bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gemini surfactant assisted synthesis of mesoporous Mn/Mg bimetal doped TiO2 nanomaterial:&nbsp;Characterization and photocatalytic activity studies under visible light irradiation
Authors: Miditana Sankara Rao , Tirukkovalluri Siva Rao , Raju Imandi Manga , Alim Shaik Abdul , Jaishree Genji , Chippada M.L.V. Prasanna 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The present work mainly aimed to synthesize different weight percentages (0.25-1.00 wt%) of Manganese (Mn2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) bimetal ions doped TiO2 nanomaterial assisted with different weight percentages (5-15 wt%) of Gemini Surfactant (GS) using sol-gel method. The bimetal doped and undoped TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Visible Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analyzer, and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy. Characterization results revealed that mesoporous multi-particle anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with a narrowed band gap, small particle size, and high surface area were formed due to the combined effect of Mn2+/Mg2+ bimetal ions doping and effective encapsulation of GS over the initially formed TiO2 nanoparticles. The surface elemental composition of the 0.25 wt% Mn2+& 1.00 wt% Mg2+ bimetal doped TiO2 in presence of 10 wt% of Gemini surfactant (after calcination) revealed the presence of both the metal dopants Mn2+ and Mg2+ along with the Ti and O and their chemical interactions were further confirmed by FT-IR results. The photocatalytic activity of these catalysts was assessed by the degradation of Methyl Red (MR) using visible light irradiation. To understand the effect of different reaction parameters on the photocatalytic activity of the nanocatalysts such as the dopant concentration, GS concentration, catalyst dosage, solution pH, and initial dye concentrations were investigated and optimized to achieve the best performance. The photoluminescence results conclude that OH radicals are the crucial reactive species responsible for oxidative photocatalytic degradation of MR.
Factors affecting the technical efficiency of rural primary health care centers in Hamadan, Iran: data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression
Authors: Mohammadpour Saeed , Javan-Noughabi Javad , Najar Ali Vafaee , Zangeneh Moharram , Yousefi Shaghayegh , Nouhi Mojtaba , jahangiri reza 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Health houses are the most important providers of primary health care to the rural communities of Iran, mainly based on Behvarz workers. The aim of present study was estimate the technical efficiency of Health houses and ascertain factors that affect this efficiency.Methods: This is a Longitudinal study of rural primary health care centers in Hamadan province (2002-2016). Data Envelopment Analysis was employed to estimate technical efficiency of sampled health facilities while Panel Tobit Analysis was applied to predict factors associated with efficiency levels. The outputs were child mortality rate under one year of age and child mortality rate under five years of age. The input was Behvarzes (rural health workers). Results: The results of efficiency analysis showed that the average efficiency scores of the centers had a fluctuating trend during the period of the study, but the average performance scores generally decreased in 2016, as compared with 2002. The highest and lowest average performance scores were observed in 2003 (0.78) and 2013 (0.56), respectively. Number of physicians and rural primary healthcare centers per population had a positive statistically significant and the number of midwives and the total fertility per population had a negative statistically significant effect on efficiency. Conclusions: The findings suggest some level of wastage of health resources in primary health centers. The policy maker and relevant stakeholders should undertake more effective need analysis, optimizing human resource utilization and reducing fertility in rural areas to promote efficiency.
Effect of PTH and corticotomy on implant movement under mechanical force
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Kim Heon-Young , Kim Won-Ho , Kim Jin-Woo , Kim Minji 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOsseointegrated implants are considered as clinically non-movable. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to play a significant role in the regulation of bone remodeling and in intermittent, low doses, result in osteoanabolic effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PTH and corticotomy, both under traction force, on osseointegrated implants.MethodsFour implants—two in each hemimandible—were placed in each of the three study mongrels. Each mongrels were designated as control, normal dose PTH (PTH-1), and high dose PTH (PTH-2) groups, with each groups further subdivided into non-surgery implant and surgery implant. After osseointegration, mechanical force with NiTi closed coil springs (500g) was applied around each implants. Corticotomy was performed around one of four implants in each mongrels. Parathyroid hormone was administered locally on a weekly basis for 20 weeks. Clinical movement of the implants were evaluated with the superimposed 3D- scanned data, bone- microarchitectural and histologic examinations.ResultsSuperimposition analysis showed continuous movement of the non-surgery implant of PTH-1 group. Movement was further justified with lowest bone implant contact (adjusted BIC; 44.77%) in histomorphometric analysis. Upregulation of bone remodeling around the implant was observed in the normal dose PTH group. In the surgery implants, the remarkably higher adjusted BIC compared to the non-surgery implants indicated increased bone formation around the implant surface. ConclusionThe results indicate that the catabolic and anabolic balance of osseointegrated implants in terms of bone remodeling can be shifted via various interventions including pharmacological, surgical and mechanical force.Clinical RelevanceUpregulated bone remodeling by PTH and corticotomy under continuous mechanical force showed the possible implications for the movement of osseointegrated dental implant.
Cytoplasm Protein GFAP Magnetic Beads Construction and Application as Cell Separation target for Brain Tumors
Authors: Zhao Yang , Jiang Feng , Wang Qinhua , Wang Baocheng , Han Yipeng , Yang Jian , Wang Jiajia , Wang Kai , Ao Junping , Guo Xunxiang , Liang Xiaofei , Ma Jie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is very important to develop a highly efficient cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) detection system with diagnosis and prediction function, for which the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in CSF is a good choice. In contrast to the past use of epithelial EpCAM as CTCs separation target, a cytoplasm protein of GFAP antibody was first selected to construct highly-sensitive immunomagnetic liposomes (IMLs). The validation and efficiency of this system in capturing CTCs for brain tumors were measured both in vitro and in vivo. The associations between the numbers of CTCs in patients with their clinical characteristics were further analyzed. RESULTS: Our data show that CTCs can be successfully isolated from CSF and blood samples from 32 children with brain tumors. The numbers of CTCs in CSF were significantly higher than those in blood. The level of CTCs in CSF was related to the type and location of the tumor rather than its stage. The higher the CTCs number is, the more possibly the patient will suffer from poor prognosis. Genetic testing in GFAP CTC-DNA by sanger sequencing, q-PCR and NGS methods indicated that the isolated CTCs (GFAP+/EGFR+) are the related tumor cell. For example, the high expression of NPR3 gene in CSF CTCs was consistent with that of tumor tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that GFAP-IML CTCs isolation system, combined with an EGFR immunofluorescence assay of antitumor marker, can serve as a brand-new method for the identification of CTCs for brain tumors. Via lumbar puncture, a minimally invasive procedure, this technique may play a significant role in the clinical diagnosis and drug evaluation of brain tumors.
A prospective study of the muscle strength and reaction time of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscles in patients with plantar fasciitis
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Jung Hae Woon , Jang Woo Young 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Muscle weakness is an important etiological factor in plantar fasciitis (PF), but available data on the role of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the strength and reaction time of the quadriceps, hamstring, and GCM muscles and foot pressure between patients with PF and normal controls. Methods : A total of 21 PF patients and 21 normal controls were enrolled. Muscle strength was measured by the peak torque per body weight (Nmkg −1 × 100). Muscle reaction time was evaluated by the acceleration time (AT, milliseconds). Foot pressure and posture were assessed by pedobarography [valgus/varus index (VV index), %]. Results : The strength of the quadriceps was significantly lower in the affected ankles of the PF group than in the control group ( p = 0.005). The AT of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was significantly increased in the affected ankles of the PF group than in the control group (quadriceps: p = 0.012, hamstring: p = 0.001), while the AT of the GCM muscle was significantly decreased ( p = 0.009) and significantly correlated negatively with quadriceps muscle strength (r= -.598, p = 0.004) and AT (r = -.472, p = 0.031). Forefoot ( p = 0.001) and hindfoot ( p = 0.000) pressure were significantly greater, with the VV index showing hindfoot valgus, in the affected ankles in the PF group compared to the control group ( p = 0.039). Conclusions : This study demonstrated weakness and delayed reaction time of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, with a rapid reaction time of the GCM muscle, in patients with PF. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians and therapists should assess the function of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles when planning the management of PF patients without muscle tightness.
Bidirectional association between serum carcinoembryonic antigen and metabolic syndrome among the Chinese male population: two cohort studies
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Du Zhao-Hui , Ji Jia-Dong , Li Jing-Ru , Bi De-Ming , Tang Fang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Previous studies have shown that serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is independently associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, these studies were mainly cross-sectional analyses, and cause was not clarified. In the present study, two bidirectional cohort studies were conducted to investigate the bidirectional associations between CEA and MetS using a Chinese male sample cohort.Methods: The initial longitudinal cohort included 9,629 Chinese males enrolled from January 2010 to December 2015. Two bidirectional cohorts were conducted in the study: subcohort A (from CEA to MetS, n=6,439) included participants without MetS at baseline to estimate the risk of developing incident MetS; subcohort B (from MetS to CEA, n=8,533) included participants without an elevated CEA level (Hyper-CEA) at baseline to examine the risk of developing incident Hyper-CEA. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.Results: In subcohort A, the incidence densities of MetS among participants with and without Hyper-CEA were 84.56 and 99.28 per 1000 person-years, respectively. No significant effects of Hyper-CEA on incident MetS were observed in subcohort A (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.12; P=0.326). In subcohort B, a higher incidence density of Hyper-CEA was found among participants with Mets (33.42 and 29.13 per 1000 person-years for those with and without MetS, respectively). For nonsmoking participants aged > 65 years, MetS increased the risk of incident Hyper-CEA (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.20; P=0.022).Conclusion: For the direction of CEA on incident MetS, no significant association was observed. For the direction of MetS on incident Hyper-CEA, MetS in nonsmoking elderly men could increase the risk of incident Hyper-CEA, while this association was not found in other stratified participants. The clinical implications of the association between CEA and MetS should be interpreted with caution.
An ultra-low magnetic field thermal demagnetizer for high-precision paleomagnetism
Authors: Qin Huafeng , Zhao Xiang , Liu Shuangchi , Paterson Greig , Jiang Zhaoxia , Cai Shuhui , Li Jinhua , Liu Qingsong , Zhu Rixiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Thermal demagnetization furnaces are widely used paleomagnetic facilities for progressive removal of naturally acquired magnetic remanence or the imparting of well controlled laboratory magnetization. An ideal thermal demagnetizer should maintain “zero” magnetic field in the sample chamber during thermal treatments. However, magnetic field noises, including the residual magnetic fields of the construction material and the induced fields caused by the alternating current (AC) in the heating element are always present, which can contaminate the paleoamgnetic results at the elevated temperatures or especially for the magnetically weak samples. Here, we designed a new structure of heating wire named “straight core solenoid” to develop a new demagnetization furnace with ultra-low magnetic field noise. Simulation and practical measurements show that the heating current magnetic field can be greatly reduced by using the new technology. Thermal demagnetization experiments demonstrate that the new demagnetizer can yield low noise results even for weakly magnetic samples.
Depression and Cardiovascular Risk - Association Among Beck Depression Inventory, PCSK9 Levels and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Macchi Chiara , Favero Chiara , Ceresa Alessandro , Vigna Luisella , Conti Diana Misaela , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Racagni Girogio , Corsini Alberto , Ferri Nicola , Sirtori Cesare Riccardo , Buoli Massimiliano , Bollati Valentina , Ruscica Massimiliano 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the most common causes of disability in high-income countries, depression being associated with a 30% increased risk of future CV events. Depression is twice as common in people with diabetes and is associated with a 60% rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, an independent CVD risk factor. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, has been related to a large number of CV risk factors, including insulin resistance. Aim of this study was to investigate whether in a population of obese subjects, more susceptible to depressive symptoms, the presence of depression could affect PCSK9 levels and how these changes may mediate a pre-diabetic risk. Results. In 389 obese individuals, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was significantly associated with PCSK9 levels. For every one-unit increment in BDI-II score, PCSK9 rose by 1.85 ng/mL. Depression was associated also with the HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment index of insulin resistance), 11% of this effect operating indirectly via PCSK9. Conclusions. This study indicates a possible mechanism linking depression and insulin resistance, a well-known CV risk factor, providing evidence for a significant role of PCSK9.
Combining targeted IASTM applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study
Authors: Mylonas Konstantinos , Angelopoulos Pavlos , Billis Evdokia , Tsepis Elias , Fousekis Konstantinos 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Backround

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of the combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques, and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area on the improvement of the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP).

Methods

Twenty patients with neck pain and FHP were randomized and received eight treatment sessions of either targeted IASTM in combination with neuromuscular exercises (Group A), or classical massage and the same set of exercises (Group B). The cervical vertebral angle, cervical range of motion (ROM) and strength, and pain and disability were measured throughout the treatment period and in the two and four week post-treatment period.

Results

The combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercise (Group A) contributed to a significant improvement in FHP and disability. Both interventions improved cervical ROM and strength in the short term. Pain was also improved for both groups in both short and long term.

Conclusions

Combining IASTM and exercises for the cervical and thoracic area can induce positive postural adaptations and improve the neck pain patient's functional status.

Registration number

ISRCTN54231174
Acute skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunction predict physical disability at hospital discharge in patients with critical illness
Authors: Mayer Kirby P. , Bastin Melissa L. Thompson , Montgomery-Yates Ashley A. , Pastva Amy M. , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E. , Parry Selina M. , Morris Peter E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients surviving critical illness develop muscle weakness and impairments in physical function, however, the relationship between early skeletal muscle dysfunction and physical function at hospital discharge remains unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if changes in muscle size, strength and power assessed in the intensive care unit (ICU) predict physical function at hospital discharge. Methods: Study design is a single-center, prospective, observational study in patients admitted to the medicine or cardiothoracic ICU with diagnosis of sepsis or acute respiratory failure. Rectus femoris (RF) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle ultrasound images were obtained day one of ICU admission, repeated serially and assessed for muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), layer thickness (mT), and echointensity (EI). Muscle strength, as measured by Medical Research Council-sum score, and muscle power (lower-extremity leg-press) were assessed prior to ICU discharge. Physical function was assessed with performance on 5-times sit-to-stand (5STS) at hospital discharge. Results: Forty-one patients with median age of 61 years (IQR 55-68), 56% male, and sequential organ failure assessment score of 8.1 ± 4.8 were enrolled. RF muscle CSA decreased significantly a median percent change of 18.5% from day 1 to 7 (F = 26.6, p = 0.0253). RF EI increased at a mean percent change of 10.5 ± 21% in the first 7 days (F = 3.28, p = 0.081). At hospital discharge 25.7% of patients (9/35) met criteria for ICU-acquired weakness. Change in RF EI in first 7 days of ICU admission and muscle power measured prior to ICU were strong predictors of ICU-AW at hospital discharge(AUC = 0.912). Muscle power at ICU discharge, age and ICU length of stay were predictive of performance on 5STS at hospital discharge. Conclusion: ICU-assessed muscle alterations, specifically RF EI and muscle power are predictors of diagnosis of ICU-AW and physical function assessed by 5x-STS at hospital discharge in patients surviving critical illness.
Heart transplantation of patients with ventricular assist devices: impact of normothermic ex-vivo preservation using organ care system compared with cold storage
Authors: Kaliyev Rymbay , Lesbekov Timur , Bekbossynov Serik , Nurmykhametova Zhuldyz , Bekbossynova Makhabbat , Novikova Svetlana , Medressova Assel , Smagulov Nurlan , Faizov Linar , Samalavicius Robertas , Pya Yuriy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Organ Care System (OCS) minimizes the cold ischemic time and allows for optimization of logistics and meticulous recipient preparation. Impact of normothermic ex-vivo preservation using OCS compared with cold storage (CS) for prolonged heart preservation especially beneficial for high-risk recipients bridged to transplantation with Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS).Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, we performed a retrospective single-center review of prospectively collected data. All patients who underwent heart transplantation with MCS using the OCS Heart (n=25) versus standard cold storage (n=10) were included in this study. Results: During this period, 353 patients were implanted with left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) and 35 (10 %) were bridged to heart transplantation. There was no significant difference in donor and recipient characteristics and risk factors. The Index for Mortality Prediction after Cardiac Transplantation (IMPACT) score was a trend towards higher estimated risk of death at 1y in the OCS group (14.2 vs. 10.8% p= 0.083). Mean total ischemic time during preservation was statistically significantly longer in CS vs OCS group (210 (23) Vs 74.6 (13) min p=0.001). Median ex vivo normothermic heart perfusion time in OCS was 348.4(132; 955) min. There was significant difference in total out of body time between OCS group 423(67) Vs CS group 210(23) min p=0.002). All patients were alive on the 30th days post implant in CS groups and 96% in OCS group (p=0.5).Conclusion: Normothermic ex-vivo preservation of the allograft during transportation with the organ care system might be beneficial for long-time out of body organ preservation in comparison of cold storage especially for recipients on mechanical circulatory support.
Spectrum of Movement Disorders in GNAO1 Encephalopathy: In-Depth Phenotyping and Case-by-Case Analysis
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon , Shim YoungKyu , Ko Young Joon , Park Soojin , Jang Se Song , Lim Byung Chan , Kim Ki Joong , Chae Jong-Hee 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: GNAO1 encephalopathy is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distinct movement presentations and early onset epileptic encephalopathy. Here, we report the in-depth phenotyping of genetically confirmed patients with GNAO1 encephalopathy, focusing on movement presentations.Results: Six patients who participated in Korean Undiagnosed Disease Program were diagnosed to have pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in GNAO1 using whole exome sequencing. All medical records and personal video clips were analyzed with a literature review. Three of the 6 patients were male. Median follow-up duration was 41 months (range, 7–78 months) and age at last examination was 7.4 years (range, 3.3–16.9 years). Initial complaints were hypotonia or developmental delay in 5 and right-hand clumsiness in 1 patient, which were noticed at median age of 3 months (range, 0–75 months). All patients showed global developmental delay and 4 had severely retarded development. Five patients (5/6, 83.3%) had many different movement symptoms with various onset and progression. The symptoms included stereotyped hands movement, non-epileptic myoclonus, dyskinesia, dystonia and choreoathetosis. Whole exome sequencing identified 6 different variants in GNAO1. Three were novel de novo variants and atypical presentation was noted in a patient. One variant turned out to be inherited from patient’s mother who had mosaic variant. Distinct and characteristics movement phenotypes in patients with variant p.Glu246Lys and p.Arg209His were elucidated by in-depth phenotyping and literature review. Conclusions: We reported 6 patients with GNAO1 encephalopathy showing an extremely diverse clinical spectrum on video. Some characteristic movement features identified by careful inspection may also provide important diagnostic insight and practice guidelines.