bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the half normal distribution to quantify covariate balance in cluster-randomized pragmatic trials
Authors: Huang Jin , Roth David L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Pragmatic trials often consist of cluster-randomized controlled trials (C-RCTs), where staff of existing clinics or sites deliver interventions and randomization occurs at the site level. Covariate-constrained randomization (CCR) methods are often recommended to minimize imbalance on important site characteristics across intervention and control arms because sizable imbalances can occur by chance in simple randomizations when the number of units to be randomized is relatively small. CCR methods involve multiple random assignments initially, an assessment of balance achieved on site-level covariates from each randomization, and the final selection of an allocation that produces acceptable balance. However, no clear consensus exists on how to assess imbalance or identify allocations with sufficient balance. In this article, we describe an overall imbalance index (I) that is based on the mean of the absolute value of the standardized differences in means on the site characteristics.

Methods
We derive the theoretical distribution of I, then conduct simulation studies to examine its empirical properties under the varying covariate distributions and inter-correlations.

Results
I has an expected value of 0.798 and, assuming independent site characteristics, a variance of 0.363/k, where k is the number of site characteristics being balanced. Simulations indicated that the properties of I are robust under varying covariate circumstances as long as k is greater than 3 and the covariates are not too highly inter-correlated.

Conclusions
We recommend that values of I below the 10th percentile indicate sufficient overall site balance in CCRs. Definitions of acceptable randomizations might also include individual covariate criteria specified in advance, in addition to overall balance criteria.
18F-FDG positron emission tomography scanning in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: a pilot study
Authors: Ledoult Emmanuel , Morelle Maxime , Soussan Michael , Mékinian Arsène , Béhal Hélène , Sobanski Vincent , Hachulla Eric , Huglo Damien , Le Gouellec Noémie , Remy-Jardin Martine , Baillet Clio , Launay David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Interstitial lung disease is a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD), and it remains difficult to accurately predict its course. Progressing ILD could be more metabolically active, suggesting that the 18F-FDG tracer could be a tool in the managing of SSc-ILD.

Methods
In our center, SSc patients and controls (non-Hodgkin lymphoma cured after first-line regimen) who had received a PET/CT were screened retrospectively. The FDG uptake (visual intensity, pattern, SUVmax) was systematically recorded in > 30 regions of interest (ROIs) linked to SSc in a blind reviewing by 2 independent nuclear medicine physicians using a standardized form.

Results
Among the 545 SSc patients followed up in our center, 36, including 22 SSc-ILDs, had a PET/CT, whose indication was cancer screening in most cases. The mean ± SD age was 57.9 ± 13.0 years with 20/36 females. Fourteen patients had a disease duration of less than 2 years. A third had anti-centromere antibodies and 27.8% had anti-topoisomerase antibodies. Pulmonary FDG uptakes were higher in SSc patients than in controls (n = 89), especially in those with ILD compared with those without ILD. Pulmonary FDG uptakes were positively correlated with the ILD severity (fibrosis extent, %FVC, and %DLCO). No significant difference was found in the FDG uptakes from extrathoracic ROIs. Progressing SSc-ILDs within the 2 years after PET/CT (n = 9) had significant higher pulmonary FDG uptakes at baseline than stable SSc-ILDs (n = 13).

Conclusion
PET/CT could be a useful tool in the assessment of the severity and the prediction of pulmonary function outcome of SSc-ILD.
The CAD risk locus 9p21 increases the risk of vascular calcification in an iPSC-derived VSMC model
Authors: Trillhaase Anja , Schmidt Beatrice , Märtens Marlon , Haferkamp Undine , Erdmann Jeanette , Aherrahrou Zouhair 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Chromosome locus 9p21 was the first to be associated with increased risk of CAD and coronary artery calcification (CAC). Vascular calcification increases the risk for CAD. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are one of the major cell types involved in the development of vascular calcification.

Methods
So far, mainly animal models or primary SMCs have been used to model human vascular calcification. In this study, a human in vitro assay using iPSC-derived VSMCs was developed to examine vascular calcification. Human iPSCs were derived from a healthy non-risk (NR) and risk (R) donor carrying SNPs in the 9p21 locus. Additionally, 9p21 locus knockouts of each donor iPSC line (NR and R) were used. Following differentiation, the iPSC-derived VSMCs were characterized based on cell type, proliferation, and migration rate, along with calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits. CaP deposits were confirmed using Calcein and Alizarin Red S staining and then quantified.

Results
The data demonstrated significantly more proliferation, migration, and CaP deposition in VSMCs derived from the R and both KO iPSC lines than in those derived from the NR line. Molecular analyses confirmed upregulation of calcification markers. These results are consistent with recent data demonstrating increased calcification when the 9p21 murine ortholog is knocked-out.

Conclusion
Therefore, in conclusion, genetic variation or deletion of the CAD risk locus leads to an increased risk of vascular calcification. This in vitro human iPSC model of calcification could be used to develop new drug screening strategies to combat CAC.
No significant improvement in neuromuscular proprioception and increased reliance on visual compensation 6 months after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Wein Frank , Peultier-Celli Laetitia , van Rooij Floris , Saffarini Mo , Perrin Philippe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine the contributions of proprioceptive and visual feedbacks for postural control at 6 months following ACLR, and to determine their associations with knee laxity, isokinetic tests and clinical scores.Study designLevel IV, Case series.MethodsFifty volunteers who received ACLR between May 2015 and January 2017 were prospectively enrolled, and at 6 months following ACLR, postural stability was assessed. Somatosensory ratios (somatic proprioception), and visual ratios (visual compensation), were calculated to evaluate the use of sensory inputs for postural control. Univariable regression analyses were performed to determine associations of somatosensory and visual ratios with knee laxity, isokinetic tests and clinical scores.ResultsAt 6 months following ACLR, the somatosensory ratio did not change, while the visual ratio decreased significantly from 5.73 ± 4.13 to 3.07 ± 1.96 (p = 0.002), indicating greater reliance on visual cues to maintain balance. Univariable analyses revealed that the somatosensory ratio was significantly lower for patients who performed aquatic therapy (β = -0.50;p = 0.045), but was not associated with knee laxity, muscle strength or clinical scores. An increased visual ratio was associated with patients who received hamstrings tendon autografts (β = 1.32;p = 0.049), but was not associated with knee laxity, muscle strength or clinical scores.ConclusionAt 6 months following ACLR, visual ratios decreased significantly, while somatosensory ratios did not change. This may suggest that there is little or no improvement in neuromuscular proprioception and therefore greater reliance on visual cues to maintain balance. The clinical relevance of this study is that posturography can provide useful information to help research following ACLR and to predict successful return to play.
Complicated cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by an imported case of Leishmania tropica in Japan: a case report
Authors: Kitano Hiroyuki , Sanjoba Chizu , Goto Yasuyuki , Iwamoto Kazumasa , Kitagawa Hiroki , Nomura Toshihito , Omori Keitaro , Shigemoto Norifumi , Hide Michihiro , Matsumoto Yoshitsugu , Ohge Hiroki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Leishmaniasis is not endemic in Japan, and imported cases are rare. However, there are increasing concerns regarding imported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis from endemic countries to Japan. This report describes a case of imported cutaneous leishmaniasis that was diagnosed and treated in Japan.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old Pakistani man presented with skin lesions on both malleoli of his right ankle and the dorsum of the left foot. The skin lesions manifested as erythematous nodules surrounding an ulcer in the center of the lesion. The lesions of the malleoli of his right ankle each measured 3 × 3 cm, and the lesion on the top of his left foot measured 5 × 4 cm. He had been living and working in Japan but had a history of a visit to Pakistan for about 2 months in 2018. The skin lesions were biopsied. Giemsa and hematoxylin and eosin staining of biopsy samples showed amastigotes of Leishmania in macrophages, and the presence of Leishmania was confirmed by skin tissue culture. Polymerase chain reaction using biopsy specimens identified Leishmania parasites, and DNA sequence analysis revealed that the species was Leishmania tropica. The patient was treated with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B for 6 days. The erythema disappeared, and the erythematous nodules resolved within 3 weeks.

Conclusion
This is the first report of imported cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. tropica from Pakistan, and it is interesting that all three testing modalities showed positive results in this case.
Testosterone Reduces Body Fat in Male Mice by Stimulation of Physical Activity Via Extrahypothalamic ERα Signaling
Authors: Kim Na Ri , David Karel , Corbeels Katrien , Khalil Rougin , Antonio Leen , Schollaert Dieter , Deboel Ludo , Ohlsson Claes , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Vangoitsenhoven Roman , Van der Schueren Bart , Decallonne Brigitte , Claessens Frank , Vanderschueren Dirk , Dubois Vanessa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Testosterone (T) reduces male fat mass, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, limiting its clinical relevance in hypogonadism-associated obesity. Here, we subjected chemically castrated high-fat diet–induced adult obese male mice to supplementation with T or the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for 20 weeks. Both hormones increased lean mass, thereby indirectly increasing oxygen consumption and energy expenditure. In addition, T but not DHT decreased fat mass and increased ambulatory activity, indicating a role for aromatization into estrogens. Investigation of the pattern of aromatase expression in various murine tissues revealed the absence of Cyp19a1 expression in adipose tissue while high levels were observed in brain and gonads. In obese hypogonadal male mice with extrahypothalamic neuronal estrogen receptor alpha deletion (N-ERαKO), T still increased lean mass but was unable to decrease fat mass. The stimulatory effect of T on ambulatory activity was also abolished in N-ERαKO males. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that the fat-burning action of T is dependent on aromatization into estrogens and is at least partially mediated by the stimulation of physical activity via extrahypothalamic ERα signaling. In contrast, the increase in lean mass upon T supplementation is mediated through the androgen receptor and indirectly leads to an increase in energy expenditure, which might also contribute to the fat-burning effects of T.
Altered EPS Protein Secretion in Salmonella Typhimurium Biofilm Following Treatment with DMSO
Authors: F Z  Raja Yahya M , Alias Z , A Karsani S 
Published: March 2021

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is known to inhibit biofilm formation by Salmonella typhimurium and cause infrared spectral variations of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. However, the impact of DMSO treatment on EPS protein secretion in S. typhimurium biofilm remains not well investigated. The present study was performed to investigate the EPS protein profile of S. typhimurium biofilm following treatment with DMSO. Biofilm was developed in 6-well microplate at 37 OC for 24 hours. Quantitative resazurin assay and infrared spectroscopy were performed to determine biofilm viability and cell surface chemistry respectively. Subtractive EPS protein profiling was carried out using a combination of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry. Treatment with 32% DMSO caused significant reduction in biofilm viability and alteration of cell surface chemistry. Subtractive comparison of EPS protein profiles highlighted one unique protein band, 52.1 kDa, which was secreted only in 32% DMSO treated EPS matrix and not in control EPS matrix. In turn, three EPS proteins were successfully identified from the 51.2 kDa protein band. In conclusion, altered EPS protein secretion following treatment with 32% DMSO may mediate inhibition of S. typhimurium biofilm.Â Â
Investigation on the Effect of Antibiotic and Multivitamin in the Formation of Biofilm in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Causing Pathogens
Authors: P  Sajna K , Paulraj P , Balasupramaniam V , Sajeesh P , Chandramohan M , Ketharin T 
Published: March 2021

Urinary catheters make humans vulnerable to Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) by damaging the natural barrier of the body. Bacteria which are commonly related to this infection are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Â In this study Â Â Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained from the hospital.Â Levofloxacin is a newly developed fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which is commonly used in clinical practice. The antibacterial effect of levofloxacin was studied using disk diffusion method. In this method the diameter of zone of inhibition in the presence of multivitamin was smaller than without multivitamin. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference in antibiotic sensitivity with and without multivitamin (p<0.05). In the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), It was observed that in the absence of multivitamin Klebsiella pneumoniae growth stopped at the concentration of 200 Âµg/ml and in the presence of multivitamin the growth stopped at the concentration of 400 Âµg/ml. The growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa stopped at the concentration of 400 Âµg/ml in the absence of multivitamin and in the presence the growth was stopped at the concentration of 800 Âµg/ml. Similar effect was studied in biofilm form as well by measuring the absorbance at 600nm. Using the absorbance values the biofilm growth curve was carried out and in the presence of multivitamin, both bacteria in single and consortia form stayed in stationary phase longer than without multivitamin. These findings demonstrate that a higher concentration of antibiotic is required to inhibit the growth of bacteria when supplemented with multivitamins and in turn increases the development of antibiotic resistance under biofilm condition.Â Â
Mitigating CO2 Emission Via Catalytic Conversion to Methane : a Feasibility Study of Metal Oxide Supported Nickel Based Catalysts
Authors: Abu Seman A , H. Berahim N , G.M. Noh M 
Published: March 2021

Exploration and production of sour gas field raise the need for CO2 management to minimize the adverse effect of green house gas venting to the environment. It is a fine balance between the sunken value of CO2 reinjection and value creation in CO2 conversion to value product, essential in ensuring projectâ€™s economic viability. Conversion to methane is selected due to the ease of integration with current process facility. Catalytic conversion of CO2 to methane are reported here over metal oxides (Al2O3, ZrO2 and La2O3) supported Nickel base catalysts over a range of temperature and GHSV with fixed H2/CO2 molar ratio. The catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation technique at room temperature. It was then characterized with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauerâ€“Emmettâ€“Teller (BET), Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) and Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD). All catalyst systems showed trend of decreasing CO2 conversion when the GHSV is increased from 10000 to 15000 h-1, which is in line with short reactant contact time. The impact is more pronounced at low temperature of 300 Â°C, but at high temperature of 400 Â°C, the conversion is almost comparable irrespective of GHSV. Experimental results indicate that Ni/Al2O3 gives the highest CO2 conversion of 74% while 7% and 67% for Ni/ZrO2 and Ni/La2O3 respectively. There is a prospect for further scaling up to complement the current commercial catalyst proven for handling low concentration of CO2.Â Â Â
1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride Ionic Liquid as Inhibitor for Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel in Acidic Media
Authors: A. Ahmad Tarmizi A , Peter L , Ahtoi D , Yusof R , N.A. Syed Ismail S , A. Tholibon D 
Published: March 2021

Corrosion inhibitor is a substance added to the corrosive environment in small quantities to reduce the corrosion a metal. The addition of inhibitors will reduce the corrosion rate of the metal by retarding the corrosion process on the metal surface. Thus, this study focused on the study of the effectiveness of 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) ionic liquid as an inhibitor for corrosion protection of mild steel. Two different concentrations of [EMIM]Cl (0.05 M and 0.5 M) were tested into different concentrations of sulphuric acid (0.05M, 0.10 M, 0.15 M, 0.20 M and 0.25 M). Weight loss measurement was used to determine the effectiveness of the [EMIM]Cl as inhibitor for corrosion protection. Results showed that acid concentrations play an important role for the corrosion protection process in the presence of the inhibitor. The weight loss increases as the concentration of the acid increased. The study also revealed that the concentrations of [EMIM]Cl ionic liquid effect the performance of the inhibitor. From this study, 0.5 M of [EMIM]Cl ionic liquid shows better corrosion performance compared to 0.05 M of [EMIM]Cl. At 0.25 M of sulphuric acid, the weight loss of untreated metal increased drastically from 0.0075 g at 0.5 hour to 0.0974 g at 24 hours. After treated with 0.5 M of [EMIM]Cl, the weight loss measurement slightly increased from 0.0027 g at 0.5 hour to 0.0179 g at 24 hours. This weight loss value is lower compared to mild steel treated with 0.05 M [EMIM]Cl which is 0.0469 g at 24 hours. The performance of the inhibitor in two different type of acid was also investigated. The morphology of the untreated mild steel and mild steel treated with [EMIM]Cl was investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM)Â Â
Synthesis and Characterization of Alkali Free Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide for Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil to Biodiesel: Effect of Mg/Al Ratio
Authors: Hafiza Ibrahim Erma , Ahmad Tajuddin Nazrizawati , Hamzah Noraini 
Published: March 2021

The depletion of fossil fuels and the concerned toward environmental sustainability have created a considerable to alternate development of sources of energy as substitute for traditional fossil fuels. The biodiesel production has been reported to be an ideal solution as alternative diesel fuel due to its environmental benefits. Thus, the transesterification of waste cooking oil with methanol in the presence of Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDHs) as a heterogeneous catalyst was studied to produce the biodiesel. In this work, Mg-Al-LDH was fabricated via alkali free co-precipitation method with final Mg/Al ratio of 4:1, 3:1 and 2:1. The product of co-precipitation was undergone aging process for 24 h. Then it was placed in oven at 100 â°C overnight and finally was calcined at 450 â°C for 5 h. The correlation of crystallinity, morphology and particle size of Mg-Al-LDH before and after calcined were examined and compared. X-ray diffraction analyse (XRD) was used to study the textural and structural characteristics of the samples. Particle size, morphology and particle properties were characterize by Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) and Scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). The bonding and structural of Mg-Al-LDH was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used for the elemental analysis of the samples. The catalytic activity was evaluated by the transesterification reaction under the following reaction condition: temperature (60 â°C-65 â°C), time (24 h) and methanol to oil ratio (15:1) .The greatest yield was 85.2% and obtained with combination of 4:1 Mg/Al ratio followed by 3:1 and 2:1 ratio.Â Â
CO2 Mineralization: Production of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate as a Method of CO2 Utilization
Authors: H. Berahim N , M. Lahuri H , G. Mohd Noh M , S. Onn M , Othman R 
Published: March 2021

CO2 utilization into minerals is one of the most efficient methodologies although much research concerns the utilization of CO2 to produce chemicals. The production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) from three different starting materials has been reported. The gas-liquid reaction is carried out by bubbling carbon dioxide into a solution of lime products with fixed parameters of 99% CO2 purity, 4.0 L/min of flow rate and 1500 rpm stirring rate at atmospheric pressure. The PCC was then characterized for X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) and particle size. Experimental results indicate that the PCC produced from quick lime showed the highest yield of 17.27 g, however there is no significant difference for both carbide lime and hydrated lime at 12.04 g and 11.57 g respectively. Morphology, phase structure and particle size of PCC produced reveals insignificant influence with different starting materials. Producing PCC from CO2 and natural minerals can be a potential method of reducing CO2 emissions by locking-up CO2 in a stable mineral form, whilst at the same time turning low quality natural minerals into high valuable products.Â Â Â
Determination of Elements in Indoor Dust at Residential Buildings Nearby a Quarry Site
Authors: H. Wan Ibrahim W , M. Ahmad Zawawi E , Muhamad Darus F , A. Abu Sudin N 
Published: March 2021

Fifteen residence houses at different distances from a nearby limestone quarry were chosen to determine the concentration of elements in an indoor dust study. The samples were collected using a brush and a plastic dust pan. The elements concentrations were determined by wet digestion method with analysis using inductively coupled plasmaâ€“optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results show that the mean elements concentrations in residences houses were in the range 7.96 - 21.19, 0.21 â€“ 0.83, 1.29 â€“ 4.57, 0.14 â€“ 0.26, 0.01 â€“ 0.04 and 0.01 â€“ 0.03 mgkg-1 for Ca, Mg, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn respectively. The elements concentration in the investigated residential buildings areas were followed the order Ca > Fe > Mg > Zn > Ni > Pb.Â The evaluation of the elements contamination status of the indoor dust was carried out by using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) reveal that indoor dust of residential buildings was strongly polluted (Igeo > 5) with Ca, Mg and Fe.Â Â Â Â