bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of surgery of an isolated apical defect using synthetic materials and their effect on quality of life and satisfaction with life
Authors: Zalewski Maciej , Kołodyńska Gabriela , Rodríguez Raquel Leirós - , Mucha Anna , Przestrzelska Monika , Andrzejewski Waldemar , Piątek Aleksandra 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background:
Pelvic organ prolapse is an extremely important therapeutic problem and affects up to 50% of nulliparous women, and its frequency increases with age and parity and is more common after menopause. This ailment has a negative impact on many aspects of life, significantly reducing its quality. Nowadays, not only the cure of the problem, but also the improvement of the quality of life and life satisfaction of patients is of great importance for doctors, therefore the assessment of these aspects should also be constantlyevaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of life and satisfaction with life of patients before, 1 year and 3 years after performing the surgery of an isolated apical defect using BSC synthetic mesh.
Methods:
Of 60 patients with an isolated apical defect, 45 had sufficient medical records for the analysis. Evaluation comprised the P-QOL and the SWLS questionnaires conducted three times.
Results:
The results obtained for the P-QOL questionnaire carried out after 3 years show that the quality of life of the patients improved. A statistically significant increase in the quality of life was achieved in almost all domains (p <0.05).
Conclusion:
The results obtained after completing the SWLS questionnaire indicate that 3 years after the surgery, patients' satisfaction with life showed an upward trend. Surgical treatment of an isolated apical defect using the AMI BSC kit results in an improvement in the quality of life in the majority of patients, even in a long-term evaluation.
Classification optimization of tunnel surrounding rock based on geometric parameter effect of joints
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Yu Qingyang , Liu Han , Jia Sibo , Tian Lupeng , Shen Shiwei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This research aims to study the relationship between the mechanical properties and failure modes of jointed rock mass and the geometrical parameters of the joint and to optimize the grading of the tunnel surrounding rock according to the test results. The numerical model of the jointed rock mass is established using the discrete element particle flow program PFC2D. An uniaxial compression test simulation is conducted for the joint rock mass, considering that the joint dip angle and joint spacing exist simultaneously. Test results show that when the joint dip angle is 45°, the mechanical properties of the jointed rock mass are the worst, the UCS and elastic modulus are the smallest, and the Poisson’s ratio reaches the maximum. When the joint spacing is large, the joint dip angle leads to failure. With the increase in the joint dip angle from 0° to 45°, the failure mode changes from intact rock mass failure to plane and block failure. The change rule is the opposite when the joint dip angle ranges from 45° to 90°. When the spacing is small, the joint spacing dominates the failure mode. With an increase in spacing, the failure mode changes from an intact rock mass to a plane and block failure mode. Based on the influence of joint geometric parameters on the mechanical properties of the rock mass, the surrounding rock classification method was optimized using the basic quality index of the rock mass (BQ).
A Comprehensive Overview Rock Strength of Karak Highway Affected by Tectonic Settings
Authors: Azmi Nur Anati , Md.Yu Zainuddin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In the vicinity of the research area, the Karak Highway is located approximately sixty-five kilometers apart from Gombak. The aim of this study is to investigate the petrological characteristics of rock mineral assemblages in the study region, which have been influenced by tectonic activity and the effect on the strength and kinematics of rock masses, which can contribute to slope failures. In the initial stages of the investigation, a thorough review of relevant literature and earlier studies was conducted. The study area was mapped using the geological mapping technique known as traversing, and rock samples were collected from three separate exposed outcrops. These samples were then transported to a laboratory for microscopic and petrographic analysis to determine their compositions and identify the mineral assemblages present in both regions. The study of petrological characteristics, tectonic activities, and slope stability along the Karak Highway provides valuable insights into the influence of geological structures on slope stability. Understanding the mineral assemblages and their relationship with tectonic activities is crucial for identifying potential slope failures and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
Formulation of an Anti-inflammatory Pharmaceutical Drinkable Emulsion Based on Artemisia Absinthium L Essential Oil
Authors: Djedri Safia , Chemat Zoubida , Belhadji Linda 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The importance of aromatic plants, their essential oil content and the chemical nature of their constituents, give them great prospects for application. Nowadays, essential oils present a major source of a variety of bioactive molecules, they are also used as an alternative to conventional drugs. The evaluation of phytotherapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory are gaining great interest in the research field. The objective of this work is the evaluation of the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil of wormwood from the region of Blida, Algeria and that of a drinkable emulsion formulated in the presence of this essential oil. Average yield of 0.52% of essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger from the fresh aerial part of absinthe was obtained. GC/MS analysis demonstrated that wormwood essential oil is dominated by the presence of the compounds βThujone with 45.646% and 7-ethyl, 1,4 dimethyl Azulene with a percentage of 25.95%. The absinthe essential oil extracted showed an activity against all bacteria and fungi tested. The drinkable emulsion exerted remarkable an anti-inflammatory activity which induced an edema reduction rate of 35.70%, close to the one obtained by a Clofenal reference. Toxicity tests of the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium and the drinkable emulsion which were followed for two weeks, showed neither mortality nor abnormality.
An ionic liquid-assisted sample preparation method for sensitive integral-membrane proteome analysis
Authors: Taoka Masato , Kamei Kota , Kashima Akiko , Takekiyo Takahiro , Uekita Takamasa , Ichimura Tohru 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Many ion channels and receptorproteins are potential targets for new drugs. However, standard methods for profiling these integral membrane proteins (IMPs) have not been fully established, especially when applied to rare and quantity-limited biological samples. In this study, we present a combined ion liquid (IL)-assisted proteomic sample preparation platform (termed pTRUST) which is compatible with starting materials in the submicrogram range, using our recently developed IL-based sample preparation strategy (iBOPs) and an in-StageTip technique. This novel and straightforward approach allows for the rapid solubilization and processing of a variety of IMPs from human samplesto support highly sensitive mass spectrometry analysis. We also demonstrated that the performance of this technology surpasses that of conventional methods such as filter-aided sample preparation methods, FASP and i-FASP. The convenience and availability of pTRUST technology have great potential for proteomic identification and characterization of novel drug targets and novel disease biology in research and clinical settings.
Chronic Pb exposure impairs learning and memory abilities by inhibiting excitatory projection neuro-circuit of the hippocampus in mice
Authors: Zou Rong-Xin , Gu Xiaozhen , Huang Chengqing , Wang Hui-Li , Chen Xiang-tao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Lead (Pb) is an environmental neurotoxic metal. Chronic Pb exposure causes behavioral changes in humans and rodents, such as dysfunctional learning and memory. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether Pb exposure disrupts the neural circuit. Thus, here we aim at investigating the effects the chronic Pb exposure on neural-behavioral and neural circuits in mice from prenatal to postnatal day (PND) 63. Pregnant mice and their male offspring were treated with Pb (150 ppm) until postnatal day 63. In this study, several behavior tests and Golgi-Cox staining methods were used to assess spatial memory ability and synaptogenesis. Virus-based tracing systems and immunohistochemistry assays were used to test the relevance of chronic Pb exposure with disrupted neural circuits. The behavioral experiments and Golgi-Cox staining results showed that Pb exposure impaired spatial memory and spine density in mice. The virus tracing results revealed that Entorhinal cortex (EC) neurons could be directly projected to CA1 and DG, forming a critical circuit inhibited, in either a direct or indirect way, by Pb invasion. In addition, excitatory neural input from EC(labeled with CaMK2)to CA1/DG was significantly attenuated by Pb exposure. In conclusion, our data indicated that Pb significantly impaired the excitatory connections from EC to the hippocampus (CA1 and DG), providing a novel neuro-circuitry basis for Pb neurotoxicity.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi against the fruit fly Drosophila suzukii and their side effects on predator (Orius laevigatus) and pollinator (Bombus terrestris) insects
Authors: Galland Chloé D. , Lalaymia Ismahen , Declerck Stéphane , Verheggen François 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are insecticide alternatives for pest control. Their ability to easily adhere and quickly penetrate the insect cuticle is a key factor for their selection, which has received too little consideration so far. Here, we evaluated the impact of five EPF on the survival and fecundity of Drosophila suzukii, a worldwide invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits. We assessed the exposure time needed to achieve fly mortality as well as the mortality of two non-target insects: Orius laevigatus and Bombus terrestris, commonly encountered in greenhouses where D. suzukii is the most damaging.
Drosophila suzukii were exposed for 3 hours to a fungal culture from each EPF and survival rates were assessed daily. Beauvaria bassiana was the most efficient EPF, killing over 95% of the flies within 10 days. Additional flies were then exposed to this fungus culture for 10 seconds, 1 minute, 10 minutes and 1 hour. The exposure time impacted the mortality rates: 50% of the flies died within 4 days after a 3-hours exposure to B. bassiana, whereas 6 days were needed to reach the same result with 10 seconds of exposure. Whatever the exposure time, this EPF always needed ten days to be lethal for more than 95% of individuals. Beauvaria bassiana was not lethal for the non-target species.
Thus, B. bassiana is an option to control D. suzukii without harming beneficial insects. Further studies are now needed under real cultivation conditions to assess whether B. bassiana can be included in biocontrol strategies against D. suzukii.
Securing Vanadium by Ion-anchoring Separators for Long-lasting Aqueous Zinc-Vanadium Batteries
Authors: Wang Xin , Qin Yao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Aqueous zinc-based batteries are an upcoming energy storage device integrating intrinsic safety and low cost yet suffering from anodic dendrites and dissolution of cathodic compounds. Here, we designed a new mixed-matrix separator (SZ) by in situ growing zeolite materials on the flexible polymeric membrane to form an ionic barrier that prevents further leaching and shuttling of active materials from the cathode. The SZ separator enables a full cell operation of over 400 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 with an initial capacity of 375.4 mAh g-1 and over 10,000 cycles at 15 A g-1. When pre-anchored with vanadium ions, the SZ separator permits a full cell capacity retention of up to 94.6% at 5 A g-1 over 1000 cycles. Most important, the SZ separator improves the reversibility and stability of the Zn anode, allowing 2500 h symmetric cell life with well-suppressed dendrites. The mixed-matrix separator featuring an ion barrier contributes to a key component advance for commercializing Zn-storage devices.
Removal of Cadmium (II) from aqueous solution through adsorption using wood biochar: Kinetics and Isotherms studies
Authors: Lalhruaitluanga H. , Hauhnar Lalremruata 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Removal of cadmium ions through adsorption has been investigated by locally available wood biochar. The motivations of the present study were to investigate the application of this wood biochar in the field of environmental problem, so that wood biochar would be more valuable for the community. Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Flory-Huggins, Fowler-Guggenheim, and Harkin-Jura isotherms were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. Similarly, Pseudo- first order, Pseudo- second order, Intra-particle diffusion, and liquid film diffusion models were used to study the kinetics of adsorption. The sorption process is favorable with a monolayer formation and predominantly physical adsorption when the equilibrium was attained. The negative value of Gibbs free energy (ΔGo) indicates that the adsorption process is thermodynamically spontaneous and feasible. The presence of repulsion between the adsorbed molecules was also confirmed. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) was 28.57 mg/g. The kinetics of the adsorption process follows Pseudo- second order and is also controlled by diffusion through the liquid film. It is also confirm existence of boundary layer influence by Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion. From these studies, the wood biochar could be used as adsorbents for efficient treatment of Cd (II) from aqueous solution.
In-vitro quality assessment of commercially available Albendazole tablets marketed in Arbaminch town, SNNPR, Ethiopia
Authors: Wado Teshale Etiso , Nuri Yesuf , Kashala Kefita 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Albendazole is amongst the most used broad-spectrum anti-helminthic which is active against a wide range of intestinal parasites. The existence of poor-quality brands in the current drug market is posing a threat to optimizing the therapeutic use of this drug. Therefore conducting regular post-marketing quality control testing has enormous importance.
Methods: This study was carried out on samples collected from Arbaminch town in Ethiopia. Product samples were collected by using a convenient sampling method from private drug retail outlets which are found in Arbaminch town and the quality assessment was done in Jimma University drug quality control laboratory. The collected drug samples were undergone a friability test, weight uniformity test, dissolution test, identification test, and assay test as per British and United States Pharmacopeia specifications.
Result: Brand A3 (0.630) of Albendazole had the highest percentage of friability. None of the tested brands of Albendazole differ from the mean weight by more than 5% which is an acceptable limit. One brand of Albendazole tablets, A1(67.93), failed the dissolution test. Albendazole samples passed the identification test since the retention time of the samples and reference standard do not differ by more than 0.1 minutes. All three Albendazole brands are within the acceptance range of the assay test.
Conclusion: This study of in-vitro quality assessment tests has revealed that all brands passed most quality parameters except one brand of the three tested Albendazole brands that failed the dissolution test. The quality of pharmaceuticals is very important for the ultimate therapeutic outcome.
Expression Of Visceral Adipose Tissue Extracellular Matrix Related Genes Correlates With Insulin Resistance And Predicts Metabolic Improvement Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Pérez Maria Teresa Quiles , Beisani Marc , Bello Janice Velasco Moreno , Via Maria Antònia Arbós , Balibrea Jose María , Gil-Barrionuevo Esther 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:The role of different adipose tissues (AT) regarding alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in obesity is currently unknown. Objective: To perform a comparative analysis on the expression of ECM-related genes in four tissues of interest between obese and non-obese patients.Methods:A comparative transcriptional analysis was performed using microarrays to analyze the expression of ECM-related genes in subcutaneous AT, omentum, mesentery and peritoneum between obese (n=30) and non-obese (n=13) individuals. The main expression differences were validated by RT-qPCR, and their relationship with different clinical variables and evolution following bariatric surgery (BS) was analyzed.Results:Microarray analysis showed overexpression of ECM-related genes in visceral tissues of obese patients, while expression differences between groups were scarce in subcutaneous AT. Omental and mesenteric expression ofHAS1,ADAMTS4,THBS1andS100A8were associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Mesenteric overexpression ofADAMTSfamily metallopeptidases was also detected in insulin-resistant individuals. Epiploic expression ofHAS1,THBS1,VCANandS100A8, as well as peritoneal expression ofTHBS1,ADAMTS1and-4correlated with HOMA-IR in the studied subjects. After BS, omentalTHBS1expression and mesentericADAMTS9expression showed correlation with HOMA-IR variation 12 months following surgery.Conclusions:Our results point to a relationship between the over-expression of ECM-related genes in the analyzed visceral tissues and insulin resistance, as well as with metabolic improvement after BS. Our study highlights the possible contribution of mesenteric AT as well as mesothelial cells to metabolic dysregulation in the obese patient.
Comparative study of differently composted organic fraction of municipal solid waste: Insights from physicochemical analysis
Authors: Rahman Sami Ur , Yousaf Saeeda , Ilyas Muhammad , Su Yuping , Riaz Musarat , Ditta Allah , Ayub Gohar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Changes in consumption pattern, living standards, and urbanization, and industrialization has resulted in a huge amount of municipal solid waste generation which poses severe threats to environmental sustainability. In this regard, the present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three different composting methods, based on different maturity indices for the conversion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) to compost as a potting medium. Among the applied methods of composting, windrow composting (WC) showed the higher degradation rate of OFMSW, and compost was obtained in the shortest period followed by pit and drum composting. After a comparative study of all the produced compost, all the physicochemical parameters were found close to each prepared by different methods. All the physical parameters like pH, EC, MC, TOC, and C/N ratios of the prepared composts were in the acceptable range as declared by US and European guidelines for compost. The results revealed that the total content of micronutrients (Zn, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn) in all produced composts were below the critical ranges specified by the European Commission organic agriculture and A-class compost used in Spain for agriculture purposes. Heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg) concentration in the final composts were also below the ranges reported by previous researchers. In conclusion, the composted materials through WC could serve as a potential potting medium owing to the existence of high biodegradable organic material, suitable content of C/N ratio, MC, pH, NPK, micro-and macro-nutrients, and heavy metals below the permissible limits.
A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge and Attitudes About Organ Donation and Transplantation in an Urban Population in a Low-Income Country.
Authors: Kituuka Olivia , Ocan Moses , Mbiine Ronald , Ibingira Charles , Wayengera Misaki , Tayebwa Mordecai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background: Uganda’s Health Sector Development Plan (2015/16 -2019/2020) noted that most referrals for treatment abroad were for organ transplant services costing government over 5.6 million US dollars. The government of Uganda has invested in building capacity for Organ donation and transplantation services by training human resource and setting up the infrastructure in Kampala where these services can be accessed. However, there is no information on the readiness of communities and the scientific community to embrace (communities) or undertake (science) organ transplantation in the country. We set out to assess Knowledge and Attitudes about organ donation and transplantation among the urban population in Kampala.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 395 participants from the urban population of Kampala at Garden City Mall, Wandegeya market and Nakawa market 28th May - 7th June 2021. We asked about knowledge about organ donation and transplantation, collected sociodemographic data and did a sentiment analysis of participants' attitudes towards organ donation and transplantation.Results: The M:F ratio of participants was 1:1, majority (55.9%) of participants were Baganda, two thirds of participants knew about organ donation, 90% of participants did not know of any government policy on organ donation and transplantation. Radio/television was the commonest source of information. The commonest organ donated was the kidney. Overall, there were 94.3% and 93.2% positive sentiments towards organ transplantation and organ donation respectively. The need for stricter laws governing organ donation and transplantation, corruption and fear were the main negative sentiments expressed by participants.Conclusions:Sensitization of the community is required about government policy on organ donation and transplantation, and this should be communicated through radio/television and social media. There was a positive attitude towards organ donation and transplantation.