bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The design and evaluation of ciprofloxacin-loaded nanoformulations using Ipomoea batatas starch nanoparticles
Authors: Ajala Tolulope O. , Omoteso Omobolanle A. , Awe Oladotun M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Starch nanoparticle derivatives are gaining popularity as drug delivery vehicles because of their biocompatibility, better mechanical characteristics, heat stability properties, impediment qualities, permeability capabilities, and flexibility to be changed for specific predetermined functions. The effect of techniques and processing time on the physiochemical and drug release characteristics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) starch nanoparticles and their ciprofloxacin-loaded nanoformulations was studied.

Results
Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the treated starch formed nanoparticles and also revealed significant changes in the morphology of the treated starches. The water absorption capacity of chemically treated starch nanoparticles (CTSN)-3 days was the highest, whereas CTSN-6 days had the maximum solubility. The functional groups present in the starch nanoparticles were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman. The thermal characteristics of starch nanoparticles were established using hot-stage microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The percentage drug content and loading efficiency of the model drug were extensively boosted by the chemical and mechanical treatment of Ipomoea batatas starch. In comparison with the untreated potato starch (UPS), release times for loaded drug were significantly longer for the chemically treated starch nanoparticles and mechanically treated starch nanoparticles (MTSN) starches in the rank order of T80%, CTSN-3 days > MTSN-3 days > CTSN-6 days > MTSN-6 days > UPS. The main kinetics of drug release were Fickian diffusion.

Conclusion
After 3 days of acid hydrolysis, sweet potato starch yielded nanoparticulate carriers that can be employed for controlled or extended release of medicines that are poorly water soluble.
Otolaryngology Considerations of Pituitary Surgery: What an Endocrinologist Should Know
Authors: Cheng Michael Z , Saraswathula Anirudh , Qureshi Hannan A , Mukherjee Debraj , Rowan Nicholas R 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery is the preferred surgical approach for the management of pituitary adenomas. Perioperative management of pituitary lesions requires multidisciplinary care and typically includes a dual surgeon team consisting of a neurosurgeon and an otolaryngologist. The involvement of the otolaryngologist allows for a safe surgical approach with excellent intraoperative visualization of the tumor to enable an effective resection of the tumor by the neurosurgeon. Detection and treatment of sinonasal pathology is essential prior to surgery. Patients may experience sinonasal complaints following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, although this is typically temporary. Sinonasal care in the postoperative period can expedite recovery to baseline. Here we discuss the perioperative factors of endoscopic pituitary surgery that endocrinologists should be aware of, ranging from preoperative patient selection and optimization to postoperative care, with a particular emphasis on anatomic and surgical factors.
The influence of claw morphology on gripping efficiency
Authors: Turnbull Graham , Chari Sutejas , Li Zehao , Yang Ziyue , Alam Catharina Maria , Clemente Christofer J. , Alam Parvez 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
This paper considers the effects of claw morphology on the gripping efficiency of arboreal (Varanus varius) and burrowing (Varanus gouldii and Varanus panoptes) lizards. To ensure a purely morphological comparison between the lizards, we circumvent the material effects of claws from different species, by modelling and testing claw replicates of the same material properties. We correlate climbing efficiency to critical morphological features including; claw height (hc), width (wc), length (lc), curvature () and tip angle (γ), which are expressed as ratios to normalise mechanically beneficial claw structures. We find that there is strong correlation between the static grip force Fsg and the claw aspect and the cross-sectional rigidity ratio , and milder correlation (i.e. higher scatter) with the profile rigidity ratio . These correlations are also true for the interlocking grip force Fint over different shaped and sized protuberances, though we note that certain protuberance size-shape couplings are of detriment to the repeatability of Fint. Of the three lizard species, the claws of the arboreal (V. varius) are found to be superior to those of the burrower lizards (V. gouldii and V. panoptes) as a result of the V. varius claws having a smaller aspect, a higher cross-sectional rigidity ratio and a small profile rigidity ratio, which are deemed noteworthy morphological parameters that influence a claw's ability to grip effectively.
Macrophage-stem cell crosstalk: regulation of the stem cell niche
Authors: Manneken Jessica D. , Currie Peter D. 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
The cells of the innate immune system are the sentinels of tissue homeostasis, acting as ‘first responders’ to cellular damage and infection. Although the complex interplay of different immune cells during the initial inflammatory phases of infection and repair has been documented over many decades, recent studies have begun to define a more direct role for specific immune cells in the modulation of tissue repair. One particular cell of the innate immune system, the macrophage, has emerged as a central integrator of the complex molecular processes that drive tissue repair and, in some cases, the development of specific cell types. Although macrophages display directed orchestration of stem cell activities, bidirectional cellular crosstalk mechanisms allow stem cells to regulate macrophage behaviour within their niche, thus increasing the complexity of niche regulation and control. In this Review, we characterize the roles of macrophage subtypes in individual regenerative and developmental processes and illustrate the surprisingly direct role for immune cells in coordinating stem cell formation and activation.
Crosstalk between androgen receptor and WNT/β-catenin signaling causes sex-specific adrenocortical hyperplasia in mice
Authors: Lyraki Rodanthi , Grabek Anaëlle , Tison Amélie , Weerasinghe Arachchige Lahiru Chamara , Peitzsch Mirko , Bechmann Nicole , Youssef Sameh A. , de Bruin Alain , Bakker Elvira R. M. , Claessens Frank , Chaboissier Marie-Christine , Schedl Andreas 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
Female bias is highly prevalent in conditions such as adrenal cortex hyperplasia and neoplasia, but the reasons behind this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this study, we show that overexpression of the secreted WNT agonist R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) leads to ectopic activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling and causes sex-specific adrenocortical hyperplasia in mice. Although female adrenals show ectopic proliferation, male adrenals display excessive immune system activation and cortical thinning. Using a combination of genetic manipulations and hormonal treatment, we show that gonadal androgens suppress ectopic proliferation in the adrenal cortex and determine the selective regulation of the WNT-related genes Axin2 and Wnt4. Notably, genetic removal of androgen receptor (AR) from adrenocortical cells restores the mitogenic effect of WNT/β-catenin signaling. This is the first demonstration that AR activity in the adrenal cortex determines susceptibility to canonical WNT signaling-induced hyperplasia.
Quadriceps Performance and Running Biomechanics Influence Femur BMD Changes after ACL Reconstruction in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: KNURR KEITH A. , LYON JAMES P. , HAACK COLTEN R. , KLIETHERMES STEPHANIE A. , COBIAN DANIEL G. , STIFFLER-JOACHIM MIKEL R. , BINKLEY NEIL C. , SCERPELLA TAMARA A. , HEIDERSCHEIT BRYAN C. 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Reduced bone mineral density of the distal femur (BMDDF) can persist long term after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), even in athletes who return to high levels of competition. These deficits may have implications for the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis. It is unknown if clinically modifiable factors are associated with losses in BMDDF. This study evaluated the potential influence of knee extensor peak torque (PT), rate of torque development (RTD), as well as peak knee flexion (PKF) angle and peak knee extensor moment (PKEM) during running, on longitudinal changes in BMDDF post-ACLR.

Methods
After ACLR, 57 Division I collegiate athletes underwent serial whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans between 3 and 24 months post-ACLR. Of these, 43 athletes also had isometric knee extensor testing (21 female, 105 observations), and 54 had running analyses (26 female, 141 observations). Linear mixed-effects models, controlling for sex, assessed the influence of surgical limb quadriceps performance (PT and RTD), running mechanics (PKF and PKEM), and time post-ACLR on BMDDF (5% and 15% of femur length). Simple slope analyses were used to explore interactions.

Results
Athletes with RTD less than 7.20 (N·m)·kg−1·s−1 (mean) at 9.3 months post-ACLR demonstrated significant decreases in 15% BMDDF over time (P = 0.03). Athletes with PKEM during running less than 0.92 (N·m)·kg−1 (−1 SD below mean) at 9.8 months post-ACLR demonstrated significant decreases in 15% BMDDF over time (P = 0.02). Significant slopes were not detected at −1 SD below the mean for PT (1.75 (N·m)·kg−1, P = 0.07) and PKF (31.3°, P = 0.08).

Conclusions
Worse quadriceps RTD and running PKEM were associated with a greater loss of BMDDF between 3 and 24 months post-ACLR.
Pre-operative MRI measurement of the Meckel’s cave volume in percutaneous balloon compression of the trigeminal nerve
Authors: Hu Junjiao , Deng Kai , Yang Haitao , Jiang Bo , Zhang Huiting , Guo Hu , Chen Hui , Jiang Shan 
Published: April 2023

Objective To explore the feasibility of measuring the volume of Meckel’s cave by MRI before operation and its value in guiding percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) of trigeminal nerve (TN). Methods The pre-operative MRI and operative data of 31 patients, who underwent PBC of TN, were analyzed retrospectively. Axial scanning was performed using T2 weighted three-dimensional high-resolution MRI, and then coronal and sagittal images were reconstructed. Volumes of Meckel’s cave were measured by two radiologists, and their consistence was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Pearson and Spearman analyses were used to assess the correlations of the volumes of Meckel’s cave among coronal, sagittal, and axial MRI images, and between that measured by MRI and the filling volume of operative balloon, respectively. Bland–Altman plot was used to assess their agreements. Results There was high consistency in volumes of Meckel’s cave between the two radiologists with intraclass correlation coefficient from 0.921 to 0.962. High correlations and good agreements in volumes of Meckel’s cave were obtained from the three orientations, with Pearson coefficients and differences of 0.96 and 0.01 ml (coronal vs sagittal), 0.95 and 0.01 ml (coronal vs axial), and 0.95 and 0.00 ml (sagittal vs axial), respectively. The moderate correlation and good agreements were also obtained between MRI and operative balloon volume (ρ = 0.448, p < 0.05; difference, 0.02 ml). Conclusion It is feasible to measure the volume of Meckel’s cave by MRI before operation, and it is of guiding significance for the individual selection of balloon filling volume in PBC of TN. Advances in knowledge This is the first study to investigate the relationships between the three-dimensional high resolution MRI images and the clinical volume of Meckel’s cave. The high-resolution MRI method can help guide PBC of TN.
Genre analysis of introduction section in electrical engineering undergraduate laboratory reports
Authors: Veerappan Veeramuthu , Ahmad Mokhtarrudin , Balakrishnan Kavitha , Aris Mohd Afizal , Suan Wei Hui 
Published: April 2023

Background: This study examines the genre of Engineering Laboratory Reports (ELR) introduction section written by Electrical Engineering Undergraduates in a higher learning institution. The aims of this study are to identify the rhetorical moves and combinations of move patterns used by engineering students to write introduction section of ELR. Method: A genre analysis was conducted to identify writing patterns and convention practices of engineering undergraduate students thus a corpus of N= 35 was selected from electrical engineering students in their final year of study. This study adopted Genre Theory as its theoretical framework, [1] analytical framework and [2] BCU approach for analysis procedure. A pilot test was conducted to determine the model that fits the best to describe moves and steps of ELR. The study benchmarks a move or step to be present in at least 60% of the reports. Results and discussion: The finding shows the introduction consists of one main move which is providing background information of the experiment and followed by four subsequent steps which are reference to research purposes, reference to theoretical knowledge in the field, providing an overview of the study and identification of main research apparatus. The move 1 and all four steps identified above are viewed as obligatory, conventional and optional move and steps. The exemplification of finding shows lack of compliance among undergraduates to produce ELR based on university’s guideline in discussing previous literature and underpinning theories, lack of references and citation, absence of description to apparatus used and non-sequential steps. Conclusion: This study posits the importance of collaboration between English for Academic (EAP) practitioners such as English-writing instructors and discipline specific specialist from engineering field to further improve on genre-based writing instruction, and to support student’s understanding in meeting the requirements of university’s scientific technical reports.
D-shaped fiber optic plasmonic sensors using planar and grating structures of silver and gold: design and analysis
Authors: Kumar Shambhu , Maurya Jitendra Bahadur , Roumi Bita , Abdi-Ghaleh Reza , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar 
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a D-shaped optical fiber plasmonic sensor using planar and grating structures of silver and gold metals is simulated using the finite element method under the wave optics module of COMSOL Multiphysics. Performance defining parameters are based on (i) the transmittance curve, viz., resonance wavelength (λ
r
), shift in resonance wavelength (Δλ
r
), minimum transmittance (Tmin), and bandwidth (BW), and (ii) on electric field distribution of a surface plasmon wave, viz., penetration depth (PD) and propagation length (PL) obtained for the considered sensor structures. It is found that gold gives wider BW than silver (e.g., at 1.39 refractive index of the sample: 480% for the planar case and 241% for the grating case), which deteriorates sensor performance by degrading detection accuracy. However, gold gives higher Δλ
r
than silver (at 1.40−1.39=0.01 change in refractive index of the sample: 18.33% for the planar case and 16.39% for the grating case), which improves sensor performance and enhances sensitivity. A grating slightly increases the BW and Δλ
r
for both gold and silver. Further, with respect to silver, the sensor that contains gold demonstrates higher PD (e.g., 22.32% at 1.39 refractive index of the sample for the planar case) and lower PL (e.g., 22.74% at 1.39 refractive index of sample for the planar case). A grating increases the PD (e.g., 10% for silver at 1.39 refractive index of the sample), whereas it decreases the PL (e.g., 8.73% for silver at 1.39 refractive index of the sample). Lower PL signifies the localization of the field, whereas higher PD enables the sensor to detect larger molecules. Therefore, the sensor with grating metals provides better sensitivity with reduced detection accuracy for the detection of comparatively larger molecules.
Sex-based differences in long-term outcomes after stroke: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Xiumei , Xiong Yu , Huang Xinyue , Pan Zhigang , Kang Xiaodong , Chen Chunhui , Zhou Jianfeng , Zheng Hanlin , Chen Yuping , Hu Weipeng , Wang Lingxing , Zheng Feng 
Published: April 2023

Background
There is limited data on sex-related disparities in the long-term outcomes after stroke. We aim to investigate whether there are sex-based differences in long-term outcomes using pooled data.

Methods
Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched from inception to July 2022. This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias. In addition, a random-effects model was used.

Results
Twenty-two cohort studies with 84538 patients were included. There were 50.2% men and 49.8% women. Women had a higher mortality at 1 (odds ration [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI][0.69, 0.99], P = 0.03) and 10 (OR 0.72, 95% CI[0.65, 0.79], P < 0.00001) years, higher stroke recurrence at 1 year (OR 0.85, 95% CI[0.73, 0.98], P = 0.02), lower favorable outcome at 1 year (OR 1.36, 95% CI[1.24, 1.49], P < 0.00001). No significant difference was detected between men and women in the outcomes of health-related quality of life and depression.

Conclusion
In this meta-analysis, the 1- and 10-year mortality and stroke recurrence rates were higher in female patients than in male patients after stroke. In addition, females tended to experience less favorable outcomes in the first year after stroke. Finally, further long-term studies on sex disparities in stroke prevention, care, and management are warranted to explore the opportunities to reduce this gap.
Practice regarding tuberculosis care among physicians at private facilities: A cross-sectional study from Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Do Minh , Doan Ngoc Bao , Tran Son Nam , Hoang Long Bao , Nguyen Hoa Binh , Nguyen Vung Dang 
Published: April 2023

Objectives
To evaluate the practice of TB care among physicians at private facilities.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires on knowledge, attitude, and practice related to TB care. The responses to these scales were used to explore latent constructs and calculate the standardized continuous scores for these domains. We described the percentages of participant’s responses and explored their associated factors using multiple linear regression.

Results
A total of 232 physicians were recruited. The most important gaps in practice included requesting chest imaging to confirm TB diagnosis (~80%), not testing HIV for confirmed active TB cases (~50%), only requesting sputum testing for MDR-TB cases (65%), only requesting follow-up examination at the end of the treatment course (64%), and not requesting sputum testing at follow-up (54%). Surgical mask was preferred to N95 respirator when examining TB patients. Prior TB training was associated with better knowledge and less stigmatizing attitude, which were associated with better practice in both TB management and precautions.

Conclusion
There were important gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of TB care among private providers. Better knowledge was associated with positive attitude towards TB and better practice. Tailored training may help to address these gaps and improve the quality of TB care in the private sector.
The risk of ischemic stroke significantly increases in individuals with blepharitis: A population-based study involving 424,161 patients
Authors: Li Jing-Xing , Hsu Shu-Bai , Shih Ying-Hsiu , Tsai Yi-Yu , Wu Ying-Hsuen , Li You-Ling , Chiang Chun-Chi 
Published: April 2023

Introduction
To investigate the association of blepharitis and ischemic stroke.

Methods
This nationwide retrospective cohort study used population-based data in Taiwan. Individuals aged 20 and above with diagnosis of blepharitis was included based on electrical medical records. After exclusion of ineligible cases, 424,161 patients were identified between 2008 and 2018. The blepharitis and non-blepharitis cohorts were matched based on sex, age, and comorbidities. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to calculate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) between blepharitis and non-blepharitis cohorts. The incidence of ischemic stroke was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results
424,161 pairs of blepharitis cohort and non-blepharitis cohort were 1:1 propensity score matched for statistical analysis. Patients with blepharitis had significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke compared with the individuals without blepharitis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.29–1.34, P < 0.001). A significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke was observed in blepharitis cohort with a previous diagnosis of cancer than in those without cancer (P for interaction < 0.0001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed the cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke increased in the blepharitis cohort compared with that in the non-blepharitis cohort in 10 years (log-rank P < 0.001). The follow-up period analysis further indicated 1.41-fold adjusted hazard (95% CI 1.35−1.46, P < 0.001) of ischemic stroke within a year after blepharitis diagnosis.

Conclusions
Patients with blepharitis had an elevated risk of developing ischemic stroke. Early treatment and active surveillance are suggested for patients with chronic blepharitis. Further research is required to determine the casual relationship between blepharitis and ischemic stroke, as well as the underlying mechanism.
Acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing among college students in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liao Shiqin , Li Jie , Liu Mingting , Xie Hongmei , Lu Yutong , Jiang Yunlan 
Published: April 2023

Background
Although HIV testing is helpful for early detection and treatment of HIV, its utilization rate is low among college students in China. Understanding the acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing is the key to improve the detection rate. The purpose of the systematic review was to examine the acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing (including HIV self-testing and HIV counseling and testing services) among college students in China.

Methods
This systematic review was reported following PRISMA guidelines 2020. Electronic sources such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang Database and VIP Database were searched for relevant studies published before September 2022. The tool by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was used to assess quality for cross-sectional studies. The random-effects and fixed-effect model were employed to estimate the pooled proportions and associated factor of HIV testing acceptance. The Cochrane’s Q statistic and I2 test were used to examine heterogeneity. All the quantitative meta analyses were conducted using STATA version 12 software.

Results
A total of 21 eligible studies with 100, 821 participants were included in the systematic review. The pooled acceptance rate of HIV testing was 68% (95% CI = 60, 76), and varies between regions in China. Male, heterosexual and urban college students had higher HIV testing acceptance. Gender, medical specialty, sexual education, sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS knowledge, perception HIV risk, and previous HIV testing were the factors associated with HIV testing acceptance.

Conclusion
The review revealed that most of the college students intend to accept HIV detection, and the proportion of acceptance influenced by different factors. Therefore, the government and universities should implement targeted measures, improve HIV testing services, and promote HIV testing behavior.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42022367976.