bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skull base repair following endonasal pituitary and skull base tumour resection: a systematic review
Authors: Khan Danyal Z. , Ali Ahmad M. S. , Koh Chan Hee , Dorward Neil L. , Grieve Joan , Layard Horsfall Hugo , Muirhead William , Santarius Thomas , Van Furth Wouter R. , Zamanipoor Najafabadi Amir H. , Marcus Hani J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposePostoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (CSFR) remains a frequent complication of endonasal approaches to pituitary and skull base tumours. Watertight skull base reconstruction is important in preventing CSFR. We sought to systematically review the current literature of available skull base repair techniques.MethodsPubmed and Embase databases were searched for studies (2000–2020) that (a) reported on the endonasal resection of pituitary and skull base tumours, (b) focussed on skull base repair techniques and/or postoperative CSFR risk factors, and (c) included CSFR data. Roles, advantages and disadvantages of each repair method were detailed. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where possible.Results193 studies were included. Repair methods were categorised based on function and anatomical level. There was absolute heterogeneity in repair methods used, with no independent studies sharing the same repair protocol. Techniques most commonly used for low CSFR risk cases were fat grafts, fascia lata grafts and synthetic grafts. For cases with higher CSFR risk, multilayer regimes were utilized with vascularized flaps, gasket sealing and lumbar drains. Lumbar drain use for high CSFR risk cases was supported by a randomised study (Oxford CEBM: Grade B recommendation), but otherwise there was limited high-level evidence. Pooled CSFR incidence by approach was 3.7% (CI 3–4.5%) for transsphenoidal, 9% (CI 7.2–11.3%) for expanded endonasal, and 5.3% (CI 3.4–7%) for studies describing both. Further meaningful meta-analyses of repair methods were not performed due to significant repair protocol heterogeneity.ConclusionsModern reconstructive protocols are heterogeneous and there is limited evidence to suggest the optimal repair technique after pituitary and skull base tumour resection. Further studies are needed to guide practice.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: a Review of its Applications and Health Implications
Authors: Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Soni Ramendra , Jamal Qazi Mohammad Sajid , Tripathi Pooja , Lal Jonathan A. , Jha Niraj Kumar , Siddiqui Mohammed Haris , Kumar Pradeep , Tripathi Vijay , Ruokolainen Janne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWater scarcity is one of the major problems in the world and millions of people have no access to freshwater. Untreated wastewater is widely used for agriculture in many countries. This is one of the world-leading serious environmental and public health concerns. Instead of using untreated wastewater, treated wastewater has been found more applicable and ecofriendly option. Moreover, environmental toxicity due to solid waste exposures is also one of the leading health concerns. Therefore, intending to combat the problems associated with the use of untreated wastewater, we propose in this review a multidisciplinary approach to handle wastewater as a potential resource for use in agriculture. We propose a model showing the efficient methods for wastewater treatment and the utilization of solid wastes in fertilizers. The study also points out the associated health concern for farmers, who are working in wastewater-irrigated fields along with the harmful effects of untreated wastewater. The consumption of crop irrigated by wastewater has leading health implications also discussed in this review paper. This review further reveals that our current understanding of the wastewater treatment and use in agriculture with addressing advancements in treatment methods has great future possibilities.
Strategies and cognitive reserve to preserve lexical production in aging
Authors: Baciu Monica , Banjac Sonja , Roger Elise , Haldin Célise , Perrone-Bertolotti Marcela , Lœvenbruck Hélène , Démonet Jean-François 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the absence of any neuropsychiatric condition, older adults may show declining performance in several cognitive processes and among them, in retrieving and producing words, reflected in slower responses and even reduced accuracy compared to younger adults. To overcome this difficulty, healthy older adults implement compensatory strategies, which are the focus of this paper. We provide a review of mainstream findings on deficient mechanisms and possible neurocognitive strategies used by older adults to overcome the deleterious effects of age on lexical production. Moreover, we present findings on genetic and lifestyle factors that might either be protective or risk factors of cognitive impairment in advanced age. We propose that “aging-modulating factors” (AMF) can be modified, offering prevention opportunities against aging effects. Based on our review and this proposition, we introduce an integrative neurocognitive model of mechanisms and compensatory strategies for lexical production in older adults (entitled Lexical Access and Retrieval in Aging, LARA). The main hypothesis defended in LARA is that cognitive aging evolves heterogeneously and involves complementary domain-general and domain-specific mechanisms, with substantial inter-individual variability, reflected at behavioral, cognitive, and brain levels. Furthermore, we argue that the ability to compensate for the effect of cognitive aging depends on the amount of reserve specific to each individual which is, in turn, modulated by the AMF. Our conclusion is that a variety of mechanisms and compensatory strategies coexist in the same individual to oppose the effect of age. The role of reserve is pivotal for a successful coping with age-related changes and future research should continue to explore the modulating role of AMF.
Colchicine and Cardiovascular Outcomes: a Critical Appraisal of Recent Studies
Authors: Banach Maciej , Penson Peter E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecent studies have demonstrated an important role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of colchicine (a widely used and safe anti-inflammatory drug) in patients with atherosclerosis. This review explains the rationale for the use of colchicine in this setting and critically appraises recent outcome trials.Recent FindingsTwo large randomised-controlled trials LoDoCo2 (included patients with chronic coronary syndromes) and COLCOT (acute coronary syndromes) have demonstrated reductions in atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, but not mortality. A smaller study (COPS) found no beneficial effect of colchicine but was probably underpowered.SummaryColchicine is effective at reducing cardiovascular events in chronic and acute coronary syndromes, although reductions in all-cause mortality have not been demonstrated during the period of follow-up in trials to date. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms are the most commonly reported adverse effects, although in well-designed randomised controlled trials these are relatively uncommon.
Phase constitution of the noble metal thin-film complex solid solution system Ag-Ir-Pd-Pt-Ru in dependence of elemental compositions and annealing temperatures
Authors: Xiao Bin , Wang Xiao , Savan Alan , Ludwig Alfred 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMultiple-principal element alloys hold great promise for multifunctional material discovery (e.g., for novel electrocatalysts based on complex solid solutions) in a virtually unlimited compositional space. Here, the phase constitution of the noble metal system Ag-Ir-Pd-Pt-Ru was investigated over a large compositional range in the quinary composition space and for different annealing temperatures from 600 to 900 °C using thin-film materials libraries. Composition-dependent X-ray diffraction mapping of the as-deposited thin-film materials library indicates different phases being present across the composition space (face-centered cubic (fcc), hexagonal close packed (hcp) and mixed fcc + hcp), which are strongly dependent on the Ru content. In general, low Ru contents promote the fcc phase, whereas high Ru contents favor the formation of an hcp solid-solution phase. Furthermore, a temperature-induced phase transformation study was carried out for a selected measurement area of fcc-Ag5Ir8Pd56Pt8Ru23. With increasing temperature, the initial fcc phase transforms to an intermediate C14-type Laves phase at 360 °C, and then to hcp when the temperature reaches 510 °C. The formation and disappearance of the hexagonal Laves phase, which covers a wide temperature range, plays a crucial role of bridging the fcc to hcp phase transition. The obtained composition, phase and temperature data are transformed into phase maps which could be used to guide theoretical studies and lay a basis for tuning the functional properties of these materials.
Effects of Defined Mixtures of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on Pre-lethal Cytotoxicity in the Human A-498 Kidney Cell Line In Vitro
Authors: Amber Mazia , Xie Yuling , Berntsen Hanne Friis , Zimmer Karin Elizabeth , Ropstad Erik , Verhaegen Steven , Connolly Lisa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA total mixture of 29 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) modelled from Scandinavian blood concentrations was used to expose human A-498 kidney cells for 24 h over a concentration range spanning below to above blood level (1/10x, 1x, 50x, 100x, 500x). Its constituent submixtures (PFAA, Br, Cl) and co-mixtures (PFAA + Br, PFAA + Cl, Br + Cl) were also tested. Valinomycin (12 µM) was used as a cytotoxic comparative compound. Cell number (CN), nuclear area (NA), nuclear intensity (NI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial mass (MM) were assessed using high content analysis (HCA). Only the co-mixtures (PFAA + Cl, PFAA + Br) at 50x and 50x, 500x decreased CN, respectively. NI was increased by the total mixture at 500x and Cl mixture at all concentrations tested. MMP was increased by the total mixture at 100x and 500x, PFAA at 1x, Br + Cl and PFAA + Cl at 100x and 500x, respectively. MM was decreased by the total mixture at 500x. In contrast, valinomycin decreased CN and surviving cells showed a decrease in MMP and an increase in MM. In conclusion, POP exposure altered mitochondrial metabolism and induced cell death via an alternative mechanism to valinomycin. Only specific combinations of individual chemical classes, but not the total mixture, affected cell number.
Artificial intelligence in disease diagnostics: A critical review and classification on the current state of research guiding future direction
Authors: Mirbabaie Milad , Stieglitz Stefan , Frick Nicholas R. J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe diagnosis of diseases is decisive for planning proper treatment and ensuring the well-being of patients. Human error hinders accurate diagnostics, as interpreting medical information is a complex and cognitively challenging task. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the level of diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. While the current literature has examined various approaches to diagnosing various diseases, an overview of fields in which AI has been applied, including their performance aiming to identify emergent digitalized healthcare services, has not yet been adequately realized in extant research. By conducting a critical review, we portray the AI landscape in diagnostics and provide a snapshot to guide future research. This paper extends academia by proposing a research agenda. Practitioners understand the extent to which AI improves diagnostics and how healthcare benefits from it. However, several issues need to be addressed before successful application of AI in disease diagnostics can be achieved.
Dietary agrobiodiversity for improved nutrition and health outcomes within a transitioning indigenous Solomon Island food system
Authors: Vogliano Chris , Raneri Jessica E. , Coad Jane , Tutua Shane , Wham Carol , Lachat Carl , Burlingame Barbara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIndigenous food systems of Pacific Small Island Developing Countries contain vast biological and cultural diversity. However, a nutrition transition is underway, characterized by shifts away from traditional diets in favour of imported and modern foods, contributing to some of the highest rates of obesity and Diabetes Type 2 Mellitus in the world. Using a mixed method approach, this study aimed to assess dietary agrobiodiversity’s relationship with nutrition indicators related to diet quality and anthropometrics within the context of the rural and Indigenous food system of Baniata village, located in the Western Province of Solomon Islands (Melanesia). A secondary aim was to evaluate the contribution of agrobiodiversity from the local food system to diet quality. A comprehensive nutrition survey was administered to the women primarily responsible for cooking of randomly selected households (n = 30). Additionally, 14 participatory focus group discussions captured the historical narrative of food system transitions, were hosted over a period of seven days, and included men, women and youth. Dietary intakes of the participants were reported below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for several essential nutrients, including protein (53%), calcium (96.6%), vitamin B1 (86.6%), vitamin B2 (80%), vitamin A (80%), zinc (40%) and fibre (77%). Focus group participants built a timeline of key historical and climatic transitions perceived to be drivers of dietary shifts away from traditional foods and towards imported and processed foods. Participants identified 221 species and varieties of agrobiodiverse foods available for cultivation or wild collection. Based on 24 h diet recalls, 87 were found to be utilised. Participants who consumed foods of a wider diversity of species richness had a higher probability of achieving recommended nutrition intakes and a lower body fat percentage (r2 = 0.205; p = 0.012). Our results suggest a nutrition transition is underway, and strategies harnessing traditional knowledge of nutrient-dense, agrobiodiverse foods can help improve food and nutrition security.
Is the mode of childbirth delivery linked to the prevalence of early childhood caries? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Boustedt K. , Dahlgren J. , Roswall J. , Twetman S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Aim
The mode of childbirth delivery can influence the child’s future health and the aim of this study was to explore the association between the delivery mode and the prevalence of early childhood caries.

Methods
We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases up to September 15, 2020. Two independent reviewers screened the papers for relevance, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. We performed a random effects meta-analysis to pool the prevalence of early childhood caries according to the mode of delivery.

Results
The authors included 11 studies in the review, comprising 47,688 children with vaginal delivery and 10,994 with caesarean section (C-section). The publication years ranged from 1997 to 2020 and included birth cohorts, cross-sectional, register-based and case–control studies. We assessed three publications with low or moderate risk of bias. The median caries prevalence in the C-section group was 56.4% compared to 45.9% in the vaginal group and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The pooled overall odds ratio was 1.48 (95% CI 1.07–2.05) indicating a weak but statistically significant trend towards a higher caries occurrence among children delivered with C-section. The certainty of this finding was low due to heterogeneity and inconsistencies across the studies.

Conclusion
We found a weak but inconsistent association between the mode of delivery and the prevalence of early childhood caries. Further studies based on representative, prospective cohorts reporting a standardized core outcome set are required to answer the research question with higher certainty.
Reduction of wave-induced pitch motion of a semi-sub wind platform by balancing heave excitation with pumping between floats
Authors: Stansby Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIt is desirable to control pitch motion of semi-submersible wind platforms to reduce turbine hub acceleration and increase structural fatigue life. This is achieved by balancing the moment on the platform due to heave float excitation by generating a differential internal head of water between the floats though a pump. This is demonstrated with an experimentally validated linear diffraction-radiation-drag model of an idealised platform. Different scales of platform are considered corresponding to 5, 10 and 20 MW turbines. The pitch angles and hub accelerations generally reduce as scales increase. Pumping reduces hub accelerations by up to about 40% for larger sea states. The power required for pumping would be small with a hybrid pump also operating as a turbine to store energy for the pumping operation. Without storage the power requirement is still small relative to the turbine capacity except for very high wind speeds.
Administrative Law as a Dual State. Authoritarian Elements of Administrative Law
Authors: Schotel Bas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractScholars have recently shown how in Europe regimes in democratic decay (e.g. Poland, Hungary) take all sorts of measures targeting and marginalizing political opponents. Although they are authoritarian by nature, the measures are cast in a legal form. According to some scholars this kind of authoritarian rule of law can be best understood as a dual state, namely a combination of the normative state (the rule of law) and the prerogative state (the pure—political or arbitrary—will of those in power). Building on these insights, the present paper makes two new observations. First, administrative law is distinctively well suited to cater for the creation of a dual state. By distinctively I mean better than civil and criminal law. In fact, I argue that administrative law constitutes a dual state in and of itself combining normative and prerogative state elements within a single area of law, in ways that cannot be done under civil and criminal law. Second, not only regimes in democratic decay but also liberal democracies make use of the dual state nature of administrative law. The paper illustrates this point with two techniques whereby liberal democracies use administrative law to circumvent or pervert the normal operation of criminal law, namely crimmigration and the alien detention of citizens. My underlying normative point is to draw attention to the inherent authoritarian potential of administrative law.
Identification and characterization of colistin-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from Lower Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Singh Avinash , Keshri Anand Kumar , Rawat Suraj Singh , Swami Deepak , Uday Kala Venkata , Prasad Amit 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMultidrug resistance is one of the worldwide public health concerns. Water represents the most suitable environment, for the exchange of antibiotic resistance genes among pathogenic to non-pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, we aimed to screen the presence of blaNDM-1, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M and mcr1–5 genes among water samples from different locations of Lower Himachal Pradesh. We examined the genotypic incidences of blaNDM-1, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM and mcr1–5 by polymerase chain reaction. Survivability assay, fitness cost assay and biofilm assay were performed for phenotypic characterization. The presence of blaNDM-1 and its related variants were analysed and confirmed by sequencing-based approaches. A total of 73 bacterial strains were identified on M-lauryl sulphate agar medium. Out of 73 colistin-resistant isolates, 34 were E. coli and 39 were K. pneumoniae. Out of 34 samples, 2 (5.8%), 2 (5.8%), 5 (14.7%), 5 (14.7%) and 4 (11.76%) E. coli were blaTEM, blaSHV,blaCTXM-1, blaCTXM-2 and blaCTXM-15 positive, respectively. Among 39 K. pneumoniae, 15 (38.4%), 6 (15.3%), 10 (25.6%), 9 (23.07%) and 10 (25.6%) were blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaCTXM-2 and blaCTXM-15 positive, respectively. Interestingly, we observed one E. coli (HG4) isolate with both blaNDM-1 and mcr-1 gene. Further analysis showed HG4 isolate has lesser survivability on the cotton swab, long lag phase and less biofilm production compared to colistin-sensitive isolates. Detection of E. coli with blaNDM-1 and mcr-1 in this geographical region is an alarming signal for tourists, community, health workers and policymakers. Hence, it is utmost important to take appropriate measures to control the dissemination of antibiotic resistance gene in such pristine locations.
Mechanical and durability assessment of cement-based and alkali-activated coating mortars in an aggressive marine environment
Authors: Lashkari Salar , Yazdipanah Farzad , Shahri Mahyar , Sarker Prabir 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCoatings are used as practical solutions against the intrusion of corrosive ions into concrete structures, particularly, in the harsh marine environment. In the present study, the effectiveness of using cement-based and geopolymer-based coatings produced using by-product materials has been evaluated. Silica fume and GGBFS at their optimum dosages were incorporated into mortar mixtures as a cement replacement, and mixtures of NaOH or KOH and sodium silicate solutions were used in the alkali-activated mortars. Shrinkage test, RCMT, and capillary absorption test as common experiments for durability analysis, as well as tests related to the mechanical and bonding properties including compressive strength test, pull-off test, and shear bonding strength test were carried out on the specimens. According to the results, both geopolymer and cement-based mortars improved the compressive and bonding strengths, and chloride diffusion resistance of coatings compared to the OPC mortar. Silica fume was found to be more effective in the strength development of mortars at young ages, while GGBFS was more responsible for acting as a filler and producing further gel in the older ages. The major drawback with geopolymer mortars is the high rate of water absorption and shrinkage coefficient in the early hours, which shows the importance of curing of these mortars at young ages. Overall, the mix design produced with 30% GGBFS and 7.5% silica fume showed the highest durability and mechanical properties and proved to be more compatible with the harsh environment of the Persian Gulf.
Significance of cutting plane in liquid metal embrittlement severity quantification
Authors: DiGiovanni C. , He L. , Hawkins C. , Zhou N. Y. , Biro E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe automotive industry is turning to advanced high strength steels (AHSS) to reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency. However, the zinc coating on AHSS can cause liquid metal embrittlement (LME) cracking during resistance spot welding. To understand the problem, the severity of the cracking must be measured. Typically, this is done from the weld cross-section. Currently, there is no standard procedure to determine which plane through the weld must be examined to gauge cracking severity, leading to a variety of practices for choosing a cutting plane. This work compares the magnitude and variability of LME severity measured from the plane of exhibiting the most severe surface cracking to arbitrarily chosen planes. The plane exhibiting the most severe cracks had more and longer cracks on the cross-section than the arbitrarily chosen plane, resulting in a higher crack severity measurement. This higher absolute measurement increased the relative accuracy of the examination, allowing for fewer welds to be examined to precisely determine the effect of LME mitigation methods on cracking severity, how welding parameters affect LME cracking severity and the predicted LME affected strength of a particular weld.