bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes on pasture in the tropical semiarid region of Brazil, using Bioverm® (Duddingtonia flagrans)
Authors: Rodrigues Jossiara Abrante , Roque Francisco Leonardo , Lima Brendo Andrade , Filho Geraldo Moreira Silva , Oliveira Clarisse Silva Menezes , Sousa Luana Carneiro , Silva Ana Luzia Peixoto , Lima Estefany Ferreira , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Braga Fábio Ribeiro , Araújo Jackson Victor , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We aimed to evaluate a Brazilian commercial formulation of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (Bioverm®) for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep kept on native pasture in the Caatinga biome, in the semiarid region of Brazil. Twenty ewes, aged between 12 and 18 months, were divided into two groups. In the treated group, each animal received 1 g of the Bioverm® product for each 10 kg of live weight, daily, together with commercial feed, for six months. In the control group, the animals received feed without Bioverm®. Each group remained throughout the experiment in a 1.2 ha paddock. Monthly counts of eggs per gram of feces (EPG), fecal cultures, packed cell volume (PCV), weight measurements and collection of leaf mass from the pasture were performed. There was greater reduction in EPG, greater weight gain and less infestation by infective larvae in the paddock of the Bioverm® group, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) in the mean PCV percentage between the Bioverm® and control groups. In coprocultures, Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent helminth. Bioverm® (D. flagrans) was efficient for biological control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes in the semiarid region of Brazil.
Human Milk Feeding Is Associated With Slower Growth and Different Body Proportionality at Discharge in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Garcia Sandra Salas , Renau Montserrat Izquierdo , Vázquez Debora Cañizo , Iglesias-Platas Isabel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Benefits of human milk (HM) are well established in premature infants but might associate slower somatic growth during admission. Body ratios could be used as a proxy for body composition.
Methods
This single center, observational, retrospective cohort study compares the effect of predominant HM (group 1, ≥ 75% of HM, n = 151) or not (group 2, < 75%, n = 50) during the first 28 days of life on growth and body ratios at discharge in very preterm infants (VPI).
Results
Weight z-score (-1.63 ± 0.9 vs -0.89 ± 1, p < 0.0001), length z-score (-1.57 ± 1.4 vs -0.95 ± 1.3, p = 0.007) and head circumference (HC) z-score (-0.55 ± 1.3 vs -0.11 ± 1.0, p = 0.025) at discharge were lower in group 1. Fall in z-score in weight from birth to discharge (-1.84 ± 0.8 vs -1.03 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001) and prevalence of postnatal growth failure (PGF) at 36 weeks PMA (73.6% vs 25.6%, p = < 0.0001) were also higher in group 1. Weight/length ratio at discharge was lower in group 1 (4.94 ± 0.6 vs 5.17 ± 0.5, p = 0.022) and the relation of HC z-score compared to weight z-score at discharge was higher in group 1 (1.16 ± 1.0 vs 0.78 ± 0.9, p 0.022).
Conclusions
VPI fed predominantly HM showed slower growth during admission, when compared to those that received a greater amount of formula and had lower markers of adiposity at discharge. Head-to-body proportionality was asymmetric and cephalic growth seemed to be particularly preserved.
MHCII contributes to bone cancer pain via activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia of the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Gong Zhihao , Tian Mi , Zhang Yuxin , Wu Jingxiang , You Xingji 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
As one of the causes of bone cancer pain (BCP), central hyperalgesia has more and more supporting evidence recently. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is implicated in emotional disorders associated with BCP. Major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) is a key component in regulating anti-inflammatory response and antigen presentation. This study aims to investigate whether MHCII of the mPFC participates in the BCP. The rat model of BCP was established by injecting Walker 256 cells into the tibia. BCP-induced decreased pain threshold, increased the expression of MHCII and the downstream protein CTSS, CD74 and upstream protein CIITA in mPFC, and the upregulation of MHCII was mainly observed in the mPFC microglia. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of MHCII in mPFC by intraperitoneal injecting minocycline provides relief from BCP. Importantly, the upregulation of MHCII is accompanied by significant NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α) released in the mPFC of BCP rats. Taken together, our data suggest that MHCII participates in BCP by activating NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia of the mPFC.
Comparing family health before and after a family-focused nutrition program during the pandemic
Authors: Mahoney Margaret Rose , Sommer Evan , Popescu Filoteia , Adams Laura E , Barkin Shari 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected child health behaviors (e.g., diet and exercise), leading to worse physical health. Studies demonstrate the importance of good family health in improved child health outcomes. This secondary cohort analysis tested the hypothesis that family health, parent and child nutrition, and food insecurity would improve from baseline to 12-week follow-up after participation in a novel home-based family nutrition program.
Methods
Diverse parent-child dyads participated in a randomized controlled trial where all families received a home-based Teaching Kitchen Outreach (TKO) program (11 weekly healthy, low-cost recipes, cooking videos, and associated groceries delivered), and half were randomly assigned to also receive virtual coaching. The primary outcome was the Family Healthy Lifestyle Subscale (FHLS). Secondary outcomes were parent and child nutrition, and food insecurity. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests, and a McNemar’s chi-squared test compared pre-post outcomes, and a multilevel mixed-effects tobit regression model assessed pre-post FHLS, after adjusting for baseline covariates.
Results
Of 123 enrolled dyads, 114 (93%) had sufficient data for analysis. Participants were 11% Hispanic, 54% Black, and 28% White; 31% completed high school or less; and 30% indicated food insecurity. Cohort mean pre-post FHLS scores significantly increased (25.5 vs. 27.3; p < 0.001), and there were significant improvements in parent nutrition (p < 0.001) and child nutrition (p = 0.02 to < 0.001). After adjusting for baseline covariates, the tobit regression model found statistically significant pre-post FHLS differences (2.3; 95% CI=[1.4, 3.3]; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Participants in the novel home-based TKO program reported improved family health over 12 weeks.
Farm Management and Economic Factors Associated with Bulk Tank Total Bacterial Count in Holstein Dairy Herds in Iran
Authors: Soleimani-Rahimabad Fatemeh , Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi Ali , Pakdel Abbas , Rahbar Rabea , Bewley Jeffry 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The objectives of this research were (1) to study different factors affecting milk total bacterial count (TBC) and (2) to estimate economic values associated with TBC in Holstein dairy herds in Iran. The relationships between bulk tank TBC and farm management and economic factors were examined on 56 randomly selected intensive dairy farms. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC were determined using mixed linear models. The average natural logarithm of bulk tank TBC was the dependent variable. Also, a quadratic equation was developed for economic analyses (penalties and bonuses) associated with TBC. The median bulk tank TBC for the sample herds was 298,930 cfu/mL ranging from 80,880 to 1,185,350 cfu/mL. The average economic premium opportunity from bulk tank TBC was US$ 1.32 per ton of milk ranging from US$ 0.02 per ton of milk for herds applying wet tissue as teat cleaning material and washing the water troughs three times per day to US$ 5.20 per ton of milk for herds with dirty barns. Results showed that the following management factors were associated with low TBC and high economic bonus: herd size, bedding material, presence of vet, milk delivery to the processor multiple times per day, water quality control, frequency of cleaning water troughs, barn hygiene, udder washing material, teat cleaning material, having a hospital pen, frequency of calving area disinfection, education level of workers and material of milking parlor wall. In conclusion, our findings highlight the need to pay more attention to farm management and economic factors to reduce milk TBC in Iran.
Biochars prepared from biogas residues: Temperature is a crucial factor that determines their physicochemical properties
Authors: Cong Ping , Song Shuhui , Song Wenjing , Dong Jianxin , Yang Jinguang , Zheng Xuebo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The quantity of biogas residues is continually increasing and causing a great threat to the environmental protection and sustainable development of bio-natural gas engineering. This study concentrated on evaluating the feasibility of biochar production using various biogas residues. The feedstock of the anaerobic digestion was sewage sludge (SR), spent mushroom compost (MR), wheat straw (STR) and distillers’ grains (DL). Biogas residue collected from the above biogas plants was applied to prepare biochars at different temperatures (300°C, 500°C and 700°C). The results showed that the biochar yield ranged from 45.13–66.42% at 300°C, 34.13–51.50% at 500°C, and 30.33–47.06% at 700°C. The C content in STR- and DL-biochar increased under higher temperatures; this was due to the loss of –OH functional surface groups as a result of dehydration and the decomposition of nitrogen-functional groups. With increasing temperature, the P and K contents, pH, specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume increased. The functional groups of the STR-biochar decreased significantly, and the aromatic compounds were decomposed. The biochar (except SR-biochar) structures were more stable under high temperature. The morphological structure of DL-biochar at 700°C was the most stable. The SSA at 700°C increased 11.98- to 33.43-fold compared with that at 300°C. The total pore volume at 700°C increased 2.22 to 10.25 times that at 300°C. Overall, based on the principal component analysis, the biochar derived from wheat straw biogas residue exhibited the best performance regarding its physicochemical properties.
Knowledge of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and place of delivery among urban women in South-West Nigeria.
Authors: Olufadewa Isaac , Adesina Miracle , Oladele Ruth , Ayorinde Toluwase 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Knowledge of HIV and other STIs and their complications and attitude toward sexual health are important in planning preventive and treatment strategies. Although STIs pose serious risks to health security especially to women, there is a dearth of literature quantifying the knowledge of HIV and STIs among women in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of HIV and other STIs and its association with the choice of place of delivery among urban women in south west Nigeria.Methodology: National Demographic Survey (DHS) use largely standardized questionnaires and methodologies and cover a range of topics. The surveys are nationally representative and include men and women aged 15–49 years old and children under the age of 5 years residing in non-institutional settings. The 2018 NDHS survey data for women only was used for this study. The outcome variable was knowledge of HIV and other sexually transmitted infection while the explanatory variable was location of most recent childbirth. Following descriptive analysis was conducted using proportions and frequency. Chi-square (χ2) test and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted to establish association between variables. Data were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.Result: Four thousand six hundred and four (4604) women were surveyed, 33.1% were between 30 – 39 years of age with a mean age of 34.4±9.4, 50.9% had secondary education, 58.6% were married, 43.8% had 1 – 3 children, 47.8% and 48.2% had their first and second delivery at a public health facility. Some (21.9%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases while 78.1% had good knowledge. Age, level of education, marital status, and partners level of education were significantly associated with knowledge of HIV and other STIs. Women between 30-39 years of age and had secondary school education were 1.7 times and 2.6 time more likely to have knowledge of HIV and other STIs respectively (OR=1.737; p<0.001; CI=1.402 - 2.153; OR=2.604; p<0.001; CI=1.934 - 3.507). Statistically significant association between knowledge of HIV and place of birth. Women who delivered their first child in public healthcare facilities were 1.7 times more likely to have good knowledge of HIV and STIs (OR=1.674; p<0.001; CI=1.233 - 2.275). Conclusion: Women education is an important factor for knowledge of HIV and other STIs which is also associated with choice of place of delivery. To bridge the gap in the knowledge of HIV among urban women, it is essential to implement more educational programmes specifically targeted at less educated women in urban regions of Nigeria to increase the knowledge on HIV and other STIs.
Controlled release of vitamin D 3 using a nanocellulose-based membrane
Authors: Colturato Pedro L. , Goveia Danielle 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Epidemiological studies show that a significant fraction of the global population presents low levels of vitamin D3. In order to address this problem, one way to administer the vitamin is to incorporate it in novel drug delivery systems, such as transdermal devices. A possible substance for this purpose is cellulose, which has a long history of use in the health area. However, the application of nanostructured cellulose membranes, as local drug delivery systems, remains a challenge.Objective: To develop a crystalline nanocellulose membrane as a new tool for the release of vitamin D3.Methods: A new nanostructured membrane containing nanocellulose extracted from cotton linter and vitamin D3 was produced using the “casting” technique. The membrane was characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The kinetics of vitamin release was quantified using molecular spectroscopy (UV-Vis).Results: The FT-IR spectra showed the presence of all the active components in the membrane sample, without structural alterations or the formation of new bonds. The FEG-SEM images showed the presence of vitamin crystals on the surface and in the interior of the membrane. The release of vitamin D3 occurred in a sustained manner, obtaining 3,029 IU mL-1 of vitamin D3 in 60 min.Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that the membrane could be used for the sustained release of vitamin D3. This new biomaterial has potential as a new model for vitamin supplementation in individuals with vitamin D3 deficiency.
Metal mixtures with longitudinal changes in lipid profiles: findings from the Manganese-exposed Workers Healthy Cohort
Authors: Ge Xiaoting , Ye Guohong , He Junxiu , Bao Yu , Zheng Yuan , Cheng Hong , Feng Xiuming , Yang Wenjun , Wang Fei , Zou Yunfeng , Yang Xiao Bo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The majority of epidemiological investigations on metal exposures and lipid metabolism employed cross-sectional designs and focused on individual metal. We explored the associations between metal mixture exposures and longitudinal changes in lipid profiles and potential sexual heterogeneity. We recruited 250 men and 73 women, aged 40 years at baseline (2012), and followed them up in 2020, from the manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort. We detected metal concentrations of blood cells at baseline with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Lipid profiles were repeatedly measured over 8 years of follow-up. We performed sparse partial least squares (sPLS) model to evaluate multi-pollutant associations. Bayesian kernel machine regression was utilized for metal mixtures as well as evaluating their joint impacts on lipid changes. In sPLS models, positive association was found between manganese and change in total cholesterol (TC) (beta = 0.169), while negative association was observed between cobalt (beta = -0.134) and change in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (beta = -0.178) among overall participants, which were consistent in men. Furthermore, manganese was associated with increased risks of incident hyper-cholesterolemia or hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (odds ratio: 1.849 or 2.354). Interestingly, rubidium was positively associated with change in LDL-C (beta = 0.273) in women, while copper was negatively associated with change in TC (beta = -0.359) and LDL-C (beta = -0.267). Magnesium was negatively associated with change in TC (beta = -0.327). We did not observe the significantly cumulative effect of metal mixtures with lipid changes. In comparison to other metals, manganese had a more significant influence in lipid changes (posterior inclusion probability = 0.559 for TC in men). Furthermore, male rats exposed to manganese (20mg/kg) had higher level of LDL-C in plasma and more apparent inflammatory infiltration, vacuolation of liver cells, nuclear pyknosis, fatty change than the controls. These findings highlight the potential role of metal mixtures in lipid metabolism with sex-dependent heterogeneity. More researches are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Reduced neural activity during volatile anesthesia compared to TIVA: evidence from a novel EEG signal processing analysis
Authors: Bickel Amitai , Maimon Neta B. , Molcho Lior , Intrator Nathan , Ivry Shimon , Gavrilov Alexey 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Post-operative cognitive dysfunction/decline is a well-known phenomenon and of crucial importance, especially in the elderly, emphasizing the significance of selecting the proper anesthetics. General anesthesia can be accomplished by inhalation-based (volatile) or total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). While their effects on post-operative symptoms have been investigated, little is known about their influence on brain functionalities during the surgery itself.
Objective
To assess differences in brain activity between volatile and TIVA anesthetics during surgery.
Methods
Seventeen patients who were electively scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, gave written informed consent to participate in the study and were randomly divided to receive either volatile anesthesia (n = 9), or TIVA (n = 8). The level of anesthesia was kept equal in both groups. A single bipolar EEG electrode (Aurora by Neurosteer®) was placed on each participant’s forehead. The electrode presented real-time activity and collected participants’ data during the surgery. The dependent variables included frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta), and three features (VC9, ST4, and A0) previously extracted with the Aurora device and provided by Neurosteer®.
Results
All surgeries were uneventful, and all patients showed bispectral index (BIS) scores less than 60. Feature activity under volatile anesthesia (in comparison to TIVA) was significantly lower for the delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands and for the three features (VC9, ST4, and A0). Further analysis showed that the largest difference between anesthesia types was for feature A0.
Conclusions
Both EEG frequency bands and novel brain activity features provide evidence that volatile anesthesia further reduces components of brain activity in comparison to TIVA anesthesia. Specifically, A0, which previously showed a correlation with cognitive decline severity and cognitive load, exhibited the most prominent difference between anesthesia types. Together, this study suggests that measuring brain activity during anesthesia using sensitive features can reveal that different anesthesia types may affect brain activity differently, which could affect a patient’s recovery from anesthesia, and consequently reduce post-operative cognitive decline.
Characteristics of polypropylene biocomposites: effect of chemical treatment to produce cellulose microfiber
Authors: Moon Jaegwan , Lee Jong Hoon , Gwak Kiseob , Im Wanhee 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this study, cellulose microfibers were prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis, glyoxal crosslinking and acetylation followed by air classifying mill, and their properties including chemical structure, particle size, appearance and crystallinity were investigated. The effect of cellulose microfibers properties on characteristics of polypropylene (PP) biocomposite, such as physical, thermal and mechanical properties, was also examined. The glyoxal crosslinking enhanced the brittleness of pulp fiber, resulting in smallest particle size of microfiber and thus less entanglement in the polymer matrix. When cellulose microfibers were incorporated into PP, the crystallinity of biocomposite decreased, irrespective of microfiber type due to interference crystallization during crystal growth. Additionally, glyoxal crosslinked cellulose microfiber decreased the crystallization temperature of biocomposite, which is different from the other types of cellulose microfiber. The good dispersibility and brittleness of glyoxal crosslinked microfiber contributed to enhanced mechanical properties of biocomposite compared to the other microfiber added biocomposites.
Surveillance and Dietary Risk Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides in Brinjal and Cauliflowers
Authors: Talat Farwa , Aslam Hina , Ahad Karam , Rafique Nazia 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Several pesticides (used in vegetable production) have recently been identified as potential Endocrine Disruptors. The current study aimed to determine the consumer exposure risk associated with eating contaminated vegetables. The European Union-citrate buffered QuEChERS extraction protocol, validated in accordance with the European Union guidelines, was used to monitor selected endocrine disrupting pesticides and their metabolites in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) marketed in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 88 and 69 percent of brinjal (n= 25) and cauliflower samples (n=26) were found contaminated among which 20 and 65 percent were exceeding the European Union maximum residue limits respectively. Both vegetables contained high levels of the androgen antagonist chlorpyrifos and the thyroid hormone inhibitor lambda-cyhalothrin. The acute health risk associated with dietary exposure to chlorpyrifos in brinjal and cauliflower was 1.88 and 22, respectively. The cumulative health index in cauliflower was found to be greater than one for both males and females (cumulative health index > 1). Thus, chlorpyrifos residues in brinjal and cauliflower pose both acute and chronic human health risks, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin residues in cauliflower samples only pose such an implication.