bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Evaluation of Replacement of Ensiled Cassava Pulp With Cocoa Pod in the Diet of West African Dwarf Goats
Authors: Raimi OLuwatosin Christie , Adeloye Abiodun Adefunmilayo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf on blood metabolites of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Twenty-eight WAD bucks aged 5 months with an average body weight of 7.00 ±0.2kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The goats were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments in different ratios of 0:60:40 (T1); 10:50:40 (T2); 20:40:40 (T3); 30:30:40 (T4); 40:20:40 (T5); 50:10:40 (T6) and 60:0:40 (T7) g/kg DM respectively. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS. The results obtained shown that the highest packed cell volume (PCV) was obtained from treatment 1(26.83%) followed by treatment 2 (23.40%) and treatment 3 (22.27%). Haemoglobin concentration was highest in treatment 1 (11.40g/dl), followed by treatment 2 (11.15g/dl) and treatment 3 (10.37g/dl). At the end of the experiment, there was a sharp decline in the PCV values of the goats in treatments 5, 6 and 7. Haemoglobin concentration values followed a similar trend. Red blood cell (RBC) values significantly (p<0.05) decreased as the levels of inclusion of cocoa pod increased. Total protein and albumin ranged from 7.23 to 5.00 (g/dl) and 3.70 to 2.10 (g/dl) respectively and were significantly different. The study revealed that supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf at combinations of 0% cocoa pod, 60% cassava pulp and 40% acacia leaf to 20% cocoa pod, 40% cassava pulp and 40% acacia leaf had no negative effects on blood profile of West African dwarf goats.
Unsteady numerical simulation of suspended load in relation to grain-size distribution
Authors: HOSSAIN SOURAV , Mohan Shiv , Ghoshal Koeli , Dhar Anirban 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
A theoretical model is presented here for the transient grain-size distribution of non-uniform sediment in suspension based on the advection-diffusion equation in a turbulent open channel flow. The effect of particle-particle interaction is included in the reference level computation. Additionally, pick-up probability, non-ceasing probability and incipient probability of sediment particles are incorporated in the calculation of reference concentration. In addition, the present model accounts for the influence of non-uniform sediment on settling velocity. Non-uniform sediments settle at a different velocity compared to uniform sediment and the difference in settling velocity in suspension influences their concentration in suspension. When settling velocity is calculated from uniform and non-uniform sediment expressions, the concentration difference is notable, especially in medium-size particles. The governing equations in the proposed model are solved using OpenFOAM, an open source finite volume method (FVM) based framework. It is observed that in the transient grain-size distribution, unimodality first appears and then, as time progresses, transforms to bimodality and then remains bimodal. It is also found that the grain-size distribution becomes more skewed at the finer end with increasing vertical height. The numerical results under steady-state conditions depict good correspondence with the experimental data available in the literature.
Mechanosensitive expression of the mesenchymal subtype marker Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Glioblastoma
Authors: O'Neill Geraldine , Grundy Thomas , Orcheston-Findlay Louise , de Silva Eshana , Jegathees Thuvarahan , Prior Victoria , Sarker Farhana 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mechanical forces created by the extracellular environment regulate biochemical signals that modulate the inter-related cellular phenotypes of morphology, proliferation, and migration. A rigid microenvironment induces glioblastoma (GBM) cells to develop prominent actin stress fibres, take on a spread morphology and adopt trapezoid cells shapes when cultured in 2D, which are phenotypes characteristic of a mesenchymal cell program. The mesenchymal subtype is the most aggressive among the molecular GBM subtypes and recurrent GBM of other subtypes have been reported to transition to mesenchymal. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that rigid microenvironments - such as those found in different brain anatomical structures and induced following treatment - contribute to the expression of markers characterising the mesenchymal subtype. We cultured primary patient-derived cell lines that reflect the three common GBM subtypes (mesenchymal, proneural and classic) on polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with controlled stiffnesses spanning the healthy and pathological tissue range. We then assessed the canonical mesenchymal marker Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression, via immunofluorescence. Replating techniques and drug-mediated manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton were utilised to ascertain the response of the cells to differing mechanical environments. We demonstrate that CTGF is induced rapidly following adhesion to a rigid substrate and is independent of actin filament formation. Collectively, our data suggest that microenvironmental rigidity may stimulate the GBM mesenchymal signalling program.
Relationship between the level of sacral resection and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing total pelvic exenteration combined with sacral resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Komori Koji , Tsukushi Satoshi , Yoshida Masahiro , Kinoshita Takashi , Sato Yusuke , Ouchi Akira , Ito Seiji , Abe Tetsuya , Misawa Kazunari , Ito Yuichi , Natsume Seiji , Higaki Eiji , Okuno Masataka , Fujieda Hironori , Kawakatsu Shoji , Kunitomo Aina , Oki Satoshi , Maeda Shingo , Nagao Takuya , Aritake Tsukasa , Tawada Kakeru , Akaza Satoru , Shimizu Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
This retrospective study aimed to elucidate the relationships between short-term outcomes following total pelvic exenteration combined with sacral resection (TPES) and operative techniques in patients with rectal cancer.
Methods
Data regarding sex, age, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, location of sacral resection (“Upper” or “Lower” relative to the level between the 3rd and 4th sacral segment), operative time, bleeding, and curability (R0/R1) were collected and compared to determine their association with complications exhibiting a Clavien–Dindo grade higher than III.
Results
The complication rate was significantly higher for recurrent cancers than for primary cancers (p = 0.007), and for “Upper” resection than for “Lower” resection (p = 0.078). Significant differences were observed when complication rates for “Upper” and “Lower” resection were compared between primary and recurrent cancers (p = 0.007).
Conclusion
In patients with recurrent rectal cancer, “Upper” sacral resection during TPES is associated with a high complication rate, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Muscle Glycogen Use During Exercise
Authors: Jagnesakova Dorota , Dunne David M , Areta José L , Lefevre Carmen E , Yan Xiaoxi , Mazorra Rodrigo , Impey Samuel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Here we assess the feasibility of using machine learning models to non-invasively predict muscle glycogen use during exercise. Methods: Two data sets comprised of: 1. Open-source group data from 166 studies, 2. Manually compiled granular data reported at an individual level from 8 studies published subsequently from the first data set matching the same criteria. The target variable in this study was glycogen use during exercise. Modelling was conducted on the entire data set and on four separate subsets of the data corresponding to different time durations: bands One t ≤ 20min, Two 20 < t ≤ 40min, Three 40 < t ≤ 80min, and Four t > 80min. A baseline Linear Regressor model was used for reference and four models were compared to the performance of the baseline: polynomial Support Vector Regressor (pSVR), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), Random Forest Regressor (RFR) and Voting Regressor. Time band models were evaluated using 3-fold cross validation. Results: Baseline glycogen was identified as the most important variable influencing glycogen delta in all time bands. The best performing models were pSVR in band One, Voting Regressor in band Two, GBR in band Three and Linear and Voting Regressors in band Four. The magnitude of errors made by models increased with time band, from Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 41 mmol·kg-1 in band One, to MAE of 55 mmol·kg-1 in band Four. Conclusion: We present novel predictive models for estimating glycogen utilization during exercise. Our analysis demonstrates the need for individual models for specific exercise durations.
Comparison of the six-minute walk test performed over a 15 and 30 m course by children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Krasny Joanna , Jozwiak Marek , Rodby-Bousquet Elisabet 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare performance on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) performed over 15 m and 30 m courses by children and youths with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: Children and youths with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–IV performed the 6MWT in a straight 15 m-long corridor (first trial) and 30 m-long corridor (second trial). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the agreement between the 6MWT results for the two corridor lengths.Results: We included 82 children and youths with CP (36 girls, 46 boys), with a mean age of 11.7 years (SD 4.2, range 5–22 years). There was high agreement between the results of the two 6MWTs: ICC 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.76–0.97). The total walking distance was longer for the 30 m course (median 399 m, range 44–687 m) than the 15 m course (median 357 m, range 24–583 m).Conclusions: We observed good agreement for the performance of the 6MWT in the 15 m and 30 m courses, although the total walking distance was greater for the 30 m course. We recommend that the same distance is used when evaluating changes in walking ability for an individual child. Both distances are appropriate when measuring endurance in children and youths with CP.
Management of Allergic Rhinitis through Ayurvedic Formulation: A Single Arm Clinical Study
Authors: Shweta Mata , Dave Parth , Bhardwaj N. , Patel Kishor , Bhurke Laxman , Yadav Babita , Singhal Richa , RAO BCS , Gupta Bharti , Srik N. , Dhiman K.S. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common and most prevalent ailments, familiar to all with an equal distribution more or less throughout the world, rather without any exception to the developed and under developed countries. Repeated attack and improper management of the disease leads to many complications like recurrent sinusitis, nasal polyps, serous otitis media, orthodontic problems etc. Objective: To evaluate the role of Ayurvedic Formulations in the management of Allergic rhinitisMaterials and methods: The study was executed as on open label, multicentric, prospective clinical study executed at (CARI, New Delhi and CARI, Mumbai). Sixty participants aged between 18 and 65 years, having the symptoms of Allergic rhinitis were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention given to the participants were Ayush VPR (3.5gm) in the form of Churna (powder) twice a day with honey and Ghrita (clarified butter) after food, Shirishadi Kwath (20 ml) twice a day, orally in empty stomach and Nasya (intranasal drug administration) with Anutaila for 07 days for two consecutive cycles with the interval of seven days. The assessment was done every week. Total duration of intervention was 28 days followed by follow up of 28 days on the interval of 14 days. The primary outcome was assessed by seeing the change in the CARAT (Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test) scorewith Mauchly’s test of sphericity (b).Results: The mean CARAT score was found to reduce subsequently from baseline to 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day. A significant improvement in the mean total CARAT score (p < 0.001) was observed after 28th day of treatment and also at the end of the 56th day in comparison to baseline (Mauchly's Test of Sphericity (b) Measure) Conclusion: The Ayurvedic formulations, Shirishadi Kwath, Ayush VPR and Anutaila are safe and significantly reduced rhinorrhea, nasal itching, Sneezing fits, nasal congestion, and nasal obstruction. The present study reveals that Ayurvedic treatment according to the line of treatment of Vataja Pratishyaya provided highly significant relief from Allergic rhinitis.
Protective effects of statins on COVID-19 risk, severity and fatal outcome – a nationwide Swedish cohort study
Authors: Santosa Ailiana , Franzén Stefan , Nåtman Jonatan , Wettermark Björn , Parmryd Ingela , Nyberg Fredrik 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The impact of statins on COVID-19 remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether statin exposure assessed both in the population and in well-defined cohorts of COVID-19 patients may affect the risk and severity of COVID-19 using nationwide Swedish population-based register data.Methods: A population ≥40 years was selected by age/sex-stratified random sampling from the Swedish population on 1 Jan 2020. COVID-19 outcomes were identified from the SmiNet database, the National Patient Register and/or Cause-of-Death Register and linked with the National Prescribed Drug Register and sociodemographic registers. Statin exposure was defined as any statin prescriptions in the year before index date. In Cox regressions, confounding was addressed using propensity score ATT (Average Treatment effect in the Treated) weighting. Results: Of 572,695 individuals in the overall cohort, 22.3% had prior regular statin treatment. After ATT weighting, protective effects were observed among statin user for hospitalization and COVID-19 death in the overall cohort and onset cohort. In the hospitalized cohort, statin use was only associated with lower risk for death (HR=0.86, 95%CI 0.79-0.95), but not ICU admission. Conclusions: Statin-treated individuals appear to have lower COVID-19 mortality than nonusers, whether assessed in the general population, from COVID-19 onset or from hospitalization.
Early postoperative decrease of skeletal muscle mass predicts recurrence and poor survival after surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yasuta Sho , Sugimoto Motokazu , Kudo Masashi , Kobayashi Shin , Takahashi Shinichiro , Konishi Masaru , Gotohda Naoto 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Preoperative sarcopenia is a predictor of poor survival in cancer patients. We hypothesized that sarcopenia could progress as occult metastasis arose, especially after highly invasive surgery for highly aggressive malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of postoperative changes in skeletal muscle mass volume with survival outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods: Fifty-six patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were studied. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra was calculated from axial computed tomography images taken preoperatively and 3-6 months postoperatively (early postoperative period). The associations of clinicopathological variables, including changes of SMI after surgery, with overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Moreover, the associations of decreased SMI and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level with early recurrence and poor survival was compared.Results: Among 56 patients, 26 (46%) had sarcopenia preoperatively and SMI decreased in 29 (52%) in the early postoperative period. During the median follow-up of 57.9 months, 35 patients (63%) developed recurrence and 29 (50%) died. Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period was independently associated with a shorter overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-6.18; P = 0.049) and a shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.57; P = 0.039), whereas elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level was not.Conclusions: Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period may be used as a predictor for recurrence and poor survival in patients undergoing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Isolation And Characterization Of A Newly Chrysene-Degrading A. aegrifaciens
Authors: Lazzem Assia , Lekired Abdelmalek , Ouzari Hadda-Imene , Landoulsi Ahmed , Chatti Abdelwaheb , May Alya El 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are being considered as substances of potential human health hazards due to their resistance toward biodegradation and carcinogenic index. Chrysene is a high molecular weight (HMW)PAHs; the biodegradation of Chrysene using bacteria is recognized as an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach. In our study, a potential chrysene degrading bacterial strain Achromobacter (A.) aegrifaciens was isolated from crude oil-contaminated seawater. A. aegrifaciens was capable of utilizing Chrysene as sole sources of carbon and energy by showing 86% chrysene degradation on day 7, under the conditions of pH 7.0, temperature 30°C, and rotary speed 120 rpm. Bacterial counts have reached a maximum level (over 25 × 1032 CFU/mL). Furthermore, the results revealed that A. aegrifaciens produced biofilm on polystyrene at 20°Cand 30°C, as well as in the air-liquid (A-L) interface. Moreover, A. aegrifaciens were able to swim and to produce biosurfactant with an emulsification activity (E24%) over 10%. Based on the above results, A. aegrifaciens can thus be predicted as a potential candidate for bioremediation of HMW PAHs impacted environments.
Expression of Tie2 (angiopoietin receptor) on the monocyte subpopulations from ischemic stroke patients: Histological and flowcytometric studies
Authors: Alrafiah Aziza R 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Different monocytes subpopulations have a distinct role as phagocytic subsets but also act as pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic subsets (i.e.Tie2-expressing monocytes, or TEMs).Recruitment of the monocyte-derived macrophages to the affected brain occurs most abundantly between 3–7 days after the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Aim:To investigate the expression levels of Tie2 (a receptor of angiopoietin) on monocytes and their subpopulations using histological and immune-histological study of bone marrow biopsies and blood flowcytometric examination from ischemic stroke patients.Methods: Ischemic stroke patients were selected within 2 days after clinical confirmation by medical consultants. Healthy volunteers matched with age and sex participated as the control group. Bone marrow trephine biopsies from the iliac crest were performed and fixed for histological and immunohistological staining by anti CD14 and CD68. Fresh blood samples were collected and analyzed by flowcytometry for total monocytes, monocyte subpopulations and Tie2 expressing monocytes (TEMs), following staining with CD45, CD14, CD16, and Tie2 monoclonal antibodies. Results: Examination of poststroke patients’ bone marrow cells demonstrated hypercellularity. There were an apparent increase of CD 68 and CD 14 positive cells expression. Also, the ischemic stroke patients exhibited a significant increase in the percentage of intermediate monocytes CD14highCD16+ with a low percentage of non-classical CD14lowCD16++ monocytes. In addition,Tie2 expressing monocytes were significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients compared to the control group.Conclusion: In conclusion, the current results demonstrated dysregulation of the angiogenic function of monocytes subsets, which could be an early diagnostic marker to start either a neurovascular repair therapy or improve medications attributed to highly senescent subpopulations.
Assessment of contamination of marine sediments and their potential toxicity in the Uglovoy Bay, Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan
Authors: Petukhov Valeriy , Petrova Evgeniya , Kiryanov Alexey , Zheldak Evgeniy , Kholodov Aleksei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The content of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Uglovoy Bay (Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan) was studied based on the surveys carried out in 2016-2021. The contamination of sediments in the bay was compared to the background concentrations of elements and to common contamination indices. The degree of contamination was calculated using the contamination factor (Cf), modified overall degree of contamination (mCd), and index of geoaccumulation (Igeo). The toxicity of marine sediment samples for each metal was evaluated using the TEL/PEL values and the sediment quality guideline quotient (SQG-Q). The sources of pollutants entering the studied water area were analyzed. It is shown that the contamination of the Uglovoy Bay occurs continuously as a result of economic activities on its coast. The dynamics of contamination of the bay for the period 2016-2021 is presented.