bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Exercise on Lower Limb Strength Asymmetry in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Farrell John W. , Edwards Thomas , Motl Robert W. , Pilutti Lara A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background:
Lower limb strength asymmetry (ie, significant difference between contralateral limbs) has been associated with mobility impairment in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether an adaptive exercise modality can be used to modify lower limb strength and potentially improve mobility is unclear. The effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling on lower limb strength asymmetry in persons with MS with mobility impairment was assessed, and the association between change in lower limb strength asymmetries and changes in functional and self-reported mobility outcomes was explored.

Methods:
Eight adults with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale scores, 5.5–6.5) were included. Outcomes included knee extensor and knee flexor strength asymmetry, Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) test, 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12). Participants received 24 weeks (3 times per week) of FES cycling or passive leg cycling.

Results:
The FES condition demonstrated a small decrease in knee extensor (d = −0.33) and knee flexor (d = −0.23) strength asymmetry compared with passive leg cycling. With both groups combined, weak-to-strong associations were observed between change in knee extensor asymmetry and change in T25FW test time (rs = −0.43), 2MWT time (rs = −0.24), TUG test time (rs = 0.55), and MSWS-12 score (rs = 0.43). Moderate correlations were observed between change in knee flexor asymmetry and change in T25FW test time (rs = −0.31), TUG test time (rs = 0.33), and MSWS-12 score (rs = 0.35).

Conclusions:
FES cycling may be an efficacious exercise modality for reducing lower limb strength asymmetry and improving mobility in persons with MS.
Bacterial Contaminants on Exposed Surfaces and Their Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma-Tanzania
Authors: Chandika Alphonce B. , Mkala Reuben S. , Lugoba Bushi , Kipilipili Benjamin C. , Saitot Witness , Kamkunguru Charles E. , Susu Susu J. , Mkhoi Mkhoi L. , Lindi John B. , Matemba Lucas E. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Hospital acquired infection pose a great challenge in provision of healthcare services to many settings particulary in developing countries where there is limited availability of resources. The roles played by exposed surfaces in spreading of potential bacterial pathogens within the hospital environment have certainly contributed to the increased burden of bacterial infectious diseases such as morbidness, death as well as cost imolecation in healthcare. Our study aimed to determine common bacteria isolated on exposed surfaces and the antimicrobial sensitivity patterns.
Methods: A sum of 516 specimens gathered and enrolled for study at Benjamin Mkapa Hopsital (BMH). The swab specimens were continuously gathered (collected) from different exposed objects in hospital environmental surfaces. All microbiological procedures or tests were performed using appropriate standard operating procedure. The obtained data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0.
Results: Among 516 samples, 317 (61.4%) were positive with variety of bacterial isolates from different sites. Out of 317 positive cultures, 120 (37.9%) Staphylococcus aureus, 97 (30.6%) E. coli, 28 (8.8%) Enterobacter aerogenes, 25 (7.9%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 23 (7.3%) other Citrobacter species, 20 (6.3%) Citrobacter freundii, 3 (0.9%) Morganella morganii and 1 (0.3%) Serratia mercesens were isolated from different source of exposed surfaces at BMH. Serratia mercesens were highly (100%) resistant to most of the antimicrobial agents including erythromycin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, amikacin, penicillin,ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, levofloxacin, ampicillin, azithromycin and cotrimoxazoleTrimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Conclusion: High levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated in swab specimens from a wide range of exposed surfaces at BMH. Variable pattern of antiobiotic resistance were observed among bacterial isolates with alarming levels demonstrated by isolates of Serratia mercesens which is amongst the common causes of surgical site infections. This findings call for improved actions for infection prevention and control measures at BMH.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, Computational Study and In-vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Few Novel Pyrazol-3-one Derivatives
Authors: Unnisa Aziz , Anupama B. , Banu Humera , Fatima Syeda B. , Lakshmi K. N. V. Chenchu , Unissa Rahamat 
Published: May 2021

Aim: To design, synthesize and perform computational study on a few Novel pyrazol-3-one derivatives.
Study design: Experimental study.
Methodology: A series of 6-aryl substituted pyrimidine azodyes were synthesized by coupling phenyl pyrimidine 2-amine with different aromatic amines. The synthetic compounds were screened for their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The Computational study of designed compounds was done by OCHEM, Molinspiration cheminformatics, Datawarrior, and Swiss ADME. DPPH assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity and heat hemolysis method for anti-inflammatory activity.
Results: Molinspiration, Data Warrior, Ochem which are helpful to predict molecule general properties, bioactive scores, toxicity, and drug-likeness. Data Warrior results inferred that the compounds possess moderately active towards mutagenic (compound 2, 11), reproductive (compound 6, 7, 8), and highly active towards Tumorogenic (compound 2) toxicities. OCHEM results showed that most of the synthesized compounds were found to be non-inhibitors of all the subtypes of cytochrome P450 except compound 8. All compounds under this study were effective scavengers of free radicals except the compounds 1, 2, 6, 10. Invitro Anti-inflammatory studies have shown that the compounds (6, 7, 8, 9, 13) active toward heat hemolysis.
Conclusion: The synthesized compounds were comprehensively studied and targets were identified rendering them as lead molecules for further development of newer agents with greater efficacy and safety.
Successful management of congenital protein C deficiency with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ogasawara M. , Sasa H. , Kajiura S. , Aoki K. , Yagami Y. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractA 29‐year‐old woman experienced unexplained intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) three times, at 16, 27 and 27 gestational weeks. She was found to be protein C‐deficient and the existence of infarction in the placenta was suspected at 20 weeks' gestation during her fourth pregnancy. Both heparin and antithrombin III were administered until delivery of a small‐for‐dates but live baby. Massive infarction in the placenta was evident at term. Anticoagulation with heparin is a useful treatment approach for cases of recurrent IUFD with protein C deficiency.
Allo‐non‐specific elevation of maternal killer cell activity in intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Fujii T. , Tsushima R. , Okai T. , Shibata Y. , Taketani Y. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: In order to gain insight into the pathogenesis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of the fetus, we evaluated the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes towards fetal cells in pregnancies complicated by IUGR. Methods: We performed a cytotoxic assay using the maternal lymphocyte‐derived lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells as the effector cells. Cord vessel endothelial cells were used as the target cells. Results: LAK cells in pregnancies complicated by IUGR demonstrated higher killer cell activities against IUGR fetus‐derived endothelial cells compared with LAK cells from uncomplicated pregnancies against the same endothelial cells. However, when non‐IUGR fetus‐derived endothelial cells were used as the target cells, LAK cells of pregnant women with IUGR exhibited essentially the same activities as those of normal pregnant women. Conclusion: The results suggest that lymphocytes in pregnancies complicated by IUGR may have enhanced killer cell activities towards the IUGR fetus in an allo‐non‐specific way.
Reproductive outcome after metroplasty
Authors: Zorlu C.G. , Yalçin H. , Uḡur M. , Özden S. , Kara‐Soysal S. , Gökmen O. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the impact of abdominal metroplasty for symmetric uterine anomalies on reproductive performance. Method: A retrospective analysis of 24 patients who conceived following metroplasty for symmetric congenital anomalies during a 5‐year period. Results: In patients with poor obstetric histories before surgery, the overall fetal survival rate increased from 2.5%. before treatment to 73.3% after treatment and 90.5% of women gave birth to a surviving infant. The remaining three patients suffering from infertility delivered a full‐term infant after metroplasty. Antenatal complications occurred in 56.7% of the pregnancies. Conclusion: Abdominal metroplasty clearly improves fetal survival particularly in women suffering from a history of poor obstetric outcome associated with symmetric malformations.
The potential of midwives providing primary obstetric care to reduce perinatal deaths in a rural region
Authors: Theron G.B 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To determine the proportion of perinatal deaths that could be reduced by midwives providing primary obstetric services. Method: The study was conducted in a rural region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The primary obstetric and final causes of perinatal deaths and avoidable factors related to these deaths were determined in a large town and two small towns. Results: In the three towns 52 (48.6%) of the 107 avoidable factors were related to medical care while 20 (38.5%) of these had the potential to be prevented at the level of care rendered by midwives. In the large town 21 (20.6%) of 102 and in the smaller towns 15 (24.6%) of 61 perinatal deaths had potential for intervention by midwives. Conclusion: The 22.1% of perinatal deaths potentially preventable by midwives presupposes complete patient cooperation within an optimally functioning health system.
Endometrial histologic changes in post‐menopausal breast cancer patients using tamoxifen
Authors: Marchesoni D. , Driul L. , Fabiani G. , Di Loreto C. , Cataldi P. , Mozzanega B. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tamoxifen on the endometrium of post‐menopausal women with breast cancer and to examine the relationship between ultrasonography, hysteroscopy and histopathologic changes. Method: Included in this longitudinal study were 303 post‐menopausal women taking 20 mg daily of tamoxifen. Hysteroscopy was performed in 83 patients with an endometrial thickness of only ≥5 mm and 34 with vaginal bleeding also. Forty‐five asymptomatic patients (control group) underwent hysteroscopies. Result: The most frequent outcome in patients with endometrial thickness of only ≥5 mm was an atrophic endometrium in an empty cavity (79.5%) whereas simple hyperplasia (35.3%) was found in women with vaginal bleeding. Carcinoma was diagnosed in seven cases (5.9%). In the control group, no endometrial cancer was found. Conclusion: This study suggests that patients with a thickness >5 mm should be offered a whole hysteroscopic evaluation, whenever bleeding is reported.
Recommendations for renovating an operating theater at an emergency obstetric care facility
Authors: Abreu E , Potter D 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe importance of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) in reducing maternal mortality has focused attention on both the skills of the clinicians to provide high quality care and on the health facilities in which the care is provided. Essential elements of EmOC include the capacity to perform cesarean sections for which an operating theater is needed. This article focuses on renovation of existing operating theaters to meet the necessary standards. While building, adding to, or renovating operating theaters can be expensive, this article emphasizes appropriate materials that are likely to be locally available and relatively inexpensive. The importance of proper maintenance is discussed.
Manipulating the Local Electronic Structure in Li‐Rich Layered Cathode Towards Superior Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Zheng Hongfei , Zhang Chenying , Zhang Yinggan , Lin Liang , Liu Pengfei , Wang Laisen , Wei Qiulong , Lin Jie , Sa Baisheng , Xie Qingshui , Peng Dong‐Liang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractManipulating the local electronic structure is employed to address the capacity/voltage decay and poor rate capability of Li‐rich layered cathodes (LLOs) via the dual‐doping of Na+ and F− ions, as well as the regulation of Li+/Ni2+ intermixing and the content of “LiOLi” configuration. The designed cathode exhibits a high initial Coulombic efficiency of about 90%, large specific capacity of 296 mAh g−1 and energy density of 1047 Wh kg−1 at 0.2 C, and a superior rate capability of 222 mAh g−1 at 5 C with a good capacity retention of 85.7% even after 500 cycles. And the operating voltage is increased without compromising the high‐capacity advantage. Such improved electrochemical performances primarily result from the band shift of the TM 3d‐O 2p and non‐bonding O‐2p to lower energy, which would decrease Li+ diffusion activation energy and increase oxygen vacancy forming energy, finally improving the Li+ diffusion kinetics and stabilizing lattice oxygen. Moreover, the increased “LiOLi” configuration in the Li2MnO3 phase via increasing the Mn concentration can increase the reversible capacity to offset the negative effect of inactive doping and Li+/Ni2+ intermixing. This strategy of modulating the local electronic structure of LLOs provides great potential to design high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries.
Mechanically Robust and UV‐Curable Shape‐Memory Polymers for Digital Light Processing Based 4D Printing
Authors: Zhang Biao , Li Honggeng , Cheng Jianxiang , Ye Haitao , Sakhaei Amir Hosein , Yuan Chao , Rao Ping , Zhang Yuan‐Fang , Chen Zhe , Wang Rong , He Xiangnan , Liu Ji , Xiao Rui , Qu Shaoxing , Ge Qi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract4D printing is an emerging fabrication technology that enables 3D printed structures to change configuration over “time” in response to an environmental stimulus. Compared with other soft active materials used for 4D printing, shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) have higher stiffness, and are compatible with various 3D printing technologies. Among them, ultraviolet (UV)‐curable SMPs are compatible with Digital Light Processing (DLP)‐based 3D printing to fabricate SMP‐based structures with complex geometry and high‐resolution. However, UV‐curable SMPs have limitations in terms of mechanical performance, which significantly constrains their application ranges. Here, a mechanically robust and UV‐curable SMP system is reported, which is highly deformable, fatigue resistant, and compatible with DLP‐based 3D printing, to fabricate high‐resolution (up to 2 µm), highly complex 3D structures that exhibit large shape change (up to 1240%) upon heating. More importantly, the developed SMP system exhibits excellent fatigue resistance and can be repeatedly loaded more than 10 000 times. The development of the mechanically robust and UV‐curable SMPs significantly improves the mechanical performance of the SMP‐based 4D printing structures, which allows them to be applied to engineering applications such as aerospace, smart furniture, and soft robots.
Designing Ion‐Selective Membranes for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Amiri Hamid , Khosravi Mohsen , Ejeian Mojtaba , Razmjou Amir 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIt is predicted that the future of energy will mainly rely on batteries such as vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), and its related research has already attracted significant attention. The primary function of a membrane in VRFBs is to control proton transport between the half‐cells and to hinder admixing the anolyte and catholyte at the same time. However, to develop a low‐cost and energy‐efficient VRFB, other membrane roles are crucial. The combination of a highly stable backbone of polytetrafluoroethylene with hydrophilic perfluorinated‐vinyl‐polyether side chains equipped with sulfonic acid groups (Nafion membranes) has led to a breakthrough in the field. However, suffering from high cost and low selectivity, these perflurinated membranes are not properly qualified for VRFBs. Sulfonation of aromatic hydrocarbon polymers is suggested as cost‐effective alternative chemistry for VRFBs’ membrane design. Further tunning the performance of the membrane and VRFB is obtained through designing their microstructure by different tools, especially adjusting the degree of sulfonation and degree of branching, utilizing additional membrane layers, and incorporation of particles in the polymer matrix. In this review, the studies performed to develop membranes for VRFBs are discussed as a road map for the development of advanced membranes qualified for VRFBs.
Emerging Biomedical Applications of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Murawski Caroline , Gather Malte C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs solid‐state light sources based on amorphous organic semiconductors, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are widely used in modern smartphone displays and TVs. Due to the dramatic improvements in stability, efficiency, and brightness achieved over the last three decades, OLEDs have also become attractive light sources for compact and “imperceptible” biomedical devices that use light to probe, image, manipulate, or treat biological matter. The inherent mechanical flexibility of OLEDs and their compatibility with a wide range of substrates and geometries are of particular benefit in this context. Here, recent progress in the development and use of OLEDs for biomedical applications is reviewed. The specific requirements that this poses are described and compared to the current state of the art, in particular in terms of the brightness, patterning, stability, and encapsulation of OLEDs. Examples from several main areas are then discussed in some detail: on‐chip sensing and integration with microfluidics, wearable devices for optical monitoring, therapeutic devices, and the emerging use in neuroscience for targeted photostimulation via optogenetics. The review closes with a brief outlook on future avenues to scale the manufacturing of OLED‐based devices for biomedical use.
The antidiabetic potential of endophytic fungi: Future prospects as therapeutic agents
Authors: Agrawal Shivankar , Samanta Sreeparna , Deshmukh Sunil Kumar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is one of the most common systemic diseases in the world, and it occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough insulin. As described by the World Health Organization, diabetes mellitus of all types has exponentially grown in the past decades across the globe and it is estimated to be 629 million by 2045. Despite this alarming prevalence of diabetes mellitus, there is still the lack of harmless preventive medicines. Natural products and compounds obtained from plants, fungi, bacteria, and other living organisms have been used for many decades in folklore medicine to prepare a varied range of natural formulations to treat multiple diseases and illnesses. Endophytic fungi reside inside the plant while causing no harm to the host plant and are relatively less explored as the primary source for the bioactive metabolites such as anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and industrial enzymes. This mini‐review summarizes the potential of compounds and extracts from endophytic fungi against diabetes mellitus. Not much research has been dedicated in‐depth understanding of the role of extracts of endophytic fungi and their effect on diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this article will focus on recent work and warrant further commentaries on the published articles.
Candesartan and carvedilol for primary prevention of subclinical cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients without a cardiovascular risk treated with doxorubicin
Authors: Lee Myunhee , Chung Woo‐Baek , Lee Ji‐eun , Park Chan‐Seok , Park Woo‐Chan , Song Byung‐Joo , Youn Ho‐Joong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is no proven primary preventive strategy for doxorubicin‐induced subclinical cardiotoxicity (DISC), especially among patients without a cardiovascular (CV) risk. We investigated the primary preventive effect on DISC of the concomitant use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or beta‐blockers (BBs), especially among breast cancer patients without a CV risk.MethodsA total of 385 patients who were scheduled for doxorubicin chemotherapy were screened. Among them, 195 patients of the study populations were included and were randomly divided into two groups [candesartan 4 mg q.d. vs. carvedilol 3.125 mg q.d.] and patients who were unwilling to take one of the medications were evaluated as controls. The primary outcomes were the incidence of early DISC (DISC developing within 6 months after chemotherapy), and late DISC (DISC developing only at least 12 months after chemotherapy).ResultCompared with the control group (8 out of 43 patients (18.6%)), only the candesartan group (4 out of 82 patients (4.9%)) showed a significantly lower incidence of early DISC (p = 0.022). Compared with the control group, the candesartan group demonstrated a significantly reduced decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) throughout the study period [−1.0% vs. −3.00 (p < 0.001) at the first follow‐up, −1.10% vs. −3.40(p = 0.009) at the second follow‐up].ConclusionsAmong breast cancer patients without a CV risk treated with doxorubicin‐containing chemotherapy, subclinical cardiotoxicity is prevalent and concomitant administration of low‐dose candesartan might be effective to prevent an early decrease in LVEF. Further large‐scale, randomized controlled trials will be needed to confirm our findings.
Effects of Oxygen Vacancy and Pt Doping on the Catalytic Performance of CeO2 in Propane Dehydrogenation: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Chang Qing‐Yu , Zhang Jun , Hu Ping , Sui Zhi‐Jun , Zhou Xing‐Gui , Chen De , Zhu Yi‐An 
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusionThe catalytic properties of the CeO2 catalyst for propane dehydrogenation (PDH) are examined by employing the density functional theory calculations. Surface modifications and their effects on the surface reactivity are explored by creating the oxygen vacancy and single Pt atom doping. A comparative study between the binding energies of the different PDH reaction species reveals a considerable Lewis acid‐base interaction over the pristine and defective surfaces, which dominantly strengthens the bond formation between the adsorbates and the catalyst surface, resulting in the enhancement of surface reactivity. The creation of oxygen vacancy and doping the CeO2(111) surface with single Pt atoms changes the charge distribution over the surface on account of excess 4f electrons. This electronic change increases the bond formation abilities of the inactive Ce atom and hence increases the adsorption strength. Oxygen vacancy in the defective CeO2(111) surface migrates over the surface with the addition of an appropriate adsorbate. Moreover, it is revealed that the propylene is more strongly adsorbed on the single‐Pt‐atom‐doped CeO2(111) surface than the pristine and defective surfaces, which decreases the deep dehydrogenation energy barrier and ultimately results in the lowering of the selectivity.