bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigations on Water Jet Peening of AZ31B Mg Alloy for Bio Medical Implants
Authors: Mohan Mugilvalavan , Radhakrishnan Muruganandhan , Natarajan Yuvaraj 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Among different unconventional peening technique, water jet is cold working process has capable to produce surface topography on wide variety of materials. This paper deals with the effect of water jet peening on the corrosion resistance and the surface topography of AZ31B Mg alloy. Variations in water jet peening variables including standoff distance, traverse speed and multiple passes have been employed in this study. A study of the enhancement in hardening and roughening effect was made following the peening process. 29.44% Improvements in microhardness and 31.06% reduction in surface roughness were observed on the peened surfaces. Optimal peened surface was obtained through use of the multi-objective optimization technique, namely, TOPSIS, which utilizes response variables such as micro hardness and surface roughness. In this study, Surface Topography, XRD Analysis and Electrochemical test were conducted. In addition, analysis of the Microstructure of corroded region was made in the unpeened and optimized peened surfaces. Surface topography parameters including Sa, Sq, SSk, Sku results confirmed the suitability of the peened surface for ooseointegration and cell growth. FWHM value measured from XRD peaks showed the formation of grain refinement on the peened surface, and the results showed promising improvements in the corrosion resistance compared to the unpeened AZ31B Mg alloy.
Screening and Identification of the Botanical Attractant From a Chinese Tea for Aedes Albopictus Oviposition
Authors: Xie Li-Hua , Liu Tong , Yang Wen-Qiang , Xie Yu-Gu , Zhao Si-Yu , Wu Kun , Zhou Xiao-Hong , Gu Jin-Bao , Chen Xiao-Guang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The use of oviposition attractants is a promising approach to control populations of mosquito vectors at the source; however, the knowledge on oviposition stimulation in Aedes albopictus is very limited. In recent years, tea bags have been proven to attract Aedes aegypti to lay eggs, but the sources of tea are wide and varied; moreover, the factors and mechanisms in tea bags that attract mosquitoes remain unclear.Methods: The effects of three kinds of Chinese tea, nonfermented, fully fermented and postfermented, were comparatively evaluated for their ability to attract mosquito oviposition at dose of 5g/L, 1.5g/L and 0.5g/L, respectively. The attractants in the Liu-pao tea infusion were isolated with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Results: Among the three types of fermented teas, the Guangxi Liu-pao tea infusion was a successful oviposition attractant for Ae. albopictus at all the dose tested, and the average OAIs of 5 g/L Liu-pao tea soaked for 7 d and 14 d were 0.73 and 0.67, respectively. Further, in one month of soaking 0.5g/L Liu-Pao tea, the average oviposition activity indexes (OAIs) for Ae.aegypti of soaking for 21 d and 28 d were 0.89 and 0.63, respectively. Functional analyses showed that the compound cedrol at 1 mg/L tested for Ae. albopictus, the average OAI was 0.38.Conclusion: Liu-pao tea can effectively attract Ae. albopictus to lay eggs, and cedrol is one of the ingredients attracting Aedes mosquitoes to lay eggs. These results shed light on the development of Aedes mosquito oviposition attractants and will help to develop innovative monitoring and prevention strategies for Aedes-borne diseases.
Multidimensional Fatigue in Chinese Meningioma Patients Newly Diagnosed : Prevalence, Severity and Risk Factors
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wu Qian , Gu Xixi , Gu Zhifeng , Dong Chen , Li Rong , Zong Zhiying , Zhang Xiaomei , Li Liren 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Few studies have assessed fatigue of meningioma patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of multidimensional fatigue, as well as the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese meningioma patients newly diagnosed.
Methods

This cross-sectional study included 120 Chinese meningioma patients recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to February 2021. Data were collected before surgery, including demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics, as well as fatigue scores, based on completion of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.
Results

The results demonstrated that a high prevalence of severe fatigue for each dimension: general fatigue (33.3%), physical fatigue (27.5%), reduced activity (28.3%), reduced motivation (12.5%), mental fatigue (11.7%), and total fatigue (23.3%). Headache and anxiety were predictors of general fatigue. Depression was an independent predictor of physical fatigue. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score and depression independently predicted reduced activity. Depression and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were risk factors predicting reduced motivation, while KPS score and anxiety predicted mental fatigue. Importantly, comorbidity, KPS score, headache, depression, sleep disturbances, and ESS score could predict total fatigue. Furthermore, MFI-20 scores in all dimensions were negatively correlated with Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores in all dimensions.
Conclusion

Our findings indicate that meningioma patients newly diagnosed are frequently affected by fatigue, potentially contributing to impair HRQoL. For patients with risk factors of fatigue, targeted interventions are advised in order to decrease fatigue and improve HRQoL.
Comparison of Success Rate and Complications of Open Inguinal and Subinguinal Varicocelectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mehrabi Sadrollah , shojaeizadeh Fataneh , Manzouri Leila , Mehrabi Amir 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Varicocele is the most common surgically correctable cause of infertility in men. The aim of this study was comparing the success rate and complications of open inguinal and subinguinal varicocelectomy.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted from March 2017 to 2018. Sixty six patients that met inclusion criteria for varicocelectomy (persistent pain or impaired spermogram) were sequentially randomly allocated to inguinal and subinguinal varicocelectomy. Sperm analysis was performed in all patients before surgery. One week, one and three months after the operation patients were visited and evaluated for pain intensity (using visual analog scale) and complications( recurrence, hematoma, scrotal swelling, infection, hydrocele formation and numbness). Follow- up spermogram was done three months after varicocelectomy to evaluate the success of operation. Results: Mean time of operation was17.33±2.18 and 22.48± 4.45 minutes in the subinguinal and inguinal varicocelectomy method, respectively (p=0.001, CI95%=3.41-6.89). Semen analysis three months after surgery showed that there was no significant differences between semen volume (p=0.85), sperm count (p=0.09), sperm density (p=0.13), normal morphology (p=0.07) and motility (p=0.47) in both groups. There was no significant difference in pain density one week (p=0.51), one (p=0.29) and three months (p=0.67) after surgery between two groups. There wasn't any significant difference between two groups regarding recurrence of varicocele (p=0.67). Conclusions: In this study subinguinal varicocelectomy was superior to inguinal method due to less time of operation. However, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications and improvement of spermogram. Further studies with longer period of follow-up are recommended to compare fertility rate in inguinal and subinguinal varicocelectomy.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT201710131323N12, Registered 20 October 2017, Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/trial/581
Lactoferrin Supplementation For Taste And Smell Abnormalities Among Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Lesser Glenn J , Irby Megan Bennett , Taylor Richard , Snavely Anna , Case Douglas , Wang Aili , Dietrich Andrea , Duncan Susan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Taste and smell abnormalities (TSA) are common in patients receiving chemotherapy and may lead to altered nutritional intake, treatment withdrawal, and impaired quality of life. Lipid peroxidation in the oral cavity is one cause of TSA. Lactoferrin (LFN), an iron-binding salivary protein, reduces production of lipid oxidation byproducts and has been shown to reduce perception of unpleasant flavors. To assess the feasibility of LFN as a treatment for TSA, we conducted pilot investigations among patients with cancer who self-reported TSA following onset of chemotherapy. The primary objective was to assess change in subjective taste and smell perception from baseline to completion of 30-days of LFN supplementation.Methods: Patients were treated with 750mg LFN daily for 30 days and followed for an additional 30 days without LFN. TSA was measured via the taste and smell questionnaire (TSQ) including taste (score 0-10), smell (score 0-6), and composite scores (0-16, 0=no TSA) at baseline, day 30, and day 60.Results: 26 patients enrolled; 19 remained on study at day 30 and 17 at day 60. Baseline mean TSQ scores were 6.5 (taste), 3.1 (smell) and 9.6 (composite). By day 30, mean composite TSQ score improved by 1.7 (p=0.018); taste and smell improved by 0.6 (p=.062) and 1.1 (p=.042) respectively. From baseline to day 60, mean composite TSQ score improved by 3.8 (p<.0001); taste and smell improved by 1.9 (p=.001) and 1.8 (p=.003). Conclusions: Further evaluation of LFN is warranted to determine its value for improving self-reported TSA among patients receiving chemotherapy.
Hybrid versus Total Sublaminar Wires in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Undergoing Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Chou Shih-Hsiang , Li Wen-Wei , Lu Cheng-Chang , Lin Kun-Ling , Lin Sung-Yen , Shen Po-Chih , Tien Yin-Chun , Huang Hsuan-Ti 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background﻿Early versions of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) scoliosis correction surgeries often involved sublaminar devices. Recently the utilization of pedicle screw is gaining much popularity. Pedicle screw generally believed to provide additional deformity correction, but pedicle size and rotational deformity limit the application of pedicle screw in the thoracic spine, resulting in a hybrid construct of the pedicle screw and sublaminar wire. Studies of the efficacy of hybrid instrumentation in SMA scoliosis is often limited by the scarcity of the disease itself. In this study, we aimed to compare the surgical outcome of using hybrid constructs of the pedicle screw and sublaminar wire and that of sublaminar wire alone in patients with SMA scoliosis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and radiographic assessments of patients with SMA scoliosis who underwent corrective surgery between 1993 and 2015. The radiographic assessments included the deformity correction and the progressive change of major curve angle, pelvic tilt (PT) and coronal balance (CB). The correction of deformities was observed postoperatively and at the patient’s 2-year follow-up to test the efficacy of each type of constructs.ResultsThirty-three patients were included in this study. There were 14 and 19 patients in the wiring and the hybrid construct groups, respectively. The hybrid construct demonstrated a higher major curve angle correction (50.5° ± 11.2° vs. 36.4° ± 8.4°, p < 0.001), a higher apical vertebral rotation correction (10.6° ± 3.9° vs. 4.8° ± 2.6°, p < 0.001), and reduced the progression of major curve angle after the 2-year follow-up (5.1° ± 2.9° vs. 8.7° ± 4.8°, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was observed between the magnitude of correction of apical vertebral rotation angle and major curve (r = 0.528, p = 0.002).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that hybrid instrumentation can provide a greater magnitude of correction in major curve and apical rotation, as well as less major curve progression in comparison with sublaminar wire in patients with SMA scoliosis.Level of evidence III
Influenza Vaccination in Coronavirus Times: Intention to Be Vaccinated by Primary Care Professionals in Central Catalonia (VAGCOVID)
Authors: Muñoz-Miralles Raquel , Bonet-Esteve Anna , Cebollero Anna Rufas , Cruz Xavier Pelegrin , Alaball Josep Vidal 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundInfluenza vaccination is the main measure of prevention against the epidemic flu, which annually produces a significant increase in the pressure on healthcare systems, in addition to influencing the absenteeism of health workers. Although it is recommended that health professionals be vaccinated, their vaccination coverage is low. The lack of knowledge about the evolution of influenza in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic led to the continued recommendation of influenza vaccination to people at risk and to professionals. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal flu of health professionals in the 2020-21 campaign in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to analyse the factors that influence it.MethodsCross-sectional study through a structured online survey aimed at Primary Care professionals in the region of central Catalonia.ResultsA total of 610 participants responded to the survey, 65.7% of whom intended to be vaccinated against the flu in this campaign and 11.1% did not yet know or did not answer. The intention to be vaccinated against flu is associated with the professional category, the years of professional practice, the fact of making face-to-face guards, and the perception of the risk of suffering from flu. It is also related to a history of influenza vaccination in the previous year and to having been vaccinated on another occasion. The profile of professionals who intend to be vaccinated against flu includes professionals with a history of vaccination, who were on duty and perceived that their staff were at risk of becoming ill with flu.ConclusionsDuring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many professionals show a clear intention to get vaccinated against the flu, but there are still some who doubt it. In order to improve influenza vaccination coverage among health professionals, it is necessary to design strategies aimed at professionals who are hesitant or reluctant to vaccination.
The Timing for Initiating Estrogen Stimulation in Artificial Cycle for Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer can be Flexible
Authors: Ying Ying , Wu Yixuan , Liu Shuang , Huang Qing , Liu Haiying 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: There remains a lack of evidence to demonstrate whether the initiation time of estrogen stimulation is flexible in the proliferative endometrial phase during the artificial cycle for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (AC-FET).Methods: FET records were retrospectively reviewed from a large university-affiliated reproductive medicine center. Only the patients who were undergoing their first embryo transfer with a single blastocyst in the AC-FET cycles were included: thereby 660 cycles were recruited, and the patients were grouped according to their day of estrogen usage initiation as early initiation group (estrogen stimulation initiated during days 2–5 of menses, n = 128) and the late initiation group (estrogen stimulation initiated on or after the sixth day of menses, n = 532). The primary outcome was the ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR). Results: The rates of biochemical and clinical pregnancies were significantly higher in the late initiation group relative to those in the early initiation group, however, no significant differences were noted between the 2 groups for OPR. Furthermore, after adjusting for the results of the potential confounders, no impact was observed in the initiation time of estrogen stimulation on the OPR.Conclusions: This study provides evidence that initiating the estrogen stimulation on after days 2–5 of menses do not exert adverse effects on the OPR in AC-FETs. Thus, FET can be scheduled in a flexible manner, according to the ovulatory and endometrial statuses and patient and/or clinic preference, without compromising on the clinical outcomes.
Unconventional reconciliation path for quantum mechanics and general relativity
Authors: Yuguru Samuel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Physics in general is successfully governed by quantum mechanics at the microscale and principles of relativity at the macroscale. Any attempts to unify them using conventional methods have somewhat remained elusive for nearly a century up to the present stage. Here in this study, a classical gedanken experiment of electron-wave diffraction of a single slit is intuitively examined for its quantized states. A unidirectional monopole (MP) field as quanta of the electric field is pictorially conceptualized into 4D space-time. Its application towards quantum mechanics and general relativity in accordance with existing knowledge in physics paves an alternative path towards their reconciliation process. This assumes a multiverse at a hierarchy of scales with Einstein’s gravity defined to be of circular acceleration in time reversal mode within an MP field precessing into forward time for a rotating body into space. Such descriptions also provide an approximate intuitive tool to examine physics in general from alternative perspectives using conventional methods and this warrants further investigations.
Air Pollution, Road Proximity, Greenspace, Indoor Air Pollution and Reduced Lung Function Incidence in Children : A Case-control Study
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Wang Yuming , Feng Lihong , Hou Changchun , Gu Qing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objectives

Reduced lung function during childhood could substantially influence the health states of the respiratory system in adults, so, the relationships between air pollution, road proximity, greenspace, indoor air pollution and reduced lung function incidence in children were investigated in this study.
Methods

The lung function of children was tested every year from 2015 to 2018 and the method of case-control study was applied. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize confounding bias and the conditional logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the effects of indoor and outdoor environmental risk factors on reduced lung function of children.
Results

Each-one quartile increment in the mixture of the six air pollutants at lag1, lag2 and lag3 periods were related to 46.2%, 9.57% and 8.28% increased risk levels of getting the unhealthy outcome. The protective effect of greenness at lag2 period (Odds ratios (OR) = 0.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0–0.02)) was stronger than that at lag1 period (OR = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.05)).
Conclusions

Separate and combined effects of most air pollutants at different lag periods represented the hazard effects to the lung function of students. And the distance band of 101–200 m between the home address of each student and the major road could be detrimental to the health of the lung of children significantly. Exposure levels of greenness had protective effects on lung health for students. Only the indoor factor of secondhand smoke exposure was significantly associated with an elevated risk of having reduced lung function.
Epidemiology of HIV-negative Rifampicin Resistance /Multidrug-Resistant Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: 5 Years-experience From a National Tuberculosis Clinical Research Center in China
Authors: Ma Jun , Fan Lin , Liu Hongcheng , Li Wenting , Sun Wenwen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: China is a region with a high global burden of Rifampicin Resistance ／Multidrug-Resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) and low HIV incidence. Our aim was to assess the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RR/MDR-extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) over the past five years in China to inform national TB control programmes.Methods: We investigated the epidemiological and clinical datas of all MDR/RR-EPTB cases in a TB specialized hospitals in China over a five-year period and compared cases with a cohort of MDR/RR-PTB patients over the same period.Results: Of the 1,700 RR/MDR-TB patients enrolled, 17.76% were EPTB. The incidence of RR／MDR-EPTB were increasing.The most common anatomical site was pleura/chest wall (20.20%). Compared with RR／MDR-Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB），RR/MDR-EPTB were were predominately female (50.66%, P< 0.01) 、more prone to delay (P<0.01) in RR/ MDR-EPTB detection with the median time of 145（14 ,341）days since first visit、more less likely to develop diabetes (22.85 %, P<0.01) 、more likely to be newly diagnosed ( 56.95%, P<0.01) 、lower successful treatment outcome（69.56%，p <0.01）、more dependent on Xpert (93.71%) for resistance detection、lower culture positive rate (56.95% , P< 0.01). RR/ MDR-EPTB also showed a significantly higher rate of pre-XDR/XDR (32.45%, P <0.01) . Conclusion: RR/MDR-EPTB is different from RR-MDR/PTB in both epidemiology and clinical. Clinicians should recommend Xpert in early stage and use fluoroquinolones cautiously in cases suspected TB.
Lactic Acid Bacterial Bacteriocins and Their Bioactive Properties Against Food Associated Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Imade Emmanuel Edoghogho , Omonigho Solomon Esharegoma 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Incidence of food borne diseases and growing resistance of pathogens to classical antibiotics is a major concern in the food industry. Consequently, there is increasing demand for safe foods with less chemical additives but natural products which are not harmful to the consumers. Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), is of interest because they are active in a nanomolar range, do not have toxic effects and are readily available in fermented food products.Methods: In this research, LAB were isolated from fufu, gari, kunu, nono and ogi using De Mann, Rogosa and Sharpe agar. Result: A total of 162 isolates were obtained from the food samples. Antimicrobial sensitivity test yielded positive result for 45 LAB isolates against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 while 52 LAB isolates inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. On confirmation of the bacteriocinogenic nature of the inhibitory substance, 4 of the LAB isolates displayed a remarkable degree of inhibition to Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus cereus. Agar well diffusion assay was also performed using the cell-free supernatant (CFS) obtained from Lactobacillus fermentum strain NBRC15885, Lactobacillus fermentum strain CIP102980, Lactobacillus plantarum strain JCM1149 and Lactobacillus natensis strain LP33. The (CFS) was able to inhibit the growth of B. subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, S. typhimurium, S. aureus and E. coli which are foodborne pathogens.Conclusion: It therefore portends that the bacteriocins produced by the LAB isolated from these food products could act as probiotics for effective inhibition of the growth of antibiotic resistant foodborne pathogens.