bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Versus Sham in the Treatment of Operatively Managed Scaphoid Nonunions
Authors: White Neil J. , Patterson Ethan D. , Dhaliwal Gurpreet S. , Hildebrand Kevin A. ,   WECAN
Published: July 2024

Update
This article was updated on September 4, 2024 because of a previous error, which was discovered after the preliminary version of the article was posted online. In the Note listing the members of the Wrist and Elbow Research Group of Canada, the text that had read “Thomas T. Goetz, MD, FRCSC” now reads “Thomas J. Goetz, MD, FRCSC”.

Background:
The primary goal after open reduction and internal fixation of an established scaphoid nonunion is to achieve union. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been reported to increase the rate of union and to decrease the time to union for multiple fractures and nonunions in clinical and animal models. The evidence for LIPUS in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion, however, is sparse. The aim of this study was to assess whether active LIPUS (relative to sham LIPUS) accelerates the time to union following surgery for scaphoid nonunion.

Methods:
Adults with a scaphoid nonunion indicated for surgery were recruited for a multicenter, prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. After surgery, patients self-administered activated or sham LIPUS units beginning at their first postoperative visit. The primary outcome was the time to union on serial computed tomography (CT) scans starting 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, and grip strength.

Results:
A total of 142 subjects completed the study (69 in the active LIPUS group and 73 in the sham group). The average age was 27 years, and the cohort was 88% male. There was no difference in time to union (p = 0.854; hazard ratio, 0.965; 95% confidence interval, 0.663 to 1.405). Likewise, there were no differences between the active LIPUS and sham groups with respect to any of the secondary outcomes, except for wrist flexion at baseline (p = 0.008) and at final follow-up (p = 0.043).

Conclusions:
Treatment with LIPUS had no effect on reducing time to union in patients who underwent surgical fixation of established scaphoid nonunions.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Explore the mechanism of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) in atherosclerosis Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Pan Yumeng , Weng Ping , Wen Yilin , Yang Liming , Li Yueyue , Li Chengju , Yu Chao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), a traditional Chinese medicine, is extensively used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact target and pharmacological mechanism of CRP remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism of CRP in treating atherosclerosis (AS) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification.
Methods: The chemical constituents and targets of CRP were retrieved, collected, and screened in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) database. Potential AS targets were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM databases. Subsequently, the STRING database was used to establish a protein-protein interaction network, and Cytoscape was employed to construct the CRP-AS-potential target gene network to identify core targets. After GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, naringenin and core targets were selected for molecular docking simulation. Finally, the anti-AS mechanism of naringenin was validated through cell experiments.
Results: Five potential active components of CRP were identified, and 54 common targets of the disease and drugs, including 15 core targets (such as MAPK3 and MMP9), were obtained. Lipid and atherosclerosis were found to be the most prominent pathways of action. Molecular docking demonstrated the strong binding of naringenin with MMP9 and MAPK3. In vitro experiments, it was revealed that naringenin might inhibit lipid accumulation in smooth muscle cells and slow down the occurrence of atherosclerosis by decreasing the expression of MAPK3.
Conclusions: Through network pharmacological analysis, molecular docking, and experimental verification, this study found that naringenin, the core active ingredient of CRP, may inhibit the occurrence of smooth muscle cell foam by reducing the expression of MAKP3 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)and play an anti-AS role, providing a new idea for further research on CRP and naringenin in the prevention and treatment of AS.
CFD Analysis of a Conduction Cooling System Applied to Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Coelho Fagner , Aquino Igor Palhares , Arias Ariel Rodriguez , Juliani Luciano , Silva Wesley Cecílio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is an emerging technology that makes it possible to manufacture parts economically and efficiently, especially for complex geometries. The manufacture of parts using the WAAM process is characterized by the use of thermal sources that apply heat fluxes during the deposition of layers. However, managing the heat generated during the deposition process is fundamental to guaranteeing part quality and avoiding defects. Controlling the thermal input tends to be favorable in terms of the mechanical properties of the manufactured component. A conduction cooling system is presented here, and an investigative study into the heat exchange performance of this solution was carried out under a number of boundary conditions, such as flow rate and coolant temperature. Conduction cooling systems are a promising solution for regulating temperatures in WAAM processes. This study performs a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of a conduction cooling system in mitigating thermal problems in WAAM. The use of the cooling base reduces the average temperature between the deposited layers, so that it is possible to increase the pass deposition rate and also productivity, as well as minimizing the overflow effect. To this end, a Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was developed, showing the efficiency of the process.
Timing of Pre-Retrieval Warnings Matters in Reducing Memory Errors in a Repeated Testing Misinformation Study
Authors: Wulff Alia N. , Karanian Jessica , Race Elizabeth , Thomas Ayanna K. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Individuals are often exposed to information regarding previously witnessed events. The misinformation effect occurs when inaccurate post-event information impairs accuracy on a subsequent test of memory for the original event. The misinformation effect is increased when an test is given prior to exposure to post-event information, a phenomenon termed Retrieval Enhanced Suggestibility (RES). In two experiments, we investigated the value of general warnings prior to retrieval towards reducing RES. In both experiments, participants were exposed to an original event, and after a 24-hour retention interval either took a test about that original event or were not tested before being exposed to a narrative that included misleading details about the original event. In Experiment 1, a warning about the quality of the post-event narrative was then given followed by the final test. In Experiment 2, the warning and final test were delayed by 24 hours. We found that warnings were effective in Experiment 1 in reducing RES. However, in Experiment 2, when warnings were delayed, participants were no longer able to effectively use them to reduce RES. These results suggest timing of warnings matter and that warnings are most effective when given in close proximity to misinformation.
Microbial Diversity and Quality of Ready-to-Eat Salad: An Underexplored Area of Local Hotels
Authors: Chakrovarty Tanay , Mondal Provakar , Kador S. M. , Islam Khondoker Tanjim , Rubaiyat Rafid Nahian , Chakraborty Deepanwita , Rahman M Shaminur , Islam Ovinu Kibria , Islam Md. Tanvir 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ready-to-eat salads, celebrated for their myriad health benefits, have become a ubiquitous dietary choice. However, concerns have surged in light of recent illness outbreaks linked to consumption of raw salads. In response, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat salad, focusing on shelf-life estimation and microbiome characterization. A random sample of twelve salads went through comprehensive microbiological analysis and 16S rRNA metagenomic profiling. The salads appear to be potentially hazardous for ingestion based on the mean values of 7.66 log cfu/gm for aerobic mesophilic count and 7.33 log cfu/gm for psychrotrophic count. In addition, total coliform and Enterobacteriaceae were found (mean 3.66 log cfu/gm for both), but fecal coliform was completely absent. Firmicutes (47.18%), Cyanobacteria (28.19%), Proteobacteria (23.24%), Bacteriodetes (0.88%), and Actinobacteria (0.41%) were the top five phyla discovered. Of the salad samples, Weissella (54.86%) seems to be the most prevalent genus. Notably, genera such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter, potential human pathogens, exhibited more than 1% abundance. Additionally, spoilage-associated LAB organisms, including Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus were detected. Furthermore, with the exception of Weissella, the majority of the species showed a positive correlation between protein concentration and spoilage. Increased pH levels and elevated moisture content create favorable conditions for the proliferation of specific pathogens, consequently diminishing the shelf life of the salad. Additional research is necessary to fully grasp the intricacies of the microbiome in salads and to establish protocols that uphold quality standards and ensure the protection of public health.
Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of a Newly Designed Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Self-Nanoemulsifying System
Authors: Eid Ahmad M , Issa Linda , safadi Haneen , sabbah Rola , mabrokeh Sondos , Hassoun Tasneem 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The objective of this research is to extract and formulate a nanoemulsion consisting of Vitis vinifera (V. vinifera) oil. Following this, the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase properties of both the oil and the nanoemulsion system will be examined.
Method
V. vinfera seed oil extraction was followed by the preparation of its self-nanoemulsifying system. GC analysis was conducted to analyze phytochemical compounds, and physical characterization was performed for the V. vinfera oil self-nanoemulsifying system. Subsequently, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for the oil and its nanoemulsion.
Result
The biologically active components of V. vinifera oil were detected using a GC/MS device. The main components were: linoleic acid methyl ester, oleic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, and stearic acid methyl ester, and elaidic acid methyl ester. The optimum nanoemulsion formulation, which comprised Tween 80, Span 80, and V. vinifera seed oil and had a PDI of 0.227 ± 0.07 and a droplet size of 192.71 ± 1.8 nm. Porcine lipase inhibition of V. vinifera oil and its nanoemulsion was detected; the oil showed potent lipase inhibitory activity when compared to orlistat. The self-nanoemulsion has less inhibitory activity than the oil, with an IC50 equivalent to 13.8 ± 1.5 µg/ml. Also, V. vinifera oil inhibited a-amylase with a weak IC50 value of 257.03 ± 2.4 µg/ml. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracted V. vinifera oil was estimated using the DPPH radical method and trolox. The self-nanoemulsion has less inhibitory activity than the oil, with an IC50 value of 13.80 ± 1.5 µg/ml.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the importance of black grape (V. vinfera) oil for treating and preventing obesity, diabetes, and oxidative stress, as well as how nanoemulsions improve these activities. Therefore, this natural oil is a promising product for the pharmaceutical industry.
Determining Environmental Flow Requirements for Rivers in the Southern Basin of Lake Urmia (Case Studies of ZarinehRood and SiminehRood Rivers)
Authors: Chabokpour Jafar , Azarafrouz Behzad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Environmental flow assessment (EFA) is crucial for maintaining river ecosystem health and determining the minimum water requirements for aquatic life and riparian vegetation. This study evaluates the environmental flow of the SiminehRood and ZarinehRood Rivers in the Lake Urmia Basin, Iran, using three hydrological methods: Tennant, Tessman, and Flow Duration Curve (FDC) analysis. Long-term daily discharge data from hydrometric stations were collected and analyzed. The Tennant method, recommending 30% of mean annual runoff (MAR) for low-flow seasons and 10% for high-flow seasons, provided environmental flow values inconsistent with the rivers' natural regimes. The Tessman method, utilizing a combination of mean monthly flow (MMF) and MAR, revealed exceedance probabilities below 50% during certain months, indicating inadequate environmental flow provision. The FDC method assessed low-flow ranges by calculating exceedance probabilities. For the SiminehRood River, low-flow ranges were 1.06-0.1 m3/s (Qizil Ghonbad), 1.45-0.36 m3/s (Dashband), and 2.4-0.26 m3/s (Miandoab Bridge). For the ZarinehRood River, low-flow ranges were 1.41-0.1 m3/s (Anian Bridge), 10.7-2 m3/s (Sarighamish), and 3.43-0.9 m3/s (Nezam Abad). The study highlights the limitations of solely relying on hydrological methods and the need to incorporate ecological components and field research to determine acceptable living conditions for aquatic species. Recommendations include exercising caution when using the Tennant method, modifying it to suit local conditions.
Germplasm Collection and Genetic Diversity Characterization of Squash (Cucurbita Moschata Duchesne Ex Lam) Based on Multivariate Analysis of Quantitative and Qualttative Attributes
Authors: Osuagwu Aniefiok N. , Ubi Godwin M. , Ikong Fredrick B. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This research was focused on the evaluation of agro-morphological attributes of twenty-four accessions of Squash, Cucurbita moschata obtained from Abia, Benue, Cross River Ebonyi, Edo and Enugu States. Plant length, internode length, petiole length, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, flesh thickness, mature seed number, aborted seed number, leaf area, flower number and leaf number were evaluated. Data generated from the study for growth and yield attributes were analyzed using PAST 3 software for analysis of Variance, Principal Components Analysis, Correlation Coefficient Analysis and genetic distances-based similarity indices of the accessions. The results indicated that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the accessions in most of the growth and yield attributes evaluated. The best performing accessions were Abia creamy and Abia brown varieties which showed high performances in all growth and yield parameters evaluated. The Enugu 4 accession showed the least performance in most of the growth and yield attributes evaluated. Results of the variation in growth traits showed significant difference in all the growth attributes except stalk length. Also there was significant variation (P < 0.05) in yield attributes. Results of the Principal Components Analysis of the growth parameters showed that flower number, aborted seed number, fruit length, leaf number, fruit texture, flesh texture, flesh colour and secondary colour contributed to the total variation. Results of Correlation Analysis between quantitative and qualitative attributes showed that mature seeds correlated positively, strongly and significantly with fruit colour, flesh colour, flesh texture and colour pattern. Fruit diameter was found to be positively, strongly and significantly correlated with fruit texture, flesh texture, colour pattern, predominant colour and secondary colour. The hierarchical numeric cluster analysis classified the quantitative and qualitative traits in the 24 accessions into 2 major clusters with most of the accessions having similar quantitative attributes in cluster one and those accessions with similar qualitative traits in cluster two. It was concluded that Abia creamy and Abia brown were the most adaptable varieties from the results due to their high performances in all growth and yield parameters evaluated and thus recommended for farmers in this Agro-ecology of Calabar. Moreso, Abia creamy and Abia brown which showed high relatedness and performances can be used to improve Enugu brown with low performance by cross breeding to enhance performance for food security.
Microstructural and mechanical characterization of expansive soils for sustainable stabilization purposes
Authors: Selvakumar Subburaj , Soundara Balu , Raj Neha , Kulanthaivel Ponnusamy 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Expansive soils pose significant challenges due to their high potential for volume changes, leading to structural damages. This study aims to comprehensively characterize the microstructural and mechanical properties of expansive soils to facilitate selecting appropriate stabilization techniques. Advanced analytical methods including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mechanical tests were employed. XRD analysis identifies and quantifies swelling clay minerals influencing expansive behaviour. SEM-EDX provides insights into particle morphology, microstructure, and elemental composition. TGA and DTA reveal thermal properties and phase transitions. FTIR offers insights into organic functional groups and molecular interactions. Mechanical tests evaluate strength, compressibility and volume change characteristics. By comprehensively characterizing microstructural attributes and mechanical behaviour of expansive soils, this research enables informed selection of stabilization techniques to mitigate adverse effects on infrastructure. This findings underscore leveraging advanced analysis to tailor stabilization strategies per specific soil characteristics, enhancing effectiveness and sustainability of ground improvement solutions.
The global prevalence and genetic spectrum of primary carnitine deficiency
Authors: Sun Liu , Wu Hang-Jing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is an autosomal recessive rare disorder of carnitine cycle and carnitine transport caused by mutations in the SLC22A5 gene. The prevalence of PCD is unclear. This study aimed to estimate the carrier frequency and genetic prevalence of PCD using Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) data.
Methods
The pathogenicity of SLC22A5 variants was interpreted according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards and guidelines. The minor allele frequency (MAF) of the disease-causing variants of the SLC22A5 gene in 807,162 individuals was examined to estimate the global prevalence of PCD in five major ethnicities: African (afr), Admixed American (amr), East Asian (eas), Non-Finnish European (nfe) and South Asian (sas). The global and population-specific carrier frequencies and genetic prevalence of PCD were calculated using the Hardy–Weinberg equation.
Results
Total of 195 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPV) of the SLC22A5 gene were identified according to the ACMG standards and guidelines. The global carrier frequency and genetic prevalence of PCD were 1/88 and 1/31,260, respectively.
Conclusions
The prevalence of PCD is estimated to be 1/30,000 globally, with a range of between 1/20,000 and 1/70,000 depending on ethnicity.
Assessing effect sizes, variability, and power in the web-based study of language production
Authors: Bürki Audrey , Vasishth Shravan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

With the pandemic, many experimental psychologists/linguists have started to collect data over the internet (hereafter “on-line data”). The feasibility of such experiments and the sample sizes required to achieve sufficient statistical power in future experiments have to be assessed. This in turn requires information on effect sizes and variability. We present a series of analyses to compare repeated measurement data across settings. We apply these analyses to response time from the same word production experiment conducted in the lab and on-line. These analyses allow determining whether the two settings differ in effect sizes, in the consistency of responses over the course of the experiment, in the variability of average response times across participants, in the magnitude of effect sizes across participants, or in the amount of unexplained variability. We assess the impact of these differences on the power of the design in a series of simulations. Our findings temper the enthusiasm raised by previous studies and suggest that on-line production studies might be feasible but at a non-negligible cost. The sample sizes required to achieve sufficient power in on-line language production studies come with a non-negligible increase in the amount of manual labour. Findings further show that researchers cannot simply assume that effect sizes are similar across settings.
Is Extended Resection for Locally Advanced Thoracic Cancer with Cardiopulmonary Bypass Justified?
Authors: Hsu Joffrey , Chou Ping-Ruey , Huang Jiann-Woei , Liu Yu-Wei , Chiang Hung-Hsing , Lee Jui-Ying , Li Hsien-Pin , Chang Po-Chih , Chou Shah-Hwa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Resection of intrathoracic tumor with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains a relatively under-reported intervention in literature, and its role in managing locally advanced mediastinal and lung cancers is a topic of ongoing debate. Our aim was to review our experience and assess the role of CPB for treatinglocally advanced mediastinal and lung cancers.
Methods: Between 2015 and 2020, this study initially included 10 patients with primary locally advanced thoracic malignancies with apparent adjacent cardiovascular invasion demonstrated by thoracic imaging scans. Operation was performed based on a multidisciplinary tumor board consensus. Eventually, 8 patients (3 primary lung cancers and 5 mediastinal cancers) received either salvage or elective resection with CPB; two completed surgery without requiring CPB.
Results: Regarding the extent of adjacent structure involvement, 4 patients presented with involvement of the superior vena cava (SVC), 1 involved the right atrium (RA), 2 involved the SVC and RA, and 1 involved the SVC, the origin of main pulmonary artery, and the ascending aorta. Thirty-day mortality occurred in two of three patients receiving salvage surgery due to respiratory insufficiency. With the long-term follow-up, one patient died of recurrence 25 months postoperatively, one survived with recurrence 30 months postoperatively, and four were alive without recurrence for 35, 36, 49, and 107months after operations.
Conclusions: In certain patients, particularly for elective surgical candidates rather than salvage resection, CPB allows for extended resection of locally advanced thoracic cancerswith acceptable perioperative safety and survival.