bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollution and Probabilistic Human Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Soil-water-plant System in the Bolkar Mining District, Niğde, South-central Turkey
Authors: Lermi Abdurrahman , Sunkari Emmanuel Daanoba 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Globally, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are regarded as an important group of pollutants for the wider environment because of their intrinsic toxicity and probable accumulation in the soil-water-plant system. In this regard, this study assessed the pollution levels and probable human health risks of PTEs in the soil-water-plant system in the Bolkar mining district of the Niğde Province in south-central Turkey. Pollution assessment using contamination factor, enrichment factor, index of geoaccumulation, and soil pollution index reveals moderate to extremely high pollution of PTEs in the soil, exposing the soils to extreme toxicity levels. The areas that fall under the toxic to extremely toxic categories are in proximity to the ore slags and agricultural lands towards the central and southern domains of the study area. The water hazard index (WHI) values indicate that 100% of the samples collected in both winter and fall seasons are of extreme toxicity (WHI > 15). Arsenic is the dominant contaminant among the PTEs in the soil and water samples. The bioconcentration factor values of the PTEs in most of the fruit plants are > 1, indicating very high levels of element transfer from the soil and water to the plants. The probabilistic human health risk assessment involved exposure to arsenic in groundwater (a major pathway to humans) since it is the only carcinogenic element in this study. The estimated daily intake of arsenic-contaminated water exceeds the safe limit of 5 × 10− 8 mg/kg/day. About 33.3% and 55.6% of the groundwater samples have higher hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk values of arsenic in the winter and fall seasons, respectively. This implies that the people are more exposed to the carcinogenic effects of drinking arsenic-contaminated water.
The Synchronization and Synchronization Transition of Coupled Fractional-order Neuronal Networks
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhang GuangJun , Li XueRen , Wang Dong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Different from the previous researches on the synchronization and synchronization transition of neuronal networks constructed by integer-order neuronal models, the synchronization and synchronization transition of fractional-order neuronal network are investigated in this paper. The fractional-order ring neuronal network constructed by fractional-order HindmarshRose (HR) neuronal models without electromagnetic radiation are proposed, and it’s synchronization behaviors are investigated numerically. The synchronization behaviors of two coupled fractional-order neuronal models and ring neuronal network under electromagnetic radiation are studied numerically. By research results, several novel phenomena and conclusions can be drawn. First, for the fractional-order HR model’s ring neuronal network without electromagnetic radiation, if the fractional-order q is changed, the threshold of the coupling strength when the network is in perfect synchronization will change. Furthermore, the change of fractional-order can induce the transition of periodic synchronization and chaotic synchronization. Second, for the two coupled neurons under electromagnetic radiation, the synchronization degree is influenced by fractional-order and the feedback gain parameter k1 . In addition, the fractional-order and parameter k1 can induce the synchronization transition of bursting synchronization, perfect synchronization and phase synchronization. For the perfect synchronization, the synchronization transition of chaotic synchronization and periodic synchronization induced by q and parameter k1 is also observed. Especially, When the fractionalorder is small, like 0.6, the synchronization behavior will be more complex. Third, for the ring neuronal network under electromagnetic radiation, with the change of memory-conductance parameter β, parameter k1 and fractional-order q of electromagnetic radiation, the synchronization behaviors are different. When β > 0.02 , the synchronization will be strengthened with the decreasing of fractional-order. The parameter k1 can induce the synchronization transition of perfect periodic10 synchronization, perfect periodic-7 synchronization, perfect periodic-5 synchronization and perfect periodic4 synchronization. It is hard for the system to synchronize and q has little effect on the synchronization when −0.06 < β < 0.02 . When β < −0.06 , the network moves directly from asynchronization to perfect synchronization, and the synchronization factor goes from 0.1 to 1 with the small change of fractional-order. Larger the factional-order is, larger the range of synchronization is. The synchronization degree increases with the increasing of k1.
Cerebral Palsy In Children: Subtypes, Motor Function And Associated Impairments; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsige Selamenesh , Moges Ayalew , Mekasha Amha , Abebe Workeabeba , Forssberg Hans 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common developmental disabilities among children seeking health care services in Ethiopia as well as in other low income countries. Yet, there is no national data relating to CP in Ethiopia. The overall aim of this study is to describe the clinical subtype, gross and fine motor function and presence and pattern of associated impairments and possible risk factors in children with Cerebral Palsy aged 2 to 18 years in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 207 children with Cerebral Palsy. Surveillance for Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) decision tree was used to include 174 illegible children then a pretested and pre-coded questionnaire administered to caregivers assessing socio demographic characteristics, associated impairments and possible risk factors; evaluated with proper neurologic examination to classify them; and severity of gross and fine motor impairment was assessed by evaluating level of function by grading according to GMFCS and MACS. The IBM SPSS V.21 was used for data analysis, and a significance level of 0.05 was chosen. Result: A total of 174 children who fulfilled the clinical criteria were included sampled consecutively. Mean age 5.6 (SD 3.6) year; Males 55.2%. Under five children were 50.6%. Majority of the children had Bilateral spastic CP (60.4%) followed by unilateral spastic CP 21.8%, Dyskinetic CP 10.4%, Ataxic CP 3.4% and 4% were unclassifiable. Of all the children 95.4% had speech and language impairments, 87.4% learning disabilities; 60.9% epilepsy, 24.7% Visual impairment and 8.6% has hearing impairment. On gross motor functions and manual ability assessment 75.3% of the children had level 4and 5 functional impairment. More than 80% of the mothers had complications during delivery (fetal distress followed by PROM). Half of the neonates did not cry immediately after birth; 77 neonates were resuscitated with BMV at birth and 111 immediately admitted to NICU. Subsequently during the first month of life; 50% had infection, 62% trouble feeding, 49.4 % difficulty breathing, 35% seizure and 13.8% had deep jaundice. Conclusion; the severe forms of CP prevail and most children are dependent on their parents for routine activities and cannot communicate well. Multidisciplinary care approach and focused functional rehabilitation services need to be instituted. Causal relationship cannot be drawn from this study but makes a strong argument for improving maternal and child health care.
Light-triggered and phosphorylation-dependent 14-3-3 association with
NON-PHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL 3 is required for hypocotyl phototropism
Authors: Reuter Lea , Schmidt Tanja , Manishankar Prabha , Throm Christian , Keicher Jutta , Bock Andrea , Oecking Claudia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
NON-PHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL 3 (NPH3) is a key component of the auxin-dependent plant phototropic growth response. We show that NPH3 directly binds polyacidic phospholipids, required for plasma membrane association in darkness. We further demonstrate that blue light induces an immediate phosphorylation of a C-terminal 14-3-3 binding motif in NPH3. Subsequent association of 14-3-3 proteins is causal for the light-induced release of NPH3 from the membrane and required for NPH3 dephosphorylation. In the cytosol, NPH3 dynamically transitions into membrane-less condensate-like structures. The dephosphorylated state of the 14-3-3 binding site and NPH3 membrane recruitment are recoverable in darkness. NPH3 variants that constitutively localize either to the membrane or to condensates are non-functional, revealing a fundamental role of the 14-3-3 mediated dynamic change in NPH3 localization for auxin-dependent phototropism. This novel mechanism of regulation might be of general nature, given that several members of the NPH3-like family interact with 14-3-3 via a C-terminal motif.
A multi-method approach for beam characterization of microfading testers used in cultural heritage conservation science
Authors: Swit Pawel , Gargano Marco , Hoyo-Meléndez Julio M. del 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Microfading testers have become widely accepted by the conservation science community for establishing and recommending appropriate lighting conditions that minimize damage to collections. These devices offer the opportunity of measuring the photostability of cultural heritage objects due to their optical setup, which allows to conduct and quantify accelerated photoaging over a spot of approximately 0.5 mm. Also, by using a high sensitivity photodetector it is possible to measure spectrocolorimetric change before it is perceived by the human eye. Although a considerable amount of testing is currently performed with these instruments, there are still safety concerns in terms of possible damage to the objects due to the use of a high intensity spot during testing. Nevertheless microfadeometry is widely considered a nondestructive technique. The advantages and disadvantages of several methods used to determine the beam shape and intensity profiles are described with the aim of providing various options to microfading researchers interested in characterizing their irradiation spots. Conventional and imaging methods were employed and are compared in terms of their accuracy, cost, reliability, and technical features. It has been found that both methods provide beam width measurements in satisfactory agreement within experimental error.
On-the-job vocational training of nonprofessional ethnic health workers of a primary health care team improves their sense of coherence
Authors: Katona Cintia , Bíró Éva , Vincze Szilvia , Kósa Karolina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives
A Primary Care Model Programme had been implemented in Hungary between 2013–2017 in which group practices were established that employed – among others – nonprofessional health workers (health mediators, similar to community health workers) to facilitate access for the most disadvantaged population groups. The health of mediators, themselves mostly disadvantaged ethnic Roma, was monitored every odd year of the Programme.
Methods
A repeated cross-sectional health interview survey had been implemented inviting all health mediators who were employed at the time of the survey. The same questionnaire was used in all 3 surveys with items from the European Health Interview Survey 2009 and validated versions of other scales.
Results
Positive changes occurred in the health status of mediators during 5 years of follow-up, especially among those who completed vocational training in the Programme. By 2017, significant increase in sense of coherence was observed among those who obtained vocational qualification as opposed to those who did not. The proportion of highly stressed mediators showed a significant increase among those with no vocational training. Improvement was detected in all mediators in health awareness, dysfunctional attitudes, psychological stress and smoking prevalence.
Conclusions
Positive changes among those who obtained on-the-job vocational qualification were observed during follow-up of ethnic Roma health mediators in the programme in which they were equal members of the primary health care team. Employment of health mediators in primary care teams not only contributed to improving access to care for disadvantaged groups but also improved the mental health of mediators themselves.
Confirmatory Efficacy and Safety Trial of Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Depression (CREST – MST): Study Protocol for a Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial of Magnetic Seizure Therapy versus Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Daskalakis Zafiris , Tamminga Carol , Throop Alanah , Palmer Lucy , Dimitrova Julia , Farzan Faranak , Thorpe Kevin E. , McClintock Shawn M. , Blumberger Daniel M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is well-established and effective for treatment resistant depression (TRD), but in Canada and the United States, less than 1% of patients with TRD receive ECT mainly due to its cognitive adverse effects (i.e., amnesia). Thus, new treatment alternatives for TRD are urgently needed. One such treatment is Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST). ECT involves applying a train of high frequency electrical stimuli to induce a seizure, whereas MST involves applying a train of high frequency magnetic stimuli to induce a seizure. MethodsIn this manuscript, we introduce our international, two-site, double-blinded, randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial to develop MST as an effective and safe treatment for TRD. This trial will compare the efficacy of MST to right unilateral ultra-brief pulse width electroconvulsive therapy (RUL-UB-ECT) with a combined primary endpoint of remission of depression and superior cognitive adverse effects in 260 patients with TRD. Amelioration of suicidal ideation will be assessed as a secondary endpoint. Inpatients or outpatients, over 18 years of age with a MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnosis of non-psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) can be enrolled in the study provided that they meet illness severity and full eligibility criteria. Participants are randomized to receive MST or RUL-UB ECT, 2-3 days per week over seven weeks, or a maximum of 21 treatments. The study will involve before-, during-, and after-treatment assessments of depression severity, suicidal ideation, subjective side-effects, and cognitive performance consistent with an intent-to-treat study design approach. DiscussionPositive results from this trial could have an immediate and tremendous impact for patients with TRD. If MST demonstrates comparable antidepressant treatment efficacy to ECT, but with greater cognitive safety, it could rapidly be adopted into clinical practice. Indeed, given that the administration of MST is nearly identical to ECT, the majority of ECT facilities in North America could readily adopt MST. Furthermore, the potential for cognitive safety could lead to improved treatment acceptability. Healthcare providers, patients and care partners, and policymakers would therefore demand this form of convulsive therapy.Trial RegistrationClinical Trials Gov NCT03191058, Registered June 19, 2017
Geometric Changes in Aortic Root Replacement Using Freestyle Prosthesis
Authors: Osswald Anja , Zubarevich Alina , Rad Arian Arjomandi , Vardanyan Robert , Zhigalov Konstantin , Wendt Daniel , Schmack Bastian , Mashhour Ahmed , Ruhparwar Arjang , Weymann Alexander 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The Medtronic freestyle prosthesis has proven to be a promising recourse for aortic root replacement in various indications. The present study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and geometric changes of the aorta after Freestyle implantation.Methods: Between October 2005 and November 2020, the computed tomography angiography (CTA) data of 32 patients were analyzed in a cohort of 68 patients that underwent aortic root replacement using Freestyle prosthesis. The minimum and maximum diameters and areas of the aortic annulus, aortic root, ascending aorta, and the proximal aortic arch were measured at a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the aorta using 3D multiplanar reconstruction in both the preoperative (n=32) and postoperative (n=10) CTAs. Moreover, volumetric changes of the aortic root and ascending aorta were quantified. Results: Mean age was 64.6 ± 10.6 years. Indications for surgery using Freestyle prosthesis were combined aortic valve pathologies, aortic aneurysm or dissection, and endocarditis, with concomitant surgery occurring in 28 out of 32 patients. In-hospital mortality was 18.6%. Preoperative diameter and area measurements of the aortic annulus strongly correlated with the implanted valve size (p<0.001). Bicuspid valve was present in 28.1% of the patients. Diameter and areas of the aortic root decreased after freestyle implantation, resulting in a reduction of the aortic root volume (45.6 ± 26.3 cm3 to 18.7 ± 4.5 cm3, p=0.029). Volume of the aortic root and the ascending aorta decreased from 137.3 ± 65.2 cm3 to 54.5 ± 21.1 cm3 after Freestyle implantation (p=0.023). Conclusion: Implantation of the Freestyle prosthesis presents excellent results in restoring the aortic geometry. Pre-operative CTA measurements are beneficial to the surgical procedure and valve selection and therefore, if available, should be considered in pre-operative planning.
Impact of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells on dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans cells in an indirect co-culture: An in vitro study
Authors: YUAN Zhaoqi , ZHU Zhu , ZHU Fangxing , DING Feixue , WANG Yinmin , WANG Xiuxia , LUO Xusong , YANG Jun , LIU Fei , SUN Di 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
This is the first study to evaluate the crosstalk between human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) cells with regard to the potential of using ADSCs in cell-based skin regenerative therapies. The aim was to identify the potential oncological risks of placing ADSCs in proximity of the tumor microenvironment of DFSP cells.
Methods
Primary DFSP cells were indirectly co-cultured with ADSCs in a conditioned medium or in a Transwell system. Crosstalk was analyzed by assessing proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor-associated genes and proteins. The results of these assays were compared between co-culture and mono-culture conditions.
Results
The proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of DFSP cells in co-culture conditions significantly increased compared with those in mono-culture conditions; this was accompanied by an increase in the expression levels of beta-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor.
Conclusions
The current report clearly demonstrates that crosstalk between DFSP cells and ADSCs can enhance the malignant properties of DFSP cells in vitro, which should not be neglected when considering the clinical use of isolated human ADSCs in skin regenerative therapies.
Effect of Two Types of Shoulder Prosthesis on the Muscle Forces Using a Generic Multibody Model for Different Arm Motions
Authors: Weisse Bernhard , Lama Susan , Piskoty Gabor , Affolter Christian , Aiyangar Ameet Krishnan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aims to analyze the effects of a novel dual-bearing shoulder prosthesis and a conventional reverse shoulder prosthesis on the deltoid and rotator cuff muscle forces for four different arm motions. The dual-bearing prosthesis is a glenoid sparing joint replacement with a moving center of rotation compared to the natural shoulder to increase the moment arms of the acting muscles for arm lifting. It has been developed to treat rotator cuff arthropathy, providing an increased post-operative functionality.Methods: An OpenSim® three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of an upper body, incorporating a natural gleno-humeral joint and a scapulothoracic joint developed by Blana et al. [1], was used as a reference for the natural shoulder. It was modified by integrating first a novel dual-bearing prosthesis, and second, a reverse shoulder prosthesis into the shoulder joint complex. Four different arm motions, namely abduction, scaption, internal and external rotation, were simulated using an inverse kinematics approach. For each of the three models, shoulder muscle forces and joint reaction forces were calculated with a 2 kg weight in the hand.Results: In general, the maximal shoulder muscle force and joint reaction force values were in a similar range for both prosthesis models during all four motions. The maximal deltoid muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing were 18% lower for abduction and 3% higher for scaption compared to the natural shoulder. The maximal rotator cuff muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing were 36% lower for abduction and 1% higher for scaption compared to the natural shoulder. Although the maximal deltoid muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing in internal and external rotation were 52% and 64% higher respectively, compared to the natural shoulder, the maximal rotator cuff muscle forces were 27% lower in both motions.Conclusion: The study shows that the dual-bearing shoulder prosthesis is a feasible option for patients with rotator cuff tear and has a strong potential to be used as secondary as well as primary joint replacement. The study also demonstrates that computer simulations can help to guide the continued optimization of this particular design concept for successful clinical outcomes.
Evaluation of Dry Textile Electrodes for Long-term Electrocardiographic Monitoring
Authors: Alizadeh-Meghrazi Milad , Ying Binbin , Schlums Alessandra , Lam Emily , Eskandarian Ladan , Abbas Farhana , Sidhu Gurjant , Mahnam Amin , Moineau Bastien , Popovic Milos 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Continuous long-term electrocardiography monitoring has been increasingly recognized for early diagnosis and management of different types of cardiovascular diseases. To find an alternative to Ag/AgCl gel electrodes that are improper for this application scenario, many efforts have been undertaken to develop novel flexible dry textile electrodes integrated into the everyday garments. With significant progresses made to address the potential issues (e.g., low signal to noise ratio, high skin-electrode impedance, motion artifact, and low durability), the lack of standard evaluation procedure hinders the further development of dry electrodes (mainly the design and optimization).Results: A standard testing procedure and framework for skin-electrode impedance measurement is demonstrated for the development of novel dry textile electrodes. Different representative electrode materials have been screen-printed on textile substrates. To verify the performance of dry textile electrodes, impedance measurements are conducted on an Agar skin model using a universal setup with consistent frequency and pressure. In addition, they are demonstrated for ECG signals acquisition, in comparison to those obtained using conventional gel electrodes.Conclusions: Dry textile electrodes demonstrated similar impedance when in raised or flat structures. The tested pressure variations had an insignificant impact on electrode impedance. Looking at the effect of impedance on ECG signals, a noticeable effect on ECG signal performance metrics was not observed. Therefore, it is suggested that impedance alone is possibly not the primary indicator of signal quality. As well, the developed methods can also serve as useful guidelines for future textile dry electrode design and testing for practical ECG monitoring applications.