bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally-invasive Non-surgical Vs. Surgical Approach for Periodontal Intrabony Defects: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Nibali Luigi , Koidou Vasiliki , Salomone Simona , Hamborg Thomas , Allaker R , Ezra Rinat , Zou Lifong , Tsakos Georgios , Gkranias Nikos , Donos Nikos 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

Periodontal intrabony defects are usually treated surgically with the aim to increase attachment and bone levels and reduce risk of progression. However, recent studies have suggested that a minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST) leads to considerable clinical and radiographic defect depth reductions in intrabony defects. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of a modified MINST approach with a surgical approach (modified minimally-invasive surgical therapy, M-MIST) for the treatment of intrabony defects.

Methods

This is a parallel-group single-centre examiner-blind non-inferiority randomised controlled trial with a sample size of 66 patients. Inclusion criteria are age 25-70, diagnosis of periodontitis stage III or IV (grades A to C), presence of ≥1 ‘intrabony defect’ with probing pocket depth (PPD) >5 mm and intrabony defect depth ≥3mm. Smokers and patients who received previous periodontal treatment to the study site within the last 12 months will be excluded. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the modified MINST or the M-MIST protocol and will be assessed up to 15 months following initial therapy. The primary outcome of the study is radiographic intrabony defect depth change at 15 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes are PPD and clinical attachment loss (CAL) change, inflammatory markers and growth factors in gingival crevicular fluid, bacterial detection, gingival inflammation and healing (as measured by geometric/thermal camera imaging in a subset of 10 test and 10 control patients) and patient-reported outcomes.

Discussion

This study will produce evidence about the clinical efficacy and potential applicability of a modified MINST protocol for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects, as a less invasive alternative to the use of surgical procedures.
A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters
Authors: Zhao Mingpeng , Chan Carol Pui Shan , Cheung Cosy Wing Ching , Alqawasmeh Odai , Wang Ronald Chi Chiu , Che Justin Yuen Wu , Lin Zhi Xiu , Li Tin Chiu , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Mak Jennifer Sze Man , Law Tracy Sze Man , Chan David Yiu Leung 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

In Hong Kong, one of six couples is affected by subfertility problems. Male infertility contributes to half of the infertility cases. In male infertility, there is no effective treatment on patients with idiopathic infertility/poor semen parameters. Recent meta-analysis suggests that a traditional Chinese medicine formula — Wuzi Yanzong Pill showed the curative effect on male fertility. However, the heterogeneity of the studies could not draw a definitive conclusion on the therapeutic effect of this formula. The aim of this study is to conduct a well-designed randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters.

Methods

This study is a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in a public hospital in Hong Kong. Participants will be randomized 1:1 ration either the Wuziyanzong Pill formula group or the placebo group using the computer-generated random number. Both groups will administrate the drugs for 12 weeks. Participants will have total four visits for their semen and blood assessments for a six-month period and we will follow up for another six months to record their conception outcome. The primary outcome is to compare the total motile sperm count, natural conception rate and pregnancy outcome to that under placebo treatment. Secondary objects are sperm functions and assisted reproductive technology outcome.

Discussion

To date, there are none of the studies using the disclosed Wuzi Yanzong formula nor double-blinded, randomized trials. The Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula may provide a good clinical solution for subfertile males that contemporary western medicine has no cure. Therefore, a well-designed randomized trial for evaluating the effect of Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula is urgently needed.

Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR-INR-17010790 Registered on 27/02/2017. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18356
Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics, Clinical Trials Registry, CUHK_CCRB00548. Registered on 27/02/2017. https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/437
Impact of brief prewarming on anesthesia-related core-temperature drop, hemodynamics, microperfusion and postoperative ventilation in cytoreductive surgery of ovarian cancer a randomized trial
Authors: Kaufner Lutz , Niggemann Phil , Baum Tobias , Casu Sara , Sehouli Jalid , Bietenbeck Andreas , Boschmann Michael , Spies Claudia , Henkelmann Anne , von Heymann Christian 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background:

General (GA)- and epidural anesthesia (EDA) may cause a drop in body core-temperature (BCTdrop), and hypothermia, which may alter tissue oxygenation (StO2) and microperfusion after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. We hypothesized that forced-air prewarming (PW) during epidural catheter placement and induction of GA maintains normothermia and improves microperfusion.

Methods:

After ethics approval 47 women scheduled for cytoreductive surgery were prospectively enrolled. Women in the study group were treated with a prewarming (PW) of 43°C during epidural catheter placement. BCT (Spot on®, 3M) was measured before (T1), after induction of GA (T2) at 15 min (T3) after start of surgery, and until 2h after ICU admission (TICU2h). Primary endpoint was BCTdrop between T1 and T2. Microperfusion-, hemodynamic- and clinical outcomes were defined as secondary outcomes. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney-U- and non-parametric-longitudinal tests.

Results:

BCTdrop was 0.35 °C with PW and 0.9 °C without PW (p< 0.005) and BCT remained higher over the observation period (ΔT4 = 0.9 °C up to ΔT7 = 0.95 °C, p<0.001). No significant differences in hemodynamic parameters, transfusion, arterial lactate and dCO2 were measured. In MD the ethanol ratio was temporarily, but not significantly, reduced after PW. Lactate, glucose and glycerol after PW tended to be more constant over the entire period. Postoperatively, six women without PW, but none after PW were mechanical ventilated (p< 0.001).

Conclusion: PW at 43°C reduces the BCTdrop and maintains normothermia without impeding the perioperative routine patient flow. Microdialysis indicate better preserved parameters of microperfusion.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT02364219; Date of registration: 18-febr-2015
Long-term outcome of scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in ocular trauma patients
Authors: Zhao Han , Wang Wanpeng , Hu Zhengping , Chen Baihua 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

To investigate the long-term outcomes and complications of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in patients with a history of ocular trauma with inadequate capsular support during primary pars plana vitrectomy or silicone oil removal.

Methods

Records of ocular trauma patients who underwent implantation of SFIOL without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy during primary pars plana vitrectomy or silicone oil removal.

Results

Sixty-nine eyes of 69 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 34 months (range, 6-99 months). The average patient age at the time of surgery was 44 years old (range, 4-80 years). At the end of follow-up, the preoperative mean of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.79 ± 0.86 log of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), which improved 0.20 ± 0.26 logMAR postoperatively (P = 0.01). BCVA improved or remained unchanged in 64 eyes (92.8%), VA decreased two lines in five eyes (7.2%). Early postoperative complications included transient corneal edema in seven eyes (10.1%), minor vitreous hemorrhage in four eyes (5.8%), transient elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in one eye (1.4%), and hypotony in three eyes (4.3%). Late postoperative complications included persistent elevated IOP in five eyes (7.2%), epiretinal membrane formation in three eyes (4.3%), and cystoid macular edema noted in one eye (1.4%).

Conclusion

Use of a scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in ocular trauma patients during either primary pars plana vitrectomy or second silicone oil removal is a valuable approach for the management of traumatic aphakia in the absence of capsular support.
Numerical investigation on the impact of wind-induced hydraulics on dissolved oxygen characteristics in a shallow stormwater pond
Authors: Chen Liyu , D'Aoust Patrick M. , Rennie Colin D. , Poulain Alexandre , Pick Frances , Wang Ru , Delatolla Robert 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Stormwater ponds (SWPs) are widely utilized for flood and water quality control. Low-flow rates are common in SWPs, sometimes causing wind-driven currents to become the dominant hydrodynamic force during ice-free periods. Hence, it is essential to understand the influence of the wind-induced flow on stratification and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in shallow SWPs to predict the performance and water quality of these systems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of wind-driven circulation on the spatial distribution of DO in an SWP using a numerical model. A bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was utilized to measure small wind-induced currents and to validate a hydrodynamic model, which suggested that a wind-dominated circulation was generated even with the moderate wind speed. Countercurrents opposite in the direction to surface wind-generated flow were also present. The DO model demonstrated that complete mixing can be produced by higher wind speed, leading to fully oxic conditions throughout the water column (7.00 mg/L DO or higher), wherein low DO water at depth was carried to the surface by upwelling circulation and was possibly replenished during the surface transportation. This sheds some light on the impact of wind-induced mixing on the water quality in shallow SWPs.
Optimization of isopropyl alcohol degradation by microwave-induced catalytic oxidation process
Authors: Tran Quynh Thi Phuong , Hsieh Chi-Hsu , Yang Tung-Yu , Tung Hsin-hsin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a common waste solvent from the semiconductor and optoelectronic manufacturing industries. The current study assesses the feasibility of microwave-induced catalytic oxidation process for synthetic IPA wastewater. The effect of three independent variables, including oxidant (hydrogen peroxide), initial IPA concentration, and dosage of catalyst (granular activated carbon, GAC) on the IPA removal efficiency, were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology based on central composite design. The estimated optimal working conditions were as follows: [H2O2] &lt;0.132 M, GAC dosage = 108–123 g/L, and initial [IPA] = 0.038–0.10 M. The findings indicated that the dosage of GAC and the initial IPA concentration strongly affected the overall IPA removal. The values of R2 = 0.9948 and adjusted R2 = 0.9901 demonstrated that the response variability could be explained by the model expressing a satisfactory quadratic fit. Finally, the H2O2/GAC/MW process showed a faster and higher IPA removal rate than other processes tested.
Enhanced permeability and fouling-resistant capacity of poly(vinylidene fluoride) ultrafiltration membrane based on the PPG-co-PEG-co-PPG copolymer with two hydrophobic terminals and one hydrophilic intermediate
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Panpan , Yu Jianxin , Jiang Haicheng , Gao Po , Ma Jun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA simple and efficient route was used to prepare an amphiphilic copolymer (poly(propylene glycol)-co-poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(propylene glycol)) (PPG-co-PEG-co-PPG) by one-pot polymerization reaction. This copolymer was used as the hydrophilic additive in preparation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes via immersion–precipitation process. Surface characteristics of the membranes were confirmed by contact angle measurements, zeta potential, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. During filtration experiments, the modified membranes showed better permeation and antifouling performances compared to PVDF membranes with bovine serum albumin, sodium alginate and yeast. After hydraulic stirring cleaning with deionized water, water flux recovery and rejection ratio of the modified membranes were higher than those of pristine PVDF membrane, and the flux recovery ratio was maximized at 94.29%. It was suggested that PPG-co-PEG-co-PPG copolymer was anchored in the PVDF membrane through the two hydrophobic ends of PPG blocks, while the hydrophilic intermediate of the PEG block segregated onto the membrane or pore surface during the membrane preparation process. The synthesized method of amphiphilic PPG-co-PEG-co-PPG copolymer paved a novel way to solve the problems of less compatibility between the copolymer and membrane matrix and instability with water molecules in the ultrafiltration process.
Ampicillin removal by adsorption onto activated carbon: kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics
Authors: Del Vecchio Paola , Haro Nathalia K. , Souza Fernanda Siqueira , Marcílio Nilson Romeu , Féris Liliana A. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds are essential to preserve human and animal welfare, as well as to prevent illnesses. However, the elevated consumption of drugs, followed by incorrect disposal and inefficient wastewater treatment, may increase their environmental risk. In the case of antibiotics, such as ampicillin, some of the already known consequences are bacterial resistance and some toxic interactions with aquatic organisms. The scope of the present work is to investigate the removal of ampicillin through batch adsorption experiments onto granular activated carbon (GAC). The influence of pH and phase contact time were evaluated. Pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models were adjusted to experimental data to determine process kinetics. In order to study adsorption equilibrium and thermodynamics parameters, isotherms at 298 K, 298 K and 308 K were constructed. The models of Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips fitted to experimental data. The best results (73% of removal, residual concentration 5.2 mg L−1) were reached at pH 6 and 120 minutes of contact time. Pseudo-first order model better represented the adsorption kinetics (R2 = 0.99), while the Langmuir equation suited well the experimental isotherms at 288 K and 298 K (R2 = 0.998 and R2 = 0.991) and the Sips equation better represented the system at 308 K (R2 = 0.990). Thermodynamic parameters were estimated as ΔG° = −6,000 J mol−1; −6,700 J mol−1; −7,500 J mol−1 at 288 K, 298 K and 308 K respectively, ΔH° = 14,500 J mol−1 and ΔS° = 71.0 J mol−1 K−1. The results indicate that this process is spontaneous, efficient and potentially applicable in the removal of ampicillin from water.
Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of 2-Oxo-N-substituted Phenyl- 2H-chromene-3-carboxamide Derivatives as HIV Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors
Authors: Wadhwa Pankaj , Jain Priti , Jadhav Hemant R. 
Published: June 2019

Background:
A series of eighteen 2-Oxo-N-substituted phenyl- 2H-chromene-3-
carboxamide analogues has been evaluated for HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibition.

Methods:
The derivatives were synthesized via a two-step pathway commencing with 2-
hydroxybenzaldehyde and diethyl malonate followed by hydrolysis of ester and coupling with various
aromatic amines. The HIV-1 IN inhibitory potential of these compounds has been studied relative
to dolutegravir, a known HIV-1 IN inhibitor using a standard available kit.

Results:
Six molecules (compounds 13h, 13i, 13l, 13p to 13r) showed significant inhibition of HIV-
1 integrase 3′-strand transfer with IC50 values less than 1.7 μM. The presence of chromene-3-
carboxamide motif was shown to be crucial for the enzymatic activity. In addition, molecular modelling
studies were also done to justify the IN inhibition and in vitro-in silico correlation was drawn.

Conclusion:
However, these compounds did not show HIV-1 and HIV-2 inhibition below their cytotoxic
concentration indicating that these compounds cannot be taken further for anti-HIV activity as
such and require structural modification.
Melatonin Ameliorates Radiation-induced Sciatic Nerve Injury
Authors: Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Musa Ahmed Eleojo , Keshavarz Mansoor , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Hadian Mohammed Reza , Nowrouzi Azin , Shirazi Alireza , Najafi Masoud 
Published: June 2019

Background:
Radiotherapy is a treatment method for cancer mostly utilized for about
60% of cancer patients. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the severe complications of radiotherapy.
Two stages of neuropathy will occur following irradiation; electrophysiological and biochemical
variations as the first stage, while the second stage involves fibrosis of soft tissues surrounding the
exposed nerve. This novel study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of melatonin against
ionizing radiation-induced sciatic nerve damage.

Methods:
60 rats were randomly assigned to four groups; C (Control), M (Melatonin), R (Radiation),
MR (Radiation + Melatonin). Their right legs were exposed to 30 Gy single dose gamma rays. Melatonin
(100 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before irradiation and once daily (5 mg/kg) till the day
of rats’ sacrifice. Their exposed nerve tissues were evaluated for biochemical changes in addition to
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS).

Results:
4, 12 and 20 weeks post-irradiation, EMG and NCS examinations in R group showed reduced
Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) representing axonal degeneration when compared
with C and M groups. Prolonged latency and a decrease in Conduction Velocity (CV) gave an
indication of demyelinating neuropathy at 12 and 20 weeks. EMG and NCS results of R group
showed partial nerve lesion. Biochemical assessments showed that irradiation of sciatic nerve led to
increased MDA level, as well as decreased CAT and SOD activities. However, in all cases, treatment
with melatonin can reverse these effects.

Conclusion:
We conclude that melatonin can improve electrophysiological, oxidative stress and
antioxidant defense features of irradiated rats’ sciatic nerves. We would also recommend the use of
melatonin in an optimal and safe dose. It should be administered over a long period of time for effective
protection of the peripheral nerve tissues, as well as improving the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy.
Stem Cells in Rotator Cuff Injuries and Reconstructions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Fanxiao , Meng Qingqi , Yin Heyong , Yan Zexing 
Published: June 2019

Background:Multiple studies have focused on stem cell-based treatments for rotator cuff disorders; however, the outcomes are not consistent.Objective:This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effects of stem cells on rotator cuff healing.Methods:A detailed search of relevant studies was conducted in three databases including Pubmed/ Medline, Cochrane library, and Embase databases, using the following keywords: “rotator cuff” or “Tissue Engineering” AND “stem cell” from inception to January 01, 2019. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each individual study were extracted from the original studies or calculated based on relevant data and pooled to obtain integrated estimates using random effects modeling.Results:A total of 22 studies were identified. The results demonstrated that the ultimate strain in the stem cell group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 4 and 8 weeks. Muscle weight in the stem cell group was higher than the control group at 8 weeks, while no significant differences were detected at 16 weeks. The stem cell group had lower visual analog scale scores (VAS) at 1, 3, and 6 months, and higher American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (ASES) at 3 months. In addition, the walking distance, time, and speed in the stem cell group were significantly superior to those in the control group.Conclusion:This meta-analysis confirms that stem cells improved the rehabilitation of rotator cuff disorders. However, larger-scale studies are needed to further support these findings.
Challenges Facing Small-sized Construction Firms in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Tayeh Bassam A. , Alaloul Wesam S. , Muhaisen Waleed B. 
Published: June 2019

Background:The construction industry is the most active tool for societies development and one of the main pillars in the Palestinian economy.Objective:The aim of this study is to identify the main internal and external challenges that small-sized construction firms are wrestling in the Gaza Strip. In addition to that, to review briefly small-sized construction firms’ characteristics, stages of survival and growth and importance to the economy.Methods:At first, all the relevant literature was systematically reviewed. A survey was conducted through a questionnaire to collect the data from 68 contractors. A Likert scale data were analyzed to rank the success factors and the barriers using Relative Importance Index (RII).Results:The most affecting small-sized construction firms’ challenges are: start-up cost, foreign currency fluctuation, access to finance during the execution of work, continuous abruption and unstable prices of construction material, nomination and recruitment policies for the team, the lack of clarity of vision and the difficulty of developing a strategic plan far away, the complexities of dealing with suppliers, and the general economic situation.Conclusion:Based on the above challenges, small-sized construction firms should have a protection against unequal competition and a mitigation of financial loads. In addition to a group motivational measures to improve the opportunities for the small contractors to survive and grow.