bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spray-Drying-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: Effect of the Silver Nanoparticle Aggregate Size on the Enhancement of Raman Scattering
Authors: Matsumoto Chigusa , Gen Masao , Matsuki Atsushi , Seto Takafumi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We report a spray-drying method to fabricate silver nanoparticle (AgNP) aggregates for application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A custom-built system was used to fabricate AgNP aggregates of three sizes, 48, 86, and 218 nm, from drying droplets containing AgNPs atomized from an AgNP suspension. Sample solutions of Rhodamine B (RhB) at 10–6, 10–8, and 10–10 M concentrations were dropped onto the AgNP aggregates as probe molecules to examine the enhancement of the Raman signals of the RhB. The ordering of the analytical enhancement factors (AEFs) by aggregate size at a given RhB concentration was 86 nm > 218 nm > 48 nm. The AEFs of the 86 nm AgNP aggregates were higher than those of the 218-nm aggregates, although the 218-nm aggregates had more hot spots where Raman enhancement occurred. This finding was attributable to the deformation and damping of the electron cloud in the highly aggregated AgNPs, reducing the sensitivity for Raman enhancement. When RhB was premixed with the AgNP suspension prior to atomization, the AEFs at 10–8 M RhB rose ~100-fold compared to those in the earlier experiments (the post-dropping route). This significant enhancement was probably caused by the increased opportunity for the trapping of the probe molecules in the hot spots.
Cross Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Spanish Version of VascuQol-6 Questionnaire.
Authors: Soria-Juan Barbara , Llanos Lucía , Moral Luis Riera , Aparicio César , Gonzalez Alejandro , Shaw Oliver , Fernández Ignacio Mahillo , Garcia-Arranz Mariano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background:Outcomes in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are usually clinical alone, ignoring patient´s bio-psychological sphere. VascuQol-6 is a specific questionnaire aimed to asses quality of life of patients suffering PAD. Our objective was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of VQ-6 questionnaire from original English version into Spanish, in order to have a rapid, sensitive and easy-to-apply clinical tool for evaluating HRQoL outcomes in PAD patients.MethodsA prospective study with 100 outpatients with PAD patients was carried out in two university hospitals. Patients completed the Spanish translated VasquQol-6 (VQ-6) questionnaire and the SF-12 questionnaire. Validation of the VQ-6 Spanish Version was assessed through statistical measurement of reliability, reproducibility and validity of the questionnaire. Reproducibility of the Spanish VQ-6 was assessed through Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, while Internal consistency was analyzed through Alpha Cronbach. Criterion Validity was assessed by comparing the SF-12 and with Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. Construct Validity was assessed by comparing the results of the questionnaire with the stage of the PAD based on Rutherford-Becker Category.ResultsOn hundred patients were included in the study from July 2019 to January 2021. 82 % were male with a median age of 71.6 years. The reproducibility of the VQ-6 Spanish Version in each item was evaluated in a sample of 80 patients. Pain, Activity, Social and Emotional domains had ICC values ranging from 0.70 to 0.88, indicating a good agreement. The value obtained for Cronbach's Alpha was 0.89 using all the questions of the questionnaire, indicating a good internal consistency. VQ-6 and SF-12 showed positive correlations. The overall Pearson Correlation Coefficient was 0.77 for Physical SF-12, indicating an elevated Criterion Validity. Under´s curve area was 0.8, so discrimination capacity of VQ-6 Spanish Version to discriminate between IC and CLI was considered good.ConclusionVQ-6 Spanish Version is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluation of quality of life in patients suffering from PAD that can be used in clinical practice, adding a decision-base when evaluating different treatment options. This VQ-6 Spanish Version is intended to cover the spectrum of severity of PAD in Spanish-speaking patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04741321. Retrospectively registered on February 05,2021)
Analysis of lacrimal duct morphology from cone-beam CT dacryocystography in a Japanese population
Authors: Nakamura Jutaro , Kamao Tomoyuki , Mitani Arisa , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Shiraishi Atsushi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the first-line treatment for lacrimal duct stenosis and obstruction in western countries. Endoscopic-assisted nasolacrimal duct intubation (ENDI) is spreading steadily as a minimally invasive treatment in Northeast Asia. ENDI is prevalent in this area because Northeast Asians have relatively flat facial features, with a less elevated superior orbital rim than other ethnic groups. This allows for relatively easy manipulation of a dacryoendoscope. Evidence has accumulated that the morphology and inclination of the lacrimal duct differ among individuals and ethnic groups. In this study, we collected anthropometric data from a Japanese population of 100 samples—the parameters vital for designing a dacryoendoscope probe. The data we provided was essential in designing the overall length, bending point, and curve-line of the dacryoendoscope probe. Although the Japanese data measured in this study would not be directly applicable to other ethnic groups, we hope that the parameters provided by this study will contribute to the accumulation of valuable anthropometric data for the design of endoscopic probe morphologies and the development of therapeutic devices for lacrimal tract diseases—in terms of designing optimal morphologies, specific to ethnic groups and populations.
Bioresorbable implants vs. Kirschner-wires in the treatment of severely displaced distal paediatric radius and forearm fractures – a retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Varga Marcell 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDistal radius fractures are very common in paediatric patients. Severely displaced fractures may require surgical intervention. The gold standard surgical method is percutaneous K-wire osteosynthesis followed by immobilisation. Metal implants can be removed with a second intervention; however, these extra procedures can cause further complications. Several studies confirm the benefits of bioabsorbable implants for paediatric patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the complication rates of displaced distal metaphyseal radius and forearm fractures in children operated on with K-wires versus a novel technique with bioresorbable implants.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 94 patients in three paediatric trauma centres who underwent operations due to severely displaced distal forearm or metaphyseal radial fractures between January 2019 and January 2020. The mean age was 8.23 (ranging from 5-12). 30 patients (bioresorbable group, BR-group) were treated with biodegradable PLGA implants (Bioretec®, ActivaPin®), 40 patients with one or two stainless steel Kirschner-wires (K-wires, Sanatmetal®) which were buried under the skin (KW I-group) and 30 children with K-wires left outside the skin. (KWII. Group). We examined the number of minor and major complications as well as the need for repeated interventions. Follow-up was at least one year.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the complication rates at the two KW groups (p = 0.241; Cramer’s V = 0.211), while the complication rate of the BR group was significantly lower. (p = 0.049; Cramer’s V = 0.293 and p = 0.002; Cramer’s V = 0.418 respectively). No later than half a year after the injury, no difference was observed between the functional outcomes of the patients in each group. One and a half years after the injury, no signs of growth disturbance were found in any of the children. No second surgical intervention was required in the BR group.ConclusionsSurgeries with bioresorbable intramedullary implants may have fewer complications than K- wire osteosynthesis in the treatment of severely displaced distal forearm fractures. The benefits are most pronounced in the first six weeks after surgery, reducing the number of outpatient visits and increasing the child's sense of comfort. As no second intervention is required, this can lead to significant cost savings. After half a year, there is no difference in the outcomes between the different surgical treatment strategies.
Field response of three Tephritid fruit flies to three food-based attractants and suppression of Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) using Mazoferm–Spinosad in guava ecosystem in Sudan
Authors: Mahmoud Mohammed E. E. , Mohammed  ,   1Mohammed.  I. Bashir, and Fathya M. Khamis , Ekesi Sunday 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera are the most damaging pests of horticultural crops, leading to severe economic losses hindered exportation. Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) were reported in Sudan in 2005 and 2011 respectively affecting most of the fruits and vegetables in Sudan threatening income of poor farmers. Only Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) is applied in Sudan to manage the two Bactrocera species. A filed experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of B. dorsalis, B. zonata and Zeugodacus cucurbitae to three food-based attractants using McPhail traps in two sites in Gezira state, Sudan. Also, other trial was undertaken to determine the effect of spray of Mazoferm and Spinosad combination to control B. zonata. The results showed that food-based attractants lured both sexes of the above mentioned fruit flies and females represented (55-86%). At the first site, B. zonata responded in high numbers to Mazoferm followed by Torula yeast and GF-120 respectively while it responded equally to the Mazoferm and Torula yeast in the second site. B. dorsalis responded positively to Mazoferm followed by Torula yeast and GF-120 while Z. cucurbitae was attracted to Mazoferm, GF-120 and Torula for each attractant respectively. Spray of Mazoferm combined with Spinosad significantly reduced population of B. zonata (FTD) population and suppressed infestation level of guava fruits (fruit flies/Kg of fruits) when compared to unsprayed orchard. Bait Application Technique is an environmentally friendly approach that reduces infestation levels, lessen contamination and safeguard produce.
Palm oil extracts’ protected against cadmium chloride poisoning via inhibition of oxidative stress in rats”
Authors: ICHIPI-IFUKOR Patrick Chukwuyenum , ASAGBA Samuel Ogheneovo , NWOSE Chibueze , MORDI Joseph Chukwufumnanya , OYEM John Chukwuma 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The probable mechanism of an earlier reported capacity of palm oil extracts to confer protection against high dose cadmium poisoning in rats was reported in this study. Similar experimental design earlier reported by us was retained. Rats therefore were sacrificed at intervals of twelve; twenty four and forty eight hours post CdCl2 insult. Results: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione) were assessed in tissues (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) and serum. Oxidative stress indicators showed a significantly (p<0.05) increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant defence systems occasioned by drop in catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes (serum, liver, heart, brain and kidneys) of the rats. Also observed were significant (p<0.05) reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione over time. Pre-administration of rats with the crude palm oil and its extracts modulated cadmium mediated depletion of the antioxidant capacities of rats acutely exposed to cadmium and rising lipid peroxidation profile. Conclusions: Regulation of stress and antioxidant response was the underlying mechanism by which the extracts conferred protection against high dose cadmium insult thus suggesting its potential as a viable therapeutic target against its deleterious effects.
Surface EMG-based Quantification of Inspiratory Effort: A Quantitative Comparison with Pes
Authors: Graßhoff Jan , Petersen Eike , Farquharson Franziska , Kustermann Max , Kabitz Hans-Joachim , Rostalski Philipp , Walterspacher Stephan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Inspiratory patient effort under assisted mechanical ventilation is an important quantity for assessing patient-ventilator interaction and recognizing over and under assistance. An established clinical standard is respiratory muscle pressure Pmus, derived from esophageal pressure (Pes), which requires the correct placement and calibration of an esophageal balloon catheter. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the respiratory muscles represents a promising and straightforward alternative technique, enabling non-invasive monitoring of patient activity.

Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted with patients under assisted mechanical ventilation, who were scheduled for elective bronchoscopy. Airway flow and pressure, esophageal/gastric pressures and sEMG of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles were recorded at four levels of pressure support ventilation. Patient efforts were quantified via the Pmus–time product (PTPmus), the transdiaphragmatic pressure–time product (PTPdi) and the EMG–time products (ETP) of the two sEMG channels. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio, a method for automatically selecting the more informative of the sEMG channels was investigated. Correlation between ETP and PTPmus was assessed by determining a neuromechanical conversion factor KEMG between the two quantities. Moreover, it was investigated whether this scalar can be reliably determined from airway pressure during occlusion maneuvers, thus allowing to quantify inspiratory effort based solely on sEMG measurements.

Results
In total, 62 patients with heterogeneous pulmonary diseases were enrolled in the study, 43 of wich were included in the data analysis. The ETP of the two sEMG channels was well correlated with PTPmus (r=0.79±0.25 and r=0.84±0.16 for diaphragm and intercostal recordings, respectively). The proposed automatic channel selection method improved correlation with PTPmus (r=0.87±0.09). The neuromechanical conversion factor obtained by fitting ETP to PTPmus varied widely between patients (KEMG=4.32±3.73 cmH2O/μV) and was highly correlated with the scalar determined during occlusions (r=0.95, p<.001). The occlusion-based method for deriving PTPmus from ETP showed a breath-wise deviation to PTPmus of 0.43±1.73 cmH2Os across all datasets.

Conclusion
These results support the use of surface electromyography as a reliable non-invasive alternative for monitoring breath-by-breath inspiratory effort of patients under assisted mechanical ventilation.
Metal Based-oxide Nanoparticles Assisted the Uptake of the Essential Elements and Phytoremediation of Populus Alba : Essential Metabolic Processes and Genetic Stability
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed F. , Ibrahim Mostafa A. , Mansour Ahmed S. , Emam Ahmed N. , El-Razik Ashraf B. Abd , Tawfik Eman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The present study evaluated the phytoremediation activities of Populus alba upon using nano metal-based-oxides (i.e., Fe2O3, ZnO, and Mn2O3-NPs) as analogues of three main heavy metals Fe, Zn and Mn exist in soil as micronutrients at three different concentrations (i.e., 20, 40, and 60 mg/L) compared to the control. The as-prepared nanoparticles have been prepared via co-precipitation method. In addition, the physico-chemical properties were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering techniques. Overall, a significant difference in the biomass production-related parameters such as fresh weight, shoot length, root length, and root number compared to control upon the treatment with micronutrients-based nano-metal-oxides (i.e., Mn2O3 > Fe2O3 > ZnO NPs, respectively), except a significant increase in the root number of Populus alba plant upon their treatment with ZnO NPs compared to other prepared nano-metal-oxides and control. Also, a remarkable increase in the chlorophyll index was monitored upon treatment with Fe2O3 than other used Mn2O3 and ZnO NPs, respectively. Moreover, RAPD-PCR bioassays were applied and the actual 6 primers showed a genetic variation percentage of 34.17% indicating that Populus alba is highly genetically stable even in a highly contaminated environment/soil. All these data enhance the idea of using the Populus alba plant in phytoremediation and heavy metal uptake as micronutrients to clean up the surroundings.
AXL Regulates Neuregulin1 Expression Leading to Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Iida Mari , McDaniel Nellie , Kostecki Kourtney , Welke Noah , Kranjac Carlene , Longhurst Colin , Bruce Justine , Hong Seungpyo , Salgia Ravi , Wheeler Deric 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed and an important therapeutic target in Head and Neck cancer (HNC). Cetuximab is currently the only EGFR-targeting agent approved by the FDA for treatment of HNC; however, intrinsic and acquired resistance to cetuximab is a major problem in the clinic. Our lab previously reported that AXL leads to cetuximab resistance via activation of HER3.
Methods
In this study, we investigate the connection between AXL, HER3, and neuregulin1 (NRG1) gene expression with a focus on understanding how their interdependent signaling promotes resistance to cetuximab in head and neck cancer. Plasmid or siRNA transfections, cell proliferation assays, and clonogenic assays were conducted to test cetuximab sensitivity. Quantitative PCR and immunoblot analysis were used to analyze gene expression levels. Seven HNC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were evaluated for protein expression levels.
Results
We found that HER3 expression was necessary but not sufficient for cetuximab resistance without AXL expression. Our results demonstrated that addition of the HER3 ligand NRG1 to cetuximab-sensitive HNC cells leads to cetuximab resistance. Further, AXL-overexpressing cells regulate NRG1 at the level of transcription, thereby promoting cetuximab resistance. Immunoblot analysis revealed that NRG1 expression was relatively high in cetuximab-resistant HNC PDXs compared to cetuximab-sensitive HNC PDXs. Finally, genetic inhibition of NRG1 resensitized AXL-overexpressing cells to cetuximab.
Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that AXL may signal through HER3 via NRG1 to promote cetuximab resistance and that targeting of NRG1 could have significant clinical implications for HNC therapeutic approaches.
Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Difficult Airway and First-Pass Success in the Emergency Department: Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Yamanaka Syunsuke , Goto Tadahiro , Morikawa Koji , Watase Hiroko , Okamoto Hiroshi , Hagiwara Yusuke , Hasegawa Kohei 
Published: December 2021

Background
There is still room for improvement in the modified LEMON (look, evaluate, Mallampati, obstruction, neck mobility) criteria for difficult airway prediction and no prediction tool for first-pass success in the emergency department (ED).

Objective
We applied modern machine learning approaches to predict difficult airways and first-pass success.

Methods
In a multicenter prospective study that enrolled consecutive patients who underwent tracheal intubation in 13 EDs, we developed 7 machine learning models (eg, random forest model) using routinely collected data (eg, demographics, initial airway assessment). The outcomes were difficult airway and first-pass success. Model performance was evaluated using c-statistics, calibration slopes, and association measures (eg, sensitivity) in the test set (randomly selected 20% of the data). Their performance was compared with the modified LEMON criteria for difficult airway success and a logistic regression model for first-pass success.

Results
Of 10,741 patients who underwent intubation, 543 patients (5.1%) had a difficult airway, and 7690 patients (71.6%) had first-pass success. In predicting a difficult airway, machine learning models—except for k-point nearest neighbor and multilayer perceptron—had higher discrimination ability than the modified LEMON criteria (all, P≤.001). For example, the ensemble method had the highest c-statistic (0.74 vs 0.62 with the modified LEMON criteria; P<.001). Machine learning models—except k-point nearest neighbor and random forest models—had higher discrimination ability for first-pass success. In particular, the ensemble model had the highest c-statistic (0.81 vs 0.76 with the reference regression; P<.001).

Conclusions
Machine learning models demonstrated greater ability for predicting difficult airway and first-pass success in the ED.
Accuracy and Acceptability of Wrist-Wearable Activity-Tracking Devices: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Germini Federico , Noronha Noella , Borg Debono Victoria , Abraham Philip Binu , Pete Drashti , Navarro Tamara , Keepanasseril Arun , Parpia Sameer , de Wit Kerstin , Iorio Alfonso 
Published: December 2021

Background
Numerous wrist-wearable devices to measure physical activity are currently available, but there is a need to unify the evidence on how they compare in terms of acceptability and accuracy.

Objective
The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of the literature to assess the accuracy and acceptability (willingness to use the device for the task it is designed to support) of wrist-wearable activity trackers.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus for studies measuring physical activity in the general population using wrist-wearable activity trackers. We screened articles for inclusion and, for the included studies, reported data on the studies’ setting and population, outcome measured, and risk of bias.

Results
A total of 65 articles were included in our review. Accuracy was assessed for 14 different outcomes, which can be classified in the following categories: count of specific activities (including step counts), time spent being active, intensity of physical activity (including energy expenditure), heart rate, distance, and speed. Substantial clinical heterogeneity did not allow us to perform a meta-analysis of the results. The outcomes assessed most frequently were step counts, heart rate, and energy expenditure. For step counts, the Fitbit Charge (or the Fitbit Charge HR) had a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) <25% across 20 studies. For heart rate, the Apple Watch had a MAPE <10% in 2 studies. For energy expenditure, the MAPE was >30% for all the brands, showing poor accuracy across devices. Acceptability was most frequently measured through data availability and wearing time. Data availability was ≥75% for the Fitbit Charge HR, Fitbit Flex 2, and Garmin Vivofit. The wearing time was 89% for both the GENEActiv and Nike FuelBand.

Conclusions
The Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Charge HR were consistently shown to have a good accuracy for step counts and the Apple Watch for measuring heart rate. None of the tested devices proved to be accurate in measuring energy expenditure. Efforts should be made to reduce the heterogeneity among studies.