bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical, Genetic and Quality of Life Study of a Cohort of Adult Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Sautu Elena Cristina De , Vales Juan Manuel Guerra , Bermejo Carlos Lumbreras , Ramos Felix Guerrero , Padilla Maria José Buj , Aleja Jesús González de la , Morales-Conejo Montserrat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and objectiveTuberous sclerosis (TS) is a condition whose manifestations in childhood have been extensively described, but whose presentation in adults is less well known. This study describes the clinical and genetic characteristics, therapeutic management and quality of life of a cohort of adult patients with TS. A comparative study of the characteristics of patients diagnosed in childhood and adulthood is also carried out. Material and methodsThis observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study included a large cohort of adult patients (≥ 16 years old) followed for 5 years in a specific rare diseases unit. ResultsFifty-seven patients with a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis were included, more than 50% of whom were diagnosed as adults. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (20 –86). The central nervous system was the main area affected (97%), followed by the skin (80.7%) and kidneys (73%). The most frequent genetic alteration was a mutation in the TSC2 gene (47.7%). Among patients diagnosed in adulthood, there was less neurological involvement, with less frequency of epileptic seizures (30.8% vs 60.79% of patients diagnosed in childhood) and astrocytomas (3.8% vs 53.6%), less intellectual disability (11.5% vs 71.4%) and less expressiveness of the condition. 42% of patients were treated with mTOR pathway inhibitors, and presence of an angiomyolipoma was the main indication. In a quality-of-life analysis, the means of the summary indices were below the scores of the average Spanish population: (47.42 (SD ±9.82) on the physical health scale, 45.61 (SD± 7.99) on the mental health scale) versus 50 (SD ±10) for the general population. ConclusionsUp to 50% of adult patients with TS were diagnosed in adulthood, and the condition is less severe with less frequent epileptic seizures and intellectual disability. 42% require treatment with mTOR inhibitors, in most cases due to the presence of AMLs. The quality of life of adult patients with TS is diminished compared to the general population.
The Effect of a Full Upper-Limb Control System and Its Usage in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Cha Kuan , Wang Jinying , Li Yan , Shen Longbin , Chen Zhuoming , Long Jinyi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: Transferring behaviors of a human’s upper-limbs to an avatar is widely used in the field of virtual reality rehabilitation. To realize the transfer, movement tracking technology is required. Traditionally, wearable tracking devices are used to do the tracking, however the devices are expensive and cumbersome. Recently, non-wearable upper-limb tracking solutions are proposed, which are cheaper and more comfortable to interact. But most of the existing products cannot track full upper-limbs including both the arms and all the fingers, which limits the motion paradigm and further may lead to limited rehabilitation effect. Methods: In this paper, a novel method was first proposed for full avatar’s upper-limb control which integrates the fine finger motion and the arm wide range motion. Then, based on the method, a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) was developed for upper-limb rehabilitation. To test the performance of VRRS, two experiments were designed. First, in order to investigate the effect of VRRS on virtual body ownership, agency, location of the body and usability, we compared it with the partial upper-limb tracking method based on Leap Motion controller (LP) in same virtual environments. Then, to study the feasibility of VRRS in rehabilitation, we recruited 16 stroke patients and split them into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Each group consisted 8 patients, with and without employing VRRS respectively.Results: The control of full avatar’s upper-limbs improved the users’ senses on body ownership, agency and location of the body. The users preferred to use VRRS. In addition, although the upper-limb motor function of patients from both groups were improved, the difference between the FM scores tested on the first day and the last day of the experimental group was more significant than that of the control group. Conclusions: VRRS based on the proposed method for full avatar’s upper-limbs control was developed, which improved the user experience on embodiment and effectively improved the rehabilitation effect for upper-limbs of stroke patients.Trial registration:The study was registered at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Identifier: KY-2020-036; Date of registration - June 01, 2020.
The Rhizosphere Effect of Plant Kin Recognition: Morphological Responses Combined with Soil Nitrogen Cycling
Authors: Li Jie , Li Weilin , Xu Xingliang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aims Kin recognition has been used to explain plant interactions among siblings, but the morphological-based conclusions are various and the mechanism is still fuzzy. Here, we tested the rhizosphere effect of plant kin recognition based on soil nitrogen (N) cycling resulted from root exudates, combined with plant fitness, morphological and physiological performances to examine how plants respond to kin neighbors. Methods One factorial experimental design of relatedness including either sibling or strangers of Glycine max was constructed. After growing about three months, plant morphological traits including plant height, specific leaf area (SLA) and root length as well as plant biomass; physiological traits including root activity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity and contents of chlorophyll; plant N use efficiency of each individuals were measured. Moreover, the production rate of root exudates carbon (C) and N, soil microbial biomass C and N, as well as genes amoA-AOAs, amoA-AOBs, nifH, nirK, nirS and nosZ genes related with soil N were assayed. Finally, the abundances of soil archaea, bacteria and fungi were quantified. Results Our study showed significant higher plant fitness and physiological growth and N use efficiency in siblings than strangers. The root secreted C rather than secreted N was sensitive to kin identity of G. max. Moreover, higher root secreted C quantity of sibling also ignited increasing of soil microbial biomass especially the abundance of Archaea community, and the abundance of amoa-AOAs gene compared to stranger soils. Finally, siblings increased the supply of soil available N and N use efficiency compared to strangers. Conclusions The rhizosphere changes induced by root exudation resulted in increased fitness and greater resource use efficiency among siblings compared to strangers. These findings suggest that the rhizosphere effect of soil microbial changes and soil N cycling and transformation triggered by the root-exuded C, could be a potential underground feedback mechanism for multiple kin recognition responses.
IL-19 Promotes Nasal Mucosal Tissue Remodeling in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients By Upregulating Fibronectin and Collagen Ι Expressions in Fibroblasts Via NF-κB-Smad2/3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Bao Hongwei , Li Xia , Lai Xiaoping , Chen Xiaoping , Li Yue , Yao Zhouzhou , Huang Zizhen , Huang Jiancong , Chang Lihong , Zhang Gehua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundChronic sinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis, is characterized by tissue remodeling, mainly by interstitial fibrosis. Fibroblasts are essential effectors of tissue remodeling, mainly expressing fibronectin (FN), collagen Ι (Col Ι), and other extracellular matrices. Our previous study found that IL-19 can promote the aberrant expression of extracellular matrix, and pre-experiments revealed that the Smad2/3 pathway plays a crucial role in tissue remodeling. However, the exact mechanism how IL-19 participants in tissue remodeling remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the roles of IL-19 in regulating the expression of FN and Col Ι, and the roles of Smad2/3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in fibroblasts.MethodsNasal mucosal tissue samples were collected from patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), patients with CRSsNP, and controls to analyze the expression of IL-19, FN, and Col Ι by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or western blotting. Cultured primary human nasal mucosal fibroblasts were treated with human recombinant IL-19 with or without Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathway inhibitor or agonist. They were analyzed for Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathway activation, and FN and Col Ι expression in fibroblasts by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.ResultsIL-19 co-localized with FN and Col Ι in nasal mucosal tissues and the expression levels of FN and Col Ι were elevated in CRSsNP, compared with CRSwNP and the control group. IL-19 activated the Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathways and promoted FN and Col Ι production in fibroblasts. NF-κB functions as an upstream pathway of the Smad2/3 pathway. The inhibitors of Smad2/3 and NF-κB could significantly attenuate the expression of FN and Col Ι induced by IL-19. ConclusionIL-19 promotes FN and Col Ι expression in fibroblasts via the NF-κB-Smad2/3 signaling pathway, leading to fibrosis and collagen deposition in patients with CRSsNP.
Development of Ultra High Strength Concrete Using Silica Fume and its Mechanical &amp; Durability Properties - Experimental Investigation
Authors: N Sathyakumar , M Arun , N Arunachalam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This experimental investigation is aimed to develop an ultra-high strength concrete with minimum of 100 MPa as compressive strength.In order to obtain this, twenty different concrete mixes have been tried, using cement, river sand, coarse aggregate, water, silica fume and super plasticizer. During the preparation of trial mixes of concrete, the water / binder ratio of 0.2, silica fume of 10% to the weight of cement, super plasticizer of 10 litres per cubic metre of concrete and coarse aggregate of 1000 kg/m3 were kept as constant. The amount of cement content (as 600-, 650-, 700-, 750- and 800 kg/m3) and the fine aggregate content (as 500-, 600-, 700- and 800 kg/m3) was varied. Totally 300 specimens were cast and tested in this investigation.The100 x 100 x 100 mm size of cubes, 150 x 300 mm size of cylinders, 100 x 100 x 500 mm size of prisms, 100 x 200 mm size of cylinders, 60 x 100 mm size of cylinders were used to test compressive, split tensile, flexural strength, chloride penetration and water penetration tests respectively at the age of 7-, 14- and 28 days. Based on the test results, a suitable mix proportion to produce an ultra-high strength concrete has been identified. Subsequently, from this investigation, the maximum cube compressive strength of 130 MPa, split tensile strength of 6.94 MPa, flexural strength of 21.39 MPa, chloride penetration 36 Coulombs which is lesser than 100 and sorptivity coefficient valueof 0.582 has been achieved.
Corn (Zea Mays) Leaves as Cost-Effective Substrate for Enhanced Tannase Production Under Solid State Fermentation: Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Shakir Hafiz Abdullah , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Ali Shaukat , Irfan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad , Ara Chaman , Javed Iqra , Qazi Javed Iqbal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The current study reports the utilization of agricultural residues of corn (Zea mays) as lower-cost substrate for the production of tannase under solid state fermentation (SSF). Tannase producing bacterial strains were isolated from gut content of freshwater fish, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and highest tannase producer was identified as Bacillus cereus using 16S rDNA sequencing. For enhanced tannase production, B. cereus was investigated using one variable at a time (OVAT) followed by central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Under OVAT, optimal fermentation conditions and medium composition were achieved with 70% substrate moisture, distilled water (1 ml) as enzyme extraction medium, 30°C incubation temperature, 3.0 pH, 1% inoculum size, 24 h incubation time, 150 rpm agitation, large-sized substrate particles (4 mm), non-centrifugation condition, NaCl salt, 1.5% tannic acid substrate and malt extract as organic nitrogen source for maximal enzyme synthesis. The highest tannase was produced (155.74±1.67 U/ml) with 1.75% tannic acid, 0.75% NaCl and 1.25% malt extract with the application of CCD of RSM. Higher coefficient of regression (R2=0.9665) indicated that second-order polynomial regression model assessed the data excellently. Further, tannase characterization depicted its maximum activity at 5.0 pH, 50°C temperature, 45 min incubation and 0.35% tannic acid.
Obtaining Optical Solitons via Resonant Nonlinear Schröndinger’s Equation for Optical Fiber Application
Authors: Tozar Ali , Tasbozan Orkun , Kurt Ali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Solitons which can be described as a localized wave form that maintain their shape after a collision with another soliton have became a very important phenomena in nonlinear optics due to their potential. They can be used as lossless information carriers in optical fibers due to their robustness arising from their particle grade stability upon a collision. Many scientists from various areas including electronic communication engineers have made solitons the main subject of study. Analytical solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equation have a very important place in these studies. With the progress of nonlinear optics, some types of nonlinear Schrödinger equation have been derived for better understanding. Resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation which is being used for describing nonlinear optical phenomena is a generic example for newly derived nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In this study, resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation has been solved by using functional variable method and sixteen new soliton solutions have been obtained
Narrative Coherence of Autobiographical Memories in Women with Borderline Personality Disorder and Associations with Childhood Adversity
Authors: Bendstrup Glenn , Simonsen Erik , Kongerslev Mickey T. , Jørgensen Mie S. , Petersen Lea , Thomsen Marianne S. , Vestergaard Martin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: People suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) appear to have incoherent autobiographical narratives. Tentative evidence suggests that reduced narrative coherence of autobiographical memories is associated with insecure attachment. However, it remains unknown whether incoherent autobiographical narratives in people with BPD are coupled to childhood trauma, which is prevalent in the disorder. Method: We examined if written autobiographical memories in 26 female participants with BPD had reduced narrative coherence relative to 28 healthy female controls and whether more incoherent narratives were associated with childhood trauma. Results: As hypothesized, results showed that compared to controls, the autobiographical memories in participants with BPD displayed reduced narrative coherence, specifically inadequate orientation about the narrative and lack of narrative structure. More self-reported childhood adversity was coupled to lower orientation across groups whereas increased childhood adversity showed a specific relationship to lowered narrative structure in BPD participants. Conclusion: Our findings showed that women with BPD had incoherent autobiographical narratives, and that reduced narrative coherence was associated with more self-reported childhood adversity, which appeared to mediate the group differences.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Activated Carbon/CuBTC Composite for Improving Separation Performance of CO2/H2 Binary Mixture
Authors: Esfandiari Kourosh , Ghoreyshi Ali Asghar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this research, composites of a well-known metal-organic framework, CuBTC, and activated carbon (AC) are synthesized through solvothermal method and their performance is evaluated from viewpoint of CO2/H2 separation. For this purpose, different amounts of functionalized AC are incorporated in CuBTC structure and a volumetric-chromatographic technique is employed to measure the selectivity of CO2 over H2. XRD patterns, BET surface area, and FESEM images are employed to determine textural properties of as-synthesized samples. It is demonstrated that, while crystalline structure of CuBTC is not affected by incorporation of AC particles, adding proper amounts of functionalized AC to CuBTC matrix can cause higher CO2/H2 separation factor at low pressure and 298 K. Obtained results suggest that adding 0.050 g AC to CuBTC can increase the CO2/H2 selectivity up to around 32 which is double the separation factor of bare CuBTC (i.e. ≈ 15). Enhanced hydrogen separation behavior might be attributed to the presence of carbonyl and nitrile functional groups exhibiting CO2 adsorption affinity on the surface of AC added to the optimum CuBTC structure.
Non-inertial eﬀects on generalized KG-oscillator in the presence of Coulomb-type potential in topological defects geometry
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, we solve a generalized KG-oscillator subject to a scalar and vector potential of Coulomb-types under the eﬀects of a uniform rotation in cosmic string space-time. We obtain the energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction, and analyze a relativistic analogue of the Aharonov-Bohm eﬀect for bound states. We see that the presence of potential allow the formation of bound states solution and the energy level and wave-function for each radial mode depend on the global parameters of the space-time.
Erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a study protocol for a prospective randomized open label non-inferiority trial
Authors: Broek Renee van den , Koopman Seppe , Postema Jonne , Verberkmoes Niels , Chin Ki Jinn , Bouwman Arthur , Versyck Barbara 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Thoracic epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard for pain relief in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This neuraxial technique blocks pain sensation by injecting local anesthetic in the epidural space near the spinal cord to block spinal nerve roots. Recently, the erector spinae plane block has been introduced as a practical alternative to the thoracic epidural. This interfascial regional anesthesia technique interrupts pain sensation by injecting local anesthetic in between the muscular layers of the thoracic wall. Several case series and three RCTs described it as an effective pain management technique in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. (1–5)The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that a continuous erector spinae plane block is non-inferior in terms of the quality of recovery as measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 score compared to continuous thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing elective unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.Methods: This is a prospective randomized open label non-inferiority trial. A total of 90 adult patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery will be randomized 1:1 to receive either pain treatment with continuous erector spinae plane block (study group) or continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (control group). The primary endpoint is the quality of recovery as measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 score. Secondary endpoints are postoperative pain as Numerical Rating Score scores, length of hospital stay, failure of analgesic technique, postoperative morphine-equivalent consumption, itching, nausea and vomiting, total operative time, complications related to surgery, perioperative hypotension, complications related to pain treatment, duration of bladder catheterization, time of first assisted mobilization >20 meters and of mobilization to sitting in a chair. Discussion: This randomized controlled trial aims to confirm whether a continuous erector spinae plane block can equal analgesic effect as regional anesthesia technique compared with a thoracic epidural in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Inhibitory effect of Fruitflow on platelet function: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in elderly subjects
Authors: Chen Huilian , Zhang Shenghao , Wang Hui , Jiang Yun , Bao Li , Wu Wei , Qi Ruomei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The elderly has a high risk of cardiovascular disease, which is often accompanied by platelet hyperactivity. Tomato extracts can inhibit platelet activation and have beneficial health effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of Fruitflow® (FF), a water-soluble tomato extract, on platelet function in elderly participants.Methods: This randomized group study was conducted with people over 50 years old. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: placebo (150 mg/day), FF (150 mg/day), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; 100 mg/day), and FF (150 mg/day) + ASA (100 mg/day). These groups received the respective supplements after dinner daily for 7 days. Fasting blood was collected from the participants on days 0 and 8 to analyze platelet aggregation and the content of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and platelet factor 4 (PF4). Results: One hundred ninety elderly participants were recruited and completed this clinical trial. The results showed that the FF intervention for 7 days decreased platelet aggregation by 7.7% in adenosine diphosphate-stimulated platelets, which was similar to the effect of ASA, which decreased platelet aggregation by 9.4%. FF reduced platelet aggregation by 10.2% in collagen-stimulated platelets, and ASA reduced platelet aggregation by 38.3% in collagen-activated platelets. This suggests that ASA exerts a stronger inhibitory effect than FF on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The combination of FF + ASA did not exert a synergistic inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Treatment with FF significantly decreased plasma TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PF4 levels, and its effects were similar to ASA. Conclusion: Fruitflow® suppressed platelet aggregation and decreased TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PF4 levels in elderly participants. These findings indicate that FF might reduce the risk of thrombosis in cardiovascular diseases.Trial registration code: ChiCTR2000034647 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.