bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Testing of Nanosilica-Reinforced Silicate and Polyacrylamide Gels
Authors: Zahirovic Irina , Danilovic Dušan , Šuput Vranjin Milica , Tripkovic Miloš 
Published: January 2023

Summary
One of the most common methods used to reduce excessive water production is water shutoff operations. These types of operations include injection of gel for flow profile modification. The most widely used gels are polyacrylamide- and silicate-based gels. As a way to improve and optimize gel characteristics, nanosilica can be added to the gelant solution. In this paper, laboratory testing of nanosilica-reinforced silicate and polyacrylamide gels is presented. Bulk gelation and capillary tubing tests were used for determination of gelation time, and core flooding tests on low permeability carbonate core samples were conducted as a way to assess gel-plugging ability. Tests showed that gelation time for both types of gels was faster when nanosilica was added. The strength of the polyacrylamide-based gel was enhanced. Silicate gel samples with nanosilica led to a 17% higher reduction in permeability compared to pure silicate gel, and polyacrylamide gel with the addition of nanosilica has almost 43% higher permeability reduction compared to pure polyacrylamide gel.
Correlation of Ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System with Histopathology findings among patients in Uganda
Authors: Isse Hamdi Mohamed , Lukande Robert , Sereke Senai Goitom , Odubu Fualal Jane , Nassanga Rita , Bugeza Samuel 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background:Ultrasonography (US) is a noninvasive modality for the initial assessment of thyroid nodules. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) has demonstrated good performance in differentiating malignant thyroid nodules. However, the correlation of ACR TI-RADS with FNNA cytology is unusual in our setting. The study aims at correlating TI-RADS with cytology among patients referred for US-guided fine-needle none aspiration (FNNA) cytology at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).Methods: Thiswas a hospital-based cross-sectional study that recruited 132 patients with thyroid nodules. Spearman’s correlation was used to establish a relationship between TI-RADS and FNNA cytology findings. The diagnostic accuracy of TI-RADS was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios.Results: Of 132 study participants 90% (n=117) were females and the mean age of 41±13. One hundred sixty-one thyroid nodules were analyzed. More than half of the thyroid nodules (54.7%, n=87) were solid or almost solid, 96.9% (n=154) were shaped wider than tall, with 57.2% (n=91) having smooth margins while 83.7% (n=133) were hyperechoic or isoechoic and 88.7% (n=141) had none or large comet-tail artifact. TR3 was the commonest at 42.9% (n=69). The proportion of malignancy for TR4 and TR5 were 73.3% and 85.7% respectively. The correlation between ACR TI-RADS and the Bethesda system of thyroid classification scores was r=0.577. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, positive and negative likelihood ratios of ACR TI-RADS were 90.9%, 98.5%, 90%, 99.3%, 62.3, and 0.1 respectively.Conclusion:We found that ACR TI-RADS classification is an appropriate and non-invasive method for assessing thyroid nodules in routine practice. It can safely reduce the number of unnecessary FNNA in a significant proportion of benign thyroid lesions. Thyroid nodules classified as TR3 should be followed routinely. ACR TI-RADS should be standardized as the screening tool in resource-limited areas.
Physiological Effects of Freeze-Thaw, Cadmium and Ambrosin Combined Stress on Secale cereale L. Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Longtian , Bao Guozhang , Yu Zihang , Guan Tao , Li Jingwen , Su Yidan , Yang Yinan , Xi Jinghui , Zhang Xin , Li Guomei , Zhao Hongwei 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Rye is a kind of wintering forage grass, distributed in China in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, northeast China and other alpine or arid areas. Additionally, ragweed, an invasive plant originated from the North America, is widely distributed in the northeast region of China, releasing ambrosin-based allelopathic substances to the environment and inflicting a wide impact on crops. In this experiment, the physiological response of Winter 70 rye under the compound stress of freeze-thaw, Cd and ragweed is studied, and the soluble sugar, soluble protein, CAT, MDA, SOD content and photosynthesis changes of rye seedlings under stress were analyzed. The results showed that under the stress of Cd and ambrosin, the content of MDA, soluble protein and soluble sugar, and CAT content increased, and the SOD content decreased under Cd stress, and the SOD content increased under ambrosin stress. Under freeze-thaw stress, MDA content, soluble protein and soluble sugar content, CAT content increased first and then decreased, and SOD content decreased. In the freeze-thaw cycle, low temperatures adversely affect ryegrass seedlings. The reaction of SOD and MDA during cooling process is evident. The net photosynthetic rate of freeze-thawed and ryegrass seedlings is significantly affected by stress, which is manifested by the reduction of net photosynthetic rate forced by a single stress, and the reduction of compound stress is greater than that of a single stress. This study provides a new understanding of the physiological response of rye to Cd and Ambrosin stress under freeze-thawing conditions, and provided clues for the management and evaluation of combined stress.
Endosymbiont-mediated resistance to entomotoxic nanoparticles and sex-specific responses in a seed beetle
Authors: Miksanek James Rudolph , Tuda Midori 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Bacterial symbionts can promote insecticide resistance in their hosts by isolating and degrading insecticidal compounds or altering the expression of host genes. Although Wolbachia, a common endosymbiont in arthropods, typically does not influence insecticide resistance, there are cases of increased or decreased susceptibility. Due to the restrictions of applying conventional insecticides in a stored product setting, studies on alternative control methods are needed, including those on entomotoxic nanoparticles (NPs) and the potential for resistance. For pests of stored beans, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are relatively innocuous to the azuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). Here, we hypothesized that this response is mediated by Wolbachia, and we tested this using an isofemale line of C. chinensis (infected or uninfected with Wolbachia). Our results showed that the lifespan of Wolbachia-infected females was not affected by SeNPs, but increasing concentrations of SeNPs still had a negative effect on fecundity; in uninfected females, increasing concentrations of SeNPs significantly decreased both lifespan and fecundity. However, in males, SeNPs enhanced lifespan and decreased the incidence of sexual harassment behavior regardless of infection status (for uninfected males, the duration of harassment behavior also decreased). In the presence of males, 72-h female reproduction increased independent of infection status or SeNP treatment, but egg hatchability was reduced by male presence and SeNPs. This study documents a valuable example of symbiont-mediated resistance to entomotoxic nanoparticles.
Solutions and Drift Homogenization for a Class of Viscous Lake Equations in L2 (Ω)
Authors: Tong Maoting , Ton Daorong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we study solutions and drift homogenization for a class of viscous lake equations using the method of semigroups of bounded operators. Suppose that the initial value (t0,u0) ∈ U, i.e., u0 = u(t0), for some Hölder continuous function u on [0,T] with smooth function value u(t) ∈ DL2 (Ω)1/2 satisfying ∂jui = 0(i ≠ j) and b(x) ∈ C∞ (Ω). Then, the initial value problem for viscous lake equations has a unique smooth local strong solution. Using this result, we study the drift homogenization for the three-dimensional stationary Stokes equation in the usual sense, bDL2(Ω).
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 35Q30, 35B27; Secondary 76N10, 76M50, 47D06.
Characteristics of Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Predictors of Specialized Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Jessica Z. , Gargaro Judith , Dvorani Erind , Bayley Mark T. , Munce Sarah E. P. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disabling neurological condition that can cause substantial cognitive, behavioural, and physical health problems for the individual. Currently, it is a leading cause of death for Canadians. Rehabilitation (particularly specialized rehabilitation) has been shown to promote recovery in those with moderate-to-severe TBI, but not all eligible candidates receive it. We aim to 1) investigate demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI discharged to rehabilitation within 1-year post-injury over a 7-year period, and 2) identify predictors of discharge to specialized rehabilitation for these individuals.
Materials and Methods: Patient characteristics were examined by linking their unique health insurance number through databases. Predictors of specialized rehabilitation were determined using logistic regression models.
Results: Of 25,095 individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, 4,748 individuals were admitted to rehabilitation within 365 days of injury between years 2010/2011 and 2017/2018. Most individuals who were admitted to rehabilitation were 64 years old or older (60%). Majority were male (65.6%). The most common cause of injury was related to a fall (61.7%). 13.9% of individuals had a mental health condition at the time of TBI hospitalization. 72.1% were discharged directly to rehabilitation following acute discharge. Mean wait time to rehabilitation was 37.3 (±52.5) days. 7.2% were rehospitalized immediately following rehabilitation discharge. Younger age, male sex, and higher rurality were some significant predictors of receiving specialized rehabilitation. Repatriated patients were less likely to receive specialized rehabilitation.
Conclusion: This study identifies key healthcare utilization characteristics of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, as well as significant predictors of discharge to specialized rehabilitation for this population. We also highlight potential future research areas relating to these trends. This knowledge will be useful for policy planners and administrators who wish to improve patient access to care, appropriateness of care, and outcomes following moderate-to-severe TBI.
A Chinese Scoring System for Predicting Successful Retrograde Collateral Traverse in Patients with Total Chronic Coronary Occlusion
Authors: Li Qiuyu , Lin Xiao Long , Li Fan Qi , Cheng Zi Chao , Tian Jia Yu , Zhao Dong Hui , Lau Wayne Bond , Liu Jing Hua , Fan Qian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background Retrograde approach technique has been challenging in percutaneous coronary interventional treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) coronary disease. The present study endeavors to determine a novel Chinese scoring system for predicting successful collateral channels traverse via retrograde approach.
Methods The demographic characteristics and angiographic characteristics of 309 CTO patient were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysisfor selecting potential predictors. And the nomogram was used to establish the scoring system. Then it was evaluated by the internal and external validation.
Results The predictors of Age, Connections between collateral channels and recipient vessels, and Channel Tortuosity (ACT) were identified with multivariate analysis and employed to the ACT score system. With acceptable calibrations, the AUC of the scoring system and the external validation were 0.826 and 0.816 respectively. Based on score, the predictors were divided into three risk categories and it showed a consistent prediction power in the validation cohort.
Conclusions The novel Chinese ACT score is a reliable tool for predicting successful retrograde collateral traverse.
Isolation and characterization of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from rhizosphere of poplar in road verge and their antagonistic potential against various phytopathogens
Authors: Zeng Qingwei , Lushi Tang , Yu Zhang , Yu Shao , Wanting Wu , Jiangchuan Wang , Xiaolei Ding , Xuejiao Han , Bilal Muhammad 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can solubilize insoluble phosphate compounds and improve phosphate availability in soil. Road verges are important parts of urban landscaping, but the pupulation structure of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and their ecological functions in the road verge soil is still unclear.
Results
We isolated and identified the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from the rhizosphere of poplar in urban road verge to figure out the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria community and their functions in urban road verge soil. Their phosphate-solubilizing and antagonistic activities were evaluated. Twenty-one mineral phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and 14 organic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria were screened from the soil samples. All the mineral phosphate-solubilizing bacteria showed better solubilization to Ca3(PO4)2 than FePO4 or AlPO4. Among them, 7 strains showed high phosphate-solubilizing activities to Ca3(PO4)2 (150–453 mg/L). All the organic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria displayed weak solubilization to lecithin. 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis showed good species diversity of the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, which belongs to 12 genera: Bacillus, Cedecea, Cellulosimicrobium, Delftia, Ensifer, Paenibacillus, Pantoea, Phyllobacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium and Staphylococcus. Moreover, 8 strains showed various degrees of growth inhibition against the phytopathogens: Fusarium oxysporum S1, F. oxysporum S2、Pythium deliense Meurs Z4, Phomopsis sp. AC1 and Pectobacterium carotovorum TP1. The strain B. siamensis Mp4-Ha30 presented growth inhibition to all the five phytopathogens (FGI > 60%).
Conclusions
The results indicated that these PSB strains could perform multiple functions in maintaining ecosystems stability in road verge and provided potential microbial resources for the further research on biofertilizers and biocontrol agents.
Configuration Design and Kinematic Performance Analysis of a Novel 4-DOF Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Mechanism with Two Virtual Motion Centers
Authors: SONG Jingke , WEI Jun , YU Bin , LIU Chenglei , AI Cunjin , zhang jianjun 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Aiming at the problem that the existing ankle rehabilitation robot is difficult to fully fit the complex motion of human ankle joint and has poor human-machine motion compatibility, a equivalent series mechanism model which is highly matched with the actual bone structure of the human ankle joint is proposed and mapped into a parallel rehabilitation mechanism. And the parallel rehabilitation mechanism has two virtual motion centers(VMCs), which can simulate the complex motion of the ankle joint, adapt to the individual differences of various patients, and can meet the rehabilitation needs of both left and right feet of patients. Firstly, based on the motion properties and physiological structure of the human ankle joint, the mapping relationship between the rehabilitation mechanism and ankle joint is determined, and the series equivalent model of the ankle joint is established. According to the kinematic and constraint properties of the ankle equivalent model, the configuration design of the parallel ankle rehabilitation robot is carried out. Secondly, according to the intersecting motion planes theory, the full-cycle mobility of the mechanism is proved, and the continuous axis of the mechanism is judged based on the constraint power and its derivative. Then, the kinematics of the parallel ankle rehabilitation robot is analyzed. Finally, based on the OpenSim biomechanical software, a human-machine coupling rehabilitation simulation model is established to evaluate the rehabilitation effect, which lay the foundation for the formulation of a rehabilitation strategy for the later prototype.
Long-term physical activity and body composition after exercise and educational programs for breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial from the Setouchi Breast Project-10
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Kajiwara Yukiko , Kawada Kengo , Takabatake Daisuke , Miyoshi Yuichiro , Kubo Shinichiro , Suzuki Yoko , Yamamoto Mari , Ogasawara Yutaka , Hatono Minami , Yoshitomi Seiji , Hara Kyoko , Sasahara Asako , Ohsumi Shozo , Ikeda Masahiko , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Mizota Yuri , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Taira Naruto 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
It is unclear what interventions can sustain long-term higherphysical activity (PA) to improve breast cancer outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of interventions on PA after breast cancer treatment.
Methods
This was an open-label randomized controlled trial for patients with stage 0-III breast cancer evaluating the efficacy of exercise and educational programs on long-term PA compared with usual care. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients with recreational PA (RPA) ≥5 metabolic equivalents(METs)/week at 1 year after registration.
Results
From 01/03/2016 to 15/03/2020, breast cancer patients were registered in the control (n = 120), education (n = 121), or exercise (n = 115) group. There were no significant differences in proportion of RPA ≥5 METs/week at 1 year between the exercise and control groups (54% and 53%, P = 0.492) and between the education and control groups (62% and 53%, P = 0.126). Significant difference in reductions from baseline at 1 year were noted on body weight (P = 0.0083), BMI (P = 0.0034), and body fat percentage (P = 0.0027) between education and control groups. Similarly, the exercise group showed significant difference in reduction in body fat percentage (P = 0.0038) compared to control group.
Conclusions
Although there were no significant effects on RPA 1 year after exercise and educational programs for breast cancer survivors, both interventions reduced body composition. Future studies on PA should investigate appropriate interventions to improve overall survival.
Trial registration
UMIN000020595 at UMIN Clinical Trial Registry
Date of first registration: 01/03/2016
Characterization of welding fume and airborne heavy metals in electronic manufacturing workshops in Hangzhou, China: implication for occupational population exposure
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yu Jia-mian , Shan Xiao-Yue , Shao Ji , Ye Hai-peng 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Occupational exposure to contaminants created by electronic manufacturing process is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to carry out risk assessments of exposure to welding fume and airborne heavy metals (HMs) in electronic manufacturing workshops. Seventy-six air samples were collected from five sites in Hangzhou, China. In welding workshops, the most abundant contaminant found was welding fume, followed by Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr. The concentration of Mn was positively correlated with Fe (r = 0.906). When compared with non-welding workshops, the Fe content in the air of welding workshops increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the Cu content decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Singapore semi-quantitative health risk assessment model and EPA inhalation risk assessment model were applied to assess the occupational exposure. In welding workshops, the levels of 8h-TWA calculated for welding fume (range 0.288 ~ 6.281 mg/m3), Mn (range Nd ~ 0.829 mg/m3) and Fe (range 0.027 ~ 2.234 mg/m3) partly exceeded the permissible limits. While, in non-welding workshops, the average of 8h-TWA for Cu (0.411 mg/m3) was higher than the limit. The risk rates (RR) assessed for Pb (2.4 vs 1.7). Mn (2.0 vs 1.4) and Fe (1.4 vs 1.0) were higher in welding workshops than that in non-welding workshops, but Cu (1.0 vs 2.2) were lower. The mean excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) in welding (5.59E-06 per 1000 people) and non-welding (1.88E-06 per 1000 people) workshops were acceptable. The mean non-cancer risks (HQ) estimated for Mn was greater than 10 in both welding (HQ = 164) and non-welding (HQ = 11.1) workshops. These results indicate that there was a risk of occupational exposure implication in the electronic manufacturing workshops. It’s thus suggested reducing contaminant exposure through engineering controls and management strategies, such as efficient ventilation and reducing exposure hours.
Comparative ecotoxicity of graphene, functionalized multiwalled CNT and their mixture in freshwater microalgae, Scenedesmus obliquus: Analysing the role of oxidative stress
Authors: Das Soupam , Giri Sayani , Wadhwa Gaurav , Pulimi Mrudula , Anand Shalini , Chandrasekaran Natarajan , Johari Seyed Ali , Rai Pramod Kumar , Mukherjee Amitava 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Due to their remarkable properties, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) are increasing. These CNMs can enter the freshwater environment via numerous routes potentially exposing various organisms. The current study assesses the effects of graphene, f-MWCNTs, and their binary mixture on the freshwater algal species Scenedesmus obliquus. The concentration for the individual materials was kept at 1 mg L− 1, while for the mixture, both graphene and f-MWCNTs were taken at 0.5 mg L− 1each. Both the CNMs caused a decrease in cell viability, esterase activity, and photosynthetic efficiency in the cells. The cytotoxic effects were accompanied by an increase in hydroxyl and superoxide radical generation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Graphene was more toxic compared to f-MWCNTs. The binary mixture of the pollutants demonstrated a synergistic enhancement of the toxic potential. The oxidative stress generation played a critical role in toxicity responses, as noted by a strong correlation between the physiological parameters and the biomarkers of oxidative stress. The outcomes from this study emphasize the significance of considering the combined effects of various CNMs as part of a thorough evaluation of ecotoxicity in freshwater organisms.
Xylanolytic Biotechnological Applications of Extracellular Xylanase Isolated from Marine Bacillus Subtilis AKM1
Authors: Mahmoud Aya K. , Elhakim Heba K. A. , Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Mohamed Sahar S. , Selim Manal S. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Xylanase enzyme from marine bacteria was investigated for production improvement and studying its effect on agriculture wastes for use in biotechnological applications. By identification of the selective strain by using 16SRNA, the isolate was a new strain called Bacillus Subtilis AKM1 and has the accession number MK377251. The optimum culture conditions for xylanase production were as follows: incubation period (48 hrs.), initial pH (7.0), agitation speed (100 rpm), and incubation temperature(40°C). After purification, xylanase showed maximal activity at pH 7.0 and 50 °C. Metal ions such as Mn2+, Ca2+, and Fe2+ increased the residual activity by increasing the concentration, while Ag+, SDS, and EDTA completely inhibited the activity at higher concentrations. the molecular weight was 34 KDa, Km 0.044 mM, and Vmax 22.222. Xylooligosaccharides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using the purified xylanase showed antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-tumor activity against breast and colon cancer cells.