bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of Gelatin-coated Zinc oxide nanocomposite from Coccinia indica extract and its antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and wound-healing properties
Authors: Senthikumar Kottaisamy , Rajkumar Manickam , Vimala Karuppaiya , Thangaraj Ramasundaram , Kannan Soundarapandian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This present study deals with the synthesis of gelatin-loaded zinc oxide nanocomposites (GN/ZnONCs) using Coccinia indica seed extract using the green preparative method. Synthesized GN/ZnONCs were confirmed by using various characterization techniques for chemical and physical properties. The results of the UV-Vis spectral absorption peak showed 182 nm, and the FTIR study has confirmed the presence of various functional groups. The XRD study illustrated the crystalline structure of GN/ZnONCs. The DLS measurement indicated a stable size of 189.18 nm, with a zeta potential value demonstrating high stability at −30 mV. SEM images displayed the morphology of cauliflower-like spherical shapes and revealed their average particle size, respectively. The 100 µg/mL concentration of GN/ZnONCs exhibited higher antibacterial efficiencies against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Subsequently, the GN/ZnONCs also exhibited excellent antioxidant properties in the DPPH assay (92.61 ± 2.45%), the ABTS assay (76.35 ± 1.54%), and the hydroxyl scavenging assay (88.42 ± 1.73%) at 100 μg/ml concentration. In addition, GN/ZnONCs treatment on the cancer cell line HT-29 showed good anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 45.4 μg/mL. Furthermore, wound healing experiments with enriched GN/ZnONCs with the highest contraction of 98.37 ± 1.45 confirmed faster wound healing and a greater role in the formation of new tissues and cells. The study indicates that green synthesized GN/ZnONCs had anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and wound healing properties that were also eco-friendly and cost-effective, and the possible mechanisms were illustrated for biomedical applications.
An Efficient System for Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation of Elite Cultivars in Brassica juncea
Authors: Fu Wenyuan , Zhang Xixi , Dong Sihan , Guo liping , Cheng Qiqi , Yu Changchun , Wan Zhengjie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Efficient genetic transformation approaches play pivotal roles in both gene function research and crop breeding. However, stable transformation in mustard, particularly for different horticultural types, has not been systematically studied and well-established so far. In this study, we optimized the key factors in the genetic transformation of mustard, including the optical density value of Agrobacteria suspension, the age of explants, and the combination of phytohormones at different concentrations. As a result, the optimal conditions for the genetic transformation of leaf and stem mustard included explants derived from 4-day-old seedlings, infection by 0.8 OD600nm Agrobacteria suspension, and then re-differentiation on the medium containing 2 mg/L trans-Zeatin (TZ) and 0.4 mg/Lauxin (IAA); while those for root mustard were explants derived from 8-day-old seedlings, infection by 0.2 OD600nm Agrobacteria suspension, and the medium containing 2 mg/L TZ and 0.1 mg/L IAA. Overall, this work provides an effective tool for both theoretical study and genetic improvement of Brassica juncea.
Bacillus anthracis in South Africa, 1975-2013: are some lineages vanishing?
Authors: Lekota Kgaugelo , Hassim Ayesha , Ledwaba Maphuti Betty , Glover Barbra A , Dekker Edgar. H. , Schalkwyk Louis Ockert , Rossouw Jennifer , Beyer Wolfgang , Heerder Henritte van 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The anthrax-causing bacterium Bacillus anthracis comprises the genetic clades A, B, and C. In the northernmost part (Pafuri) of Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, both the common A and rare B strains clades occur. The B clade strains were reported to be dominant in Pafuri before 1991, while A clade strains occurred towards the central parts of KNP. The prevalence of B clade strains is currently much lower as only A clade strains have been isolated from 1992 onwards in KNP. In this study 319 B. anthracis strains were characterized with 31-loci multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-31). B clade strains from soil (n = 9) and a Tragelaphus strepsiceros carcass (n = 1) were further characterised by whole genome sequencing and compared to publicly available genomes. The KNP strains clustered in the B clade before 1991 into two dominant genotypes. South African strains cluster into a dominant genotype A.Br.005/006 consisting of KNP as well as the other anthrax endemic region, Northern Cape Province (NCP), South Africa. A few A.Br.001/002 strains from both endemic areas were also identified. Subclade A.Br.101 belonging to the A.Br.Aust94 lineage were reported in the NCP. The B-clade strains seems to be vanishing, while outbreaks in South Africa are caused mainly by the A.Br.005/006 genotypes as well as a few minor clades such as A.Br.001/002 and A.Br.101 present in NCP. This work confirmed the existence of the rare and vanishing B-clade strains that groups in B.Br.001 branch with KrugerB and A0991 KNP strains.
An unsupervised online Tai Chi program for people with knee osteoarthritis (“My Joint Tai Chi”): protocol for the RETREAT randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Shiyi Julia , Nelligan Rachel K , Hinman Rana S , Kimp Alexander J , De Silva Anurika , Li Peixuan , Harrison Jenny , Bennell Kim L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading contributor to global disability, with exercise proven to be an effective treatment. Tai Chi is a recommended type of exercise, but it is primarily done in person which imposes an accessibility issue, especially in regional/rural areas. To improve access, we rigorously developed an online unsupervised Tai Chi program for people with lower limb OA. This study aims to evaluate the effects of this unsupervised program, when provided with online educational information and exercise adherence support, on changes in knee pain during walking and patient-reported physical function at 12-weeks, when compared to online education control for people with knee OA.
Methods
A two-arm, superiority parallel-design, pragmatic randomised controlled trial will be conducted involving 178 people with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA. After completing baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to either: i) “My Joint Education”, an education control website containing OA information only; or ii) “My Joint Tai Chi”, an intervention website containing the same information as the control, a 12-week unsupervised online Tai Chi program to be undertaken at home 3 times a week, and information about an exercise adherence support app. All participants will be reassessed at 12 weeks after randomisation. Primary outcomes are overall knee pain during walking using an 11-point numeric rating scale and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index subscale. Secondary outcomes are other self-reported measure of pain, function in sport and recreation and knee-related quality of life; physical and mental well-being; global change in knee condition; fear of movement; pain self-efficacy; balance confidence; positive activated affect; sleep quality and use of oral pain medications.
Discussion
This randomised controlled trial will provide evidence about the effectiveness of the “My Joint Tai Chi” website that contains an unsupervised Tai Chi program and information about OA and an exercise adherence support app compared to online OA educational information alone on self-reported knee pain and physical function for people with knee OA at 12 weeks.
Trial Registration
Prospectively registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12623000780651) on 18th July 2023.
Date/version: 28th Feb 2024, Version 1
Heterogeneous catalyst of pure and Sr doped cobalt chromite styrene selective oxidation to benzaldehyde
Authors: Geetha V. T. , Selvakumar C. , Kumar S. Shravan , Gopinath S. , Ragupathi C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Doped metal oxide and mixed metal oxide nanoparticles are currently being considered in all relevant domains for their noteworthy chemical and physical features. Through the use of chemical co-precipitation, both undoped and strontium (Sr) doped CoCr2O4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectra, and photoluminescence studies have all been used to examine the morphological properties of the prepared material system and to discover the precise structure of synthetic materials. Decolorization of 4-Nitrophenol's yellow color is another area of interest in the catalytic characteristics of CoCr2O4 crystals doped with Sr. The catalysts employed were discovered to be readily recyclable and effective catalysts for the oxidation of styrene, with benzaldehyde as the end product.
A novel Clark distance measure method for intuitionistic fuzzy sets with pattern classification applications
Authors: WU Yuchen , Wang Ziwen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fuzzy sets possess remarkable abilities in expressing and handling information uncertainty, which has resulted in their widespread application in various fields. Nevertheless, distance measurement between IFSs for quantitating their differences and levels of differentiation has remained an open problem that deserves attention. Despite the development of various metrics, they either lack intuitive insight or do not satisfy the axioms of distance measurement, leading to counterintuitive results. To address these issues, this paper proposed a distance measurement method based on Clark divergence, which satisfies the distance measurement axioms and exhibits nonlinearity. Numerical examples demonstrate that our method effectively distinguishes different indicators, yielding more reasonable results. Moreover, when comparing relative differences of the results, our method demonstrated superior adaptability to complex environmental decision-making, providing decision-makers with more accurate and confidential judgments. The pattern classification algorithm designed in this paper will offer a promising solution to inference problems.
Tuberoplasty Reduces Resistance Force in Dynamic Shoulder Abduction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study
Authors: Li Zhiyao , Ma Lifeng , Dai Yike , Yin Heyong , Diao Naicheng , Zhang Jingxin , Zeng Jizhou , Guo Ai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Arthroscopic tuberoplasty is an optional technique for managing irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the resistance force during shoulder abduction in cases of irreparable rotator cuff tears and tuberoplasty.
Hypotheses: In shoulders with irreparable rotator cuff tears, impingement between the greater tuberosity (GT) and acromion increases the resistance force during dynamic shoulder abduction. Tuberoplasty is hypothesized to reduce this resistance force by mitigating impingement.
Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.
Methods: Eight cadaveric shoulders, with a mean age of 67.75 years (range, 63-72 years), were utilized. The testing sequence included intact rotator cuff condition, irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs), burnishing tuberoplasty, and prosthesis tuberoplasty. Deltoid forces and actuator distances were recorded. The relationship between deltoid forces and actuator distance was graphically represented in an ascending curve. Data were collected at five points within each motion cycle, corresponding to actuator distances of 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, and 60mm.
Results: In the intact rotator cuff condition, resistance forces at the five points were 34.25±7.73N, 53.75±7.44N, 82.50±14.88N, 136.25±30.21N, and 203.75±30.68N. In the IRCT testing cycle, resistance forces were 46.13±7.72N, 63.75±10.61N, 101.25±9.91N, 152.5±21.21N, and 231.25±40.16N. Burnishing tuberoplasty resulted in resistance forces of 32.25±3.54N, 51.25±3.54N, 75.00±10.69N, 115.00±10.69N, and 183.75±25.04N. Prosthesis tuberoplasty showed resistance forces of 29.88±1.55N, 49.88±1.36N, 73.75±7.44N, 112.50±7.07N, and 182.50±19.09N. Both forms of tuberoplasty significantly reduced resistance force compared to IRCTs. Prosthesis tuberoplasty further decreased resistance force due to a smooth surface, although the difference was not significant compared to burnishing tuberoplasty.
Conclusion: Tuberoplasty effectively reduces resistance force during dynamic shoulder abduction in irreparable rotator cuff tears. Prosthesis tuberoplasty does not offer a significant advantage over burnishing tuberoplasty in reducing resistance force.
Clinical Relevance: Tuberoplasty has the potential to decrease impingement, subsequently reducing resistance force during dynamic shoulder abduction, which may be beneficial in addressing conditions like pseudoparalysis.
Gender occupational segregation: the role of parents *
Authors: Smyk Magdalena , Magda Iga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We explore the role of parents in the choice of occupation of their children and the role of parents in gender occupational segregation. We construct an index of female-biased intensity of occupation and test whether there is a statistically significant relationship between the gender-biased intensity of occupations of parents and their children. We find there is a statistically significant correlation between fathers and their daughters: daughters of fathers who worked in more female – dominated occupations (with high female-biased intensity), are themselves more likely to work in more male-dominated occupations. Furthermore, we find such a correlation also between father’s and son’s index of female- biased intensity of their occupations, but this concerns only the youngest cohort, born after 1980s. There is no effect for mothers: even if mothers work in occupations with relatively high shares of women, this does not correlate with how intensively female-biased the occupations of their sons or daughters are.
JEL codes: J16, J13, J24
Hydrothermally synthesized various morphological CuO nanoparticles for stable and enhanced supercapacitor applications
Authors: Seethalakshmi M. , Shanthi M. , Dhanapandian S. , Ashokkumar K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method with different morphologies including nanorod, spherical, rock like and plate. Their structural properties, functional groups, surface morphology, pore size distribution and electrochemical properties were studied by different techniques like X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of orthorhombic structure with reduced crystallite size of 13.23 nm. The surface morphology and average particle size were identified by SEM. FTIR studies expressed the presence of vibrational bands in range of 493 cm-1 and 610 cm-1 ascribed to CuO bonds, respectively. XPS analysis showed the oxidation state of the presented elements in prepared sample. Typical pseudocapacitance behavior was recorded for CuO electrode, which shows the specific capacitance value of
197 Fg−1 at 10 mVs-1. The cyclic stability of synthesized electrode material showed the maximum of 77.24 % retention in the electrode. Moreover, the electrochemical impedance spectral analysis revealed the excellent rate-capability and reversible nature of the CuO electrode. In conclusion, the electrochemical properties of CuO nanoparticle electrodes proved their viable applicability for the development of high-performance supercapacitors.
Neonatal Pain Detection from Facial Expressions Using Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhang Chengcui , Dudding Katherine M. , Sanders Allyson N. , Lewis-Chumley Peyton , Kathryn Lenington 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Current clinical tools to assess neonatal pain, including various pain scales such as Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS), are overly reliant on nurses’ subjective observation and analysis. Emerging deep learning approaches seek to fully automate this, but face chal- lenges including massive training data and computational resources, and potential public mistrust. Our study prioritizes facial information for pain detection, as facial muscles exhibit distinct patterns during pain events. This approach, using a single camera, avoids challenges associated with multimodal methods, such as data synchronization, larger training datasets, deployment issues, and high computational costs. We propose a deep learning-based neonatal pain detection framework that can alert a neonate pain management team when a pain event occurs, consisting of two main components: a transfer learning-based end-to-end pain detection neural network, and a manual assessment branch. The proposed neural network requires much less data to train and can evaluate whether a neonate is in a pain state based on facial information only. Additionally, the man- ual assessment branch can specifically handle the borderline/hard cases where the pain detection network is less confident. The integration of both machine detection and manual evaluation can increase the recall rate of true pain events, reduce the manual evaluation effort, and increase public trust in such applications. Experimental results show our neural network sur- passes state-of-the-art algorithms by at least 25% in accuracy on the MNPAD dataset, with overall framework accuracy reaching 82.35% with integration of manual assessment branch.
A Novel Hybrid Dehazing and Illumination based Approach for Preprocessing, Enhancement and Segmentation of Lung Images using Deep Learning
Authors: Yadav Shashank , Kumar Upendra 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Medical images are affected by various complications such as noise and deficient contrast. To increase the quality of an image, it is highly important to increase the contrast and eliminate noise. In the field of image processing, image enhancement is one of the essential methods for recovering the visual aspects of an image. However segmentation of the medical images such as brain MRI and lungs CT scans properly is difficult. In this article, a novel hybrid method is proposed for the enhancement and segmentation of lung images. The suggested article includes two steps. In the 1st step, lung images were enhanced. During enhancement, images were gone through many steps such as de-hazing, complementing, channel stretching, course illumination, and image fusion by principal component analysis (PCA). In the second step, the modified U-Net model was applied to segment the images. We evaluated the entropy of input and output images, mean square error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), gradient magnitude similarity deviation (GMSD), and multi-scale contrast similarity deviation (MCSD) after the enhancement process. During segmentation we used both original and enhanced images and calculated the segmentation accuracy. We found that the Dice-coefficient was 0.9695 for the original images and 0.9797 for the enhanced images.
Role of liver augmentation prior to hepatic resection – standards, procedures and indications in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
Authors: Yilmaz Elif , Torsello Giovanni F. , Hosseini Ali Seif Amir , Zygmunt Anne-Christine , Lorf Thomas , Keck Jan , Schild-Suhren Stina , Wellge Björn , Oberhuber Rupert , Kollmar Otto , Ghadimi Michael , Bösch Florian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
For primary and secondary liver tumors oncological resection remains a chance of cure. Augmentation of functional liver tissue may be necessary to preserve sufficient future liver remnant (FLR). Clinical decision-making on liver augmentation techniques and indications may differ internationally. Thus, this study aims to identify standards of liver augmentation in high-volume centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Methods
Using a web-based survey, 48 hospitals in Germany, Switzerland and Austria were invited to report their surgical indication, standard procedures, and results of liver augmentation.
Results
Forty (83.3%) of the hospitals invited participated. Most of the hospitals were certified liver centers (55%), performing complex surgeries such as liver transplantation (57.5%) and ALPPS (80%). The standard liver augmentation technique in all countries was portal vein embolization (PVE; 56%), followed by ALPPS (32.1%) in Germany or PVE with hepatic vein embolization (33.3%) in Switzerland and Austria. Standard procedure for liver augmentation did not correlate with certification as liver center, performance of liver transplantation or ALPPS. Surgical indication for PVE varied depending on tumor entity. Most hospitals rated the importance of PVE before resection of cholangiocarcinoma or colorectal metastases as high, while PVE for hepatocellular carcinoma was rated as low.
Conclusion
The survey gives an overview of the clinical routine in high-volume centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. PVE seems to dominate as standard technique to increase the FLR. However, there is a variety in the main indication for liver augmentation. Further studies are necessary evaluating the differing PVE techniques for liver augmentation.
Aortic Valve Replacement with Sutured Valves in the Elderly: Does the Absolute Valve Size Matter?
Authors: Omoregbee Benjamin , Elhassan Hind , Kesieme Emeka , Ngaage Dumbor 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: The objective during Sutured aortic valve replacement (AVR) is to implant the largest possible valve. Root enlargement to allow implantation of larger valves is not without risks in the elderly. This study investigates the influence of small-size sutured valves on medium and long-term outcomes in the elderly in this era where sutureless valves could be an alternative based on their design.
Methods: We retrospectively collected and verified data for 1,097 patients who were ≥65 years old and underwent Isolated AVR at our institution from January 2010 to January 2022. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures or root enlargements were excluded. Based on implanted valve sizes, patients were divided into: Group A (19-21mm) and Group B (23- 29mm).
Results: Most patients were in Group B 739 (67%) compared to Group A which had 358 (33%) patients. Group A patients were younger, predominantly female, with smaller body surface area, and higher mean Logistic EuroSCORE. Biological valves were implanted in most patients. Although, there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the groups. The Kaplan Meier 5- and 10-year survival rates were 77 % and 49% for group A versus 81% and 62% for group B (p=0.002), which was significant.
Conclusions: Our study shows that sutured aortic valve sizes ≤21mm adversely affect medium and long-term outcomes after AVR in the elderly, with women affected disproportionately.