bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment for vaginal agenesis: A prospective and comparative study between vaginal dilation and surgical neovaginoplasty
Authors: Apfel Vanessa R. , Takano Claudia C. , Marquini Gisele V. , de Jarmy di Bella Zsuzsanna I. K. , Girão Manoel J. B. C. , Sartori Marair G. F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare, in terms of anatomical, functional, and sexual aspects, two types of treatment for women with vaginal agenesis: progressive dilation or surgical neovaginoplasty.MethodsWomen with vaginal agenesis underwent either dilation treatment using the Frank method or surgical treatment using the modified Abbé‐McIndoe technique with oxidized cellulose. Patients were evaluated 3–6 months after treatment for a follow‐up including medical history, physical examination, general satisfaction, clinical aspect of the vagina, Female Sexual Function Index, and three‐dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound.ResultsIn total, 20 women with vaginal agenesis were included in the present study; nine in the dilation group and 11 in the surgical group. A comparison between the groups (vaginal dilation and surgical neovaginoplasty) showed efficacy in neovagina formation after both treatments, with a statistically significant difference between the pre‐ and post‐treatment periods (P value pre‐ × post‐dilation group <0.0001 and P value pre‐ × post‐surgical group <0.0001). There were no statistical differences in total vaginal length measurements (P value post‐dilation × post‐surgical = 0.09) or Female Sexual Function Index scores (P = 0.72) after both treatments.ConclusionBoth treatments had satisfactory efficacy and positive outcomes for patients with vaginal agenesis concerning anatomical, functional, and sexual aspects, with minimum complications in the surgical group. Dilation treatment can remain the first‐line therapy.
Inside Front Cover
Authors: Tuniyazi Abudusalamu , Mu Tingkui , Jiang Xiaosa , Han Feng , Li Haoyang , Li Qiuxia , Gong Hang , Wang Wenjing , Qin Bin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA snapshot polarized light scattering spectroscopy (snapshot PLSS) system with a single optical path was developed to detect early gastric cancer. The snapshot PLSS mechanism avoids the use of a rotatable polarizer or two orthogonal polarizers in the building of PLSS system. Ex‐vivo gastric cancer samples are used to verify the proposed method and system. The proposed snapshot technique provides the possibility for the development of a real‐time PLSS endoscopy imaging system on early cancer detection.Further details can be found in the article by Abudusalamu Tuniyazi, Tingkui Mu, Xiaosa Jiang, Feng Han, Haoyang Li, Qiuxia Li, Hang Gong, Wenjing Wang, and Bin Qin (e202100140).
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Prognostic significance of surgery‐induced sarcopenia in the survival of gastric cancer patients: a sex‐specific analysis
Authors: Lee Ja Kyung , Park Young Suk , Lee Kanghaeng , Youn Sang Il , Won Yongjoon , Min Sa‐Hong , Ahn Sang‐Hoon , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung‐Ho 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative sarcopenia is associated with a poor long‐term prognosis in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Most GC patients rapidly lose muscle mass after gastrectomy. This retrospective cohort study analysed the effect of postoperative muscle loss and surgery‐induced sarcopenia on the long‐term outcomes of patients with GC.MethodsPreoperative and postoperative 1 year abdominal computed tomography scans were available for 1801 GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between January 2009 and December 2013 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The patients were categorized into normal, presarcopenia, and sarcopenia groups according to the skeletal muscle index (SMI) measured on computed tomography scans. Patients who were not sarcopenic prior to gastrectomy but became sarcopenic after surgery were defined as the surgery‐induced sarcopenia group.ResultsThere were 1227 men and 574 women included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 59.5 ± 12.3 years. Multivariable Cox‐regression analyses showed that preoperative SMI was not associated with overall survival (OS). However, postoperative sarcopenia was associated with significantly worse OS only in men [hazard ratio (HR), 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–2.85]. SMI loss was an independent risk factor for OS in the entire cohort and in men (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02, for the entire cohort; HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04, for men). The surgery‐induced sarcopenia group was associated with significantly higher mortality (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.16–2.90, for the cohort; HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.54–4.82, for men), although SMI loss and surgery‐induced sarcopenia were not risk factors in women. Similar results were obtained for relapse‐free survival.ConclusionsPostoperative muscle mass loss and surgery‐induced sarcopenia are prognostic factors for survival in patients with GC. Impact of postoperative muscle mass loss and surgery‐induced sarcopenia on survival outcomes is dependent on the sex.
Variation of the serum N‐glycosylation during the pregnancy of a MPI‐CDG patient
Authors: Lebredonchel Elodie , Duvet Sandrine , Douillard Claire , Foulquier François , Klein André 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTFor the first time the glycosylation of a patient with a MPI‐CDG during pregnancy is monitored. MPI‐CDG, is characterised by a deficiency in mannose‐6‐phosphate isomerase (MPI) leading to a reduced pool of glycosylation precursors, impairing the biosynthesis of N‐glycans leading to N‐glycosylation defects. The abnormal N‐glycosylation profile with an elevation of asialotransferrin and disialotransferrin, typical of CDG type I, is assessable by transferrin isoelectrofocusing. Oral D‐mannose supplementation for MPI‐CDG patients has been widely used and improves clinical manifestations. The glycosylation of a MPI‐CDG patient during pregnancy without mannose supplementation was studied using carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) assay, transferrin isoelectrofocusing (IEF) and mass spectrometry of total serum N‐glycans. A general improvement of the glycosylation profile of the patient due to a better transfer of the glycan precursors as well as an increase of the triantennary glycans (and sialylation) was observed. In conclusion, in the absence of mannose supplementation, the previously observed glycosylation abnormality of the MPI‐CDG patient was corrected. The molecular mechanism underlying this N‐glycosylation rescue during MPI‐CDG pregnancy further needs to be investigated.
Novel Biobased Polyamide Thermoplastic Elastomer with Medium Hardness
Authors: Nurhamiyah Yeyen , Irvine Gavin , Themistou Efrosyni , Chen Biqiong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are useful in various engineering and healthcare applications. A new fully biobased polyamide TPE (PA36,9) with medium hardness is reported. The elastomer is synthesized using a fatty dimer amine and azelaic acid, via one‐pot melt condensation polymerization. The resulting elastomer shows a melting temperature of 83.6 °C, a medium hardness (Shore A/Shore D = 90/35), a large elongation at break (1220%), good resilience, and impact resistance, while maintaining high tensile strength (31.8 MPa), low density (0.93 g cm−3), and hydrophobicity. The chemical structure of the repeating unit, together with the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, of the polymer governs the properties of the resulting polyamide, which differ from those of conventional aliphatic polyamides. This biobased polyamide elastomer is a promising candidate to substitute some fossil fuel‐based medium‐hardness TPEs for applications, such as insulation, sealing, automotives, and construction.
Balancing Degradability and Physical Properties of Amorphous Poly(d,l‐lactide) by Making Blends
Authors: Kumar Anil , Weig Alfons R. , Agarwal Seema 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe problem in using the existing biodegradable polymers for day‐to‐day commodity and specialty applications (non‐physiological) is the trade‐off between the degradability and physical properties of polymers. Therefore, the authors study the properties of polyester films made by solution blending of amorphous poly(d,l‐lactide) and semi‐crystalline poly(l,l‐lactide) (PLLA) with an aim to achieve a good balance of mechanical properties and degradability under environmental conditions. The degradation test using proteinase K enzyme shows faster degradation of blends in comparison to homopolymers by weight loss. Faster fragmentation of blends and fragments of lower masses in comparison to PLLA is also seen in immature compost with bulk degradation as the main mechanism of degradation. A detailed investigation shows increased crystallinity and the formation of crystalline stereo‐complex in fragmented samples that may limit degradation after a stage causing microplastics persisting for a longer period. Therefore, further degradation studies in compost for at least 8–10 weeks are recommended. Other environmental sinks, such as activated sludge water, fresh, and seawater, provide either extremely slow or no degradation excluding the use of such blends for applications intended for these sinks. In future, smart solutions are required to enhance the degradation of polylactide in different environmental sinks.
A Cross‐Sectional Comprehensive Assessment of the Profile and Burden of Non‐motor Symptoms in Relation to Motor Phenotype in the Nigeria Parkinson Disease Registry Cohort
Authors: Ojo Oluwadamilola O. , Wahab Kolawole W. , Bello Abiodun H. , Abubakar Sani A. , Ekeh Bertha C. , Otubogun Folajimi M. , Iwuozo Emmanuel U. , Farombi Temitope H. , Adeniji Olaleye , Ojini Francis I. , Imarhiagbe Frank A. , Nyandaiti Yakub , Komolafe Morenikeji A. , Fawale Michael B. , Onwuegbuzie Gerald A. , Zubair Yusuf , Williams Uduak E. , Taiwo Funlola T. , Oyakhire Shyngle I. , Oshinaike Olajumoke O. , Osemwegie Nosakhare , Osaigbovo Godwin O. , Odiase Francis E. , Odeniyi Olanike A. , Obiabo Yahaya O. , Obehighe Emmanuel E. , Nwazor Ernest O. , Nwani Paul O. , Kehinde Abiodun J. , Erameh Cyril O. , Ekenze Oluchi S. , Dike Franklin O. , Balarabe Salisu A. , Arigbodi Ohwotemu , Arabambi Babawale , Ani‐Osheku Ifeyinwa , Ali Mohammed W. , Akpekpe John E. , Akinyemi Rufus O. , Agulanna Uchechi , Agu Christian E. , Agabi Osigwe P. , Ademiluyi Babatunde A. , Adebowale Akintunde A. , Achoru Charles O. , Abiodun Oladunni V. , Rizig Mie , Okubadejo Njideka U. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundData on non‐motor symptoms (NMS) in black Africans with Parkinson's disease (PD) are sparse.ObjectiveTo describe the profile of NMS in the Nigeria PD Registry (NPDR) cohort and explore the relationship between NMS and PD motor phenotype.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of the frequency and burden of NMS, based on the non‐motor symptoms scale (NMSS) and the Chaudhuri method respectively in our cohort. Baseline demographics, disease characteristics (Hoehn and Yahr stage, MDS‐UPDRS total score and Part III motor score), motor phenotype (based on Stebbin et al's algorithm), and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) were documented.ResultsData are presented for 825 PD whose mean age at study was 63.7 ± 10.1 years, female sex—221 [26.8%] while median PD duration was 36 months. PD phenotypes included tremor‐dominant 466 (56.5%), postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) 259 (31.4%), and indeterminate 100 (12.1%). 82.6% were on treatment (median LEDD of 500 mg/24 hours). 804 (97.5%) endorsed at least 1 NMS. The median NMSS score was 26.0 while subscores for urinary and sexual function domains were significantly higher in males (P < 0.05). PIGD‐PD had more frequent NMS and higher frequency of severe/very severe NMSS burden (P = 0.000 for both). Nocturia and fatigue were the most prevalent NMS overall and across motor subtypes. PIGD phenotype and total UPDRS scores were the independent determinants of NMSS scores (P = 0.000).ConclusionThe profile and burden of NMS, and association with motor subtype in our black African cohort is largely similar to descriptions from other populations.
Sleep medication and melatonin use among Norwegian nurses – A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Forthun Ingeborg , Waage Siri , Pallesen Ståle , Moen Bente Elisabeth , Bjorvatn Bjørn 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo estimate the prevalence of sleep medication and melatonin use among nurses and to assess if factors related to work, sleep or mental health, were associated with such use.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsA questionnaire survey including 2,798 Norwegian nurses. Associations were estimated using a modified Poisson regression model.ResultsIn total, 7.5%, 4.6% and 2.0% of the nurses included in the present study reported prescribed sleep medication, over‐the‐counter sleep medication or melatonin use in the last year, respectively. Short sleep duration, sleep problems and psychological conditions were strongly associated with both prescribed and over‐the‐counter sleep medication use. Nurses who worked more than 60 night shifts in the last year were at increased risk of sleep medication use.
Emulsion iodine transfer polymerization of nearly uniform submicrometer‐sized polystyrene particles
Authors: Chaiyasat Amorn , Sue‐eng Sawitree , Billon Laurent , Okubo Masayoshi , Chaiyasat Preeyaporn 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEmulsifier‐free emulsion iodine transfer polymerization (emulsion ITP) of styrene was carried out using unpurified and purified poly(methacrylic acid)–iodine (PMAA‐I). PMAA‐I was previously synthesized by solution ITP in dioxane. The solution ITP of methacrylic acid was completed at 40 °C for 24 h. Unexpectedly, 64% of added CHI3 remained in dioxane even after the polymerization. The emulsion ITP was carried out at pH ∼ 9 with unpurified or purified PMAA‐I. The number‐average diameter (dn) of the polymer particles obtained using purified PMAA‐I (148 nm at 93% conversion) was much smaller than that using unpurified PMAA‐I (710 nm at 68% conversion). In both cases, in the early stage of the polymerization, polystyrene (PS) particles stabilized by some PMAA‐b‐PS copolymer chains were formed. This indicates that PMAA‐I worked not only as a macro chain transfer agent but also as a colloidal stabilizer. In the unpurified system, the remaining CHI3 also operated as a chain transfer agent. It resulted in PS‐I homopolymers having controlled molecular weight in the PS particles. On the other hand, many high molecular weight PS homopolymers were formed in the purified system by emulsion conventional radical polymerization in the PS particles. To depress emulsion conventional radical polymerization, the CHI3 was post‐added after 90 min. Nearly uniform submicrometer‐sized (82 nm) PS particles with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.24) were achieved. These polymerization behaviors were reasonably explained from the results obtained by gel permeation chromatography and diffusion ordered spectroscopy 1NMR. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A rare case of thymoma with CA 19‐9 production
Authors: Ohashi Takuya , Kawago Mitsumasa , Hirai Yoshimitsu , Kiyoi Megumi , Miyasaka Miwako , Yata Yumi , Kawaji Mari , Fusamoto Aya , Iguchi Hideto , Nakanishi Hitomi , Nishimura Yoshiharu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA 72‐year‐old man was diagnosed as having myasthenia gravis (MG). He underwent computed tomography which revealed an anterior mediastinal tumour. Laboratory examination revealed elevated levels (106.3 U/ml) of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 in serum. However, no malignant disease was detected on fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography. A diagnosis of thymoma associated with MG was considered and an extended thymectomy was performed. Histopathologically, thymoma was categorized as stage I based on the Masaoka classification, and as type AB according to the World Health Organization classification. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CA 19‐9. The serum levels returned to the normal range post‐operatively (16.7 U/ml). Herein, we report an extremely rare case of thymoma with raised levels of CA 19‐9.
Periodicity and change: Talking about time inside the planetarium dome
Authors: Marques Joana B. V. , Carlin Andrew P. , Gomes Miguel , Moutinho Ricardo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTime is a central concept for astronomy, yet how it is communicated in educational contexts has received insufficient attention in the literature. This study explores how time‐related concepts are communicated in the planetarium, by analyzing 34 different planetarium sessions held in a diversity of Portuguese institutions. Sessions were video and audio recorded. From 26 hrs of recordings, 163 excerpts related to time were identified. Studying instances of actual events with a naturalistic approach informed by ethnomethodology allowed for the identification of ordinary methods and strategies that are used by guides to teach time‐related concepts. This study details these methods and strategies, and how guides take advantage of the characteristics of the planetarium. Our analysis reveals that change over time and periodicity are the most recurrent time‐related themes in planetarium sessions. The majority of the excerpts relate to the rotation and revolution of the Earth, but time‐related aspects of the revolution of other celestial bodies are also present in the data. We found that guides use strategies grounded both in geocentric and allocentric (view from space) perspectives when communicating about time, and we highlight how an allocentric perspective can be demonstrated without sophisticated, immersive simulations. Moreover, we found that strategies bringing time to the personal level, for instance by using birthdays and the age of members of the public as baseline measures, and other engagement techniques, are widely used. Findings have important implications for research and communication about time in practice.
Advantage of Using NaH2PO2 over Alkali Metal Formates as a Hydrogen Source for Pd‐gC3N4 Catalyzed Hydro‐Dehalogenation of Aryl Halides
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Bahuguna Ashish , Sasson Yoel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHalogenated and polyhalogenated aromatic compounds are known for their toxicity and effect on human health and the environment. These aromatic hydrocarbons have been widely used in pesticides, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial chemicals. The substitution of halogen atoms of aromatic halides by hydrogen atoms in the presence of a metal catalyst is an important organic transformation and is known as a catalytic hydro‐dehalogenation reaction. It is an important technique used for the treatment of halogenated industrial waste. Herein, we investigated the comparative hydro‐dehalogenation of aryl halides in the presence of Pd‐gC3N4 catalyst using various hydrogen transfer sources in an eco‐friendly manner. We also investigated the advantage of using sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) as a hydrogen source for hydro‐dehalogenation in comparison to alkali metal formates. For hydro‐dehalogenation of 1 mmol of aryl halide, 2 equivalents of NaH2PO2 are used while 4 equivalents of KHCO2 are required in the presence of 3.8 wt % of Pd metal catalyst. The Pd‐GCN catalyst was characterized by various microscopic and spectral techniques such as PXRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, XPS, and TGA, etc. A gram scale reaction was performed to analyze the industrial potential of the proposed catalytic system. Finally, the recyclability of Pd‐GCN was found excellent and the catalyst could run multiple cycles with sustained activity.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative Evaluation of Novel Quinolone and Conazole Analogues via Conventional and Microwave Techniques
Authors: Ceylan Şule , Cebeci Yıldız Uygun , Karaoğlu Şengül Alpay , Altun Muhammed 
Published: September 2021

Abstract1,2,4‐Triazole‐3‐one (3), acquired from cinnamaldehyde was converted to the corresponding carbox(thio)amides via several steps (6 a–c). Their reaction with sodium hydroxide gave the 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives (7 a–c). Compound 3 treatment with 2‐bromo‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl) ethanone or 2‐chloro‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)ethanone afforded the compounds 8 a,b and by reducing these compounds reduction products were obtained (9 a,b). The synthesis of (10 a–e) was carried out by the reaction compounds 9 a,b with different benzyl chlorides. Then oxadiazole derivative (12) was obtained by ring closure from hydrazide compound 5. Subsequently compounds 3, 7 a–c, and 12 were treated with various amines in the presence of formaldehyde to yield Mannich bases (11 a–e, 14 a–e, 13 a,b). Microwave‐assisted and conventional techniques were utilized for the syntheses. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were illuminated by spectroscopic methods. Their antimicrobial (MIC method), and anticancer activities (Abay's method) were examined. Results showed that most of the compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activities. Especially compounds 14 a–e which is a mannich base showed very good antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis compared with Streptomycin standard drug. Also compounds 8 a and 9 b have been found to have strong antiproliferative effects on the HeLa cervical cancer cells and also these compounds did not have a cytotoxic effects on a normal cells.
Temperature Dependence of the Rayleigh Ratio for Toluene: Thermoresponsive Polymers Characterization
Authors: Sivokhin Alexey Р. , Kazantsev Oleg A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBenzene and toluene are commonly used reference substances for static light scattering (SLS) measurements. However, due to the appearance and wide availability of solid‐state lasers with various wavelengths, there is a need for data on the Rayleigh ratios for references at various wavelengths. Thermoresponsive polymers, which are widely researched now, can have lower critical solution temperature (LCST) values very close to the human body temperature (30–36 °C). Such polymers can be used to develop efficient means for targeted drug delivery. In this paper, we report how to accurately determine the absolute molecular weights of thermoresponsive polymers by the SLS method. This is especially important when the LCST value of a polymer is close to the room temperature (at which SLS measurements are usually taken), which can lead to overestimated results due to the aggregation of macromolecules. So, it is necessary to carefully select the measurement temperature and, accordingly, data are needed on the temperature dependence of the Rayleigh ratios for a reference sample. The Rayleigh ratios and depolarization factors, ρu and ρv, were first determined for toluene within a wide temperature range (10–50 °C). The temperature dependencies of these parameters were shown to be linear in the whole range investigated. Temperature coefficients for the calculation of the Rayleigh ratios at different scattering geometries were obtained. The particular importance of choosing the optimal measurement temperature when determining the molecular weights of thermoresponsive polymers with low values of LCST using the static light scattering method was demonstrated.