bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual energy window imaging for optimisation of P/V ratios in VP SPECT
Authors: Doruyter A. G. G. , Holness J. L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeVentilation–perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (VP SPECT) plays an important role in pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Rapid results may be obtained using same-day ventilation followed by perfusion imaging, but generally requires careful attention to achieving an optimal count rate ratio (P/Vratio) of ≥ 3:1. This study investigated whether the ratio of counts simultaneously acquired in adjacent primary and Compton scatter energy windows (Eratio) on V SPECT was predictive of final normalised perfusion count rate (PCRnorm) on P SPECT using [99mTc]Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA), thus allowing for optimisation ofP/Vratios.MethodsSame-day VP SPECT studies acquired using standard protocols in adult patients during a 2-year period (training dataset) were assessed. Studies were included provided they were acquired with correct imaging parameters, and injection site imaging and laboratory records were available for quality control and normalised count rate corrections. Extraction of DICOM information, and linear regression were performed using customPythonandRscripts. A predictive tool was developed in Microsoft Excel. This tool was then validated using a second (validation) dataset of same-day studies acquired over a subsequent 7-month period. Accuracy of the prediction tool was assessed by calculating the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE).ResultsOf 643 studies performed, the scans of 342 participants (median age 30.4 years, 318 female) were included in the training dataset, the analysis of which yielded a significant regression equation (F(1,340) = 1057.3,p < 0.0001), with an adjustedR2of 0.756 and MSE of 0.001089. A prediction tool designed for routine clinical use was developed for predicting finalP/Vratio. Of an additional 285 studies, 198 were included in the second (validation) dataset (median age 29.7 years, 188 female). The Excel-based tool was shown to be 91% accurate (MAPE: 9%) in predictingP/Vratio.ConclusionThe relationship between the ratio of simultaneously acquired counts in adjacent energy windows on V SPECT and perfusion count rate after administration of a known activity of [99mTc]Tc-MAA can be linearly approximated. A predictive tool based on this work may assist in optimising the dose and timing of [99mTc]Tc-MAA administration in same-day studies to the benefit of patients and workflows.
Strategies for Empowering activities in Everyday life (SEE 1.0): study protocol for a feasibility study of an Internet-based occupational therapy intervention for people with stroke
Authors: Larsson-Lund Maria , Månsson Lexell Eva , Nyman Anneli 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundRehabilitation after stroke seldom focuses on needs related to an active everyday life and the process of change that people must undergo to adapt to an altered capacity and life situation. In particular, occupational therapy in the late phase needs to support clients in adopting sustainable self-initiated management strategies to regain daily activities and an active everyday life. To improve access to rehabilitation, the use of digital solutions has been suggested.This study aimsto evaluate the feasibility of the Internet-based occupational therapy intervention “Strategies for Empowering activities in Everyday life” (SEE, version 1.0). We will investigate the feasibility of the intervention process in terms of acceptability and adherence as well as the most suitable outcome measures to evaluate SEE and improve the knowledge about the potential changes and outcomes of SEE for clients with stroke.MethodsThis feasibility study is based on a pretest posttest design without a control group. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected from clients and staff concurrently embedded in a mixed-method design during the entire study.DiscussionThe project is a first test of a novel Internet-based occupational therapy intervention, and the research will contribute to the continued development and evaluation of the SEE programme. SEE can provide people with strategies in daily activities that can support them to live an active everyday life despite changed capacity and to improve access to rehabilitation interventions.Trial registrationNCT04588116.Name of the registry:Strategies Empowering Activities in Everyday Life (SEE 1.0). A Web-based Occupational Therapy Intervention.URL of trial registry record.Date of registry: Trial first posted: October 19, 2020;first submitted: October 2, 2020
Amelioration of fatigue in chronic dialysis patients with dialysis solution employing electrolyzed water containing molecular hydrogen (H2) and its association with autonomic function balance
Authors: Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Kuratsune Daisuke , Kabayama Shigeru , Miyazaki Mariko , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Nishizawa Yoshiki , Nakayama Masaaki 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Enhanced oxidative stress is involved with fatigue in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Molecular hydrogen (H2) could improve the redox status. Thus, the study examines whether HD solution rendered by electrolyzed water containing H2 (E-HD) could impact the fatigue and autonomic balance of patients.

Methods
This single-arm, prospective observational study examined 95 patients on chronic HD (54 males; mean age and HD duration; 71.4 years and 10.6 years). Fatigue status on HD and HD-free days was compared between control HD (CHD) and 8 weeks after commencement of E-HD, using a visual analog scale (VAS) and an original scale. Autonomic balance was analyzed with the degree of activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system via frequency analysis of a continuous beat interval.

Results
Patients were classified into three groups according to the presence of subjective fatigue during the period of CHD: Group A (40.0%), fatigue only on HD days; Group B (11.6%), presence of fatigue on both HD and HD-free days; and Group C (48.4%), freedom from fatigue. During the 8-week observation period of E-HD, VAS scores were significantly decreased on HD days in Group A, while Group B showed no significant changes in VAS on HD days, but significant decreases on HD-free days. No consistent changes were found in Group C. Significant increases in percentages of patients who reported absence of fatigue were seen in Group A on HD days and in Group B on HD-free days in week 8. Regarding changes in autonomic balance parameters after E-HD commencement, a positive correlation was identified between changes in VAS and autonomic balance in Group A.

Conclusion
E-HD may ameliorate fatigue in patients with subjective symptoms on HD and HD-free days. The influence of autonomic balance by E-HD and its impact on fatigue needs to be elucidated.
Suicide by ethylene glycol/brake oil poisoning—a case report
Authors: Vadysinghe Amal Nishantha , Kumarasinghe W. G. G. B. , Kodikara Sarathchandra , Wickramasinghe Navoda 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Brake fluid is used for automobiles. It is a mixture of different glycol derivatives including ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol (DEG) which are metabolized into various toxic metabolites. Fatalities following brake fluid ingestion are rare in forensic practice. Here, we report a case of suicide by brake fluid ingestion complicated with severe renal failure and esophageal and gastric erosions.

Case presentation
A 52-year-old male, with a history of alcohol dependence and comorbid moderate depression, ingested a bottle of brake fluid (100ml) mixed with alcohol. He had defaulted psychiatric follow-up. He developed severe metabolic acidosis and acute renal failure which necessitated intensive care, other supportive management, and the antidote; ethyl alcohol. On the 2nd day of admission, he developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding with melena. He also had seizures and cardiovascular complications. He died 12 days after hospital admission, and the manner of death was concluded as suicidal. The autopsy revealed congested and edematous brain, flabby and pale heart without evidence of infarction, erythematous trachea, bilateral diffuse pulmonary edema, congested liver, ulcer over the lower 1/3 of the esophagus, and few ulcers in the stomach. Also, the kidneys were edematous, diffusely necrosed, and there were adrenal hemorrhages.

Conclusions
This case report highlights the severity of effects of brake fluid poisoning including the corrosive effect on gastrointestinal mucosa which is rarely encountered in clinical practice.
The effect of time and type of stress moderators on yield and yield components of cotton on conventional and double-cropping systems under saline conditions
Authors: BORZOUYI Zeinab , ARMIN Mohammad , MARVI Hamid 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundToday, stress moderators are employed to mitigate crop loss due to the adverse effects of environmental stress. The current research aimed to investigate the impacts of time and stress moderator types on agro-physiological responses of cotton on conventional and double-cropping systems during 2017 and 2018 under saline conditions. A split-plot factorial experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cultivation system [conventional (recommended planting date) and double-cropping systems (sowing after harvest of wheat)] were considered as the main plots, and stress moderator type at four levels [water control, 2 mmol·L–1Salicylic acid (SA), 100 mmol·L–1Glycine betaine (GB), and 100 μmol·L–1sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] and application time (flowering and flowering + bolling stages) were regarded as subplots.ResultsPlant height, reproductive branch number, the number of bolls, 10-boll weight, 1 000-seed weight, biological yield, seed cotton yield, lint yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll, sodium, potassium, and proline content were less in double-cropping system comparing with conventional system. Spraying with the stress moderators alleviated soil salinity effects on yield, yield components, and biochemical traits of cotton. SNP spraying led to maximum plant height, branch number, the number of bolls per plant, 10-boll weight and seed cotton yield. SA spraying yielded the highest 1 000-seed weight, biological yield, lint percentage and lint yield. The highest chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll content resulted from SNP spraying. Yield, yield components, and biochemical traits did not respond to the stress moderator types in double-cropping system. However, the highest chlorophyll a, carotenoids, proline content, the number of bolls per plant, and seed cotton yield resulted from SNP spraying in conventional system. No statistically significant differences were observed between spraying with SNP and SA in most studied traits.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the optimum cotton planting time and SNP spraying could be recommended for producing the most suitable yield under saline conditions.HighlightsExternal application of stress modulators increases salinity stress tolerance.Spraying with sodium nitroprusside has more moderating effect.Agro-physiological response of cotton to moderators is stronger in early sowing.Maximum seed cotton yield was achieved at early sowing and spraying sodium nitroprusside.Delayed cultivation reduces cotton yield.
Surgical removal of a telemetry system in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis): a 12-month observation study
Authors: Cho Doo-Wan , Han Hyoung-Yun , Yang Mi-Jin , Woo Dong Ho , Han Su-Cheol , Yang Young-Su 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Telemetry is a wireless implanted device that measures biological signals in conscious animals and usually requires surgery for its removal when the study is finished. After removing the device, the animals are either used for other studies or euthanatized.

Case presentation
Herein, we report the case of a living cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) that was used for the entire experimental period, instead of euthanasia, after surgical removal of an implanted telemetry system. Radiography was used to determine the status of the implanted telemetry, following which, a repair surgery was performed for removing the system; clinical signs were used to preserve the life of the cynomolgus monkey. Postoperative clinical signs, food consumption, hematology, and serum biochemistry were examined during the 12-month observational period. No abnormal readings or conditions were observed in the subject after implant removal.

Conclusions
This study may be a useful case report for living cynomolgus monkeys in telemetry implantations used throughout the study period. We suggest minimizing the suffering and improving the welfare of these animals.
Screening assessment of trimethoxy flavonoid and - (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate against formalin-induced arthritis in Swiss albino rats and binding properties on NF-κB-MMP9 proteins
Authors: Panda Siva Prasad , Panigrahy Uttam Prasad , Mallick Sarada Prasanna , Prasanth DSNBK , Raghavendra Mitta 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe isolated trimethoxy flavonoid 4a,5,8,8a-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxy-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one (TMF) from methanolic stem extract ofT chrysantha(METC) and - (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can be used to suppress acute inflammation and arthritis as an ethical medicine in Ayurveda. The nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling is involved in the expression of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-1β. A successive investigation of NF-κB–MMP9 signaling during the production of inflammatory mediators needs to be developed. The docking studies of compounds TMF and EGCG were carried out using Autodock 4.0 and Discovery studio Biovia 2017 software to find out the interaction between ligand and the target proteins. The anti-arthritic potential of TMF, EGCG, and indomethacin was evaluated against formalin-induced arthritis in Swiss albino rats. Arthritis was assessed by checking the mean increase in paw diameter for 6 days via digital vernier caliper. The blood cell counter and diagnostic kits measured the different blood parameters and Rheumatoid factor (RF, IU/mL). The interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in serum were determined by ELISA, and the pERK, MMP9, and NF-κB expressions in the inflamed tissue were determined by Western blotting, respectively. The mRNA expression for inflammatory marker enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined by qRT-PCR.ResultsBased on grid score, interactions, and IC50values in molecular docking studies, the TMF and EGCG can be effectively combined with proteins NF-kB and MMP9. The TMF-HD and EGCG-HD better suppressed the acute inflammation and arthritis with marked low-density pERK, MMP9, NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2 levels. The endogenous antioxidant levels were increased in TMF and EGCG treated rats.ConclusionThe TMF and EGCG effectively unraveled acute inflammation and arthritis by suppressing NF-κB mediated MMP9 and cytokines.Graphic abstract
Stability indicating RP-UPLC method for simultaneous quantification of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Yarra Uma Sai Teja , Gummadi Sowjanya 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe acid are used in combination for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The current work was undertaken to develop a simple and rapid stability-indicating RP-UPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe in tablets as no such method was available. The chromatographic separation was performed with Waters Acquity C18 [50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μ] column using methanol: acetonitrile: water [50: 30: 20, by volume] as mobile phase pumped at a flow rate 0.5 mL/min. The separated analytes were detected at 260 nm using UV detector.

Results
The separation of Bempedoic acid (BA) and Ezetimibe (EZ) was done at a retention time of 1.827 min. and 3.577 min. respectively. The validation and stability studies of the present method were carried out according to the ICH guidelines. The linearity of the proposed method was in the range of 30–130 μg/mL and 5–50 μg/mL for Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe respectively. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.1216 μg/mL and 0.3685 μg/mL for Bempedoic acid and 0.1189 μg/mL and 0.3602 μg/mL for Ezetimibe respectively. The recovery of the method was found to be in the range of 99.89—100.31% for Bempedoic acid and 98.14—99.94% for Ezetimibe while the % RSD for both drugs in the precision and robustness study was less than 2.0. The drugs did not show any major degradants in the exposed conditions.

Conclusion
The developed method was found to be simple, sensitive, accurate, precise, robust, rapid and yet stability indicating. The method can be adopted for simultaneous estimation of Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe in the pharmaceutical formulation.
Generalized Standard Triples for Algebraic Linearizations of Matrix Polynomials
Authors: Chan Eunice Y.S. , Corless Robert M. , Rafiee Sevyeri Leili 
Published: October 2021

We define generalized standard triples $\boldsymbol{X}$, $\boldsymbol{Y}$, and $L(z) = z\boldsymbol{C}_{1} - \boldsymbol{C}_{0}$, where $L(z)$ is a linearization of a regular matrix polynomial $\boldsymbol{P}(z) \in \mathbb{C}^{n \times n}[z]$, in order to use the representation $\boldsymbol{X}(z \boldsymbol{C}_{1}~-~\boldsymbol{C}_{0})^{-1}\boldsymbol{Y}~=~\boldsymbol{P}^{-1}(z)$ which holds except when $z$ is an eigenvalue of $\boldsymbol{P}$. This representation can be used in constructing so-called algebraic linearizations for matrix polynomials of the form $\boldsymbol{H}(z) = z \boldsymbol{A}(z)\boldsymbol{B}(z) + \boldsymbol{C} \in \mathbb{C}^{n \times n}[z]$ from generalized standard triples of $\boldsymbol{A}(z)$ and $\boldsymbol{B}(z)$. This can be done even if $\boldsymbol{A}(z)$ and $\boldsymbol{B}(z)$ are expressed in differing polynomial bases. Our main theorem is that $\boldsymbol{X}$ can be expressed using the coefficients of the expression $1 = \sum_{k=0}^\ell e_k \phi_k(z)$ in terms of the relevant polynomial basis. For convenience, we tabulate generalized standard triples for orthogonal polynomial bases, the monomial basis, and Newton interpolational bases; for the Bernstein basis; for Lagrange interpolational bases; and for Hermite interpolational bases.
Dry Matter Estimation of Standing Corn with Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Digman Matthew F. , Cherney Jerry H. , Cherney Debbie J. 
Published: October 2021

HIGHLIGHTSQuadratic relationships were established to relate ear moisture or stover moisture to whole plant moisture, and they explained 90% and 84% of whole plant moisture, respectively. Based on our observations, the moisture content of a corn field can be estimated within +1% w.b. in 19 out of 20 fields by sampling 5-10 plants. The calibration offered by SCiO was successful at predicting oven-dried moisture content based on traditional NIRS metrics of R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 3.6, RPD = 3.2, and RER = 15. However, the 95% prediction bands were +6.9% w.b., which would indicate little utility in estimating ear moisture content. Based on a prediction model that was developed using the data collected for this study, a significant instrument-to-instrument bias was observed, indicating the necessity of including multiple SCiO devices in calibration spectra collection. ABSTRACT. Determining the appropriate time to harvest whole-plant corn is an essential factor driving the successful preservation via anaerobic fermentation (ensiling). The current options for timely on-farm monitoring of corn moisture in the field include selecting a set of representative plants, chopping and drying a subsample, or harvesting a portion of the field using a harvester equipped with an on-board moisture sensing system. Both methods are time-consuming and expensive, limiting their practicality for harvest decision-making. This work’s objective was to develop a practical solution that utilizes the moisture content of the ear to estimate whole-plant moisture. An improvement of this method was also considered that utilized a hand-held near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) device to predict ear moisture in situ. Based on the data collected during this work, a quadratic relationship was developed where ear moisture explained 90% of the variability in whole-plant corn moisture. However, based on our observations, the hand-held NIRS evaluated would have little utility in predicting whole-plant corn moisture with either the calibration developed here or provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s prediction model yielded the best result with an R2 of 0.92, and a ratio of performance to deviation of 3.19. However, the 95% prediction band was +6.85% w.b. Finally, we determined that for a corn field uniform in appearance, sampling five to ten plants is likely to provide a reasonable estimate of field moisture. Keywords: Corn silage, Forage analysis, Harvest timing, Moisture content, NIRS.
Key Technologies of Crop Dividers of Sugarcane Harvesters: A Review
Authors: Bai Jing , Ma Shaochun , Wang Fenglei , Xing Haonan , Ding Zhengliang , Hu Jiwei 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsThis article focuses on crop dividers of sugarcane harvesters.Four crop dividers were briefly reviewed.The research status of crop dividers was introduced.The potential new technologies and development directions of spiral crop dividers were presented.Abstract. The crop divider is an important mechanism of a sugarcane harvester, which affects the efficiency and quality of sugarcane mechanical harvesting. This article mainly summarized the key technologies of crop dividers. Firstly, four crop dividers (spiral crop divider, finger-chain crop divider, combined crop divider, and lever crop divider) were briefly reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of different crop dividers were then summarized. The research status of crop dividers was introduced with theoretical analysis, simulation studies, and field experiments. Finally, the scientific researches and commercial machines were compared for a comprehensive review. Additionally, the potential new technologies and development directions of spiral crop dividers were presented to improve the performance and adaptability of sugarcane harvesters. This article is expected to provide a reference for the design of crop dividers. Keywords: Crop divider, Mechanical harvesting, Sugarcane, Sugarcane harvester.
Study of Antifungal Activity Using Three Chinese Medicine Herbs
Authors: Zhu Anming , Ren Shiming , Li Xueqi , Zhao Xiaoqi , Wang Lei , Bao Minzhen , Wang Yamei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Chinese medicine herbal extracts are ideal candidates to replace toxic industrial wood preservatives thanks to their antifungal and nontoxic properties. To investigate the antifungal activity of Chinese herbal medicines, in this study, Trametes versicolor fungi were selected as test strains to evaluate the antifungal properties of Fructus Cnidii, Fructus Forsythiae, and Radix Stemonae. The results show that Fructus Cnidii has a strong inhibitory effect against T. versicolor, whereas Fructus Forsythiae and Radix Stemonae have a weak inhibitory effect. The hyphae growth cycle shows that the three studied Chinese herbs disrupt the growth of T. versicolor. Moreover, instead of direct killing, the Chinese herbal medicine demonstrated inhibition ability. Furthermore, the morphological and toxicological evidence shows that Fructus Cnidii affected the expression of proteins or enzymes to achieve the inhibition goal. In sum, this study could provide both primary data and a theoretical foundation for further developing and applying for traditional Chinese medicine as a green type of wood preservative.