bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of shearwave™ elastography to evaluate heat-induced changes in the young's modulus of fresh bovine muscle: A preliminary study
Authors: Júnior José Francisco Silva Costa , Oliveira Viviane Bastos , Matheo Lucas Lobianco De , Pereira Wagner Coelho 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the variation in the Young’s modulus (E) of bovine muscle samples as a function of temperature change generated by therapeutic ultrasound using Shearwave™ Elastography.MethodsInitially, the bovine muscle was heated via therapeutic ultrasound with a frequency of 3 MHz, nominal intensity of 2 W·cm-2, and application time of 2 min. Immediately following cessation of therapeutic irradiation, an E image was recorded and the stiffness was measured in circular area positioned at six depths (from 0.4 to 2.9 cm) in the center of the region of interest. Next, an E image was recorded every minute for the first 5 min. Over the next 30 min, an image was recorded every 5 min. Finally, an image was acquired 60 min after cessation of therapeutic irradiation. In the second test, the same experimental procedure was performed 60 min later with the physiotherapy equipment configured with a 10-min application time. Finally, during the ultrasonic irradiation of a new bovine muscle sample, the physiotherapeutic transducer was applied in a circular motion and with an angular velocity of 3.6 ± 0.3 rad·s-1.ResultsIn the first test, the bovine muscle E decreased from 212.2 ± 32.8 to 80.1 ± 13.8 kPa at 0.4 cm-depth, as the temperature increased from 18.2 to 44.9 °C. This effect was reversed when the temperature decreased. In the second test, denaturation and cell death occurred, so an artifact appeared in the elastographic image and the Shearwave™ Elastography did not capture the E from the depth of 1.9 cm.ConclusionWe confirmed that it is possible to use Shearwave™ Elastography to investigate heat-induced changes in the elastic modulus of biological tissue.
Variation of Livestock Grazing Intensity Modified the Magnitude of Carbon Sequestration and Flow within the Plant-Soil System of a Meadow Steppe Ecosystem
Authors: Jin Dongyan , Yan Ruirui , Li Linghao , Qi Jiaguo , Chen Jiquan , Xu Hongbin , Yan Yuchun , Xin Xiaoping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims: Livestock grazing, one of the principal utilization patterns, usually exerts a substantial effect on the carbon allocations between the above- and belowground components of a grassland ecosystem. The major aims of this study were to evaluate the proportions of 13C allocation to various C pools of the plant-soil system of a meadow steppe ecosystem in response to livestock grazing intensity.Methods: In situ stable 13C isotope pulse labeling was conducted in the plots of a long-term grazing experiment with 4 levels of grazing intensities. Plant and soil materials were sampled at on eight occasions (0, 3, 10, 18, 31, 56 and 100 days after labeling) to analyze the decline in 13C over time, and their composition signature of 13C were analyzed by the isotope ratio mass spectrometer technique.Results: We found a significantly larger decline in assimilated 13C for the heavily grazed swards compared to other grazing intensities, with the relocation rate of 13C from shoots to belowground C pool being the highest. In contrast, light grazing significantly allocated 13C assimilates in the belowground pool, especially in the live root and topsoil C-pools.Conclusions: The effects of livestock grazing on the carbon transfers and stocks within the plant-soil system of the meadow steppe were highly intensity dependent, and different carbon pools differed in response to gradient changes in grazing intensity.
Effect of Graphene Encapsulated Styrene-butyl Acrylate Copolymer Microspheres on Enhancing the Dielectric Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate
Authors: You Feng , Zhou Cong , Peng Zitong , Jiang Xueliang , Yao Chu , Yao Junlong , Zhao Pei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, the dielectric properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were obviously improved by using graphene encapsulated microspheres through soap-free emulsion polymerization technique. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation implied that styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer (SBA) microspheres and reduced graphene oxide encapsulated SBA microspheres (rGO@SBA) was successfully obtained through using soap-free emulsion polymerization. The dielectric constant of PMMA/rGO@SBA could reach 46.64 at 1000 Hz by incorporating only 0.26 wt% rGO. On the other hand, three different PMMA based composites were also prepared by adding rGO and SBA through conventional emulsion polymerization and simple physical blending. The dielectric constant results revealed that all these composites presented low dielectric constant compared with composites through soap-free emulsion polymerization technique. The possible reason was that the isolated rGO sheets can interconnect with each other to from three-dimensional segregated network structure through hot pressing technique. SEM results demonstrated that the rGO encapsulated SBA structure could be retained after hot pressing. Therefore, soap-free emulsion polymerization technique can favorably fabricated rGO encapsulated polymer microspheres with high dielectric properties.
Comparison of the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Barkhordari-Sharifabad Maasoumeh , Zerang Fatemeh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Hemodynamic changes are among the common complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises are widely used in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Methods

This is a clinical trial that was performed on 40 heart patients who were candidates for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly divided into two groups. One day before surgery, one group was taught how to perform deep breathing exercises (DBE) and the other group was taught how to use incentive spirometry in practice. Hemodynamic indices were measured and recorded before the intervention, the first, second, and the third day after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS ver.16 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Findings:

The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on the first day after the intervention in patients undergoing the incentive spirometry group was significantly higher than the DBE group (p < 0.05). On the third day after the intervention, the mean arterial SaO2 in patients of the incentive spirometry group was significantly higher than the DBE group and the mean respiratory rate (RR) in patients in the incentive spirometry group was significantly lower than the DBE group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other indices (p > 0.05).
Conclusion

The results showed that incentive spirometry has a greater effect on hemodynamic indices of patients undergoing CABG compared to DBE, so, it is recommended to use incentive spirometry to improve hemodynamic indices in these patients.
Trial registration:

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20191028045267N1. Registered 12 March 2020, https://www.irct.ir/trial/43365
Infection by Trypanosoma spp. in Platydoras armatulus (Siluriformes, Doradidae), in Southwestern Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Virgilio Lucena Rocha , Texeira Gabriele Oliveira , Melo Henrique Paulo Silva De , Junior Sérgio Luiz Prolo , Takemoto Ricardo Massato , Camargo Luís Marcelo Aranh , Meneguetti Dionatas Ulisses 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Trypanosoma is a hemoflagellate capable of infecting a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, such as Neotropical freshwater fish. Thus, the present study described and morphologically compared Trypanosoma sp., found in Platydoras armatulus, Valenciennes, 1840, in southwestern Amazon. A sampling of fish specimens was carried out in a river located in Guajará, Amazonas, Brazil. Fish blood samples were collected through a cardiac puncture. Thus, smears were made for quantification, morphometric measurements, and morphotyping of trypanosomes found. Prevalence, mean abundance, and intensity of parasitism were estimated in the specimens of parasitized fish. Five fish specimens were collected, showing a 100% prevalence of parasites in the host. We found two Trypanosoma morphotypes, A and B, in which A had the highest infection intensity in host specimens. Thus, the present study showed the first report of Trypanosoma spp. in P. armatulus, besides the probability of two parasitic morphospecies in the blood of these fish specimens.
Spreading of Tau Protein Does Not Depend on Aggregation Propensity
Authors: Rodrigues Sara , Anglada-Huguet Marta , Hochgräfe Katja , Kaniyappan Senthilvelrajan , Wegmann Susanne , Mandelkow Eva-Maria 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The stereotypical progression of Tau pathology during Alzheimer disease has been attributed to trans-neuronal spreading of misfolded Tau proteins, followed by prion-like templated aggregation of Tau. The nature of Tau and the cellular mechanisms of Tau spreading are still under debate. We hypothesized that Tau's propensity for aggregation would correlate with its ability to spread across synapses and propagate pathology.Methods: To study the progressive propagation of Tau proteins in brain regions relevant for Alzheimer disease, we used mice expressing near-physiological levels of full-length human Tau protein carrying pro-aggregant (TauΔK280, TauΔK) or anti-aggregant (TauΔK280-PP, TauΔK-PP) mutations in the entorhinal cortex (EC). To enhance Tau expression in the EC, we performed EC injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) particles encoding TauΔK or TauΔK-PP. The brains of injected and non-injected EC/TauΔK and EC/TauΔK-PP mice were studied by immunohistological and biochemical techniques to detect Tau propagation to dentate gyrus (DG) neurons and Tau-induced pathological changes.Results: Pro- and anti-aggregant mice had comparable low transgene expression (~0.2-times endogenous mouse Tau). They accumulated human Tau at similar rates and only in expressing EC neurons, including their axonal projections of the perforant path and presynaptic terminals in the molecular layer of the DG. Pro-aggregant EC/TauΔK mice showed misfolded Tau and synaptic protein alterations in EC neurons, not observed in anti-aggregant EC/TauΔK-PP mice. Additional AAV-mediated expression of TauΔK or TauΔK-PP in EC/TauΔK or EC/TauΔK-PP mice, resp., increased the human Tau expression to ~0.65-times endogenous mouse Tau, with comparable spreading of TauΔK and TauΔK-PP throughout the EC. There was a low level of transcellular propagation of Tau protein, without pathological phosphorylation or misfolding, as judged by diagnostic antibodies. Additionally, TauΔK but not TauΔK-PP expression induced hippocampal astrogliosis.Conclusions: Low levels of pro- or anti-aggregant full-length Tau show equivalent distributions in EC neurons, independent of their aggregation propensity. Increasing the expression via AAV induce local Tau misfolding in the EC neurons, synaptotoxicity, and astrogliosis, and lead to a low level of detectable trans-neuronal spreading of Tau. This depends on its concentration in the EC, but, contrary to expectations, does not depend on Tau's aggregation propensity/misfolding, and does not lead to templated misfolding in recipient neurons.
Multi-electrode endovascular denervation at a new site of celiac artery for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a promisingly primary result
Authors: Pan Tao , Wei Qiong , Wang Zhi , Zhang Qi , Qian Yue , Li Rui , Liu De-Chen , Wang Yao , Sun Zi-Lin , Li Ling , Teng Gao-Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Although renal denervation (RDN) may theoretically be effective on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), most clinical data failed to demonstrate such a concept. We investigated the safety and primary effects of catheter-based endovascular denervation (EDN) at new sites of the celiac artery (CA), and the abdominal aorta around CA using a novel multi-electrode device on glycemic control in T2DM patients. Methods: With a novel six-electrode catheter system, EDN was conducted in T2DM patients at new sites of CA and aorta between CA and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in purpose of targeting on the postganglionic efferent nerves innervating the liver, islet, and other metabolic organs. The major inclusion criteria were T2DM patients diagnosed over 5 years, with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) over 7.5%. The primary outcomes were evaluated by the safety, HbA1c, homeostasis-model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) based 3-hour C-peptide test. The antidiabetic medication, lifestyle, physical condition, blood pressure (BP), plasma norepinephrine, angiotensin II, liver biochemistry, and plasma lipids were also recorded.Results: A total of 11 patients were included for analysis. The technical success was 100% and no severe treatment-related adverse events or major complications were observed. Both HbA1c and HOMA-IR significantly reduced at 6 months (9.9 vs. 8.0, P = 0.005; 13.3 vs. 6.0, P = 0.016, respectively). Decreases of FPG and 2hPG were observed (15.4 vs.10.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001; 17.9 vs. 11.4 mmol/L, P = 0.001, respectively). OGTT based C-peptide test indicated improved beta-cell function ([AUC] 0.23 vs. 0.28 pmol/mL, P =0.046). A reduction of daily insulin injection (P = 0.02) and improvement of liver function (ALT, P = 0.014; GGT, P = 0.021) were also observed without changes in lifestyle, physical conditions, and other metabolic measurements.Conclusions: The 6-month analysis of this trial showed that EDN at new sites of CA and the abdominal aorta around celiac artery using the novel six-electrode catheter system elicits a clinically significant improvement in glycemic control and insulin resistance in patients with T2DM, with good tolerability. Trial Registration Number NCT 04086043, dated 11/9/2019.
Validation of the German version of the Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease – Heart Failure
Authors: Gonzalez-Jaramillo Valentina , Guyer Jelena , Luethi Nora , Sobanski Piotr , Zbinden Rut , Rodriguez Eveline , Hunziker Lukas , Eychmüller Steffen , Maessen Maud 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease-Heart Failure (NAT: PD-HF) is a tool created to assess the needs of people living with heart failure and their informal caregivers to assist delivering care in a more comprehensive way that addresses actual needs that are unmet, and to improve quality of life. In this study we aimed to 1) Translate the tool into German and culturally adapt it. 2) Assess internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability of the German NAT: PD-HF. 3) Evaluate whether and how patients and health care personnel understand the tool and its utility. 4) Assess the tool’s face validity, applicability, relevance, and acceptability among health care personnel.MethodsSingle-center validation study. The tool was translated from English into German using a forward–backward translation. To assess internal consistency, we used Cronbach´s alpha. To assess inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability, we used Cohen´s kappa, and to assess validity we used face validity. ResultsThe translated tool showed good internal consistency. Raters were in substantial agreement on a majority of the questions, and agreement was almost perfect for all the questions in the test-retest analysis. Face validity was rated high by health care personnel.ConclusionThe German NAT: PD-HF is a reliable, valid, and internally consistent tool that is well accepted by both patients and health care personnel. However, it is important to keep in mind that effective use of the tool requires training of health care personnel.
Olfactory impairment in patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome and its correlation with organ involvement and immunological abnormalities
Authors: Xu Xue , Geng Lin-yu , Chen Chen , Kong Wen-tao , Wen Bao-jie , Kong Wei , Chen Si-wen , Sun Ling-yun , Zhang Huayong , Jun Liang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective Patients with autoimmune diseases often present with olfactory impairment. The aim of the study was to assess the olfactory functions of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, and to correlate these findings with their disease activity.Methods Fifty-two patients with primary SS and 52 sex- and age- matched healthy control subjects were included. All of them underwent clinical and laboratory examination. Olfactory functions were evaluated using olfactory function assessment by computerized testing including the three stages of smell: threshold, identification and memory of the different odors. Results All the olfactory scores (olfactory threshold, identification and memory) in patients with pSS were significantly decreased than the control group (all P<0.01). Patients had higher proportion of anosmia (13.5% vs 0%) and hyposmia (19.2% vs 11.5%) than controls (χ2 =10.526, P <0.01). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that ESSDAI and the symptoms of dryness, fatigue and limb pain had negative influence on olfactory function (adjusted R2=0.381, 0.387, 0.513 and 0.614, respectively). ESSPRI showed significantly negative association with olfactory threshold, identification, memory and total scores. Olfactory identification and memory scores were decreased in pSS patients with thyroid dysfunction or hypocomplementemia (P<0.05). Smell threshold scores were decreased in pSS patients with anti-SSA antibody or anti-nuclear antibody compared with those without those autoantibodies (P<0.01). Conclusion Our findings indicate that olfactory functions are impaired in pSS patients. There was close correlation between olfactory dysfunction with disease severity and immunological abnormalities. Immune and systemic inflammation dysregulation might play a role in the mechanism of this defect.
Synchronous Pancreatic Acinar Cell Adenocarcinoma and Gastric Adenocarcinoma: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fang Tian , Liang Tingting , Wang Yizhuo , Wang Chang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiple primary malignant tumors are two or more malignancies in an individual without any relationship between the neoplasms. In recent years, increasing number of cases have been reported. However, Synchronous double primary gastric cancer and pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma are relatively rare to be reported. Further, most pancreatic tumors are consistent with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, and other histologies are rare. We present the first case of synchronous pancreatic acinar cell adenocarcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma.Case presentation: A 69-year-old man came to our department with a history of vomiting, epigastric pain, and weight loss. Imaging revealed space-occupying lesions in the stomach and the tail of the pancreas, respectively. The patient underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and pancreatectomy simultaneously. The pathologies of surgical specimens were completely different: the resected gastric specimen was a moderate to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, whereas the pancreatic tumor was consistent with acinar cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with six cycles of oxaliplatin and S-1 chemotherapy. As of March 2021, the patient was healthy without any recurrence or metastasis. After reviewing lots of literatures on simultaneous pancreatic and gastric cancers at home and abroad, we discuss the clinical characteristics of these rare synchronous double cancers. Most of the cases had undergone surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, and all of the cases were pathologically confirmed by postoperative specimen. Conclusions: Synchronous pancreatic acinar cell and gastric adenocarcinoma can occur and should be considered when tumors are found in these organs.
Optimizing Pre Liming pH for Efficient Juice Clarification Process in Sri Lankan Sugar Factories
Authors: Sewwandi Natasha , Ariyawansha Sandya , Kumara Buddhika Sampath , Maralanda Aloka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study was conducted treating with Milk of Lime to reach different pH levels (T1- with Initial pH, T2, T3 and T4 with 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5 of pH respectively) to determine the optimum pre-liming pH which could result in best cane juice clarification in Sri Lankan sugar industries. The experiment design used was RCBD with five replicates. ANOVA followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) were used to identify significant mean differences. Regression analyses were carried out to model the variation of turbidity, mud volume and CaO with change of juice pH. Quadratic model (R 2 = 99.2%, p <0.001) best fitted to explain the effect of pH on turbidity of juice. Effect of pH on deposited mud volume and CaO were explained by cubic models with R 2 = 99.4% (p <0.001) and R 2 = 93.9%, (p <0.001) respectively.Among tested treatments, pH 7.5 is selected as the best for turbidity improvement of the clarified juice while pH 8.5 is the second best. However pH 8.5 (370 ml) was able to deposited significantly high mud volume than pH 7.5 (270 ml). Further, the amount of residual Ca2+ ions in the clarified juice at pH 7.5 (2715 ppm) is clearly lower than the amount of Ca2+ ions remaining in the clarified juice at pH 8.5 (2945 ppm). It is expected to obtain high turbidity and higher mud volume with low sugar inversion at optimum pH. Therefore the results suggest optimum pH range lie around pH 7.5 to 8.5. Conducting similar experiment by using mixed juice extracted from sugar factory mills with pH range around 7.0 to 8.4 at 0.2 increments is suggested to validate the optimum pH.
Structural and optical properties of co-doped ZnO (V, Dy) nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel
Authors: Al-Harbi F.F. , ghoul Jaber EL 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present work, sol–gel process was used for the synthesisof Zn0.99-xV0.01DyxO (x = 0.00, 0.04 and 0.08). We studied the impact of doping on the physical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. In our synthetic approach, under an esterification reaction the release of water was carried out slowly, this step was followed by drying beyond the critical point of ethanol then by calcination in air at 500°C for 2 hours. The structural and morphological studies show the presence of wurtzite structure with an average crystallite size of about 30 nm. In addition, no secondary phase was detected, which shows that the doping elements reacted with the matrix. The reflectance measurements show that by increasing the doping concentration the energy of the band gap energy decreases. Photoluminescence (PL) indicates the presence of two emission bands situated at at around 481 nm and 577 nm linked to doping with Dy.