products (PPs) are considered as emerging micropollutans in wastewaters, river and seawaters, and sediments. The biodegradation of PPs, such as ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline by enzymes in aqueous solution was investigated. Laccase from Trametes versicolor was immobilized on silica monoliths with hierarchical meso-/macropores. Different methods of enzyme immobilization were experienced. The most efficient process was the enzyme covalent bonding through glutaraldehyde coupling on amino-grafted silica monoliths. Silica monoliths with different macropore and mesopore diameters were studied. The best support was the monolith featuring the largest macropore diameter (20 µm) leading to the highest permeability and the lowest pressure drop and the largest mesopore diameter (20 nm) ensuring high enzyme accessibility. The optimized enzymatic reactor (150 mg) was used for the degradation of a PP mixture (20 ppm each in 30 ml) in a continuous recycling configuration at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The PP elimination efficiency after 24 h was as high as 100% for amoxicillin, 60% for sulfamethoxazole, 55% for tetracycline, and 30% for ciprofloxacin.
Highly Efficient and Stable CdZnSeS/ZnSeS Quantum Dots for Application in White Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Jingzhou , Zhong Yichi , Li Xin , Pan Mingzhong , Qi Hongxing , Dong Hongxing , Zhang Long 
Published: March 2022

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are a promising luminescent phosphor for next-generation lightings and displays. In particular, QD-based white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are considered to be the candidate light sources with the most potential for application in displays. In this work, we synthesized quaternary/ternary core/shell alloyed CdZnSeS/ZnSeS QDs with high bright emission intensity. The QDs show good thermal stability by performing high temperature-dependent experiments that range from 295 to 433 K. Finally, the WLED based on the CdZnSeS/ZnSeS QDs exhibits a luminous efficiency (LE) of 28.14 lm/W, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 14.86%, and a warm bright sunlight close to the spectrum of daylight (Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) coordinates 0.305, 0.371). Moreover, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity, LE, EQE, and correlated color temperature (CCT) of as-prepared QD WLED remained relatively stable with only slight changes in the luminescence stability experiment.
Impact of 3D Rigid Ring Annuloplasty for Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: You Tao , Ma Yu-Hu , Yi Kang , Gao Jie , Xu Jian-Guo , Xu Xiao-Min , He Shao-E , Wang Wei , Ji Meng 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundTricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) is accepted as the standard technique for correcting tricuspid regurgitation (TR). We conducted the present study to provide an overview of the contemporary results of 3D rigid ring annuloplasty for TR.MethodsA systematic literature search was carried out in eight databases to collect all relevant studies on the three-dimensional (3D) rigid ring annuloplasty treatment of TR published before October 1, 2020. The main outcomes of interest were postoperative TR grade, perioperative mortality, and recurrent TR.ResultsA total of eight studies were included, all of which were retrospective observational studies. Rigid 3D rings were compared with flexible bands, and there was no difference in perioperative mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.02; 95% CI (0.52, 2.02); p = 0.95], late mortality [OR = 0.99; 95% CI (0.28, 3.50); p = 0.98], or recurrent TR [OR = 0.59; 95% CI (0.29, 1.21); p = 0.15]. The postoperative TR grade associated with 3D rigid rings was 0.12 lower [mean difference (MD) = −0.12; 95% CI (−0.22, −0.01); p = 0.03], which indicated that 3D rigid rings result in better postoperative outcomes than flexible bands. Compared with suture annuloplasty, the postoperative TR grade of the 3D rigid ring group was 0.51 lower [MD = −0.51; 95% CI (−0.59, −0.43); p &lt; 0.05]. Within the 5 years of follow-up, patients who underwent 3D rigid ring annuloplasty had lower TR recurrence [OR = 0.26; 95% CI (0.13, 0.50); p &lt; 0.05].ConclusionsCompared with suture annuloplasty, 3D rigid rings present early advantages. The 3D rigid rings provide an acceptable short-term effect similar to that of the flexible bands, and a significant difference between these approaches was not discovered. However, the conclusion was based on the limited, short-term data available at the time of the study. Further research on the long-term effects of 3D rigid ring annuloplasty for TR is clearly needed.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-3-0105/, identifier: 202130105.
Effect of Cerebral Ischemic Strokes in Different Cerebral Artery Regions on Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Zheng Li-Juan , Lin Xin , Xue Yun-Jing 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe relationship between cerebral ischemic stroke and left ventricular function evaluated by echocardiography has been emphasized. Whether lesions in different cerebral artery regions would result in left ventricular dysfunction remains uncertain.MethodsPatients were divided into middle cerebral artery (MCA) (n = 79), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) (n = 64), basilar artery (BA) regions (n = 66), and no-ischemic stroke group (n = 209). We retrospectively collected demographic characteristics, hematologic parameters, and ECG results, and a comparison of echocardiographic parameters was performed to determine the relationship between ischemic stroke and left ventricular function.ResultsA total of 418 patients were included. Demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the ischemic stroke and non-ischemic stroke groups, except for a history of drinking (p &lt; 0.001). Homocysteine levels in the MCA group were higher than those in the PCA and BA groups (p &lt; 0.05). The highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was higher in the ischemic stroke group than in the non-ischemic stroke one (p = 0.001). A higher incidence of ST-T changes in the ECG and lower levels of potassium and magnesium in the ischemic stroke group were found. Significant differences in diastolic function between groups were noted, and the early mitral inflow velocity, annular early diastolic velocity, and ratio between the mitral annular early diastolic velocity and mitral annulus atrial inflow velocity in the MCA group were lower than those in the BA group (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsIschemic strokes exhibited a negative effect on left ventricular diastolic function by echocardiography, especially in MCA region infarcts. These results are of great importance for neurologists as they highlight the need for left ventricular function evaluation after stroke to regulate therapy strategies in time.
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Chih , Lin Chia-Pin , Yu Chun-Chen , Tung Ying-Chang , Chu Pao-Hsien 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundData regarding using angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in patients with both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited.Methods and ResultsBetween January 2016 and December 2018, patients with HFrEF and advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) were identified from a multi-institutional database in Taiwan. Patients who had never been prescribed with an ARNI, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) were excluded. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to balance baseline covariates, and compared outcomes between ARNI and ACEI/ARB users. There were 206 patients in the ARNI group and 833 patients in the ACEI/ARB group. After IPTW adjustment, the mean ages (65.1 vs. 66.6 years), male patients (68.3 vs. 67.9%), left ventricular ejection fraction (30.5 vs.31.2%), eGFR (20.9 vs. 20.3 mL/min/1.73 m2) were comparable in the ARNI and ACEI/ARB groups. Over 85% of the patients had beta-blockers prescriptions in both groups (86.2 vs. 85.5%). After IPTW adjustment, the mean follow-up durations were 7.3 months and 6.6 months in the ARNI and ACEI/ARB groups, respectively. ARNI and ACEI/ARB users had a comparable risk of the composite clinical event (all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–1.88) and progression to dialysis (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.54–2.03). In subgroup analysis, dialysis patients who used ARNIs were associated with higher incidence of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution HR, 1.97; 95% CI 1.36–2.85).ConclusionsCompared with ACEIs or ARBs, ARNIs were associated with comparable clinical and renal outcomes in patients with HFrEF and advanced CKD (eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). In short-term, HF hospitalization may occur more frequently among ARNI users, especially in patients on dialysis.
Association of DNA Methylation in Blood Pressure-Related Genes With Ischemic Stroke Risk and Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Huan , Mo Xingbo , Wang Aili , Peng Hao , Guo Daoxia , Zhong Chongke , Zhu Zhengbao , Xu Tan , Zhang Yonghong 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundA genome-wide association study identified 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicated a role of DNA methylation. However, the relationship between methylation and ischemic stroke has not yet been clarified. We conducted a large-sample sequencing study to identify blood leukocyte DNA methylations as novel biomarkers for ischemic stroke risk and prognosis based on previously identified genetic loci.MethodsMethylation levels of 17 genes were measured by sequencing in 271 ischemic stroke cases and 323 controls, and the significant associations were validated in another independent sample of 852 cases and 925 controls. The associations between methylation levels and ischemic stroke risk and prognosis were evaluated.ResultsMethylation of AMH, C17orf82, HDAC9, IGFBP3, LRRC10B, PDE3A, PRDM6, SYT7 and TBX2 was significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Compared to participants without any hypomethylated targets, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) for those with 9 hypomethylated genes was 1.41 (1.33–1.51) for ischemic stroke. Adding methylation levels of the 9 genes to the basic model of traditional risk factors significantly improved the risk stratification for ischemic stroke. Associations between AMH, HDAC9, IGFBP3, PDE3A and PRDM6 gene methylation and modified Rankin Scale scores were significant after adjustment for covariates. Lower methylation levels of AMH, C17orf82, PRDM6 and TBX2 were significantly associated with increased 3-month mortality. Compared to patients without any hypomethylated targets, the OR (95% CI) for those with 4 hypomethylated targets was 1.12 (1.08–1.15) for 3-month mortality (P = 2.28 × 10−10).ConclusionThe present study identified blood leukocyte DNA methylations as potential factors affecting ischemic stroke risk and prognosis among Han Chinese individuals.