bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chiasmal herniation following treatment of pituitary macroadenoma
Authors: Tabak Marjolein , Pelsma Iris C. M. , Kruit Mark C. , van Furth Wouter R. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Notting Irene C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate whether the occurrence of chiasmal herniation coincides with visual field (VF) deterioration and to compare the course of VF defects in patients with and without radiological chiasmal herniation following treatment of pituitary adenoma.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 48 pituitary macroadenoma patients with chiasm compression, divided into three groups: Group 1 (N = 12), downward displaced optic chiasm and deteriorated VFs; Group 2 (N = 16), downward displaced optic chiasm; Group 3 (N = 20), control-group matched for tumour size and follow-up VFs, in mean deviation (dB). VFs were compared over time and a severity index, Chiasm Herniation Scale (CHS), for herniation based on radiological parameters was designed.

Results
After treatment, all groups showed improvement of VFs (Gr1: 2.97 dB p = 0.097, Gr2: 4.52 dB p = 0.001 and Gr3: 5.16 dB p = 0.000), followed by long-term gradual deterioration. The course of VFs between patients with and without herniation was not significantly different (p = 0.143), neither was there a difference in the course before and after herniation (p = 0.297). The median time till onset of herniation was 40 months (IQR 6 month-10 years) and did not significantly differ (p = 0.172) between the groups. There was no relation between VFs and the degree of herniation (p = 0.729).

Conclusion
Herniation does not appear to have clinical relevance with respect to VF outcome. The newly designed CHS is the first scoring system to quantify the severity of herniation and, in the absence of alternatives, may be useful to describe MRI findings to serve future added value in larger sized outcome studies.
Identification of a Material–Lubricant Pairing and Operating Conditions That Lead to the Failure of Porous Journal Bearing Systems
Authors: Boidi Guido , Krenn Stefan , Eder Stefan J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, we perform accelerated wear tests with porous journal bearings (PJBs) on a lab test rig, providing statistically reliable results under realistic operational conditions. To this end, a custom-made tribometer consisting of 5 mechanically independent but centrally controlled units was used to test five identical bearings in parallel. The test parameters were tuned to promote enough wear under mixed lubrication by increasing the clearance gap and the radial load, while minimizing the bidirectional rotational speed. A wide range of lubricant and material combinations were evaluated, the vast majority of which performed excellently (i.e., negligible wear and low friction). Only one notable combination of a low-density iron bearing paired with a standard PAO-based lubricant failed when operating at low rotational speeds, exhibiting highly unstable frictional behavior and 10–20 times the typical wear in practical applications. An analysis of Stribeck curves, recorded periodically during the wear tests as a diagnostic tool, proved that this particular combination of materials and parameters failed to run in properly, with deteriorating tribological behavior over time. A direct relation between the total wear and the maximum temperature in the tribocontact during testing helped identify this pairing as the only one operating solely under mixed lubrication (high asperity contact), explaining the excessive wear.
Graphical Abstract
Fouling Analysis and the Recovery of Phytosterols from Orange Juice Using Regenerated Cellulose Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Abd-Razak Nurul Hainiza , Zairossani M. N. , Chew Y. M. John , Bird Michael R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study describes the use of regenerated cellulose (RCA) membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) values of 10, 30, and 100 kDa, respectively, to separate phytosterols from orange juice for possible nutraceutical production. A desirable membrane separation rejects protein whilst transmitting phytosterols and other low molecular mass compounds such as sugars. The ultrafiltration was performed in a cross-flow membrane system with a total filtration area of 336 cm2. Total phytosterol analysis was carried out by using a Liebermann-Buchard-based method. Protein concentration was quantified by the Bradford method. The effects of three different membranes upon the rejection of total phytosterol content, proteins, sugar, and antioxidant activity were studied. Of the membranes tested, the 10-kDa membrane displayed the highest concentration of phytosterols in the permeate. The 30-kDa and 100-kDa membranes gave comparatively higher phytosterol rejection. The membrane surface roughness and corresponding pure water flux values varied as a function of MWCO such that RCA30 > RCA100 > RCA10. Membranes with rougher surfaces displayed higher fouling than those with smoother surfaces. Hydrophobicity and surface roughness both influenced filtration performance, by controlling the development of the protein-based foulant which modified membrane selectivity.
Neurobiochemical Cross-talk Between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Azizur , Islam Kamrul , Rahman Saidur , Alamin Md 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCOVID-19, the global threat to humanity, shares etiological cofactors with multiple diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the common links between COVID-19 and AD would harness strategizing therapeutic approaches against both. Considering the urgency of formulating COVID-19 medication, its AD association and manifestations have been reviewed here, putting emphasis on memory and learning disruption. COVID-19 and AD share common links with respect to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4), galectin-9 (GAL-9 or Gal-9), and APOE4 allele. Common etiological factors and common manifestations described in this review would aid in developing therapeutic strategies for both COVID-19 and AD and thus impact on eradicating the ongoing global threat. Thus, people suffering from COVID-19 or who have come round of it as well as people at risk of developing AD or already suffering from AD, would be benefitted.
A Pragmatic Turn in the Study of Early Executive Functions by Object Use and Gestures. A Case Study from 8 to 17 Months of Age at a Nursery School
Authors: Rodríguez Cintia , Moreno-Llanos Iván 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe two first years of life are critical in the development of Executive Functions (EF). However, very little is known about their early manifestations, how they develop, how they relate to other psychological constructions or the status of other people’s influence in this early development. The study of EFs has been carried out through standardised tasks, but some authors question their ecological validity and suggest an approach involving everyday situations and the challenges that children set for themselves. In this article we first review these issues in relation to the first manifestations of EFs. We secondly present a longitudinal case study at nursery school of a child between the ages of 8 and 17 months, considering the challenges and the means he employed in order to resolve them. We found that, from 8 months of age, the child gave himself challenges in relation to the functional uses of objects and instruments. He regulated his own behavior both through object and instrument uses and private gestures. He also involved the teacher at 17 months. This finding suggests that (1) the material world is particularly important in these early manifestations of EF, (2) teachers’ interventions are essential. Implications of the findings for early years education are discussed.
The Case for a Critical Zone Science Approach to Research on Estuarine and Coastal Wetlands in the Anthropocene
Authors: Liu Min , Hou Lijun , Yang Yi , Zhou Limin , Meadows Michael E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAs the focus of land-sea interactions, estuarine and coastal ecosystems perform numerous vital ecological service functions, although they are highly vulnerable to various kinds of disturbance, both directly and indirectly related to human activity, that have attracted much recent attention. Critical zone science (CZS) has emerged as a valuable conceptual framework that focuses on quantitative interactions between diverse components of the environment and is able to integrate anthropogenic disturbance with a view to predicting future trajectories of change. However, coastal and estuarine environments appear to have been overlooked in CZS and are notably under-represented, indeed not explicitly represented at all, in the global network of critical zone observatories (CZOs). Even in the wider network of environmental observatories globally, estuarine and coastal wetland ecosystems are only very rarely an explicit focus. Further strengthening of integrated research in coastal and estuarine environments is required, more especially given the threats these ecosystems face due to growing population at the coast and against the background of climate change and sea level rise. The establishment of one or more CZOs, or their functional equivalents, with a strong focus on estuarine and coastal wetlands, should be urgently attended to.
Anti-snake venom and methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata: a multipronged strategy to neutralize Naja naja venom acetylcholinesterase and hyaluronidase
Authors: Nayak Akshatha Ganesh , Kumar Nitesh , Shenoy Smita , Roche Maya 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe study investigates the ability of methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata (MAP) to supplement polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) in inhibiting neurotoxic enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and ‘spreading factor’ hyaluronidase from Naja naja (N.N) venom. AChE and hyaluronidase activity were measured in 100 or 200 µg of crude venom, respectively, and designated as ‘control’. In Test Group I, enzyme assays were performed immediately after the addition of ASV/MAP/ASV + MAP to the venom. Inhibition of AChE by ASV (100–367 µg) was 12–17%, and of hyaluronidase (22–660 µg) was 33–41%. Under the same conditions, MAP (100–400 µg) inhibited AChE and hyaluronidase to the extent of 17–33% and 17–52%, respectively. When ASV (220 µg) and MAP (100–200 µg) were added together, AChE and hyaluronidase were inhibited to a greater extent from 39–63 to 36–44%, than when either of them was used alone. In Test Group 2, the venom was incubated with ASV/MAP/ASV + MAP for 10–30 min at 37 °C prior to the assay which enhanced AChE inhibition by 6%, 82% and 18% respectively, when compared to Test Group I. Though there was no change in inhibition of hyaluronidase in the presence of ASV, MAP could further increase the extent of inhibition by 27% and ASV + MAP upto 4%. In Test Group III, venom and substrate were incubated for 90 min and hyaluronidase activity was measured after the addition of inhibitors. Here, ASV + MAP caused increased inhibition by 69% compared to ASV alone. The study confirms the ability of phytochemicals in MAP to contribute to a multipronged strategy by supplementing, thereby augmenting the efficacy of ASV.
Large potassium shifts during dialysis enhance cardiac repolarization instability
Authors: Schüttler Dominik , Schönermarck Ulf , Wenner Felix , Toepfer Marcell , Rizas Konstantinos D. , Bauer Axel , Brunner Stefan , Hamm Wolfgang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with end-stage kidney disease are at high risk for the development of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This has been especially attributed to large potassium shifts during hemodialysis (HD), and malignant arrhythmias are closely linked to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of methods for risk stratification in these patients.

Methods
In the present pilot study we investigated changes of the novel ECG-based biomarker periodic repolarization dynamics (PRD) mirroring the effect of efferent sympathetic nervous activity on the ventricular myocardium in 18 patients undergoing routine hemodialysis. High-resolution ECGs were recorded throughout the dialysis and PRD values were calculated out of 30 min intervals at the start and the end of dialysis.

Results
We detected a clear correlation between the intradialytic potassium shift and the increase in PRD levels (Spearman correlation coefficient R = 0.62, p = 0.006). Patients with a potassium shift > 1 mmol/l showed significantly increased levels of PRD at the end of dialysis when compared to patients with potassium shifts ≤ 1.0 mmol/l [delta PRD 2.82 (IQR 2.13) vs. − 2.08 (IQR 3.60), p = 0.006]. Spearman analysis showed no significant correlation between PRD changes and fluid removal (R = − 0.23, p = 0.36).

Conclusions
We provide evidence that large potassium shifts during HD enhance sympathetic activity-associated repolarization instability. This could facilitate the occurrence of malignant arrhythmias, and PRD measurements might serve as a non-invasive monitoring tool in HD patients in future.
The Sense of Self-Dignity of People with Mobility Disabilities in Poland—a Survey Report
Authors: Grudziewska Ewa , Mikołajczyk Marta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article deals with the issue of the dignity and sense of personal dignity of people with disabilities in Poland. According to Statistics Poland, there are over 4.5 million people with disabilities. Although their situation is the subject of analysis conducted by representatives of various scientific disciplines, as well as of social welfare workers, education professionals, health care service workers, and legislators, there are relatively few studies on their understanding and experience of dignity. The presented text includes results of research carried out with a group of 98 people with disabilities. The diagnostic survey method was applied by using a questionnaire. The research tool was the Sense of Self-Dignity Questionnaire (KPWG-3) created by Stanisława Steuden and Paweł Brudek. The obtained empirical material indicates that the surveyed women with disabilities have a higher sense of self-dignity in comparison with the men with disabilities in the scope of the dimension of the disability loss and the total result. However, the studied men with disabilities have a superior self-dignity in the relation (p< 0.001) and experience (p< 0.05) dimensions. Moreover, when taking into account the time of occurrence of the disability, that is to say “congenital disability” vs “acquired disability”, there were no statistically significant differences. In addition, the employment activity of the surveyed people with disabilities did not significantly differentiate the statistical result of the sense of self-dignity. However, there were dignificant differences based on level of education in the cognitive (p< 0.05) and experience (p< 0.001) dimensions, and in the general result (p< 0.05).
Successful Transvaginal Microwave Ablation of a Heterotopic Cervical Pregnancy. A Case Report
Authors: Schivardi Gabriella , Angileri Salvatore Alessio , Esposito Giampiero , Di Meglio Letizia , Brusati Valentina , Ierardi Anna Maria , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Marconi Anna Maria 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHeterotopic cervical pregnancy is a rare and potentially dangerous condition where the challenge is the removal of the ectopic pregnancy while preserving the intrauterine one. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 36-year-old woman with heterotopic cervical pregnancy after an IVF cycle for tubal infertility. At 6.5 weeks after a consultation with gynecologists and interventional radiologists, the patient agreed to undergo microwave ablation of the cervical pregnancy. Monthly ultrasound examination showed the persistence of non homogeneous and vascularized tissue in the cervix. Intrauterine pregnancy continued without complications until 37 weeks when a cesarean section was performed for sudden and profuse bleeding, in the presence of uterine contractions. A healthy baby girl was delivered, and the postoperative course was otherwise uncomplicated. Heterotopic cervical pregnancies are rare, and no consolidated and risk-free treatments are available at the moment. Here, we present a case of heterotopic cervical pregnancy treated successfully and without complications with microwave ablation.
Incidence and associated factors of emergence agitation after general anesthesia and surgery among pediatric patients: A prospective follow-up study
Authors: Eshetie Denberu , Getinet Habtamu , Abdissa Zewditu , Mollalign Mamaru 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Emergence agitation is one of the significant anesthetic and surgery-related complications. It is usually short-lived but causes self-injury during agitation and it led to parental anxiety. This study was aimed to assess incidence and factors associated with emergence agitation after general anesthesia and surgery among pediatric patients at University of Gondar specialized hospital.

Methods:
A prospective follow-up study conducted on 153 pediatric patients aged 2–9 years who were operated from first February to April 30, 2019. Emergence agitation was recorded by the pediatrics anesthesia emergence delirium scale. Descriptive statistics performed to determine the incidence. To identify the associated factors multi-variable binary logistic regression was held, and a p-value <0.05 was considered as significant.

Results:
Emergence agitation was experienced on eighty (52.3%) children with a mean and standard deviation of 12 ± 5.9 min of duration. Among agitated children, 8 (10%) of them developed adverse events related to agitation. Difficult parental separation behaviour (AOR = 2.688, 95% CI = 1.131–6.39), children aged 2–5 years (AOR = 2.688, 95% CI = 1.131–6.3925), isoflurane maintenance (AOR = 4.001, 95% CI = 1.733–9.234) and propofol administration after maintenance closure (AOR = 0.145, 95% CI = 0.030–0.695) were significantly associated with agitation.

Conclusion:
Being a preschool child, difficult parental separation and isoflurane maintenance were associated with emergence agitation. But propofol administration after maintenance closure was found to be protective. So, agitation should be assessed and detected in the postoperative period and efforts should apply to prevent emergence agitation.

Highlights:
Male warriors and worried women? Understanding gender and perceptions of security threats
Authors: Stevens Daniel , Bulmer Sarah , Banducci Susan , Vaughan-Williams Nick 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDifferences between women and men in perceptions of security threats are firmly established in public opinion research, with the ‘male warrior’ and the ‘worried woman’ two well-documented stereotypes. Yet, we argue in this article, the differences are not as well understood as such labels, or the search for explanations, imply. One reason for this is the lack of dialogue between public opinion research and feminist security studies. In bringing the two fields into conversation by analysing mixed methods research data gathered in Britain, we suggest that while the extent of the gender gap in opinions of security is overstated, the gaps that do exist are more complex than previously allowed: men and women define ‘security’ in slightly different ways; women tend to identify more security threats than men not necessarily because theyfeelmore threatened but due to a greater capacity to consider security from perspectives beyond their own; women are more confident about the government's ability to deal with security threats in the future but not simply because of greater faith in government than men. This complexity implies a need to revisit assumptions, methods, and analytical approaches in order to develop the field of gender and security further.
Neglect, Marginalization, and Abuse: Hate Crime Legislation and Practice in the Labyrinth of Identity Politics, Minority Protection, and Penal Populism
Authors: Pap Andras L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUsing Hungary as a case study and focusing on legislative policies and the practical application of hate crime legislation, this article shows the various ways legal policy can become misguided in the labyrinth of identity politics, minority protection, and penal populism. The first mistake states can make, the author argues, is not to adopt hate crime legislation. The second error arguably pertains to conceptualizing hate crimes as an identity protection but not a minority-protection mechanism and instrument. The third fallacy the author identifies concerns legislative and practical policies that conceptualize victims based on self-identification and not on the perpetrator’s (or the wider community’s) potential perception and classification. The fourth flaw concerns the abuse of the concept of hate crime when it is applied in interethnic conflicts wherein members of minority communities are perpetrators and the victims are members of the majority communities. The fifth is institutional discrimination through the systematic underpolicing of hate crimes.
DHA from microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) modifies the inflammatory response and gonadal lipid profile in domestic cats
Authors: Scheibel Suellen , de Oliveira Carlos Antônio Lopes , de Alvarenga Boyd Marianne , Pereira Layne Carolina , Rodrigues Darilha Mariana , Barion Mariana Regina Lingiardi , Carbonera Fabiana , Visentainer Jesuí Virgílio , Huppes Rafael Ricardo , Ribeiro Leonir Bueno , Vasconcellos Ricardo Souza 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response, oxidative status and fatty acid deposition in reproductive tissues of cats supplemented with the dried microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) as a DHA source. Thirty-seven cats (males, n 21; females, n 16; 11·5 (sd 0·5) months of age) were divided by sex into five groups. Treatment diets contained algae biomass at 4·0, 8·0, 12·0 or 16·0 g/kg replacing poultry fat (n-6 source). Cats were fed the respective diet for 62 d and neutered on day 58. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (day 1), before neutering (day 58) and 4 d after surgery (day 62) for analysis of inflammation and oxidative markers. Acute-phase protein levels were altered (P < 0·01) in the postoperative period, without any treatment effect (P > 0·05). PGE2 concentrations after surgery were reduced linearly (R2 0·8706; P = 0·002) with microalgal inclusion. Blood platelet count was reduced (P = 0·001) after the surgery regardless treatment, but it was higher in the DHA group compared with control (P < 0·001). The DHA deposition (testicles, R2 0·846; ovaries, R2 0·869) and the n-6:n-3 ratio (testicles, R2 0·859; ovaries, R2 0·955) in gonads had a pattern which fitted a quadratic model. DHA from Schizochytrium spp. modifies PGE2 response after the surgery in cats. The physiological roles of the DHA in the reproduction of cats were not investigated, but its gonadal deposition after supplementation was observed.