bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of cranial cruciate ligament injuries in dogs using a combination of tibial tuberosity advancement procedure and autologous mesenchymal stem cells/multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells – A pilot study
Authors: Koprivec Saša , Novak Marko , Bernik Stanislav , Voga Metka , Mohorič Luka , Majdič Gregor 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the present pilot study, we evaluated different supplemental therapies using autologous multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament defects in dogs. We used tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and augmented it by supportive therapy with MMSCs in three patient groups. In the first patient group, the dogs were injected with MMSCs directly into the treated stifle one month after surgery. In the second group, MMSCs were delivered in a silk fibroin scaffold which was placed in the osteotomy gap during surgery. In the third group, MMSCs were first mixed with bone tissue and blood from the patient and delivered into the osteotomy gap during surgery. In the control group, patients underwent the TTA procedure but did not receive MMSC treatment. In the group of patients who received cells in the silk fibroin scaffold during surgery, the osteotomy gap did not heal, presumably due to the low absorption of silk fibroin. Patients who received MMSCs mixed with bone tissue and blood during surgery into the osteotomy gap recovered clinically faster and had better healing of the osteotomy gap than dogs from the other two treated groups and from the control group, as assessed by clinical examination and quantification of radiographs. In conclusion, dogs that received stem cells directly into the osteotomy gap (Group 3) recovered faster compared to dogs from Groups 1 (MMSCs injected into the joint one month after surgery), 2 (cells implanted into the osteotomy gap in a silk fibroin scaffold), and the control group that did not receive additional MMSCs treatment.
Influence of fiber alignment on pseudoductility and microcracking in a cementitious carbon fiber composite material
Authors: Rutzen Matthias , Lauff Philipp , Niedermeier Roland , Fischer Oliver , Raith Manuel , Grosse Christian U. , Weiss Ursula , Peter Malte A. , Volkmer Dirk 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis research examines the effect of fiber alignment on the performance of an exceptionally tough 3D-printable short carbon fiber reinforced cementitious composite material, the flexural strength of which can exceed 100 N/mm2. The material shows pseudoductility caused by strain-hardening and microcracking. An extrusion-based manufacturing process allows accurate control over the spatial alignment of the fibers’ orientation, since extrusion through a tight nozzle leads to nearly unidirectional alignment of the fibers with respect to the directional movement of the nozzle. Specimens were investigated using mechanical tests (flexural and tensile load), augmented by non-destructive methods such as X-ray 3D computed tomography and acoustic emission analysis to gain insight into the microstructure. Additionally, digital image correlation is used to visualize the microcracking process. X-ray CT confirms that about 70% of fibers show less than 10° deviation from the extrusion direction. Systematic variations of the fiber alignment with respect to the direction of tensile load show that carbon fibers enhance the flexural strength of the test specimens as long as their alignment angle does not deviate by more than 20° from the direction of the acting tensile stress. Acoustic emission analysis is capable of evaluating the spatiotemporal degradation behavior during loading and shows consistent results with the microstructural damage observed in CT scans. The strong connection of fiber alignment and flexural strength ties into a change from ductile to brittle failure caused by degradation on a microstructural level, as seen by complementary results acquired from the aforementioned methods of investigation.
Real-Time Prediction of Mud Motor Failure Using Surface Sensor Data Features and Trends
Authors: Lawal Tesleem , Ashok Pradeepkumar , van Oort Eric , Zheng Dandan , Isbell Matthew 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Mud motor failure is a significant contributor to non-productive time in lower-cost land drilling operations, e.g. in North America. Typically, motor failure prevention methodologies range from re-designing or performing sophisticated analytical modeling of the motor power section, to modeling motor performance using high-frequency downhole measurements. In this paper, we present data analytics methods to detect and predict motor failures ahead of time using primarily surface drilling measurements.
We studied critical drilling and non-drilling events as applicable to motor failure. The impacts of mud motor stalls and drill-off times were investigated during on-bottom drilling. For the off-bottom analysis, the impact of variations in connection practices (pick up practices, time spent backreaming, and time spent exposing the tools to damaging vibrations) was investigated. The relative importance of the various features found to be relevant was calculated and incorporated into a real-time mud motor damage index.
A historical drilling dataset, consisting of surface data collected from 45 motor runs in lateral hole sections of unconventional shale wells drilled in early to mid-2019, was used in this study. These motor runs contained a mix of failure and non-failure cases. The model was found to accurately predict motor failure due to motor wear and tear. Generally, the higher the magnitude of the impact stalls experienced by the mud motor, the greater the probability of eventual failure. Variations in connection practices were found not to be a major wear-and-tear factor. However, it was found that connection practices varied significantly and were often driller-dependent.
The overall result shows that simple surface drilling parameters can be used to predict mud motor failure. Hence, the value derived from surface sensor information for mud motor management can be maximized without the need to run more costly downhole sensors. In addition to this cost optimization, drillers can now monitor motor degradation in real-time using the new mud motor index described here.
Effect of metal decoration on sulfur-based gas molecules adsorption on phosphorene
Authors: Wang Yonghu , Lei Shuangying , Gao Ran , Sun Xiaolong , Chen Jie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Using the first-principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT), we systematically studied the adsorption of sulfur-based gas molecules (H2S, SO2, SO3) on various metal-decorated phosphorenes. To avoid the formation of metal clusters on the surface of phosphorene, eleven metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ni, La, Tl) with bulk cohesive energy less than the binding energy on the phosphorene are considered. Except for H2S on Tl-decorated phosphorene, all metal decorations can improve the adsorption strength of phosphorene to sulfur-based gas molecules, and Eads(H2S) < Eads(SO2) < Eads(SO3) for the same metal decoration case. In addition, some metal-decorated phosphorene systems exhibit interesting magnetic and electrical changes after sulfur-based gas molecule adsorptions, indicating that these metal-decorated phosphorene systems are promising to be used for the detection and removal of sulfur-based gas molecules.
Disparity in health-related quality of life between kidney transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients, and related implications for physical rehabilitation: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarhan Adnan L , Jarareh Raya H , Shraim Mujahed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important indicator of medical treatment and is a strong predictor of disability and mortality. The literature has shown mixed evidence about whether kidney transplantation improves HRQOL compared with other renal replacement modalities. The aim of this study was to compare the HRQOL in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and hemodialysis (HD) patients.
Methods

A cross-sectional study of 100 KTRs and 272 HD patients from two central kidney units in West Bank, Palestine. The HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate differences in mean HRQOL scores between KTRs and HD patients.
Results

After accounting for sociodemographic variables, KTRs had higher clinically important differences than HD patients in HRQOL mean scores in role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, mental health, physical and mental component summaries ranging from 15.5 points for social functioning (95% CI 10.1, 20.7) to 34.3 points for general health (95% CI 28.7, 39.9). However, unexpectedly, KTRs had significantly lower HRQOL physical functioning than HD patients by 24.5 points (95% CI 18.7, 29.9).
Conclusions

Kidney transplantation is associated with important improvements in most aspects of HRQOL but also with noticeably poor physical functioning. HRQOL among KTRs should be routinely measured and closely monitored in clinical settings. KTRs should be encouraged to participate in individually tailored physical exercise programs. Identification and elimination of barriers to physical functioning may improve HRQOL and prevent premature mortality among KTRs.
Analysis of a Mass-Spring-Relay System With Periodic Forcing
Authors: Lelkes János , KALMÁR-NAGY Tamás 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The dynamics of a hysteretic relay oscillator with harmonic forcing is investigated. Periodic excitation of the system results in periodic, quasi-periodic, chaotic and unbounded behavior. A Poincare map is constructed to simplify the mathematical analysis. The stability of the xed points of the Poincare map corresponding to period-one solutions is investigated. By varying the forcing parameters, we observed a saddle-center and a pitchfork bifurcation of two centers and a saddle type xed point. The global dynamics of the system is investigated, showing discontinuity induced bifurcations of the xed points.
Shell Crystallization in Granular Hopper Flow
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Lin Ping , Wang Mengke , Wan Jiang-Feng , Peng Yi , Yang Lei , Hou Meiying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An interesting phenomenon that a layer of crystallized shell formed at the container wall during hopper flow is observed experimentally and is investigated in DEM simulation. Different from shear or vibration driven granular crystallization, our simulation shows during the hopper flow the shell layer is formed spontaneously from the stagnant zone at the base and grows at a constant rate to the top with no external drive. The growth rate of the shell is found linearly proportional to the rate of the hopper flow. This shell is static and served as a new wall, which changes the flow profiles and its stress properties, and in turn guarantees a constant flow rate.
Inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to the epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by sodium oxalate in canine renal epithelial cells
Authors: Ji Yun , Fang Shuting , Yang Ying , Wu Zhenlong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Nephrolithiasis (also known as renal stones) is a common disease condition in companion animals, including dogs and cats. Dysfunction of renal tubular epithelial cells involves in the pathogenesis of renal stones. However, a functional role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its contribution to nephrolithiasis remains unknown.
Results

In the present study, we found that Mardin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells treated with sodium oxalate resulted in reduced cell proliferation and migration, which was associated with the G0/G1 phase arrest of cell cycle progression. In addition, sodium oxalate exposure led to decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and increased paracellular permeability. The deleterious effect of sodium oxalate on epithelial barrier function was related to decreased protein abundances of claudin-1, occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2 and ZO-3. Of note, protein levels of p-β-catenin (Ser552) in MDCK cells were repressed by sodium oxalate, indicating an inhibitory effect on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Intriguingly, SB216763, a GSK-3β inhibitor, enhanced the expression p-β-catenin (Ser552), and protected against epithelial barrier dysfunction in sodium oxalate-treated MDCK cells.
Conclusion

Taken together, our results revealed a critical role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on the epithelial barrier function of MDCK cells. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling might be an potentially therapeutic target for the treatment of renal stones in animals.
A new Plasmodium falciparum field isolate from Benin in continuous culture: Infectivity of fresh-produced and cryopreserved gametocytes to Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Medjigbodo Adandé A. , Acquah Festus K. , Djossou Laurette , Amoah Linda E. , Ouendo Edgard-Marius , Weetman David , Donnelly Martin J. , Djogbenou Luc S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Transmission-blocking vaccines and drugs are likely to be key interventions in efforts to achieve malaria elimination. However, transmission-blocking studies are reliant upon a limited number of culture-adapted strains of Plasmodium falciparum with limited genetic variability, or on field isolates which are only maintained transiently in the laboratory and therefore not amenable to replication studies. Herein, we investigated the gametocytogenesis capacity and infectivity to Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes of a P. falciparum field isolate collected from a malaria patient from Benin compared to those of NF54 strain. The intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC) was similar in both P. falciparum strains (ranges of parasitaemias were respectively 0.02–11.53% and 0.035–10.5% throughout twelve days of culture). The culture-adapted parasites displayed a significant higher infectivity to An. gambiae compared to that of NF54 (mean oocyst prevalence and intensity: 16.94%, CI95%= [15.15–18.73] vs. 3.13%, CI95%= [2.30–3.96], p < 0.0001 and 3 vs. 1 oocysts/infected mosquito, p = 0.002 respectively). Even after cryopreservation for up to 14 days, gametocytes from the field isolates were capable of infecting An. gambiae mosquitoes at a prevalence of up to 30% with an average of 12 oocysts/ midgut. This new P. falciparum strain will enhance malaria transmission-blocking studies in endemic countries.
The effect of SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met expression in ESCC on prognosis
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Chao , Li Mengyan , Abulajiang Gulinaer , Wang Hui , Su Liping , Liu Wenying , Xu Shanshan , Zhang Wenjing , Ma Yuqing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aim: We mainly explored the expression of SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their influence on the prognosis of patients.Methods：Expressions of SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met protein in a sample of 232 ESCC and adjacent nontumorous tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Their relationships and correlations with clinicopathological features and clinical prognosis were analyzed by SPSS 23.0.Results：SOX17 was associated with Vascular invasion (p=0.017) and Nerve invasion (p=0.014). MACC1 was correlated with Tumor size (p=0.039) and TNM stage (p=0.020).c-Met was significantly associated with hematogenous metastasis (p=0.045). The expression of MACC1 was correlated with c-Met (P<0.001). c-Met expression(p=0.021) were associated with OS. Conclusion: SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met may be new diagnostic targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. c-Met may be a new therapeutic and prognostic target.
Use of WhatsApp®, a Simple and Widely Distributed Social Media, for Distance Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience and Perception from a Sub-Saharan African Setting
Authors: Enyama Dominique , Balti Eric Vounsia , Njonnou Sylvain Raoul Simeni , Ouankou Christian Ngongang , Lekpa Fernando Kemta , Njinkui Diomede Noukeu , Fouogue Jovanny Tsuala , Kouam Jeanne Mayouego , Njateng Guy Sedar Singor , Kenfack Bruno , Watcho Pierre , Choukem Simeon Pierre 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, to palliate to the lockdown and cover academic programs, the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Dschang (FMPS-UDs) in Cameroon has implemented e-learning using WhatsApp®. We aimed to describe the opinion of students and lecturers about it after its implementation at the FMPS-UDs.Methods: We designed a uniform scheme to teach using WhatsApp® during the university lock-down, and both the students and the teaching staff of the FMPS-UDs received clear information on the implementation. At the end of the online-teaching period of two and a half months prior to the reopening of the university, we surveyed our students and teaching staff. Sociodemographic characteristics and opinions about e-learning were collected using a standard questionnaire. Results: We enrolled 229 students and 40 lecturers of the FMPS-UDs. Students reported a poorer internet connection (p<0.001, p-homogeneity< 0.001) despite an increased expenditure related to internet use. Electronic devices were broadly used before the implementation of mobile learning. The use of course materials was more challenging among students because of the size/format of lecture notes and the internet connection/cost (all p<0.05). Perception of discipline compared to classroom-based lessons was similar in students and lecturers (all p>0.05). While lecturers were mainly [n(%)=16(40%)] more comfortable conveying the contents of their lectures, students tended to be less prone to actively participate [n(%)=137(59.8%)]. The motivation and satisfaction of the latter group toward e-learning were modest compared to classroom-based lectures while their feedback about the organization was positive. Conclusion: E-learning using WhatsApp® could be an effective alternative to conventional classroom-based lessons in SSA. The use of a blended-learning program including classroom-based sessions could help improve its limitations.
Determinants of China's Health Expenditure Growth: Based on Baumol’s Cost Disease Theory
Authors: Wang Linan , Chen Yuqian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background During the past four decades, China's total health expenditure and health expenditure per capita have both experienced a dramatically increase in growth rate. It is essential to understand the driven force of this growth with the new economic context. This study aims to explore the determinants of health expenditure growth and the influencing mechanism of these determinants, with considering the productivity efficiency represented by Baumol's cost disease. Methods Based on the longitudinal data of 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China, from 2010 to 2017, multi-variates regression models were constructed to assess the determinants, including demography, income, Baumol's cost disease, technology, their effects on per capital total health expenditure growth and the three financing sources: government, society and out-of-pocket health expenditure. Moreover, the Spatial Durbin Model was used to analyze the influence mechanism of each factor on the increase of health expenditure across provinces.Results Among 210 province-year observations, all of the average growth rate of total health expenditure (12.78%) was much higher than the growth rate of per capita real GDP (8.06%). According to the statistical analysis, we found that:(1) Income and Baumol’s cost disease have significant positive impact on health expenditure growth(P<0.01). The impact of technical factors on government health expenditure is significantly positive. (2) The determinants affected the growth of health costs in different regions variably, the eastern region is mainly driven by Baumol's cost disease and technical factors, while the central and western regions are mainly affected by income factors and Baumol's cost disease. (3) There is a significant spatial spillover effect on the health expenditure growth between regions. The income factor and Baumol’s cost disease have a positive impact on the health expenditure growth in its own region as well as in other regions.Conclusions Income and Baumol's cost disease significantly contributed to China health expenditure increase growth. The health expenditure determinants showed spatial varies effect and space spillover effect on the neighborhood areas. Which indicates that a reasonable salary system should be contrasted to meet the changeling from the Baumol's cost disease, and the necessary of equity in health resource allocation among provinces in China.
Culture Systems of Isolated Pancreatic Islets with Extracellular Matrix Biomimetics as Tissue-Engineered Constructs of the Pancreas
Authors: Sevastianov Victor I , Baranova Natalia V , Kirsanova Lyudmila A , Ponomareva Anna S , Nemets Eugene A , Gautier Sergey V 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The creation of a tissue-engineered structure of the pancreas based on isolated pancreatic islets is hindered by problems associated with maintaining their viability and insulin-producing function. Both biopolymer and tissue-specific scaffolds can contribute to the preservation of the structure and function of pancreatic islets in vitro and in vivo. Comparative morphofunctional analysis in vitro of two different types of tissue-engineered structures of the pancreas, which represent culture systems of isolated islets with biomimetics of an extracellular matrix - a biopolymer collagen-containing scaffold and a tissue-specific scaffold obtained as a result of pancreatic decellularization, - was performed. The results showed that the use of scaffolds in the creation of a tissue-engineered design of the pancreas contributes not only to the preservation of the viability of the islets, but also to the prolongation of their insulin-producing functions, compared to the monoculture of the islets in vitro. A significant increase was found in the basal and stimulated (under glucose load) insulin concentrations in the tissue of engineered structures studied, at the same time the advantage of using a tissue-specific scaffold compared to a biopolymer collagen-containing scaffold was shown. We think that these studies will become a platform for creating a tissue-engineered design of the human pancreas for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Health technology assessment in low- and middle-income countries: a case study of trastuzumab for early and locally advanced HER-2 positive breast cancer in Tunisia
Authors: Dequen-O'Byrne Pascale , Sculpher Mark , Hawkins Neil , Thompson Juliette C , Abrams Keith R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The role of health technology assessment (HTA) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has become increasingly important in order to inform resource allocation and wider health policy decision-making. Using the case study of Tunisia’s first published HTA on trastuzumab in early and locally advanced HER2 positive breast cancer, we aim to evaluate how the key principles and elements of HTA might be applied in the assessment of health interventions undertaken by emerging HTA agencies in LMICs, in light of likely capacity and resource constraints. We critically evaluate the Tunisian HTA in the context of widely cited ‘best practice’ guidelines to determine how the assessment conducted by the Tunisian National Authority for Assessment and Accreditation in Healthcare aligns with recommended HTA methods. We find the Tunisian trastuzumab HTA to be an encouraging example of the ability of a newly established agency to conduct a transparent and scientifically rigorous evidence driven assessment. We draw on lessons learned in other countries and present a number of ongoing research and policy initiatives to promote the implementation of HTA, given resource constraints; in order to formulate recommendations for future HTA practice in Tunisia and LMICs, respectively. We discuss the sharing of evidence and resources and the potential of stakeholder engagement in building and strengthening HTA capacity worldwide.