bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological phenotypes and treatment outcomes in Eagle syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hassani Melika , Grønlund Elisabeth Waldemar , Albrechtsen Simon Sander , Kondziella Daniel 
Published: June 2024

Background
Eagle syndrome is caused by an elongated styloid process affecting carotid arteries and cranial nerves. Pain, dysphagia, tinnitus, paresthesia (classic subtype), and neurovascular events (vascular subtype) may be triggered by head movements or arise spontaneously. However, Eagle syndrome remains underappreciated in the neurological community. We aimed to determine the most common neurological and non-neurological clinical presentations in patients with Eagle syndrome and to assess the clinical outcome post-surgical resection in comparison to non-surgical therapies.

Methodology
We conducted a systematic review of patient-level data on adults with Eagle syndrome, following PRISMA guidelines. We extracted data on demographics, presenting symptoms, neurological deficits, radiological findings, and treatments, including outcomes and complications, from studies in multiple indexing databases published between 2000 and 2023. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO.

Results
In total, 285 studies met inclusion criteria, including 497 patients with Eagle syndrome (mean age 47.3 years; 49.8% female). Classical Eagle (370 patients, 74.5%) was more frequent than vascular Eagle syndrome (117 patients, 23.5%, p < 0.0001). Six patients (1.2%) presented with both variants and the subvariant for four patients (0.8%) was unknown. There was a male preponderance (70.1% male) in the vascular subtype. A history of tonsillectomy was more frequent in classic (48/153 cases) than in vascular (2/33 cases) Eagle syndrome (Odds Ratio 5.2, 95% CI [1.2–22.4]; p = 0.028). By contrast, cervical movements as trigger factors were more prevalent in vascular (12/33 cases) than in classic (7/153 cases) Eagle syndrome (Odds Ratio 7.95, 95% CI [2.9–21.7]; p = 0.0001). Headache and Horner syndrome were more frequent in vascular Eagle syndrome and dysphagia and neck pain more prominent in classic Eagle syndrome (all p < 0.01). Surgically treated patients achieved overall better outcomes than medically treated ones: Eighty-one (65.9%) of 123 medically treated patients experienced improvement or complete resolution, while the same applied to 313 (97.8%) of 320 surgical patients (Odds Ratio 1.49, 95% CI [1.1–2.0]; p = 0.016).

Conclusions
Eagle syndrome is underdiagnosed with potentially serious neurovascular complications, including ischemic stroke. Surgical treatment achieves better outcomes than conservative management. Although traditionally the domain of otorhinolaryngologist, neurologist should include this syndrome in differential diagnostic considerations because of the varied neurological presentations that are amenable to effective treatment.
Microbiota based personalized nutrition improves hyperglycaemia and hypertension parameters and reduces inflammation: a prospective, open label, controlled, randomized, comparative, proof of concept study
Authors: Kallapura Gopalakrishna , Prakash Anthony Surya , Sankaran Kumar , Manjappa Prabhath , Chaudhary Prayagraj , Ambhore Sanjay , Dhar Debojyoti 
Published: June 2024

Background
Recent studies suggest that gut microbiota composition, abundance and diversity can influence many chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Modulating gut microbiota through targeted nutrition can provide beneficial effects leading to the concept of personalized nutrition for health improvement. In this prospective clinical trial, we evaluated the impact of a microbiome-based targeted personalized diet on hyperglycaemic and hyperlipidaemic individuals. Specifically, BugSpeaks®-a microbiome profile test that profiles microbiota using next generation sequencing and provides personalized nutritional recommendation based on the individual microbiota profile was evaluated.

Methods
A total of 30 participants with type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia were recruited for this study. The microbiome profile of the 15 participants (test arm) was evaluated using whole genome shotgun metagenomics and personalized nutritional recommendations based on their microbiota profile were provided. The remaining 15 participants (control arm) were provided with diabetic nutritional guidance for 3 months. Clinical and anthropometric parameters such as HbA1c, systolic/diastolic pressure, c-reactive protein levels and microbiota composition were measured and compared during the study.

Results
The test arm (microbiome-based nutrition) showed a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c level from 8.30 (95% confidence interval (CI), [7.74–8.85]) to 6.67 (95% CI [6.2–7.05]), p < 0.001 after 90 days. The test arm also showed a 5% decline in the systolic pressure whereas the control arm showed a 7% increase. Incidentally, a sub-cohort of the test arm of patients with >130 mm Hg systolic pressure showed a statistically significant decrease of systolic pressure by 14%. Interestingly, CRP level was also found to drop by 19.5%. Alpha diversity measures showed a significant increase in Shannon diversity measure (p < 0.05), after the microbiome-based personalized dietary intervention. The intervention led to a minimum two-fold (Log2 fold change increase in species like Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens, Bifidobacterium angulatum, and Levilactobacillus brevis which might have a beneficial role in the current context and a similar decrease in species like Alistipes finegoldii, and Sutterella faecalis which have been earlier shown to have some negative effects in the host. Overall, the study indicated a net positive impact of the microbiota based personalized dietary regime on the gut microbiome and correlated clinical parameters.
Shoulder mobility and strength impairments in patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Manoso-Hernando Daniel , Bailón-Cerezo Javier , Angulo-Díaz-Parreño Santiago , Reina-Varona Álvaro , Elizagaray-García Ignacio , Gil-Martínez Alfonso 
Published: June 2024

Background
The methods previously proposed in the literature to assess patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain, based on special orthopedic tests to precisely identify the structure causing the shoulder symptoms have been recently challenged. This opens the possibility of a different way of physical examination.

Objective
To analyze the differences in shoulder range of motion, strength and thoracic kyphosis between rotator cuff related shoulder pain patients and an asymptomatic group.

Method
The protocol of the present research was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) (registration number CRD42021258924). Database search of observational studies was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, WOS and CINHAL until July 2023, which assessed shoulder or neck neuro-musculoskeletal non-invasive physical examination compared to an asymptomatic group. Two investigators assessed eligibility and study quality. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodology quality.

Results
Eight studies (N = 604) were selected for the quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis showed statistical differences with large effect for shoulder flexion (I2 = 91.7%, p < 0.01, HG = −1.30), external rotation (I2 = 83.2%, p < 0.01, HG = −1.16) and internal rotation range of motion (I2 = 0%, p < 0.01, HG = −1.32). Regarding to shoulder strength; only internal rotation strength showed statistical differences with small effect (I2 = 42.8%, p < 0.05, HG = −0.3).

Conclusions
There is moderate to strong evidence that patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain present less shoulder flexion, internal and external rotation range of motion and less internal rotation strength than asymptomatic individuals.
Green Synthesis: An Alternative Sustainable Route for Nanotechology
Authors: Niveditha Mannem , Shelar Vijay R , B.M. Bhalerao 
Published: June 2024

With the advancements and technological innovation in the past few decades, there has been an exponential increase in the nanotechnology industry. It has come to become one of the most exciting forefront fields in the 21st century. Nanotechnology is the science that deals with particulate matter at nanoscale (1-100 nm). Nanomaterials at nanoscale tend to exhibit unique properties than their bulk counterparts. The rising demand for nanoparticles and nano based products also brings in huge concerns, as the chemical and physical methods for synthesis of nanoparticles require a lot of investment and also involve toxic agents, which result it some serious after effects hazardous to both environment and the living entities. This is when green chemistry comes into the picture, green synthesis approach was found to counter the problems posed by the previous synthesis methods. The mechanism involved in green synthesis, factors affecting the synthesis and the popular techniques used in characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles are discussed in this review paper. Green synthesis has the potential to be an effective approach in minimizing the risks encountered in the traditional methods of synthesis, yet the field is new and more is to be explored and continuous research with follow up is required to adopt green synthesis at a commercial level.
Fabrication and surface characterization of electrosprayed poly(L‐lactide) microspheres
Authors: Hu Changmin , Zhao Jingwen , Cui Wenguo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractElectrospraying is a one‐step technique for fabricating polymeric microspheres/nanospheres, and the surface characterization of polymeric microspheres fabricated under high voltage is different from an emulsion method. In this study, biodegradable poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) microspheres were successfully fabricated by electrospraying, and electrospraying parameters were used to investigate the size and ζ potential of the electrosprayed PLLA microspheres. The results demonstrate that electrospraying was a one‐step method for fabricating monodispersed PLLA microspheres with a size of 1.92 ± 0.35 μm and that the enrichment of methyl groups on the surface of the microspheres contributed to the strong hydrophobicity of electrosprayed PLLA microspheres. Of all the electrospraying parameters investigated, the size and ζ potential of the PLLA microspheres increased with increasing solution concentration and flow rate and decreased with increasing injection voltage and collecting distance. The results provide a theoretical basis for preparing electrosprayed polymeric microspheres as drug carriers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Structural characterization of alpha methyl styrene‐butyl acrylate‐grafted polyetheretherketone films
Authors: Gautam Deepti , Ikram Saiqa , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRadiation‐induced graft copolymerization of alpha methyl styrene (AMS)‐butyl acrylate (BA) mixture onto poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) was carried out to develop films of varying copolymer compositions. The characterization of films was carried out with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The presence of AMS and BA units within the film matrix was confirmed by FTIR. The intensity of the characteristic peaks for AMS and BA increased with the increasing grafted component in the films. The crystallinity of the films as observed from DSC and XRD decreased with the increasing graft levels. On the other hand, the melting temperature of the base polymer was almost unaffected by irradiation and the grafting process. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the grafted film increased as compared to the virgin PEEK. Ungrafted film showed a stable thermogram up to ∼500°C. However, the grafting introduced a new decomposition range in the copolymer, due to the presence of the AMS/BA. AFM images showed the formation of domains on the grafted PEEK film surface. The SEM also showed domain formation of the grafted component within the PEEK matrix. However, the fracture analysis did not show any prominent phase separation. Mechanical characterization of films in terms of tensile strength, elongation, and modulus was also carried out. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Cellulose nanocrystals extracted from okra fibers in PVA nanocomposites
Authors: Fortunati E. , Puglia D. , Monti M. , Santulli C. , Maniruzzaman M. , Kenny J. M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from okra bahmia (Abelmoschus Esculentus) bast fibers and inserted in different tenors (1, 2, 5, and 10 wt %) as the reinforcement of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix. The extraction of cellulose was carried out in a two‐step procedure: the first chemical treatment led to the production of holocellulose by the gradual removal of lignin, while the subsequent sulphuric acid hydrolysis process allowed obtaining cellulose nanocrystals in an aqueous suspension. The dispersion of CNC in the composite appeared effective at low cellulose content (1 wt %), while it presented more problems for higher contents. However, a 5 wt % cellulose content proved ideal to promote a direct mechanical interaction between the PVA and cellulose structures. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the presence of okra did not have a large effect on glass transition temperature, while it sensibly modified the melting temperature of the PVA matrix, as well as the crystallization temperature, due to the nucleating action of the nanofillers. FTIR spectroscopy performed during the exposure to UV light underlined that no oxidative reactions occur after a short‐time exposure and that a longer irradiation times are required to produce oxidation on neat matrix and PVA/CNC nanocomposites. The results confirmed that the presence of CNC does not affect the stability of the neat PVA matrix to the photodegradation after UV irradiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Addition Reactions of Maleimides: A Promising Approach Towards the Synthesis of Chiral Succinimide Derivatives
Authors: Chauhan Pankaj , Kaur Jasneet , Chimni Swapandeep Singh 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRecent progress in asymmetric organocatalysis has led to the development of several asymmetric transformations that employ various substrates. Among these substrates, maleimides have emerged as excellent Michael acceptors, dienophiles, and dipolarophiles. In this Focus Review we highlight the advances in the asymmetric synthesis of succinimide derivatives through asymmetric organocatalytic addition reactions of maleimides.
Organ engineering – combining stem cells, biomaterials, and bioreactors to produce bioengineered organs for transplantation
Authors: Murphy Sean Vincent , Atala Anthony 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOften the only treatment available for patients suffering from diseased and injured organs is whole organ transplant. However, there is a severe shortage of donor organs for transplantation. The goal of organ engineering is to construct biological substitutes that will restore and maintain normal function in diseased and injured tissues. Recent progress in stem cell biology, biomaterials, and processes such as organ decellularization and electrospinning has resulted in the generation of bioengineered blood vessels, heart valves, livers, kidneys, bladders, and airways. Future advances that may have a significant impact for the field include safe methods to reprogram a patient's own cells to directly differentiate into functional replacement cell types. The subsequent combination of these cells with natural, synthetic and/or decellularized organ materials to generate functional tissue substitutes is a real possibility. This essay reviews the current progress, developments, and challenges facing researchers in their goal to create replacement tissues and organs for patients.
In vitro evaluation of the fermentation properties and potential prebiotic activity of caprine cheese whey oligosaccharides in batch culture systems
Authors: Oliveira Diana L. , Costabile Adele , Wilbey R. Andrew , Grandison Alistair S. , Duarte Luis C. , Roseiro Luisa B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe prebiotic effect of oligosaccharides recovered and purified from caprine whey, was evaluated by in vitro fermentation under anaerobic conditions using batch cultures at 37°C with human faeces. Effects on key gut bacterial groups were monitored over 24 h by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which was used to determine a quantitative prebiotic index score. Production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as fermentation end products was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Growth of Bifidobacterium spp was significantly higher (P ≥ 0.05) with the purified oligosaccharides compared to the negative control. Lactic and propionic acids were the main SCFAs produced. Antimicrobial activity of the oligosaccharides was also tested, revealing no inhibition though a decrease in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli growth. These findings indicate that naturally extracted oligosaccharides from caprine whey could be used as new and valuable source of prebiotics. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Enhanced In Vitro Antitumor Efficacy and Strong Anti‐Cell‐Migration Activity of a Hydroxycamptothecin‐Encapsulated Magnetic Nanovehicle
Authors: Ding Guo‐Bin , Liu Hui‐Ying , Lv Yan‐Yun , Liu Xiao‐Feng , Guo Yi , Sun Chang‐Kai , Xu Li 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA 10‐hydroxycamptothecin‐encapsulated magnetic nanovehicle (HEMN) was fabricated by coencapsulating Fe3O4 nanoparticles and 10‐hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) into a micelle core self‐assembled from the amphiphilic copolymer methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) through a facile dialysis method. A satisfactory drug‐loading content of (9.03±0.67) % and a relatively high encapsulation efficiency of (53.52±6.46) % were achieved. In vitro drug release was performed by membrane dialysis and a pH‐dependent release behavior was observed. In comparison with free HCPT dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, HEMNs showed a greatly improved in vitro antitumor efficacy against three different human cancer cell lines—HeLa, A549, and HepG2—and lower IC50 values were measured. The mechanism of cell death was investigated, and it was clearly demonstrated that the apoptosis process was triggered. An in vitro wound‐healing assay and a transwell assay indicated that HEMNs exerted much stronger activity in inhibiting HeLa cell migration. The cellular uptake of HEMNs in a desired area can be significantly enhanced by an external magnetic field. These results demonstrate HCPT‐encapsulated magnetic nanovehicles might have important potential in clinical applications for inhibiting tumor metastasis and for targeted drug delivery.
Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Catalytic Polyoxometalate Nanoparticles: A New Effective Medium for Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Leclercq Loïc , Mouret Adrien , Proust Anna , Schmitt Véronique , Bauduin Pierre , Aubry Jean‐Marie , Nardello‐Rataj Véronique 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDecyl‐, dodecyl‐, and tetradecyltrimethylammonium cations were combined with the catalytic polyoxometalate [PW12O40]3− anion to give spherical and monodisperse nanoparticles that are able to stabilize emulsions in the presence of water and an aromatic solvent. This triphasic liquid/solid/liquid system, based on a catalytic surfactant, is particularly efficient as a reaction medium for epoxidation reactions that involve hydrogen peroxide. The reactions proceed at competitive rates with straightforward separation of the phases by centrifugation. Such catalytic “Pickering” emulsions combine the advantages of heterogeneous catalysis and biphasic catalysis without the drawbacks (e.g., catalyst leaching or separation time).
One‐Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Carboxyl‐Functionalized Upconversion Phosphors for Bioapplications
Authors: Yang Jianping , Shen Dengke , Li Xiaomin , Li Wei , Fang Yin , Wei Yong , Yao Chi , Tu Bo , Zhang Fan , Zhao Dongyuan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we report a facile one‐step hydrothermal method to synthesize phase‐, size‐, and shape‐controlled carboxyl‐functionalized rare‐earth fluorescence upconversion phosphors by using a small‐molecule binary acid, such as malonic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, or tartaric acid as capping agent. The crystals, from nano‐ to microstructures with diverse shapes that include nanospheres, microrods, hexagonal prisms, microtubes, microdisks, polygonal columns, and hexagonal tablets, can be obtained with different reaction times, reaction temperatures, molar ratios of capping agent to sodium hydroxide, and by varying the binary acids. Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and upconversion luminescence spectra measurements indicate that the synthesized NaYF4:Yb/Er products with hydrophilic carboxyl‐functionalized surface offer efficient upconversion luminescent performance. Furthermore, the antibody/secondary antibody conjugation can be realized by the carboxyl‐functionalized surfaces of the upconversion phosphors, thus indicating the potential bioapplications of these kinds of materials.
Multiple stressor effects of predation by rotifers and herbicide pollution on different Chlamydomonas strains and potential impacts on population dynamics
Authors: Fischer Beat B. , Roffler Severin , Eggen Rik I.L. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Environmental factors can interact with the effects of chemical pollutants on natural systems by inducing multiple stressor effects in individual organisms as well as by altering selection pressure on tolerant strains in heterogeneous populations. Predation is a stressful environmental factor relevant for many species. Therefore, the impact of predation by the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus on tolerance of eight genetically different strains of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to simultaneous exposure to each of the three herbicides (diuron, paraquat, and S-metolachlor) was tested. Interactions of combined stressors were analyzed based on the independent action model; additive, synergistic, and antagonistic effects of the combined exposure could be detected depending on the herbicide and strain tested. If cultures were acclimated (pre-exposed) to one stressor, tolerance to the second stressor could be increased. This indicates that physiological changes can induce cotolerance of predation-exposed algae to herbicides and of herbicide-treated algae to predation depending on the combination of stressors. The strain-specific differences in multiple stressor effects also changed the correlation of strains' tolerances to individual stressors determined during combined and single-stressor exposure. Changes in cotolerance to stressors affect selection pressure and population dynamics during long-term exposure. This shows that predation stress can have adverse effects on the toxicity of chemical pollutants to microalgae on the organism and population levels. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2832–2840. © 2012 SETAC