bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Intravesical Stent Length and Propiverine on Ureteral Stent Related Symptoms – Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Can Osman , Erkoç Mustafa , Danış Eyyüp , Bozkurt Muammer , Otunctemur Alper , Canat Lutfi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background Ureteral double J stents are widely utilized in urolithiasis. Disturbing stent-related symptoms may occur while the stent is in location. Various medical agents and stent related solutions were examined for this problem. However, the definite drug has still not been found. We aimed to research the effect of propiverine on stent-related symptoms.
Method Patients who underwent ureteroscopic stone surgery between June 2020 and May 2022 were included in the study. While the control group was untreated, the treatment group received 45 mg of propiverine daily after 1 week of the operation. Stent-related symptoms were assessed by USSQ at the end of 1st week and 3rd week of surgery. In addition, the intravesical stent parts of all patients were quantitatively measured with a ruler during stent removal at the end of 3 weeks.
Results A total of 177 patients were assessed in the study. Eighty-seven of patient were control and 90 patients of them were treatment group. According to USSQ, urinary symptoms scores, body pain scores, general health scores, work performance scores, sexual health scores, additional problem scores, global QoL scores were found decreased in the treatment group (p<0.001 All domains). Intravesical stent length was found positive correlation with urinary symptom score (1st week) of all patients.
Conclusion Stent-related symptoms are more likely in patients with longer intravesical stent length. Propiverine successfully relieve stent-related symptoms.
Mass transfer impedance of microfluidic electrochemical chips: a semianalytical model
Authors: Chevalier Stéphane , Garcia Marine , Sommier Alain , Batsale Jean-Christophe 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we report a semianalytical model for the mass transfer impedance of a microfluidic electrochemical chip (MEC). The model is based on the molar advection--diffusion equation for a microfluidic channel with a Poiseuille flow and an electrochemical reaction at the interface of deposited electrodes. Fourier--Laplace integral transforms and the quadrupole formalism are used to obtain a solution to these equations, and the three-dimensional (3D) transient concentration and current density fields are computed. This solution is validated by in-operando concentration fields measured by a visible spectroscopic imaging technique, and several equivalent electrical circuits are proposed to model mass transfer in MECs. The proposed method is the fastest way to compute the 3D transient mass transfer impedance, which can be used for a large variety of applications, such as MEC-based cytometry measurements or to predict the current density in a fuel cell.
Developing and validating a Japanese version of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Asano Michiko 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Weight bias internalization (WBI) is significantly associated with negative physiological and psychological consequences. Given its negative effects, appropriate measurement of WBI is required for weight management and mental and physical health in people with weight problems. One of the most reliable and frequently used questionnaires to assess WBI isthe Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). However, a Japanese version of the WSSQ has not yet been developed. Thus, the current study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the WSSQ (WSSQ-J) and validate its psychometric properties in the Japanese context.
Methods: A total of 1454 Japanese participants (age 34.44 ± 6.92; male = 498) completed an online survey for the WSSQ-J. The internal consistency of the WSSQ-J was estimated by calculating the Cronbach’s α. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then carried out to confirm that the factor structure of the WSSQ-J was the same as that of the subscales of the original WSSQ.
Results: The WSSQ-J had a Cronbach’s α of 0.917, indicating good internal consistency. In CFA, the comparative fit index was 0.945, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.085, and the standardized root mean square residual was 0.040, indicating that the two-factor model showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit.
Conclusion: This study replicated the original findings related to the WSSQ, showing that the WSSQ-J is a reliable WBI questionnaire consisting of two factors. Therefore, the WSSQ-J would be a reliable tool for assessing WBI among Japanese.
Effect of Drying Methods and Variety on the Chemical Composition, Functional and Microbial Properties of Date Flour
Authors: Ekpo Ujong Anim , Tamuno Emelike Nkechi Juliet , Awajikatelem Ofiks 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The effect of three drying methods (sun, hot air oven and cabinet drier) on the chemical, functional and microbial properties of date flour was comparatively studied. The flesh of the two date varieties (amber and sukkari) were washed, dried at 65oC, milled and sieved to obtain fine flour, and thereafter analyzed. Proximate analysis revealed that hot air oven-dried amber date powder exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher ash (2.64%), fat (5.35%), crude protein (10.50%), crude fibre (8.57%) while cabinet dried amber date exhibited the highest sugar (0.125%) and vitamin C (0.024mg/100g) content. Oven-dried amber date powder exhibited higher water absorption (1.10ml/g) and solubility (66.60%). Microbial analysis showed that hot air oven-dried amber and sukaari dates had the lowest total viable count (1.19×105g/CFU/ml and 9.45×104g/CFU/ml, respectively). Thus, the results suggest that hot air oven drying can be appropriately used to obtain date flour with good functionality, microbial property and chemical composition.
Study of interference fit between steel and brass parts
Authors: Loc Nguyen Huu , Phong Lam Vi 
Published: October 2022

Interference fits are generally used in mechanical systems because they have low-cost production and their assembly parts are much smaller than other mechanical joints. Also, their geometric shapes and material properties allow technicians to actively determine how strong the fits are. In this study, let’s present research on interference fits between steel and brass assembly parts. The experimental processes were accomplished with five pairs of specimens to evaluate the behaviours of surface asperities under a high loading condition. Specifically, the specimen pair includes a C45 steel shaft and a C2680 brass hub, which have different surface roughness values (Ra). Let’s apply high-precision methods in measuring all dimensional parameters and employed axial load tests for distinctively inspecting the steel-brass interference fit performance. In every experiment, the measured responses are:
1) the surface roughness values (Ra) before and after loading cycles;
2) the axial load (Fa);
3) the relative displacement value or the real-time interface length in loading stages (l).
The aim of this study is to propose a new relative interference value specifically between steel and brass assembly parts, which can help determine the interference loss value more accurately. It was not concluded that with the relative interference of 2.25 ‰ the load capability of steel-brass interference fits is extended. Besides, let’s narrow down the predictive loss coefficient (a) for steel-brass interference assemblies ranging from 1.1 to 2.1, which varies from widely used standards considering a=3. This result helps minimize inaccuracies in interference fit designs, calculations, and work capabilities.
Clinical and molecular features of virus-induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseas
Authors: Shpagina L. A. , Kotova O. S. , Shpagin I. S. , Gerasimenko D. A. , Kuznetsova G. V. , Karmanovskaya S. A. , Loktin E. M. , Rukavitsyna A. A. , Anikina E. V. , Kamneva N. V. , Likhenko-Logvinenko K. V. 
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Inflammation in viral-induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not studied enough.The aim was to establish molecular pattern of inflammation in viral-induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in comparison with bacterial AECOPD and to reveal associations with AECOPD phenotype and subsequent COPD progression.Materials and methods. Subjects hospitalized with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) of which 60 were viral, 60 were bacterial and 60 were viral-bacterial were recruited to single center prospective (52 weeks) cohort study. Control group – 30 healthy people. COPD were diagnosed previously during stable phase of the disease according to spirographic criteria. Viral AECOPD were confirmed by detection of RNA of influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bacterial AECOPD were confirmed by sputum/BALF neutrophilia or elevated blood procalcitonin levels or by detecting bacteria by standard culture method. Plasma concentrations of cytokines, fibrotic markers, enzymes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plasma fibrinogen – by Clauss method. Complex lung function investigation, Dopplerechocardiography, subsequent AECOPD assessment were done. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square test were used to compare groups, Cox regression and linear regression – to explore relationships.Results. Viral AECOPD were characterized by highest plasma concentrations of Eosinophilic cationic protein (62,3 (52,4; 71,0) ng/ml)), interleukin-5 (IL-5) (11,3 (8,4; 15,9) pg/ml), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) (10,4 (6,2; 14,9) pg/ml), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (922,4 (875,7; 953,8) pg/ml), hyaluronic acid (185,4 (172,8; 196,3) ng/ml), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) (249,2 (225,1; 263,7) ng/ml), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) (235,2 (208,6; 254,9) pg/ml). Levels of IL-5 during AE COPD was the predictor of FEV1, bronchodilation coefficient, subsequent exacerbations at remote period, fibrinogen was associated with FEV1, PIIINP and FGF-2 with DLco, PaO2, mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), exacerbations, MMP-1 – with mPAP.Conclusions. In virus-induced AECOPD inflammation pattern differed from those in bacterial one and associated with AECOPD phenotype and COPD phenotype at the stable phase.
Cough: some aspects of pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Chikina S. Yu. 
Published: October 2022

This article is a literature review on the management of patients with acute cough. The classification of cough, the main causes of acute and subacute cough, the current view on the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic cough are presented. Cough is an important protective mechanism, but in acute and chronic diseases of the bronchopulmonary system cough significantly reduces the quality of life and causes numerous complications. The most common cause of acute and subacute cough is respiratory viruses. Chronic cough is currently explained by the theory of cough hypersensitivity, according to which chronic refractory cough is the result of hypersensitivity of the cough receptors. Before the cause of chronic cough is identified, and when treating patients with acute and subacute cough, symptomatic therapy with cough suppressants that eliminate increased cough reflex activity to normal levels regardless of cough etiology, although not affecting the pathophysiological mechanisms of cough, or with combined drugs with suppressant and expectorant effects, is often required. Peripheral suppressants reduce the activity of peripheral cough receptors of the upper airway mucosa by softening, moistening and enveloping. Central cough suppressants include butamirate. Central non-narcotic cough suppressants in various combinations with muco- and bronchodilators and antihistamines form part of many anti-cough medicines. Butamirate has a non-specific anticholinergic and therefore bronchodilator effect. This article presents a review of clinical studies on the efficacy of butamirate.
Trend analysis of historical and future precipitation projections over a diverse topographic region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using SDSM
Authors: Rahman Ghani , Rahman Atta-ur , Munawar Saira , Moazzam Muhammad Farhan Ul , Dawood Muhammad , Miandad Muhammad , Panezai Sanaullah 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study focuses on the spatio-temporal analysis of rainfall variability, trend patterns, and projected changes using GCM CCSM4 for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The historical rainfall variability (1971–2018), trend, and magnitude were assessed using Mann–Kendall and Spearman's Rho. In addition, to downscale GCMs data of precipitation at the regional level of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the SDSM conditional sub-model was applied. The monthly Mann–Kendall and Spearman's Rho trend test results revealed that most of the meteorological stations located in the northeastern mountains recorded a decreasing trend while Parachinar observed an increasing trend in almost all months except December. The trend results for seasonal rainfall showed a decreasing trend in winter, spring, and summer in the north and northeastern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereas an increasing trend was observed in all seasons at Parachinar. The RCP4.5 projections depicted an increase in precipitation especially in the monsoon-dominating regions in comparison to the western disturbances, while decreasing rainfall projection was observed in RCP8.5. The projections for the summer and winter seasons depicted an increasing trend until the mid-century but in the latter half, a decline is registered. Such seasonal changes may initially cause flooding followed by drought, which calls for effective water management strategies.
Assessment of CMIP6 models’ performances and projection of precipitation based on SSP scenarios over the MENAP region
Authors: Mesgari Ebrahim , Hosseini Seyed Asaad , Hemmesy Maliheh Sadat , Houshyar Mahmoud , Partoo Leila Golzari 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Precipitation is the main component of the hydrological cycle. It has a significant effect on the ecosystem especially, irrigation and drainage system design and management, crop production, and flood and drought management. In this study, 11 global circulation models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) were investigated under three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios for precipitation simulation and projection in the future period (2021–2050). Then, the results were compared with the base period (1985–2014). The research was conducted in the MENAP region. The evaluation of GCMs’ performances by the Taylor diagram, R2, MSE, MAE, and RMSE indices showed that among the 11 models, the MPI-ESM1-2-HR model with an average R2 and RMSE of 0.6 and 18.9, respectively, was more accurate than other models in precipitation simulation in the entire region. The projection of precipitation indicated that the precipitation will mainly decrease except in areas such as the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Red Sea coastal areas as well as mountainous and higher altitude regions in the eastern part of the study area. In addition, highest decrease rates will happen in the Middle East countries, Afghanistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Sudan. Based on different scenarios in the MENAP region, precipitation will vary between −77.3 and + 51.1 mm compared to the base period. Moreover, the lowest and highest precipitation changes were estimated based on SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. According to the various scenarios, the amount of precipitation in the future period will decrease compared to the historical period in most parts of the areas under study.
Cytocidal activities of hiv-1 vpr and saclp peptides bioassayed in yeast
Authors: Macreadie I. G. , Kirkpatrick 'A. , Strike 'P. M. , Azad A. A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract:
Vpr is a protein of HIV-1 whose function in viral replication has been uncertain. In this study we have determined that Vpr peptides containing the amino acid sequence HFRIGCRHSRIG are cytocidal when added externally to yeast cells in water, but not salt solutions. For the most effective toxicity, HFRIGCRHSRIG should be surrounded on each side by about eight amino acids from the native sequence. A peptide from the most similar cellular protein, Saclp, also exhibited toxicity but at a five-fold weaker level.
CNBR-induced formation of tryptathionine in proteins
Authors: Sparrow L.G. , Robinson C.P. , Kirkpatrick A. , Rivett D.E. , Gorman J.J. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract:
Cleavage of peptide bonds at methionine using cyanogen bromide under acid conditions is widely used in structural studies of proteins. Here we report a novel reaction in which a cross-link, tryptathionine, involving tryptophan and cysteine, may be introduced into certain proteins through the action of cyanogen bromide under acidic conditions. The reaction has been demonstrated both with free cysteine and with cysteine-containing peptides.
FMOC-and NSC-groups as a base labile n(a)-amino protection: a comparative study in the automated SPPS
Authors: Samukov Vladimir V. , Sabirov Aydar N. , Kim Young-Deug , Kim Hack-Joo 
Published: October 2022

Abstract:
Base-labile 2-(4-nitrophenylsulfonyl)ethoxycarbonyl (Nsc) and 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) groups are compared as a temporary N(a)-amino protection in the automated SPPS ofIFN-a2(130-137), ACP(65-74) and ACTH(l-24) on MilliGen 9050+ PepSynthesizer™. The syntheses were performed on PEG-PS and Wang PS resins using standard BOP/DlEA protocol with some modifications. HPLC profiles of the crude peptides and isolated yields resulted from both Nsc and Fmoc assemblies were almost identical for the three test peptides.
Identification of an esterase from bacillus acidocaldarius with sequence similarity to a hormone sensitive lipase subfamily
Authors: Rossi Mos , Manco Giuseppe , Adinolti Elena , Pisani Francesca M. , Carratore Vitale 
Published: October 2022

Abstract:
We purified an esterase from Bacillus acidocaldarius whose NH2-terminal sequence corresponds to an open reading frame (ORF) previously reported to show homology with the mammalian hormone sensitive lipase (HSL)-like subgroup of the esterase/lipase family. The enzyme displays esterase but not lipase activity. For this enzyme we predicted the w',8-hydrolase topological fold common to several esterases and lipases and identified Ser 155, Asp 252 and His 282 as the putative members of the catalytic triad.
High-level expression and efficient purification of the antimicrobial peptide gaegurin 4 in e. coli
Authors: Lee Byeong Jae , Kim Jiyoung , Park Jin Mo 
Published: October 2022

Abstract:
Gaegurin 4 (GGN4), an antimicrobial peptide isolated from Rana rugosa skin, was expressed in Escherichia coli as a form of inactive glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion polypeptide. Recombinant GGN4 was obtained by enzymatic and chemical processing of the fusion protein and purification of the processed products by affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 2.2 mg of biologically active recombinant GGN4 was obtained from 7 liters of E. coli culture. .This strategy may be applied to preparation of other recombinant peptides which cause host cell toxicity.
Purification and crystallization of a 2,3- dihydroxybiphenyl dioxygenase ETBC from rhodococcus	sp. strain	rhal
Authors: Mitsui Yukio , Sugimoto Keisuke , Yamada Takahiro , Hauschild James E. , Senda Toshiya , Masai Eiji , Fukuda Masao 
Published: October 2022

Abstract:
Crystals have been obtained for a 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl dioxygenase (conventionally called EtbC) from a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-degrader,Rhodococcus sp. strain RHAI. The crystals were grown using PEG400 as a precipitating agent. The crystals belonged to a tetragonal space group (f 4) and diffracted to 2.6A.
Lack of Benefit of High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy as Ceiling of Treatment for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonitis in Elderly Frail Patients: A Single Centre Observational Study
Authors: Merchant Fatema , Mavilakandy Akash , Virk Harvinder S. , Khan Sajid , Tsaknis Georgios , Naeem Muhammad , Mallik Srikumar , Datson Kirsty , Reddy Raja 
Published: October 2022

Background:
Severe COVID-19 pneumonitis in elderly frail patients is associated with poor outcomes, and therefore invasive mechanical ventilation is often deemed an inappropriate course of action. Some evidence suggests high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) may prevent the need for invasive ventilation in other groups of patients, but whether it is an appropriate ceiling of care for older frail patients is unknown.

Methods:
We retrospectively identified patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonitis requiring FiO2>60% who were deemed inappropriate for invasive ventilation or non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP). Our local protocol based on national guidance suggested these patients should be considered for HFNO. We observed whether the patients received HFNO or standard oxygen therapy (SOT) and compared mortality and survival time in these groups.

Results:
We identified 81 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. From this group, 24 received HFNO and 57 received SOT. The HFNO group was similar in age, BMI and co-morbidities to the SOT group but less frail, as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). All 24 patients that received HFNO died in comparison to 46 patients (80.7%) in the SOT group. Mortality in the HFNO group was significantly higher than in the SOT group.

Conclusion:
Elderly frail patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonitis deemed inappropriate for invasive ventilation and did not benefit from HFNO. Further, HFNO may have been associated with harm in this group.
The Effectiveness of Patient Training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Knowledge via Instagram: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Blunck Dominik , Kastner Lena , Nissen Michael , Winkler Jacqueline 
Published: October 2022

Background
Patients’ knowledge was found to be a key contributor to the success of therapy. Many efforts have been made to educate patients in their disease. However, research found that many patients still lack knowledge regarding their disease. Integrating patient education into social media platforms can bring materials closer to recipients.

Objective
The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of patient education via Instagram.

Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the effectiveness of patient education via Instagram among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Participants were recruited online from the open Instagram page of a patient organization. The intervention group was educated via Instagram for 5 weeks by the research team; the control group did not receive any educational intervention. The knowledge about their disease was measured pre- and postintervention using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Knowledge questionnaire. Data were analyzed by comparing mean knowledge scores and by regression analysis. The trial was purely web based.

Results
In total, 49 participants filled out both questionnaires. The intervention group included 25 participants, and the control group included 24 participants. The preintervention knowledge level of the intervention group was reflected as a score of 18.67 out of 24 points; this improved by 3 points to 21.67 postintervention. The postintervention difference between the control and intervention groups was 3.59 points and was statistically significant (t32.88=–4.56, 95% CI 1.98-5.19; P<.001). Results of the regression analysis, accounting for preintervention knowledge and group heterogeneity, indicated an increase of 3.33 points that was explained by the intervention (P<.001).

Conclusions
Patient education via Instagram is an effective way to increase disease-related knowledge. Future studies are needed to assess the effects in other conditions and to compare different means of patient education.

Trial Registration
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00022935; https://tinyurl.com/bed4bzvh