bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of droplet size on the antibacterial efficacy of citral and citronella oil nanoemulsions in polysaccharide coated fresh-cut apples
Authors: Touayar Mounir , Zayani Rania , Messaoud Chokri , Salman Hesham 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Fresh-cut fruits are highly perishable and susceptible to bacterial contamination; thus, effective preservation methods are necessary to extend their shelf-life and improve quality.
Polysaccharides edible coating loaded with essential oil nanoemulsions have the potential to extend shelf life and improve quality. The effectiveness of this approach is dependent on the properties of the nanoemulsions, such as droplet size (DS) and stability. This study optimized the production of citral (CT) and citronella oil (CTO) nanoemulsions (CT-CTO-NEs) for use in fresh-cut apples, with a focus on the effect of DS on antibacterial efficacy.
After testing different combinations of surfactants tween 80 (TW 80) and co-surfactants Propylene Glycol (PG), the results showed that the optimal CT-CTO-NEs had droplets size of less than 500 nm and were stable for 3 weeks at 4ºC. The highest antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli was observed with the smallest DS (< 100 nm). This study highlights the importance of DS in the efficacy of essential oil nanoemulsions as an antibacterial coating for fresh-cut fruits. The smaller the droplet size, the better the antibacterial activity.
Zero- to Low-field Relaxometry of Chemical and Biological Fluids
Authors: Alcicek Seyma , Put Piotr , Kubrak Adam , Alcicek Fatih Celal , Barskiy Danila , Gloeggler Stefan , Dybas Jakub , Pustelny Szymon 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool of modern science and technology. Apart from rich information that can be extracted from the frequencies of precessing nuclear spins, detection of the decay of the signals (NMR relaxometry) may reveal important information about molecular environment, including NMR-silent (spin-0) molecules. While conventionally done at high fields, in this work, we present NMR relaxometry at zero and ultra-low magnetic field (ZULF) regime. Operation under these conditions is especially promising because spin evolution occurs at timescales (milliseconds to seconds) comparable to those of many slow (bio)chemical processes allowing their investigation. It also limits the detrimental role of line-broadening induced by magnetic susceptibility. These measurements can be performed with an inexpensive, portable/small-size system. Applicability of the ZULF NMR relaxometry is demonstrated in analysis of various (bio)chemicals including 1H-13C, 1H-15N, and 1H-31P spin systems. We observed high-quality ZULF NMR spectra of human whole blood, despite a shortening of spin relaxation time of its water protons (0.3-0.4 s) induced by blood proteomes (e.g., hemoglobin). The information about the relaxation times of blood and, potentially, other biofluids, can be obtained with sample preparation in less than a minute and without the need for a sophisticated apparatus.
‘Right-Angled Anteromedial Knee Arthrotomy’ in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Novel Surgical technique and Retrospective short-term cohort study in consecutive patients
Authors: Singanamala Naveen , Motta-Moss Ana 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background An adequate knee arthrotomy providing visualization is critical for implanting a well-aligned total knee arthroplasty. This paper describes a novel technique of ‘Right-Angled Anteromedial Knee Arthrotomy’ that allows excellent exposure of routine and even of some stiff knees, while enabling precise closure, thus avoiding problems seen with improper tensioning of the extensor mechanism.Purpose The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: 1) What is the incidence of extensor mechanism complications after the described technique 2) Is it possible to achieve range of motion to or beyond 1200? 3) What is the incidence of significant (10 deg or more) extensor lag after this technique?Methods The ‘Right-Angled Anteromedial Knee Arthrotomy’ was used to perform Total Knee Arthroplasty in 78 consecutive patients (85 knees). Range-of-motion measurements and complications were recorded. Data collected as part of routine clinical follow-up was analyzed retrospectively. Independent Institutional Review Board (Ethics Committee) exemption was obtained for publication.Results Average and median follow up for the cohort was 48.1 and 40 weeks, respectively. During the follow-up period, there were zero instances of quadriceps tendon rupture and no re-operations for extensor mechanism complications. Three patients (3/85 = 3.5%) had an extensor lag of 10–15 degrees. The maximum range-of-motion achieved in any patient in the cohort was 140 degrees, while the minimum was 95 degrees. Six knees (6/85 = 7%) had a residual flexion contracture, from 5 to 15 degrees. All patients reported improved clinically, returning to or exceeding pre-operative activity, including stair climbing.Conclusions The ‘Right-Angled Anteromedial Knee Arthotomy’ as described was a viable technique for primary and revision total knee arthroplasty in this group of patients with good short term results. There were no complications that were attributable to the approach, especially in the time frame relevant to the integrity of the healing of the extensor mechanism.
3D Neuron Morphology Analysis
Authors: Jiang Jiaxiang , Goebel Michael , Borba Cezar , Smith William , Manjunath B.S. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We consider the problem of finding an accurate representation of neuron shapes, extracting sub-cellular features, and classifying neurons based on neuron shapes. In neuroscience research, the skeleton representation is often used as a compact and abstract representation of neuron shapes. However, existing methods are limited to getting and analyzing“curve”skeletons which can only be applied for tubular shapes. This paper presents a 3D neuron morphology analysis method for more general and complex neuron shapes. First, we introduce the concept of skeleton mesh to represent general neuron shapes and propose a novel method for computing mesh representations from 3D surface point clouds. A skeleton graph is then obtained from skeleton mesh and is used to extract sub-cellular features. Finally, an unsupervised learning method is used to embed the skeleton graph for neuron classification. Extensive experiment results are provided and demonstrate the robustness of our method to analyze neuron morphology.
Relationship between animal health and livestock farmers’ wellbeing in Ghana: beyond zoonoses
Authors: Nuvey Francis Sena , Haydon Daniel T. , Hattendorf Jan , Addo Kennedy Kwasi , Mensah Gloria Ivy , Fink Günther , Zinsstag Jakob , Bonfoh Bassirou 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Livestock production is a key livelihood source for many people in developing countries. Poor control of livestock diseases hamper livestock productivity, threatening farmers’ wellbeing and food security. This study estimates the effect of livestock mortalities attributable to disease on the wellbeing of livestock farmers.
Methods: Overall, 350 ruminant livestock farmers were randomly selected from three districts located in the north, middle and southern belts of Ghana. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate the relationship between animal health and farmer wellbeing. Farmer wellbeing was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF tool, as the mean quality-of-life in four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Animal health was assessed as annual livestock mortalities to diseases adjusted for herd size, and standardized in tropical livestock units to account for different ruminant livestock species. We adjusted for the potential confounding effect of farmers’ age, sex, educational attainment, farmland size, socio-economic status, perception of disease risk to herd, satisfaction with health, previous experience of disease outbreaks in herds, and social support availability by including these as fixed effects, and community as random effects, in a pre-specified model.
Results: Our results showed that farmers had a median score of 65.5 out of 100 (IQR: 56.6 –73.2) on the wellbeing scale. The farmers’ reported on average (median) 10% (IQR: 0 – 23) annual herd mortalities to infectious diseases. There was a significantly negative relationship between increasing severity of animal disease impact on herds and farmers’ wellbeing. Specifically, our model predicted an expected difference in farmers’ wellbeing score of 7.9 (95%CI 1.50 – 14.39) between a farmer without any herd mortalities to diseases compared to a (hypothetical) farmer with 100% of herd mortalities caused by diseases in a farming year.
Conclusions: Disease-induced livestock mortalities have a negative effect on farmers’ wellbeing, suggesting that veterinary service policies addressing infectious disease risks in livestock, could contribute to improving food security and wellbeing of livestock dependent populations.
68Ga-pAKTi PET/CT imaging as a non-invasive method to assess tumor response to PI3Kα Inhibitor in breast cancer
Authors: Tang Shuang , Liu Yi , Wang Xiangwei , Zhou Qian , Liu Wei , Wan Xiaochun , Zhang Jianping , Xu Xiaoping , Song Shaoli 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
PI3K-AKT signaling is among the most attractive cancer therapeutic targets and the first PI3Kα inhibitor has been approved for breast cancer therapy and hundreds of clinical trials. However, how to predict or monitor tumor response to PI3Kα inhibitor in a non-invasive method remains challenging. Here, we developed a PET imaging probe 68Ga-pAKTi detecting phosphorylated-AKT to precisely assess breast tumor response to PI3Kα inhibitor non-invasively in vivo. Using triple negative breast cancer as model, 68Ga-pAKTi PET/CT imaging showed robust radioactive accumulation in PTEN lost or PIK3CA mutated tumors that hyper-phosphorylate AKT. Moreover, changes of 68Ga-pAKTi uptake upon short-term PI3Kα inhibition differentiated PIK3CA mutated tumors from PTEN lost tumors to predict long-term tumor response to PI3Kα inhibitor. Together, our 68Ga-pAKTi PET imaging visualized AKT phosphorylation in vivo, and accurately predicted tumor responses to PI3Kα inhibitor. This work supports future clinical trials using 68Ga-pAKTi PET/CT to optimize clinical implication of PI3K pathway drugs for cancer treatment.
Real-time Quantification of Bowel Perfusion using Laparoscopic Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) in a Porcine Model
Authors: Mehrotra Saloni , Liu Yao , Nwaiwu Chibueze , Buharin Vasiliy E , Stolyarov Roman , Schwaitzberg Steven D , Kalady Matthew F , Kim Peter 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background/Purpose Real-time quantification of tissue perfusion can improve intraoperative surgical decision making. Here we demonstrate the utility of Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging as an intra-operative tool that quantifies real-time regional differences in intestinal perfusion and distinguishes ischemic changes resulting from arterial/venous obstruction.Methods Porcine models (n = 3) consisted of selectively devascularized small bowel loops that were used to measure the perfusion responses under conditions of control/no vascular occlusion, arterial inflow occlusion, and venous outflow occlusion using laser speckle imaging and indocyanine green fluoroscopy. Laser Speckle was also used to assess perfusion differences between small bowel antimesenteric-antimesenteric and mesenteric-mesenteric anastomoses. Perfusion quantification was measured in relative perfusion units calculated from the laser speckle perfusion heatmap.Results Laser Speckle distinguished between visually identified perfused, watershed, and ischemic intestinal segments with both color heatmap and quantification (p < .00001). It detected a continuous gradient of relative intestinal perfusion as a function of distance from the stapled ischemic bowel edge. Strong positive linear correlation between relative perfusion units and changes in mean arterial pressure resulting from both arterial (R2 = .96/.79) and venous pressure changes (R2 = .86/.96) was observed. Furthermore, Laser Speckle showed that the antimesenteric anastomosis had a higher perfusion than mesenteric anastomosis (p < 0.01).Conclusions Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging provides objective, quantifiable tissue perfusion information in both color heatmap and relative numerical units. Laser Speckle can detect spatial/temporal differences in perfusion between antimesenteric and mesenteric borders of a bowel segment and precisely detect perfusion changes induced by progressive arterial/venous occlusions in real-time.
Cognitive impairment in multiple system atrophy and spinocerebellar ataxias
Authors: Zhao Jing , Yin Yunsi , Yang Haoxun , Qin Qi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) share similar clinical symptoms. Therefore, it is challenging to differentiate MSA and SCAs according to clinical symptoms, especially in the early stage. Currently, the diagnosis still relies on auxiliary inspection and genetic testing. The difference in cognitive symptoms between MSA and SCAs has not been fully investigated. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyze the differences in cognitive impairment between MSA and SCAs.
Methods: Five MSA patients and 5 patients with SCAs were recruited from the memory clinic of Xuanwu Hospital from March to September 2021. We collected detailed clinical information, imaging data, neuropsychological scales and genetic analysis of the patients. Then, we compared the differences in each cognitive domain between MSA and SCA patients.
Results: Comparison of SCA and MSA patients revealed that MSA patients had lower scores on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). There were no statistically significant group difference in global cognitive functioning, as indicated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.
Conclusion: Both MSA and SCAs present with cognitive impairment, but MSA presents more obvious symptom severity.
Predictors of treatment outcomes following treat-and-extend regimen with aflibercept for branch retinal vein occlusion: post-hoc analysis of the PLATON trial
Authors: Son Wonyung , Jeong Woo Jin , Park Jung Min , Kim Jung-Yeul , Ji Yong-Sok , Sagong Min 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We investigated predictors of visual outcomes and injection interval in macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) treated with a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen. All 48 patients in a multicenter study were followed for 52 weeks and received three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections before the TAE regimen, with treatment intervals adjusted by 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Various laboratory biomarkers and optical coherence tomography parameters were evaluated. Patients were classified into the extension failure group if they had ≥ 1 treatment interval decreased due to an increase in the central macular thickness compared to the previous visit and 18 patients were assigned to this group. In multivariate logistic analyses, presence of microaneurysms and prominent middle limiting membrane (p-MLM) sign, increased initial external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption, and higher total cholesterol were correlated with inhibiting a sustained extension in the injection interval (P = 0.015, P = 0.032, P = 0.037, P = 0.009, respectively). Despite a proactive strategy, frequent injection requirement in ME secondary to BRVO was anticipated from the presence of microaneurysms and p-MLM sign, increased ELM disruption, and elevated serum total cholesterol level.
Validation Study on Risk-Reduction Activities after Exposure to a Personalized Breast Cancer Risk-Assessment Education Tool in High-Risk Women in the WISDOM Study
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Che Mandy , Huilgol Yash , Keane Holly , Goodman Deborah , Soonavala Rashna , Ozanne Elissa , Shieh Yiwey , Belkora Jeff , Fiscalini Allison Stover , Esserman Laura 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We performed a 318-participant validation study of an individualized risk assessment tool in women identified as having high- or highest-risk of breast cancer in the personalized arm of the Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of risk (WISDOM) trial. Per protocol, these women were educated about their risk and risk reducing options using the Breast Health Decisions (BHD) tool, which uses patient-friendly visuals and 8th grade reading level language to convey risk and prevention options. Prior to exposure to the educational tool, 4.7% of women were already taking endocrine risk reduction, 38.7% were reducing alcohol intake, and 62.6% were exercising. Three months after initial use of BHD, 8.4% of women who considered endocrine risk reduction, 33% of women who considered alcohol reduction, and 46% of women who considered exercise pursued the risk-reducing activities. Unlike lifestyle interventions which are under the control of the patient, additional barriers at the level of the healthcare provider may be impeding the targeted use of endocrine risk reduction medications in women with elevated breast cancer risk.
The short and long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention in children with mental illnesses: a randomized controlled trial (Movementss study). Rationale, Study Design and Methods.
Authors: Tetering Emilie M. A. van , Muskens Jet B. , Deenik Jeroen , Pillen Sigrid , Cahn Wiepke , von Rosenstiel Inès , Oomen Mieke , Rommelse Nanda N. , Staal Wouter G. , Klip Helen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: A lifestyle including poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive gaming and inadequate sleep hygiene is frequently seen among Dutch children. These lifestyle behaviors can cause long-term health problems later in life. Unhealthy lifestyle and poor physical health are even more prevalent among children with mental illness (MI) such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety. However, research on lifestyle interventions among children with MI is lacking. As a result, there are currently no guidelines, or treatment programs where children with MI and poor lifestyle can receive effective support. To address these issues and to provide insight into the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in children with MI and their families, the Movementss study was designed. This paper describes the rationale, study design, and methods of an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (1 year) effects of a lifestyle intervention with care as usual (CAU) in children with MI and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Methods: A total of 80 children (6-12 years) with MI according to DSM-V and an unhealthy lifestyle are randomized to the lifestyle intervention group or CAU at a specialized child and adolescent mental hospital. The primary outcome measure is quality of life measured with the KIDSCREEN. Secondary outcomes include emotional and behavior symptoms, lifestyle parameters regarding diet, physical activity, sleep, and screen time, cognitive assessment (intelligence and executive functions), physical measurements (e.g., BMI), parenting styles, and family functioning, prior beliefs, adherence, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Assessments will take place at the start of the study (T0), after 12 weeks (T1), six months (T2), and 12 months of baseline (T3) to measure long-term effects.
Discussion: This RCT will likely contribute to the currently lacking knowledge on lifestyle interventions in children with MI.
Trial registration: trialsearch.who.int/ NL9822. Registered at November 2nd, 2021
Unusual Less Warm Summer Month of May 2021 Over Vidarbha and in Central India Duringpast 30 Years
Authors: Sahu M L , Srid Latha , Bidyanta S , Sonal Sulekha , Minz Albert N 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Vidarbha, a meteorological subdivision in the state of Maharashtra in Central India, is known for extremely hot summer with May being the hottest month with maximum temperature exceeding 45°C for more than 15 days. But May 2021 in Vidarbha was unusually less warm in the past 30 years with no episodes of heatwave. The temperature of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in Central India was also found unusual less warm during past 30years. During May-2021, the Indian subcontinent experienced two tropical cyclones, one each originating in the Arabian Sea (Tauktae) and the Bay of Bengal (Yaas) contributing largely towards bringing down the maximum temperatures by changing the normal wind flow pattern over the region, owing to which occurrences of more number of thunderstorms due to moisture incursion were observed during the month.
Noise-tolerant LiDAR approaching quantum-limited precision
Authors: Zhang Labao , Li Haochen , Zheng Kaimin , Ge Rui , Zhang Lijian , He Weiji , Zhang Biao , Wu Miao , Wang Ben , Mi Minghao , Guan Yanqiu , Tan Jingrou , Tu Xuecou , Zhao Qing-Yuan , Jia Xiaoqing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Chen Qian , Wu Pei-Heng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Quantum-inspired imaging techniques have been proven to be effective for LiDAR with the advances of single photon detectors and computational algorithms. However, the quantum-limited performance is still far from its ultimate limit set by the quantum fluctuations of signal and noise photons. In this work, we propose and demonstrate LiDAR from the detection perspective for approaching quantum-limited performance. A photon-number-resolving detector is introduced to accurately reconstruct the echo signals in a wide photon-flux range and an active photon number filter is further developed to overcome the heavy background noise. The Fisher information of this LiDAR based on a coherent source is only 0.04 dB below the quantum limit in intensity detection when mean signal photon number is 10. An improvement of 41.17 dB in the signal-to-background ratio is achieved with the proposed LiDAR in daytime, and the accuracy of intensity estimation is consistent with the theoretical prediction, which helps to improve the quality of reconstructed images. This work provides a fundamental strategy for constructing a noise tolerant LiDAR approaching quantum-limited precision.