bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recycling of Waste Tyre into Silica-Rubber Compounds for Green Tyre Application
Authors: Ghosh Joyeeta , Hait Sakrit , Ghorai Soumyajit , Mondal Dipankar , Heinrich Gert , Wießner Sven , Das Amit , De Debapriya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The prevention of detrimental effects to environment, owing to generation of a huge amount of rubber wastes, is a big challenge across the globe that warrants a thorough investigation of recycling and reuses waste of rubber products.In this spirit a sustainable development of a devulcanization process along with the production of value added devulcanized rubber is a task of hours.The present work describes a simultaneous devulcanization and chemical functionalisationprocessof waste solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR). This kind of rubber is generally used as the main polymer component in silica filled tread rubber compounds for high-performance passenger car tyres. As-grown ethoxy groupson the functionalized devulcanized styrene butadiene rubber (D-SBR)are exploited for the coupling between silica and the devulcanized rubber chains. We compare the mechanical and dynamic mechanical performance of D-SBR with that of virgin SBR control composites. Covalently bonding interfaces developed from the pendent ethoxy groups of D-SBR and silanol groups on the silica surface offer a competitive and promising performance of the D-SBR based composites. We conclude that the present approach can be further utilized for the large-scale production of different rubber products with satisfied elastomeric performance.
Introduction of Gasless Laparoscopic Surgery as a Minimally-Invasive Procedure for Endometrial Cancer and Its Usefulness From the Viewpoint of the Learning Curve
Authors: Ito Hiroe , Moritake Tetsuya , Terauchi Fumitoshi , Isaka Keiichi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: We investigated the usefulness of gasless laparoscopic surgery (GLS) using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method for endometrial cancer.Methods: We studied 105 patients with early endometrial cancer who underwent GLS (55) or open surgery (50). A uterine manipulator was used in all GLS cases. We compared operative time, blood loss, number of lymph nodes removed, hospital stay, perioperative complications, cases converted to laparotomy, and recurrence and survival rates. We also studied the learning curve and proficiency of GLS.Results: The GLS group had significantly longer operative time (265 vs. 191 minutes), reduced blood loss (184 vs. 425 mL), shorter hospital stay (9.9 vs. 17.6 days), and fewer postoperative complications (1.8 vs. 12.0%) than the open group. No case was converted to laparotomy. Disease-free and overall survival rates at 4 years postoperatively (GLS vs. open groups) were 98.0 versus 97.8 and 100 versus 95.7%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups. Regarding the learning curve for GLS, two different phases were observed in approximately 10 cases. Operator 2, who was not accustomed to laparoscopic surgery, showed a significant reduction in operative time in the later phase 2. Conclusions: GLS for endometrial cancer results in less bleeding, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications than open surgery. Recurrence and survival rates were not significantly different from those of open surgery. This technique may be introduced in a short time for operators who are skilled at open surgery but not used to laparoscopic surgery.
The Global Trends and Regional Differences in Incidence of Hepatitis a From 1990 to 2019 and Implications for Its Prevention
Authors: Cao Guiying , Jing Wenzhan , Liu Jue , Liu Min 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background & Purpose
Despite decades of improved sanitation and hygiene measures and the introduction of hepatitis A vaccine, hepatitis A has been spread through numerous outbreaks globally. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to quantify the burden of hepatitis A at the global, regional and national levels.
Methods
Detailed information on annual incident cases and age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of hepatitis A between 1990–2019 were derived from the GBD study 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of ASR was calculated to quantify the temporal trends in ASR of hepatitis A.
Results
Globally, incident cases of hepatitis A increased 13.90% from 139.54 million in 1990 to 158.94 million in 2019. The ASR of hepatitis A remained stable (EAPC = 0.00, 95%CI: -0.01, 0.01) worldwide between 1990–2019. However, the ASR of hepatitis A increased in low (EAPC = 0.09, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.14) and low-middle (EAPC = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.06) socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. For GBD regions, the most significant increases were detected in high-income Asia Pacific (EAPC = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.66), Oceania (EAPC = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.25, 0.36), and Australasia (EAPC = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.44). Of note, EAPC was positively associated with SDI value in the countries and territories with an SDI value ≥ 0.7 (ρ=-0.310, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
There is an unfavorable trend that hepatitis A is still pending in hyperendemic regions and is emerging in low endemic regions. These highlight the need of targeted and specific strategies to eliminate hepatitis A, such as sanitation measures and a comprehensive plan for surveillance and vaccination against hepatitis A.
A New Palpation Sign for the Diagnosis of Atypical Forms of Acute Appendicitis (Children and Women of Childbearing Age)
Authors: Marek Vitezslav , Záhorec Roman , Durdík Stefan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEven today, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is still problematic. Here, we offer a new palpation sign for the diagnosis of AA. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of the sign for the diagnosis of atypical forms of AA (i.e., in children and women of childbearing age).MethodsWe have retrospectively analysed 2245 patients - children (aged 0–12), men (aged 12–18) and women of childbearing age (aged 12–45) with suspected AA, 401 of whom underwent surgery. Patients were divided into one of three age categories and, based on clinical data and histological findings, were defined as either false negative, false positive, or positive. Confirmed positive AA was defined based on histological findings, and confirmed negative AA was defined by histological findings as well as on clinical follow-up. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used for the assessment of the correlation between the patient’s gender, age as well as their clinical and histological findings.ResultsBased on these statistical results, we came to the following results. In children (aged 0–12, male/female) and in women of childbearing age (aged 12–45), we observed 14 (3,46%) false negative clinical findings for the palpation sign. In children and women of childbearing age, we observed a higher percentage of palpation sign positivity compared to false positivity. The new palpation sign minimizes unindicated revisions of the abdominal cavity, serves as a reliable indicator for surgery and is suitable for the diagnosis of AA in atypical forms (i.e., in children and women of childbearing age) with a sensitivity of 95,57%, a specificity of 95,78%, a positive predictive value of 67,86%, a negative predictive value of 99,50%, a positive likelihood ratio of 24,28, a negative likelihood ratio of 0,05 and an accuracy of 95,9%. The negative appendectomy rate in women of childbearing age was 9.22% and in children 6,72%.ConclusionWe conclude that the new palpation sign is effective (r > 0.95) for the diagnosis of atypical forms of AA (i.e., in children and women of childbearing age). It is aimed principally at the medical practitioners in different parts of the world and in a state of emergency (Covid-19 pandemic, wars, etc.) where the diagnostic facilities and technological resources are limited.
A geometric progression on the mass of elementary fermions
Authors: Mishulan Li-Gong , Zhang Li , Xie Quan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Standard Model of particle physics contains three generations of elementary fermions, which have prominent mass hierarchies. Through careful analysis of the observational data on the mass of elementary fermions, we determine that an intrinsic pattern does exist. A geometric progression is proposed to describe the mass distribution of elementary fermions, and using the observational data of neutrino oscillations, we can estimate the neutrino masses for all three generations. At the same time, we propose a hypothesis about the mass distribution of elementary fermions and explore the quantum physical mechanism of the origin of the elementary fermions masses hierarchies.
Clinical Genomic Profiling to Identify Actionable Alterations for Very Early Relapsed Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients in the Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Liye , Zhai Qinglian , Lu Qianyi , Lee Kaping , Zheng Qiufan , Hong Ruoxi , Wang shusen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents about 19% of all breast cancer cases in the Chinese population, and is characterized by early relapse and a complex molecular heterogeneity. Lack of targeted therapy contributes to the poorer outcomes compared with other breast cancer subtypes. Comprehensive genomic profiling helps to explore the clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGAs) and potential therapeutic targets in very-early-relapsed TNBC patients, which are considered tumor recurrences within 24 months.Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue specimens from 23 patients with very-early-relapsed TNBC and 13 patients with disease-free survival (DFS) more than 36 months were tested by FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx), a next-generation-sequencing-based diagnostic device for detection of substitutions, insertion and deletion alterations (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) in 324 genes and select gene rearrangements, along with genomic signatures including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB).Results: In total, 137 CRGAs were detected in the 23 very-early-relapsed TNBC patients, averaging 6 alterations per sample. The mean TMB was 4 Muts/Mb, which was higher than that in non-recurrence patients, and is statistically significant. The top-ranked altered genes were TP53 (83%), PTEN (35%), RB1 (30%), PIK3CA (26%), and BRCA1 (22%). RB1 mutation carriers had shorter DFS. Notably, 100% of these patients had at least 1 CRGA, and 87% of patients had at least 1 actionable alteration. In pathway analysis, patients who carried a mutation in the cell cycle pathway were more likely to experience very early recurrence. Strikingly, we detected 1 patient with ERBB2 amplification and 1 patient with ERBB2 exon20 insertion, both of which were missed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also detected novel alterations of ROS1-EPHA7 fusion for the first time, which has not been reported in breast cancer before. Conclusions: The comprehensive genomic profiling can identify novel treatment targets and address the limited options in TNBC patients. Therefore, incorporating F1CDx into TNBC may shed light on novel therapeutic opportunities for these very-early-relapsed TNBC patients.
Structural Transformation Path Across Countries: Is It Systematic Pattern
Authors: Padder Altaf Hussain , Mathavan B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The structural transformation across the economic sectors is one of the prominent features that go together with economic development. The paper scrutinizes whether developing and low-income countries follow the similar path and pattern of structural transformation by which the developed countries are following or followed this threshold and are now experiencing a shift from the industrial sector to the service sector. The structural transformation paths of developed countries are almost identical, but the pattern of sectoral output shares varies from that of developing countries. The research reveals a fascinating finding i.e., low-income countries outperform middle-income countries and some major countries in terms of the pace of structural transformation from agriculture to service sector.
Truncus Arteriosus With Absent Semilunar Valve: Prenatal Diagnosis and Morphology
Authors: Pu Lihong , Dai Xiaohui , Liu Hanmin , Chen Jiao , Li Yiping , Li Lei , Xiong Wei , Luo Ling , Zhou Jie , Zhu Qi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background：Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart defect that involves septation failure of the heart’s main arterial outflow tract. TA is usually accompanied by a single semilunar valve. Varying morphologies of the truncal valve have been reported; however, an absent semilunar valve (ASV) is rarely seen in TA.Case presentation：We report the first fetus with trisomy 13 prenatally diagnosed with TA accompanied by ASV in the first trimester, and confirmed by anatomy. Conclusion：Fetal echocardiography is essential for prenatal diagnosis of TA accompanied by ASV.
Evaluation of Reference Genes for Expression Normalization in Psoralea Corylifolia L. under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Zhong Yuan , Gai Yanan , Gao Jiajia , Nie Weifen , Bao Zhenzhen , Wang Weiqi , Xu Xiaoqing , Wu Jie , He Yuedong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Psoralea corylifolia L., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has a wide range of pharmacological activities for the treatment of various diseases. To date, there have been no published reports of the systematic evaluation and selection of the best reference genes for biological analysis of P. corylifolia. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a method for quantifying gene expression. Selecting the appropriate reference genes is essential to ensure accurate normalization of RT-qPCR results.Results: In this study, 10 candidate reference genes, namely actin (ACT), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), protein phosphatase 2A subunit A3 (PP2A), nuclear cap-binding protein subunit 2 (NCBP2), cyclophilin 2 (CYP2), elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α), protein phosphatase 2A-2 (PP2A2), thioredoxin-like protein YLS8 (YLS8), polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTBP), and TIP41-like family protein (TIP41), were screened from the transcriptome database of P. corylifolia. The plants were treated under different abiotic stress conditions (H2O2, NaCl, CuSO4, high-temperature, low-temperature, PEG, and UV). Next, their expression stability was evaluated using four algorithm tools: BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, and RefFinder. The results revealed that TIP41, CYP2, and YLS8 were the top three genes with the most stable expression levels under various abiotic stress conditions.Conclusion: We successfully selected appropriate reference genes for P. corylifolia, providing a reliable basis for further studies on the quantitative gene expression profile of the main active components in P. corylifolia.
SLC63 Gene Polymorphisms is Associated with Striatal Dopamine Transporter Changes after Glucose Loading
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , seo Seongho , kim Keunyoung , Lee Myung Jun , kim Seong-Jang , kim In Joo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We investigated the association between SLC6A3 gene polymorphisms and changes in dopamine transporter (DAT) availability after glucose loading in humans. An intravenous injection of 18F-FP-CIT was administered after infusion of glucose or placebo, and the emission data were acquired over 90 min in 38 healthy male participants. DAT availability expressed in terms of binding potential (BPND) was recorded. The 40-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the 3′ untranslated region and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2652511 and rs2937639, in the SLC6A3 gene were genotyped. Among the 38 participants, those with a VNTR other than 10R/10R (n = 7) were excluded. The alleles of the two SNPs (rs2652511 and rs2937639) appeared to be inherited together in two fixed combinations (C-G or T-A) in 29 of 31 individuals. The BPND in the ventral striatum (VST), caudate nucleus, and putamen was not significantly different after glucose or placebo loading according to genotype. However, BPNDs from the caudate nucleus and putamen of all participants with rs2652511 CT/rs2937639 AG (n = 6) were higher after glucose loading. In conclusion, the SLC6A3 gene polymorphism is associated with the changes in DAT availability after glucose loading. DAT availability after glucose or placebo loading in the VST, caudate nucleus, and putamen did not differ according to the SLC6A3 genotype.
Leucine Imparts Cardioprotective Effects by Enhancing mTOR Activity and Mitochondrial Fusion in a Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion Injury Murine Model
Authors: Morio Atsushi , Tsutsumi Rie , Satomi Shiho , Kondo Takashi , Miyoshi Hirotsugu , Kato Takahiro , Kuroda Masashi , Kitamura Tadahiro , Hara Kenta , Saeki Noboru , Sakaue Hiroshi , Tsutsumi Yasuo M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes. Previously, we demonstrated that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) showed cardioprotective effects against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A recent study suggested that leucine (Leu), a BCAA, is a key amino acid involved in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and mitochondrial function. In this study, we examined the preconditioning effect of Leu treatment on diabetic hearts in mice.Methods: In vivo mice models of I/R injury were divided into the following groups: control, mTOR+/−, and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese groups. Mice were randomly administered with Leu, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rap), or Leu with Rap. Isolated rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to simulated I/R injury. Biochemical and mitochondrial functional assays were performed to evaluate the changes in mTOR activity and mitochondrial dynamics caused by Leu treatment. Results: Leu-treated mice showed a significant reduction in infarct size when compared with the control group (34.8% ± 3.8% vs. 43.1% ± 2.4%, p < 0.05), whereas Rap-treated mice did not show the protective effects of Leu. This preconditioning effect of Leu was attenuated in mTOR+/− mice. Additionally, Leu promoted mitochondrial fusion in isolated cardiomyocytes. In HFD-induced obese mice, Leu treatment significantly reduced infarct size (41.0% ± 1.1% vs. 51.0% ± 1.4%, p < 0.05), which was not induced by ischemic preconditioning, and this effect was inhibited by Rap. Furthermore, we observed enhanced mTOR protein expression and mitochondrial fusion with decreased reactive oxygen species production.Conclusions: Leu treatment improved the damage caused by myocardial I/R injury by promoting mTOR activity and mitochondrial fusion.
SUMMER Trial: Mesh Versus Suture Repair in Small Umbilical Hernias in Adults: a Study Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Double-blind Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Melkemichel Maria , Bringman Sven , Granåsen Gabriel , Widhe Björn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Small umbilical hernia repair is one of the most common surgical performance in general surgery. Yet, a gold standard procedure for the repair is still lacking today. There is an increasing evidence that mesh could be advantageous compared to suture repair in lowering recurrence rates. An additional important question remains with regard to optimal anatomical positioning of the mesh. We hypothesize that the use of an onlay mesh in small umbilical hernia defects can reduce recurrence rates without increasing complications compared to a simple suture repair. Methods: A prospective, national, multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing a standardized 4x4 cm onlay mesh to a conventional suture repair will be conducted. 288 patients with a primary elective umbilical hernia £ 2 cm from 7 participating Swedish surgical centers will be enrolled. Intraoperative randomization will take place using a centralized web-based system resulting in total allocation concealment. Stratification will be done by surgical site and by defect size. Trial participants and follow-up clinical surgeons will be blinded to the assigned allocation. The primary outcome assessed will be postoperative recurrence at 1 and 3 years. Secondary outcomes assessed will be postoperative complications at 30 days and pain 1 year after surgery. Discussion: Currently, there has been no randomized clinical trial comparing recurrence rates between an onlay mesh repair and a simple suture repair for small umbilical hernia defects. How to best repair a small umbilical hernia continues to be debated. This trial design should allow for a good assessment of differences in recurrence rate with due to the large sample size and the adequate follow-up. Surgeons’ concerns surrounding optimal anatomical positioning and fear for larger required dissections are understandable. A small onlay mesh may become an easy and a safe method of choice to reduce recurrence rates. Guidelines for small umbilical hernia repairs have stressed the need for reliable data to improve treatment recommendations. We can expect that this trial will have a direct implication on small umbilical hernia repair standards. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04231071. Registered on 31 January 2020. SUMMER Trial underwent external peer review as part of the funding process.
Bridging the Information Gap to Keep Educators Healthy: Health Insurance Awareness and Actions by Private School Employees in Nigeria
Authors: Adegoriola Adeyinka M , OMOERA Osakue S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A nation relies on its educators to provide skills for upcoming learners and workers, good health security, and a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should effectively support this. No previous study on NHIS in Nigeria has considered private school workers who are a significant category of the health insurance system's beneficiary population. This research in Felele, Oluyole, and Bodija included six hundred questionnaires in sixty private schools alongside focused group discussions in six schools to elicit private school workers' perception of the Nigerian NHIS. Theoretically anchored on the health belief model (HBM) and protection motivation theory (PMT), it assessed the awareness, perception, and enrolment levels of private school workers towards NHIS to bridge the information gap and improve their contributions and health of targeted workers. Results revealed a high level of awareness (81.7%) but a deficient enrolment level (7.8%). Also, it portrayed that the lack of NHIS law enforcement, poverty, inequality, unfavorable registration process, and lack of interest hinder enrolment. Nigeria needs to develop a workable system of combating healthcare issues through targeted subsidies, involving potential beneficiaries in reviewing the NHIS's policies and re-strategizing information dissemination on the programme, and removing obstacles that prevent potential enrollees from registering.