bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Alhamad Esam H. , Cal Joseph G. , Alrajhi Nuha N. , Paramasivam Muthurajan P. , Alharbi Waleed M. , AlEssa Mohammed , Omair Mohammed A. , AlRikabi Ammar C. , AlBoukai Ahmad A. 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND:
Diagnosing primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is complex and can be very challenging. In addition, information about the prognostic factors is limited.

AIMS:
We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors that impact pSS-ILD survival.

METHODS:
This retrospective review included 84 consecutive patients diagnosed with pSS-ILD. The information analyzed included the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and physiological and hemodynamic data. Prognostic factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS:
The mean age was 60.5 years, and 61.9% were females. The mean time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 21 months (range, 1–98 months). Minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) was positive for pSS in 92.3% of the cohort. Fifty percent of the patients had negative autoimmune serology related to pSS. Based on the available hemodynamic data, 40% had pulmonary hypertension (PH), and 20% had severe PH. During follow-up, acute exacerbation was noted in 38% of the cohort. The 5-year survival rate for all patients was 56%. Male sex, usual interstitial pneumonia pattern, and a reduced forced vital capacity were independent predictors of mortality in the pSS-ILD patients.

CONCLUSIONS:
A significant delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was noted in our cohort. Importantly, our study highlights the importance of MSGB and emphasizes that clinicians should not rely solely on serological tests to diagnose pSS in ILD patients. The overall survival was poor, and more efforts are needed to diagnose pSS-ILD at an early stage and refer patients to experienced centers.
Efficacy and Reliability of Various Grades of Processed Honey as a Fixative
Authors: Sah Kunal , Janardhan BJ , Srivastava Raj Kumar , Nigam Sanjay 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Ethanol is a traditional cytofixative which is widely used for oral exfoliative cytology. Due to its limitations, a search of better, eco-friendly, and cost-effective fixative was explored. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of 10%, 20%, and 30% processed honey as a cytofixatives, and was compared with that of 95% ethanol.

Materials and Methods:
Four oral smears were obtained from each individual (n = 80) by gently scraping the buccal mucosa. One slide was fixed in ethanol (95%) and the other in various grades of processed honey (10%, 20%, and 30%), and stained with Papanicolaou stain. Two separate pathologists who were kept in blind for the fixative used evaluated the slides based on the five parameters (cell morphology, nuclear and cytoplasmic staining, clarity, and uniformity of staining).

Results:
In the present study, it was observed that 20% of processed honey showed overall good results, followed by (95% alcohol) and (10% honey). However, poor results were observed in (30% honey). When compared, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups.

Conclusion:
The present study offers an innovative application using honey as a cytofixative. Honey in lower concentration is an excellent alternative to ethanol as a cytofixative.
An in vitro Study to Assess the Positional Accuracy in Multiple Implants using Different Splinting Materials in Open-Tray Impression Technique
Authors: Chaudhary Nikhil Kumar , Gulati Manisha , Pawah Salil , Tiwari Bhawana , Pathak Chetan , Bhutani Manisha 
Published: March 2021

Context:
Numerous implant techniques have been suggested in the literature to obtain an accurate master cast. One of those is to splint the impression copings; however, many controversies exist in type of splinting materials used.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the positional accuracy in multiple implants using different splinting materials in open-tray impression technique.

Settings and Design:
The study design involves an in vitro study.

Materials and Methods:
An acrylic resin model of a mandibular edentulous arch was used as a reference model in which four 3.75 mm × 10 mm implant analogs were placed and sequentially numbered as 1, 2, 3, and 4 from left to right. Open tray impression copings were attached to each of them and were then splinted by three different materials and divided into three Groups as Group I, Group II, and Group III splinted with pattern resin, composite resin, and titanium wire, respectively. Five implant level impressions were made from each group and poured in Type IV dental stone. The implant analogs were transferred to the casts and inter-implant distances were compared to the reference model using the Coordinate Measuring Machine.

Statistical Analysis Used:
One-way ANOVA test was used as a test of significance.

Results:
The present study revealed that all the three splinting materials can be used for the accurate reproduction of spatial relationship. There was no significant difference between the centroids of implant analogs 1 and 2, 1 and 3, 1 and 4, 2 and 3, 3 and 4, and 2 and 4 of reference model with the master models.

Conclusion:
Clinically acceptable accuracy in transferring the position of implants to the master cast could be obtained from all the three splinting materials used. However, splinting of impression copings with titanium wire showed greatest accuracy.
Evaluation of Variation in Implant Stability Quotient at Different Time Intervals after Immediate Loading in the Posterior Mandible using Penguin Resonance Frequency Analysis System
Authors: Kaur Akaljot , Kuckreja Harinder , Kaura Sameer , Oberoi Naveen , Kaur Jaswinder , Arora Jasleen 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:
The aim of this in vivo study is to compare the variation in implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of implants using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) to access the immediately loaded (within 24 h) implants at different time intervals using Penguin RFA system.

Materials and Methods:
Ten Nobel Replace Tapered RP implants were placed in posterior mandible region of patients. Patients were included in the study after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Prior to enrolling in the study, thorough information about the procedure was provided to the patients, and written consent was obtained for the same. Immediate loading was done within 24 h using tooth-colored self-cure acrylic resin. Penguin RFA System was used to measure the ISQ of dental implants. The ISQ values were recorded immediately after implant placement, after 4 weeks, after 8 weeks, and after 12 weeks.

Results:
The mean ISQ values of the immediately loaded implants at the time of placement were 82.60, after 4 weeks were 80.60, after 8 weeks were 83.70, and after 12 weeks were 87.10. There was a statistically significant difference between the ISQ values at the time of placement of implants and after 12 weeks.

Conclusion:
This study concluded that immediate loading in posterior mandible single tooth region is a safe and predictable option.
Differentiation of Evaluation of Reliability of Cephalometric Analysis of Cephalometrically Diagnosed Skeletal Class I Malocclusion using Readily Available Digital Imaging Software such as IMAGE J and ICY and Traditional Manual Tracing
Authors: Khan Firoz A. , Joneja Purva , Choudhary Deepak Singh , Ahmed Rizwan , Tikekar Sachin 
Published: March 2021

Background:
The skeletal and soft tissue analysis of the face in total is a very important parameter of diagnosis. Readily available and non expensive imaging software are available which can be used for cephalometric analysis for hard and soft tissues of the face to make an appropriate treatment plan.

Aims:
The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of linear and angular measurements between the digital software IMAGE J, ICY and manual tracing.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to compare angular and linear measurements obtained through manual and digital cephalometric tracings using IMAGE J and ICY software with lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Material and Methods:
The sample consisted of 50 lateral cephalometric radiographs. One properly trained and calibrated examiner performed the 50 manual tracing and then the same radiograph was traced digitally on a digital software. Five angular measurements SNA (Sella, nasion, A point), SNB Sella, nasion, B point), ANB (A point, nasion, B point), W angle, ULA (Upper lip angle) and three linear measurements ULT (upper lip thickness), projection of upper lip to TVL (true vertical line) & WITS appraisal were traced the conventional lateral cephalogram of 50 participants were obtained. Manual tracing was done and hard tissue landmark including the above mentioned angular and linear variables were marked. In a similar way a soft copy of the above 50 radiograph was obtained and uploaded in the digital imaging software IMAGE J and ICY.

Results:
SNA, SNB, ANB, W angle, WITS appraisal, upper lip thickness (ULT) upper lip angle, (ULA), projection of labrale superioris to TVL showed statistically significant values when measured manually and by digital software methods. Values measured by software methods had less errors.

Conclusion:
The results show statistically significant values between manual and digital tracing. The actual variation lies in identification of landmarks and their measurements. landmarks are identified better in software methods than manual methods and also there was a difference in measurements of angular and linear values of soft and hard tissue landmarks.
Association of X-ray Repair Cross-Complementing Group 1 Arg399gln Polymorphisms with the Susceptibility to Develop Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Tamol Chewer's Population in Assam, India
Authors: Lepcha Lhakit , Sarma Manash Pratim , Kataki Amal Chandra , Unni Bala Gopalan 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Various environmental factors have been reported to play key role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A lesser known risk factor of oral cancer in India is the uncontrolled use of areca nut chewing. In North-East India, Areca nut, locally called as “Tamol” in Assam, is raw betel nut, lime and betel leaf without tobacco, which are more effective as compared to dried which can be the important contributing factor for OSCC.

Objectives:
The aim of the study was to detect the association between XRCC1 polymorphisms and increased risk of OSCC in tamol chewers population in Assam, India.

Methods:
50 OSCC patients, 50 tamol chewers and 50 controls were enrolled in the study. XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms were determined by using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results:
There was a significant association for XRCC1 codon 399 (Arg/Gln+Gln/Gln) (p<0.05; OR=1.909, CI= 0.8622- 4.227) with the wild type in cancer sample as compared with control sample. Similarly, the positive association for 399G/G (p<0.05; OR =2.842, CI = 0.919-8.79) genotypes with oral carcinoma and control sample. In case of tamol chewers, the AA genotype was found to be associated with 2-fold (OR- 2.25, CI= 0.709-7.14) increase risk of developing oral cancer while GA+AA genotype was associated with one and half fold (OR-1.62, CI=0.7354- 3.568) risk of developing oral cancer.

Conclusions:
Based on these results, the XRCC1399G>A genotype could be used as a useful molecular biomarker to predict genetic susceptibility in tamol chewers population and its susceptibility to develop OSCC.
Ethanol Production from Gmelina arborea Wood Wastes by Saccharomyces cerevisiae using Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Adedayo M.R , Ajiboye A.E , Yahaya O.A 
Published: March 2021

Lignocellulose wastes are the most abundant residues on the surface of the earth. This project studies the possibility of ethanol production from a forestry waste. Wood wastes from Gmelina arborea were treated with dillute sulfuric acid to break down the lignin component. Fermentation for ethanol production was done using baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 204508/S288c) for 120 hours using submerged fermentation, and the pH, reducing sugar, specific gravity and lignin content were determined using standard techniques. Ethanol concentration and yield were measured via vinometer and ethanol standard curve techniques. From the results, the highest pH was obtained at 72 hours of the fermentation period. The reducing sugar content and specific gravity decreased over the fermentation time . The acid-pretreated wood wastes gave a maximum ethanol concentration of 3.84 % and a yield of 7.60 ml/g as measured from the vinometer and ethanol standard curve methods at 72 and 96 hours of fermentation, respectively. About 13.6% v/v of ethanol was recovered from the distillation process employed to separate the components of the product generated after fermentation. The observations in this research reveal the possibility of producing ethanol from G. arborea wood wastes and under optimized culture conditions. This could serve as an alternate means of biofuel generation and hence value addition to the wastes.
Keywords: Gmelina arborea, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ethanol, Submerged fermentation
Effects of processing on amino acids composition of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam De Wit) leaf meal
Authors: Agbo A.N 
Published: March 2021

The high cost of animal protein sources has made it necessary to evaluate the use of alternative plant protein sources especially unconventional plant proteins. Leucaena leucocephala (white lead tree) is a leguminous plant, the leaves of which have the potential of being used as a plant protein source. Leucaena leaf has been analysed to have a crude protein value of 15.2-34.3%. The plant leaves were collected from the forage section of the College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (CAAS) Mando, Kaduna. The first group of the leaves was divided into three and sun-dried for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively. The second group was further divided into three subgroups which were soaked in water for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours then sun-dried. The two groups of the leaves were ground into leaf powder. The effects of sun-drying and soaking on amino acid composition of L. leucocephala leaves was investigated. The amino acid analysis was done by ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) using the Technicon Sequential Multisample Amino Acid Analyser (TSM) Technicon Instruments Corporation, New York. The essential amino acids detected in L. leucocephala leaf were arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine. Alanine, cysteine, tyrosine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, serine and proline were the non-essential amino acids detected. Sun-drying and soaking led to significant (P≤0.05) losses in the concentration of all the amino acids in the leaf samples (Sundried for 24 hours - SD1, Sundried for 48 hours - SD2, Sundried for 72 hours - SD3, soaked in water for 24 hours – SW1, soaked in water for 48 hours - SW2, soaked in water for 72 hours - SW3) when compared with the raw leaf samples (SU). Soaking caused higher reduction in the amino acid levels when compared to sun-drying in the test leaf meals which was significant at P≤0.05. The amino acid scores revealed that lysine and methionine were the limiting amino acids in L. leucocephala leaves relative to WHO/FAO/UNU standard for preschool aged children. Therefore, processed L. leucocephala leaves should be supplemented with other feed ingredients rich in these amino acids for animal feed production.
Keywords: Leucaena leucocephala leaf, sun-drying, soaking, amino acid composition.
Optimisation of alkaline pretreatment conditions of orange and plantain peels for polygalacturonase production by Aspergillus awamori CICC 2040
Authors: Adedeji O.E. , Ezekiel O.O. 
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the optimisation of alkaline pretreatment of orange and plantain peels for polygalacturonase (PG) production by Aspergillus awamori CICC 2040 using response surface methodology. The factors evaluated were particle size, PS (< 0.4250, 0.4250 < PS < 0.8025 and 0.8025 < PS < 1.1800 mm), NaOH molarity (0.010, 0.055, and 0.100 M), and time (1.0, 6.5, and 12.0 h). These factors were interacted to determine the most suitable combinations for maximum polygalacturonase activity (MPA). The pretreated orange and plantain peel powders were inoculated with 106 spores/mL Aspergillus awamori CICC 2040 was incubated at 28 oC for 5 days, and crude PG was extracted and its activity determined. The alkaline pretreatment combinations that gave MPA were <0.4250 mm, 0.100 M, and 1.0 h, and 0.8025 < PS < 1.1800 mm, 0.010 M, and 1.0 h for orange and plantain peel powders, respectively. The MPA obtained from the pretreated orange and plantain peel powders were 38.46 and 38.82 U/mL, respectively. Optimised alkaline pretreatment conditions of the orange and plantain peels for MPA, produced by Aspergillus awamori CICC 2040, were established.
Keywords: Aspergillus awamori CICC 2040, Peel, Optimisation, Polygalacturonase, Pretreatment
Detection of integron genes in the plasmid DNA of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from surgical wounds of some patients in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Eremwanarue A.O , Shittu H.O , Igiehon E , Oijagbe E.R 
Published: March 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with the capability to cause serious surgical wound infections and remains a major healthcare problem. Plasmid is an extra chromosomal material in bacterial cells and confers resistance to the cell against many antibiotics. Genetic elements such as integron are implicated in conferring multidrug resistance (MDR) to P. aeruginosa . This study aims at investigating the occurrence of integron genes (int1, int2, int3) in the plasmid DNA and their ability to cause MDR in P. aeruginosa . In total, 284 different wound swabs were collected, P. aeruginosa isolated and screened using standard laboratory methods. Antibiotics susceptibility tests were carried out using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also carried out using P. aeruginosa plasmid DNA as a template to detect the presence/absence of the integron genes using different pairs of specific primers. The results reveal that 34 (54.8%) of the microbes isolated were P. aeruginosa . Most of the isolates showed notable resistance to antibiotics, most notably against Ceftazidime, Augmentin, Cefixime and Gentamicin . Eleven isolates harbors the plasmid DNA . PCR amplification showed that 6 (54.5%) of the P. aeruginosa isolates harbor integron class 1 genes, non harbors the integron class 2 genes while 3 (27.3%) possess the integron class 3 genes. The isolates with these genes were highly resistant to most of the antibiotics used. int1 gene was prevalent then int3.
Keywords: Antimicrobial, Wound infection, Integron, Polymerase chain reaction, Plasmid DNA
Use of a circular fixator construct to facilitate closed reduction and percutaneous stabilization of a distal femoral physeal fracture in a dog
Authors: Lazarus Matthew A. , Lewis Daniel D. , Johnson Matthew D. , Porter Erin G. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Fractures of the distal femoral physis are the most common physeal fracture sustained by skeletally immature dogs. Reduction and stabilization of these fractures can sometimes be achieved through closed reduction, primarily in fractures that are nominally displaced. Circular external fixator constructs have been used to assist in indirect, closed reduction of fractures at other anatomic locations in dogs and this report describes application of this method to reduce a displaced Salter-Harris type II fracture of the distal femur in a 1-year-old dog.
Case Description: A 1-year-old female spayed Akita was referred for treatment of a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the right distal femur. The epiphyseal segment was laterally and slightly caudally displaced. Multiple attempts to manually reduce the fracture during surgery were unsuccessful, so a two-ring circular external fixator construct was applied to facilitate distraction and reduction. The construct was applied by placing a medial-to-lateral Kirschner wire in both the mid-femoral diaphysis and in the distal femoral epiphysis. Distraction of the construct provided sufficient separation of the fracture segments to facilitate near anatomic reduction. The fracture was stabilized with two percutaneously placed Steinmann pins placed in Rush fashion. Radiographic union was confirmed 5 weeks after surgery. The dog was not lame and was bearing more weight on the right pelvic limb, as assessed using force plate analysis, 9 months following surgery. Goniometric measurements of stifle range of motion and thigh muscle circumference were similar between the pelvic limbs.
Conclusion: Application of a two-ring circular construct would appear to be useful to facilitate closed reduction and percutaneous stabilization of distal femoral physeal fractures.
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS CAUSING MERGER AND ACQUISITION: CASE STUDY OF BANKING SECTOR IN PAKISTAN
Authors:   University of Management and Technology, Lahore., Hassan Atif 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:- The trend of merger and acquisition is increasing in the Pakistani banking sector. The purpose of this study is to find out the basic factors which beguile banks for the merger and acquisition. Methodology/Sample:- In this study researcher took the sample size 2 as two merger cases one is happened in year 2010 (Faysal Bank & RBS) and one in 2007 (SAMBA & CCB). Researcher critically analyzed the pre and post-merger performance of FAYSAL BANK & RBS and SAMBA &CCB with the help of five financial ratios, net interest margin ratio, Gross margin ratio, ROE, Debt ratio, Debt to equity ratio. The Researcher utilized the t-test for testing the hypothesis. This study has adopted exploratory research as its first research technique which helped us in clarifying the research problem. Many constraints have been faced during this study for example bankers were hesitating to fulfill the questionnaires. Findings:- The result of this study suggests that after merger and acquisition firms can increase synergy and can decrease the risk of solvency but merger and acquisition is not significant for the shareholders’ wealth (result will change with the different case). Practical Implications:- This study acquires the knowledge about the emerging trend of merger and acquisition and in future implement this knowledge in an effective way. In addition to that, this study will provide information that why companies take the decision of merger and acquisition.