bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Topical Difluprednate in Control of Inflammation after Phacoemulsification
Authors: Rashid Md Abdur , Rahman Farhana , Khanam Mohosana , Shimu Farjana Sharmeen , Rahman KM Mizanur , Hossain Farzana 
Published: August 2023

Objective: To study the efficacy of topical Difluprednate 0.05% ophthalmic emulsions in control of post-operative inflammation following phacoemulsification.
Methods: This randomized control study included hundred diagnosed cases of age-related cataract who visited at the National institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Bangladesh over one year period. The patients were divided into two groups –Difluprednate group and Prednisolone group. The post-operative grades of inflammation following phacoemulsification were assessed by slit-lamp examination.
Results: In the present study, majority of the patients were in age group of 55 to 65 years. Male: female ratio in Dfluprednate group was 29:21 and in Prednisolone group was 35:15. Anterior chamber flare and cells was seen in 52% of patients in Prednisolone group and in 56% of patients in the Difluprednate group by day 07, which regressed to mild (1-3) in both the groups by day 28. On day 42, the cells and flair were reduced to 4% in Difluprednate group and 8% at Prednisolon group. When the total scoring of all these parameters were compared, in Prednisolone group 34% of the patients persisted with mild (Grade1-3) inflammation on Day 28 as compared with 26% of the patients in Difluprednate group.
Conclusion: Both Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.05% eye drops and Prednisolone Acetate 1% eye drops were equally effective in reducing the inflammation following uncomplicated phacoemulsification. With proven efficacy of Difluprednate, we now have a new standard for potency in a topical corticosteroid, with excellent anti-inflammatory properties and an ideal formulation for our patients.
J. Natl. Inst. Ophthalmol. 2022; 5(2):37-41
Orbital lymphatic-venous malformation: A Review on the Management Strategies
Authors: Ul Kadir Syeed Mehbub , Sultana Sadia , Parveen Nishat , Rashid Riffat , Maurya Rajendra Prakash , Haider Golam 
Published: August 2023

Still, there is no ideal guideline for managing orbital lymphatic-venous malformations. Significant advances have been made in the treatment of lymphatic-venous malformation. Here, we attempt to review the current and recent evidence on management strategies, including sclerotherapy agents, systemic medications, and techniques. The orbital lymphatic-venous malformation is notorious for being very difficult to treat due to risks of morbidity, loss of vision and periocular disfigurement. Management depends on lymphangioma size, cyst type, and location. One option is carefully watching patients without doing any treatment (Observation). The option of surgery has typically been delayed until necessary because of the high recurrence rate, a high risk of morbidity because of injury to the globe, extraocular muscles, vessels, and optic nerve, and it is difficult to remove the entire lesion. Sclerotherapy is famous for reducing the size of orbital lymphangioma. Systemic medication can reduce the size and improve the clinical symptoms where the lesions are difficult to access surgically or with injections. These treatment modalities aim to reduce the size of the lesions, and cosmetic disfigurement and free from pain caused by these lesions, also avoid vision_threatening complications.
J. Natl. Inst. Ophthalmol. 2022; 5(2):45-51
RAINFALL PREDICTION USING SEASONAL AUTOREGRESSIVE INTEGRATED MOVING AVERAGE AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM APPROACH
Authors: Munir Agus Qomaruddin , Ismanto Heru 
Published: August 2023

Rainfall is one indicator to determine the estimated adequacy of groundwater on agricultural land. The groundwater availability produced by rain can determine cropping patterns in an area. The availability of rainfall data depends on the accuracy of information on current climate conditions. This case causes the related parties to find difficulty determining the classification of cropping patterns in the future. Accurate rainfall prediction models are needed to overcome the problem of shifting rain patterns. Rainfall prediction models in determining cropping patterns are recommended by FAO, such as linear regression, which is still widely used today. This study aims to develop a new model of rainfall prediction by using the method SARIMA to determine cropping patterns to increase crop yields. Rainfall data was used from 2010 to 2020 from seven rainfall collection stations in Sleman Regency, and they are used as training data to predict future rainfall. The output of the data analysis is a prediction of rainfall in the range of January-April, which is predicted to be high, May-August, which is predicted to be low; and September-December, which is predicted to be moderate. In addition, based on the identified cropping patterns, recommendations can be given to farmers to set cropping schedules and strategies to increase the productivity of the farmland. The testing of accuracy forecasting used relative mean absolute error (RMAE) for 12 months. The results of the forecasting accuracy test for 12 months in Sleman Regency showed RMAE average of 1.46 was considered low, for it was still below 10%.
Establishing phosphorus critical values for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fertilization with phosphate fertilizers on the Sudan savanna soils using three soil phosphorus extraction methods and field experimentation in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Yahaya Mohammad , Madukwe Donald Kelechi , Kebede Fassil 
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production, as it stimulates root growth by improving water use efficiency and nutrient uptake. It also helps control the metabolic processes of ATP (energy), sugars, and nucleic acids. Therefore, it is imperative to effectively manage the phosphorus requirements of tomatoes to bolster their productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three different soil P testing methods that are suitable for the soils of Kano State, Nigeria, and to develop a critical P-value for fertilizer recommendations for tomatoes. Accordingly, sixty topsoil samples were collected for soil available P testing according to the Bray II, Mehlich 3, and Olsen methods. Moreover, to establish the phosphorus critical value (Pc) for tomatoes, a field experiment was conducted with seven different rates of P using triple super phosphate fertilizer (TSP), viz., 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 kg P/ha, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications on 15 experimental sites representing the various agroecological zones of the state. Phosphorus fertilizer was applied and incorporated into the soil 1 week before tomato transplanting. Then, soil samples from 0 to 20 cm depth were taken 3 weeks after transplanting from all the plots across the experimental sites for separate Mehlich 3, Bray II, and Olsen extractable P analysis to determine the critical soil P (Pc) test. The study revealed that available P was varied and increased in the order of Olsen (2.19 ppm)&lt; Mehlich 3 (5.37 ppm)&lt; Bray II (5.44 ppm), and the Mehlich 3 and Bray II extraction methods were strongly correlated, whereas Olsen underestimated the available P, showing a weak correlation with both Mehlich 3 and Bray II. Furthermore, the study showed that phosphorus critical (Pc) values were 17.00, 14.00, and 4 ppm for Mehlich 3, Bray II, and Olsen respectively. Finally, Bray II was a more reliable method for estimating the available P on moderately acid soils as it showed the highest correlation r = 0.83 with the relative yield of the tomatoes and, therefore, was the most effective method for developing the equation for the soil test-based phosphatic fertilizer recommendation for maximizing tomato production in the soils of Kano State. Hence, the equation developed for the P fertilizer recommendation (Pr) for tomatoes in Kano State was found to be “Pr (kg P2O5ha−1) = (14.0 − Pi) × 9.02”.
Finite element study of sagittal fracture location on thoracolumbar fracture treatment
Authors: Cui Xilong , Zhu Junjun , Yang Wanmei , Sun Yuxiang , Huang Xiuling , Wang Xiumei , Yu Haiyang , Liang Chengmin , Hua Zikai 
Published: August 2023

Background: Posterior internal fixation is the main method used for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Fractures often occur in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body. However, they can also occur in the middle or lower 1/3 of the vertebral body. At present, there is no report discussing the potential effects of sagittal location on instrument biomechanics or surgical strategy. The object of this study was to investigate the effect of the sagittal location of the fracture region of the vertebral body on the biomechanics of the internal fixation system and surgical strategy.Methods: A finite element model of the T11-L3 thoracolumbar segment was established based on a healthy person’s CT scan. Different sagittal fracture location finite element models were created by resection of the upper 1/3, middle 1/3, and lower 1/3 of the L1 vertebral body. Three surgical strategies were utilized in this study, namely, proximal 1 level and distal 1 level (P1-D1), proximal 2 level and distal 1 level (P2-D1), and proximal 1 level and distal 2 levels (P1-D2). Nine fixation finite element models were created by combining fracture location and fixation strategies. Range of motion, von Mises stress, and stress distribution were analyzed to evaluate the effects on the instrument biomechanics and the selection of surgical strategy.Results: In all three different fixation strategies, the maximum von Mises stress location on the screw did not change with the sagittal location of the fracture site; nevertheless, the maximum von Mises stress differed. The maximum rod stress was located at the fracture site, with its value and location changed slightly. In the same fixation strategy, a limited effect of sagittal location on the range of motion was observed. P2D1 resulted in a shorter range of motion and lower screw stress for all sagittal locations of the fracture compared with the other strategies; however, rod stress was similar between strategies.Conclusion: The sagittal location of a fracture may affect the intensity and distribution of stress on the fixation system but does not influence the selection of surgical strategy.
Hybrid and adaptive control of functional electrical stimulation to correct hemiplegic gait for patients after stroke
Authors: Dong Yiqun , Wang Kangling , He Ruxin , Zheng Kai , Wang Xiaohong , Huang Guozhi , Song Rong 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Gait, as a fundamental human movement, necessitates the coordination of muscles across swing and stance phases. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the tibialis anterior (TA) has been widely applied to foot drop correction for patients with post-stroke during the swing phase. Although the gastrocnemius (GAS) during the stance phase is also affected, the Functional electrical stimulation of the gastrocnemius received less attention.Methods: To address this limitation, a timing- and intensity-adaptive Functional electrical stimulation control strategy was developed for both the TA and GAS. Each channel incorporates a speed-adaptive (SA) module to control stimulation timing and an iterative learning control (ILC) module to regulate the stimulation intensity. These modules rely on real-time kinematic or kinetic data during the swing or stance phase, respectively. The orthotic effects of the system were evaluated on eight patients with post-stroke foot drop. Gait kinematics and kinetics were assessed under three conditions: no stimulation (NS), Functional electrical stimulation to the ankle dorsiflexor tibialis anterior (SA-ILC DS) and FES to the tibialis anterior and the ankle plantarflexor gastrocnemius (SA-ILC DPS).Results: The ankle plantarflexion angle, the knee flexion angle, and the anterior ground reaction force (AGRF) in the SA-ILC DPS condition were significantly larger than those in the NS and SA-ILC DS conditions (p &lt; 0.05). The maximum dorsiflexion angle during the swing phase in the SA-ILC DPS condition was similar to that in the SA-ILC DS condition, with both being significantly larger than the angle observed in the NS condition (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the angle error and force error relative to the set targets were minimized in the SA-ILC DPS condition.Discussion: The observed improvements can be ascribed to the appropriate stimulation timing and intensity provided by the SA-ILC DPS strategy. This study demonstrates that the hybrid and adaptive control strategy of functional electrical stimulation system offers a significant orthotic effect, and has considerable potential for future clinical application.
Preparation and structural analysis of fucomannogalactan and β-1,6-glucan from Grifola frondosa mycelium
Authors: Geng Jie , Wang Guining , Guo Jiao , Han Xiao , Qu Yunhe , Zhou Yifa , Tai Guihua , Sun Lin , Cheng Hairong 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Polysaccharides, key components present in Grifola frondosa, can be divided into those derived from fruiting bodies, mycelium, and fermentation broth based on their source. The structure of G. frondosa fruiting body-derived polysaccharides has been fully characterized. However, the structure of G. frondosa mycelium-derived polysaccharides remains to be elucidated.Methods: In this study, we obtained mycelia from G. frondosa by liquid fermentation and extracted them with water and alkaline solution. Then, the mycelia were isolated and purified to obtain homogeneity and systematically characterized by methylation and FT infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.Results and discussion: Structural analysis showed that two neutral fractions (WGFP-N-a and AGFP-N-a1) have a common backbone composed of α-1,6-D-Me-Galp and α-1,6-D-Galp that were substituted at O-2 by 1,2-Manp, α-1,3-L-Fucp, and α-T-D-Manp and thus are identified as fucomannogalactans. WGFP-A-a, AGFP-A-b, and AGFP-A-c are β-1,6-glucans with different molecular weights and are branched with β-1,3-D-Glcp and T-D-Glcp at the O-3 of Glc. Our results provide important structural information about G. frondosa mycelium-derived polysaccharides and provide the basis for their further development and application.
The value of LH maximum level in predicting optimal oocyte yield following GnRH agonist trigger
Authors: Lee William Hao-Yu , Lin Kuan-Ting , Hsieh Yun-Chiao , Kao Tzu-Ching , Huang Ting-Chi , Chao Kuang-Han , Chen Mei-Jou , Yang Jehn-Hsiahn , Chen Shee-Uan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundRisk factors associated with a suboptimal response to Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists include a high or low body mass index (BMI), prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills, and low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels on either the start or trigger days of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). However, this approach may increase the need for a dual trigger and may also result in a higher incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in hyper-responders. We aimed to investigate whether the maximum LH level during stimulation can serve as a predictive factor for achieving an optimal oocyte yield using the GnRH agonist trigger alone.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all antagonist protocols or progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocols triggered with GnRH agonist only between May 2012 and December 2022. Subjects were divided into three groups, depending on basal LH level and LH maximum level. The freeze-all strategy was implemented in all cycles: Group 1, consistently low LH levels throughout COS; Group 2, low basal LH level with high LH max level during COS; Group 3, consistently high LH levels throughout COS. The primary outcome was the oocyte yield rate. The secondary outcome includes the number of collected oocytes, suboptimal response to GnRH agonist trigger, oocyte maturity rate, fertilized rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. The pregnancy outcomes were calculated for the first FET cycle.ResultsFollowing confounder adjustment, multivariable regression analysis showed that Group 1 (cycles with consistently low LH levels throughout COS) remains an independent predictor of suboptimal response (OR: 6.99; 95% CI 1.035–47.274). Group 1 (b = −12.72; 95% CI −20.9 to −4.55) and BMI (b = −0.25; 95% CI −0.5 to −0.004) were negatively associated with oocyte yield rate. Patients with low basal LH but high LH max levels had similar clinical outcomes compared to those with high LH max levels through COS.ConclusionsThe maximum LH level during COS may serve as an indicator of LH reserve and could be a more reliable predictor of achieving an optimal oocyte yield when compared to relying solely on the basal LH level. In the case of hyper-responders where trigger agents (agonist-only or dual trigger) are being considered, we propose a novel strategy that incorporates the maximum LH level, rather than just the basal or trigger-day LH level, as a reference for assessing LH reserve. This approach aims to minimize the risk of obtaining suboptimal oocyte yield and improve overall treatment outcomes.
Bacterial abundance and pH associate with eDNA degradation in water from various aquatic ecosystems in a laboratory setting
Authors: Zhao Beilun , van Bodegom Peter M. , Trimbos Krijn Baptist 
Published: August 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been widely used in biomonitoring and has major advantages compared to traditional methods such as counting observations. However, the persistence of eDNA within an ecosystem can lead to false-positive results on the presence of organisms. To improve the accuracy of the interpretation of eDNA results, the present study aimed to enhance the understanding of the connection between environmental factors and eDNA persistence. Here, we set up tank experiments using freshwater from 16 field locations involving four ecosystem types and Milli-Q water as control to cultivate zebrafish, and monitor eDNA degradation over time after removing the organisms. Bacterial abundance, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen and pH were analyzed to evaluate their impacts on eDNA degradation. We found that bacterial abundance and pH were positively related to eDNA degradation. The eDNA at the size range of 1.2–5 μm (extracellular but intro-mitochondrial) decreased faster than at the &gt;5 μm (intracellular) size range, leading to changes in the eDNA particle size proportion (PSP) with degradation. eDNA particle size proportion in the field water was different from in Milli-Q water. In conclusion, our findings help understand how eDNA persistence is connected with both abiotic and biotic environmental factors, and thereby will improve the accuracy of eDNA methods in aquatic biomonitoring.
Examining impacts of policy, technology, and climate extremes on thermoelectric power production and river thermal pollution in the Midwest and Northeast of the United States
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Chen Mengye , Gao Shang , Li Zhi , Vörösmarty Charles J. , Fekete Balazs , Miara Ariel , Hong Yang 
Published: August 2023

As one of the components comprising food-energy-water systems (FEWS), the energy sector, especially electricity production, is intimately connected to water. Climate extremes-related impacts on water resources will directly affect the interdependence of water, food, and energy. A better understanding of the extent of climate impacts on energy sector and the options to improve water-energy security are needed for planning an overall resilient FEWS. Therefore, we are motivated to examine the climate stress on the thermoelectric power supply using the Water Balance Model coupled with Thermoelectric Power &amp; Thermal Pollution Model (WBM-TP2M), which can simulate water-energy linkages at the power plant, river reach, and regional scales. Using the Midwest (MW) and Northeast (NE) regions as our study area, we design a group of single- and multi-factor experiments both for historical climate period (1980–2019) and a case where we create a series of intensified extremes (2010–2019). The results show that power generation over the two regions features a gradually increasing trend in the past four decades, while, in contrast, thermal pollution has been decreasing steadily since 2005. Heat waves created temporary dips in the generation of electricity and peaks of heavily thermal-polluted stream length. The experiments reveal the significant role of cooling towers in reducing thermal pollution without losing much capacity to generate power, one important measure of resilience against climate extremes. Constraints placed on effluent temperature from the Clean Water Act lead to interrupted operations, which reduces (up to 20%) power generation, increases sensitivity to climatic extremes, but only show a small reduction in thermal pollution. Coal, as a fuel source, is subject to low thermal efficiency and high-water demand, which results in clearly decreased power generation. Overall, our findings suggest that replacing a less thermal-efficient fuel mix and environmentally destructive once-through cooling can move the energy sector towards several beneficial outcomes. Chief among these is a more efficient power production system that uses less water and does so while fostering clean, less carbon-intense technologies (e.g., combined gas cycle turbines, cooling towers, renewable energy), thus linking positive outcomes that simultaneously and positively impact aquatic ecosystems, regional airsheds and human health.
Precipitation explains GRACE water storage variability over large endorheic basins in the 21st century
Authors: Petch Samantha , Dong Bo , Quaife Tristan , King Robert P. , Haines Keith 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Seasonal—interannual variations in surface water storage revealed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites have received less attention than storage trends in the literature. We focus on six large endorheic basins and develop variability attribution diagnostics against independent precipitation and evapotranspiration (hereafter P and E) datasets.Methods: We generate a flux-inferred storage (FIS), representing the integral of the component flux anomalies into and out of a region, enabling a comparison between the P and E contributions to GRACE water storage anomalies on seasonal to interannual timescales. Additionally, a monthly budget closure approach is applied, giving self-consistent coupled water and energy exchanges from 2002 to 2020.Results: On seasonal timescales, P and E data show insufficient cancellation, implying over-large seasonal variations in surface storage. In most basins, P drives the seasonal storage cycle with E dampening storage amplitudes, although in the Caspian Basin, seasonal storage is driven by E, with P remaining seasonally constant when integrated over the whole drainage basin. Budget closure mostly adjusts E, which has larger uncertainties, in fitting the GRACE data. On year-to-year and multi-year timescales, there is a strong correlation between P-driven storage and the observed GRACE variability, which ranges between 0.55 and 0.88 across all basins, and this is maintained after budget closure. However, storage changes driven by P alone from GPCP are too large compared to GRACE, with E data from FLUXCOM generally having only very weakly compensating interannual variations. After budget closure, interannual E variability is substantially increased. Closed energy budgets often show interannual amplitudes, partly driven by radiation and partly by water budget variation through shared latent heat losses, although these have not been independently verified.Discussion: Although water flux trends cannot be detected with significance due to the large interannual variability, the strong agreement between multi-annual GRACE storage and precipitation variations, especially over the Caspian basin, lends no support to the suggestion that E changes driven by climate change are responsible for water storage trends seen by GRACE.