bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Chronic Administration of Metronidazole on the Morphological and Biochemical Parameters on the Cerebral Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Ajibade A. J. , Ayanlade I .J. 
Published: August 2021

Metronidazole has been implicated in diverse neurologic syndromes such as; cerebellar syndrome, encephalopathy, seizures, optic neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy. Metronidazole is an antibiotic drug used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, heart, bone joint, lung, blood, nervous system and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This study therefore, investigated the effects of metronidazole on the cerebral cortex of adult wistar rats.
Thirty-two (32) adult wistar rats of average weight of 180g of both sexes were distributed into four groups of eight (8) animals per group. Group A was the control group while group B, C and D rats were treated with 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of metronidazole respectively. Metronidazole was administered orally on daily basis to the animals for 28 days. The weights of the rats were taken weekly using a weighing scale. On the 28th day of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The skulls were excised and the brains were harvested, weighed immediately using a sensitive weighing balance and then fixed in 10% formolcalcium for routine histological techniques and the other parts were processed for biochemical analysis of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NO) and Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH).
The results showed that there was a significant increase in the body weights of wistar rats in A and B while the mean body weights of the wistar rats reduced significantly in group C and D. The brain weights in group B and C increased insignificantly while brain weight in group D increased significantly when compared with group A. The biochemical analysis showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of MDA, NO and SDH in group B, C and D as compared with group A. Histological study of the cerebral cortex revealed conspicuous degenerative changes in group B while group C and D showed increased degenerative cerebral cortical layers with peripheral and central degenerative changes.
The study concluded that metronidazole exhibited a neurodegenerative effect on the cerebral cortex of the wistar rats investigated. It is recommended that other studies should be carried out to corroborate these findings.
Inguinal Hernia Repairs in a Rural Setting in East Africa
Authors: Wismayer Richard 
Published: August 2021

Background: Inguinal hernias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. In resource limited settings in rural Africa the clinical management of inguinal hernias may pose a therapeutic challenge to the surgeon due to the late presentation of this condition and lack of availability and affordability of mesh and laparoscopy. In our environment there is a lack of data and literature regarding the surgical management of inguinal hernias. The purpose of this study was to outline the clinical profile and outcomes among patients undergoing inguinal hernia repairs in our hospital.
Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out between 1st April 2008 to the 31st July 2012 on all patients ≥15 years of age that underwent an inguinal hernia repair were eligible in this study. The patients were reviewed on the surgical ward postoperatively and in the surgical out-patients clinic 3 months post-operatively. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire on the following variables: age, sex, recurrence of hernia, post-operative pain and post-operative complications. Physical examination was used to determine post-operative recurrence and evidence of haematomas, seromas or severe wound sepsis requiring operative intervention.
Results: One hundred and fifty eight patients following repair of inguinal hernia using the Modified Bassini technique were analyzed. Mean age was 44.84 years. The male:female ratio was 3.65:1 with male predominance. Emergency inguinal hernia repairs were carried out in 4(2.53%) and the majority of patients, 154(97.47%) were elective inguinal hernia repairs. One(0.63%) mortality and the morbidity included 1(0.63%) seroma, 1(0.63%) haematoma, 1(0.63%) necrotizing fasciitis and 1(0.63%) enterocutaneous fistula. The overall complication rate was 3.16%.
Conclusions: In rural Africa patients with inguinal hernias should be encouraged to present early with signs and symptoms of inguinal hernia. Elective hernia repair of inguinal hernias, irrespective of the type of repair, will reduce the morbidity and mortality from this common problem in East Africa.
Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Alternative System of Medicine among the Adults in Rural Community Area
Authors: Wankhede Pratibha , Khelpande Nayan , Khode Dipali , Khode Neha , Khunkar Shubhangi , Khewale Dharti 
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The folk medicine which is available such as herb, flora, found and minerals. The people taking some treatment for improving health and treat the person which lies in ancient times. Some of the people of the alternative system such as homeopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, naturopathy and yoga. The alternative system of medicine is widespread. This leads to improving knowledge regarding the alternative system of medicine in the rural community area.
Background: The present study has been designed to capture the knowledge and attitude towards the Alternative health care system of medicine in its user and non-users to compare the differences in its source of knowledge among the rural community people. Knowledge regarding the alternative therapies that are living in the rural community area. The person has some knowledge regarding alternative health such as naturopathy, homeopathy, yoga, Unani and Siddha. The people will have known about alternative therapies.
Objective: To assess the knowledge of adults in rural community areas regarding the alternative system of medicine. To assess the attitude towards an alternative system of medicine among rural community areas.
Methods: The sample size is 100 among the adults in the rural community area.
Results: In the present study 98% of the adults were having a positive attitude and only 2% of them had a negative attitude. Association of knowledge score and attitude score with the selected demographic variables there is a significant in the gender and not significantly associated with education, occupation, caste regarding the alternative system of medicine and significant association between attitude score the gender and not significantly associate with education, occupation, caste regarding the alternative system of medicine.
Conclusion: This study revealed that in wardha city, there is relatively high public interest in complementary and alternative medicine and a significant number has a produce good awareness attitude toward complementary and alternative medicine.
Carbon ion radiotherapy using fiducial markers for prostate cancer in Osaka HIMAK: Treatment planning
Authors: Tsubouchi Toshiro , Hamatani Noriaki , Takashina Masaaki , Wakisaka Yushi , Ogawa Atsuhiro , Yagi Masashi , Terasawa Ayumi , Shimazaki Kazuyuki , Chatani Masashi , Mizoe Jun’etsu , Kanai Tatsuaki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeCarbon ion radiotherapy for prostate cancer was performed using two fine needle Gold Anchor (GA) markers for patient position verification in Osaka Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Kansai (Osaka HIMAK). The present study examined treatment plans for prostate cases using beam‐specific planning target volume (bsPTV) based on the effect of the markers on dose distribution and analysis of target movements.Materials and MethodsGafchromic EBT3 film was used to measure dose perturbations caused by markers. First, the relationships between the irradiated film density and absolute dose with different linear energy transfer distributions within a spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) were confirmed. Then, to derive the effect of markers, two types of markers, including GA, were placed at the proximal, center, and distal depths within the same SOBP, and dose distributions behind the markers were measured using the films. The amount of internal motion of prostate was derived from irradiation results and analyzed to determine the margins of the bsPTV.ResultsThe linearity of the film densities against absolute doses was constant within the SOBP and the amount of dose perturbations caused by the markers was quantitatively estimated from the film densities. The dose perturbation close behind the markers was smallest (<10% among depths within the SOBP regardless of types of markers) and increased with depth. The effect of two types of GAs on dose distributions was small and could be ignored in the treatment planning. Based on the analysis results of internal motions of prostate, required margins of the bsPTV were found to be 8, 7, and 7 mm in left–right (LR), anterior–posterior (AP), and superior–inferior (SI) directions, respectively.ConclusionWe evaluated the dose reductions caused by markers and determined the margins of the bsPTV, which was applied to the treatment using fiducial markers, using the analysis results of prostate movements.
Evaluation of radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter response for therapeutic spot scanning proton beam: suggestion of linear energy transfer‐based correction
Authors: Nagata Junya , Yasui Keisuke , Omachi Chihiro , Toshiyuki Toshito , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Aoyama Takahiro , Hayashi Naoki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter (RGD) is used for a postal audit of a photon beam because of its various excellent characteristics. However, it has not been used for scanning proton beams because its response characteristics have not been verified. In this study, the response of RGD to scanning protons was investigated to develop a dosimetry protocol using the linear energy transfer (LET)‐based correction factor. The responses of RGD to four maximum‐range‐energy‐pattern proton beams were verified by comparing it with ionization chamber (IC) dosimetry. The LET at each measurement depth was calculated via Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The LET correction factor () was the ratio between the uncorrected RGD dose () and the IC dose at each measurement depth. can be represented as a function of LET using the following equation: . showed a linear under‐response with increasing LET, and the maximum dose difference between the IC dose and was 15.2% at an LET of 6.07 keV/μm. The LET‐based correction dose () conformed within 3.6% of the IC dose. The mean dose difference (±SD) of and was –2.5 ± 6.9% and 0.0 ± 1.6%, respectively. To achieve accurate dose verification for scanning proton beams using RGD, we derived a linear regression equation based on LET. The results show that with appropriate LET correction, RGD can be used for dose verification of scanning proton beams.
Influence of Multimorbidity on New Treatment Initiation and Achieving Target Disease Activity Thresholds in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cohort Study Using the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness Registry
Authors: England Bryant R. , Yun Huifeng , Chen Lang , Vanderbleek Jared , Michaud Kaleb , Mikuls Ted R. , Curtis Jeffrey R. 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo determine whether multimorbidity is associated with treatment changes and achieving target disease activity thresholds in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with active RA within the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry. Multimorbidity was measured using RxRisk, a medication‐based index of chronic disease. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the associations of multimorbidity with the odds of initiating a new disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in active RA, and among those initiating a new DMARD, the odds of achieving low disease activity or remission.ResultsWe identified 15,626 patients using the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) cohort and 5,733 patients using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) cohort. All patients had active RA, of which 1,558 (RAPID3) and 834 (CDAI) initiated a new DMARD and had follow‐up disease activity measures. Patients were middle aged, female, and predominantly White, and on average received medications from 6 to 7 RxRisk categories. Multimorbidity was not associated with new DMARD initiation in active RA. However, a greater burden of multimorbidity was associated with lower odds of achieving treatment targets (per 1‐unit RxRisk: RAPID3 cohort odds ratio [OR] 0.95 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.91, 0.98]; CDAI cohort OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.90, 0.99]). Those with the highest burden of multimorbidity had the lowest odds of achieving target RA disease activity (RAPID3 cohort OR 0.54 [95% CI 0.34, 0.85]; CDAI cohort OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.37, 1.15]).ConclusionThese findings from a large, real‐world registry illustrate the potential impact of multimorbidity on treatment response and indicate that a more holistic management approach targeting multimorbidity may be needed to optimize RA disease control in these patients.
CelluMOFs: Green, Facile, and Flexible Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Versatile Applications
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Hongwen , Hu Qiuhui , Jiang Liming , Shen Youqing , Zhao Dan , Zhou Zhuxian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNatural cellulose fiber‐based materials have been widely used in daily life for a broad application owing to their intrinsic merits such as easy availability, eco‐friendly, good processability, and outstanding physical–mechanical properties. Surface modification of natural fibers with nanostructures is an effective strategy to integrate the textile substrates with many favorable functionalities. Here, a green, facile, and universal method is introduced for the in situ growth of γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) in cellulose fiber‐based materials (CelluMOFs). Compared to the pristine fibers, the resulting CelluMOFs have high porosity with up to 50 times larger specific surface area and enhanced loading capacity to functional molecules (essential oils, antibacterial agents, and active drugs) with 23–36 times higher loading content. The CelluMOFs also exhibit high adsorption capability to volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide. Moreover, the CelluMOFs textiles loaded with a model drug (doxorubicin) show a steady release profile and deep skin permeation capability. These CelluMOFs combine the advantages of both cellulose fibers and CD‐MOFs, which greatly extend their applications in the fragrance industry, antimicrobial, pollutant removal, and biomedical textiles.
Frontiers in Theoretical Analysis of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation Mechanism
Authors: Takenaka Norio , Bouibes Amine , Yamada Yuki , Nagaoka Masataka , Yamada Atsuo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSolid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is an ion conductive yet electron‐insulating layer on battery electrodes, which is formed by the reductive decomposition of electrolytes during the initial charge. The nature of the SEI significantly impacts the safety, power, and lifetime of the batteries. Hence, elucidating the formation mechanism of the SEI layer has become a top priority. Conventional theoretical calculations reveal initial elementary steps of electrolyte reductive decomposition, whereas experimental approaches mainly focus on the characterization of the formed SEI in the final form. Moreover, both theoretical and experimental methodologies could not approach intermediate or transient steps of SEI growth. A major breakthrough has recently been achieved through a novel multiscale simulation method, which has enriched the understanding of how the reduction products are aggregated near the electrode and influence the SEI morphologies. This review highlights recent theoretical achievements to reveal the growth mechanism and provides a clear guideline for designing a stable SEI layer for advanced batteries.
Spectroscopic Perception of Trap States on the Performance of Methylammonium and Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yong , Gao Lei , Wei Xin , Zhao Weijie , Wang Wenhui , Wang Mengchen , Zheng Ting , Liu Hongwei , Lu Junpeng , Ni Zhenhua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo enhance the efficiency and stability of the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) solar cells, doping has been demonstrated as a straightforward method. Nevertheless, the perception of trap states regulated by doping and their effects on the performance of solar cells is not in‐depth. Herein, typical OIHPs (CH3NH3PbI3 and Cs0.05FA0.85MA0.10Pb(I0.97Br0.03)3) doped with RbI are employed to expound the doping mechanism in affecting the efficiency of devices. Systematic spectroscopic characterizations indicate that doping significantly influences the photocarrier dynamics via directly regulating the trap states. The results indicate that doping would reduce the trap density by passivating defects and induce extra trapping centers. This directly manipulates the transient transport of the photocarriers and finally influences the output of devices. The optimization of solar cell performance requires the tradeoff of competitive relation between the passivation and introduction of trapping centers. The results provide the spectroscopic perception on how doping concentration affects trap density, carrier dynamics, transport behavior, and ultimately the parameters of devices. It provides a straightforward guidance to the design and optimization of OIHP‐based solar cells.
Controllable Heterojunctions with a Semicoherent Phase Boundary Boosting the Potassium Storage of CoSe2/FeSe2
Authors: Shan Hui , Qin Jian , Ding Yingchun , Sari Hirbod Maleki Kheimeh , Song Xuexia , Liu Wen , Hao Youchen , Wang Jingjing , Xie Chong , Zhang Jiujun , Li Xifei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHeterostructure construction is an efficient method for reinforcing K+ storage of transition metal selenides. The spontaneously developed internal electric fields give a strong boost to charge transport and significantly reduce the activation energy. Nevertheless, perfection of the interfacial region based on the energy level gradient and lattice matching degree is still a great challenge. Herein, rich vacancies and ultrafine CoSe2–FeSe2 heterojunctions with semicoherent phase boundary are simultaneously obtained, which possess unique electronic structures and abundant active sites. When employed as anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), CoSe2–FeSe2@C composites display a reversible potassium storage of 401.1 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and even 275 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. Theoretical calculation also reveals that the potassium‐ion diffusion can be dramatically promoted by the controllable CoSe2–FeSe2 heterojunction.
A Universal Strategy toward the Precise Regulation of Initial Coulombic Efficiency of Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Cathode Materials
Authors: Guo Weibin , Zhang Chenying , Zhang Yinggan , Lin Liang , He Wei , Xie Qingshui , Sa Baisheng , Wang Laisen , Peng Dong‐Liang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLi‐rich Mn‐based cathode materials (LRMs) are potential cathode materials for high energy density lithium‐ion batteries. However, low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) severely hinders the commercialization of LRM. Herein, a facile oleic acid‐assisted interface engineering is put forward to precisely control the ICE, enhance reversible capacity and rate performance of LRM effectively. As a result, the ICE of LRM can be precisely adjusted from 84.1% to 100.7%, and a very high specific capacity of 330 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, as well as outstanding rate capability with a fascinating specific capacity of 250 mAh g−1 at 5 C, are harvested. Theoretical calculations reveal that the introduced cation/anion double defects can reduce the diffusion barrier of Li+ ions, and in situ surface reconstruction layer can induce a self‐built‐in electric field to stabilize the surface lattice oxygen. Moreover, this facile interface engineering is universal and can enhance the ICEs of other kinds of LRM effectively. This work provides a valuable new idea for improving the comprehensive electrochemical performance of LRM through multistrategy collaborative interface engineering technology.
A First Wide‐Open LDH Structure Hosting InP/ZnS QDs: A New Route Toward Efficient and Photostable Red‐Emitting Phosphor
Authors: Valleix Rodolphe , Zhang Qian , Boyer Damien , Boutinaud Philippe , Chadeyron Geneviève , Feng Yongjun , Okuno Hanako , Réveret François , Hintze‐Bruening Horst , Leroux Fabrice 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe architecture of Zn‐Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), organo‐modified with bola‐amphiphiles molecules, is matching its interlayer space to the size of narrow‐band red‐emitting InP/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) to form original high‐performance functional organic–inorganic QD‐bola‐LDH hybrids. The success of size‐matching interlayer space (SMIS) approach is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), TEM, STEM‐HAADF, and photoluminescence investigations. The QD‐Bola‐LDH hybrid exhibits a photoluminescence quantum yield three times higher than that of pristine InP/ZnS QDs and provides an easy dispersion into silicone‐based resins, what makes the SMIS approach a change of paradigm compared to intercalation chemistry using common host structures. Moreover, this novel hybrid presents low QD–QD energy transfer comparable to that obtained for QDs in suspension. Composite silicone films incorporating InP/ZnS (0.27 wt%) QD‐bola‐LDH hybrids further show remarkable improved photostability relative to pristine QDs. An LED overlay consisting of a blue LED chip and silicone films loaded with QD‐bola‐LDH hybrids and YAG:Ce phosphors exhibits a color rendering index close to 94.
Engineered Multivalent Nanobodies Potently and Broadly Neutralize SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants
Authors: Zupancic Jennifer M. , Schardt John S. , Desai Alec A. , Makowski Emily K. , Smith Matthew D. , Pornnoppadol Ghasidit , Garcia de Mattos Barbosa Mayara , Cascalho Marilia , Lanigan Thomas M. , Tessier Peter M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic continues to be a severe threat to human health, especially due to current and emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants with potential to escape humoral immunity developed after vaccination or infection. The development of broadly neutralizing antibodies that engage evolutionarily conserved epitopes on coronavirus spike proteins represents a promising strategy to improve therapy and prophylaxis against SARS‐CoV‐2 and variants thereof. Herein, a facile multivalent engineering approach is employed to achieve large synergistic improvements in the neutralizing activity of a SARS‐CoV‐2 cross‐reactive nanobody (VHH‐72) initially generated against SARS‐CoV. This synergy is epitope specific and is not observed for a second high‐affinity nanobody against a non‐conserved epitope in the receptor‐binding domain. Importantly, a hexavalent VHH‐72 nanobody retains binding to spike proteins from multiple highly transmissible SARS‐CoV‐2 variants (B.1.1.7 and B.1.351) and potently neutralizes them. Multivalent VHH‐72 nanobodies also display drug‐like biophysical properties, including high stability, high solubility, and low levels of non‐specific binding. The unique neutralizing and biophysical properties of VHH‐72 multivalent nanobodies make them attractive as therapeutics against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.