bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of selected Taiwanese endemic plants on anti-lipid peroxidation and antibacterial activities against clinically isolated extended-spectrum-β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli
Authors: Tsai Po-Wei , Lin Pei-Chin , Yang Ling-Ling , Wu Ming Shun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
It has been a challenge for many clinicians to treat a complicated extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae (Kp) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection due to widespread antibiotic abuse with renal damage as one of its common side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of extracts from several Taiwanese folk medicinal plants against ESBL- Kp and E. coli. with renal protecting ability against lipid peroxidation (LPO) on mice kidney mitochondria. Preliminary antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts from twenty (20) Taiwanese folk medicinal plants were measured by agar-dilution method against standard ESBL strains of E. coli (ATCC 25922, ATCC 35218) and Kp (ATCC 23856, ATCC 700603). Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana DC. (RSR) exerted the most inhibitory effect and then further extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and water, respectively. Each extract also evaluated against the four standard ATCC microorganisms. Their MIC50, MIC90, and time kill assay were adapted with detecting the maximum inhibitory activities and the antibacterial spectrum range of each extract was measured against twenty-four (24) kinds of microbes. Which were used including gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungus by agar dilution method. Finally, renal protective ability was detected inhibitory effect of ferrous induced lipid peroxidation on mice mitochondria. Among 20 Taiwanese folk medicinal plants tested, Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana DC. (RSR) exhibited maximum inhibition against clinical ESBL-producing Kp and E. coli strains with acetone extracts showing MIC50/MIC90 values at 1000 µg/mL, the course of antimicrobial action was bacteriostatic and with inhibitions to all 24 kinds of microbial including Gram positive and negative bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, result of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay from this extract showed high lipid peroxidative (LPO) protective capability on mice kidney mitochondria (IC50: 29.29 ± 0.35µg/mL). RSR acetone extract, with its maximum activity against clinical isolated ESBL-producing Kp and E. coli, antimicrobial effect against other wide spectral range bacteria and relatively high LPO protective ability on mice kidney mitochondria, is a potential source, albeit further studies have yet to be conducted, to develop an antimicrobial drug against ESBL-Kp and E. coli.
Risk Factors For Progression Following Corneal Collagen Crosslinking In Keratoconus
Authors: Saglik Ayhan , Özcan Gökçen , Uçakhan Ömür 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To assess risk factors for progression following corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in eyes with keratoconus. Methods: Charts of patients who developed progression following conventional CXL treatment (Dresden protocol) were retrospectively evaluated in two centers (Center 1, and Center 2). 871 eyes of a total of 676 patients were analyzed. Progression was defined as >1 diopter (D) increase in maximum keratometry (Kmax) readings compared to baseline. Results: Progression was noted in 20 eyes of 20 patients (progression rate 3%). The mean age of the patients was 17.65 ± 5.76 (11–34) years and the mean follow-up following CXL was 36.70 ± 25.72 (12–84) months. The gender distribution was 13 (65%) females, and seven (35%) males. Four eyes (20%) had mild, 13 eyes (65%) had moderate, and three eyes (15%) had severe keratoconus at baseline. Fifteen eyes (75%) had allergic conjunctivitis and 20 eyes (100%) reported eye-rubbing. Cone location was central in 17 (85%) eyes and peripheral in 3 (15%) eyes. A mean of 2.21 ± 1.30 D (1.00 – 5.30 D) steepening was determined at Kmax 6 to 82 months following CXL treatment. Conclusions: Progression rate was found to be higher in the patients under the age of 17 years, female gender, allergic conjunctivitis, high preoperative Kmax (>57 D), thin corneas (<430 µm) . The majority of progressive patients were central cone and moderate keratoconus.
Cantilever self-excited with a higher mode by a piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Zhou Keyu , Urasaki Shinpachiro , Yabuno Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The sensitivity of vibration-type sensors can be improved using a higher resonating frequency of a cantilever resonator. Resonance in such systems can be achieved using a self-excited oscillation, which overcomes the difficulty of using an external excitation in viscous environments. To enhance the sensitivity of cantilever resonators, several groups have proposed ways to increase the natural frequency of the first mode by changing the cantilever geometry. However, the sensitivity can be further improved by using a self-excited oscillation with a higher mode in addition to the geometry-changing technique. In this study, we present a method to realize this goal. We perform a nonlinear analysis of the governing equation of a cantilever excited by a piezoelectric actuator. For each mode, we also clarify the dependence of the critical feedback gain on the location of a displacement sensor, the output of which is used for feedback control. With the aid of filters, we then devise a way to generate a self-excited oscillation with a higher mode associated with a desired higher natural frequency. Finally, we carry out experiments using a macrocantilever and report the observation of a self-excited oscillation with the second natural frequency, which is higher than the first natural frequency.
WITHDRAWN: Establishment and validation of a novel metabolism-related genesignature for predicting overall survival of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Li Jian , Liu Yang , Liu Fei , Tian Qiang , Li Baojiang , Wei Guangwei , Zhang Zongwang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: It is well known that Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Although the current recurrence and mortality rate have been greatly improved, many people still suffer relapse and metastasis. Metabolic reprograming is currently considered to be a new hallmark of cancer. Therefore, in this study, we comprehensively analyzed the prognostic effect of metabolic-related gene signatures in breast cancer and its relationship with the immune microenvironment. Result: The metabolic gene signature may be an independent risk factor for BC both in the training and the testing set,the nomogram has a moderately accurate performance, and the C index was 0.757 and 0.728 respectively. The signature can reveal metabolic characteristics based on gene set enrichment analysis and at the same time monitor the status of TME. Conclusion: This gene signature can be used as a promising independent prognostic marker for BC patients, and can indicate the current status of TME, providing more clues for exploring new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Sacred Groves: A Pattern of Zagros Forests for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Reduction
Authors: moradi Aiuob , Shabanian Nagi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide has led to the global consequences of climate change. Biological carbon sequestration through vegetation and soils is one of the cost-effective ways to reduce this gas. Forests ecosystems are the most important carbon pools among terrestrial ecosystems and play a sustainable and long-term role in reducing climate change. Among forest ecosystems, sacred groves are less-disturbed and they can be a pattern of successful forest management for carbon sequestration and climate change reduction. In the present study, for the first time, the amount of carbon content in sacred grove and silvopastoral lands were investigated to determine the capacity of Zagros oak forests in carbon sequestration and climate change reduction. The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of carbon reserves in mentioned land-uses in order to obtain a systematic attitude towards management of these different land-use types and attain a suitable solution to counter the climate change crisis and ultimately sustainable environmental development.
Results

The results showed that each of the studied variables in the two studied land use is significantly different from each other. The mean of each of these biomass or carbon pools in silvopastoral is significantly lower than sacred groves. The results indicate that the common utilizations in the forests of the study area cause a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.01) in the forest biomass value and respective carbon content. Sacred grove currently absorbs 826.96 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare more than silvopastoral lands and this is a sign of high degradation in the forests of the study area.
Conclusions

According to the results obtained in this study, forest ecosystems that are protected against human intervention play a significant role in long-term carbon storage. Any interference with the natural conditions of the ecosystem has a significant negative impact on carbon reserves. Therefore, by selecting appropriate measures, local communities should be empowered to reduce their dependence on low incomes obtained from deforestation and conversion.
Mechanism Confirmation of Organofunctional Silanes Modified Water Glass/Polyurethane-Urea Composites for Remarkably Enhanced Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liang Yuntao , Gao Ao , Sun Yong , Tian Fuchao , Sun Weili , Lu Wei , He Zhenglong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hybrid reinforced water glass/polyurethane-urea (WG/PU) composites mainly derived from low-cost WG and polyisocyanate are produced in the presence of 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (CTS). The wettability of WG on PU substrate surface is significantly improved as CTS content increases from 0.0 wt% to 3.5 wt%. Furthermore, with 2.5 wt% of CTS optimal addition, the fracture surface morphology and elemental composition of the resulting WG/PU composites are characterized, as well as mechanical properties, chemical structure and thermal properties. The results indicate that the CTS forms multiple physical and chemical interactions with the WG/PU composites to induce an optimized organic-inorganic hybrid network structure thus achieving simultaneous improvement of compressive strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness of the WG/PU composites, with the improvement of 12.9%, 6.6%, 17.5% and 9.7%, respectively. Moreover, the CTS in the WG/PU composites has a significant influence on the curing process of the WG/PU composites by accelerating the rate of mass and heat transfer. Additionally, a reasonable mechanism explanation for CTS modified WG/PU composites is confirmed.
Identifying Predictors of Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Failure Using a Novel Combination of Clinical and Ultrasonographic Assessments
Authors: Bahl Amit , Johnson Steven , Mielke Nicholas , Karabon Patrick 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective:Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure occurs frequently, but the underlying mechanisms of failure are poorly understood. We aim to identify factors that predict premature PIVC failure.Methods:We conducted a single site prospective observational investigation at an academic tertiary care center. Adult emergency department (ED) patients who underwent traditional PIVC placement in the ED and required admission with an anticipated hospital length of stay greater than 48 hours were included. Ongoing daily PIVC assessments included clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations. The primary goal was to identify demographic, clinical, and PIVC related variables that predicted PIVC failure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify risk factors for PIVC failure.Results:In July and August of 2020, 62 PIVCs were enrolled. PIVC failure occurred in 24 (38.71%) participants. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the presence of subcutaneous edema [AOR 8.29 (1.50, 45.8) p = 0.0153], an above average neutrophil to lymphocyte (N:L) ratio [AOR 4.63 (1.06, 20.3) p = 0.0422], and the administration of an irritant/vesicant [10.3 (1.46, 72.6) p = 0.0.192] were associated with increased likelihood of premature PIVC failure. Conclusions:PIVC failure is related to clinical and ultrasonographic variables associated with inflammation: elevated N:L ratio, use of caustic medications, and presence of subcutaneous edema on ultrasound. Reducing inflammation of the vein may lead to better PIVC survival outcomes. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate and build upon the concepts in this study.
Enhancement of Antibacterial and Mechanical Features of Glass Ionomer Restoration by Adding ZnO&nbsp;Nanoparticles Prepared by PLAL: In Vitro Study
Authors: Jaber Ghufran. S. , khashan khawla , Abbas Maha Jamal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The objective of this manuscript was to study the antibacterial and mechanical effect on composition ZnONPs-Glass Ionomer restoration. Zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in liquid at different concentrations. After that, the glass ionomer was adding in calculated amount to get homogenous composition. The physical properties of resulted NPs were examined by FTIR, XRD, TEM, and AFM. The Antibacterial activity against streptococcus mutant and compressive strength were also measured. The result of the FTIR spectrum confirms the formation of the Zn-O bond. XRD pattern shows peaks at 28..55°, 31.21° and 42.70°, correspond to the (100) (101) and (102) crystal planes of cubic Zinc Oxide structure. TEM image exhibits spherical and homogenous ZnO nanoparticles with particle size <50nm. Also, the result shows a significant increase in the antibacterial property of ZnO-GI with good modifying the mechanical properties. Thus adding ZnO nanoparticles to glass ionomer restoration can be considered as a better alternative to conventional GI.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Multiple Sclerosis With and Without Optic Neuritis: a Four-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Al-Mujaini Abdullah S. , Al-Mujaini Maiysa S. , Sabt Buthaina I. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, with optic neuritis (ON) being a common early manifestation. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness may be a biomarker of neuroaxonal damage in MS patients. We sought to evaluate changes in RNFL thickness over four years in Omani MS patients with or without ON in comparison to a healthy control group. Methods: This retrospective case-control study involved 27 MS patients and 25 healthy controls. Optical coherence tomography was performed upon first diagnosis and at a four-year follow-up. Differences in mean RNFL thickness were calculated. Results: A total of 51 eyes from the MS group and 50 eyes from the control group were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in mean RNFL thickness among MS patients with ON at follow-up (81.21 versus 72.14 µm; P = .003), whereas no significant RNFL thinning was observed among MS patients without ON. However, there was a significant reduction in RNFL thickness among MS patients compared to healthy controls (76.79 versus 93.72 µm; P = .009), regardless of ON presence/absence. Conclusions: Axonal damage was seen in the optic nerves of Omani MS patients. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in RNFL thickness among MS patients with ON as the disease progressed; however, while there was evidence of RNFL thinning in MS patients without ON, this difference lacked statistical significance. Evaluation of RNFL thickness may represent a useful biomarker for monitoring disease progression in MS and its association with ON.
Perceived stress and its associated factors among health care providers during COVID-19 outbreak in Ilu Aba Bor and Bunno Bedelle Zones of Oromia regional state, South West, Ethiopia, 2020:A Cross sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Yadeta , kenea Adamu , Gelan Ebsa , Tolesa Geremew , Bacha Lemi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Pandemic corona virus outbreak has global distribution and world health organization stated that there is a high risk of pandemic corona virus out spreading to other developing countries that can make health professionals serving in third world countries to fear for morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To assess level of perceived stress and associated factors among health care providers during corona virus outbreak in Ilu Aba Bora and Bunno Bedelle Zones, Oromia regional state South West Ethiopia 2020.Methods: Facility based cross sectional study design was conducted among 365 respondents. Perceived stress was assessed using perceived stress scale(PSS). The data was organized and processed by using epi info-7 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Prevalence of perceived stress was 57%. In multivariable logistic regression being married(AOR=4.6, 95% CI: 3.51;9.33), less than one year working experience (AOR= 2.57, 95%CI: 1.83-7.32) and having BSc degree and lower educational background in health related fields (AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 3.81; 7.03) was significantly associated with perceived stress among health care providers at p value of less than 0.05. Conclusion: Lower work experience, being married and lower educational background was significantly associated with perceived stress. Ministry of health in collaboration with ministry of education and other stakeholders should facilitate stress management skills inductive trainings to practitioners of newly recruited health care providers working in health care facilities.
Laser isotope separation of 176Lu through off-the-shelf lasers
Authors: Suryanarayana MV , Sankari Manda 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We propose a novel and simple method for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor for the production of177Lu medical isotope. The physics of the laser-atom interaction has been studied through the dynamics of the atomic level populations using the density matrix formalism. It has been shown that a combination of cw excitation lasers and pulsed ionization laser can be used for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu. The optimum conditions for the efficient and selective separation of 176Lu have been derived by studying the time evolution of level population under laser excitation. It has also been shown that, it is possible to produce ~100% enriched 176Lu isotope at a rate of 5 mg / hour, which is higher than all previously reported methods so far. The isotope separation process proposed can be easily adopted using off-the-shelf lasers, for similar atomic systems.
Acceptance Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among the Lebanese Population: A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Alhaffar Molham , Kreid Joanna , Massoud Elissa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: the emergence of the covid-19 pandemic has created major health risks to humanity as a whole, in turn, the world have been waiting for a solution to end this pandemic. This research aims to study the acceptance towards the covid-19 vaccine among the Lebanese population and investigate the factors affecting the descision towards the vaccine.Methods: In order to obtain a clear insight about the propensity of the Lebanese population to take the vaccine, a cross-sectional study was conducted, data collected through a questionnaire based on google forms and distributed among the population via social media platforms (Instagram, whatsapp, facebook, etc). the survey consisted of different types of questions and 1157 participants of different age groups respomnded to the survey.Results: The findings of this study reveals that the majority of the population (ovr 95%) know soemone who caught the corona virus. In addition (86.3%) of the population believe that the pandemic poses major health risks to the society in Lebanon. Moreover the respondants consider the source of the vaccine as a major determinant to whether or not they will take the vaccine, in fact (73.3%) trust the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. However, 77.1% of the sample worry that the vaccine will have side effects. in addition over 90% of the population was observed to be following the restrictions and measures implemnented to stop the spread of the virus.Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that this study is the earliest attempt to assess the acceptance toward COVID-19 vaccination among the Lebanese population. The Lebanese population showed a moderately high acceptance rate for the vaccination, however, there is a notable percentage that needs to be directly addressed with any future awareness campaign which are the youth, and the people with low socioeconomic status.
Severe tumoral calcinosis in patient with chronic kidney disease
Authors: nassar kawtar , janani saadia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Tumoral calcinosis is a rare condition characterized by the deposition of calcium material in extra-articular soft tissues taking a tumoral form. It can be primary or secondary. The chronic kidney disease is among cause of metastatic calcifications but the extensive periarticular cyst-like calcium salt containing space-consuming lesions in the form of tumoral calcinosis is very rare. Different factors predispose the dialysis patient to calcium salt deposits. We report a case of 61 years-old-patient with chronic kidney disease under periodic hemodialysis due to hypertensive nephropathy who developed mechanical pain, evolving since three months, in the left hip, the upper extremity of the right leg and both shoulders with swelling and limited movement interfering with daily activity. The severe TC was diagnosed by the radiography and MRI requiring the modification of treatment strategy.