bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antidermatophyte Activity of Ethanol Extract and Stability of Creams Formulated from Cassia alata Linn
Authors: Oyedeji F. O. , Fawehinmi A. B. , Lawal Hassan 
Published: January 2021

There are scientific reports of medicinal plants having curative properties. These properties may be due to the presence of various phytochemicals in the plants. Cassia alata is a specie in the Fabaceae family. The purpose of this study is to determine the antidermatophyte activity of the extract, formulate a cream with the extract and determine the stability of the cream by measuring the pH, Free-thaw test, Centrifugation and sensitivity to light. We also subjected the formulated cream to temperature variation test at -10, 4, 30, 37 and 45o C. The percentage yield was 8.5%. The extract contain alkaloid (4.24±0.24%), saponin(1.35±0.39%), tannin (0.45±0.29%) and flavonoid (2.42±0.32%) respectively. The antifungal test results showed the activity against the dermatophytes to be in the increasing order M.furfur (12± 0.2 mm) < Microsporum audounii (12±0.4 mm) < Trichophyton mentagrophtes (14±0.2mm) < Epidermophyton floccosum (16±0.2 mm).Temperature stability and Centrifuge testing indicated that the formulations were stable. Light testing indicated no change in the colour of the cream. Our study showed that the plant has high potential as an anti-dermatophyte when formulated as a cream for topical use. The stability of the cream formulations indicated that it can be used for the management of dermatophytosis.
Ameliorative Effects of Dietary Ocimum gratissimum Leafmeal on African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus Subjected to Pathogenic and Transportation-Induced Stress
Authors: Samuel Olanipekun O. , Oluyemi K. Gbadamosi , Muyiwa Adegbenro , Agbona A. I. , Adebisi S. L. 
Published: January 2021

The primary aim of this project is the use of functional feed supplements to ameliorate or reduce the effects of stressors rather than using chemicals that could be harmful and expensive. Specifically, assessment of the ameliorative effect of locally available phytogenic product, Ocimum gratissimum on the negative effects of stress in African catfish production was carried out in a study that lasted for 70 days. Five experimental diets were formulated, at different inclusion levels of O. gratissimum , as 0.00 g (control), 0.05 g, 0.10 g, 0.15 g, 0.20 g per 100 g of diet denoted as T1 (control), T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, stress-induced treatments of experimental fish were done using pathogenic and transportation stressors. Zootechnical parameters in terms of growth and nutrient utilization were evaluated. Physiological stress assessment (Aspartate transaminase, AST and Alanine transaminase, ALT) and stress biomarkers (cortisol and glucose) were carried out using liver and blood samples from experimental fish. Results showed that zootechnical parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced with increasing supplementation levels of O. gratissimum. There were better performances in the growth and nutrient utilization indices like weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency and feed conversion ratio as the level of O. gratissimum was increased to 0.15 mg/g in the diets. Curvilinear trends were recorded with a second degree polynomial regression model depicting a strong relationship between SGR and O. gratissimum supplementation in fish diet followed by adverse responses when increased to 0.20 mg/g in the diet. There were significant reduction in stress parameters with increasing supplementation levels of O. gratissimum leaf extract in the diets. The best supplementation level of O. gratissimum was 0.15 mg/g in T4. From the above deductions, this study confirmed the positive ameliorating effects of O. gratissimum on the African catfish during stressful episodes.
Sources of Fungal Contamination of Fresh and Dried Fish in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Nyamwaka Irene Seila , Monda Ethel , Ombori Omwoyo , Kwach Johnson 
Published: January 2021

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that frequently invade foods and feedstuffs. In humid climatic conditions like those found in Kisii County, growth of fungi on dried fish and fish feeds is accelerated due to absorption of moisture from the environment as a result of poor storage and sometimes improper drying. This can lead to creation of favourable conditions for the growth of the toxigenic fungi and consequently production of aflatoxins. This study was conducted to determine the main sources of fungal contamination of selected fresh and dried fish sold in Kisii county, Kenya. Samples of fish were randomly obtained from four main markets in the county. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the sources of fish, mode and hygiene of transportation, handling of fish, duration of storage, hygiene of packaging materials and display environment of fish. Levels of fish contamination were expressed in form of colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of fish. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine mean differences in parameters analysed. The results revealed that CFU/g of fish from control samples were significantly less than those from fresh and dried fish samples from the various sources (p<0.05). There was generally no significant difference between CFU/g from both fresh and dried fish from the various sources. The study found out that fresh and dried fish sold in Kisii county are contaminated with fungi. There is therefore need for frequent surveillance on the sources of fish contamination and public sensitization of all those involved in fish supply chain. This will help reduce possible aflatoxin contamination thus promoting consumers’ healthy living.
Microbiological Research of Mineral and Mountain Spring Waters in Bulgaria
Authors: Ignatov Ignat 
Published: January 2021

In Bulgaria is observed a great variety of spring waters. They are mineral and mountain spring waters. According to their temperature they can be cold (up to 37 °С), warm (from 37°C to 60 °C) and hot (over 60 °C). This is Bulgarian standard for the qualification of waters according to their temperature.
The mountain spring waters are cold with temperature up to 25 °С.
By their chemical composition they fall into three categories – low mineralized (up to 2 g/L), moderately mineralized (2 to 15 g/L) and highly mineralized (15 – 30 g/L). According to their chemical composition the mineral waters are divided into sulphate, sulfide, hydrogen carbonate, chloride and carbonic. With regards to their gas composition they are nitrogen, sea and carbonic waters.
The waters that correspond to the requirements of Decree No. 14 regarding the resort resources, resort localities and resorts, have balneological parameters.
The main objective of the current review is to show springs, which have been examined by microbiological parameters and are in compliance with Ordinance No. 9 / 2001, Official State Gazette, issue 30, and decree No. 178 / 23.07.2004 regarding the quality of water intended for drinking and household purposes, and Decree № 14 regarding the resort resources, resort localities and resorts.
Consistency of small‐field dosimetry, on and off axis, in beam‐matched linacs used for stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Muñoz Luis , Kron Tomas , Petasecca Marco , Bucci Joseph , Jackson Michael , Metcalfe Peter , Rosenfeld Anatoly B. , Biasi Giordano 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be delivered with a standard linear accelerator (linac). At institutions having more than one linac, beam matching is common practice. In the literature, there are indications that machine central axis (CAX) matching for broad fields does not guarantee matching of small fields with side ≤2 cm. There is no indication on how matching for broad fields on axis translates to matching small fields off axis. These are of interest to multitarget single‐isocenter (MTSI) SRS planning and the present work addresses that gap in the literature.MethodsWe used 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) beams from four Elekta VersaHD® linacs equipped with an Agility™ multileaf collimator (MLC). The linacs were strictly matched for broad fields on CAX. We compared output factors (OPFs) and effective field size, measured concurrently using a novel 2D solid‐state dosimeter “Duo” with a spatial resolution of 0.2 mm, in square and rectangular static fields with sides from 0.5 to 2 cm, either on axis or away from it by 5 to 15 cm.ResultsAmong the four linacs, OPF for fields ≥1 × 1 cm2 ranged 1.3% on CAX, whereas off axis a maximum range of 1.9% was observed at 15 cm. A larger variability in OPF was noted for the 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 field, with a range of 5.9% on CAX, which improved to a maximum of 2.3% moving off axis. Two linacs showed greater consistency with a range of 1.4% on CAX and 2.2% at 15 cm off axis. Between linacs, the effective field size varied by <0.04 cm in most cases, both on and off axis. Tighter matching was observed for linacs with a similar focal spot position.ConclusionsVerification of small‐field consistency for matched linacs used for SRS is an important task for dosimetric validation. A significant benefit of concurrent measurement of field size and OPF allowed for a comprehensive assessment using a novel diode array. Our study showed the four linacs, strictly matched for broad fields on CAX, were still matched down to a field size of 1 x 1 cm2 on and off axis.
Identification of robust and reproducible CT‐texture metrics using a customized 3D‐printed texture phantom
Authors: Varghese Bino A. , Hwang Darryl , Cen Steven Y. , Lei Xiaomeng , Levy Joshua , Desai Bhushan , Goodenough David J. , Duddalwar Vinay A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the robustness and reproducibility of computed tomography‐based texture analysis (CTTA) metrics extracted from CT images of a customized texture phantom built for assessing the association of texture metrics to three‐dimensional (3D) printed progressively increasing textural heterogeneity.Materials and MethodsA custom‐built 3D‐printed texture phantom comprising of six texture patterns was used to evaluate the robustness and reproducibility of a radiomics panel under a variety of routine abdominal imaging protocols. The phantom was scanned on four CT scanners (Philips, Canon, GE, and Siemens) to assess reproducibility. The robustness assessment was conducted by imaging the texture phantom across different CT imaging parameters such as slice thickness, field of view (FOV), tube voltage, and tube current for each scanner. The texture panel comprised of 387 features belonging to 15 subgroups of texture extraction methods (e.g., Gray‐level Co‐occurrence Matrix: GLCM). Twelve unique image settings were tested on all the four scanners (e.g., FOV125). Interclass correlation two‐way mixed with absolute agreement (ICC3) was used to assess the robustness and reproducibility of radiomic features. Linear regression was used to test the association between change in radiomic features and increased texture heterogeneity. Results were summarized in heat maps.ResultsA total of 5612 (23.2%) of 24 090 features showed excellent robustness and reproducibility (ICC ≥ 0.9). Intensity, GLCM 3D, and gray‐level run length matrix (GLRLM) 3D features showed best performance. Among imaging variables, changes in slice thickness affected all metrics more intensely compared to other imaging variables in reducing the ICC3. From the analysis of linear trend effect of the CTTA metrics, the top three metrics with high linear correlations across all scanners and scanning settings were from the GLRLM 2D/3D and discrete cosine transform (DCT) texture family.ConclusionThe choice of scanner and imaging protocols affect texture metrics. Furthermore, not all CTTA metrics have a linear association with linearly varying texture patterns.
Trajectory log analysis and cone‐beam CT‐based daily dose calculation to investigate the dosimetric accuracy of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer
Authors: Utena Yohei , Takatsu Jun , Sugimoto Satoru , Sasai Keisuke 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study evaluated unexpected dosimetric errors caused by machine control accuracy, patient setup errors, and patient weight changes/internal organ deformations. Trajectory log files for 13 gynecologic plans with seven‐ or nine‐beam dynamic multileaf collimator (MLC) intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and differences between expected and actual MLC positions and MUs were evaluated. Effects of patient setup errors on dosimetry were estimated by in‐house software. To simulate residual patient setup errors after image‐guided patient repositioning, planned dose distributions were recalculated (blurred dose) after the positions were randomly moved in three dimensions 0–2 mm (translation) and 0°–2° (rotation) 28 times per patient. Differences between planned and blurred doses in the clinical target volume (CTV) D98% and D2% were evaluated. Daily delivered doses were calculated from cone‐beam computed tomography by the Hounsfield unit‐to‐density conversion method. Fractional and accumulated dose differences between original plans and actual delivery were evaluated by CTV D98% and D2%. The significance of accumulated doses was tested by the paired t test. Trajectory log file analysis showed that MLC positional errors were −0.01 ± 0.02 mm and MU delivery errors were 0.10 ± 0.10 MU. Differences in CTV D98% and D2% were <0.5% for simulated patient setup errors. Differences in CTV D98% and D2% were 2.4% or less between the fractional planned and delivered doses, but were 1.7% or less for the accumulated dose. Dosimetric errors were primarily caused by patient weight changes and internal organ deformation in gynecologic radiation therapy.
Gradient of brain mosaic RHEB variants causes a continuum of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Lee Wei Shern , Baldassari Sara , Chipaux Mathilde , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Stephenson Sarah E. M. , Maixner Wirginia , Harvey A. Simon , Lockhart Paul J. , Baulac Stéphanie , Leventer Richard J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFocal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and hemimegalencephaly (HME) are related malformations with shared etiologies. We report three patients with a spectrum of cortical malformations associated with pathogenic brain‐specific somatic Ras homolog enriched in brain (RHEB) variants. The somatic variant load directly correlated with the size of the malformation, with upregulated mTOR activity confirmed in dysplastic tissues. Laser capture microdissection showed enrichment of RHEB variants in dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells. Our findings support the role of RHEB in a spectrum of cortical malformations confirming that FCD and HME represent a disease continuum, with the extent of dysplastic brain directly correlated with the somatic variant load.
Multivariable Modeling of Biomarker Data From the Phase I Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Consortium
Authors: Hunter David J. , Deveza Leticia A. , Collins Jamie E. , Losina Elena , Katz Jeffrey N. , Nevitt Michael C. , Lynch John A. , Roemer Frank W. , Guermazi Ali , Bowes Michael A. , Dam Erik B. , Eckstein Felix , Kwoh C. Kent , Hoffmann Steve , Kraus Virginia B. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the optimal combination of imaging and biochemical biomarkers for use in the prediction of knee osteoarthritis (OA) progression.MethodsThe present study was a nested case–control trial from the Foundation of the National Institutes of Health OA Biomarkers Consortium that assessed study participants with a Kellgren/Lawrence grade of 1–3 who had complete biomarker data available (n = 539 to 550). Cases were participants’ knees that had radiographic and pain progression between 24 and 48 months compared to baseline. Radiographic progression only was assessed in secondary analyses. Biomarkers (baseline and 24‐month changes) that had a P value of <0.10 in univariate analysis were selected, including quantitative cartilage thickness and volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), semiquantitative MRI markers, bone shape and area, quantitative meniscal volume, radiographic progression (trabecular bone texture [TBT]), and serum and/or urine biochemical markers. Multivariable logistic regression models were built using 3 different stepwise selection methods (complex models versus parsimonious models).ResultsAmong baseline biomarkers, the number of locations affected by osteophytes (semiquantitative), quantitative central medial femoral and central lateral femoral cartilage thickness, patellar bone shape, and semiquantitative Hoffa‐synovitis predicted OA progression in most models (C statistic 0.641–0.671). In most models, 24‐month changes in semiquantitative MRI markers (effusion‐synovitis, meniscal morphologic changes, and cartilage damage), quantitative central medial femoral cartilage thickness, quantitative medial tibial cartilage volume, quantitative lateral patellofemoral bone area, horizontal TBT (intercept term), and urine N‐telopeptide of type I collagen predicted OA progression (C statistic 0.680–0.724). A different combination of imaging and biochemical biomarkers (baseline and 24‐month change) predicted radiographic progression only, which had a higher C statistic of 0.716–0.832.ConclusionThe present study highlights the combination of biomarkers with potential prognostic utility in OA disease‐modifying trials. Properly qualified, these biomarkers could be used to enrich future trials with participants likely to experience progression of knee OA.
Differential Impact of Fluid Shear Stress and YAP/TAZ on BMP/TGF‐β Induced Osteogenic Target Genes
Authors: Reichenbach Maria , Mendez Paul‐Lennard , da Silva Madaleno Carolina , Ugorets Vladimir , Rikeit Paul , Boerno Stefan , Jatzlau Jerome , Knaus Petra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBone is a remarkable dynamic structure, which integrates mechanical and biochemical signaling inputs. Interstitial fluid in the intramedullary space transmits signals derived from compression‐induced fluid shear stress (FSS) to stimulate osteoblasts for bone formation. Using a flow system and human osteoblasts, this study demonstrates how BMP/TGF‐β signaling integrates stimuli derived from FSS and YAP/TAZ and confirms these findings by transcriptome analyses. Here, FSS positively affects the phosphorylation of both SMAD1/5 and SMAD2/3, the respective BMP‐ and TGFβ‐R‐SMADs. Increase in phosphorylated SMAD1/5 levels affects distinct target genes, which are susceptible to low levels of phosphorylated SMADs (such as ID1–3) or dependent on high levels of phosphorylated SMAD1/5 (NOG, noggin). Thus, FSS lowers the threshold for genes dependent on high levels of phosphorylated SMAD1/5 when less BMP is available. While the impact of FSS on direct BMP target genes is independent of YAP/TAZ, FSS acts cooperatively with YAP/TAZ on TGF‐β target genes, which are shared by both pathways (such as CTGF). As mechanical stimuli are key in bone regeneration, their crosstalk to biochemical signaling pathways such as BMP and TGF‐β and YAP/TAZ acts on different levels, which allows now to think about new and more specified intervention strategies for age‐related bone loss.
Regulation of Electronic Properties of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles to Reveal Their Toxicity Mechanism and Safe‐by‐Design Approach
Authors: Zheng Runxiao , Zhang Haiyuan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMetal oxide (MO) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely applied to medicine, agriculture, industry, and other fields, however, their potential toxicity is often concerned. Various toxicological studies are carried out to investigate the toxicity and underlying mechanism of MO NPs. A series of physicochemical properties of MO NPs, such as primary size, charge, solubility, crystal structure, crystalline phase, etc., are correlated with their induced toxicity. Recently, electronic properties of MO NPs have exhibited intense correlation with the oxidative injury in cells and mice. The overlap between the conduction band energy (Ec) of MO NPs and the biological redox potential range (−4.12 to −4.84 eV) of biological systems shows increasing evidence in causing the oxidative injury. Charge carrier types (hole or electron) of MO NPs are further found to potentiate or alleviate these injuries. Based on this knowledge, safer MO NPs can be prepared through regulation of energy edges of MO NPs. Herein, the relationship between the electronic properties of MO NPs and their induced oxidative injury is summarized, and the new safe‐by‐design approach for preparing safer MO NPs is introduced.
A Wearable Optical Microfibrous Biomaterial with Encapsulated Nanosensors Enables Wireless Monitoring of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Safaee Mohammad Moein , Gravely Mitchell , Roxbury Daniel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn an effort to facilitate personalized medical approaches, the continuous and noninvasive monitoring of biochemical information using wearable technologies can enable a detailed understanding of an individual's physiology. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a class of oxygen‐containing free radicals that function in a wide range of biological processes. In wound healing applications, the continuous monitoring of ROS through a wearable diagnostics platform is essential for the prevention of chronicity and pathogenic infection. Here, a versatile one‐step procedure is utilized to fabricate optical core‐shell microfibrous textiles incorporating single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for the real‐time optical monitoring of hydrogen peroxide concentrations in in vitro wounds. The environmentally sensitive and non‐photobleachable fluorescence of SWCNTs enables continuous analyte monitoring without decay in signal over time. The existence of multiple chiralities of SWCNTs emitting near‐infrared fluorescence with narrow bandwidths allows a ratiometric signal readout invariant to the excitation source distance and exposure time. The individual fibers encapsulate the SWCNT nanosensors for at least 21 days without apparent loss in structural integrity. Moreover, the microfibrous textiles are utilized to spatially resolve peroxide concentrations using a camera and further integrated into commercial wound bandages without significant degradation in their optical properties.
Strain‐Controlled Spin Wave Excitation and Gilbert Damping in Flexible Co2FeSi Films Activated by Femtosecond Laser Pulse
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Liu Er , Lu Xianyang , Zhang Wen , You Yurong , Xu Guizhou , Xu Zhan , Wong Ping Kwan Johnny , Wang Yichuan , Liu Bo , Yu Xiaojiang , Wu Jing , Xu Yongbing , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Xu Feng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe dynamic response of magnetic order to optical excitation at sub‐picosecond scale has offered an intriguing alternative for magnetism manipulation. Such ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetism has become a fundamental challenging topic with high implications for future spintronics. Here, this study demonstrates such manipulation in Co2FeSi films grown on flexible polyimide substrate, and demonstrates how the magneto‐optical interaction can be modified by using strain engineering which in turn triggers the excitation of both dipolar and exchange spin waves modes. Furthermore, Gilbert damping and spin‐orbit coupling in Co2FeSi can both be tuned significantly by altering the magnitude and type of applied strain, suggesting an appealing way to manipulate spin wave propagation. These results develop the optical manipulation magnetism into the field of spin wave dynamics, and open a new direction in the application of spin orbitronics and magnonics devices using strain engineering.