bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model of Care and Chance of Spontaneous Vaginal Birth: A Prospective, Multicenter Matched-Pair Analysis From North Rhine-Westphalia
Authors: Tietjen Sophia L. , Puth Marie-Therese , Heep Andrea , Kocks Andreas , Gerzen Lydia , Schmid Matthias , Gembruch Ulrich , Merz Waltraut M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCompared to standard obstetric care, advantages of midwife-led models of care have been reported; these include a higher vaginal birth rate and less interventions. In Germany, 98.4% of women are giving birth in consultant-led obstetric units. We compared the outcome of birth planned in alongside midwifery units (AMU) in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) with a matched group of low-risk women who gave birth in standard obstetric care during the same period of time.MethodsA prospective, controlled, multicenter study was conducted. Six of the seven AMUs in NRW participated. Healthy women with a singleton term cephalic pregnancy booking for birth in AMU were eligible. For each woman in the study group a control was chosen who would have been eligible for birth in AMU but was booking for standard obstetric care at the same hospital at the same time; additionally, matching for parity was performed. Mode of birth was chosen as primary outcome parameter. Secondary endpoints included a composite outcome of abnormal third stage and / or postpartum hemorrhage; higher-order obstetric lacerations; and for the neonate, a composite outcome (5-minute Apgar <7 and / or umbilical cord arterial pH < 7.10 and / or transfer to specialist neonatal care). Statistical analysis was by intention to treat. A non-inferiority analysis was performed for the primary and all secondary endpoints.Results589 case-control pairs were recruited, corresponding to 13.6% of those assumed to be eligible; 198 cases were excluded. Final analysis was performed with 391 case-control pairs. Nulliparous women constituted 56.0% of cases. For the primary endpoint vaginal birth superiority was established for the study group (5.66, 90%-CI 1.26-10.04). Superiority was also confirmed for higher-order obstetric lacerations (2.33, 90%-CI 0.04-4.81). For the composite newborn outcome non-inferiority was established (1.28, 90%-CI 1.33-3.93). Non-inferiority was not present for the composite maternal outcome (-1.56, 90%-CI -5.86-2.75). The epidural anesthesia rate was lower (22.9% vs. 41.1%), and the length of hospital stay was shorter in the study group (p<0.001 for both).Transfer to standard obstetric care occurred in 51.2% of cases, with a strong association between parity and transfer (p<0.001). Request for regional anesthesia was the most common cause for transfer (47.1%). ConclusionOur comparison between care in AMU and standard obstetric care with respect to mode of birth and other outcomes confirmed the superiority of this model of care for low-risk women. Admission and transfer criteria were in place in all participating centers and strictly adhered to.
Development of non-enzymatic cholesterol electrochemical sensor based on CuO(NPs)-Polyaniline-Murexide composite
Authors: Hassine Chedia Ben Ali , Kahri Hamza , Barhoumi Houcine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, a novel non-enzymatic sensor based on copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO), polyaniline nanofibers (PANI) and murexide (Mu) modified glassy carbon electrode was developed and used for the detection of cholesterol. Copper oxide nanoparticles were deposited on the glassy carbon electrode through electrodeposition and electrochemical oxidation followed by electrodeposition of PANI-Mu composite. The as prepared CuO-PANI-Mu sensor was characterized using electrochemical, optical and morphological methods such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), UV-visible and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elaborated composite matrix was used for cholesterol detection employing the impedance spectroscopy method. As a result, good analytical performances were obtained for cholesterol quantification with good stability and high sensitivity (5575 Ω/M) with a wide linear range from 0.5nM to 50mM.
The Type of Gastrectomy and Modified Frailty Index as Useful Predictive Indicators for One-Year Readmission Due to Nutritional Difficulty in Patients Who Undergo Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.
Authors: Osaki Tomohiro , Saito Hiroaki , Miyauchi Wataru , Shishido Yuji , Miyatani Kozo , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Tatebe Shigeru , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients who undergo gastrectomy for gastric cancer are likely to have nutritional difficulty after surgery. Therefore, readmission due to nutritional difficulty is frequently observed in such patients. This study aimed to identify predictive indicators for readmission due to nutritional difficulty in patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed surgical outcomes in 516 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Results
The readmission rate within one year was 13.8%. Readmission due to nutritional difficulty was observed in 20 patients (3.9%), and nutritional difficulty was the second leading cause of readmission. Multivariate analysis revealed that the type of gastrectomy and the modified frailty index were independent predictive indicators of readmission due to nutritional difficulty. The readmission rates due to nutritional difficulty were 1.2%, 4.7%, and 11.5% in patients who underwent distal partial gastrectomy and had low modified frailty index, in those who underwent distal partial gastrectomy and had high modified frailty index or those who underwent either proximal partial or total gastrectomy and had low modified frailty index, and in those who underwent either proximal partial or total gastrectomy and had high modified frailty index, respectively (P = 0.0008).
Conclusions
Because the readmission rate due to nutritional difficulty is high in patients who underwent either total or proximal partial gastrectomy with high modified frailty index, intensive follow-up and nutritional support is needed to reduce readmission due to nutritional difficulty, which can help improve the patients’ quality of life and reduce additional medical costs.
Assessment of Microplastics in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant With Tertiary Treatment: Removal Efficiencies and Loading Per Day Into the Environment
Authors: Bayo Javier , Olmos Sonia , López-Castellanos Joaquín 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

This study investigates the removal of microplastics from wastewater in an urban wastewater treatment plant located in Southeast Spain, including an oxidation ditch, rapid sand filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection. A total of 146.73 L of wastewater samples from influent and effluent were processed, following a density separation methodology, visual classification under a stereomicroscope, and FTIR analysis for polymer identification. Microplastics proved to be 72.41% of total microparticles collected, with a global removal rate of 64.26% after the tertiary treatment and within the average retention for European WWTPs. Three different shapes were identified: i.e., microfiber (79.65%), film (11.26%), and fragment (9.09%), without the identification of microbeads despite the proximity to a plastic compounding factory. Fibers were less efficiently removed (56.16%) than particulate microplastics (90.03%), suggesting that tertiary treatments clearly discriminate among forms, and reporting a daily emission of 1.6 x 107 microplastics to the environment. Year variability in microplastic burden was cushioned at the effluent, reporting a stable performance of the sewage plant. Eight different polymer families were identified, LDPE film being the most abundant form. Future efforts should be carried on source control, plastic waste management, improvement of legislation, and specific microplastic-targeted treatment units, especially for microfiber removal.
Aη-α and Aη-β peptides impair LTP ex vivo within the low nanomolar range and impact neuronal activity in vivo.
Authors: Mensch Maria , Dunot Jade , Yishan Sandy , Harris Samuel , Blistein Aline , Avdiu Alban , Pousinha Paula A , Giudici Camilla , Busche Marc Aurel , Jedlicka Peter , Willem Michael , Marie Helene 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing is central to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) etiology. As early cognitive alterations in AD are strongly correlated to abnormal information processing due to increasing synaptic impairment, it is crucial to characterize how peptides generated through APP cleavage modulate synapse function. We previously described a novel APP processing pathway producing η-secretase-derived peptides (Aη) and revealed that Aη–α, the longest form of Aη produced by η-secretase and α-secretase cleavage, impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) ex vivo and neuronal activity in vivo.
Methods
With the intention of going beyond this initial observation, we performed a comprehensive analysis to further characterize the effects of both Aη-α and the shorter Aη-β peptide on hippocampus function using ex vivo field electrophysiology, in vivo multiphoton calcium imaging and in vivo electrophysiology.
Results
We demonstrate that both synthetic peptides acutely impair LTP at low nanomolar concentrations ex vivo and reveal the N-terminus to be a primary site of activity. We further show that Aη-β, like Aη–α, inhibits neuronal activity in vivo and provide confirmation of LTP impairment by Aη–α in vivo.
Conclusions
These results give novel insights into the functional role of the recently discovered η-secretase-derived products, and suggest that Aη peptides represent important, pathophysiologically relevant, modulators of hippocampal network activity, with profound implications for APP-targeting therapeutic strategies in AD.
Clinical and Biochemical Predictors of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Atwa Hoda , Ibrahim Ahmed , Abd-Allah Husseiny , Labib Jacklien 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Obesity and associated co-morbidities are growing worldwide, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which become one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases in both children and adults. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and biochemical predictors associated with NAFLD among obese children.
Materials and Methods

Ninety obese children and adolescents, aged 12–18 years, were enrolled in this study. All were subjected to anthropometric measurement; biochemical analysis included fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and liver function tests. Ultrasonography was used to diagnose NAFLD.
Results

The frequency of NAFLD was 38.9% among obese children 68.6% of them met the criteria of metabolic syndrome. Children with NAFLD had significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, ALT, total cholesterol, LDL-c, TG, fasting insulin, and lower HDL-c compared to patients with normal liver ultrasound (p < 0.05). Insulin resistance was significantly more common among NAFLD group (88.6% vs. 18.2%) (p < 001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI and HOMA-IR are the independent predictors for NAFLD with (P 0.034 and 0.022) respectively
Conclusion

More than one third of obese children have NAFLD, which is closely linked to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
“Higher Pedicle Screw Density Does Not Result in Improved Curve Correction in Lenke 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
Authors: Skalak Timothy , Gagnier Joel , Caird Michelle S. , Farley Frances A. , Li Ying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Higher pedicle screw density posterior spinal fusion (PSF) constructs have not been shown to result in improved curve correction in Lenke 1 and 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) but do increase cost. The purpose of this study questioned whether higher screw density constructs improved curve correction and maintenance of correction in Lenke 2 AIS. Secondary goals were to identify predictive factors for correction and postoperative magnitude of curves in Lenke 2 AIS. Methods: We identified patients 11 to 17 years old who underwent primary PSF for Lenke 2 AIS between 2007 and 2017 who had minimum follow up of 2 years. Demographic and radiographic data were collected to perform regression and elimination analysis. Results: Thirty patients (21 Female, 9 male) were analyzed. Average age and SD at time of surgery was 14.0 ± 1.8 years (range, 11-17 years) and median follow-up was 2.8 years (IQR 2.1-4.0 years). Implant density did not predict final postoperative curve magnitude. Predictors of final postoperative curve magnitude were sex and preoperative curve magnitude. Predictors of percentage of correction of major curve were sex and age at the time of surgery. Predictors of final postoperative thoracic kyphosis were sex and percent flexibility preop. Females had lower final postoperative major curve magnitude, a higher percent curve correction, and lower postoperative thoracic kyphosis.Conclusions: Increased implant density is not predictive of postoperative curve magnitude in Lenke 2 AIS. Predictors of postoperative curve magnitude are sex and preoperative curve magnitude.Level of Evidence: Level III Retrospective Observational
Tailoring Growth of MOF199 on Hierarchical Surface of Bamboo and Its Antibacterial Property
Authors: Su Minglei , Zhang Rong , Li Jingpeng , Jin Xiaobei , Zhang Xiaofeng , Qin Daochun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bamboo, as a fast-grown forest resource, could be functionalized by metal–organic frameworks (MOF) with various potential applications. However, the stability of MOF immobilized on bamboo surface remains to be improved. In this work, MOF199, as known as HKUST-1, was in situ anchoring on moso bamboo via regulating pretreatment of bamboo and a green two-step synthesis route. The two-step synthesis route could be completed under room temperature and both precursor solutions can be reused. The results indicated that, with the collaboration of delignification and carboxymethylation pretreatment of bamboo, a dense and well-dispersed MOF199 coating was successfully synthesized, the adhesion between MOF and bamboo surface was also improved. Besides, the quantity and size of MOF199 on bamboo can be tailored by adjusting the carboxyl groups of pretreated bamboo and the concentration of copper nitrate solution. More importantly, results show that the formation of carboxyl-copper (II) complex served as nucleation sites for the growth of MOF199 crystals is the key to prepare uniform MOF layers. The growth of MOF199 endow bamboo with good antibacterial activity against E. coli. This method provides a facile and practical strategy for designing MOF coated woody materials.
Sirt6 protects cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting P53/Fas-dependent cell death and augmenting endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms
Authors: Wu Sisi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Tong Mingming , Fu Li , Zhang Yanjing , Xu Jiayi , Chen Xuemei , Chen Hongying , Li Ruli , Wu Yao , Xin Juanjuan , Yan Xin , Li He , Lan Jie , Xue Kunyue , Li Xue , Zhuo Caili , Wei Jiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sirt6, a class III NAD+-dependent deacetylase of the sirtuin family, is a highly specific H3 deacetylase and plays important roles in regulating cellular growth and death. The induction of oxidative stress and death are the crucial mechanisms involved in cardiomyocyte damage and cardiac dysfunction in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxocity, but the regulatory role of Sirt6 in the fate of DOX-impaired cardiomyocytes is poorly understood. In this study, we exposed heterozygous Sirt6 knockout (Sirt6+/−) mice and their littermates as well as cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to DOX, then investigated how Sirt6 mitigates oxidative stress and myocardial injury in the DOX-treated myocardium. Sirt6 partial knockout or silencing worsened myocardial damage, cardiac remodeling, and oxidative stress in mice or cultured cardiomyocytes with DOX challenge. Cardiomyocytes infected with adenoviral constructs encoding Sirt6 showed reversal of this DOX-induced damage. Intriguingly, Sirt6 reduced oxidative stress injury by upregulating endogenous antioxidant levels, interacted with oxidative stress-stirred p53, and acted as a co-repressor of p53 in nuclei. Sirt6 was recruited by p53 to the promoter regions of the target genes Fas and FasL and further suppressed p53 transcription activity by reducing histone acetylation. Sirt6 inhibited Fas/FasL signaling and attenuated both Fas-FADD-caspase-8 apoptotic and Fas-RIP3 necrotic pathways. These results suggest that Sirt6 protects the heart against DOX-induced cardiotoxity by upregulating endogenous antioxidants, as well as suppressing oxidative stress and cell death signaling pathways dependent on ROS-stirred p53 transcriptional activation, thus reducing Fas-FasL–mediated apoptosis and necrosis.
Effect of whole-body cryotherapy on morphological, rheological, and biochemical blood indices in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ptaszek Bartłomiej , Teległów Aneta , Adamiak Justyna , Głodzik Jacek , Podsiadło Szymon , Marchewka Jakub 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The study aim was to examine the impact of 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions on biochemical and rheological blood indices in multiple sclerosis individuals. The study group involved 15 women (mean age: 41.53 ± 6.98 years) with diagnosed multiple sclerosis who underwent whole-body cryotherapy sessions. The first control group consisted of 20 women (mean age: 40.45 ± 4.77 years) with multiple sclerosis who received no cryotherapy intervention. The second control group comprised 15 women (mean age: 38.47 ± 6.0 years) without neurological diseases or other chronic conditions who participated in cryotherapy sessions. For blood indices analysis, venous blood was collected twice: on the day of cryotherapy commencement and after the 20 cryotherapy sessions. Blood counts were determined with a hematology analyzer. A laser-optical rotational cell analyzer served to investigate erythrocyte aggregation and deformability. Total serum protein was measured, and proteinogram and fibrinogen values were established. Statistically significant differences were observed in red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, elongation index, total extent of aggregation, proteins (including fibrinogen). There was no significant effect of the 20 cryotherapy sessions on morphological, rheological, or biochemical blood indices in women with multiple sclerosis. The intervention had a positive impact on the rheological blood properties of healthy women.
Microsponges for controlled release and enhanced oral bioavailability of carbamazepine
Authors: Abdalla Karam F. , Osman Mohamed A. , Nouh Ahmed T. , Maghraby Gamal M. El 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The oral absorption and hence the oral bioavailability of carbamazepine (CBZ) is variable even after administration of rapidly dissolving formulation. This problem was attributed to supersaturation of CBZ and transformation to the less soluble carbamazepine dihydrate (CBD). Accordingly, formulation of sustained release products of CBZ is a promising approach to overcome this problem. Microsponges is an emerging formulation which can help in this direction. The aim of this work was to optimize the composition of microsponges for better encapsulation and sustained release of CBZ for oral administration. CBZ microsponges were prepared using quasi emulsion solvent diffusion technique with varying composition of ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Microsponges were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction. Production yield, entrapment efficiency and surface morphology of microsponges were assessed in addition to drug release. Optimum formulation was administered orally to albino rabbits to evaluate the oral bioavailability with reference to unprocessed CBZ. The Instrumental analysis reflected the encapsulation of CBZ in amorphous or molecularly dispersed form in the microsponges. The size and entrapment efficiency of the microsponges increased with increasing polymer contents. This was associated with reduction in CBZ release. Optimum formulation enhanced the oral absorption of CBZ. This was manifested by 2.6-fold increase in the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve compared to that of unprocessed CBZ. The study introduced microsponges as promising carriers for sustained oral delivery of CBZ.
Pregnant Women Utilization of Dental Services: Still a Challenge in Low Resource Setting
Authors: Onwuka C , Onwuka CI , Iloghalu E , Udealor PC , Ezugwu EC , Menuba IE , Ugwu EO 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Poor oral health in pregnancy can be associated with poor pregnancy outcome, however, dental consultation among pregnant women appears to be low.Results: Only 36 (8.7%) of the respondents had dental consultations in index pregnancy for complaints such as tooth ache and decay (66.7%) and pains and swelling of the gum (33.3%). The commonest reason given for not visiting a dentist during the index pregnancy was the visit not being relevant to their pregnancy outcome (69.2%). After counseling them, only 249 (60.3%) agreed to have dental consultation during subsequent pregnancies. The relationship between visiting the dentist and place of residence (<0.001), occupation (0.019) and frequency of brushing/ changing of brush (0.005, <0.001 respectively) were statistically significant.Conclusion: The prevalence of dental consultations during pregnancy is very low. Pregnant women should be encouraged to have routine dental consultations with oral health counseling and check-up incorporated as part of routine antenatal care.
More rapid intensification of flash droughts with shorter onset timescales
Authors: Qing Yamin , Wang Shuo , Ancell Brian C. , Yang Zong-Liang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Flash droughts can cause more serious environmental and agricultural impacts than traditional droughts because of the sudden onset and rapid intensification. However, it remains unclear how rapidly flash droughts develop and intensify worldwide. Here, we present for the first time a comprehensive assessment of the onset development phase of flash droughts on a global scale. We find that humid and semi-humid regions are more vulnerable to flash droughts. And 56.8% of flash droughts are extremely fast-developing (timescale ≤ 15 days) and intensifying (intensification rate ≥ 12.5th percentile) droughts during 2000–2019. More importantly, the evolution of flash droughts is accelerating with a significantly shorter timescale and a faster intensification, implying that less time is left for early warning and impact preparation. Our findings suggest that urgent action is needed to upgrade existing drought monitoring systems for better capturing the more rapid onset and evolution of flash droughts.