bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsurgical Anatomy of Safe Entry Zones on the Ventrolateral Brainstem: A Morphometric Study
Authors: Kocer Ilke Bayzıt , Demiralin Mine Oner , Erturk Mete , Arslan Dilek , Sengul Gulgun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Surgery of the brainstem is challenging due to the complexity of the area with cranial nerve nuclei, reticular formation and ascending and descending fibers. Safe entry zones are required to reach the intrinsic lesions of the brainstem. The aim of this study was to provide detailed measurements for anatomical landmark zones of the ventrolateral surface of the human brainstem related to previously described safe entry zones. In this study, 53 complete and 34 midsagittal brainstems were measured using a stainless caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. The distance between the pontomesencephalic and bulbopontine sulci was measured as 26.94 mm. Basilar sulcus-lateral side of pons (origin of the fibers of the trigeminal nerve) distance was 17.23 mm, transverse length of the pyramid 5.42 mm and vertical length of the pyramid 21.36 mm. Lateral mesencephalic sulcus was 12.73 mm, distance of the lateral mesencephalic sulcus to the oculomotor nerve 13.85 mm and distance of trigeminal nerve to the upper tip of pyramid 17.58 mm. The transverse length for the inferior olive at midpoint and vertical length were measured as 5.21 mm and 14.77 mm, consequently. The thickness of the superior colliculus was 4.36 mm, the inferior colliculus 5.06 mm; length of the tectum was 14.5 mm and interpeduncular fossa 11.26 mm. Profound anatomical knowledge and careful analysis of preoperative imaging are mandatory before surgery of the brainstem lesions. The results presented in this study will serve neurosurgeons operating in the brainstem region.
Hemispheric Dominance for Task Dependent Frontal Lobe Function &amp; Its Relationship to Language Lateralization and Handedness
Authors: Habelhah Barshen , Mahdavi Kennedy D , Zielinksi Margaret A , Becerra Sergio B , Bystritsky Alexander , Mamoun Michael , Kuhn Taylor P. , Jordan Sheldon E. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The present study investigates a potential method to optimize effective functional localization strategies for both language regions and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) while in a scanner. This functional task combines elements of creative problem solving, executive decision making based on an internal rule set, and working memory. Retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 58 unique participants (40% female, Mage = 42.84 years, SDage = 16.51). Of these participants, 47 were classified as right-handed, 7 were classified as left-handed, and 4 were classified as “mixed-handed” or ambidextrous according to the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. The imaging data was judged by two blinded investigators to assess language and dlPFC dominance while using the motor cortex activitation to confirm that participants engaged in the task. We show that 25% of right handed individuals seem to have a dominant dlPFC localized to the right hemisphere rather than the assumed left, and more than a quarter of left handers were dominant in their left hemisphere. Given the clinical relevance of dlPFC dominance, this task appears to be an evidence-based technique for determining appropriate dlPFC target for the purposes of neuromodulation (e.g. TMS).
Simulating Grazing Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in Semi-arid Rangelands (Southern Iran)
Authors: afzali sayed fakhreddin , AZAD Bijan , FRANCAVIGLIA Rosa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Grazing is one of the main causes of rangeland degradation worldwide, due to the effects of overgrazing on vegetation cover and biodiversity. But few data are available on the effect of grazing intensity on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil labile organic carbon (SLOC). So far, very few studies have addressed the modeling of SOC dynamics under different grazing intensities, and SLOC dynamics has not been modeled yet. In this study, we used the CENTURY model to select the most effective grazing management in terms of carbon sequestration (SOC and SLOC stocks) in semi-arid rangelands of Southern Iran. The effect of four different scenarios of grazing intensity was simulated: no grazing, light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), and heavy grazing (HG). The results of long-term model simulations (2015–2100), indicated that SOC stocks will change by 2.7, 1.7, -23.4, and − 24.6% in the scenarios of exclusion, LG, MG, and HG respectively compared to 2014. With increasing grazing intensities, SLOC stocks in LG, MG, and HG scenarios significantly decreased compared to the no grazing scenario by 26.1, 59.6, and 70%, respectively. Thus, this study suggests recommending light grazing management for semi-arid rangelands of Iran and also SLOC as a suitable index for studying the effect of grazing on soil carbon.
Evaluating the Wavefront Aberration Properties of Senofilcon A Photochromic Contact Lenses
Authors: Recep Ömer Faruk , Kocabaş Dilara Özkoyuncu , Kızıltoprak Hasan , Özülken Kemal 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose To assess the wavefront aberrations of photochromic senofilcon A contact lenses in both activated and inactivated states.Methods In this cross-sectional study, 20 subjects who had previously used soft contact lenses were enrolled. Corneal topography and aberrometry measurements were performed on each subject during one session with Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido topography (Sirius, Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Italy). Following the first measurement of an eye without a contact lens, the measurements were performed with the photochromic contact lens in the inactivated and activated states, respectively. The corneal topographic [flattest keratometry (K1), steepest keratometry (K2), the axis of the steep meridian (Axis)] and aberrometric [root-mean-square (RMS) of aberrations; optical path difference (OPD), higher-order (HOA), astigmatism, coma, spherical aberration, and residual aberration] measurements were evaluated.Results The average contact lens sphere power was -2.33 ± 1.07 D. The mean refractive errors were 0.07 ± 0.18 D for sphere and -0.26 ± 0.15 D for cylinder when wearing contact lenses. The mean RMS values of all corneal aberrations showed no statistically significant difference in both activated and inactivated states (p > 0.05). In bivariate correlation analyses, all the aberration parameters showed no significant correlation with keratometric and contact lens associated variables (sphere power and refractive errors of eyes with contact lenses) in both states (p > 0.05). Conclusions The photochromic contact lenses did not increase the corneal aberrations in both inactivated and activated states. This property may help to provide a more comfortable vision in the real-world. Even so, this conclusion needs to be verified.
Ring Shaped Cataract and Urinary Metabolites Among 2,4,6-trinitrotoulene Exposed Population of Pakistan
Authors: Sarwat Sidra , Akhtar Ambreen , Dayan Syeda Fizza Abdud , Shaheen Najma , Durrani Humna Shahid , Usman Tariq , Afghani Tayyab 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Safety protocols are usually neglected among most of the TNT exposed population, therefore, rendering the community prone to various occupational hazards. The current study highlights ring shaped cataract and urinary metabolites of TNT among TNT exposed population (n=26) against a control group (n=20).Methods: An observational case-control study was carried out in two groups: 300 subjects exposed to TNT in Dir and Bajour Agency, Pakistan and a control group from the base hospital. We determined the presence of ring shaped cataract and urine metabolites of TNT using slit lamp biomicroscope and gas chromatography mass spectrometric analysis respectively.Results: Results substantiate a high level of urine metabolites for exposed subjects compared to the control group (p<0.001). Age had no significant effect on (p>0.05) on presence of ring shaped cataract and the level of urinary metabolites of TNT, while duration of exposure showed significant effect (p<0.001). Females showed high incidence of ring shaped cataract and urinary metabolites of TNT than men ( p<0.001). The mean age of the exposed subjects was 51±14.38 (Mean+SD) years. The mean year of exposure was 49±5 (Mean+SD) years,Conclusion: This study showed TNT as a risk factor for the presence of ring-shaped cataract among TNT exposed group in Pakistan. It is important to screen exposed community for the presence of ring-shaped cataract, and pre-clinical identification of TNT adducts to prevent systemic complications.
Retrospective Analysis of Firecracker Injuries and Review of Literature at a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Kaur Kirandeep , Gurnani Bharat , Gupta Isha , Kannusamy Veena , Narayana Shivananda 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To analyze demographics, risk factors, clinical features, functional, anatomical outcomes, and prevalence of blindness in firecracker injury patients presenting to a major tertiary eye care centre.Methodology: A retrospective analysis of firecracker injury patients who presented to our tertiary eye care hospital was performed from April 2018 to March 2019. A total of 114 patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were included. The parameters recorded were demographics, mode of injury, type of cracker, baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and on last follow up, detailed anterior and posterior segment evaluation, seidel's test, intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, complications, treatment, functional and anatomical outcomes. Investigations in the form of B Scan, X-ray, or CT scan were undertaken whenever indicated. Results: A total of 132 eyes of 114 patients were analysed. The mean (SD) age of patients was 18.96 +/- 15.4 years (range 3-71 years). Seventy-four (64.91%) patients were less than or equal to 18 years of age. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1. The ratio of right: left eye involvement was 1:1. Eighteen patients (15.79%) had bilateral involvement. A total of 125 eyes had closed globe injury, 7 eyes had open globe injury and 17 patients needed hospital admission for management. The mean (SD) baseline BCVA was 0.54(+/- 0.75). The mean (SD) final BCVA improved to 0.23(+/- 0.62) till the last follow-up. The final outcome was good in most patients, except 5 eyes (3.78%) which resulted in near/total blindness. Conclusion: Firecracker injuries are a major cause of irreversible blindness, and these are more common in the younger age group (64.91%). Prompt diagnosis with meticulous management can prevent devastating sequelae.
Mechanical Behavior of Reinforced Silty Sand: Focus on Application of Nano-Silica or Kaolin Coated Ceramic Fibers as a Reinforcement Material
Authors: Eshaghzadeh Mehdi , Bayat Meysam , Ajalloeian Rassoul , Hejazi Sayyed Mahdi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Many studies have been done on the stabilization of weak soil using conventional chemical stabilizers such as lime, cement as well as modern materials such as nanoparticles; however, very few studies have examined the effect of coated fibers on the strength of stabilized soil. This paper presents the results of a series of direct shear tests on soil specimens treated with ceramic fiber, nanosilica, and kaolin. The effects of ceramic fibers, fiber length, nanosilica, and kaolin on the mechanical characteristics and shear strength of silty sand was investigated. The results show that the addition of fiber to silty sand resulted in a significant increase in the strength of the soil specimens. The dilative behavior of the soil specimen decreased with the addition of ceramic fibers. The cohesion of the fiber-reinforced specimens increased when the fiber surface was coated with nanosilica or kaolin particles. The friction angle of the coated fiber-reinforced specimens decreased with the addition of nanosilica particles; however, the friction angle of the coated fiber-reinforced specimens was practically independent of the kaolin content.
Solving a New Bi-Objective Multi-Echelon Supply Chain Problem with a Jackson Open-Network Issue Under Uncertainty
Authors: Azadbakhsh Sepideh , Ghodratnama Ali , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam Reza 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In today’s world, changes in the economic and industrial sectors are taking place more quickly than in the past. Based on today’s competitive market, considering the needs and desires of the customer is very important. Thus, designing the supply chain network to minimize the costs and improve the system efficiency, the service facility, and attention to the timely service delivery to the customer should be considered. Also, deployment costs to determine the number and position of facilities are regarded as another strategic issue. Therefore, to become closer to the real-world application, by considering the Jackson network model (queuing theory), the present study aims to design a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network to reduce the waiting time in the queue. Two objectives, namely minimizing the cost and waiting time incurred in queues formed in producers and distributors, are investigated. Queuing mathematical expressions are used both in dealing with objectives and constraints. To develop a model, which is close to real by considering uncertainty, the parameters, including demand rate and shipping cost of products, were considered as a trapezoidal fuzzy number. Also, we crisp this fuzzy uncertainty using both Jimenez and chance-constrained programming approaches. Due to the suggested model’s complexity and nonlinearity, we linearized the mathematical model as much as possible, then two meta-heuristic algorithms, namely multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) and non-dominated sorted genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), are used to solve the model. First, the structural parameters of these algorithms are tuned by the Taguchi method. Then, numerous numerical test problems ranging from small to large scales are used to compare these algorithms considering Pareto front measuring indexes and various hypothesis tests.
Plasma Proteomics of COVID-19 Associated Cardiovascular Complications: Implications for Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
Authors: Roh Jason , Kitchen Robert , Guseh J Sawalla , McNeill Jenna , Aid Malika , Martinot Amanda , Yu Andy , Platt Colin , Rhee James , Weber Brittany , Trager Lena , Hastings Margaret , Ducat Sarah , Xia Peng , Castro Claire , Atlason Bjarni , Churchill Timothy , Carli Marcelo Di , Ellinor Patrick , Barouch Dan , Ho Jennifer , Rosenzweig Anthony 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are common in COVID-19 and strongly associated with disease severity and mortality. However, the mechanisms driving cardiac injury and failure in COVID-19 are largely unknown. We performed plasma proteomics on 80 COVID-19 patients and controls, grouped according to disease severity and cardiac involvement. Findings were validated in 305 independent COVID-19 patients and investigated in an animal model. Here we show that senescence-associated secretory proteins, markers of biological aging, strongly associate with disease severity and cardiac involvement even in age-matched cohorts. FSTL3, an indicator of Activin/TGFβ signaling, was the most significantly upregulated protein associated with the heart failure biomarker, NTproBNP (β = 0.4;padj=4.6x10− 7), while ADAMTS13, a vWF-cleaving protease whose loss-of-function causes microvascular thrombosis, was the most downregulated protein associated with myocardial injury (β=-0.4;padj=8x10− 7). Mendelian randomization supported a causal role for ADAMTS13 in myocardial injury. These data provide important new insights into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 cardiovascular complications with therapeutic implications.
Familial Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome; is it a Separate Disease?
Authors: Veres Tamar , Amarilyo Gil , Ahmad Sabreen Abu , Rumi Maryam Abu , Brik Riva , Hezkelo Nofar , Ohana Orly , Levinsky Yoel , Chodick Gabriel , Aviel Yonatan Butbul 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: PFAPA is the most common periodic fever syndrome in the pediatric population yet pathogenesis is unknown. PFAPA was believed to be sporadic but family clustering has been widely observed.Objective: To identify demographic and clinical differences between patients with PFAPA and a positive family history (FH+) compared to those with PFAPA with no family history (FH-).Methods: In a database comprising demographic and clinical data of 273 pediatric PFAPA patients treated at two tertiary centers in Israel, 31 (14.3%) of patients were PFAPA FH+. Data from patients with FH+ for PFAPA was compared to data from those with FH- of the disorder. Furthermore, family members (FMs) of those with FH+ were contacted via telephone for more demography and clinical details. Results: FH+ group had more headaches (32% vs.2%; p= 0.016), myalgia (56% vs. 19%; p= 0.001), higher carrier frequency of M694V mutation (54% vs. 25%; p=0.053), greater family history of FMF (30% vs. 15%; p=0.096) and better outcomes with colchicine (82% vs. 52%; p=0.096) compared to those with FH-. FMs displayed almost identical characteristics to the FH+ group except for greater arthralgia during flares (64% vs. 23%; p=0.008) and compared to the FH- group, more oral aphthae (68% vs. 43%; p=0.002), myalgia/arthralgia (64% vs. 19%/16%; p<0.0001), and higher rates of FH of FMF (45% vs.15%; p=0.003). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FH+ likely experience a different subset of disease with higher frequency of family history of FMF, arthralgia, myalgia and better response to colchicine compared to FH-. Colchicine prophylaxis for PFAPA should be considered in FH+.
Short-Term Adaptation Strategy Improved Xylitol Production by Candida Guilliermondii on Sugarcane Bagasse Hemicellulosic Hydrolysate
Authors: Bianchini Italo de Andrade , Sene Luciane , Cunha Mário Antônio Alves da , Felipe Maria das Graças de Almeida 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
One of the major bottlenecks of the biotechnological production of xylitol by pentose-fermenting yeasts is the presence of toxic compounds in the hemicellulosic hydrolysates, which inhibit the bioconversion of xylose into xylitol. In this work, short-term adaptation was evaluated as a strategy to minimize the toxicity of the sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate to Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037. Yeast adaptation improved xylose assimilation as well as xylitol production. The beneficial effects of adaptation were more pronounced in the hydrolysate with higher concentration of toxic compounds, leading to an increase of 62.5% in the xylitol volumetric productivity in comparison to the use of non-adapted cells. In this condition, it was also verified the reduction of glycerol production (about 102%), a by-product formed as consequence of cellular stress, indicating a greater tolerance of adapted cells to the toxicity of hydrolysates. Short-term adaptation proved to be a promising strategy to improve considerably the microbial tolerance and overcome the toxicity of hydrolysates.
Mild To Severe Traumatic Brain Injury In Children: Altered Cytokines Reflect Severity
Authors: Ryan Emer , Kelly Lynne , Stacey Catherine , Huggard Dean , Duff Eimear , McCollum Danielle , Leonard Ann , Boran Gerard , Doherty Dermot R , Bolger Turlough , Molloy Eleanor J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognised to have significant longer–term neurocognitive effects. Childhood is a time of high risk for head injury. Functional recovery is variable with a combination of any or all of physical, cognitive and emotional impairment. Immune activation and alteration in cytokine levels are present following TBI which may differ from adults. Methods: Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and Interferon (IFN)-γ were examined at baseline and following in vitro treatment with endotoxin of whole blood, in the following children: severe TBI (sTBI: initial Glasgow coma scale(GCS) £8), mild TBI (mTBI; GCS 14/15) at 0-4d and at 10-14d post-TBI and compared to healthy age-matched controls Results: The study enrolled 208 children including 110 with TBI cohort (n=104 mild; 6 severe) and controls (n=98). At baseline all children with TBI had increased IL-6. The mTBI group had significantly increased IFN-γ versus controls. In sTBI at baseline, IFN-γ was decreased compared to controls. At baseline IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α were decreased in mTBI compared to controls. This persisted at two weeks post-mTBI. The AUC for detecting mTBI was 0.801 CI (0.73 – 086) using IL6/IL10 ratio. mTBI showed a greater fold change in IL-8 and TNF-α in response to endotoxin stimulation, a response that persisted at two weeks. Children with sTBI did not have a significant IL-6 response to endotoxin but did show an increase in IL-17A. Conclusion: Children with all TBI including mTBI show altered cytokine profiles and altered endotoxin responses. Although cytokines increased in sTBI especially in response to endotoxin, suppressed responses were found in mTBI coupled with persistent immune dysfunction post injury.
Can Moderate Heavy Metal Soil Contaminations Due To Cement Production Influence The Surrounding Soil Bacterial Communities?
Authors: Silva Thiago Augusto Costa , de Paula Marcos , Silva Washington Santos , Lacorte Gustavo Augusto 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Events of soil contamination by heavy metals are mostly related to human activities that release these metals into the environment as emissions or effluents. Among the industrial activities related to heavy metal pollution, cement production plants are considered one of the most common sources. In this work we applied the HTS molecular approach called 16S rDNA metabarcoding to perform the taxonomic characterization of the prokaryotic communities of the soil surrounding three cement plants as well as two areas outside the influence of the cement plants that represented agricultural production environments free of heavy metal contamination (control areas). We applied the environmental genomics approaches known as “structural community metrics” (α- and β-diversity metrics) and “functional community metrics” (PICRUSt2 approach) to verify whether or not the effects of heavy metal contamination in the study area generated impacts on soil bacterial communities. We found that the impact related to the elevation of heavy metal concentration due to the operation of cement plants in the surrounding soil can be considered smooth according to globally recognized indices such as Igeo. However, we identified that both the taxonomic and functional structures of the communities surrounding cement plants were different from those found in the control areas. We consider that our findings contribute significantly to the general understanding of the effects of heavy metals on the soil ecosystem by showing that light contamination can disturb the dynamics of ecosystem services provided by soil, specifically those associated with microbial metabolism.