bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in saliva as a diagnostic biomarker for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
Authors: Im Nu-Ri , Kim Byoungjae , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Baek Seung-Kuk 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSeveral diagnostic methods are currently being used to diagnose LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease), but have the disadvantage of being invasive, subjective, or expensive. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the correlation between pepsin and MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7) in pharyngeal secretions of subjects according to RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) score to find out the diagnostic value of MMP-7. We recruited 173 subjects aged between 19 and 85 years who completed the RSI scale. All samples were taken after waking up, and the amount of the pepsin and MMP-7 in saliva were measured by means of an enzyme activity assay. There was a significant increase of pepsin and MMP-7 activity in the study group with an RSI score of 13 or higher. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-7 for predicting the possibility of an RSI of 13 or more was higher than that of pepsin. When MMP-7 and pepsin were combined, this sensitivity and specificity increased. An enzyme assay of MMP-7 in saliva may be a noninvasive and easy technique for diagnosing LPRD.
Aqueous humour cytokine profiles after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Takahashi Hidenori , Inoda Satoru , Shimizu Toshiki , Kobayashi Akira , Kawashima Hidetoshi , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Yamagami Satoru 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare aqueous humour (AqH) cytokine profiles before and after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with bullous keratopathy (BK) and age-matched normal eyes. A total of 49 participants (mean age 75.0 ± 13.5 years) were divided into three groups: (1) BK patients scheduled for DMEK (BK group); (2) patients after DMEK (DMEK group; average postoperative time 1,018 ± 460 days); and (3) control participants without corneal endothelial disease scheduled for cataract surgery (control group). AqH (0.2 mL) was collected from all participants, and the levels of various AqH cytokines were simultaneously measured using a multiplex bead immunoassay. The DMEK group exhibited significantly lower concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor than the BK group. In addition, the levels of IL-1β and IL-5 were significantly lower in the DMEK group than in the control group. The AqH levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced after DMEK, indicating that regeneration of the endothelial pump owing to the transplantation of a healthy endothelium might have a positive effect on anterior chamber inflammation.
Occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild birds: phylogenetic analysis and potential factors affecting distribution
Authors: Sawicka-Durkalec Anna , Kursa Olimpia , Bednarz Łukasz , Tomczyk Grzegorz 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDifferent Mycoplasma species have been reported in avian hosts. However, the majority of studies focus on one particular species of Mycoplasma or one host. In our research, we screened a total of 1141 wild birds representing 55 species, 26 families, and 15 orders for the presence of mycoplasmas by conventional PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene. Selected PCR products were sequenced to perform the phylogenetic analysis. All mycoplasma-positive samples were tested for M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae, which are considered the major pathogens of commercial poultry. We also verified the influence of ecological characteristics of the tested bird species including feeding habits, habitat types, and movement patterns. The presence of Mycoplasma spp. was confirmed in 498 birds of 29 species, but none of the tested birds were positive for M. gallisepticum or M. synoviae. We found possible associations between the presence of Mycoplasma spp. and all investigated ecological factors. The phylogenetic analysis showed a high variability of Mycoplasma spp.; however, some clustering of sequences was observed regarding particular bird species. We found that wild migratory waterfowl, particularly the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) could be reservoirs and vectors of mycoplasmas pathogenic to commercial waterfowl.
Minimum effective volume of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block in preschool-age children
Authors: Chen Liang , Shen Yang , Liu Shuangmei , Cao Yanyan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUltrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block is increasingly used in preschool-age patients. However, the minimum effective volume of local anaesthetics has not been determined. With ethical committee approval and written informed consent from the guardians of all paediatric patients, we studied 27 consecutive patients aged 3 to 6 years who were scheduled for hand surgery. After general anaesthesia, eligible patients received a set volume of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block. We determined the volume of 0.2% ropivacaine for consecutive patients from the preceding patient’s outcome. The initial volume was 0.4 ml/kg. The testing interval was set at 0.05 ml/kg, and the lowest volume was 0.1 ml/kg. The following conditions were defined as a successful block: no heart rate changes, body movement, or ventilatory disorders during the operation; no use of fentanyl in the PACU; and a postoperative sensory block score < 3. The sequences of positive and negative blocks in consecutive patients were recorded. Using probit regression analysis, the 50% effective volume was 0.185 ml/kg (95% CI 0.123–0.234), and the 95% effective volume was 0.280 ml/kg (95% CI 0.232–0.593). EV50 and EV95 values of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block were 0.185 ml/kg and 0.280 ml/kg, respectively.
Evaluating the interchangeability of infrared and digital devices with the traditional mercury thermometer in hospitalized pediatric patients: an observational study
Authors: Dante Angelo , Gaxhja Elona , Masotta Vittorio , La Cerra Carmen , Caponnetto Valeria , Petrucci Cristina , Lancia Loreto 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGradual replacement of the mercury thermometers with alternative devices is ongoing around the world in a bid to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. However, to reduce the risks of misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatments, and omission of care in pediatric populations, more evidence on the reliability of alternative thermometers is needed. The aim of this comparative observational study was to detect any differences in temperature measurements between the use of the axillary mercury thermometer and the alternative techniques. Temperature values in degree Celsius (°C) were measured in a group of Albanian children aged up to 14 years using mercury and digital axillary thermometers, as well as forehead and tympanic infrared thermometers. The digital axillary device, compared with the mercury one, showed no clinically significant difference in the mean values (− 0.04 ± 0.29 °C) and the narrowest 95% level of agreement (+ 0.53 °C to − 0.62 °C) in the paired comparisons. For cut-off point of 37.5 °C, the digital axillary thermometer showed the highest levels of sensitivity (72.5%) and specificity (99.1%) in detecting fever. This study indicates that the digital axillary thermometer may be the better option since it adequately balances accuracy, safety, and children’s comfort.
An optimal feed-forward artificial neural network model and a new empirical correlation for prediction of the relative viscosity of Al2O3-engine oil nanofluid
Authors: Hemmat Esfe Mohammad , Toghraie Davood 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study presents the design of an artificial neural network (ANN) to evaluate and predict the viscosity behavior of Al2O3/10W40 nanofluid at different temperatures, shear rates, and volume fraction of nanoparticles. Nanofluid viscosity ($${\mu }_{nf}$$

μ

nf

) is evaluated at volume fractions ($$\varphi$$
φ
=0.25% to 2%) and temperature range of 5 to 55 °C. For modeling by ANN, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) network with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (LMA) is used. The main purpose of this study is to model and predict the $${\mu }_{nf}$$

μ

nf

of Al2O3/10W40 nanofluid through ANN, select the best ANN structure from the set of predicted structures and manage time and cost by predicting the ANN with the least error. To model the ANN, $$\varphi$$
φ
, temperature, and shear rate are considered as input variables, and $${\mu }_{nf}$$

μ

nf

is considered as output variable. From 400 different ANN structures for Al2O3/10W40 nanofluid, the optimal structure consisting of two hidden layers with the optimal structure of 6 neurons in the first layer and 4 neurons in the second layer is selected. Finally, the R regression coefficient and the MSE are 0.995838 and 4.14469E−08 for the optimal structure, respectively. According to all data, the margin of deviation (MOD) is in the range of less than 2% < MOD < + 2%. Comparison of the three data sets, namely laboratory data, correlation output, and ANN output, shows that the ANN estimates laboratory data more accurately.
Budget‐constrained drone allocation for distribution system damage assessment
Authors: Arjomandi‐Nezhad Ali , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad Mahmud , Aminifar Farrokh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNatural disasters threaten the sustainability of electric power supply. This fact highlights the importance of enhancing technological resourcefulness to handle the upcoming events. Once a natural disaster occurs, the most urgent undertaking is to rapidly pinpoint and assess component damages and dispatch the repair crews towards the most critical impaired elements. Practical efforts confirm that utilising a drone, which is an unmanned aerial vehicle, can notably reduce the duration of post‐disaster distribution system damage assessment (DA) and increase the resilience of power systems. This study presents an optimisation model to determine the optimal number and type of drones required for DA. The main goal is to minimise the time duration of the DA mission, which includes scanning the grid and identifying the damaged components. As a matter of fact, the financial resources are limited, so the problem is subject to the available budget constraint. Besides, the technical capacity of purchased drones for inspecting the grid is considered. The optimisation problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer programme with a guaranteed optimum solution. Case studies confirm the applicability of the model and the optimality of the results. As the major conclusion, the best allocation is a compromise between the speed and price of drones.
Imaging from STIX visibility amplitudes
Authors: Massa Paolo , Perracchione Emma , Garbarino Sara , Battaglia Andrea F. , Benvenuto Federico , Piana Michele , Hurford Gordon , Krucker Säm 
Published: August 2021

Aims.This study is aimed at providing the first demonstration of STIX Fourier-transform X-ray imaging using semi-calibrated (amplitude-only) visibility data acquired during Solar Orbiter’s cruise phase.Methods.We used a parametric imaging approach whereby STIX visibility amplitudes are fitted by means of two non-linear optimization methods: a fast meta-heuristic technique inspired by social behavior and a Bayesian Monte Carlo sampling method that, although slower, provides a better way of quantifying the uncertainties.Results.When applied to a set of solar flare visibility amplitudes recorded by STIX on November 18, 2020, the two parametric methods provide very coherent results. The analysis also demonstrates the ability of STIX to reconstruct data at a high time resolution and, from a spectral viewpoint, it shows the reliability of a double-source scenario that is consistent with a thermal versus nonthermal interpretation.Conclusions.In this preliminary analysis of STIX imaging based only on visibility amplitudes, we formulate the imaging problem as a non-linear parametric issue addressed by means of two high-performance optimization techniques that both show the ability to sample the parametric space in an effective fashion, thus avoiding any local minima.
Coffea-casa: an analysis facility prototype
Authors: Adamec Matous , Attebury Garhan , Bloom Kenneth , Bockelman Brian , Lundstedt Carl , Shadura Oksana , Thiltges John 
Published: August 2021

Data analysis in HEP has often relied on batch systems and event loops; users are given a non-interactive interface to computing resources and consider data event-by-event. The “Coffea-casa” prototype analysis facility is an effort to provide users with alternate mechanisms to access computing resources and enable new programming paradigms. Instead of the command-line interface and asynchronous batch access, a notebook-based web interface and interactive computing is provided. Instead of writing event loops, the columnbased Coffea library is used.
In this paper, we describe the architectural components of the facility, the services offered to end users, and how it integrates into a larger ecosystem for data access and authentication.
Sakrumfrakturen – Fragilitätsfrakturen
Authors: Pieroh Philipp , Fakler Johannes K.M. , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Nowak Tobias E. , Rommens Pol M. , Wagner Daniel 
Published: August 2021

ZusammenfassungFragilitätsfrakturen des Sakrums (FFS) sind eine neue Herausforderung für Becken- und Wirbelsäulenchirurgen mit einem deutlichen Anstieg der Fallzahlen über die letzten Jahre. Die unspezifische Klinik und oftmals unauffällige Röntgenbilder unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit der Computertomografie (CT) als Primärdiagnostik, um auch nicht-dislozierte Frakturen zu detektieren. Spezifische Klassifikationen für FFS existieren nicht, jedoch wurden die FFS in der fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) Klassifikation abgebildet. Hier werden (nicht-) dislozierte unilaterale und bilaterale Frakturen von bilateralen dislozierten Frakturen mit horizontaler Kommunikation unterschieden. Unabhängig der Therapie (konservativ/operativ) sollte eine Osteoporosediagnostik und -therapie erfolgen. Nicht-dislozierte Frakturen können konservativ behandelt werden, dabei gilt es jedoch eine suffiziente Analgesie und ausreichende Mobilisation zu gewährleisten, ggf. mit der Erstellung spezifischer Belastungsprotokolle. Ebenfalls ist die Therapie mit (rekombinantem) Parathormon erfolgsversprechend. Bei anhaltender Immobilisation und/oder Schmerzen muss bei nicht-dislozierten Frakturen eine operative Therapie empfohlen werden. Aufgrund der hohen Rate der Frakturprogression (bis zu 30%) sowie allgemeinen Versagensrate der konservativen Therapie (ca. 18%) bei FFS sollte eine engmaschige Kontrolle erfolgen. Dislozierte Frakturen sollten operativ behandelt werden, wobei hier perkutane Verfahren vorzuziehen sind.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy – an Overview
Authors: Berger Lieselotte , Bühler Virginie , Yzer Suzanne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterised by retinal serous detachment usually localised in the macular region. CSCR predominantly affects men between 30 and 50 years of age. Traditional classification differentiates between acute (duration shorter than 4 to 6 months) and chronic disease (duration longer than 4 to 6 months). The pathogenesis is multifactorial and current thinking assumes the presence of localised choroidal hyperpermeability with subsequent secondary changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The symptoms of acute CSCR include central blurred vision, often with deterioration in visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) reveals subretinal fluid (SRF) and/or single retinal pigment epithelial detachments. Fluorescein angiography (FA) usually shows a leaking point with absent or only minor RPE changes in the acute phase and indocyanine green angiography (ICG) highlights circumscribed areas of thickened and hyperpermeable choroid.
Acute cases may show spontaneous resolution of SRF, but may also recur and/or become chronic. After the initial diagnosis, spontaneous remission is seen in about 70 to 80% of cases, with a recurrence rate of about 50%. Due to the favourable spontaneous course, it is recommended to wait for 4 to 6 months after the first symptoms manifest. Steroid therapy is considered as a major risk factor. Chronic cases are characterised by slow deterioration in visual acuity with reduced contrast and colour perception. There are extensive RPE changes, with secondary degenerative changes of the photoreceptors. The disease can by complicated by choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), especially in elderly patients. The literature lists a number of treatments: The leakage point (visible in the FA) can be treated by focal laser therapy, either micropulse laser or, if sufficiently distant from the fovea, by argon laser coagulation. Randomised trials in chronic CSCR demonstrated good outcomes
with photodynamic therapy. With observation periods ranging from 3 to 6 months, several case series reports found improvement after systemic administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the presence of secondary CNV, anti-VEGF treatment should be initiated. It is unclear whether the combination with PDT might be useful.
Rectal Administration of Ibuprofen: Comparison of Enema and
Suppository Form
Authors: Prasaja Budi , Harahap Yahdiana , Sandra Monika , Iskandar Irene , Lusthom Windy , Cahyaningsih Prawitasari 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIbuprofen is a widely used and well-tolerated analgesic and antipyretic. It is
desirable to have a formulation with a rapid rate of absorption because it is
required for rapid pain relief and temperature reduction. Previous studies have
described the pharmacokinetic profiles of ibuprofen suppository and the mean
peak times of ibuprofen suppository were around 1.8 hours, indicating a
slower rate of absorption. The aim of this study is to compare the
pharmacokinetic parameters of rectal administration of ibuprofen between enema
and suppository form in order to provide evidence for the faster absorption
rates of ibuprofen enema. This study was a phase-1 clinical study, open-label,
randomized and two-way crossover with one-week washout period comparing the
absorption profile of equal dose of ibuprofen administered rectally in two
treatment phases: ibuprofen suppository and enema. Blood samples were collected
post dose for pharmacokinetic analyses. Tmax was analyzed using a
Wilcoxon matched paired test. A standard ANOVA model, appropriate for
bioequivalence studies was used and ratios of 90% confidence intervals
were calculated. This study showed that Tmax for ibuprofen enema was
less than half that of ibuprofen suppository (median 40 min vs.
90 min, respectively; p-value=0.0003). Cmax
and AUC0–12 for ibuprofen enema were bioequivalent to
ibuprofen suppository, as the ratio of
test/reference=104.52%, 90% CI
93.41–116.95% and the ratio of
test/reference=98.12%, 90%CI
93.34–103.16%, respectively, which fell within
80–125% bioequivalence limit. The overall extent of absorption
was similar to the both, which were all well tolerated. In terms of
Tmax, Ibuprofen enema was absorbed twice as quickly as from
ibuprofen suppository. Therefore it is expected that an ibuprofen enema may
provide faster onset of analgesic and antipyretic benefit.
Caring for Cancer Patients during Corona Pandemic—(COVID-19)—A Narrative Review
Authors: Pratapa Sree Karthik , Acharya Sourya , Mamidipalli Sai Spoorthy , Andhale Amol 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019, the third pandemic of 21st century which has brought the whole world under panic, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a zoonotic beta coronavirus sharing phylogenetic, genomic similarities with SARS virus and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus.
Specific Concerns Cancer patients are at double the risk than normal patients since these patients are at immunocompromised state. WHO guidelines advice the patients to plan only emergency hospital visits only till the pandemic persists. Should meet patient/visitors in a well-ventilated room or outdoors and maintain at least 2 m distance between the visitor/patients. It also encourages the patient to refill the prescribed medications in well advance and to stay physically active, if possible.
Discussion The World Health Organizations’ isolate, trace, test, treat policy needs to be followed to protect these high-risk patients from this global pandemic.]
Compression Screw Fixation of Lunate Fracture: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Qureshi Hassan A. , Tadisina Kashyap Komarraju , Frojo Gianfranco , Xu Kyle Y. , Kraemer Bruce A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground Isolated traumatic lunate fractures without other surgical carpal bone or ligamentous injuries are extremely rare, with few published reports available to guide management. Lunate fracture management is controversial, and depends on concurrent injuries of adjacent carpal bones, ligaments, risk of ischemia, and displacement.Case Description A 48-year-old right hand dominant man suffered a crush injury to the left hand caught between a forklift and a metal shelf. Radiographs and computed tomography imaging of the left hand and wrist were significant for a displaced Teisen IV fracture of the lunate. A dorsal ligament sparing approach was utilized to access, reduce, and fixate the fracture using a headless compression screw. After immobilization and rehab, at 9 months after initial injury, the patient was back to work on full duty without restriction and pleased with the results of his treatment.Literature Review A literature review of lunate fracture compression screw fixation was performed and revealed a total of three reports indicating successful treatment of fractures, with patients returning to full activity.Clinical Relevance Lunate fractures are rare, often missed, and treating these injuries can be challenging, particularly in the setting of acute trauma. Based on our limited experience, we believe that open reduction and internal fixation of isolated Teisen IV lunate fractures with a headless compression screw is a viable treatment modality with satisfactory outcomes.
Water-resistive and wearable triboelectric nanogenerators based on polyurethane/polyester textiles fabricated utilizing a planarization layer
Authors: Jeon Young Pyo , Lee Hak Ji , Yoo Young Joon , Yoo Keon-Ho , Park Sang Yoon , Kim Tae Whan 
Published: August 2021

We report a water-resistive and wearable triboelectric nanogenerator on a polyurethane/polyester textile substrate with a planarization layer. The power generation and reliability of the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) fabricated utilizing a resin planarization layer were significantly enhanced in comparison with those of TENGs without the resin planarization layer. The planarization layer was deposited on the polyurethane/polyester textile substrate by using spin coating and ultraviolet curing to improve its surface properties and polarity. The output voltages and currents of TENGs based on a resin planarization layer on a polyurethane/polyester substrate were measured in the vertical contact-separation mode by using a counter unit containing Al electrodes and a polyimide friction layer. The TENGs exhibited a peak potential of over 30 V, which is about three times larger than that of the devices without such a planarization layer, and the corresponding maximum power density was 3.16 mW/m2. Furthermore, the results of endurance and water resistance tests carried out on the TENGs with a resin planarization layer on a textile substrate showed that such devices were suitable for use in applications in which the device must be worn.