bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain metastases: new systemic treatment approaches
Authors: Steindl Ariane , Berghoff Anna Sophie 
Published: May 2021

Summary
Background
Brain metastases (BM) still present a clinical challenge in oncology. Treatment of BM was mainly based on local approaches including neurosurgery and radiation. However, the fraction of patients with asymptomatic BM has risen over the last decade. Recent clinical trials on immune- and targeted therapies showed promising intracranial responses—especially in neurological asymptomatic status. Therefore, systemic treatment presents an emerging therapy approach specifically in patients with asymptomatic BM.

Methods
The present review highlights the recent advances in systemic therapeutic and preventive approaches in BM focusing on the main BM causing tumors: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma and breast cancer.

Results
Remarkable intracranial efficacies were presented for several next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors, especially in asymptomatic BM patients. In NSCLC, osimertinib and afatinib presented intracranial response rates over 80%. Osimertinib showed even a potential for primary BM prevention. Considerable intracranial response rates were observed for the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib in BRAF mutated melanoma BM. Combined ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment in asymptomatic melanoma BM even presented with similar intra- and extracranial response rates. In breast cancer, HER2-targeted TKIs like lapatinib in combination with chemotherapy, or trastuzumab deruxtecan monotherapy presented also notable intracranial response rates.

Conclusion
New developments in targeted and immune-modulating therapies have postulated high intracranial efficacies in patients with BM from different solid tumors. However, more BM-specific studies and BM-specific endpoints in registration trials are warranted to underscore the role of systemic treatment in patients with BM.
Customised pressure profiles of made-to-measure sports compression garments
Authors: Ashby Jack , Lewis Martin , Sanchis-Sanchis Roberto , Sunderland Caroline , Barrett Laura A. , Morris John G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to make made-to-measure compression garments that elicit pressures within and below clinical standards. The study also examined whether pressures and gradients can be replicated within and between participants’ legs, and between separate compression garment conditions. Ten males volunteered to participate. Based on three-dimensional scans of the participants’ lower body, three different made-to-measure garments were manufactured: control, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Garment pressures were assessed from the malleolus to the gluteal fold using a pressure monitoring device. A root mean squared difference analysis was used to calculate the in vivo linear graduation parameters. Linear regression showed that peak pressure at the ankle in the left and right leg were: control garment, 13.5 ± 2.3 and 12.9 ± 2.6; asymmetrical garment, 12.7 ± 2.5 and 26.3 ± 3.4; symmetrical garment, 27.7 ± 2.2 and 27.5 ± 1.6 (all mmHg, mean ± standard deviation). Pressure reduction from the ankle to the gluteal fold in the left and right leg were: control, 8.9 ± 3.5 and 7.4 ± 3.0; asymmetrical, 7.8 ± 3.9 and 21.9 ± 3.2; symmetrical, 25.0 ± 4.1 and 22.3 ± 3.6 (all mmHg, mean ± standard deviation). Made-to-measure compression garments can be made to elicit pressures within and below clinical standards, and to elicit equivalent pressures and gradients in different participants.
Feasibility of Nitrogen-Enriched Chars as Circular Fertilizers
Authors: Keskinen Riikka , Nikama Johanna , Kaseva Janne , Rasa Kimmo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Charred materials are low in bioavailable nitrogen (N) due to gaseous losses and the formation of recalcitrant structures during pyrolysis. Enriching chars with N from wastewaters offers a possibility to upgrade the agronomic value of the chars and manage the liquids. For assessing the practical feasibility of the approach, more information on the extent of the retention and release of the loaded N is needed.

Methods
The ammonium-N (NH4-N) retention capacity of chars derived from sewage sludge (SS_A-C), Salix wood (SA), broiler manure (BR) and coal (LG85) was determined via equilibrations in solutions containing 400, 1500 and 5000 mg NH4-N L−1. Plant availability of the loaded N in SS_C, SA and BR was studied in a pot experiment with ryegrass.

Results
Differences in the total N retention of moist chars were small. The amount of N retained increased with increase in the solution N and was at the highest 2–4 g NH4-N L−1 char. In four consecutive ryegrass harvests, the apparent N recoveries were 67, 47 and 34% for SA, BR and SS_C treatments. No slow release of N was observed.

Conclusion
Considering crop production, the amounts of N retained within the studied chars in bioavailable form were small. Chars with a higher N retention capacity would be needed for an efficient cascade from water purification to fertilizer use.

Graphical Abstract
The efficiency of the sand filtration unit mixed with different packing materials in drain water treatment in Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Khaled Abd el naser I. , Sabry Tarek Ismail M. , El-Gendy Ahmed S. , Ahmed Sayed I. A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn an attempt to improve the quality of the agricultural drain in Egypt for its reuse again in the irrigation, low-cost solution such as sand filter along with/without other filtration media has been used in this research. As a result of that, pilot plant of sand filter mixed with other filtration media was tested for its ability to improve the sand performance in removing the suspended solids and organic matters from agricultural drain water of the Belbeis drain (in Sharkia governorate in Egypt). Sand only, sand mixed with sponge, sand mixed with activated carbon and sand mixed with ceramic cylinders have been tested to find the best media combination and optimum mixing sand/ medium ratio and optimum infiltration rate. The work has been done on four runs. It was found that sand mixed with ceramic cylinders gave the best removal efficiency with respect to total chemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand for solution which were 77, 74%, respectively, whereas sand mixed with sponge had the best removal efficiency with respect to total suspended solids which was 89%. Also, all tested media combination had effluent quality that complied with Egyptian law 48 for the year 1982 regarding the disposal of wastewater into agricultural drains (chemical oxygen demand ≤ 80 mg/l, total suspended solids ≤ 50 mg/l).
Comparison of indices for scaling and corrosion tendency of groundwater: Case study of unconfined aquifer from Mahoba District, U.P. State
Authors: Mankikar Tejas. Y. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper is an attempt to utilize the various indices available to assess the degree of corrosivity and calcite formation of groundwater sampled from Indian Mk. II handpumps from the district of Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh. The indices used include Langelier Saturation Index, Ryznar Stability Index, Puckorius Scaling Index, Larson-Skold Index, and Potential to Promote Galvanic Corrosion. Corrosivity of groundwater would cause materials used in construction of pipes to leach into drinking water since the same is used for household activities and drinking purposes. Calcite formation would affect the amount of exertion used to manually pump out required quantity of groundwater from the aquifer as it reduces the convey potential of pipes. One hundred five groundwater samples were collected from Indian Mk. II handpumps tapping shallow aquifer (up to 35mbgl) from different locations that were used by locals for analysis of basic parameters like pH, TDS, EC, ions like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulphate, etc. Overall, majority of the groundwater samples display tendency to deposit calcium carbonate within the pipes, chlorides and sulphates not interfering with natural film formation in pipes and possibility of galvanic corrosion, whereas minority of the samples indicate the alternate scenario.
Hydrothermal fabrication and characterization of novel CeO2/PbWO4 nanocomposite for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Selvi S. , Rajendran Ranjith , Jayamani N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this revision, a series of novel visible-light-driven (VLD) CeO2/PbWO4 nanocomposites (NCs) were effectively fabricated by facile hydrothermal preparation way. The UV–Vis absorption spectra exposed that CeO2 NPs prolonged the adsorption edge of the CeO2/PbWO4 composite to the extensive visible region, which allied to decreases of the bandgap. As-prepared CeO2/PbWO4 NCs revealed superior photocatalytic action under visible-light and could degrade the Methylene Blue (MB) dye solution in 140 min. The photodegradation efficacy of CeO2/PbWO4 NCs was improved catalytic activity, which is around 1.45 and 2.7 times that of CeO2 and PbWO4 nanoparticles (NPs) individually. Besides, the CeO2/PbWO4 catalysts display notable stability and reusability performance in four succeeding cycles. The development in the photocatalytic enactment of combined CeO2/PbWO4 nanocomposite could be recognized not only to the sturdy visible-light absorption responses and separating the photoexcited electron–hole pairs. Also, the plausibly systematic illumination of charge transference and exploitation of reactive species for superior photocatalytic action in visible-light have been discussed. It is projected that the CeO2/PbWO4 NCs could be used as effective photocatalysts for promising applications for environmental wastewater refinement.
Pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT): what we learned after a 3-year experience in the pediatric population
Authors: Esposito Ciro , Montaruli Ernesto , Autorino Giuseppe , Mendoza-Sagaon Mario , Escolino Maria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper aimed to report a multi-institutional 3-year experience with pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT) and describe tips and tricks of the technique. We retrospectively reviewed all patients < 18 years, with primary or recurrent pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), undergoing PEPSiT in the period 2017–2020. All patients received pre-operative laser therapy, PEPSiT and post-operative dressing and laser therapy. Success rate, healing rate/time, post-operative management, short- and long-term outcome and patient satisfaction were assessed. A total of 152 patients (98 boys) were included. Median patient’s age was 17.1 years. Fifteen/152 patients (9.8%) presented a recurrent PSD. All patients resumed full daily activities 1 day after surgery. The post-operative course was painless in 100% of patients (median VAS pain score < 2/10). Patient satisfaction was excellent (median score 4.8). The median follow-up was 12.8 months (range 1–36). Complete healing in 8 weeks was achieved in 145/152 (95.4%) and the median healing time was 24.6 days (range 16–31). We reported post-operatively immediate Clavien grade 2 complications (3 oedema, 2 burns) in 5/152 (3.3%) and delayed Clavien grade 2 complications (3 granulomas, 8 wound infections) in 11/152 (7.2%). Disease recurrence occurred in 7/152 (4.6%), who were re-operated using PEPSiT. PEPSiT should be considered the standard of care for surgical treatment of PSD in children and teenagers. PEPSiT is technically easy, with short and painless post-operative course and low recurrence rate (4.6%). Standardized treatment protocol, correct patient enrollment and information, and intensive follow-up are key points for the success of the procedure.
Anomalous Laterally Stressed Kinetically Trapped DNA Surface Conformations
Authors: Prokhorov Valery V. , Barinov Nikolay A. , Prusakov Kirill A. , Dubrovin Evgeniy V. , Frank-Kamenetskii Maxim D. , Klinov Dmitry V. 
Published: May 2021

Highlights

DNA kinking is inevitable for the highly anisotropic 1D–1D electrostatic interaction with the one-dimensionally periodically charged surface.

The double helical structure of the DNA kinetically trapped on positively charged monomolecular films comprising the lamellar templates is strongly laterally stressed and extremely perturbed at the nanometer scale.

The DNA kinetic trapping is not a smooth 3D—> 2D conformational flattening but is a complex nonlinear in-plane mechanical response (bending, tensile and unzipping) driven by the physics beyond the scope of the applicability of the linear worm-like chain approximation.

Abstract
Up to now, the DNA molecule adsorbed on a surface was believed to always preserve its native structure. This belief implies a negligible contribution of lateral surface forces during and after DNA adsorption although their impact has never been elucidated. High-resolution atomic force microscopy was used to observe that stiff DNA molecules kinetically trapped on monomolecular films comprising one-dimensional periodically charged lamellar templates as a single layer or as a sublayer are oversaturated by sharp discontinuous kinks and can also be locally melted and supercoiled. We argue that kink/anti-kink pairs are induced by an overcritical lateral bending stress (> 30 pNnm) inevitable for the highly anisotropic 1D-1D electrostatic interaction of DNA and underlying rows of positive surface charges. In addition, the unexpected kink-inducing mechanical instability in the shape of the template-directed DNA confined between the positively charged lamellar sides is observed indicating the strong impact of helicity. The previously reported anomalously low values of the persistence length of the surface-adsorbed DNA are explained by the impact of the surface-induced low-scale bending. The sites of the local melting and supercoiling are convincingly introduced as other lateral stress-induced structural DNA anomalies by establishing a link with DNA high-force mechanics. The results open up the study in the completely unexplored area of the principally anomalous kinetically trapped DNA surface conformations in which the DNA local mechanical response to the surface-induced spatially modulated lateral electrostatic stress is essentially nonlinear. The underlying rich and complex in-plane nonlinear physics acts at the nanoscale beyond the scope of applicability of the worm-like chain approximation.
Enhancement of photocatalytic by Mn3O4 spinel ferrite decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Imboon Tanawat , Khumphon Jeerawan , Yotkuna Khrongkhwan , Tang I-Ming , Thongmee Sirikanjana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe hydrothermal process was used to prepare Mn3O4/x%GO nanocomposites (NC’s) having different ratios of the Mn3O4nanoparticles (NP’s) on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) sheet. SEM image showed that the Mn3O4NP’s were distributed over the surface of GO sheet. HRTEM images exhibited the lattice fringe arising from the (101) plane of the Mn3O4NP’s having the interplanar d-spacing of 0.49 nm decorating on the surface of GO. The electronic absorption spectra of Mn3O4/x%GO NC’s also show broad bands from 250 to 550 nm. These bands arise from the d–d crystal field transitions of the tetrahedral Mn3+species and indicate a distortion in the crystal structure. Photo-catalytic activity of spinel ferrite Mn3O4NP’s by themselves was low but photo-catalytic activity is enhanced when the NP’s are decorating the GO sheet. Moreover, the Mn3O4/10%GO NC’s showed the best photo-catalytic activity. This result comes from the formation of Mn–O–C bond that confirm by FT-IR. This bond would facilitate the transfer of the photoelectrons from the surfaces of the NP’s to the GO sheets. PL emission which is in the violet–red luminescent region shows the creation of defects in the fabricated Mn3O4NP’s nanostructures. These defects create the defect states to which electrons in the VB can be excited to when the CB. The best degradation efficiency was achieved by the Mn3O4NP’s when they were used to decorate the GO sheets in the Mn3O4/10%GO NC’s solution.HighlightsLattice fringe of Mn3O4 with an interplanar d-spacing of 0.49 nm for (101) plane.Photocatalytic activity of spinel ferrite Mn3O4 nanoparticles by itself is low.Number of photoelectrons created depends on number of Mn3O4 on a given area of GOThe bonding of the Mn3O4 to the GO sheet would be though a Mn–O–C junction.The degradation processes were accelerated by Mn3O4/10%GO nanocompositesGraphic abstract
Mechanical properties of plasma polymer films: a review
Authors: Carneiro de Oliveira Jamerson , Airoudj Aissam , Kunemann Philippe , Bally-Le Gall Florence , Roucoules Vincent 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Plasma polymers are micro-, or more commonly, nano-sized coatings that can be deposited on a variety of substrates through different approaches. The versatility of these polymers is incremented by the possibility to use other precursors than conventional polymerization reactions and by potential changes in the polymerization mechanisms according to the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of the plasma. That flexibility offers a fruitful ground to a great range of scientific and engineering fields, but it also brings many challenges for universalization of empirical observations. In this review, the use of different precursors, substrates and changes in plasma external parameters were evaluated as common, but not necessarily ideal nor exhaustive, variables for the analysis of mechanical properties of plasma polymer films. The commonly reported trends are complemented with the exceptions, and a variety of hypothesis drawn by the empirical observations are shown. The techniques and methods used for determining the mechanical properties of plasma polymers, the effect of post-treatments on them and some applications are evaluated. Finally, a general conclusion highlighting the challenges of the field is provided.

Article highlights

The mechanical properties of plasma polymers are evaluated as a function of selected parameters.

The techniques of characterization of mechanical properties of plasma polymers are summarized.

A discussion of future and current demands for the analysis of mechanical properties of plasma polymers is done.
AI-based soft-sensor for shelf life prediction of ‘Kesar’ mango
Authors: Dutta Jayita , Deshpande Parijat , Rai Beena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper presents prediction of shelf-life of ‘Kesar’ cultivar of mangoes stored under specified conditions based on their respiration rate and ripeness levels. A deep-CNN was fine-tuned on 1524 image data of mangoes stored under different conditions to classify the ripeness levels of mangoes as ‘unripe’, ‘early-ripe’, ‘partially-ripe’ and ‘ideally-ripe’. CO2 respiration rate (RRCO2) was further calculated using principle of enzyme kinetics to establish a correlation between RRCO2 and ripeness levels. A Support Vector Regression model was employed to predict the shelf life and ripeness levels of mangoes under different storage conditions, thereby creating an AI based soft-sensor. The developed methodology can be used for other climacteric fruits besides mangoes. This solution can be used by producers and distributors for post-harvest handling of climacteric fruits like mango. It will also aid retailers in taking dynamic decisions with respect to pricing, logistics and storage conditions to be maintained to get the desired ripening rate, thus, contributing to reduction of wastage of fruits and subsequent economic losses.Article highlights

Variation in CO2 respiration rate of ‘Kesar’ mangoes over different maturity stages were observed under different supply chain scenarios simulated in lab environment

AI models were developed based on respiration rate and ripeness levels for prediction of shelf life of mangoes under different supply chain scenarios.

These models once deployed helps all stake holders in fruit supply chain to take dynamic decisions such as repricing, recycling and repurposing based on the predicted shelf life thus minimizing wastage and maximizing profit.
Shedding light on the role of CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia
Authors: Chamera Katarzyna , Szuster-Głuszczak Magdalena , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSchizophrenia has a complex and heterogeneous molecular and clinical picture. Over the years of research on this disease, many factors have been suggested to contribute to its pathogenesis. Recently, the inflammatory processes have gained particular interest in the context of schizophrenia due to the increasing evidence from epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies. Within the immunological component, special attention has been brought to chemokines and their receptors. Among them, CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), which belongs to the family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, and its cognate ligand (CX3CL1) constitute a unique system in the central nervous system. In the view of regulation of the brain homeostasis through immune response, as well as control of microglia reactivity, the CX3CL1–CX3CR1 system may represent an attractive target for further research and schizophrenia treatment. In the review, we described the general characteristics of the CX3CL1–CX3CR1 axis and the involvement of this signaling pathway in the physiological processes whose disruptions are reported to participate in mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. Furthermore, based on the available clinical and experimental data, we presented a guide to understanding the implication of the CX3CL1–CX3CR1 dysfunctions in the course of schizophrenia.
Effects of Local Administration of Tranexamic Acid on Reducing Postoperative Blood Loss in Surgeries for Closed, Sanders III–IV Calcaneal Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhong Lang , Liu Yu , Wang Yongcai , Wang Hongchuan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate whether local administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in postoperative blood loss reduction in surgeries for Sanders III–IV calcaneal fractures.

Methods
Calcaneal fracture patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from August 2014 to April 2018 and underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) via lateral approach with an L-shaped incision were included in the present study. 53 Patients were randomly divided into three groups, groups A (17), B (17) and C (19). Twenty milliliters of 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml TXA solution were perfused into the incision of patients in group A and group B, respectively. Twenty milliliters of saline were perfused into the incision of patients in group C as control. The volume of postoperative drainage, postoperative blood test, coagulation test, and wound complications were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of local administration of TXA on blood loss reduction.

Results
The amount of drainage at 24 and 48 h after the procedure was 110 ± 170, 30 ± 10 ml and 130 ± 160, 20 ± 17 ml for patients in group A and group B, respectively. The corresponding numbers for patients in group C were 360 ± 320, 20 ± 10 ml. The difference between group A and group C was statistically significant, so was the difference between group B and group C. No statistically significant difference was found between group A and group B. Postoperative blood test results revealed that the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly higher in group A and group B when each compared to that of group C. In contrast, no difference was found between group A and group B. No significant difference was found between each experimental group and the control group in terms of platelet counts, prothrombin time (P.T.), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), and wound complications.

Conclusion
Local administration of TXA is effective in the reduction of postoperative blood loss in surgeries for Sanders III–IV types of calcaneal fractures without notably associated side effects.