bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Urethral Strictures in China: An Internet-Based Survey
Authors: Hou Changhao , Gu Yubo , Yuan Wei , Wang Zeyu , Lin Jiahao , Fu Qiang , Song Lujie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
To investigate the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to anterior urethral strictures of Chinese urologists and to compare with developed countries and the American Urologic Association guidelines.
Methods
Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to members of Official Wechat Account of urology from March 19, 2020 to April 10, 2020. Descriptive and multiple correspondence analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results
A total of 1276 online questionnaires were received. The response rate was 21.7% (1276/5878). The most common diagnostic methods for anterior urethral stricture were urethrography (90.7%) and urethrocystoscopy (85.4%), while urethral dilation (92.3%) and internal urethrotomy (60.1%) were the main therapeutic procedures. End-to-end urethroplasty (45.2%) was the most common open surgery, followed by skin flap urethroplasty (14.9%) and free graft urethroplasty (12.4%). 76.2% of urologists used urethroplasty only after the failure of minimally invasive surgery (reconstructive ladder treatment strategy). Furthermore, there were significant differences in age (P < 0.01), practice role (P < 0.01), hospital location (P < 0.01), treatment strategy (P < 0.01), management (P < 0.01), and number of urethroplasties (P < 0.01) between urologists who had attended training or not. Middle-aged or elderly urologists who had attended trainings, had senior practice roles, and who utilized a reconstructive ladder treatment approach were most likely to perform urethroplasties.
Conclusions
Anterior urethral stricture treatment in China is still dominated by minimally invasive surgery, with most urologists using the reconstructive ladder treatment strategy. In general, the overall diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for anterior urethral strictures were similar between China and developed countries, with some deviations from the American Urologic Association guidelines.
Risk Factors and Blood Pressure Control Targets Associated With the Clinical Outcome of Elderly COVID-19 Patients With Hypertension: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Maomao , Wang Yifei , Zhang Pei , Wang Yang , Zeng Jing , Wang Laixing , Li Chunlin , Gong Yanping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic, especially among the elderly. Our study aimed to explore the risk factors and identify the blood pressure control targets associated with the clinical outcome of elderly COVID-19 patients with hypertension. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, elderly COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital from February 8 to 17, 2020 was included. Demographic, medical history, clinical data, and laboratory test data were collected from medical records. The adverse clinical outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. Difference between hypertension and non-hypertension groups were compared. Hypertension group were further divided into 3 subgroups according to their maximum blood pressures. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) method was used to find the differences both between hyperntesion and non-hypertension groups, and among the 3 hypertension subgroups. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to find risk factors.Results: All 133 elderly COVID-19 patients (79 patients with hypertension) were included. (1) Univariate analysis between hypertension and non-hypertension patients showed most laboratory tests were significantly (P < 0.05, or P < 0.01), particularly in adverse clinical outcomes (32.91% vs 7.41% at 30 days, P < 0.05). (2) Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models confirmed hypertension (HR 3.202, 95% CI:1.164 - 8.807) were the most important independent risk factors of outcomes in elderly patients, as well as low lymphocyte count, while the statistical difference of other values diminished. (3) Hypertension group were further divided into 3 subgroups according to their maximum blood pressures. K-M analysis showed maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥160mmHg subgroup (P < 0.01) and maximum blood pressure (DBP) ≥90mmHg subgroup (P < 0.05) experienced more adverse outcomes than others. (4) Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard model confirmed that maximum SBP≥160mmHg and maximum DBP ≥90mmHg were risk factors (HR 8.279, 95% CI: 1.346, 50.914; HR 5.080, 95% CI: 1.606,16.071; respectively). Conclusions: Hypertension is the most important independent risk factor of adverse outcomes in elderly COVID-19 patients, controlling the maximum blood pressure levels under 160/90 mmHg will decrease large part risks of adverse outcomes, the first week are key treatment period for patient prognosis.
Dual-ligated Metal Organic Framework as Novel Multifunctional Nanovehicle for Targeted Drug Delivery for Hepatic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Fytory Mostafa , Arafa Kholoud K. , Rouby Waleed El , Farghali Ahmed , Abdel-Hafiez Mahmoud , El-Sherbiny Ibrahim M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the last decade, nanosized metal organic frameworks (NMOFs) have gained an increasing applicability as multifunctional nanocarriers for drug delivery in cancer therapy. However, only a limited number of platforms have been reported that can serve as an effective targeted drug delivery system (DDSs). Herein, we report rational design and construction of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanoscale Zr (IV)-based NMOF (NH2-UiO-66) decorated with active tumor targeting moieties; folic acid (FA), lactobionic acid (LA), glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), and dual ligands of LA and GA, as efficient multifunctional DDSs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. The success of modification was exhaustively validated by various structural, thermal and microscopic techniques. Biocompatibility studies indicated the safety of pristine NH2-UiO-66 against HSF cells whereas DOX-loaded dual-ligated NMOF was found to possess superior cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells which was further confirmed by flow cytometry. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy was used for monitoring cellular uptake in comparison to the non-ligated and mono-ligated NMOF. Additionally, the newly developed dual-ligated NMOF depicted a pH-responsiveness towards the DOX release. These findings open new avenues in designing various NMOF-based DDSs that actively target hepatic cancer to achieve precise therapy.
Marker-3D Measurement Versus Traditional Radiograph Measurement in the Treatment of Tibiofibular Fracture Using Taylor Spatial Frame
Authors: Liu Qixin , Liu Yanshi , Li Hong , Fu Xuefei , Zhang Xingpeng , Liu Sida , Zhang Jinli , Zhang Tao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) has been widely used for tibiofibular fractures. However, traditional radiograph measurement method is complicated and the reduction accuracy is not high enough for correcting residual deformities. We proposed the marker-3D measurement method to solve these problems. This study aimed to compare the reduction accuracy of the traditional radiograph measurement method and the marker-3D measurement method in tibiofibular fracture treated with TSF.Methods: From January 2016 to June 2019, A retrospective analysis was performed based on the patients with tibiofibular fracture treated with TSF in our department. 41 patients were qualified for this study, including 21 patients in the marker-3D measurement group (experimental group) and 20 patients in the traditional radiograph measurement group (control group). In the experimental group, CT scan was performed for 3D reconstruction with 6 markers installed on the TSF, to determine the adjusting plan. In the control group, the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were performed for the deformity parameters. X-rays were taken to measure the residual deformities after correction.Results: All patients reached functional reduction. The residual displacement deformity (RDD) in AP radiograph was 0.5 (0, 1.72) mm in experimental group and 1.74 (0.43, 3.67) mm in control group. The residual angle deformity (RAD) in AP radiograph was 0 (0, 1.25) ° in experimental group and 1.25 (0.62, 1.95) °in control group. As to the Lateral radiograph, the RDD was 0 (0, 1.22) mm in experimental group and 2.02 (0, 3.74) mm in control group. The RAD was 0 (0, 0) ° in experimental group and 1.42 (0, 1.93) ° in control group. Significant differences in all above comparisons were found between the groups (AP radiograph RDD: P = 0.024, RAD: P = 0.020; Lateral radiograph RDD: P = 0.016, RAD: P = 0.004). Conclusions: Both groups achieved satisfactory fracture reduction. However, the residual deformities in the experimental group were significantly smaller. This study proved that the marker-3D measurement method could further improve the reduction accuracy.
Biomimetic nanoparticles enabled by cascade cell membrane coating for direct cross-priming of T cells
Authors: Chen Fangjie , Wang Lu , Liu Jinyao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Despite the activation of T lymphocytes by antigen-presenting cells is responsible for eliciting antigen-specific immune responses, their crosstalking suffers from temporospatial limitations and endogenous influencing factors, which restrict the generation of a strong antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the manipulation of cross-priming of T cells using biomimetic nanoparticles (BNs) enabled by cascade cell membrane coating. BNs are resulted from coating nanoparticulate substrates with cell membranes extracted from dendritic cells (DCs) that are pre-pulsed with cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles. With a DC membrane that presents an array of cancer cell membrane antigen epitopes, BNs inherit intrinsic membrane function of DCs. Strikingly, BNs can directly cross-prime T cells and provoke robust yet antigen-specific antitumor responses in multiple mouse models. Combination with clinical anti-programmed death-1 antibodies demonstrates a practical way of BNs to achieve desirable tumor regression and survival rate. This work spotlights the impact of nanoparticles on direct cross-priming of T cells and supports a unique yet modulate platform for boosting an effective adaptive immunity for immunotherapy.
Development of Low Cost Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Platform
Authors: Hassanein Osama , Sreenatha G. , Aboobacker S. , Ali Shaaban 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the development of a low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). For research, industrial and military underwater applications, AUVs are generally used, which modeling, system identification and control of these vehicles pose serious challenges due to the vehicles’ complex, inherently nonlinear, and time-varying dynamics. Here, the AUV is considered to have 6-DOF for the development of the electrical, electronics, power distribution, sensors, and actuators. A low-cost IMU is used along with other reasonably low-cost detectors, such as a magnetometer and a water pressure sensor for depth evaluation. This study addresses the configuration and selection of the onboard instruments required to collect data using a processing unit (PC104) based on-board data logger to record complete manoeuvring data obtained from various sensors and process it based on the experiment. Real-time validations using Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) simulations are carried out. HIL simulations help to simulate the behavior of the developed model for surge, pitch and yaw movement, and also it makes clear that the used identification methods are feasible for real time control. Real time experiments are carried out with the developed 6-DOF instrumented AUV platform in various conditions and environments to validate its dynamics identification with adaptive controller and the results are presented for surge, the control of pitch, and yaw. The results revealed that the adaptive controller can effectively control the developed AUV and show its robust properties in the real world.
A comparative framework to impact assessment of objective function structure and supply/demand scenario on hydropower operation
Authors: Gholami Negar , Kaboli Hesam Seyed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The structure of objective functions in the reservoir optimization problem indicates the type of attitude to operation. This paper presents an analytical framework to improve the structure of the objective function by comparing six various forms of single-objective and bi-objective problems. Problems 1 and 2 were defined to compare two perspectives of operation, water supply versus energy generation. Problem 3 was also designed to examine the effect of the intra-annual electricity demand, which was ignored in problem 2. Comparison of problems 4 and 5 shows the simultaneous effect of realistic water and electricity demand scenarios on finding an optimal Pareto front. Problem 6 considers a supply policy in which maximum hydropower generation in peak months is the main strategy to reduce socioeconomic tensions. These problems were analyzed for a period of 72 months in the operation of the Dez reservoir in the southwest of Iran. The results of comparisons showed that the average annual water supply in problem 1 is 334 Mm3 higher than in problem 2, while the mean annual hydropower generation in problem 2 compared with problem 1 increases by 58.9 GWh. Hydropower generation in problem 2 compared with problem 3 experiences a 31.8% decrease in the peak period and a 111% increase in the non-peak months, which can impose significant problems on the National Electricity Network. The Pareto front for problem 5 is better than for problem 4 at all points, meaning that the demand coefficient improves the Pareto front. The solutions of problem 6 can result in efficient meeting of water and electricity demand in critical periods and greatly improve practical planning.
Acitretin Loaded Nanocarrier Gel: Formulation and Exploration of In-vitro Release Kinetics
Authors: Kapoor Anupriya , sethi Nikunj , Verma Navneet 
Published: July 2021

Background:
The present study intended to design and evaluate Acitretin (ACT) loaded
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for the management of psoriasis through topical application.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and is characterized by irritation, red flaky
patches over different parts of the body. ACT is an analog of vitamin A that is used for the management
of psoriasis via the oral route. The prime demerit associated with oral route delivery of a drug
is the teratogenic effect associated with the active molecule and side effects like dry mouth, runny
nose, hair loss, taste changes, chapped lips, etc. that are the major contributing factors of reduced
patient compliance.

Objective:
The objective of the present research work was to develop a topical formulation of
ACT. Developing topical formulation for the same can result in enhanced patient compliance and
can be worth compared to the marketed oral formulation of the drug.

Methods:
ACT loaded NLCs were prepared by hot homogenization method using oleic acid as a
liquid lipid and stearic acid as a solid lipid in a 7:3 ratio along with the combination of a non-ionic
surfactant (Tween 80) and an anionic surfactant (sodium lauryl sulphate).

Results:
In several optimization experiments, formulation F3 was found to be most appropriate for
formulating gel. Morphological information obtained from SEM reinforced the formation of particles
with nearly spherical morphology. The optimized formulation had a mean diameter of 363 nm,
as founded by Zetasizer. XRD studies affirmed that the formulation exhibits amorphous nature,
which is an essential character of NLC. An optimized formulation was further incorporated in the
gel by using Carbopol 940P as a gelling agent. In vitro release studies indicated 96.85 ± 2% release
in 8 hours with Korsmeyer- Peppas model release kinetics. The observed n value1.391 for drug release
for F3G2 bespeak Super case II transport may be the result of sorption of the drug from the
surface of NLC that is controlled by stress-induced relaxation which occurs at the boundary of the
swollen shell.

Conclusion:
In vitro characterization of ACT (Acitretin) loaded NLC supports the objective that NLC can serve as a potential carrier for topical delivery of ACT and can also reduce oral toxicity associated with drug after stringent evaluation in the near future.
A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Triple-blind Study to Determine the Effect of Farlong Ginseng Plus® NotoGinseng Extract on Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Authors: Evans Malkanthi , Lewis Erin D. , Crowley David C. , Zeng Andy , Struve Jing , Guthrie Najla 
Published: July 2021

Objective:
This randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind study examined the efficacy
of 12 weeks of Farlong NotoGinsengTM (FNG) supplementation on LDL-C and blood pressure
(BP) in otherwise healthy participants (n=95) with normal to mild hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Methods:
Lipid profile, BP, and endothelial vasodilation parameters were assessed at baseline and
weeks 4, 8 and 12. Safety was assessed at screening and at end of the study. The Therapeutic
Lifestyle Change (TLC) diet was followed during a 4-week run-in and throughout.

Results:
Participants on FNG had a 4.33% reduction in LDL-C at week 8 (p=0.045) and a 1.80%
improvement in HDL-C at week 12. Those on placebo had a non-significant 1.37% HDL-C reduction
at both weeks 8 and 12. The FNG group showed a 0.94% reduction in systolic (SBP) and a
0.16% reduction in diastolic BP (DBP) at week 12. The placebo group had 0.5% and 1.24% increases
in SBP and DBP, respectively. A total of 17.5% of participants supplemented with FNG had improvements
in all three CVD risk factors (LDL-C, HDL-C, and SBP) compared to 5.0% of those
on placebo (p=0.040). A greater proportion of participants with borderline high baseline LDL-C
had reductions in their CVD risk factors (p=0.037) with FNG. However, participants in the placebo
group with similar LDL-C characteristics did not have improvements in either their BP or lipid profile.

Conclusion:
FNG was well-tolerated and may have a positive influence on reducing CVD risk by
improving BP and lipid profile. Left unaddressed, those with CVD risk factors may progress to a
more hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic state.
Personalized Visual Mapping Assistive Technology to Improve Functional Ability in Persons With Dementia: Feasibility Cohort Study
Authors: Kelleher Jessica , Zola Stuart , Cui Xiangqin , Chen Shiyu , Gerber Caroline , Parker Monica Willis , Davis Crystal , Law Sidney , Golden Matthew , Vaughan Camille P 
Published: July 2021

Background
Mobile health (mHealth) apps using novel visual mapping assistive technology can allow users to develop personalized maps that aid people living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps needed to independently complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, toileting, and dressing.

Objective
This study aims to determine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an mHealth assistive technology app providing guidance to aid individuals living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps to independently complete ADLs.

Methods
A total of 14 Veterans (mean age 65 SD 9.5 years; 14/14, 100% male; 10/14, 71.4% Black) and 8 non-Veterans (mean age 78, SD 10.3 years; 5/8, 62.5% male; 8/8, 100% Black) were recruited and enrolled from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA cognitive care clinics. A visual mapping software program, MapHabit, was used to generate a series of personalized visual map templates focused on ADLs created within the MapHabit app. The visual maps were accessed through a tablet device. A 19-item exit questionnaire was administered to the participants to assess perceived improvement in their functional ability after using the MapHabit system for 3 months.

Results
A total of 13 (93%) VA clinic participants and 8 (100%) non-VA clinic participants completed the 3-month study. Baseline cognitive testing indicated impaired to significantly impaired cognitive function. After 3 months of using the MapHabit system, VA clinic participants reported perceived improvement in social engagement (P=.01) and performance of ADLs (P=.05) compared to the baseline, whereas non-VA clinic participants reported improvements in the performance of ADLs (P=.02), mood (P=.04), social engagement (P=.02), and memory (P=.02). All study participants reported they would recommend the MapHabit system to a colleague, and 85% (11/14) of VA and 100% (8/8) of non-VA clinic participants reported a willingness to participate in a future study.

Conclusions
Older VA and non-VA clinic participants with cognitive impairment were willing to use an mHealth app to assist with the completion of ADLs, and they reported positive preliminary effects. A larger study is warranted to assess the efficacy in the setting of a randomized controlled trial.
Regulatory aspects for competitive Generic Therapies in USA
Authors: Patel Himani , Dhulia Iva , Dobariya Umesh , Pardeshi Nidhi , Katariya Yogesh 
Published: July 2021

The FDA Reauthorization Act (FDARA) of 2017 lets generic companies ask for expedited review and 180-day exclusivity for a Competitive Generic Therapies (CGT)-designated product. (1)
FDA guidance for industry on Competitive Generic Therapies (CGT) provides keen information for generic drug manufacturers who want to develop a drug with inadequate generic competition. This guideline is specially published for generic players. If you are a generic manufacturer or sponsor, this will

Explain the process and criteria to request and designate a drug as a CGT.
Information on the actions FDA may take to expedite the development and review of ANDAs designated as CGT.
Implementation of 180-day exclusivity period for certain first approved applicants that submit ANDAs for CGTs. (1)
Overview on Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) based biowaiver requirements in African countries
Authors: Sagar Nidhi , Dhulia Iva , Patel Himani , Dobariya Umesh , Sarvaiya Sandip 
Published: July 2021

Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)-based biowaiver are meant to reduce the need for establishing in vivo bioequivalence in situations where in vitro data may be considered to provide a reasonable estimate of the relative in vivo performance of two products.
The BCS is a scientific approach designed to predict medicinal absorption based on the aqueous solubility and intestinal absorptive characteristics of the Pharmaceutical product. To ensure interchangeability, the multisource product must be therapeutically equivalent to the comparator product. Types of in vivo equivalence studies include comparative pharmacokinetic studies, comparative pharmacodynamic studies and comparative clinical studies.
This article briefly explains the BCS based biowaiver requirements in six major African countries i.e. Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana and Tanzania which facilitates regulatory medicine approval process when the dossier (application) is approved based on evidence of equivalence other than In vivo studies.