bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous fixation of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures
Authors: Sebaaly Amer , Rizkallah Maroun , Riouallon Guillaume , Wang Zhi , Moreau Pierre Emmanuel , Bachour Falah , Maalouf Ghassan 
Published: November 2018

Surgical treatment of patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture without neurological deficit is still controversial. Management of vertebral fracture with percutaneous fixation was first reported in 2004. Advantages of percutaneous fixation are: less tissue dissection; decreased post-operative pain; decreased bleeding and operative time (depending on the steep learning curve); better screw positioning with fluoroscopy compared with an open freehand technique; and a decreased infection rate. The limitations of percutaneous fixation of vertebral fractures include increased radiation exposure to the patient and the surgeon, together with the steep learning curve for this technique. Adding a screw at the level of the fractured vertebra has the advantages of incorporating fewer motion segments with less operative time and bleeding. This also increases the axial, sagittal and torsional stiffness of the construct. Percutaneous fixation alone without grafting is sufficient for treating type A and B1 (AO classification) thoracolumbar fractures with satisfactory results concerning kyphosis reduction when compared with open instrumentation and fusion and with open fixation. Type C and B2 fractures (ligamentous injuries) should undergo fusion since the ligamentous healing is mechanically weak, increasing the risk of instability. This review offers a detailed description of percutaneous screw insertion and discusses the advantages and disadvantages.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:604-613. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170026.
Baseline characteristics of gender dysphoric youth
Authors: Brocksmith Victoria M. , Alradadi Rasha S. , Chen Melinda , Eugster Erica A. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
Limited information is available regarding baseline characteristics of children and adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD). The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe baseline characteristics of pediatric patients referred for GD.

Methods
A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with GD referred to the pediatric endocrine clinic between 2002 and 2017 was conducted. Body mass index (BMI) percentiles and z-scores were calculated based on height and weight at the initial visit.

Results
Seventy-eight patients aged 14.9±2.37 years were identified. Of these, affirmed gender was more often male than female (63% vs. 37%, p=0.024). Although no difference was seen in average BMI z-scores between female to male (FTM) and male to female (MTF) patients, approximately 50% were overweight or obese. A higher incidence of anxiety was present in FTM compared with MTF youth (p=0.05). Fifty-six patients were referred in January 2014 or later, of whom 27% had a history of early expression of GD compared with 55% of those seen prior to 2014 (p=0.061).

Conclusions
The high prevalence of overweight in TG youth at baseline represents a potential risk for adverse health consequences. There appears to be a change in the age of first manifestation of GD over time.
New strength metrics for containerboards: influences of basic papermaking factors
Authors: Mattsson Amanda , Uesaka Tetsu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn end-use, containerboard is subjected to a variety of loading histories, such as seconds of loading/unloading, hours of vibration, days of creep load. The fundamental question is whether the commonly measured static strength represents “strength” under these conditions. Another question is, since those time-dependent failures are notoriously variable, how to describe the probabilistic aspect. This study concerns the characterisation of these different facets of “strength”. In our earlier work, we have investigated the theoretical framework for time-dependent, probabilistic failures, and identified three material parameters: (1) characteristic strength,Sc{S_{c}}, representing short-term strength, (2) brittleness/durability parameter,ρ, and (3) reliability parameter,β. We have also developed a new method that allows us to determine all these parameters much faster than typical creep tests. Using the new method, we have started investigating effects of basic papermaking variables on the new material parameters. Among the samples tested, the parameterρvaried from 20 to 50, andβfrom 0.5 to 1.0. This suggests that, even within the current papermaking practice, there is a wide operating window to tune these new material parameters. The future work is, therefore, to find specific manufacturing variables that can systematically change these new material parameters.
Selection of filler particle size for maximizing the critical properties of cellulosic paper by filler pre-flocculation
Authors: Song Shunxi , Liang Jiantao , Li Lin , Zhang Meiyun , Nie Jingyi , Zhen Xiaoli 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFiller pre-flocculation has been extensively studied in the past to increase filler content while maintaining the physical strength properties of paper. However, optical properties of paper could be negatively affected due to the filler pre-flocculation. In this work, two kinds of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) fillers with different particle sizes, namely PCC1 (4.2 μm) and PCC2 (7.7 μm), were used to investigate the effects of filler pre-flocculation on the strength and optical properties of paper. Results showed that pre-flocculated fillers with smaller particle size (PCC1) could improve the tensile strength of handsheets more effectively, since the tensile index was increased by 22.9 %. Meanwhile, for a given floc size, the handsheets with PCC1 flocs exhibited a better light scattering ability comparing to the ones filled with PCC2 flocs. The improved light scattering ability of handsheets filled with 24 μm PCC1 flocs compared to 24 μm flocs produced with PCC2 can be attributed to the complex micro void structure of flocs. This finding can be used as a guidance for the selection of filler particle size when using filler pre-flocculation to optimize the mechanical and optical properties of paper.
Organic Establishment of Pollination Reservoirs in the Lowbush Blueberry (Ericales: Ericaceae) Agroecosystem
Authors: Venturini E. M. , Drummond F. A. , Hoshide A. K. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Pollination reservoirs are pollen and nectar rich wildflower plantings intended to enhance pollination services in pollinator-dependent crops. Despite government assistance, plantings often fail to establish. Our focal crop, wild blueberries, is a unique cropping-system native to the U.S.A. It is never planted or cultivated, and typically exists in isolated fields within a mostly coniferous forest matrix. Our study takes place in Maine, U.S.A., where growers could economically benefit by switching reliance from rented honey bees to native bee pollination. Lowbush blueberry growers support wild bee enhancement efforts, but the low pH (4.0-5.0) of this agro-ecosystem presents unique challenges to wildflower establishment. We sought to identify methods that Organic certified growers can use to successfully establish pollination reservoirs in this system. We tested the effects of nurse crops and mowing on the success of a custom wildflower mixture over four years. Success was considered in terms of longevity, sown species diversity, above-ground biomass, and the number and weight of inflorescences. The authors present an economic analysis of cost versus projected planting longevity. In the fourth year of establishment, sown plant diversity significantly decreased, Solidago spp. weeds became dominant, and treatments were not a strong determinant of planting success. The economic analysis suggests that the high cost of pollination reservoir establishment may be a barrier to grower adoption. This study provides evidence and economic justification that weeds must be controlled prior to planting and represents one of the first studies to empirically test organic strategies for wildflower establishment in an agricultural context.
Aeroponics and Sand Hydroponics: Alternative Technologies for Pre-Basic Seed Potato Production in Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Lemma , Dagne Zebenay 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Potato is the third most important food crop worldwide after rice and wheat in terms of human consumption, and global production exceeds 374 million metric tons. Despite this immense importance, potato yields from small-scale farmers in most developing countries including Ethiopia fall far below their capacity, mainly because of insufficient access to high quality seed and limited knowledge on crop husbandry. Moreover, 98.7% of the seed being used come from the informal seed system which lacks appropriate phytosanitary schemes. Frequent seed degeneration nature and low multiplication rate of the crop also provoked less productivity of potato. Hence, technological improvements are necessary for increasing potato productivity and decreasing different bottlenecks of the crop. Aeroponics, sand hydroponics and tissue culture based seed multiplication techniques are currently accelerating the supply of disease free seed potato to the country. Thus, to take advantage of the yield capability of potato by improving the maximum production determinant elements like seed quality, these alternative pre-basic seed potato multiplication technologies could be duly verified and used as an option to boost the yield of potato.
Enhancing GABAergic Transmission Improves Locomotion in aCaenorhabditis elegansModel of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Wu Chia-Yen , Gagnon David A. , Sardin Juliette S. , Barot Urva , Telenson Alex , Arratia Paulo E. , Kalb Robert G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal motor neurons resulting in variable degrees of muscular wasting and weakness. It is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene.Caenorhabditis elegansmutants lackingSMNrecapitulate several aspects of the disease including impaired movement and shorted life span. We examined whether genes previously implicated in life span extension conferred benefits toC. eleganslacking SMN. We find that reducing daf-2/insulin receptor signaling activity promotes survival and improves locomotor behavior in thisC. elegansmodel of SMA. The locomotor dysfunction inC. eleganslackingSMNcorrelated with structural and functional abnormalities in GABAergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Moreover, we demonstrated that reduction indaf-2signaling reversed these abnormalities. Remarkably, enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission alone was able to correct the locomotor dysfunction. Our work indicated that an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory activity within motor circuits and underlies motor system dysfunction in this SMA model. Interventions aimed at restoring the balance of excitatory/inhibitory activity in motor circuits could be of benefit to individuals with SMA.
Global Diversity of the Brachypodium Species Complex as a Resource for Genome-Wide Association Studies Demonstrated for Agronomic Traits in Response to Climate
Authors: Wilson Pip B , Streich Jared C , Murray Kevin D , Eichten Steve R , Cheng Riyan , Aitken Nicola C , Spokas Kurt , Warthmann Norman , Gordon Sean P , Accession Contributors , Vogel John P , Borevitz Justin O 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The development of model systems requires a detailed assessment of standing genetic variation across natural populations. The Brachypodium species complex has been promoted as a plant model for grass genomics with translation to small grain and biomass crops. To capture the genetic diversity within this species complex, thousands of Brachypodium accessions from around the globe were collected and genotyped by sequencing. Overall, 1897 samples were classified into two diploid or allopolyploid species, and then further grouped into distinct inbred genotypes. A core set of diverse B. distachyon diploid lines was selected for whole genome sequencing and high resolution phenotyping. Genome-wide association studies across simulated seasonal environments was used to identify candidate genes and pathways tied to key life history and agronomic traits under current and future climatic conditions. A total of 8, 22, and 47 QTL were identified for flowering time, early vigor, and energy traits, respectively. The results highlight the genomic structure of the Brachypodium species complex, and the diploid lines provided a resource that allows complex trait dissection within this grass model species.
Diagnostic value of basic laboratory parameters for simple and perforated acute appendicitis
Authors: BEDEL Cihan 
Published: November 2018

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the
efficacy of simple laboratory parameters including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
(NLR), leukocyte count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and red cell distribution width (RDW) values
in both diagnosing simple appendicitis and predicting complicated appendicitis.Material
and Methods: A database
of 413 patients who underwent surgery was appreciated. Based on postoperative
histopathological examination, the patients were divided into two groups:
negative appendectomy (G1) and positive appendectomy (G2). Patients in the
positive appendectomy group were further divided into two subgroups: simple
appendicitis (G2a) and complicated (gangrenous and perforated) appendicitis
(G2b).Results:
WCC and NLR were
significant parameters for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Cut-off values
were 11950/mm3 for WCC (sensitivity: 71.7%; specificity: 50%; OR:
2.53) and 3.7 for NLR (sensitivity: 75.1%; specificity: 42.8%; OR:2.25). WCC,
CRP and NLR were independent variables for the diagnosis of complicated
appendicitis. Cut-off values were 14450/mm3 for WCC (sensitivity:
66.7%; specificity: 59%; OR: 2.87), 25.5 mg/dl for CRP (sensitivity: 63.8%;
specificity: 58.2%; OR: 2.47) and 6.94 for NLR (sensitivity: 61.1%;
specificity: 61%; OR: 2.51).

Conclusion:
As a result, preoperative NLR is a useful
parameter to aid in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and differentiate between
simple and complicated appendicitis and can be used as an adjunct to the
clinical examination.
STUDY OF MEDICINAL HERBS AND ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY: A REVIEW
Authors: Mahato Tapan K , Sharma K 
Published: November 2018

The beneficial medicinal effects of plant materials typically result from the secondary products present in the plant although, it is usually not attributed to a single compound but a combination of the metabolites. The medicinal actions of plants are unique to a particular plant species or group, consistent with the concept that the combination of secondary products in a particular plant is taxonomically distinct.The screening of plants usually involves several approach; ethno botanical approach is one of the common methods that are employed in choosing the plant for pharmacological study. In the present review paper, antimicrobial properties of various medicinal plants were reviewed. The present review deals with the antibacterial activity of various medicinal plants.
Keywords: Antimicrobial, Herbal Drugs, WHO, Cup-plate Method, Anti-bacterial Activity.
REVIEW ON OCULAR INSERT DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
Authors: Devhadrao NV , Siddhaia M 
Published: November 2018

An ocular insert represents an advanced technology in eye disease therapy. Designing and development of an ocular insert is a challenge ever faced by Pharmaceutical researchers or manufacturer. In the ophthalmology; eye drop have ever found to be an easy remedy from the administration point of view. In case of conventional dosage forms the fast precorneal loss of drug has been a major difficulty. To improve ocular drug bioavailability, there are significant guidelines have been directed towards newer drug delivery systems for ophthalmic administration. By means of ocular insert, the researcher has always taken efforts to release the drug at controlled rate to avoid frequent administration of drug. The ocular insert consist of controlled, delayed or sustained release biodegradable implantable components of different material in multiple layers. The inserts can be classified in various classes like Insoluble, soluble or biodegradable as per its solubility. The release of drug from the insert depends upon the diffusion, osmosis, and bioerosion of the drug.
Keyword: Ocular inserts, bioerosion, osmosis, bioerodible implant,
PREPARATION OF CONTROLLED RELEASE METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED CHITOSAN MICROSPHERES AND EVALAUTION OF FORMULATION PARAMETERS
Authors: Kalpna Mrs , Dev Druv , Shahnaz Mohammad , Parkash Jyoti , Prasad DN 
Published: November 2018

In this work an attempt was made for the preparation and evaluation of controlled release chitosan microspheres using anti-diabetes drug Metformin hydrochloride. The microspheres were prepared by Ionotropic gelation method using chitosan as polymer and Sodium Tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinking agent. The compatibility of drug and polymer is analyzed by using FTIR and DSC method. There was no interaction detected by FTIR and DSC study. Further the prepared microspheres were evaluated for particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, drug content, drug loading and in vitro drug release. Amongst all the formulation batch 7 shows the best release when compared to other batch. SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) revealed that microspheres were spherical and porous. Finally it was concluded that Metformin hydrochloride loaded chitosan – TPP microspheres have been found suitable for controlled release formulation due to its bioavailability and biodegradability and thus lead to improved patient compliance.
Keywords: Microspheres, Metformin hydrochloride, Ionotropic gelation method, chitosan.
Structural Integrity Evaluation of Large MOD Restorations Fabricated With a Bulk-Fill and a CAD/CAM Resin Composite Material
Authors: Papadopoulos C , Dionysopoulos D , Tolidis K , Kouros P , Koliniotou-Koumpia E , Tsitrou EA 
Published: November 2018

SUMMARY

Aims:
To evaluate the effect of two composite restorative techniques (direct bulk fill vs indirect CAD/CAM) on the fracture resistance and mode of fracture of extended mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavity preparations.

Methods:
Fifty-one sound human mandibular third molars were divided into three groups (n=17). Extended bucco-lingual MOD cavities were prepared. Teeth in group 1 were restored with a bulk-fill resin composite (Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior Restorative), teeth in group 2 were restored with composite computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) inlays (Lava Ultimate), and teeth in group 3 served as control and remained intact. All specimens were submitted to thermocycling, and a fracture resistance test was performed using a Universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Mode of fracture was classified into five types. One-way analysis of variance and the Duncan test were used to analyze the fracture load data at a significance level of α = 0.05. A chi-square test was used for the analysis of fracture mode between the restorative groups.

Results:
Statistical analysis showed significant differences in fracture resistance among the experimental groups. The teeth restored with the bulk-fill composite exhibited lower fracture resistance (1285.3±655.0 N) when compared to the teeth restored with the composite CAD/CAM inlays (1869.8±529.4 N) (p&lt;0.05). Mode of fracture showed the same distribution between the restorative groups.

Conclusions:
Although both types of restorations failed at loads larger than those found in the oral cavity, the CAD/CAM composite inlays increased the fracture resistance of teeth with large MOD cavities when compared to direct bulk-fill composite restorations. The majority of fracture types were intraorally repairable for both restorative techniques.
High-Pressure Behaviour of Prussian Blue Analogues: Interplay of Hydration, Jahn-Teller Distortions and Vacancies
Authors: Boström Hanna , Collings Ines E. , Cairns Andrew , Romao Carl P. , Goodwin Andrew 
Published: November 2018

We report a high-pressure crystallographic study of four hydrated Prussian blue analogues: M[Pt(CN)6] and M[Co(CN)6]0:67 (M = Mn2+, Cu2+) in the range 0–3GPa. Mn[Co(CN)6]0:67 wasstudied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, whereas the other systems were only available in polycrystalline form. The Mn-containing compounds undergo pressure-induced phase transitions from Fm¯3m to R¯3 at 1.0–1.5GPa driven by cooperative tilting of the octahedral units. No phase transition was found for the orbitally disordered Cu[Co(CN)6]0:67 up to 3GPa. Mn[Co(CN)6]0:67 is significantly softer than the other samples, with a bulk modulus of 14GPa compared to 35GPa of the powdered samples. The discrepant pressure responses are discussed in terms of the presence of structural defects, Jahn-Teller distortions, and hydration. The implications for the developmentof polar systems are reviewed based upon our high-pressure study.
STUDI PEMILIHAN TANAMAN REVEGETASI UNTUK KEBERHASILAN REKLAMASI LAHAN BEKAS TAMBANG
Authors: Setyowati Rr Diah Nugraheni , Amala Nahawanda Ahsanu , Aini Nila Nur Ursyiatur 
Published: November 2018

The contribution of the mining sector to forest destruction in Indonesia reaches 10% and now drove to 2 million ha every year. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to reclaim the former mining area. One of the determinants of the success of reclamation is plant’s selection, in accordance with the condition of the land. In this case for revegetation activities need to pay attention between plant’s selectionspecies and plant growth requirements with the condition of the land, so that the reclamation success criteria can be achieved. This research uses descriptive analysis method, this method is done by describing the facts which followed byanalysis and provide sufficient understanding and explanation. Techniques of data collection using comparative analysis method by comparing various journals and other literature. Criteria for selection of tree species for ex-mining land can be seen from:(1) local species of pioneer, (2) fast growing but not in high cost, (3) produces litter that easy to decompose, (4) good root system and able to do reciprocal relationship with certain microba, (5) seed carrier, (6) easy and cheap in propagation, planting and maintenance. The success of revegetation depends on several things such as: preparation of planting, crop, plant maintenance and plant monitoring.
Keywords: mining, reclamation, plant, revegetation