bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Pilates Exercises Effective in Improving Postural Misalignment? Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Authors: Roque Graziella Cristina , de Oliveira Raphael Gonçalves , Sorzi Maria Vitória , de Oliveira Laís Campos 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionPilates is commonly used to treat postural misalignments; however, there is a lack of systematic reviews on this topic.ObjectiveTo verify the effects of Pilates on postural misalignment.MethodsA search (25 February 2024) was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, SportDiscus, and PEDro. The methodological quality was assessed via the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence via the GRADE system. The meta‐analysis was conducted using the standardised mean difference (SMD).ResultsEighteen studies were included in the systematic review. Eight studies had a low risk of bias. In children and adolescents, there was moderate certainty of evidence that Pilates improves postural alignment of the thoracic angle (SMD = −0.45 [0.67, −0.23]) and lumbar angle (SMD = −0.29 [–0.50, −0.07]) compared with inactive controls, whereas there was very low certainty of evidence that the Schroth technique is superior to Pilates for scoliosis (SMD = 0.98 [0.32, 1.65]). In adults, very low‐ to low‐certainty evidence has indicated that Pilates improves postural alignment of the shoulder angle (SMD = −0.78 [–1.23, −0.33]), scoliosis (SMD = −0.52 [–1.01, −0.04]) and lumbar lordosis (SMD = −0.40 [0.72, −0.08]) compared with inactive controls and improve the craniovertebral angle (SMD = −1.24 [–2.85, −0.38]) compared with stretching and strengthening exercises.ConclusionPilates has some potential for improving postural misalignment of the thoracic and lumbar angles in children and adolescents. However, for other body segments, due to the low certainty of the evidence, further studies are needed.
Patient Reported Outcomes Due to Bladder Neck Obstruction in Women Treated With Botulinum Toxin A Injection
Authors: Bibicheff Darrel , Roberts Brittany Lee , Pettijohn Dyer , Rodriguez Priscilla , Walia Jessmehar , De Elise J. B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionPrimary bladder neck obstruction (BNO) occurs when the bladder neck fails to open during voiding, causing urinary symptoms despite no anatomic obstruction. The cause of BNO is unclear but may involve neurogenic dysregulation related to the sympathic nervous system such as upper motor neuron lesion or peripheral autonomic neuropathy (small fiber neuropathy (SFN)). Another etiology can incuded increased sympathetic tone secondary to anxiety or stress conditons. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) to the bladder neck has been used in our practice to treat women with BNO who failed conventional therapies (alpha blockers, relaxation strategies). This is the first report of patient‐reported outcomes after BoNT‐A treatment in women with pelvic pain and BNO.Materials and MethodsWe included female patients with pelvic pain and BNO who received BoNT‐A to the bladder neck between January 2022 and March 2023, and mailed self‐reported outcome questionnaires. The primary outcome was the Global Response Assessment (GRA); secondary outcomes included pain scores on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and symptom checklists. BNO was diagnosed using Nitti Criteria (high bladder pressure, low flow in bladder neck on video urodynamics), supplemented by additional criteria (e.g., high voiding pressure, prolonged attempts, Valsalva effort, and cystoscopic evidence or symptoms related to BNO). Urodynamic studies followed International Continence Society standards. Additionally, due to BNO's association with SFN, patient history of biopsy‐confirmed SFN was recorded.ResultsOur inclusion criteria was satisfied among 18 patietns, with 17 completing the questionnaire. Out of those, 14 patients (77%) reported improvement on the GRA, with an average VAS of 8.3 (“Very Helpful”). The most commonly improved symptoms were feeling of incomplete emptying, difficulty starting stream, urethral burning, pain with urination, and pelvic pain. Postoperative symptom flares were reported in six patients for an average of 16 days. All six patients with biopsy‐confirmed SFN showed significant improvement (VAS 8.7). Total of 14 patients (77%) indicated they would repeat the procedure.ConclusionsBoNT‐A to the bladder neck significantly improved pelvic pain and refractory hesitancy in women with bladder neck obstruction, especially in those with small fiber neuropathy. Symptom flares are common, but did not reduce interest in repeated treatments, and scheduling injections before symptom recurrence may mitigate these flares.
Xanthan Gum Production and Its Modifications to Obtain Novel Applications: A Review
Authors: Onofre‐Rentería Karen , Cabrera‐Munguía Denis Aidée , Cobos‐Puc Luis Enrique , Claudio‐Rizo Jesús Alejandro , Morales‐Oyervides Lourdes , Oyervides‐Muñoz Ernesto 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBiopolymers are molecules widely used in many industries because they are biodegradable and have a natural origin. Therefore, they can be obtained from renewable resources and organisms such as animals, plants, or microorganisms. Among the best‐known biopolymers, xanthan gum is an anionic biopolymer composed of glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid, pyruvic acid, and acetyl groups. It can be obtained by fermentation with bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas, has good physicochemical properties, and it is biocompatible with human cells. However, it has disadvantages as it is very susceptible to microbial contamination. Therefore, various physical, chemical, or enzymatic modification methods have been developed to improve its physicochemical and biological properties. Modifications in the backbone of the xanthan gum chains have made it possible to create xanthan gum derivatives with new uses, such as drug delivery systems and improving absorption methods in the pharmaceutical industry to enhance the efficacy of several treatments or therapeutic processes, to promote cell proliferation for tissue engineering as biomedical applications when used in systems such as hydrogels or films. They are also used in food products, in cosmetics, to recover oil from water or ground, to treat wastewater, or granting soil with good conditions to promote plant and vegetables growth. Hence, it is important to know and develop new modification methods to improve and impart new properties to obtain novel applications of xanthan gum.
Experimental analysis on the microstructural, mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of graphene nanoplatelets and molybdenum disulfide filled polyamide‐6,6 novel hybrid composite
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Mishra Sujeet Kumar , Jayapalan Sudeepan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNovel hybrid composite based on polyamide‐6,6 (PA‐6,6) was developed with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as hybrid fillers reinforcement using melt‐mixing and injection molding techniques. The structural, thermal, mechanical and tribological characteristics of the hybrid composite were assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential calorimetry analysis (DSC), tensile test as well as the friction and wear test, respectively. Compared to pure PA‐6,6, the PA‐6,6/GnPs/MoS2 hybrid composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability. Notably, the composites demonstrated significant improvements in tensile modulus and strength, particularly at a 5 wt.% of hybrid filler loading, showing an increase of ~59% and ~21%, respectively. However, the impact strength exhibited an opposite effect on hybrid filler reinforcements. Furthermore, the fractured surface morphology was analyzed using FESEM images. Moreover, the tribological performance was assessed with a linear reciprocating tribological (LRT) test using ball‐on‐plate tribo‐pair at different abrading frequencies (5 and 25 Hz) and normal loads (10, 30 and 50 N), revealing significant improvements in friction coefficient (CoF) and specific wear rate (WSR) characteristics for the hybrid composite up to 5 wt.% of hybrid fillers addition, attributed to the abrasive and adhesive wear mechanism. The worn surface morphology was further investigated using the FESEM micrographs to better comprehend the wear mechanisms. Therefore, the optimal performance of the developed hybrid composite was observed at 5 wt.% of hybrid filler loadings. Therefore, the developed hybrid composites' excellent thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties could be suggested for their potential utilization in lightweight automotive applications.
Polytetrafluoroethylene composites with a novel combination of reinforcing filler and solid lubricant and study of their tribological and thermo‐mechanical properties for dynamic applications
Authors: Tiwari Shilpi , Bag Dibyendu S. , Mishra Shashank , Bajpai Nitin , Dwivedi Mayank 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the present work, the tribological as well as thermo‐mechanical properties of glass‐filled and carbon‐filled PTFE composites are investigated. Solid lubricants like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphite are also incorporated in such composites in order to achieve better friction and wear properties. When compared to virgin PTFE, both carbon‐filled PTFE and glass‐filled PTFE composites showed the lowest wear rate. Again, the specific wear rate of glass‐filled PTFE composite was lower as compared to carbon‐filled PTFE composite sample under all test speed. A novel combination of a reinforcing filler (glass fibers) and a solid lubricant (MoS2) incorporated PTFE composite sample [PTFE (90 wt%) + glass fibers (5 wt%) + MoS2(5 wt%)] exhibited the lowest wear rate of the order of 10−9 mm3/Nm which was reduced to around 100‐fold as compared to virgin PTFE under sliding speed of 6.28 m/s. The wear rate was reduced due to the reinforcement of fibers but fibers support the load preferentially, whereas MoS2 and graphite offers a good lubricating effect. The morphological, thermo‐physical and thermo‐mechanical characterization of such composite materials were also carried out using various techniques such as SEM, TGA, DSC, TMA, and DMTA. Such PTFE composites having very good thermo‐mechanical as well as tribological properties have potential to be used as seals, gears, bearings etc. in dynamic aerospace applications.Highlights
This investigation relates to the PTFE composites to obtain good thermo‐mechanical as well as tribological properties
Incorporation of a novel combination of glass fibers and MoS2 exhibited lowest wear rate of the order of 10−9 mm3/Nm
The wear property was around 100‐fold lower as compared to virgin PTFE.
Such PTFE composites could be used as seals, gears, bearings etc. in dynamic aerospace applications.
Titanate coupling agent modified lead sulphide for the manufacture of highly filled flexible neoprene based radiation protection materials
Authors: Lu Yingchun , Li Yingjun , Li Yunpeng , Zeng Jun , Duan Hanwen , Zhu Chaoyi , Liu Hui pin , Zhou Yuanlin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBased on the principles of photon and matter attenuation, lead sulphide (PbS) has the potential for applications in radiation protection owed to its elevated atomic number and density. Achieving good dispersion stability of PbS powder in highly filled composites remains a challenge due to the inherent nature. Here, we proposed a solution to these issues for highly filled rubber‐based flexible wearable composites. PbS particles were firstly synthesized and subsequently surface‐modified with a titanate coupling agent (NDZ‐201) enhanced the interfacial compatibility with the rubber‐based. Then, highly filled PbS@NDZ‐201/chloroprene rubber (CR) composites were obtained by physical blending. Test results showed that these highly filled composites exhibited even distribution of PbS granule and favorable interface compatibility. All the prepared PbS@NDZ‐201/CR composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. In comparison to pure CR, the mechanical properties of the 70 wt% filler‐modified powder composites remained at a high level, with a tensile strength of 7.51 MPa and an elongation at break of 670.11%, represented improvements of 155% and 105%, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient and the γ‐rays shielding coefficients of 70 wt% PbS@NDZ‐201/CR composites reached 34.15% and 36.87%, respectively. In conclusion, this method is feasible for the preparation of highly filled radiation protective rubber‐based flexible wearable materials.Highlights
Introduction of PbS in the field of radiation protection.
NDZ‐201 improved the interfacial compatibility of PbS with CR.
The mechanical properties of the composites were improved after modification by NDZ‐201.
Highly filled flexible wearable composites for radiation protection was successfully prepared.
Calcium hydroxyapatite powders functionalized with xanthan gum and pectin biopolymers: synthesis, characterization and adsorption efficiency toward methylene blue
Authors: Mabrouki Nabil , Agougui Hassen , Brahim Mariem , Jabli Mahjoub , Sonsudin Faridah , Boughzala Khaled 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe precipitation technique was used to prepare calcium hydroxyapatite pectin (CaHAp‐Pec) and calcium hydroxyapatite xanthan (CaHAp‐Xan) hybrid materials. Chemical analysis, XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area, TGA and SEM were used to analyze the materials and the organic–inorganic interfaces. XRD and SEM investigations demonstrated that the presence of the biopolymer had an impact on both the structural and morphological properties as well as the crystallinity. The PO43− vibration modes are visible in the IR spectra, and new vibration modes mostly associated with Xan and Pec are observed at 1594, 2878 and 3246 cm−1. The specific surface area values were reduced after the chemical functionalization of CaHAp with pectin and xanthan gum. The ability of the three materials CaHAp, CaHAp‐Pec and CaHAp‐Xan to sorb methylene blue from aqueous solutions was assessed. The adsorption kinetics results best fitted the pseudo‐second‐order model. The isotherm data agreed well with the Freundlich model. The adsorption capacity values of porous composites CaHAp‐Xan 5%, CaHAp‐Pec 10% and CaHAp reached 277, 243 and 144 mg g−1, respectively. The non‐spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption was demonstrated by the thermodynamic parameters (ΔG0, ΔH0 and ΔS0). Adsorption results confirmed that CaHAp‐Xan could be used as an effective adsorbent of cationic dyes from water. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) in Early Childhood (0–2 Years) on Lung Growth and Development and Lifelong Trajectories of Pulmonary Health: A National Institutes of Health (NIH) Workshop Summary
Authors: Deshmukh Hitesh , Whitsett Jeffrey , Zacharias William , Way Sing Sing , Martinez Fernando D. , Mizgerd Joseph , Pryhuber Gloria , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Bacharier Leonard , Natarajan Aruna , Tamburro Robert , Lin Sara , Randolph Adrienne , Nino Gustavo , Mejias Asuncion , Ramilo Octavio ,   The NIH Workshop Participants of the ‘Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Infancy and Early Childhood‐Immunological and Developmental Aspects’
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTViral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are ubiquitous in early life. They are disproportionately severe in infants and toddlers (0–2 years), leading to more than 100,000 hospitalizations in the United States per year. The recent relative resilience to severe Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) observed in young children is surprising. These observations, taken together, underscore current knowledge gaps in the pathogenesis of viral lower respiratory tract diseases in young children and respiratory developmental immunology. Further, early‐life respiratory viral infections could have a lasting impact on lung development with potential life‐long pulmonary sequelae. Modern molecular methods, including high‐resolution spatial and single‐cell technologies, in concert with longitudinal observational studies beginning in the prenatal period and continuing into early childhood, promise to elucidate developmental pulmonary and immunophenotypes following early‐life viral infections and their impact on trajectories of future respiratory health. In November 2019, under the auspices of a multi‐disciplinary Workshop convened by the National Heart Lung Blood Institute and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, experts came together to highlight the challenges of respiratory viral infections, particularly in early childhood, and emphasize the knowledge gaps in immune, virological, developmental, and clinical factors that contribute to disease severity and long‐term pulmonary morbidity from viral LRTI in children. We hope that the scientific community will view these challenges in clinical care on pulmonary health trajectories and disease burden not as a window of susceptibility but as a window of opportunity.
Exposure–response modeling of liver fat imaging endpoints in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease populations administered ervogastat alone and co‐administered with clesacostat
Authors: Hughes Jim H. , Amin Neeta B. , Wojciechowski Jessica , Vourvahis Manoli 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis describe a collection of liver conditions characterized by the accumulation of liver fat. Despite biopsy being the reference standard for determining the severity of disease, non‐invasive measures such as magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) and FibroScan® controlled attenuation parameter (CAP™) can be used to understand longitudinal changes in steatosis. The aim of this work was to describe the exposure–response relationship of ervogastat with or without clesacostat on steatosis, through population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of both liver fat measurements simultaneously. Population pharmacokinetic and exposure–response models using individual predictions of average concentrations were used to describe ervogastat/clesacostat PKPD. Due to both liver fat endpoints being continuous‐bounded outcomes on different scales, a dynamic transform‐both‐sides approach was used to link a common latent factor representing liver fat to each endpoint. Simultaneous modeling of both MRI‐PDFF and CAP™ was successful with both measurements being adequately described by the model. The clinical trial simulation was able to adequately predict the results of a recent Phase 2 study, where subjects given ervogastat/clesacostat 300/10 mg BID for 6 weeks had a LS means and model‐predicted median (95% confidence intervals) percent change from baseline MRI‐PDFF of −45.8% and −45.6% (−61.6% to −31.8%), respectively. Simultaneous modeling of both MRI‐PDFF and CAP™ was successful with both measurements being adequately described. By describing the underlying changes of steatosis with a latent variable, this model may be extended to describe biopsy results from future studies.
Financing methods for solid waste management: A review of typology, classifications, and circular economy implications
Authors: Ezeudu Obiora B. , Bristow David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe operations that underpin efficient municipal solid waste management delivery require economic funds. These funds are needed for both capital and recurrent expenditures. Municipalities (local governments) often being the main entities responsible for waste management in cities across the globe, have implemented several funding methods. Yet not all attempts at raising funds for waste management operations have been successful due to the existence of barriers preventing their sustainability in the long term. As such, municipal authorities and decision‐makers are frequently confronted with the dilemma of understanding different methods of financing waste management operations and making the appropriate choices among the available options for maximum operational flexibility. Based on locations, convenience, requirements, technical possibilities, institutional arrangement, and regulatory framework, several waste management financing methods have been adopted and applied with varying degrees of outcomes. However, this information is fragmented and scattered both in the academic and grey literature. In this work, we first collate and categorize the operating procedures of various municipal solid waste management finance strategies in a typology. We base our actions on several policy frameworks and areas of focus for waste management finance that have been implemented in many nations. Second, we provide a classification system by combining several strands of information on reported combinations of waste finance strategies, possibilities, and restrictions in the context of urban waste management. Finally, we discuss other essential elements related to financial sustainability and the implications on the circular economy. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of various municipal solid waste management financing methods.
Electrochemical Probing of Dopamine Dynamics During Poly(I:C)‐Induced Neuroinflammation
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Yuchan , Zhao Shuang , Li Li , Zeng Zhongyuan , Chen Jiajia , Meng Yangmingxu , Zhao Xianglong , Wang Tianqi , Meng Zexuan , Yuan Haihan , Ran Jianhua , Wang Guixue , Li Chen‐zhong , Zang Guangchao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractViruses can infiltrate the central nervous system and contribute to depression, which may include alterations in dopamine (DA) metabolism triggered by immune responses though the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, an electrochemical system to realize the real‐time dynamic monitoring of DA with high sensitivity is proposed and it is demonstrated that the viral simulator polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) can inhibit the release of DA (from 5.595 to 0.137 µm) in neurons from the perspective of single cells, cell populations and even in vivo through the combination of multiscale electrodes, including single nanowires, carbon fibers (CFs) and 2D flexible electrodes. These findings are associated with the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by microglia. At the molecular level, poly(I:C) significantly decreases the expression of α‐synuclein and increases its phosphorylation level, whereas ROS inhibitors can reverse these pathological changes and salvage DA release to half the initial level (≈2.6 µM). These results suggest that viruses may indirectly inhibit DA system function through ROS produced in inflammatory responses and that antioxidant activity may be a potential therapeutic strategy.
A Study of Factors That Influence the Software Project Success
Authors: Monserrat Maria , Mas Antonia , Mesquida Antoni‐Lluís 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMost software development organizations are project based. However, statistics show that the failure rate of projects is very high. Different authors have identified factors (critical success factors) that can influence the success or failure of software projects, and that must be considered when carrying out a software project. This study is part of a research aimed at defining a framework that allows software development companies to assess the extent of the impact of critical success factors on their projects and increase the probability of project success. To achieve this goal, the first step was to identify the factors influencing software project success as reported in recent literature, as presented in this paper. A systematic literature review was conducted to obtain the list of factors that can influence the success of software projects. The list of 50 critical success factors resulting from this literature review can be used as a guide of critical aspects to be taken into consideration by the project manager when managing a project. Several gaps were identified through the literature review, such as the lack of indicators to measure the level of impact of each factor and the absence of descriptions for these factors.