bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Curing Conditions on the Behavior of Jute Fibers Reinforced Concrete Cylinders
Authors: Ed-Dariy Yasmina , Lamdouar Nouzha , Cherrad Toufik , Rotaru Ancuta , Barbuta Marinela , Mihai Petru 
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an innovative method of reinforcement of concrete based on the use of the Jute fibers composites. These renewable raw bioresource fibers are available at a low cost. Moreover, they can be compared to Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) by enhancing the resistance of Jute Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (JFRP), while improving the compatibility between the fiber and the resin. For that purpose, this paper presents an experimental study that evaluates the influence of the curing conditions (time and temperature) on the behavior of JFRP laminates and concrete members strengthened by JFRP. The curing conditions at 30 °C for 2h 30min and at 50 °C for 1 h were the only two parameters studied and determined on the basis of Sikadur 330 properties and preliminary tests. Through the experimental tests, the maximum load capacity and observed failure modes are investigated. The results indicated that the curing at 30 °C for 2h 30min is the optimum curing condition. In addition, a low difference in the maximum load capacity was noted in the case of 50 °C. As to the failure modes, all the specimens cured with additional heat before being left under room conditions, have shown the ductile mode failure, especially in the case of specimens cured at 30 °C during 2h 30min. The analytical model conducted in this paper predicts the elastic modulus depending on temperature. The obtained results and proposed model can be used as input parameters in the analysis and design of externally strengthened members with Jute FRP composites.
The Effect of the Addition of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Selected Properties of Cementitious Composites
Authors: Ge Zhi , Qin Jin , Sun Renjuan , Guan Yanhua , Zhang Hongzhi , Wang Zheng 
Published: July 2021

The aim of the current study is to investigate the properties of graphene nanoplatelets-cementitious composites in a consistent sense. The influence of the addition of 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the workability, setting time, flowability, strengths and piezoresistive properties were studied. The dosage of the GNPs is 0 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 wt% of the binder material. PVP type surfactant was used to disperse GNPs. The experimental results showed that the addition of GNPs increases the water requirement for normal consistency and decreases the flowability. A small amount of GNPs (0.05 wt%) can facilitate the setting. When the dosage of GNPs is above 0.1 wt%, it leads to the delay of the setting time. In terms of the strengths, the addition of GNPs can considerably promote the flexural strength, while the compressive strength is slightly decreased until 28 days. A pre-treatment procedure consisting of drying specimens at 105°C for 1 day can be regarded as a proper way to enhance the piezoresistive properties of the GNPs-mortar. Piezoresistive properties under two different cyclical loading schemes were measured using the GNPs-mortar with 1 wt% GNPs. It has been shown that the average resistance change rate increases with the amplitude increasing and a reduction is observed for the sustained cyclical loading condition. In the end, the influence of the microcracks on the piezoresistive properties was investigated. This study will contribute to future developments of cementitious composites incorporating GNPs for a variety of applications.
Fast and Highly Efficient Adsorption Removal of Toxic Pb(II) by a Reusable Porous Semi-IPN Hydrogel Based on Alginate and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Liu Xiangyu , Wang Xue , Zong Li , Kang Yuru , Wang Aiqin 
Published: July 2021

A porous semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogel adsorbent with excellent adsorption properties and removal efficiency towards Pb(II) was prepared by a facile grafting polymerization reaction in aqueous medium using natural biopolymer sodium alginate (SA) as the main chains, sodium acrylate (NaA) as the monomers, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the semi-IPN component. FTIR, TGA and SEM analyses confirm that NaA monomers were grafted onto the macromolecular chains of SA, and PVA chains were interpenetrated and entangled with the crosslinked network. The incorporation of PVA facilitates to form pores on the surface of hydrogel adsorbent. The semi-IPN hydrogel containing 2 wt% of PVA exhibits high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption rate for Pb(II). The best adsorption capacity reaches 784.97 mg/g, and the optimal removal rate reaches 98.39% (adsorbent dosage, 2 g/L). In addition, the incorporation of PVA improved the gel strength of hydrogel, and the storage modulus of hydrogel increased by 19.4% after incorporating 2 wt% of PVA. The increase of gel strength facilitates to improve the reusability of hydrogel. After 5 times of regeneration, the adsorption capacity of SA-g-PNaA decreased by 23.2%, while the adsorption capacity of semi-IPN hydrogel only decreased by 10.8%. The adsorption kinetics of the hydrogel in the initial stage (the moment when the adsorbent contacts solution) and the second stage are fitted by segmentation. It is intriguing that the adsorption kinetics fits well with both pseudo-second-order kinetic model and pseudo-first-order model before 60 s, while only fits well with pseudo-second-order adsorption model in the whole adsorption process. The chemical complexing adsorption mainly contribute to the efficient capturing of Pb(II).
Polymorphisms in Lysyl Oxidase Family Genes Are Associated With Intracranial Aneurysm Susceptibility in a Chinese Population
Authors: Luo Chun , Hu Chongyu , Li Bingyang , Liu Junyu , Hu Liming , Dong Rui , Liao Xin , Zhou Jilin , Xu Lu , Liu Songlin , Li Yifeng , Yuan Dun , Jiang Weixi , Yan Junxia 
Published: July 2021

PurposeIntracranial aneurysms (IA) comprise a multifactorial disease with unclear physiological mechanisms. The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family genes (LOX, LOX–like 1–4) plays important roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) reconstruction and has been investigated in terms of susceptibility to IA in a few populations. We aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in LOX family genes are associated with susceptibility to IA in a Chinese population.MethodsThis case-control study included 384 patients with IA and 384 healthy individuals without IA (controls). We genotyped 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of LOX family genes using the Sequenom MassARRAY® platform. These SNPs were adjusted for known risk factors and then, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe result showed that LOX rs10519694 was associated with the risk of IA in recessive (OR, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.12–13.47) and additive (OR, 1.56; 95%CI, 1.05–2.34) models. Stratified analyses illustrated that LOX rs10519694 was associated with the risk of single IA in the recessive (OR, 3.95; 95%CI, 1.04–15.11) and additive (OR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.04–2.56) models. The LOXL2 rs1010156 polymorphism was associated with multiple IA in the dominant model (OR, 1.92; 95%CI, 1.02–3.62). No associations were observed between SNPs of LOXL1, LOXL3, and LOXL4 and risk of IA.ConclusionLOX and LOXL2 polymorphisms were associated with risk of single IA and multiple IA in a Chinese population, suggesting potential roles of these genes in IA. The effects of these genes on IA require further investigation.
Association Between Weight Change and Leukocyte Telomere Length in U.S. Adults
Authors: Zhang Yiling , Xu Ziye , Yang Yiling , Cao Shanshan , Lyu Sali , Duan Weiwei 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of dynamic weight change in adulthood with leukocyte telomere length among U.S. adults.MethodsThis study included 3,886 subjects aged 36-75 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002 cycle. Survey-weighted multivariable linear regression with adjustments for potential confounders was utilized.Results3,386 individuals were finally included. People with stable obesity had a 0.130 kbp (95% CI: 0.061-0.198, P=1.97E-04) shorter leukocyte telomere length than those with stable normal weight (reference group) during the 10-year period, corresponding to approximately 8.7 years of aging. Weight gain from non-obesity to obesity shortened the leukocyte telomere length by 0.094 kbp (95% CI: 0.012-0.177, P=0.026), while normal weight to overweight or remaining overweight shortened the leukocyte telomere length by 0.074 kbp (95% CI: 0.014-0.134, P=0.016). The leukocyte telomere length has 0.003 kbp attrition on average for every 1 kg increase in weight from a mean age of 41 years to 51 years. Further stratified analysis showed that the associations generally varied across sex and race/ethnicity.ConclusionsThis study found that weight changes during a 10-year period was associated with leukocyte telomere length and supports the theory that weight gain promotes aging across adulthood.
Risk Factors for Hypothalamic Obesity in Patients With Adult-Onset Craniopharyngioma: A Consecutive Series of 120 Cases
Authors: Wu Wei , Sun Quanya , Zhu Xiaoming , Xiang Boni , Zhang Qiongyue , Miao Qing , Wang Yongfei , Li Yiming , Ye Hongying 
Published: July 2021

ContextHypothalamic obesity (HO) is a severe complication following craniopharyngioma, but studies regarding the sequelae in adult-onset patients with craniopharyngioma are sparse.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to describe weight changes after surgical treatment in adult-onset craniopharyngioma patients and to analyze risk factors for postoperative weight gain and HO.Subjects and MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted of 120 adult-onset patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma and follow-up at the institution of the authors between January 2018 and September 2020. Clinical characteristics, anthropometric data, image features, treatment modalities, and endocrine indices were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative weight gain and HO.ResultsForty-nine (40.8%) patients had clinically meaningful weight gain (≥5%) in a median follow-up time of 12.0 months (range 1.0–41.0 months) after surgery. The mean postoperative weight gain in this subgroup was 17.59 ± 12.28 (%). Weight gain continued in the first year following surgery. Patients with lower preoperative BMI [OR 0.78, 95% CI (0.67–0.90), P = 0.001] and the adamantinomatous subtype [OR 3.46, 95% CI (1.02–11.76), P = 0.047] were more likely to experience postoperative weight gain ≥5%. The prevalence of HO was 19.2% preoperatively and increased to 29.2% at last follow-up postoperatively. Only preoperative BMI [OR 2.51, 95% CI (1.64–3.85), P &lt; 0.001] was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative HO.ConclusionsHO is a common complication in patients with adult-onset craniopharyngioma. Patients with higher preoperative BMI had a greater risk for developing HO postoperatively.
Feasibility and Safety of Outpatient Thyroidectomy: A Narrative Scoping Review
Authors: Philteos Justine , Baran Elif , Noel Christopher W. , Pasternak Jesse D. , Higgins Kevin M. , Freeman Jeremy L. , Chiodo Albino , Eskander Antoine 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundOutpatient thyroid surgery is gaining popularity as it can reduce length of hospital stay, decrease costs of care, and increase patient satisfaction. There remains a significant variation in the use of this practice including a perceived knowledge gap with regards to the safety of outpatient thyroidectomies and how to go about implementing standardized institutional protocols to ensure safe same-day discharge. This review summarizes the information available on the subject based on existing published studies and guidelines.MethodsThis is a scoping review of the literature focused on the safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction associated with outpatient thyroidectomies. The review also summarizes and editorializes the most recent American Thyroid Association guidelines.ResultsIn total, 11 studies were included in the analysis: 6 studies were retrospective analyses, 3 were retrospective reviews of prospective data, and 2 were prospective studies. The relative contraindications to outpatient thyroidectomy have been highlighted, including: complex medical conditions, anticipated difficult surgical dissection, patients on anticoagulation, lack of home support, and patient anxiety toward an outpatient procedure. Utilizing these identified features, an outpatient protocol has been proposed.ConclusionThe salient features regarding patient safety and selection criteria and how to develop a protocol implementing ambulatory thyroidectomies have been identified and reviewed. In conclusion, outpatient thyroidectomy is safe, associated with high patient satisfaction and decreased health costs when rigorous institutional protocols are established and implemented. Successful outpatient thyroidectomies require standardized preoperative selection, clear discharge criteria and instructions, and interprofessional collaboration between the surgeon, anesthetist and same-day nursing staff.
Flood Control: How Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Can Help to Improve the Intestinal Barrier Function and Break the Gut–Joint Axis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Aarts Joyce , Boleij Annemarie , Pieters Bartijn C. H. , Feitsma Anouk L. , van Neerven R. J. Joost , ten Klooster Jean Paul , M’Rabet Laura , Arntz Onno J. , Koenders Marije I. , van de Loo Fons A. J. 
Published: July 2021

Many studies provided compelling evidence that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in the regulation of the immune response, acting as both enhancers and dampeners of the immune system, depending on the source and type of vesicle. Research, including ours, has shown anti-inflammatory effects of milk-derived EVs, using human breast milk as well as bovine colostrum and store-bought pasteurized cow milk, in in vitro systems as well as therapeutically in animal models. Although it is not completely elucidated which proteins and miRNAs within the milk-derived EVs contribute to these immunosuppressive capacities, one proposed mechanism of action of the EVs is via the modulation of the crosstalk between the (intestinal) microbiome and their host health. There is increasing awareness that the gut plays an important role in many inflammatory diseases. Enhanced intestinal leakiness, dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, and bowel inflammation are not only associated with intestinal diseases like colitis and Crohn’s disease, but also characteristic for systemic inflammatory diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Strategies to target the gut, and especially its microbiome, are under investigation and hold a promise as a therapeutic intervention for these diseases. The use of milk-derived EVs, either as stand-alone drug or as a drug carrier, is often suggested in recent years. Several research groups have studied the tolerance and safety of using milk-derived EVs in animal models. Due to its composition, milk-derived EVs are highly biocompatible and have limited immunogenicity even cross species. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that milk-derived EVs, when taken up in the gastro-intestinal tract, stay intact after absorption, indicating excellent stability. These characteristics make milk-derived EVs very suitable as drug carriers, but also by themselves, these EVs already have a substantial immunoregulatory function, and even without loading, these vesicles can act as therapeutics. In this review, we will address the immunomodulating capacity of milk-derived EVs and discuss their potential as therapy for RA patients.Review criteriaThe search terms “extracellular vesicles”, “exosomes”, “microvesicles”, “rheumatoid arthritis”, “gut-joint axis”, “milk”, and “experimental arthritis” were used. English-language full text papers (published between 1980 and 2021) were identified from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The reference list for each paper was further searched to identify additional relevant articles.
Serum CXCL1 Is a Prognostic Factor for Patients With Hepatitis B Virus–Related Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Xiao Lanlan , Tang Shima , Zhang Lingjian , Ma Shanshan , Zhao Yalei , Zhang Fen , Xie Zhongyang , Li Lanjuan 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Neutrophils and cytokines play a major role in the pathogenesis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We aimed to determine whether chemokine (CXC) ligand 1 (CXCL1), a key marker of neutrophil recruitment and activation, could predict the severity and prognosis of hepatitis B virus–related ACLF (HBV-ACLF).Methods: Hospitalized patients with HBV-ACLF were enrolled in a prospective study and stratified as survivors (alive at 28 days) and nonsurvivors (deceased at 28 days). Serum CXCL1 levels were measured in healthy controls, patients with chronic HBV, patients with HBV-related compensated cirrhosis, and patients with HBV-ACLF. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyses, Pearson correlation analysis, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and Z tests were used to evaluate the performance of CXCL1 as a marker in HBV-ACLF.Results: Patients with HBV-ACLF had significantly higher serum levels of CXCL1 and neutrophil count than healthy controls and patients with chronic HBV or HBV-related compensated cirrhosis (P &lt; 0.01, respectively). Among patients with HBV-ACLF, survivors had lower serum CXCL1 levels and neutrophil count than those of nonsurvivors (P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). Serum CXCL1 level was positively correlated with neutrophil count (r = 0.256, P = 0.001), ACLF grade (r = 0.295, P &lt; 0.001) and organ failure, including coagulation (r = 0.21, P = 0.005) and brain failure (r = 0.198, P = 0.008). Multivariable logistic analyses showed serum CXCL1 [OR (95% CI) = 1.017 (1.009–1.025), P &lt; 0.001] was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in HBV-ACLF. Meanwhile, the AUROC analysis demonstrated that serum CXCL1 [0.741 (0.669–0.804)] might be a reliable prognostic biomarker for patients with HBV-ACLF.Conclusions: Overall, serum CXCL1 can serve as a biomarker indicating the severity of disease and prognosis for patients with HBV-ACLF. CXCL1 might also be a therapeutic target in this disease.
Myofascial Release for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Zugui , Wang Yi , Ye Xiangling , Chen Zehua , Zhou Rui , Ye Zixuan , Huang Jinyou , Zhu Yue , Chen Guocai , Xu Xuemeng 
Published: July 2021

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in the elderly, which has a severe impact on the health of the elderly. However, CLBP treatment is very challenging, and more effective treatment methods are needed. Myofascial release may be an effective therapy for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is widely used clinically to treat CLBP, but its clinical efficacy is still controversial.Objective: This study aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of myofascial release for patients with CLBP.Methods: We selected PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE database, and Web of Science database articles published until April 5, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of myofascial release for CLBP were included. Outcome measures included pain, physical function, quality of life, balance function, pain pressure-threshold, trunk mobility, and mental health. For each outcome, Standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results: Eight RCTs (n = 375) were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that the overall efficacy of myofascial release for CLBP was significant, including two aspects: pain [SMD = −0.37, 95% CI (−0.67, −0.08), I2 = 46%, P = 0.01] and physical function [SMD = −0.43, 95% CI (−0.75, −0.12), I2 = 44%, P = 0.007]. However, myofascial release did not significantly improve quality of life [SMD = 0.13, 95% CI (−0.38, 0.64), I2 = 53%, P = 0.62], balance function [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI (−0.49, 1.64), I2 = 82%, P = 0.29], pain pressure-threshold [SMD = 0.03,95% CI (−0.75, 0.69), I2 = 73%, P = 0.93], trunk mobility [SMD = 1.02, 95% CI (−0.09, 2.13), I2 = 92%, P = 0.07] and mental health [SMD = −0.06, 95% CI (−0.83, 0.71), I2 = 73%, P = 0.88].Conclusions: In this study, we systematically reviewed and quantified the efficacy of myofascial release in treating CLBP. The meta-analysis results showed that myofascial release significantly improved pain and physical function in patients with CLBP but had no significant effects on balance function, pain pressure-threshold, trunk mobility, mental health, and quality of life. However, due to the low quality and a small number of included literature, more and more rigorously designed RCTs should be included in the future to verify these conclusions.
Current Nosology of Neural Autoantibody-Associated Dementia
Authors: Hansen Niels 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe detection of neural autoantibodies in patients with cognitive decline is an increasingly frequent phenomenon in memory clinics, and demanding as it does a specific diagnostic approach and therapeutic management, it deserves greater attention. It is this review’s aim to present the latest nosology of neural autoantibody-associated dementia.MethodsA specific literature research via PubMed was conducted to describe the nosology of neural autoantibody-associated dementia.ResultsAn autoimmune dementia comprises with an early onset, atypical clinical presentation and rapid progression in conjunction with neural antibodies, signs of inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid, and a non-neurodegenerative pattern in neuroimaging. An autoimmune dementia is probably present if the patient responds to immunotherapy. Atypical dementia involving neural autoantibodies with mostly N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies might not fulfill all the autoimmune-dementia criteria, thus it may constitute an independent disease entity. Finally, a neurodegenerative dementia such as the frontotemporal type also coincides with neural autoantibodies such as the subunit ionotropic glutamate receptors 3 of amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor antibodies, dementia with Lewy bodies with myelin oligodendrocytic protein, myelin basic protein antibodies, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with Zic4 or voltage gated potassium channel antibodies. These dementia entities may well overlap in their clinical features and biomarkers, i.e., their neural autoantibodies or neuroimaging patterns.ConclusionThere are three main forms of neural autoantibody-associated dementia we can distinguish that might also share certain features in their clinical and laboratory presentation. More research is urgently necessary to improve the diagnosis and therapy of these patients, as the progression of their dementia might thus be improved or even reversed.