bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pinpointing Problems: A Literature Review of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Young Nicholas , Khanna Savita 
Published: December 2020

A subset of diabetic polyneuropathy, DPN is the most common neurological complication of diabetes. DPN affects around 12–50% of individuals with diabetes mellitus. DPN compromises the function of nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. It is common for DPN to start in the feet, and often both feet are affected at once. This review of the literature seeks to summarize the current state of DPN research and key findings.
Dissemination of community awareness about the diabetic foot may play a major role in managing DPN. Clinical tests for DPN are simple but lack a standardized approach for the quantification of pain and sensory loss. Thus, estimates of prevalence or intervention efficacy vary widely. Research into burden of disease focuses on ulceration, an ominous sign resulting in amputation and high morbidity/mortality. DPN increases the risk of fall, deteriorates mental health conditions, causes disability lowering quality of life. Specific research regarding the role of social determinants of health in DPN is lacking. It is clear, however, that race, low income, and lack of health insurance are associated with higher burden. Controlling blood glucose is highly effective in managing DPN. It can prevent DPN in Type 1 diabetes and can be effective for preventing DPN in Type 2 diabetes. Treatment of DPN is symptomatic and of limited efficacy in only a fraction of patients, relying primarily on antidepressants and anticonvulsants for the relief of pain. In management of DPN, exercise and psychological therapies can improve outcomes and improve nerve conduction velocity. Combined lifestyle interventions have shown success in prevention of microvascular complications of diabetes and ulceration and may be effective in DPN as well. Harmonization of quantitative diagnostic criteria and definitions of diabetic neuropathies would provide more useful endpoints for trials, epidemiological and mechanistic insight, and potential for earlier detection.
Análisis de la amenaza por movimientos en masa detonados por sismo en los Andes colombianos, caso de estudio: Barbosa (Antioquia)
Authors: Aristizábal Giraldo Edier Vicente , Gómez Cardona Federico José , García Aristizábal Edwin Fabián , Guzmán Martínez Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2020

Los sismos constituyen uno de los mayores detonantes de movimientos en masa en el mundo. Diversas metodologías han sido desarrolladas para predecir y evaluar estos fenómenos desde enfoques estadísticos, físicos o combinación de ambos. En el presente estudio se analiza la amenaza por movimientos en masa detonados por sismos en el municipio de Barbosa, ubicado en los Andes colombianos, a través de los dos métodos más implementados: el análisis seudoestático y el método de Newmark, debido a su fácil uso, larga trayectoria y aceptación investigativa en los análisis de equilibrio límite. Los resultados permiten entender la respuesta geomecánica del subsuelo ante sismos en condiciones tanto saturadas como secas. El caso de estudio presentado señala un gran potencial de las metodologías mencionadas como herramientas de análisis de la amenaza de movimientos en masa detonados por sismos en zonas montañosas. Como se ha presentado en diferentes estudios, el porcentaje de áreas inestables se encuentra directamente relacionado con el grado de saturación del terreno y la pendiente. Para el municipio de Barbosa, y utilizando el méto- do de Newmark, el área inestable alcanza el 59% del municipio en condiciones saturadas y 17% en condiciones secas; mientras que utilizando el método seudoestático representan el 22% y 8% del municipio, respectivamente.
Fe3O4@Bio-MOF Nanoparticles Combined with Artemisinin, Glucantime®, or Shark Cartilage Extract on Iranian Strain of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER): An In-Vitro and In-Vivo Study
Authors: GHAFARIFAR Fatemeh‌‌‌‌ , MOLAIE Soheila , ABAZARI Reza , HASAN Zoheir- Mohammad , FOROUTAN Masoud 
Published: December 2020

Background: In the present study, we examined the effects of Fe3O4@bio-MOF nanoparticle (Nano-FO) plus artemisinin (Art) and glucantime (Glu) or shark cartilage extract (ShCE) on Leishmania major in vitro and in vivo.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the laboratory of Department of Parasitology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran during 2016-2017. The promastigote and amastigote assays were performed were conducted at the presence of 3.12- 400 µg/mL of the drug combinations. According to in vitro IC50 results, the combinations of 12.5µg/mL Nano-FO with 25 µg/mL Art as well as 200 µg/mL Glu and 0.5 mL of 20 mg/kg of ShCE were used to treat BALB/c mice. During and at the end of the treatment, the lesion sizes were measured. Parasite loads, cytokine levels were evaluated at the end of the treatment.
Results: The IC50 of Fe3O4@bio-MOF-Artemisinin (Nano-FO/Art), Fe3O4@bio-MOF-Glucantime (Nano-FO/Glu), and Fe3O4@bio-MOF-Shark cartilage extract (Nano-FO/ShCE) on promasitigotes were 12.58±0.12, 235±0.17, and 18.54±0.15, respectively. These results on amastigotes were 10.32±0.01, 187±0.03, and 338±0.07 µg/mL, respectively. The apoptosis percentage of these combinations were 32.54%, 20.59%, and 15.68% in promastigotes and 15.68%, 12.84%, and 3.51% in infected macrophages, respectively with no toxicity on uninfected macrophages. In vivo results showed that the size of lesions significantly decreased against all drugs combinations, but Nano-FO/Art combination with Selectivity Index of 23.62 value was safe, and more effective on healing of lesions than other drugs combinations (P=0.003).
Conclusion: This study suggested that Nano-FO/Art combination can be considered as an anti-leishmania combination therapy in CL induced by L. major.
Association Between Circadian Rhythm with Resting Metabolic Rate in Overweight\Obese Women
Authors: Badrooj Negin , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: December 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between circadian rhythm with resting metabolic rate (RMR) in overweight\obese women
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 232 obese and overweight women. Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to assess the level of circadian rhythm. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry after a 10-12 hour overnight fasting period by a trained nutritionist. We assessed body composition using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA).
Results: The percentage of overweight and obese women were 48.7% (113) and 51.3% (119), respectively. The number of participants who were morningness, intermediate and eveningness was 28(12.1%), 135(58.2%) and 69(29.7%) respectively. A significant relationship was found between MEQ and RMR.normal (p=0.011). According to linear regression model non-eveningness participants had 81.92 higher RMR compared to eveningness participants (p=0.027).
Conclusion: We found that non-eveningness participants had higher RMR compared to eveningness participants that can lead to obesity, diabetes type2 and other health disorders.
A Laboratory Study of Coinjection of Water and CO2 to Improve Oil Recovery and CO2 Storage: Effect of Fraction of CO2 Injected
Authors: Ajoma Emmanuel , Sungkachart Thanarat , Saira - , Yin Hang , Le-Hussain Furqan 
Published: December 2020

Summary
To determine the effect on oil recovery and carbon dioxide (CO2) storage, laboratory experiments are run with various fractions of CO2 injected (FCI): pure CO2 injection (FCI = 1), water-saturated CO2 (wsCO2) injection (FCI = 0.993), simultaneous water and gas (SWAG) (CO2) injection (FCI = 0.75), carbonated water injection (CWI) (FCI = 0.007), and water injection (FCI = 0). All experiments are performed on Bentheimer sandstone cores at 70°C and 11.7 MPa (1,700 psia). The oil phase is composed of 65% hexane and 35% decane by molar fraction. Before any fluid is injected, the core is filled with oil and irreducible water. Pressure difference across the core and production rate of gas are measured during the experiment. The collected produced fluids are analyzed in a gas chromatograph to determine their composition. Cumulative oil recovery after injection is found to be 78 to 83% for wsCO2, 78% for SWAG, 74% for pure CO2, 53% for CWI, and 35% for water. Net CO2 stored is also found to be the highest for wsCO2 (59 to 65% of the pore volume), followed by that for CO2 injection (56%) and that for SWAG (42%). These results suggest that wsCO2 injection might outperform pure CO2 injection at both oil recovery and net CO2 stored.
Type I Error Control for Cluster Randomized Trials Under Varying Small Sample Structures
Authors: Nugent Joshua , Kleinman Ken 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Linear mixed models (LMM) are a common approach to analyzing data from cluster randomized trials (CRTs). Inference on parameters can be performed via Wald tests or likelihood ratio tests (LRT), but both approaches may give incorrect Type I error rates in common finite sample settings. The impact of different combinations of cluster size, number of clusters, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and analysis approach on Type I error rates has not been well studied. Reviews of published CRTs nd that small sample sizes are not uncommon, so the performance of different inferential approaches in these settings can guide data analysts to the best choices.Methods: Using a random-intercept LMM stucture, we use simulations to study Type I error rates with the LRT and Wald test with different degrees of freedom (DF) choices across different combinations of cluster size, number of clusters, and ICC.Results: Our simulations show that the LRT can be anti-conservative when the ICC is large and the number of clusters is small, with the effect most pronounced when the cluster size is relatively large. Wald tests with the between-within DF method or the Satterthwaite DF approximation maintain Type I error control at the stated level, though they are conservative when the number of clusters, the cluster size, and the ICC are small.Conclusions: Depending on the structure of the CRT, analysts should choose a hypothesis testing approach that will maintain the appropriate Type I error rate for their data. Wald tests with the Satterthwaite DF approximation work well in many circumstances, but in other cases the LRT may have Type I error rates closer to the nominal level.
Physical activity and 4-year changes in body weight in 52,498 non-obese people: The Lifelines Cohort
Authors: Byambasukh Oyuntugs , Vinke Petra , Kromhout Daan , Navis Gerjan , Corpeleijn Eva 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives: We investigated associations between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) at different intensities (moderate and vigorous or moderate-to-vigorous) and prospective weight gain in non-obese people. We also examined whether these associations were independent of other lifestyle factors and changes in muscle mass and whether they were age-dependent and changed over a person’s life course.Methods: The data were extracted from the Lifelines cohort study (N=52,498; 43.5% men) and excluded obese individuals (BMI>30kg/m2). We used the validated SQUASH questionnaire to estimate moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA; MET≥4), moderate (MPA; MET between 4 and 6.5) and vigorous PA (VPA; MET≥6.5). Body weight was objectively measured, and changes were standardized to a 4-year period. Separate analyses, adjusted for age, educational level, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and changes in creatinine excretion (a marker of muscle mass), were performed for men and women.Results: The average weight gain was +0.45±0.03 kg in women. Relative to each reference groups (No-MVPA, No-MPA and No-VPA), MVPA (Beta (95%CI): -0.34 kg (-0.56;-0.13)), MPA (-0.32 kg (-0.54;-0.10)) and VPA (-0.30 kg (-0.43;-0.18)) were associated with less gain in body weight in women after adjusting for potential confounders, described above. These associations were dose-dependent when physically active individuals were divided in tertiles. Beta-coefficients (95%CI) for the lowest, middle, and highest MVPA tertiles relative to the ‘No-MVPA’ were, respectively, -0.24 (-0.47;-0.02), -0.31 (-0.53;-0.08), and -0.38 (-0.61;-0.16) kg. The average weight gain in men was +0.13±0.03 kg, and only VPA, not MPA was associated with less body weight gain. Beta-coefficients (95%CI) for the VPA tertiles relative to the ‘No-VPA’ group were, respectively, -0.25 (-0.42;-0.09), -0.19 (-0.38;-0.01) and -0.20 (-0.38;-0.02) kg. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the association was no longer significant in men. The potential benefits of leisure-time PA were age-stratified and mainly observed in younger adults (men: <35 years; women: <55 years). Moreover, occupational MVPA was not associated with favourable changes in body weight in males and females.Conclusion: Higher leisure-time MVPA, MPA, and VPA were associated with less weight gain in women <55 years. In younger men (<35 years), only VPA was associated with less weight gain.
Comparison of muscle activation of the transversus abdominis and muscle strength between individuals with low back pain, herniated disc and healthy individuals: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Souza Clecio , Assis Sanderson , Costa Karinna , Medeiros Yago , Macedo Liane 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low back pain and disc herniation are common problems in the world population, being characterized by discomfort in the region of the spine, resulting in functional capacity and quality of life reduced. Some of the causes of these conditions seem to be associated with the biomechanical imbalance of the muscles that act in the spine. There are methods to assess the level of activation and strength of the stabilizing muscles of the spine, such as the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU). This study aims to compare the level of activation of the transverse abdomen muscle and back strength in healthy, low back pain and herniated disc individuals. METHODOS: a cross-sectional study was carried out with 30 men that were homogeneously distributed in three groups: healthy (HG), with low back pain (LBPG) and with herniated disc (HDG). The primary outcomes were the level of activation of the transversus abdominis, assessed by PBU, and back strength, assessed by dynamometry. Pain, flexibility and disability were evaluated as secondary outcomes.RESULTS: The mean age of the participants in this study was 30.47 ± 9.74 years. Regarding the activation of the transversus abdominis, no differences were found between groups (p = 0.155). For strength, LBPG and HDG were different compared to HG (p = 0.028 and p = 0.045, respectively). Pain was different between the HG and both LBPG and HDG (all p < 0.001). Regarding flexibility, no differences (p > 0.05) were found. The HDG had the highest disability score and was statistically different of the HG (p = 0.005), but with no difference from LBPG (p = 0.087).CONCLUSION: the activation of the tranversus abdominis is similar between healthy, non-specific back pain and herniated disc individuals; however, the latter presents a reduced level of strength and more disability.
Hypersonic Impact Properties of Pristine and Hybrid Single and Multi-layer C3N and BC3 Nanosheets
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Sadegh , Eshkalak Kasra Einalipour , Molaei Fatemeh , Siavoshi Hossein 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials are competitive candidates replacing or supplementing conventional semiconductors due to their atomically uniform thickness. To observe and exploit the unique properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, it is therefore vital to obtain clean and repeatable interfaces. Also, carbon, nitrogen, and boron nanostructures are promising ballistic protection materials due to their low density and excellent mechanical properties. In this study, we evaluated the ballistic properties of C3N and BC3 nanosheets against the hypersonic bullets with Mach number greater than 6. Besides, we created a hybrid sheet using van der Waals bonds between them based on the hypervelocity impacts of fullerene (C60) molecules utilizing molecular dynamics simulation. In the following, the ballistic properties of different structures were examined, and it was shown that C3N nanosheets have higher absorption energy than BC3 after C60 penetration. In contrast, in lower impact speeds and before penetration, single-layers exhibited almost similar behavior. Our findings also reveal that in hybrid structures, the C3N layers will improve the ballistic properties of BC3. The energy absorption values with a variable number of layers and interlayer distance are investigated, for homogeneous or hybrid configurations (stacking of C3N and BC3). In this work, we have discussed two interlayer distances of X = 3.4Å and 4X = 13.6Å for different configurations. These results provide a fundamental understanding of ultra-light multilayered armors' design using nanocomposites based on advanced 2D materials. It can also be used to select and make 2D membranes and allotropes for DNA sequencing and filtration.
Surface constrained electron-hole rich species active in the electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Velasco-Vélez Juan , Carbonio Emilia , Chuang Cheng-Hao , Hsu Cheng-Jhih , Lee Jyh-Fu , Arrigo Rosa , Hävecker Michael , Wang Ruizhi , Plodinec Milivoj , Centeno Alba , Zurutuza Amaia , Falling Lorenz , Mom Rik , Hofmann Stephan , Schlögl Robert , Knop-Gericke Axel , Jones Travis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Iridium and its oxides/hydroxides are the best candidates for the oxygen evolution reaction under harsh acidic conditions owing to the low overpotential and the high corrosion resistance observed for Ir-based anodes. Herein, by means of cutting edge operando surface and bulk sensitive X-ray spectroscopy techniques, specifically designed electrode nano-fabrication and ab initio DFT calculations, we were able to reveal the electronic structure of the active IrOx centers (i.e. oxidation state) during electrocatalytic oxidation of water in the surface and bulk of high-performance Ir-based catalysts. We found the oxygen evolution reaction is controlled by the formation of empty Ir 5d states in the surface ascribed to the formation of formally IrV species leading to the appearance of electron-deficient oxygen species bound to single iridium atoms (µ1-O and µ1-OH) that are responsible for water activation and oxidation, due to the bound oxygen’s transformation into an oxyl susceptible to nucleophilic attack water. Oxygen bound to three iridium centers (µ3-O) remains the dominant species in the bulk but do not participate directly in the electrocatalytic reaction, suggesting bulk oxidation is limited. In addition a high coverage of a µ1-OO (peroxo) species during the OER is excluded. Moreover, we provide the first photoelectron spectroscopic evidence in bulk electrolyte that the higher surface to bulk ratio in thinner electrodes enhances the material usage involving the precipitation of a significant part of the electrode surface and near-surface active species.
Basal IL-6 and S100b levels predict infarct volume in acute ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Purroy Francisco , Farre-Rodriguez Joan , Mauri-Capdevila Gerard , Vicente-Pascual Mikel , Farre Joan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The study of biomarkers related to the infarct volume of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a valuable clinical strategy. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the relationship between a wide panel of biomarkers involved in different biochemical pathways and lesion volume. Methods: We studied 332 patients with AIS. Infarct volume was calculated from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Blood samples were drawn within 24 h of symptom onset to test a panel of biomarkers that included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), S100b, troponin and IL-10. Results: The median lesion volume was 2.5 cc (IQR: 0.6-15.3). Patients with previous atrial fibrillation, cardioembolic aetiology and total anterior circulation infarct TACI classification had higher lesion volumes than those without them. Patients with previous recent TIA had smaller ischemic lesions than those without it. Age and NIHSS were significantly correlated with lesion volume. In a lineal regression analysis adjusted by aetiology, S100b and IL-6 emerged as the only biomarkers that could independently predict infarct volume. In contrast, previous recent TIA and small vessel disease were inversely related to infarct volume. Conclusion: The correlation between the two blood marker levels and ischemic lesion volume would support the use of these biomarkers as a surrogate endpoint in AIS, especially in centres without DWI 24/7. Our findings should be further explored in larger, preferably multicentre studies.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection for Refractory Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Alishiri Aliagha , Torabi Hamidreza , Jadidi Khosrow , Mosavi Seyed Aliasghar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Evaluating the impact of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection to manage refractory diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: In the current prospective interventional clinical study, eyes with refractory diffuse DME with no response to a minimum of three times IVB injections, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of equal or more than 20/200 and equal or lower than 20/60 were subjected to PPV with ILM peeling and intravitreal avastin injection. Pre- and post-operative assessments were a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were major outcomes. Results: Fifteen eyes of 13 cases (mean age: 63±5.19 (range, 54-70) years) were subjected to operation and a follow-up of 3 months. Average BCVA at last test was 0.74 ± 0.19 LogMAR that showed no improvement compared with its value before intervention (0.84 ± 0.14 LogMAR) (P=0.073). Average CMT at last test was 328.26±129 µm that was significantly lower compared with its value before operation (450.8±114 µm) (P=0.002) and a significant improvement in CS was found (from 16.66 ± 8.99 mm to 18.13 ±1.22mm;p=0.003). CMT and BCVA (correlation coefficient =0.419,p=0.120), BCVA and CS (correlation coefficient =-0.336,p=0.221) , and CS and CMT (correlation coefficient =-0.07,p=0.979) were found with no significant correlation. Conclusion: PPV with ILM peeling and IVB regarding refractory diffuse DME reduced macular width along with CS improvement, but does not significantly improve visual acuity.