bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Effect on Knee Osteoarthritis in Elderly: Single Dose versus Double Dose Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Saqlain Hassan Amir Us , Hussain Syed Sajid , Keerio Niaz Hussain , Qureshi Masood Ahmed , Valecha Nuresh Kumar , Noor Syed Shahid 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and compare between single and double dose regimens among patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis admitted to the orthopedic department of Al Qassimi Hospital Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Methods: 200 patients were allocated into two groups in this randomized clinical trial. Patients were chosen to participate in this study after an informed consent. The trial took place at the Al Qassimi Hospital Sharjah, United Arab Emirates from July 2019 to July 2020. All patients had knee osteoarthritis, half of them received single dose PRP (group A) and the other half received double dose PRP (group B). All patients were adults and older than 18 years of age. Patients were followed up using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The follow up was done prior to the administration of PRP, at 1 month, 3 month and 6 months after administration. Data was analyzed using SPSS program. Ethical approval was gained from the hospital as well as from patients.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.5 ± 8.3 years. The study included 200 participants, among them, 60 were females and 140 were males. There was improvements in all parameters of WOMAC at 3 and 4 weeks following administration of PRP. The effect of PRP continued until 6 months of follow up with no differences between the two groups. Group A baseline WOMAC parameters (pain, stiffness, physical function and total score) mean score were 15.8, 6.24, 43.01 and 65.22 respectively. At the follow up, the mean scores were 4.73, 1.78, 13.88 and 19.56 respectively. This shows significant improvement. On the other hand, group B baseline mean scores were 16.31, 6.81, 40.89 and 64.77 respectively. At the final follow up of group B, the parameters mean scores were 4.40, 1.11, 13.64 and 20.27 respectively. Both groups were compared to each other and no benefit for the double dose over the single dose (P value, 0.66).
Conclusion: Previous results suggests improvement in functionality in both groups of the trial. There was pain and stiffness relief among all patients. It is concluded that double dose has no additional effect to the single dose regimen.
Optimization of Pectinase and Protease Produced from Bacillus subtilis Isolated from Market Waste
Authors: Anab-Atulomah C. , Nwachukwu E. 
Published: March 2021

Aims: The objective of the study was to produce and optimize protease and pectinase from Bacillus subtilis isolated from market waste.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology (laboratory unit), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State Nigeria.
Methodology: The production and optimization of protease and pectinase from bacteria isolated from solid market waste was investigated. Isolated bacteria from the waste were screened for protease and pectinase production using skim milk agar and pectin agar respectively. Using morphological, biochemical and molecular technique the enzymes producing isolate was confirmed as Bacillus subtilis. Protease and Pectinase were produced by Bacillus subtilis using submerged fermentation in gelatin broth and pectin broth respectively. The enzymes were purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and ion-exchange chromatography. Optimization using different temperatures, pH and nutrient sources was done. Enzyme activity was measured.
Results: Purified protease exhibited maximum activity of 8.72U/ml at 40oC while pectinase exhibited maximum activity of 8.98U/ml at 50oC. Glucose as a carbon source and peptone as a nitrogen source gave optimum activity for both enzymes. Both pectinase and protease exhibited optimum activity at pH 9. There was significant difference (P=.05) in enzyme activity at different temperatures, pH and nitrogen sources for both protease and pectinase. There was no significant difference in pectinase activity at P=.05 for the different carbon sources while there was significant difference for protease activity for the different carbon sources at P=.05.
Conclusion: Production of microbial enzymes such as protease and pectinase from waste material is an eco-friendly process and cheaper option for large scale use of enzymes in industry.
A clinical validation of the MR‐compatible Delta4 QA system in a 0.35 tesla MR linear accelerator
Authors: Desai Vimal , Bayouth John , Smilowitz Jennifer , Yadav Poonam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo validate an MR‐compatible version of the ScandiDos Delta4 Phantom+ on a 0.35T MR guided linear accelerator (MR‐Linac) system and to determine the effect of plan complexity on the measurement results.Methods/Materials36 clinical treatment plans originally delivered on a 0.35T MR linac system were re‐planned on the Delta4 Phantom+ MR geometry following our clinical quality assurance (QA) protocol. The QA plans were then measured using the Delta4 Phantom+ MR and the global gamma pass rates were compared to previous results measured using a Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK‐MR. Both 3%/3mm and 2%/2mm global gamma pass rates with a 20% dose threshold were recorded and compared. Plan complexity was quantified for each clinical plan investigated using 24 different plan metrics and each metric’s correlation with the overall 2%/2mm global gamma pass rate was investigated using Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsBoth systems demonstrated comparable levels of gamma pass rates at both the 3%/3mm and 2%/2mm level for all plan complexity metrics. Nine plan metrics including area, number of active MLCs, perimeter, edge metric, leaf segment variability, complete irradiation area outline, irregularity, leaf travel index, and unique opening index were moderately (|r| > 0.5) correlated with the Delta4 2%/2mm global gamma pass rates whereas those same metrics had weak correlation with the ArcCHECK‐MR pass rates. Only the perimeter to area ratio and small aperture score (20 mm) metrics showed moderate correlation with the ArcCHECK‐MR gamma pass rates.ConclusionsThe MR‐compatible version of the ScandiDos Delta4 Phantom+ MR has been validated for clinical use on a 0.35T MR‐Linac with results being comparable to an ArcCHECK‐MR system in use clinically for almost five years. Most plan complexity metrics did not correlate with lower 2%/2mm gamma pass rates using the ArcCHECK‐MR but several metrics were found to be moderately correlated with lower 2%/2mm global gamma pass rates for the Delta4 Phantom+ MR.
Thermally Controlled Localized Porous Graphene for Integrated Graphene‐Paper Electronics
Authors: Tham Nicholas Cheng Yang , Sahoo Pankaj Kumar , Kim Yeongae , Hegde Chidanand , Lee Seok Woo , Kim Young‐Jin , Murukeshan Vadakke Matham 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPorous graphene (PG) devices fabricated in situ from polyimide (PI) adhered onto paper substrates provide a cost‐effective and recycling‐friendly alternative to re‐engineer paper for liquid‐based power sources and sensors. However, paper is generally damaged due to heating during the fabrication of PG devices. Here integrated graphene‐paper electronics with exceptional thermal control through the proposed thermally localized laser graphitization (LLG) process is demonstrated, employing optimized ultrafast laser writing. LLG enables in situ fabrication of localized porous graphene (LPG) devices (>1775 K) on 65 µm thick PI tape adhered to paper without heating above 348 K. Laser parameters for LLG are predicted using an analytical temperature model and validated experimentally. The LLG is demonstrated by fabricating liquid electrolyte LPG micro‐supercapacitors and humidity sensors on liquid susceptible paper. It is envisaged that the scientific concepts proposed and demonstrated here will expedite the development of low‐cost, scalable, and chemically robust LPG devices on thermally sensitive substrates.
P75 and S100 gene expression induced by cell‐imprinted substrate and beta‐carotene to nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Dadashkhan Sadaf , Irani Shiva , Bonakdar Shahin , Ghalandari Behafarid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHere we aimed to differentiate adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) to Schwann cells (SCs), as one of the major and instrumental cell sources in nerve regeneration, by synergistic application of imprinting method and β‐carotene. Accordingly, the topography of Schwann cells was imprinted on poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) substrates via mold casting and human ADSCs seeded on substrates; moreover, β‐carotene was added to induce hADSCs differentiation. Physiochemical evaluations of PDMS by FTIR spectra presented its silicon‐methyl bond (SiCH3) at 1260 cm−1. Morphology analysis by crystal violet, picrosirus red staining, and SEM images illustrated that MSCs seeded on imprinted substrates have formed SC‐like morphology. Furthermore, according to q‐PCR and ICC evaluations, SCs specific markers; S100 and P75 in addition of 5 μl β‐carotene (BC) were upregulated (p‐value<0.001). Also, the expression was detected on the imprinted surfaces without β‐carotene to a lesser degree. Our study revealed that Schwann cell imprinted substrates can mimic the morphology and topography of SCs and induce differentiation signals in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In addition, the potency of β‐carotene as an organic substance in boosting and stimulating the neural differentiation was demonstrated. Relevantly, the reports have confirmed the synergistic pivotal roles of β‐carotene and patterned surfaces in directing MSCs into SC‐like cells differentiation without applying expensive and less safe chemical growth factors.
The neurocognitive profile of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and PTSD with comorbid MDD
Authors: Koopowitz Sheri‐Michelle , Maré Karen Thea , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Ipser Jonathan C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveNeurocognitive dysfunction has been associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, although PTSD is often comorbid with MDD, there is little neurocognitive work to date on individuals who suffer from both PTSD and MDD. Here, we compared neurocognitive domains in individuals with PTSD, MDD, and comorbid PTSD and MDD with those of healthy controls.MethodsParticipants comprised of mothers enrolled in the Drakenstein Child Health Study, a study exploring child health determinants in the Drakenstein district, Western Cape. N = 175 mothers (between 18 and 50 years) were recruited and divided into 4 groups: PTSD, MDD, PTSD with MDD, and healthy controls. Participants were assessed using the computerized NIH Toolbox, and paper and pencil neurocognitive tests. Domains assessed included executive function, memory, attention, learning, and processing speed.ResultsDistinct patterns of neurocognitive dysfunction were observed in this sample. PTSD was associated with more intrusion errors and MDD was associated with delayed recall impairment, relative to healthy controls. PTSD with comorbid MDD was associated with processing speed impairments, relative to healthy controls, and monodiagnostic groups. No group differences were observed on measures of attention and executive function.ConclusionDistinct patterns of neurocognitive dysfunction were associated with diagnoses of MDD and PTSD. Greater anticipated dysfunction and impairment in comorbid PTSD and MDD was not observed, however. Further work is needed to replicate and extend these findings.
Transgenic plants expressing a Clostridium difficile spore antigen as an approach to develop low‐cost oral vaccines
Authors: Rosales‐Mendoza Sergio , Cervantes‐Rincón Tomás , Romero‐Maldonado Andrea , Monreal‐Escalante Elizabeth , Nieto‐Gómez Ricardo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGastrointestinal infections caused by Clostridium difficile lead to significant impact in terms of morbidity and mortality, causing from mild symptoms, such as a low‐grade fever, watery stools, and minor abdominal cramping as well as more severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, pseudomembrane colitis, and toxic megacolon. Vaccination is a viable approach to fight against C. difficile and several efforts in this direction are ongoing. Plants are promising vaccine biofactories offering low cost, enhanced safety, and allow for the formulation of oral vaccines. Herein, the CdeM protein, which is a spore antigen associated with immunoprotection against C. difficile, was selected to begin the development of plant‐based vaccine candidates. The vaccine antigen is based in a fusion protein (LTB‐CdeM), carrying the CdeM antigen, fused to the carboxi‐terminus of the B subunit of the Escherichia coli heat‐labile enterotoxin (LTB) as a mucosal immunogenic carrier. LTB‐CdeM was produced in plants using a synthetic optimized gene according codon usage and mRNA stability criteria. The obtained transformed tobacco lines produced the LTB‐CdeM antigen in the range of 52–90 μg/g dry weight leaf tissues. The antigenicity of the plant‐made LTB‐CdeM antigen was evidenced by GM1‐ELISA and immunogenicity assessment performed in test mice revealed that the LTB‐CdeM antigen is orally immunogenic inducing humoral responses against CdeM epitopes. This report constitutes the first step in the development of plant‐based vaccines against C. difficile infection.
A case of rectal metastasis of ovarian carcinoma diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration: A case report and brief review of the literature (with videos)
Authors: Huang Jialiang , Xu Liming , Cheng Guilian , Wu Wei , Tang Wen , Xu Longjiang , Hu Duanmin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhen colorectal subepithelial lesions occur in ovarian carcinoma patients, EUS‐FNA may help to diagnose colorectal metastasis, thereby guiding clinicians to select appropriate treatment and improve the overall outcome.
A new lateral neck mass in a 63‐year‐old man with multinodular goiter
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen T. , Neelon Daniel P. , Orestes Michael I. , Shakir Mohamed K. M. , Hoang Thanh D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDescribed is a rare presentation of ectopic thyroid tissue as a lateral neck mass. This case raises the awareness that a lateral neck mass (including ectopic thyroid mass) needs appropriate investigations to rule out malignancy.
“Water running in my chest”: Delayed spontaneous rupture of an aortocoronary saphenous vein graft aneurysm
Authors: Gnall Eric , Jayanna Manju Bengaluru , Shapiro Timothy , Abdulbasit Muhammad , Drosou Maria Elena , Ahmad Tariq 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSaphenous vein graft aneurysm is an uncommon condition and knowledge about its natural history, and a multi‐specialty heart team approach is of utmost importance for better clinical outcomes. This case highlights importance of percutaneous intervention as a viable therapeutic option in the case of saphenous vein graft aneurysms.
An exceptional complication of transesophageal ultrasound in a patient with Coronavirus disease
Authors: Bahloul Amine , Hammami Rania , Bougharriou Aymem , Charfeddine Selma , Smaoui Racha , Abid Leila , Kammoun Samir 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEP after TEE represents a medico‐surgical emergency. Given the high rate of asymptomatic patients with COVID 19, the risk of contamination and the frailty of esophageal tissues, we should check coronavirus infection in every patient before TEE.
Chaotic characterization of macromixing effect in a gas–liquid stirring system using modified 0–1 test
Authors: Zhang Lian , Yang Kai , Li Meng , Xiao Qingtai , Wang Hua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new approach to extract the chaotic characteristics of the two‐phase stirring and mixing state is proposed for bottom‐blown oxygen‐enriched bath smelting process of copper. By quantifying the local mixing characteristics in the stirred reactor of bottom‐blowing copper smelting, an improved 0–1 chaotic test method was introduced to measure the chaotic characteristics of a time series of mixing index. It was found that the different channels of the RGB image of turbulence flow field are not the same for the contour feature extraction of the bubble; the single‐channel horizontal profile of the single‐ and double‐distributor flow field images shows single and double peaks, respectively, verifying the accuracy of the hybrid characterization. After calculating the mean and standard deviation time series of grey intensity of the region of interest, the median of the asymptotic growth rate Kcorr(c) of the mixing index time series was used as the criteria of chaos detection in the molten pool dynamic balance state. The variability of chaos in different mixing processes has been more accurately characterized.
Strategies for Integrated Capture and Conversion of CO2 from Dilute Flue Gases and the Atmosphere
Authors: Maina James W. , Pringle Jennifer M. , Razal Joselito M. , Nunes Suzana , Vega Lourdes , Gallucci Fausto , Dumée Ludovic F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe integrated capture and conversion of CO2 has the potential to make valorization of the greenhouse gas more economically competitive, by eliminating energy‐intensive regeneration processes. However, integration is hindered by the extremely low concentrations of CO2 present in the atmosphere (0.04 vol.%), and the presence of acidic gas contaminants, such as SOx and NOx, in flue gas streams. This Review summarizes the latest technological progress in the integrated capture and conversion of CO2 from dilute flue gases and atmospheric air. In particular, the Review analyzes the correlation between material properties and their capture and conversion efficiency through hydrogenation, cycloaddition, and solar thermal‐mediated electrochemical processes, with a focus on the types and quantities of product generated, in addition to their energy requirements. Prospects for commercialization are also highlighted and suggestions are made for future research.
Fast Addition of s‐Block Organometallic Reagents to CO2‐Derived Cyclic Carbonates at Room Temperature, Under Air, and in 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran
Authors: Elorriaga David , de la Cruz‐Martínez Felipe , Rodríguez‐Álvarez María Jesús , Lara‐Sánchez Agustín , Castro‐Osma José Antonio , García‐Álvarez Joaquín 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFast addition of highly polar organometallic reagents (RMgX/RLi) to cyclic carbonates (derived from CO2 as a sustainable C1 synthon) has been studied in 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran as a green reaction medium or in the absence of external volatile organic solvents, at room temperature, and in the presence of air/moisture. These reaction conditions are generally forbidden with these highly reactive main‐group organometallic compounds. The correct stoichiometry and nature of the polar organometallic alkylating or arylating reagent allows straightforward synthesis of: highly substituted tertiary alcohols, β‐hydroxy esters, or symmetric ketones, working always under air and at room temperature. Finally, an unprecedented one‐pot/two‐step hybrid protocol is developed through combination of an Al‐catalyzed cycloaddition of CO2 and propylene oxide with the concomitant fast addition of RLi reagents to the in situ and transiently formed cyclic carbonate, thus allowing indirect conversion of CO2 into the desired highly substituted tertiary alcohols without need for isolation or purification of any reaction intermediates.
Political parties' influence on environmental policy in the forest: Natura 2000 forest sites in Germany as a case study
Authors: Göhrs Max , Hubo Christiane , Krott Max 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile the partisan theory has already rendered initial insight on whether political parties can make a difference in environmental policy, only little is known about their influence on forest policy. This article attempts to reveal the role of green, left‐wing and right‐wing parties in the case of German Natura 2000 policy. By testing whether nature conservation or forest interests are strongly supported by the government policy outputs, we test the influence of the different parties that were part of 62 governments from 2004 to 2018 in 16 German Bundesländer. The results show that the German left‐wing parties take up the ideas of the nature conservation sector, while right‐wing parties foster typical forest interests. Furthermore, right‐wing parties very often maintain the policy status quo instead of making policy changes so that the implementation of the biodiversity goal of Natura 2000 often is postponed. The German Green party does not foster nature conservation interests more strongly than the SPD. Coalitions between right‐wing parties increase the chance for policy outputs that tend to favour forest interests.
Intact pain modulation through manipulation of controllability and expectations in aging
Authors: González‐Roldán Ana María , Terrasa Juan Lorenzo , Prats‐Sedano Maria Angeles , Sitges Carolina , van der Meulen Marian , Anton Fernand , Montoya Pedro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPain expectation and controllability can modulate pain processing. However, little is known about age‐related effects on these cognitive factors involved in pain control. This study assessed age‐related brain changes associated with pain expectation and controllability.Methods17 healthy older adults (9 men; 65.65 ± 4.34 years) and 18 healthy younger adults (8 men; 20.56 ± 5.56 years) participated in the study. Pain evoked potentials and pain ratings were recorded while participants received painful electrical stimuli under two different conditions of pain controllability over the intensity of the stimulation (self‐controlled vs. computer controlled) and two conditions of pain expectations (high vs. low pain).ResultsAlthough the intensity of the painful stimulation was kept constant, all participants showed reduced pain perception in the controllable and low pain expectancy conditions. However, older participants showed reduced amplitudes of pain evoked potentials in the time window between 150 and 500 ms after stimulus onset as compared to younger participants. Moreover, younger participants showed greater negative amplitudes from 80 to 150 ms after stimulus onset for uncontrollable versus controllable pain.ConclusionsThese results suggest that although cognitive pain modulation is preserved during ageing, neural processing of pain is reduced in older adults.SignificanceThis research describes the impact of age on cognitive pain modulation evoked by the manipulation of pain controllability and pain expectations. Our findings constitute a first step in the understanding of the greater vulnerability of older individuals to chronic pain. Moreover, we show that older adults can benefit from cognitive pain control mechanisms to increase the efficacy of pain treatments.
Prediction of remaining useful life for lithium‐ion battery based on particle filter with residual resampling
Authors: Pan Chaofeng , Huang Aibao , He Zhigang , Lin Chunjing , Sun Yanyan , Zhao Shichao , Wang Limei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccurate prediction of the remaining useful life for lithium‐ion battery is beneficial to prolong the life of the battery and increase safety. With the capacity degradation curve obtained from the data of the battery charge and discharge experiment, the remaining useful life of the battery was predicted by using particle filter. In order to improve the prediction accuracy, the particle filter with residual resampling method is used to overcome the lack of particle diversity which has an important effect on the accuracy of state estimation. Compared with the prediction result of the extended Kalman filter, it was found that the precision and stability of particle filter are better than those of extended Kalman filter. The research results presented in this paper provide some suggestions for the health monitoring of power battery for electric vehicles.