bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levosimendan as a therapeutic strategy to prevent neuroinflammation after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Authors: Wanderer Stefan , Andereggen Lukas , Mrosek Jan , Kashefiolasl Sepide , Schubert Gerrit Alexander , Marbacher Serge , Konczalla Jürgen 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPoor patient outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occur due to a multifactorial process, mainly involving cerebral inflammation (CI), delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS), and delayed cerebral ischemia, followed by neurodegeneration. CI is mainly triggered by enhanced synthesis of serotonin (5-HT), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2a), and cytokines such as interleukins. Levosimendan (LV), a calcium-channel sensitizer, has already displayed anti-inflammatory effects in patients with severe heart failure. Therefore, we wanted to elucidate its potential anti-inflammatory role on the cerebral vasculature after SAH.MethodsExperimental SAH was induced by using an experimental double-hemorrhage model. Sprague Dawley rats were harvested on day 3 and day 5 after the ictus. The basilar artery was used for isometric investigations of the muscular media tone. Vessel segments were either preincubated with LV or without, with precontraction performed with 5-HT or PGF2a followed by application of acetylcholine (ACh) or LV.ResultsAfter preincubation with LV 10−4M and 5-HT precontraction, ACh triggered a strong vasorelaxation in sham segments (LV 10−4M, Emax65%; LV 10−5M, Emax48%; no LV, Emax53%). Interestingly, SAH D3 (LV 10−4, Emax76%) and D5 (LV 10−4, Emax79%) segments showed greater vasorelaxation compared with sham. An LV series after PGF2a precontraction showed significantly enhanced relaxation in the sham (P=0.004) and SAH groups (P=0.0008) compared with solvent control vessels.ConclusionsLV application after SAH seems to beneficially influence DCVS by antagonizing 5-HT- and PGF2a-triggered vasoconstriction. Considering this spasmolytic effect, LV might have a role in the treatment of SAH, additionally in selected patients suffering takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Effects and safety of aspirin use in patients after cerebrovascular bypass procedures
Authors: Lu Junlin , Shi Guangchao , Zhao Yuanli , Wang Rong , Zhang Dong , Chen Xiaolin , Wang Hao , Zhao Ji Zong 
Published: May 2021

ObjectSuperficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass is the most effective treatment for Moyamoya disease (MMD). In this study, we aimed to assess whether aspirin improves STA-MCA bypass patency and is safe in patients with MMD.MethodsWe performed a retrospective medical record review of patients with ischaemic-onset MMD who had undergone STA-MCA bypass at two hospitals between January 2011 and August 2018, to clarify the effects and safety of aspirin following STA-MCA bypass. The neurological status at the last follow-up (FU) was compared between patients with FU bypass patency and occlusion.ResultsAmong 217 identified patients (238 hemispheres), the mean age was 41.4±10.2 years, and 51.8% were male; the indications for STA-MCA bypass were stroke (48.2%), followed by a transient ischaemic attack (44.0%). Immediate bypass patency was confirmed in all cases. During the FU period (1.5±1.5 y), 15 cases were occluded at FU imaging, resulting in an overall cumulative patency rate of 94%. The patency rates were 93% and 94% in the short-term FU group (n=131, mean FU time 0.5±0.2 years) and long-term FU group (n=107, mean FU time 4.1±3.5 years), respectively. The STA-MCA bypass patency rate in the aspirin group was higher than that in the non-aspirin group (98.7% vs 89.7%; HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.106 to 2.235; p=0.012). No significant difference in the FU haemorrhagic events was observed between the aspirin and non-aspirin groups.ConclusionsAmong adult patients with ischaemic-onset MMD undergoing STA-MCA bypass procedures, aspirin might increase the bypass patency rate, without increasing the bleeding risk. FU bypass patency may be associated with a better outcome. Additional studies, especially carefully designed prospective studies, are needed to address the role of aspirin after bypass procedures.
Scalaron–Higgs inflation reloaded: Higgs-dependent scalaron mass and primordial black hole dark matter
Authors: Gundhi Anirudh , Steinwachs Christian F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe propose an extension of the scalaron-Higgs model by a non-minimal coupling of the Standard Model Higgs boson to the quadratic Ricci scalar resulting in a Higgs-dependent scalaron mass. The model predicts a successful stage of effective single-field Starobinsky inflation. It features a multi-field amplification mechanism leading to a peak in the inflationary power spectrum at small wavelengths which enhances the production of primordial black holes. The extended scalaron-Higgs model unifies inflationary cosmology with elementary particle physics and explains the origin of cold dark matter in terms of primordial black holes without assuming any new particles.
The Lorentz-violating real scalar field at thermal equilibrium
Authors: Aguirre A. R. , Flores-Hidalgo G. , Rana R. G. , Souza E. S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper we study Lorentz-violation (LV) effects on the thermodynamics properties of a real scalar field theory due to the presence of a constant background tensor field. In particular, we analyse and compute explicitly the deviations of the internal energy, pressure, and entropy of the system at thermal equilibrium due to the LV contributions. For the free massless scalar field we obtain exact results, whereas for the massive case we perform approximated calculations. Finally, we consider the self interacting $$\phi ^4$$

ϕ
4

theory, and perform perturbative expansions in the coupling constant for obtaining relevant thermodynamics quantities.
Effect of deposition temperature on the properties of F and Ti co-doped zinc oxide films
Authors: Zeng Wenli , Chiu Yen-Lin , Wang Fang-Hsing , Tseng Hsien-Wei , Yang Cheng-Fu 
Published: May 2021

ZnO + 1.5 wt.% TiO2 powder is calcined at [Formula: see text] and sintered at [Formula: see text] to prepare the Ti-doped ZnO ceramic target, and RF sputtering is used to deposit F and Ti co-doped ZnO (FTZO) films by introducing Ar + CF4 mixing gas (CF4 flow rate is 0.2%) into the deposition chamber. The deposition temperature is changed from room temperature to [Formula: see text], and the thicknesses of all deposited FTZO films are controlled at about 320 nm. After FTZO films are deposited, X-ray diffraction pattern is used to analyze their crystalline properties, field-effect scanning electron microscope is used to observe their surface morphologies and confirm their thicknesses. n&k analyzer is used to measure the transmittance spectra in the wavelength range of 300–1100 nm and we find that the absorption edge of FTZO films is shifted to lower wavelength as the deposition temperature increases. The optical energy band gap of FTZO films is calculated using the transmittance spectra and the electrical properties of FTZO films are measured using a Hall equipment. Finally, secondary-ion mass spectrometry is used to analyze the C, O, F, Si and Ti elements with different deposition temperatures for confirming the existence and distribution of [Formula: see text] ions and non-existence of C element.
Assessing the level of relatedness of civic education and government as a school subject: A threat to class attendance
Authors: Bolanle Bello, Muhinat 
Published: May 2021

Senior Secondary Students' inability to draw a significant difference between these school subjects, which lead to their ceaseless absence in the class is a critical issue that calls for an investigation. This research examined teachers' and student’s assessment of the level of relatedness of Civic education and Government as a school subject in Kwara State. A correlational form of a survey was adopted, civic education and government teachers and students in the senior schools in the three Senatorial districts were the populations. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 63 Government and Civic education teachers and 606 students. A questionnaire with content validity and a reliability index of 0.87 and 0.76 respectively was used for eliciting the data. The analyses were done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the two-school subject was very related in all ramifications, with a pass in one leading to a pass in the other. It was recommended that the curriculum planner should collapse the curriculum and contents of the two subjects into one rather than overburden the school timetable.
Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) of southern India: current knowledge on distribution and systematic checklist
Authors: Ranjith M. , Kalleshwaraswamy C.M. 
Published: May 2021

A checklist of termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) of southern India with their distribution is presented in this paper. In total, 132 species from five families are listed, of which Termitidae Latreille, 1802 is the dominant family comprising 101 species from 27 genera and four subfamilies. The recent additions of species to the regional termite diversity are Krishnacapritermes dineshan Amina & Rajmohana, 2020, K. manikandan Amina & Rajmohana, 2020, and Pseudocapritermes kunjepu Mathew, 2020. Out of 132 species recorded from southern India, 60 species and five genera are endemic to the region, and the subfamily Termitinae Latreille, 1802 accounts for maximum endemism.
Regimes of Diplomacy and Law: Bengal-China Encounters in the Early Fifteenth Century
Authors: Kooria Mahmood 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article examines the Bengal–China connections between the Ilyās Shāhī and Ming dynasties in the early fifteenth century across the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea. It traces how law played a central role in the cultural geography and diplomatic vocabulary between individuals and communities in foreign lands, with their shared understanding of two nodal points of law. Diplomatic missions explicate how customary, regional and transregional laws were entangled in inter-imperial etiquette. Then there were the religious orders of Islam that constituted an inner circle of imperial exchanges. Between the Ilyās Shāhī rule in Bengal and the Ming Empire in China, certain dimensions of Islamic law provided a common language for the circulation of people and ideas. Stretching between cities and across oceans the interpolity legal exchanges expose interesting aspects of the histories of China and Bengal.
lārešet ʾet hāʾāreṣ—“To Possess the Land, to Enjoy Possession of the Land”: A Lexicographic Proposal and Its Theological Ramifications
Authors: Krause Joachim J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The basic meaning of the Hebrew verb ירשׁ qal with a non-personal direct object is “to take something into possession,” be it by violence or in another way. This holds also for the phrase לרשׁת את הארץ (“to take possession of the land”). However, complementing this ingressive basic meaning, one should also reckon with a progressive second meaning (Nebenbedeutung), namely “to possess the land, to enjoy possession of the land.” In the present article, this lexicographic proposal is substantiated by examples from across the Hebrew Bible in which an ingressive understanding apparently does not reflect the original intent, calling instead for a progressive understanding. These examples include Ezek 33:23–29; Psalm 37, and Judg 2:6–10. The proposal is also tested in those passages in Deuteronomy which correlate possessing the land and observing the Torah. In so doing, their interpretation in terms of the Deuteronomistic nomism hypothesis is reviewed critically.
Carnidae (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptrata) from the Balearic Islands (Spain) with descriptions of new species of Meoneura Róndani
Authors: Ebejer Martin J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The family Carnidae is reported from the Balearic Islands (Spain) for the first time. Meoneura glaberrima Becker, 1910 and M. prima (Becker, 1903) are new records and two species are described as new: M. ibizana sp. n. and M. micropygialis sp. n. This brings the total number of species of Meoneura known from Spain to 31.
Theorizing STEM Leadership: Agency, Identity and Community
Authors: Natarajan Uma , Tan Aik Ling , Teo Tang Wee 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
STEM education, when perceived as integrated learning that encompasses knowledge, skills and practices of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, points to a need to re-examine ways of classification of school subjects and learning. Consequently, dilemmas related to integrated STEM education arise. School leaders are faced with the task to organize teams to address issues such as the ownership of STEM, identity issues such as STEM teacher or teacher of STEM subjects, evaluation of STEM programs and resources to support STEM education. The unique characteristics of integrated disciplines demand leaders who understand the unique characteristics and demands of each discipline and to apply them to build a synergistic platform to magnify the similarities and harness the differences for learning. In this paper, we present an argument for STEM leadership to focus on building STEM teachers’ agency, identity and sense of belonging to a community. These three aspects are important for meaningful planning, enactment and sustainability of STEM programs since teachers’ beliefs, intentions, actions and empowerment are known to be instrumental in the success of many educational reforms.
The Genetics Conceptual Understanding of Indonesian and United States Undergraduate Biology Students
Authors: Rusmana Ai Nurlaelasari , Rachmatullah Arif , Nuraeni Eni , Ha Minsu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Genetics as a core concept of life science is essential for understanding biology. Examining genetics understanding among biology majors is becoming important since they must necessarily achieve some level of genetics understanding to advance their career. This study compares Indonesian biology majors’ genetics understanding with previously published data from students in the United States (US). This study also identifies the effect of academic year and program on genetics understanding by administering the Genetics Concept Assessment (GCA) to 377 biology majors in Indonesia. IRT-Rasch modeling was performed for instrument validation, followed by one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test for the analysis. The results showed that Indonesian biology majors’ genetics understanding was significantly affected by academic year but was not affected by the academic program. Indonesian biology majors had a slightly similar level of genetics understanding with US non-majors’ pre-test scores, while Indonesian biology majors’ scores were two times lower than US majors’ post-test scores. The implications of reducing the gap between two countries are discussed.
Oxygenator impact on meropenem/vaborbactam in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits
Authors: Cies Jeffrey J , Nikolos Peter , Moore Wayne S , Giliam Nadji , Low Tracy , Marino Daniel , Deacon Jillian , Enache Adela , Chopra Arun 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: To determine the oxygenator impact on alterations of meropenem (MEM)/vaborbactam (VBR) in a contemporary neonatal/pediatric (1/4-inch) and adolescent/adult (3/8-inch) extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit including the Quadrox-i® oxygenator. Methods: 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch, simulated closed-loop ECMO circuits were prepared with a Quadrox-i pediatric and Quadrox-i adult oxygenator and blood primed. Additionally, 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch circuits were also prepared without an oxygenator in series. A one-time dose of MEM/VBR was administered into the circuits and serial pre- and post-oxygenator concentrations were obtained at 5 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 24-hour time points. MEM/VBR was also maintained in a glass vial and samples were taken from the vial at the same time periods for control purposes to assess for spontaneous drug degradation. Results: For the 1/4-inch circuit, there was an approximate mean 55% MEM loss with the oxygenator in series and a mean 33%–40% MEM loss without an oxygenator in series at 24 hours. For the 3/8-inch circuit, there was an approximate mean 70% MEM loss with the oxygenator in series and a mean 30%–38% MEM loss without an oxygenator in series at 24 hours. For both the 1/4-inch circuit and 3/8-inch circuits with and without an oxygenator, there was <10% VBR loss for the duration of the experiment. Conclusions: This ex-vivo investigation demonstrated substantial MEM loss within an ECMO circuit with an oxygenator in series with both sizes of the Quadrox-i oxygenator at 24 hours and no significant VBR loss. Further evaluations with multiple dose in-vitro and in-vivo investigations are needed before specific MEM/VBR dosing recommendations can be made for clinical application with ECMO.
Epidemiology and Long-Term Outcomes of Wrist Sprains in Military Academy Cadets
Authors: Sandler Alexis B. , Hoyt Benjamin W. , Klahs Kyle J. , Scanaliato John P. , Nesti Leon J. , Dunn John C. 
Published: May 2021

Background: The American Society for Surgery of the Hand advises patients that symptoms after wrist sprains resolve in 6 weeks and that recovery is usually excellent; however, there is scant supporting evidence for this reassurance. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology and report long-term outcomes of wrist sprains. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The US Department of Defense Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool was queried for wrist sprain International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes between 2005 and 2008 among US Military Academy cadets. The electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic information, mechanism of injury, and patient characteristics. A telephone survey was conducted to collect Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, the shortened version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and ability to return to full military duty. Results: Of the 90 patients identified, 49 patients (50 wrists) met the final inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 21 years, the majority were male (86%), and most sprains occurred during athletics (65%) and military activities (20%). Most patients (61%) had radiographs taken after index wrist sprain, and few (14%) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After a mean follow-up of 10.4 years, most patients (78%) had no further wrist injury. The average SANE and QuickDASH scores were 88 and 7.5, respectively. Two patients (4%) ultimately were treated with surgical repair. Most patients (96%) were on an upper extremity profile, limiting military duty for a median of 14 days. All patients ultimately returned to full military duty. Conclusion: Patients with a wrist sprain diagnosis were followed for an average of 10 years. Although the majority (96%) of patients required a median of 14 days with limited upper extremity function, MRI is rarely indicated in the acute setting and most patients will never have another wrist injury and can expect excellent wrist recovery outcomes.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Who will benefit from surgical intervention? A single center experience
Authors: Sharifiaghdas Farzaneh , Khoiniha Mohammad Reza , Basiri Abbas , Bonakdar Hashemi Milad , Borumandnia Nasrin , Dadpour Mehdi 
Published: May 2021

Background: To evaluate the pre-operative factors affecting clinical response to prostate surgery in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, 172 patients who underwent surgical intervention for BPH (either as open prostatectomy ( n = 78) or monopolar-trans-urethral resection of prostate ( n = 94) from February 2017 to October 2019 were consecutively enrolled. Pre-operative conventional three-lumen urodynamic study and transabdominal sonography were performed for all patients to determine peak flow rate (Qmax), detrusor pressure at the peak flow rate (PdetQmax), post-void residual volume (PVR), presence of detrusor overactivity (DO), prostate volume and median lobe size, and bladder wall thickness with empty and full bladder. Uroflowmetry and cystoscopy were performed during follow-up, whenever indicated. Successful surgical outcome was defined as subjective satisfaction of the patient and a Qmax of more than 15 ml/s on post-operative uroflowmetry. Results: At 1-year follow-up, complete resolution of lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS) was detected in 138 (80.2%) patients; however, 21 (12.2%) still had pure obstructive LUTS, 9 (5.2%) had pure storage LUTS, and 4 (2.3%) were still suffering from both storage and obstructive LUTS. After performing multivariable analysis, shorter duration of pre-operative medical treatment and higher pre-operative bladder contractility index (BCI) were found to be independent predictors of successful surgery ( p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Results of the ROC curve analysis showed that a preoperative BCI level more than 90.95 and pre-surgical medical treatment duration less than 14.45 months have the most specificity and sensitivity to predict the success of surgical outcome. We also observed that the probability of recovery decreased considerably over time following surgery. Conclusion: Shorter duration of pre-operative medical treatment and increased pre-operative BCI can independently predict favorable outcome of BPH surgery. These factors could be used for better patient management and appropriate planning and consultation before BPH surgery.
Ocular toxicity assessment of nanoemulsion in-situ gel formulation of fluconazole
Authors: Samimi MS , Mahboobian MM , Mohammadi M 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Fluconazole is an effective anti-fungal drug. Due to the limitations of fluconazole, such as poor water solubility and consequently low ocular bioavailability, an optimized fluconazole nanoemulsion in-situ gel formulation (temperature-sensitive) was developed. Methods and Materials: To verify formulation’s safety for ophthalmic use, preparation was tested for potential ocular toxicity using a cell viability assay on retinal cells. The hen’s egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM), as a borderline test between in vivo and in vitro techniques, was chosen for investigating the irritation potential of the formulation. HET-CAM test was done by adding the formulation directly to the CAM surface and monitoring the vessels visually in terms of irritation reactions. Eye tolerance was determined using the modified Draize test. Results: Viability assay on retinal cells displayed that fluconazole nanoemulsion in-situ gel formulation was non-toxic and can be safely used in the eye at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5%. HET-CAM and Draize tests revealed that optimized formulation of fluconazole did not result in any irritation and was considered non-irritant and well-tolerated for ocular use. Conclusion: Regarding to the findings of the three mentioned methods, fluconazole nanoemulsion in-situ gel formulation is harmless and as a proper and safe alternative, can be considered for ocular delivery of fluconazole in the future.