bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layer-By-Layer Assembled, Amphiphilic And Antibacterial Hybrid Electrospun Mat Made From Polypropylene And Chitosan Fibers
Authors: Acik Gokhan , Acik Burcu , Agel E. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, hybrid fiber mat (HFPP-CS) consisting of both chlorinated polypropylene and chitosan fibers (FPP-Cl and FCS) is obtained by assembling layer-by-layer (LBL) for the first time using electrospinning process. Morphological, wettability, structural and thermal properties of HFPP-CS are investigated in detail by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (WCA) measurement, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, respectively, comparing with FPP-Cl and FCS. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of all samples was evaluated against to gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. SEM analysis proves to HFPP-CS has a circular and smooth morphology and also comprises of microscale FPP-Cl and nanoscale FCS layers. The incorporation of nano-FCS layer on micro-FPP-Cl layer leads to diminution in the hydrophobicity, but enhancement in the thermostability and glass transition temperature of the resulting fiber mat. The antibacterial activity results show that HFPP-CS has inhibition effect against to S. aureus and E. coli. In general, it is anticipated that the prepared amphiphilic and antibacterial HFPP-CS can be employed as potential biomaterial for a variety of bioengineering applications.
Alpha Mangostin Confers Neuroprotection Against Rotenone-induced Parkinson’s Disease via Modulating Autophagy and AMPK Signaling.
Authors: Parekh Pathik , Sharma Nishant , Gadepalli Anagha , Sharma Monika , Chatterjee Sayan , Kate Abhijeet , Khairnar Amit 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Intending to uncover bioactive phytochemicals that may halt or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we previously studied the neuroprotective property of alpha mangostin (AM), obtained from the Garcinia mangostana Linn. in the rat model of PD. Albeit, the intracellular regulatory mechanism behind the observed effects remained to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate AM's autophagic potential behind its neuroprotective effect in the rotenone-induced mouse model of PD. Adult C57BL/6 mice received the chronic treatment of rotenone for 9-consecutive weeks. While AM was administered one hour before the rotenone administration. Behavioral assessment was carried out every 2nd week till 9 weeks. The treatment with the AM significantly restored locomotor and cognitive impairments induced by rotenone. Western blot analysis revealed that rotenone reduced the expression of autophagic markers like LC3II/I, TFEB, Beclin-1 in the cortex, and striatum. It might be due to rotenone-induced reduction in activation of AMPK, the primary regulator of the autophagy process. Interestingly, AM treatment restored the levels of autophagic markers in the cortex and striatum. AM significantly reduced the expression of α-Syn in the striatum but not in the cortex, while it significantly reduced the levels of p-α-Syn in the cortex and observed a strong trend in the striatum, suggests its anti-aggregatory potential against α-Syn. AM also protected rotenone-induced loss of dopaminergic fibres in the striatum and TH+-cells in the SNc. These results demonstrate that AM decreased α-Syn accumulation via autophagy activation by up-regulating the AMPK pathway, elicits neuroprotection against rotenone-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
Integrinβ3 Mediates the Protective Effect of Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products During Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Han Xuejie , Guo Xinying , Chang Jing , Zhang Jie , Chen Lu , Wang Hongxia , Du Fenghe , Zeng Xiangjun , Guo Caixia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-product (sRAGE) was reported to protect myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries via interacting with AGEs (the ligands of RAGE). Besides, sRAGE was also reported to interact with myocardial cell membranes to protect myocardial I/R injuries. However, the specific molecular of the interaction between sRAGE and myocardial cell membrane is not clearly defined. Integrins were the major adhesion receptors expressed on myocardial cells. The present study showed sRAGE affected the expression of integrinβ3 around integrinβ1 to β5 in I/R treated cardiomyocytes. Consequently, it was supposed that integrinβ3 might be related to the protective effects of sRAGE on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuries. The results in this study showed that the protective effects of sRAGE on cardiac function, cardiac infracting size and apoptosis in mice were cancelled by cilengitide (the inhibitor of integrinβ3). Myocardial apoptosis and autophagy decreased by sRAGE in I/R treated cardiomyocytes were showed to be increased by the inhibition of integrinβ3. Mechanistically, the inhibition of integrinβ3 decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and STAT3 but did not affect the phosphorylation of FAK, PTEN, and MAPKs (P38 MAPK, JNK, Erk) in OGD/R and sRAGE treated cardiomyocytes. In addition, the phosphorylation of STAT3 was significantly downregulated by the inhibition of Akt (LY294002,10μM) in OGD/R and sRAGE treated cardiomyocytes. The present study demonstrated integrinβ3 mediated the protective effects of sRAGE on myocardial I/R injuries through Akt-induced STAT3 signaling pathway thus may provide a novel molecular therapy strategy for ameliorating I/R injury.
General Practitioner Time Availability Per Inhabitant Per Year: A New Indicator to Measure Access to Primary Care
Authors: Beer Laura , Cohidon Christine , Senn Nicolas 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
IntroductionThe number of general practitioners (GPs) per inhabitant, used commonly as an indicator of primary care (PC) access, reports only imprecisely on the true availability of GPs. The aim of this study is to develop a new PC access indicator that better reflects the availability of GPs to take care of patients at the population level, the average GP time availability per inhabitant per year.MethodsWe extracted the data from the Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians conducted in 2015. We built the indicator by combining two questions about weekly workload in hours and percentage of time spent on face-to-face contact with patients. The indicator was then adjusted regarding the number of GPs, the weeks worked per year and the country’s population size.ResultsThe mean time available of GPs for face-to-face contact was 69 minutes/inhabitant/year, ranging from 38 minutes in Sweden to 118 minutes in Australia. Including email and telephone contact, the mean contact time rose to 79 minutes/ inhabitant/year, ranging from 48 minutes in Sweden to 127 minutes in Australia.ConclusionThe new indicator provides an accurate and sensitive estimate of a GP’s true time availability at the population level. Results should be interpreted in the context of PC workforce organization, which may help guide GP workforce development.
Development of Learning Objectives for a Medical Assistance in Dying Curriculum for Family Medicine Residency
Authors: LeBlanc Sarah , MacDonald Susan , Martin Mary , Dalgarno Nancy , Schultz Karen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) became legal across Canada when Bill C-14 was passed in 2016. Currently, little is known about the most effective strategies for providing MAID education, and the importance of integrating MAID into existing curricula. In this study, a set of learning objectives (LOs) was developed to inform a foundational MAID curriculum in Canadian Family Medicine (FM) residency training programs.
Methods
Mixed-methods were used to develop LOs based on a previously-published needs assessment from a large, four-site family medicine residency program in southeastern Ontario. Draft LOs were evaluated and modified using a modified Delphi process and focus group which included faculty and resident leaders. LOs were mapped to the existing family medicine residency curriculum, as well as the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Priority Topics and CanMEDS-Family Medicine roles.
Results
Nine LOs were developed to provide a foundational education regarding MAID. While all LOs could be mapped to the Domains of Clinical Care with the departmental curriculum, they mapped inconsistently to departmental Entrustable Professional Activities, the Priority Topics, and CanMEDS-FM roles. LOs focused on patient education and identification of patient goals were most readily mapped to existing curricular framework, while LOs with MAID-exclusive content revealed gaps in the current curriculum.
Conclusions
The developed LOs provide a guide to ensure family medicine residents obtain generalist-level knowledge to counsel their patients about MAID. These LOs can serve as a model for developing learning objectives for both family medicine and specialist residency programs in Canada, as well as globally in countries where assisted dying is legal.
Analysis of Average Glandular Dose (AGD) and Associated Parameters for Conventional and Digital X-Ray Mammography
Authors: Suliman Ibrahim Idris , Mohamed Sawsan , Mahadi Alaa , Bashier Einas , Farah A , Hassan Nada , Ahmed Nada , Eisa Mohamed , El-Khayatt Ahmed , Sassi Salem 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, we determined the average glandular dose (AGD) from the craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views of 496 breasts (247 women) at eight clinics in Sudan. The incident air kerma from the X-ray tube output values and typical patient-specific breast exposure factors were measured. AGD values were inferred from the measured incident air kerma and breast-specific dose conversion coefficients. The AGD per CC and MLO projection and per woman ranged from 0.34–5.3 mGy (average: 2.46), 0.29–3.39 mGy (average: 1.50), and 0.6–7.4 mGy (average: 3.95). The proposed national diagnostic reference levels (mGy) are 3.48, 2.03, and 6.44 mGy for CC, MLO, and per woman, respectively. Establishing the proposed diagnostic reference levels is an essential step in ensuring patient protection from radiation and will help promote dose optimization for X-ray mammography at the national levels and beyond. The results provide important baseline data that can be used to formulate the national diagnostic reference levels.
Femtomolar And Locus-Specific Detection of N6-Methyladenine In DNA By Integrating Double-Hindered Replication And Nucleic Acid-Functionalized MB@Zr-MOF
Authors: Zheng Qingyuan , Wang Tong , Li Xinmin , Qian Husun , Bian Xintong , Li Xingrong , Bai Huijie , Ding Shijia , Yan Yurong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, a novel electrochemical biosensor was constructed for ultrasensitive and locus-specific detection of N6-Methyladenine (m6A) in DNA using double-hindered replication and nucleic acid-coated methylene blue (MB)@Zr-MOF. Based on the combination of m6A-impeded replication and AgI-mediated mismatch replication, this mode could effectively stop the extension of the strand once DNA polymerase encountered m6A site, which specifically distinguish the m6A site from natural A site in DNA. Also, Zr-MOF with high porosity and negative surface potential features was carefully chose to load cationic MB, resulting a stable and robust MB@Zr-MOF electrochemical tag. As a result, the developed biosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1 fM to 1 nM with detection limit down to 0.89 fM. Profiting from the high sensitivity and selectivity, the biosensing strategy revealed good applicability, which had been demonstrated by quantitating m6A DNA at specific site in biological matrix. Thus, the biosensor provides a promising platform for locus-specific m6A DNA analysis.
Full-thickness Macular Hole Formation in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: TSUI MEI-CHI , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Lai Tso-Ting , Lai Chun-Ting , Lin Hsuan-Chieh , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Yang Chang-Hao , Yang Chung-May , Wang Lu-Chun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the formation pathways of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with fibrovascular proliferation (FVP).MethodsTwenty-one consecutive patients (21 eyes) having PDR and FVP with optical coherence tomography (OCT) available before and after FTMH formation were retrospectively reviewed. Fundus abnormalities and OCT features were studied.ResultsFour different types of FTMH formation pathways in PDR were observed. Type 1 was characterized by epiretinal membrane (ERM) and/or vitreomacular traction (VMT) inducing foveoschisis, intraretinal cysts or foveal detachment, followed by formation of a FTMH or macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD). In type 2, ERM and/or FVP induced lamellar macular hole (LMH) with foveoschisis, followed by the formation of FTMH or MHRD. Type 3 was characterized by the initial tractional retinal detachment (TRD) with foveal cysts and/or foveoschisis and the subsequent formation of MHRD. Type 4 was characterized by TRD associated with foveal thinning, ensued by the formation of MHRD. Severity and locations of FVP varied with different types. Eyes with MHRD had poorer best-corrected visual acuity, higher proportion of active FVP, and higher rate of TRD.ConclusionFour types of FTMH formation pathways in PDR were identified and were quite different from those in idiopathic conditions. Spontaneous closure of FTMHs in PDR might be observed. The activity, severity and locations of FVP varied in PDR eyes destined to develop FTMHs.
Charge Density Based Small Signal Modeling for InSb/AlInSb Asymmetric Double Gate Silicon Substrate HEMT for High Frequency Applications
Authors: KUMAR T. VENISH , Venkatesh M. , Muthupandian B. , Priya G. Lakshmi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The Asymmetric Double Gate Silicon Substrate HEMT(ADG-Si-HEMT) is proposed in this article to analyse the carrier concentration and intrinsic small signal parameters for the heterostructure of the InSb/AlInSb silicon wafer DG-HEMT device. When the top and bottom gates are biased with different gate voltages, the HEMTs act as a three-port system and the device called Asymmetric Double Gate HEMT. The modulation of back-channel charge density due to the front gate voltage is analyzed with the position of quasi-Fermi energy levels(Ef). Also, the small signal model is obtained for various parameters like cut off frequency, gate to source capacitance and transconductance. The effects of the following parameters like delta doping, width of Silicon doping layer and various top and bottom gate voltages are analyzed to get enhanced device operation. The transconductance 2390 Sm/mm for Vfg=0.2V and cut off frequency around 197 GHz for Vbg=0.3 are obtained. All the analytical results are compared with Sentaurus 3-D TCAD simulation results. The asymmetric biasing technique offers various mixed application due to modulation in threshold voltage and modulating carrier density in dual channels.
Investigating The Mechanism Underlying Urinary Continence Using Dynamic-MRI After Retzius-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Shohei , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Iijima Masashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Yoshida Kotaro , Gabata Toshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) has been reported to exhibit better postoperative urinary continence compared to conventional RARP (C-RARP) via the anterior approach, but the reasons behind this are unknown. The early postoperative urinary incontinence and anatomical differences were compared between 51 cases each of C-RARP and RS-RARP, which were selected via propensity score matching. Dynamic-MRI was performed before and after surgery to investigate the pelvic anatomical changes under abdominal pressure. The median urine loss ratio in the early postoperative period was 11.0% and 1.0% for C-RARP and RS-RARP, respectively. Postoperative MRI revealed the anterior bladder wall after RS-RARP was fixed in a high position compared to C-RARP. Dynamic-MRI after C-RARP showed cephalocaudal compression of the bladder during abdominal pressure caused expansion of the membranous urethra and the urine flowed out. In RS-RARP cases, the rectum moved forward during abdominal pressure to compress the membranous urethra by closing it from behind, as was observed preoperatively. This was the first study using dynamic-MRI which revealed the importance of a high attachment of the anterior bladder wall for the urethral closure mechanism during abdominal pressure. RS-RARP, which can completely preserve this mechanism, was the least likely to cause stress urinary incontinence.
A New Model For Predicting Boiling Points of Alkanes
Authors: Mukwembi Simon , Nyabadza Farai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A general perception among researchers is that boiling points, which is a key property in the optimization of lubricant performance, are difficult to predict successfully using a single-parameter model [5, 6]. In this contribution, we propose a new graph parameter which we call, for lack of better terminology , the conduction of a graph. We exploit the conduction of a graph to develop a single-parameter model for predicting the boiling point of any given alkane. The accuracy of our model compares favourably to the accuracy of experimental data in literature. Our results have significant implications on the estimation of boiling points of chemical compounds in the absence of experimental data.
Background factors affecting visual acuity at initial visit in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion: multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Kondo Mineo , Noma Hidetaka , Shimura Masahiko , Sugimoto Masahiko , Matsui Yoshitsugu , Saishin Yoshitsugu , Ohji Masahito , Ishikawa Hiroto , Gomi Fumi , Iwata Kensaku , Yoshida Shigeo , Kusuhara Sentaro , Hirai Hiromasa , Ogata Nahoko , Hirano Takao , Murata Toshinori , Tsuboi Kotaro , Kamei Motohiro , Kinoshita Takamasa , Kuwayama Soichiro , Hirano Yoshio , Ohta Manami , Kimura Kazuhiro , Takayama Kei , Takeuchi Masaru , Takamura Yoshihiro , Okamoto Fumiki , Mitamura Yoshinori , Terasaki Hiroto , Sakamoto Taiji 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This retrospective multicenter study was designed to determine the baseline characteristics of patients in Japan with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) that were significantly associated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the initial examination. The patients’ baseline factors that were significantly associated with the BCVA at the initial examination were determined by univariate, multivariate, and logistic regression analyses. Data from 517 eyes of 517 patients (mean age, 69.9 ± 12.2 years; men, 57.3%) were analyzed. Univariate analyses showed that an older age (r=0.194, P<0.001) and the right eye (r=-0.103, P<0.019) were significantly associated with poorer BCVA at the initial visit. Multivariate analyses showed that an older age (β=0.191, P<0.001) and the right eye (β=-0.089, P=0.041) were also significantly associated with poorer BCVA at the initial visit. In addition, logistic regression analyses showed that these two factors were also significantly related to the BCVAs poorer than 1.0 logMAR units (0.1 decimal BCVA) at the initial visit. Results indicate that an older age, a known strong factor, and the right eye were significantly associated with poorer BCVA at the initial visit. These results suggest that functional and/or anatomical differences between the right and left eyes may be involved in these results.
The Effects of IFN-γ and IL-4 Expression on PCNA Expression in Transplanted Bone Tumors
Authors: Lv Jiaxing , Zhao Li , Bai Leipeng , Xu Ying , Jin Yu , Li Zhehong , Su Zhenyan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective: The rabbit VX2 bone tumor model is an ideal experimental animal model for studying malignant bone tumors, but few studies on cytokines and tumor proliferation. This paper is aimed to study the effect of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in tumor tissue. Methods: The experiment included 30 Japanese white rabbits divided into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15) according to the random number method. Peripheral blood and tumor tissue were collected at 1 and 2 weeks after tumor implantation. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in peripheral blood and PCNA in tumor tissue. After the rabbits were euthanasia, the tissues were taken for pathological examination. Results: After tumor implantation, the expression level of IFN-γ in the experimental group in the 2nd week was significantly lower than that in the 1st week and 2nd week in the control group (p-value<0.005). In contrast, the expression level of IL-4 in the experimental group in the 2nd week was significantly higher than that in the 1st week and 2nd week in the control group (p-value<0.005). The expression level of PCNA in the experimental group in the 2nd week was significantly higher than that in the 1st week (P<0.005), and the PCNA expression in the 1st and 2nd week in the experimental group was higher than that in the 1st and 2nd week in the control group (p-value<0.005). In the 1st and 2nd week of tumor implantation, the correlation between IFN-γ and PCNA was negatively correlated(r=－0.566, p-value=0.028; r=－0.604, p-value=0.017), while the correlation between IL-4 and PCNA was positively correlated(r=0.583, p-value=0.023; r=0.884, p-value<0.005). Conclusion: In the VX2 bone tumor model of rabbit, with the extension of time after tumor implantation, there was a negative correlation between IFN-γ and PCNA and a positive correlation between IL-4 and PCNA.
Assessing equity and the determinants of socio-economic impacts of COVID-19: results from a cross-sectional survey in three counties in Kenya
Authors: Oyando Robinson , Orangi Stacey , Mwanga Daniel , Pinchoff Jessie , Abuya Timothy , Muluve Eva , Mbushi Faith , Austrian Karen , Barasa Edwine 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 mitigation measures have major ramifications on all aspects of people’s livelihoods. Based on data collected in February 2021, we present an analysis of the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 mitigation measures in three counties in Kenya.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional phone-based survey in three counties in Kenya to assess the level of disruption across seven domains: income, food insecurity, schooling, domestic tension/violence, communal violence, mental health, and decision-making. An overall disruption index was computed from the seven domains using principal component analysis. We used a linear regression model to examine the determinants of vulnerability to disruptions as measured by the index. We used concentration curves and indices to assess inequality in the disruption domains and the overall disruption index.Results: The level of disruption in income was the highest (74%), while the level of disruption for domestic tension/violence was the lowest (30%). Factors associated with increased vulnerability to the overall disruption index included: older age, being married, belonging in the lowest socio-economic tertile and receiving COVID-19 related assistance. The concentration curves showed that all the seven domains of disruption were disproportionately concentrated among households in the lowest socio-economic tertile, a finding that was supported by the concentration index of the overall disruption index (CI = - 0.022; p = 0.074).Conclusion: The COVID-19 mitigation measures resulted in unintended socio-economic effects that unfairly affected certain vulnerable groups, including those in the lowest socio-economic group and the elderly. Measures to protect households against the adverse socio-economic effects of the pandemic should be scaled up and targeted to the most vulnerable, with attention to the constantly evolving nature of the pandemic.