bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes of intravaginal microbiota and inflammation after self‐replacement ring pessary therapy compared to continuous ring pessary usage for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuaki , Morotomi Nobuo , Fukuda Kazumasa , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Taniguchi Hatsumi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimContinuous usage of a ring pessary for pelvic organ prolapse may cause a disturbance of intravaginal microbiota and intravaginal mucosal damage. To avoid the side effects of continuous ring pessary therapy, daily self‐replacement of the ring pessary is recommended. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of self‐replacement versus continuous ring usage, by analysing clinical findings and intravaginal microbiota.MethodsThirty seven patients who managed self‐replacement ring pessary therapy and 13 patients with continuous ring pessary therapy participated in this study. The clinical symptoms were checked at 1 month after the initial ring pessary insertion. The changes in the intravaginal microbiota were evaluated by conventional methods, i.e. pH in the vagina, Lactobacillary grade, Nugent score, inflammatory cell counts, and culture‐based bacterial detection methods. In addition, our clone library method using 16S rRNA sequencing of vaginal fluid was performed.ResultsPatients were divided into four groups: self‐replacement pre/post‐menopause and continuous and pre/post‐menopause. Five patients of the self‐replacement group (n = 37) and all patients of the continuous use group (n = 13) complained of increased discharge. However, both the conventional methods and the clone library method revealed that the number of the self‐replacement group patients who had abnormal intravaginal microbiota were not significantly different from that of the continuous use group.ConclusionDaily self‐replacement ring pessary therapy prevented adverse clinical symptoms. However, abnormal intravaginal microbiota was frequently observed during self‐replacement of ring pessary therapy as with continuous usage. Regardless, pelvic examinations should be performed routinely.
Association between chronic endometritis and uterine natural killer cell density in women with recurrent miscarriage: clinical implications
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Yingyu , Zhao Yiwei , Cheung Wing Ching , Zhang Tao , Qi Ruofan , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Wang Chi Chiu , Li Tin Chiu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimThis aim of this study was to determine the association between uterine natural killer (uNK) cell density and chronic endometritis (CE).MethodsEndometrial biopsies from 135 women with recurrent miscarriage were obtained precisely 7 days after luteinizing hormone surge in natural cycles. Endometrial sections were immunostained for CD56 for uNK cells and CD138 for plasma cells, respectively. Uterine NK cell counting was performed according to a standardized protocol and results were expressed as percentage of CD56+ cells/ total stromal cells. High uNK cell density was defined as >4.5% and CE was diagnosed when the plasma cell density > 5.15 cells/ 10 mm2.ResultsThe uNK cells density in women with CE (median, 5.1%; range, 3.4–8.8%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of those without CE (median, 3.8%; range, 1.2%–7.3%). The prevalence of high uNK cell density in women with CE (11/29, 37.9%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of women without CE (8/106, 7.5%).ConclusionTo conclude, there was a significant association between high uNK cell density and CE. In women with high uNK cell density, plasma cell should be examined to determine if the underlying cause is associated with CE.
High‐density diet improves growth performance and beef yield but affects negatively on serum metabolism and visceral morphology of Holstein steers
Authors: Qiu Qinghua , Qiu Xinjun , Gao Chaoyu , Muhammad Aziz ur Rahman , Cao Binghai , Su Huawei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different dietary densities on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, serum metabolism, ruminal papillae morphology and liver injuries of steers. For this purpose, a total of eighteen Holstein steers were randomly fed one of the three diets: high energy and protein diet (H), standard energy and protein diet (C), and low energy and protein diet (L) for 11 months fattening with three‐step finishing strategy. Steers fed with H diet had higher (p < .05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight, serum aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio, and monounsaturated fatty acids along with continuous low ruminal pH value, severer hepatic steatosis and ruminal papillae parakeratosis. Meanwhile, steers fed L diet increased the proportion of C20:0, C22:6n‐3, saturated fatty acids and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids along with lower n‐6 to n‐3 ratio in longissimus dorsi muscle as compared to that of steers fed H diet. Dietary densities did not influence (p > .10) proximate nutrients and sensory characteristics of beef. The present study indicates that Holstein steers could achieve better growth and carcass performance under high‐density diet, whereas they are under threat of visceral injuries and metabolic disorders. This study gives comprehensive relationship between productivity and animal health and suggests that a proper diet should be adopted for fattening Holstein steers in consideration of both beef quality and quantity and animal health.
Impact of glaucoma on executive function and visual search
Authors: Lee Samantha Sze‐Yee , Wood Joanne M , Black Alexander A 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeExecutive function and visual search are linked to a number of activities of daily living including driving and mobility. Using a computerised version of the Trail Making Test B (TMT‐B), we compared the executive function and visual search ability of older adults with glaucoma to age‐similar controls and identified which visual function tests best predict TMT‐B performance. Novel low‐contrast and shifting‐target variations of the test were incorporated to explore the effects of different levels of test complexity.MethodsThirty‐one older adults with mild to moderate glaucoma (mean age = 71.2 years [SD 6.9]; better‐eye mean deviation [MD]: median = −1.9 dB [IQR = −1.2 to 0.4], worse‐eye MD: median = −11.1 dB [IQR = −14.0 to −7.7]) and 24 age‐similar controls (mean age = 71.9 years [SD 6.6]) with normal vision participated. The groups were matched in age, sex, and cognitive status (mini‐mental state examination [MMSE]). Participants underwent measurements of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), visual fields, and visual processing speeds using the useful field‐of‐view (UFoV). Participants then completed four variations of a computerised TMT‐B test, with different levels of complexity based on target contrast (high/low‐contrast) and shifts in target position (fixed/shifting locations). Linear mixed‐effect models were used to explore the effects of group, target contrast and shift on TMT‐B completion time.ResultsThe glaucoma group took 17.3s longer than controls to complete the TMT‐B (P = 0.028). All participants took 6.5s longer to complete the low‐ compared to the high‐contrast tests (P = 0.012), and 10.6s longer for the shifting TMT‐B compared to the fixed version (P < 0.001). There was no interaction effect between group, contrast, or target shift on completion time. Across all tests and participant groups, longer completion time was associated with slower UFoV processing speeds (divided attention: P = 0.003; selective attention: P = 0.006). Poorer CS was associated with longer completion times for the low (P = 0.007), but not the high‐contrast tests.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that older adults with mild to moderate glaucoma have poorer visual search ability and executive function relative to controls. However, decreasing target contrast or shifting target position did not exacerbate the effects of glaucomatous visual impairment on performance. The UFoV was a strong predictor of TMT‐B performance.
Ferrous sulfate oral solution in young children with iron deficiency anemia: An open‐label trial of efficacy, safety, and acceptability
Authors: Pachuta Węgier Lidia , Kubiak Maciej , Liebert Agata , Clavel Thierry , Montagne Agnès , Stennevin Aline , Roye Sandrine , Boudribila Asmaa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a new ferrous sulfate oral solution (Tardyferon® 20 mg/mL) in young children with mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia (IDA).MethodsThis was a multicenter, national, single‐arm, open‐label study. Children aged 6–53 months presenting with mild or moderate IDA (i.e., blood hemoglobin (Hb) ranging from 7.0 to 10.9 g/dL and serum ferritin <12 ng/mL) were eligible for inclusion. The ferrous sulfate heptahydrate solution (2 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 3 months. If normalization of either Hb or ferritin was not achieved at month 3 the treatment was continued for another 3 months.ResultsOf the 100 children screened, 21 aged 6–17 months were included and received the study treatment, and 19 were analyzed for hematologic outcomes at month 3. Only one patient continued treatment for the additional 3 months. At month 3, mean ± SD Hb and ferritin levels were 12.0 ± 0.7 g/dL and 31.5 ± 19.4 ng/mL, respectively. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were normalized in 95% (18/19) and 84% (16/19) of the patients, respectively. Treatment compliance and levels of satisfaction of both the parents and the investigators were high. Overall, 33.3% of patients (7/21) experienced at least one adverse event. Only one patient (4.8%) experienced a drug‐related adverse event (upper abdominal pain).ConclusionsA 2 mg/kg daily dose of the new oral ferrous sulfate heptahydrate solution provides substantial therapeutic benefit with high levels of tolerability in young children who have mild or moderate IDA.
Micromechanisms of Cortical Bone Failure Under Different Loading Conditions
Authors: Sharma N. K. , Sharma Swati , Rathi Apoorv , Kumar Abhinav , Saini Karan Vir , Sarker M. D. , Naghieh Saman , Ning Liqun , Chen Xiongbiao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Bone being a hierarchical composite material has a structure varying from macro- to nanoscale. The arrangement of the components of bone material and the bonding between fibers and matrix gives rise to its unique material properties. In this study, the micromechanisms of cortical bone failure were examined under different loading conditions using scanning electron microscopy. The experimental tests were conducted in longitudinal and transverse directions of bone diaphysis under tensile as well as compressive loading. The results show that bone material has maximum stiffness under longitudinal tensile loading, while the strength is higher under transverse compressive loading. A reverse trend of compressive mechanical properties of bone is observed for longitudinal and transverse loading as compared to trends reported in the previous studies. Therefore, micromechanisms of cortical bone failure were analyzed for different loading conditions to reveal such type of behavior of cortical bone and to correlate bone microstructure with mechanical response of bone.
Characterizing Strain Rate-Dependent Mechanical Properties for Bovine Cortical Bones
Authors: Lei Jianyin , Li Lintao , Wang Zhihua , Zhu Feng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Comprehensive knowledge of strain rate-dependent viscoelastic properties of bony materials is necessary to understand the mechanisms of bone fracture under impact loading conditions (e.g., falls, traffic accidents, and military environments). Although the mechanical properties of bones have been studied for several decades, the high strain rate data and corresponding material parameters of the rate-dependent constitutive models are still limited. In this study, split Hopkinson pressure bar technique was used to test bovine cortical bones, to obtain the rate-dependent stress–strain curves in two directions (along and perpendicular to the bone fibers). A constitutive relationship comprising two terms was then applied to identify the material constants with strain rate effect and viscoelastic properties. In this model, the linear elasticity was combined with nonlinear viscoelasticity components to describe the overall nonlinear strain rate dependence. The presented data give strong experimental evidence and basis for further development of numerical biomechanical models to simulate human cortical bone fracture.
Drag Reduction by Polymers in Saline Nutrient Solutions
Authors: Silva Renata T. , Campos Aloysio A. S. , Soares Edson J. , Santos Leonardo dos , Siqueira Renato N. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Drag reduction (DR) by polymers has several industrial applications, and it has also shown to produce beneficial effects on blood circulation and may represent a way to treat cardiovascular disorders. Concerning medical applications, there are basically two types of studies using drag reducing polymers (DRP), i.e., in vitro and in vivo. Although blood may be used in the in vitro studies, there are several limitations, such as incompatibility of Rh and possibility of denaturing blood proteins. Thus, biomedical researchers commonly use an artificial plasma-like saline nutrient solution (SNS), which contains ions, nutrients, a buffer to maintain pH levels and a supply of oxygen to the tissue. The behavior of the DRP in water is well reported in the literature, but the SNS components can interact with the polymers, changing their capacity to reduce drag. This study investigates the behavior of three different polymers, i.e., polyacrylamide (PAM), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and xanthan gum (XG), when applied as DRP to a commonly used SNS. For the conditions evaluated, the SNS composition does not change significantly PAM and PEO behavior, showing that they can be satisfactorily diluted in this solvent without loss of efficiency as drag reducers. However, it modifies XG conformation, drastically reducing its efficiency. The experiments with tail arterial beds suggest that PAM is efficient to reduce the perfusion pressure, but PEO and XG do not seem to be good reducers under the experimental conditions that have been analyzed, possibly due to the interaction of the drag reducers with the flow, with the solvent components and with the tissues that were kept alive during the experiments. Although PEO did not present a good performance as DRP for the conditions evaluated in the perfusion tests, its performance can be improved in other organs where the turbulence levels, or instabilities, are higher, as suggested by the rheometer tests.
Noncontact Planar Stage Based on Near-Field Acoustic Transportation
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Keyu , Guo Ping 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Acoustic radiation force in the near-field of a vibrating source can be utilized to lift and transport objects, which provides a noncontact driving technology in addition to maglev. This paper presents a novel design of a self-levitated planar stage based on near-field acoustic transportation. A closed-loop system is proposed to design a capacitance surface encoder to provide direct two-dimensional (2D) position feedback. A dynamic model based on the Reynolds equation is established to study its driving mechanism. A prototype including the levitation stage, encoder, and controller is implemented to demonstrate the potential of arbitrary trajectory tracking in two-dimensional space.
Effect of Air Plasma Sprayed Flash Bond Coatings on Furnace Cycle Lifetime of Disks and Rods
Authors: Pint Bruce A. , Lance Michael J. , Haynes J. Allen , Gildersleeve Edward J. , Sampath Sanjay 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Air plasma sprayed (APS) flash coatings on high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) bond coatings are well known to extend the lifetime of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Recent work compared flash coatings of NiCoCrAlY and NiCoCrAlYHfSi applied to both rods and disk substrates of alloy 247. For rod specimens, 100 h cycles were used at 1100 °C in wet air. Both flash coatings significantly improved the lifetime compared to HVOF-only and vacuum plasma spray (VPS)-only MCrAlY bond coatings with no statistical difference between the two flash coatings. For disk specimens tested in 1 h cycles at 1100 °C in wet air, the NiCoCrAlY flash coating significantly outperformed an HVOF-only NiCoCrAlYHfSi bond coating and a NiCoCrAlYHfSi flash coating. The flash coatings formed a mixed oxide-metal zone that appeared to inhibit crack formation and therefore extend lifetime. In addition to the flash coating increasing the bond coating roughness, the underlying HVOF layer acted as a source of Al for this intermixed zone and prevented the oxide from penetrating deeper into the bond coating. The lower Y+Hf content in the Y-only flash coating appeared to minimize oxidation in the flash layer, thereby increasing the benefit compared to a NiCoCrAlYHfSi flash coating.
An Experimental Research on the Effects of Negative Valve Overlap on Performance and Operating Range in a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine With RON40 and RON60 Fuels
Authors: Polat Seyfi , Solmaz Hamit , Uyumaz Ahmet , Calam Alper , Yılmaz Emre , Serdar Yucesu H. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this study, the effects of negative valve overlap (NVO) on homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion and engine performance were experimentally investigated. A four stroke, single cylinder, port injection HCCI engine was operated at −16 deg crank angle (CA), −8 deg CA, and +8 deg CA valve overlap values and different lambda values and engine speeds at wide open throttle. RON40 and RON60 were used as test fuels in view of combustion and performance characteristics in HCCI mode. The variations of indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), residual gas, CA50, indicated thermal efficiency (ITE), indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC), maximum pressure rise rate (MPRR) and ringing intensity (RI) were observed on HCCI combustion. The results showed that NVO caused to trap residual gases in the combustion chamber. Hot residual gases showed heating and dilution effect on HCCI combustion. Combustion was retarded with the presence of residual gas at −16 deg CA NVO. Test results showed that higher imep and maximum in-cylinder pressure were obtained with RON60 according to RON40. As expected, CA50 was obtained later with RON60 compared to RON40 due to more resistance of auto-ignition. RON60 residual gas prevented the rapid and sudden combustion due to higher heat capacity of charge mixture. RI decreased with the usage of RON60 compared to RON40. Significant decrease was seen on RI with RON60 especially at lower lambda values. It was seen that HCCI combustion can be controlled with NVO and operating range of HCCI engines can be extended.
Late Ottawan orogenic collapse of the Adirondacks in the Grenville province of New York State (USA): Integrated petrologic, geochronologic, and structural analysis of the Diana Complex in the southern Carthage-Colton mylonite zone
Authors: Baird Graham B. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Crustal-scale shear zones can be highly important but complicated orogenic structures, therefore they must be studied in detail along their entire length. The Carthage-Colton mylonite zone (CCMZ) is one such shear zone in the northwestern Adirondacks of northern New York State (USA), part of the Mesoproterozoic Grenville province. The southern CCMZ is contained within the Diana Complex, and geochemistry and U-Pb zircon geochronology demonstrate that the Diana Complex is expansive and collectively crystallized at 1164.3 ± 6.2 Ma.
Major ductile structures within the CCMZ and Diana Complex include a northwest-dipping penetrative regional mylonitic foliation with north-trending lineation that bisects a conjugate set of mesoscale ductile shear zones. These ductile structures formed from the same 1060–1050 Ma pure shear transitioning to a top-to-the-SSE shearing event at ∼700 °C. Other important structures include a ductile fault and breccia zones. The ductile fault formed immediately following the major ductile structures, while the breccia zones may have formed at ca. 945 Ma in greenschist facies conditions.
Two models can explain the studied structures and other regional observations. Model 1 postulates that the CCMZ is an Ottawan orogeny (1090–1035 Ma) thrust, which was later reactivated locally as a tectonic collapse structure. Model 2, the preferred model, postulates that the CCMZ initially formed as a subhorizontal mid-crustal mylonite zone during collapse of the Ottawan orogen. With continued collapse, a metamorphic core complex formed and the CCMZ was rotated into is current orientation and overprinted with other structures.
Effects of the low carbohydrate, high fat diet on glycemic control and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes: experience from a community-based cohort
Authors: Ahmed Shabina Roohi , Bellamkonda Sridevi , Zilbermint Mihail , Wang Jiangxia , Kalyani Rita Rastogi 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe optimal diet to improve glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diets can improve glycemic control, but have not been investigated in real-world settings.Research design and methodsWe investigated effects of the LCHF diet compared with usual care in a community-based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes by performing a retrospective study of 49 patients who followed the LCHF diet for ≥3 months, and compared glycemic outcomes with age-matched and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls who received usual care (n=75). The primary outcome was change in A1C from baseline to the end of follow-up.ResultsCompared with the usual care group, the LCHF group showed a significantly greater reduction in A1C (−1.29% (95% CI −1.75 to −0.82; p<0.001)) and body weight (−12.8 kg (95% CI −14.7 to −10.8; p<0.001) at the end of follow-up after adjusting for age, sex, baseline A1C, BMI, baseline insulin dose. Of the patients initially taking insulin therapy in the LCHF group, 100% discontinued it or had a reduction in dose, compared with 23.1% in the usual care group (p<0.001). The LCHF group also had significantly greater reduction in fasting plasma glucose (−43.5 vs −8.5 mg/mL; p=0.03) compared with usual care.ConclusionsIn a community-based cohort of type 2 diabetes, the LCHF diet was associated with superior A1C reduction, greater weight loss and significantly more patients discontinuing or reducing antihyperglycemic therapies suggesting that the LCHF diet may be a metabolically favorable option in the dietary management of type 2 diabetes.