bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Nitrate Removal from Water Using Ordered Mesoporous nZVI/Zr-Ce-SBA-15 Composites Assisted by RSM and ANN
Authors: Zhang Ruimin , Liu Haixia , Jiang Weili , Liu Weijing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Excessive concentrations of nitrate (NO3-N) in water can stimulate the growth of algae, resulting in the deterioration of water quality, reduction of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems. Zero valent nanoiron (nZVI) has been successfully supported on many carriers for NO3-N removal, of which there are few reports concerning silicon-based materials. Therefore, the present study investigated NO3-N removal from simulated wastewater by nZVI supported on ordered mesoporous Zr-Ce-SBA-15 composites (nZVI/Zr-Ce-SBA-15) assisted by response surface methodology (RSM), an artificial neural network combined with a genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) and a radial basis neural network (RBF). The successful support of nZVI on Zr-Ce-SBA-15 was confirmed using XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM–EDS, N2 adsorption and XPS, which indicated ordered mesoporous materials. The absolute error of the predicted and actual values exhibited that the ANN model was better than the RSM model for optimizing the conditions of NO3-N removal, and its optimized removal rate of NO3-N by the composites reached 95.71% under the following optimal parameters: initial pH = 4.89, contact time = 62.27 min, initial NO3-N concentration = 74.84 mg/L and temperature = 24.77 ℃. Moreover, the RBF neural network further confirmed the reliability of the ANN-GA model. The process of NO3-N adsorption on Zr-Ce-SBA-15 followed pseudo second-order kinetic and Langmuir models (maximum adsorption capacity of 47.17 mg/g), and this reaction was spontaneous, endothermic and entropy driven. The yield of N2 can be improved after nZVI was supported on Zr-Ce-SBA-15, and the composites exhibited strong renewable ability in the short term within 3 cycles. Our study suggested that the ordered mesoporous nZVI/Zr-Ce-SBA-15 composites were an efficient and promising material for simultaneously removing NO3-N and improving the selectivity of N2, which provides a theoretical reference for NO3-N remediation from wastewater.
The Effects of Nac on Trpm2 Channels Activation and Expression in Testicular Tissue of Diabetic Rats
Authors: TURK Ahmet , Ulas Mustafa , KARADAG Abdullah , KOCAMAN Nevin , ÖNALAN Ebru , KULOGLU Tuncay 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
DM is a common, chronic metabolic disease and have harmful effect of many diverse tissue including testis. One of the way leads tissue damage is the modification of Trpm2 channels by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). For the first time, we were aimed to investigate TRPM2 channel activation in diabetic rats testes and to examine the efficacy of NAC treatment. In our study, 28 male rats were used and animals were divided into 4 groups; Control , NAC , DM , DM + NAC. The experimental phase was designed as 8 weeks. MDA level which is an indicator for lipid peroxidation, was measured by spectrophotometric method. Tunel assay was used to determined apoptosis on testicular tissue. TRPM2 immune reactivity was determined by Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex method and QPCR used to TRPM2 expression levels. It was seen MDA levels were significantly increased in DM and decrease after NAC treatment. Similarly, it was observed that apoptosis levels, which increased highly significantly in diabetic rats, decreased to the levels of the control group after treatment. TRPM2 activation and expression levels were significantly lower in DM group. Our data contradict previous studies in other tissues in diabetics. It may due to the experiment duration.
Arsenic speciation and concentration in the urine of infants in Xiamen, China：A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Hongwei , Zheng Hanying , Lan Hui , Zhuang Yingying 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
A dearth of knowledge regarding toxicity markers of Arsenic(As)exposure in infants exists. Thus, the study aimed to identify the reference value for the total As content in urine and the toxicity markers of As exposure and to analyze the factors influencing urinary As (UAs) levels in infants.
Methods
In total, 895 urine samples were collected from infants in Xiamen, China and analyzed for total UAs using inductively coupled plasma coupled with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Ninety-four of the samples were randomly selected for the analysis of As species using ICP-MS. The relationship of lifestyle and diet with UAs levels was analyzed by ordered logistic regression analysis.
Results
The total UAs level was found to be 42.60 ± 148.48 µg/gCr, and the 95% upper limit was 962.35 µg/gCr. The unmethylated proportion of UAs was 38.57% (24.67–64.95%). The combined toxicity of different As species multiplied by the corresponding population detection rate was the highest for iAsⅢ+DMAV+iAsⅤ. The total UAs was positively associated with age in 6–36-month-old infants; The intakes of breast milk, seafood, meat, vegetable, and canned beverage were identified as factors contributing to elevated total UAs.
Conclusions
We concluded that the reference value for UAs in infants in Xiamen was 962.35 µg/gCr. iAsⅢ+DMAV+iAsⅤ was a better combination to evaluate the combined effects of As exposure in infants. The intake of As-contaminated food by mothers and infants, which might be the main cause of high UAs in infants.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Therapy of Gastric Varices: Initial Experience in the Arab World (with video)
Authors: Alali Ali A. , Hashim Ahmad , Alkandari Asma 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background and objectivesGastric varices (GV) bleeding is a catastrophic complication of portal hypertension and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are limited effective therapeutic interventions for the management of bleeding GV. Recently, EUS-guided therapy has been shown to be effective and safe intervention for such patients. However, there are no data to describe the feasibility and safety of EUS-guided therapy for GV in Arab population. The aim of this study is to describe our initial experience of EUS-guided therapy for GV in Kuwait. MethodsA case-series of patients that underwent EUS-guided therapy for clinically significant GV. All patients underwent EUS-guided therapy including Cyanoacrylate (CYA) injection with or without coil embolization. Patients were followed post procedure to document GV obliteration and monitor for any adverse events.ResultsIn total, 15 patients were included in this study (80% male) with mean age of 58±12 years. The main indication for therapy was active GV bleeding (53.3%) followed by secondary prophylaxis (33.3%). Most patients had GOV-2 (80%) with mean GV size of 24.9±7.9 mm. Combined EUS coil-CYA was used in most patients (80%), mean volume of CYA injected was 1.5±0.74ml and mean number coils used of 1.5±1.4. The technical success rate was 100% and all patients achieved GV obliteration after a median of 1 session (range 1-2). There were no major adverse events.ConclusionAmong Arab population with portal hypertension, EUS-guided therapy is highly effective and safe option for the managements of clinically significant GV.
Efficacy of CT value along portal vein for preoperative prediction of portal vein resection in pancreatic head cancer
Authors: Kawachi Shigeyuki , Ochiai Shigeto , Chiba Naokazu , Gunji Takahiro , Kobayashi Toshimichi , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Wakiya Midori , Nakatsugawa Munehide 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background It is important for surgeons to determine whether combined portal vein (PV) resection (PVR) is necessary before surgery, because the PVR is required in many cases with pancreatic head cancer. The present study aimed to determine the ability of computed tomography (CT) value along the PV in predicting the necessity for concomitant PVR in pancreatic head carcinoma. Methods Total 107 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreatic head at our institute between September 2007 and September 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate analysis to predict PVR were performed with preoperative radiological valuables acquired by Synapse Vincent, in addition to clinicopathological factors. The resected specimen near the PV or the PV notch was analyzed by histopathological findings. Results Only the CT value of the PV was independently associated with PVR (Mann–Whitney U test; p = 0.045, logistic regression test; p = 0.039). The AUC of the CT value of the PV for the prediction of PVR was 0.616. The outer boundary of the PV was unclear in the cases without pathological PV invasion and PVR due to the development of smooth muscle in the outer membrane of the PV and the proliferation of collagen fibers. The elastic fibers were arranged regularly in the notch portion of the PV in cases wherein PVR was not performed. Conclusion The CT value along the PV was independently associated with PVR, and the only predictor of PVR.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Productive Performance, Physiological, Histological Changes and Tissues Zn Concentration in Broiler Chicks
Authors: M.H Hatab , E Rashad , Saleh Hisham M. , El-Sayed El-Sayed R , A.M Abu taleb 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A five weeks biological experiment was planned to examine the impacts of dietary supplementation with of Nano sized of zinc oxide (ZONPs) on productive performance, carcass traits, organ relative weights, serum biochemical parameters, histological alteration in some internal organs and concentration of this element in the serum, liver, thigh and breast muscle in broiler chicks. A total of 108 day old newly hatched unsexed commercial broiler chicks were individually weighed and equally distributed in a completely randomized design arrangement according to the dose of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) supplementation into 3 dietary experimental groups, with 3 replications having 12 birds per replicate (n = 36/ treatment) with feed and water were provided ad libitum consumption through 5 weeks life span. The 3 Experiential dietary treatments (T1, T2 and T3) received corn-soybean meal-based diets enhanced with 0 (control), 40 and 60 mg / kg diet of ZONPs respectively. Present results has shown that after 5 weeks of feeding trial and as compared to control, the ZONPs supplementation groups recorded higher body weight, improved feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and performance index. Serum biochemical analyses revealed that serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and uric acid decreased significantly, while high density lipoprotein and liver enzyme (AST,ALT) concentrations were significantly increased in ZONPs groups than control. Meanwhile, zinc accumulation in serum, liver and breast and thigh muscle were linearly increased with increasing zinc supplementation. It could be concluded that supplementation of ZONPs to broiler diet at 40 or 60 mg/kg improved productive performance, birds' physiological status and the lower levels Zn (40 mg/kg diet) revealed promising results and can be used as an effective feed additive in broilers.
Randomized clinical trial quantifying the effectiveness of a self-monitoring intervention on cancer patients with peripheral neuropathy: Quantitative study
Authors: Kanda Kiyoko , Ishida Kazuko , Kyota Ayumi , Ishihara Chiaki , Fujimoto Keiko , Hosokawa Mai , Mochizuki Ruka 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a highly distressing condition that has no effective or helpful pharmacotherapy, alongside no established non-pharmacological treatment. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop supportive care. While self-monitoring has been verified as an effective management method, it has not been studied as a mode of managing CIPN. This study quantified the effectiveness of a self-monitoring intervention for the management of persistent CIPN.Methods: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted wherein the participants were using Taxanes or platinum-based anticancer drugs in an outpatient setting. They were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) (n=32) or a self-monitoring group (SMG) (n=33), wherein the participants recorded their symptoms daily, goals were set in collaboration with the researcher, and feedback (behavioral approval and modification, emotional support) was provided twice every three weeks. The study lasted for six weeks, and the control group received conventional nursing support. Self-management ability, self-efficacy, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scores were used for evaluation; ANOVA analysis was conducted.Results: There was an interaction effect between the CG and SMG regarding self-efficacy scores. Scores were significantly higher in the SMG than in the CG after three weeks. Quality of life (QOL) scores were also higher in the SMG than in the CG. Conclusions: The self-monitoring intervention maintained the participants’ self-efficacy and QOL. This suggested its effectiveness on patients with peripheral neuropathy.Implications for Cancer Survivors: Self-monitoring interventions enable the maintenance of self-efficacy and QOL for participants associated with CIPN.
A global view on TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis of rat livers during acute hypoxia
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Zhan , Chen Wen-jie , Xin Ming-yuan , Gao Shen-han , Wang Kai-kun , Liu Wen-jing , Ma Jing-wei , Tidwell Tawni , Ren Yan-ming 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Acute hypoxia consistently results in altitude sickness and can be fatal. Until present, no studies focusing on global proteomic changes induced by acute hypoxia have been reported. Here, we combined animal experiments and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis to identify metabolic changes as a result of acute hypoxia. We first generated a rat model under acute hypoxia conditions. Then we used qPCR analyses to validate the key regulators, and present a schematic model of acute reactions occurring in the livers of rats subjected to acute hypoxia challenge. We identified a large number of acute hypoxic responsive proteins in diverse biological pathways, which helped unveil the different mechanisms involved in hypoxia responses in rats. According to data obtained from proteomic analysis, rats were able to maintain normal physical activity as a response to acute hypoxia by activating their catabolic capacity in order to get more energy, and decreasing biosynthesis to reduce energy consumption. We identified a large number of acute hypoxia-responsive proteins associated with diverse biological pathways, and showed rats quickly respond to acute hypoxia by activating lipid biosynthesis to increase lipid storage, and reducing lipolysis to reduce energy consumption.
Factors Affecting Health Insurance Utilization among Insured Population: Evidence from Health Insurance Program of Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Sushmita , Ghimire Sailaja , Khanal Pratik , Sagtani Reshu Agrawal , Paudel Sudarshan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The Government of Nepal introduced the family-based health insurance program in 2016 to increase financial protection and improve access to health care services. The aim of the study was to assess factors associated with the utilization of health insurance among insured population in an urban district of Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using face-to-face interviews was conducted in 224 households of Bhaktapur district of Nepal. Household heads were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression with weighted analysis was done to identify predictors of service utilization among the insured residents. Results: The prevalence of health insurance service utilization at the household level in the Bhaktapur district was 77.2% (n= 224). The number of elder members in the family (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.09-7.07), having family member with chronic illness (AOR 5.10, 95% CI 1.48-17.56), willingness to continue health insurance (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.47-3.25) and membership duration (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.24) were significantly associated with the utilization of the health insurance at the household level. Conclusion: The study identified a particular group of the population who were more likely to utilize health insurance services, including the chronically ill and elderly. Health insurance program in Nepal would benefit from strategies to increase population coverage in health insurance, improve quality of health services, and retain members in the program.
The association between disability progression, relapses, and treatment in early relapse onset MS: an observational, multi-center, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Taylor Bruce , Fuh-Ngwa Valery , Charlesworth Jac , Zhou Yuan , Mei Ingrid van der , Melton Phillip , Broadley Simon , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Simpson-Yap Steve , Lechner-Scott Jeannette 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The contribution of multiple sclerosis relapses to worsening of disability, and vice-versa, remains unclear. Vitamin D supplementation (VitD) and disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are potential modulators of this association. Understanding how these endo-phenotypes interact may provide insights to disease pathogenesis and treatment practice. Here, we examined independent associations between relapses and treatment and the risk of worsening of disability, and vice-versa. We find suggestive evidence that early relapses predict early worsening of disability but do not contribute to long-term worsening. Conversely, the effects of worsening of disability on relapse risk was pronounced and persisted. VitD and DMTs interacted significantly to markedly reduce the risk of future relapses and worsening of disability, particularly when commenced early. Personalised real-time survival probabilities revealed individuals having higher risk of future worsening. Worsening of disability in ROMS occurs in ways not clearly tied to relapses and is strongly linked to an increased risk of future relapses.
A Q-Learning-Based Distributed Queuing MAC Protocol for Internet-of-Things Networks
Authors: Wu Chien-Min , Chang Yu-Hsiu , Tsai Cheng-Tai , Hou Cheng-Chun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Many previous studies showed that some nodes should be in a sleeping state while the traffic is high. These nodes can wake up periodically to transmit data while they have data to transmit. The system throughput will be increased while each node can change between wake-up and sleeping states periodically. If a node can estimate the active rate and wake up at the optimal time, the collision probability decreases. This study proposes a Q-learning-based distributed queuing medium access control (QL-based DQMAC) protocol for Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. In the proposed QL-based DQMAC, we derive the optimal number of contention IoT nodes. Each node calculates the active rate by itself through the Q-learning algorithm. Then, each node determines whether it will be active or in sleeping mode in the next contention period according to the active rate. Finding the optimal IoT nodes in each contention period decreases the probability of collision. The energy consumption due to the contention and delay for MAC contention is reduced owing to the lower number of contentions. Protocol comparison with other DQMAC protocols shows that the proposed QL-based DQMAC protocol achieves higher performance in IoT networks.
Modelling the transmission dynamics of a multi-strain SARS-CoV-2 epidemic with vaccination for an emerging strain
Authors: Kayanja Andrew , Abola Benard , Kikawa Cliff , Oyo Benedict , Ssematimba Amos 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 has severely impacted the health, economic and social status of Ugandans and people globally. Its mutations result into numerous deadly variants which are constantly emerging in short time intervals. The rise of these variants has led to increased virus transmissibility, disease severity and reduction in vaccine effectiveness. To-date, it is unclear which direction the pandemic is likely to take in the next few years.Methods: This study developed a deterministic two strain Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered-Vaccinated (SEIR-V) mathematical model to describe the transmission dynamics of these SARS-CoV-2 variants. The model considers 10 compartments to deal with both strain one and strain two (emerging strain). Basic reproductive number R0 is computed and both local and global stability analysis of the disease free equilibrium investigated qualitatively. The model's bifurcation analysis revealed a forward type.Results: Simulation results indicate a 17.17 % increase in peak infections for strain two dominance as compared to strain one dominance. Further, a 10-fold increase in vaccination rate would lead to 16.98 % reduction in strain two peak infections. Furthermore, periodically administering booster doses within 18-24 months is recommended. Compulsory face mask usage and early hospitalization/isolation of symptomatic individuals would lead to 14.2 % and 16.98 % decrease in symptomatic infections respectively.Conclusions: Our results suggest that continuous vaccination (at a higher rate) of populations is still vital in the fight against COVID-19. Besides, results on face mask usage and hospitalization of symptomatic individuals provides valuable information that can be used to support emergency preparedness for future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
Non-invasive prenatal test findings in 41,819 pregnant women: Results from a clinical laboratory in southern China
Authors: Li Fenxia , Liu Siping , Chang Qingxian , Yang Fang , Xu Yushuang , Jia Bei , Wu Ruifeng , Li Liyan , Yin Ailan , Chen Weishan , Huang Fodi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: This paper evaluated the clinical utility of massively parallel sequencing-based non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for detecting trisomy 21 (T21), T18, T13, sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA), and rare chromosome aneuploides (RCA) among the data collected by a clinical laboratory in southern China.Methods: In a 3-year period between 1January 2017 and 31 December 2019, over 40,000 pregnant women underwent NIPT clinical screening tests for fetal T21, T18, T13, SCA, and RCA in our laboratory. NIPT samples were processed using the NextSeq CN500 platform. The results were confirmed by karyotype, and chromosomal microarray analysis or CNV sequencing. Details of the pregnancy outcomes were collected via telephone interviews. Results: NIPT result were available for 41,819 cases; 691positive cases were reported. The overall sensitivity for detection of T21, T18, T13, SCA, and RCA was 99.21%, 100.00%, 100.00%, 98.55%, and 100.00%, and the specificity was 99.95%, 99.94%, 99.98%, 99.69%, and 99.92% respectively. The positive predictive value (PPVs) for detection of T21, T18, T13, SCA, and RCA were 85.62%, 45.24%, 40.00%, 34.17%, and 13.51%, respectively, and those for detection of 45,X, 47,XXY, 47,XXX, 47,XYY, and 46,XY(delX) 20.00%, 59.18%, 28.95%, 61.54%, and 25.00%, respectively. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, 92.38% of the pregnancies with confirmed aneuploidies were terminated, and 91.20% of those identified as having a false-positive result were carried to term. Among 252 unconfirmed cases, 24.60% of the pregnancies were terminated and 38.10% carried to term, while 37.30% unfollow-up.Conclusions: NIPT is widely used to screen fetal aneuploidies based on its high sensitivity and specificity. However, in this study, the PPVs of NIPT in terms of detecting T18, T13, XO, XXX and RCA were <50%. However more than one-third of NIPT-positive women did not accept the prenatal diagnosis. Confirmatory diagnosis is strongly recommended for women with positive NIPT outcomes before any further decision is made.