bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Utility of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament and the Timed Vibration Test in the Prediction of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: O’Brien Todd , Karem Joseph 
Published: March 2022

Background: Neurologic screening tests are often used to identify and stratify patients at risk for diabetic foot complications such as infections, ulcers, and amputations. Two of the most commonly cited methods are the 5.07 Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) for loss of protective sensation and vibratory sensation testing. The aim of this study was to determine whether combined SWM and the timed vibration test (TVT) more effectively predicts diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) development compared with each test alone.
Methods: An electronic medical record database search was performed restricted to podiatric medical clinic patients with diabetes and DFU ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Of 200 patients who met the criteria, 24 developed DFUs. A statistical analysis was performed comparing the SWM and TVT at various cutoff times and the combined SWM/TVT in their ability to predict DFUs.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the TVT cutoff time of less than 4 sec was superior to the other times for prediction of DFUs. The combined SWM/TVT results at less than 4 sec were superior to each test individually: sensitivity, 87.5%; specificity, 84.7%; positive predictive value, 43.8%; and receiver operating characteristics area under the curve, 0.86.
Conclusions: The SWM combined with TVT was shown to be superior compared with either test alone in discriminating DFU risk. In addition, the TVT cutoff time of less than 4 sec proved to have greater diagnostic yield than other times, including 0 sec. This unexpected finding might impact providers relying on the absence of vibration sensation via tuning fork testing as an optimal marker of DFU risk.
Analysis of Movements in Spinal Cord Hemisection Treatment with Amniotic Membrane – Preclinical Study
Authors: Neves M. F. , Fonseca J. L. R. , Carvalho P. C. S. , Pereira A. P. C. , Polisel E. H. P. , Pröglhöf S. M. P. , Sant´Anna L. B. , Lima M. O. , Arisawa E. A. L. 
Published: March 2022

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Amniotic Membrane application in rats with Spinal Cord Injury induced by transverse hemisection using kinematic analysis and Sciatic Functional Index.
Study design: True experimental research design.
Place and Duration of Study: Instiuto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D) of Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP), between September 2016 and December 2017.
Methodology: Fifteen adult male rats were used, allocated into three equal groups: Control (the spinal cord injury and Amniotic Membrane application were simulated), Lesion (spinal cord injury not treated), Amniotic membrane (spinal cord injury treated by amniotic membrane). All animals underwent surgical procedures. A transverse hemisection was performed in groups Lesion and Amniotic Membrene. A fragment of the biomaterial was applied in group AM covering the hemisection area.
Results: Sciatic Functional Index and motion analysis were performed by comparing images taken at pre- and postoperative time at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The kinematic analysis showed a significant difference between groups Control and Lesion at 7 days (p = 0.023) and 14 days (p = 0.015), and between groups Lesion and Amniotic Membrane at 14 days (p = 0.039), comparing the postoperative periods. The Sciatic Functional Index revealed significant differences between Groups Control and Lesion at 7 (p = -0.002), 14 (p = 0.003), and 21 days (p = 0.009), between Groups Control and Amniotic Membrane at 7 (p = 0.014), 14 (p = 0.007), and 28 days (p = 0; 013), and between Groups Lesion and Amniotic Membrane only at 14 days (p = 0.039).
Conclusion: Application of amniotic membrane in spinal cord hemisection in rats induced gait recovery and improvement in SFI compared to the untreated group.
Difference in Academic Performance of Medical Students in Biochemistry: An Analysis Based on Gender and Place of Residence
Authors: Mai Cing Jap , Suryowati Trini , Nunu Prihantini Nur , Alfarabi Muhammad , Rahmawati Fri , Sri Sunarti Lusia , Erwin Siagian Forman , Maulidya Sunandar Zyachra 
Published: March 2022

Aims: Due to the complexity of teaching new subjects to medical freshmen, especially in basic medical science, and the variability of the academic performance, we want to explore the difference of our student’s Biochemistry examination score based on their gender and place of residence.
Methods: This is a simple retrospective cross sectional study by analyzing the examination result and compared it based on our student’s gender (male or female) and place of residence (living in their own house or in boarding house).
Result and Discussion: During data collection, there are 913 active students from all class of 2016-2021 but only 569 freshmen from the class of 2018-2021 which gender and place of residence data are available, there are 155 male (27.24%) and 414 female (72.75%). Female students achieved better mean score compared to their male counterparts. Students which live in their own house also achieved better mean score compared to those who lived in boarding house.
Conclusion: there are differences in the achievement of examination scores based on student’s gender and place of residence.
Hysterosalpingography Findings among Women Presenting for Infertility Evaluation in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria
Authors: Kiridi E. K. , Oriji P. C. , Ugwoegbu J. U. , Abasi I. J. 
Published: March 2022

Background: Hysterosalpingography is an investigative modality used in the evaluation of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and adjacent peritoneal cavity following the injection of contrast material through the cervical canal.
Objective: To determine the pattern of pathologies seen in infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingography.
Materials and Methods: This prospective research was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, from January to July, 2021. Hysterosalpingography was done for 350 infertile women, after obtaining written informed consent. Data were entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.
Results: The most common tubal finding was blockage; 7 in 10 (71.7%) women had at least one blocked tube. One hundred and nine (31.1%) had both tubes blocked, the left tube was blocked in seventy-nine (22.6%), while the right tube was affected in sixty-three (18.0%) women. Hydrosalpinx affected the right, left and both tubes in 20 (5.7%), 8 (2.3%) and 4 (1.1%) women respectively. Uterine findings were fibroids (21.1%), intrauterine adhesion (3.4%) bicornuate uterus (0.9%) and adenomyosis (1.1%).
Conclusion: This study revealed a high incidence of tubal blockage in the women being evaluated for infertility. The plausible reason for this observation may be due to post-abortion sepsis and pelvic inflammatory disease that may have arisen from induced abortion, as observed in our study. Hysterosalpingography remains a very crucial investigative modality that plays a central role in the evaluation of infertile women.
Assessing the Utility of Actual Proliferation Index Measured by Expression of ‘Agnor and Ki-67’ in Histopathologically Negative Surgical Margins of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma as a Modality for Prediction of Recurrence
Authors: Gawande Madhuri , Chaudhary Minal 
Published: March 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is most common malignancy of head and neck which is the major cause of death. Recurrence is the major important prognostic factor in the survival of patients and tumor stage, degree of differentiation of neoplastic cells, pN stage resected margins, and lymphovascular invasion are the factors for recurrence. The rate of recurrence varies from 18 to76% for patients who underwent standard treatment. Histological assessment of surgical margins has a major role to predict the recurrence. But in spite of negative histological surgical margins recurrence rate is high, as there are genetic alterations in these margins which are not detected by routine histopathlogy. Even when surgical margins are free histopathologically the local recurrence rate is 10 to 30 percent.
That’s why molecular evaluation of these margins should be done. Many immunohistochemical studies are done to assess surgical margins of OSCC but no study is carried out to assess the proliferative index in surgical margins. Therefore this study will help to improve management and predict the recurrence of OSCC.
Objectives: In this study we aim to assess the utility of “actual proliferation index” measured by expression of “Agnor” and “Ki-67” in histopathologically negative “surgical margins” of “oral sqaumous cell carcinoma” as a modality for prediction of recurrence.
Methodology: The resected surgical margins of the oral squamous cell carcinoma cases which are operated in Sharad Pawar dental college will be selected as samples. The anterior, posterior, inferior and superior margin of resected specimens will be stained by H&E staining. Immunohistochemical staining by ki-67 antibody will be done in the negative histopathological surgical margins. The same sections will be stained with AgNOR staining. Both sections will be evaluated. Actual proliferative index will be calculated with the given formula
Ki67 Labeling Index: Ki67 L1= “Number of Ki67 positive cells” x 100
Total number of tumor cells observed
“Actual Proliferative Index (PI)” = “ Ki-67” or MIB-1 LI × AgNOR count ’
Recurrence of tumor will be observed during first two years period after surgical procedure.
Expected Results: The “actual proliferative index” calculated by “Ki-67 labelling index” and “AgNOR count expression in histopathologically” negative surgical margins of OSCC will be more in recurrence patients as compared to patients who do not have recurrence.
Conclusion: The API values measured by assessing the Agnor and Ki67 expression, in histopathological negative surgical margins of OSCC will be compared between with values of patient with recurrence.
Frequency of Different Clinical Presentations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sandeelo Nabiya , Ali Gohar , Memon Muhammad Yahya , Bukhari Syeda Iffat , Bano Saliha , Talib Abu , Ali Shah Syed Zulfiquar , Kanwal . 
Published: March 2022

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder presenting with manifestations from various organ systems.
Objective: To determine the frequency of clinical presentations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at tertiary care hospital
Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted during 21st October 2018 to 20th April 2019 in the Department of Medicine Civil Hospital Karachi. Total 143 diagnosed patients were included. All patients were evaluated for the initial clinical manifestations including clinical investigations at presentation, Ocular, Mucocutaneous, Pulmonary, Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal, Hematological, Renal, Neuro Psychiatric, Gynaecological. Descriptive statistics were calculated and stratification was done. Post stratification chi square test was applied. p value≤0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: There were 18.9% male and 81.1% female patient. Mean age was 32.36±9.92 years. Mean SLE duration was 8.16±2.22 months. 79.7% were married and 20.3% were unmarried. In this study among major findings, 52.4% patients were found with fever, 79% with fatigue, 79.7% with arthralgia, 66.4% with weakness, 71.3% with body ache, 35.7% with decreased appetite, 40.6% with headache, 60.1% with photosensitivity, 67.1% with malar rash, 67.1% with alopecia, 60.8% with oral ulcer, 52.4% with Raynaud’s phenomenon, 52.4% with nausea/vomiting, 33.6% with diarrhea, 31.5% with arthritis, 37.1% with muscle atrophy, 35.7% with osteoporotic fractures, 38.5% with hemolytic anemia.
Conclusion: In this study, majority of patients presented with combination of fever, fatigue, arthralgia, weakness, body ache, photosensitivity, and malar rash.
Approaching Practically Accessible and Environmentally Adaptive Sodium Metal Batteries with High Loading Cathodes through In Situ Interlock Interface
Authors: Zhou Ya‐Nan , Xiao Zichun , Han Duzhao , Yang Lianping , Zhang Jiyong , Tang Wei , Shu Chengyong , Peng Chengxin , Zhou Dezhong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFast‐charging and high‐energy‐density solid‐state sodium metal batteries (SMBs) working under harsh temperatures are in urgent demand for the state‐of‐the‐art secondary batteries. However, the unmatched interfacial contact and temperature‐limited ionic conductivity still impede SMBs from authentic commercialization. Constructing a 3D ion diffusion channel through in situ interlock interfaces can effectively address these bottlenecks. Herein, an in situ cured gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is developed by introducing trihydroxymethylpropyl triacrylate (TMPTA) into conventional electrolytes. The as‐prepared GPE can generate superior 3D ionic conductive networks in the cathodes with high ionic conductivity at universal temperatures (0–60 °C) and a wide working potential, which successfully pairs with the high‐voltage cathodes with ultrahigh loads of 13.01 mg cm−1 to develop a practical solid‐state battery. Furthermore, as deciphered by in‐depth X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the flexible solid electrolyte interphase layer is stable enough to prevent sodium metal from the corrosion of the electrolyte and the formation of sodium dendrites. Benefitting from this “two‐in‐one” effect, solid‐state SMBs with the in situ GPE exhibit an excellent long‐term cycling stability at 60 °C with a capacity retention of 80% after 1000 cycles at 1 C, and superior temperature adaptability even at 0 °C with a rate capacity retention of 90% at 1 C compared with that at 0.1 C.
Poly‐γ‐Glutamic Acid Microgel‐Encapsulated Probiotics with Gastric Acid Resistance and Smart Inflammatory Factor Targeted Delivery Performance to Ameliorate Colitis
Authors: Wang Rui , Guo Kun , zhang Weijie , He Yineng , Yang Kai , Chen Qian , Yang Liang , Di Zhengao , Qiu Jiangkai , Lei Peng , Gu Yian , Luo Zhengshan , Xu Xiaoqi , Xu Zongqi , Feng Xiaohai , Li Sha , Yu Ziyi , Xu Hong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHydrogel microspheres with probiotic‐loaded therapy have been considered an effective and safe strategy for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the low survival rate under harsh stomach conditions and inflam‐matory cytokine target release efficiency remains a major challenge for their application. Herein, a novel NO‐responsive poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) hydrogel microcapsule (NRPM) strategy based on a droplet microfluidic technology platform is proposed. Accordingly, highly uniform microspheres with high cell densities (6.0 × 108 cells mL−1) and a wide range of diameters (100–600 μm) are produced, which are critical for realizing accurate down‐stream evaluation and applications. Owing to the cytoprotective effects of the NRPM, the decorated probiotics showed high viability in the simulated gastric (89.67%) and intestinal (93.67%) fluid environments, while the data are 0% and 61.60% for free cells, respectively. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that microspheres can respond to nitric oxide (NO) stimuli and rapidly release probiotics to maintain the intestinal mechanical barrier and regulate the balance of intestinal flora. Consequently, NRPM significantly increases the treatment efficacy against dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in a mouse model. The results demonstrate that NRPM is a promising approach for improving the efficacy of orally administered probiotics in patients with colonic IBD.
Pistia‐Inspired Photothermal Fabric based on Waste Carbon Fiber for Low‐Cost Vapor Generation: An Industrialization Route
Authors: Wang Jiang , Shi Qianqian , Li Chaojing , Zhang Yuze , Du Shiyi , Mao Jifu , Wang Jun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe industrial production of solar‐steaming materials is an essential part of the wide promotion of solar‐driven desalination technology. However, balancing the cost and freshwater yield constitutes a constant challenge. To solve these problems, discrete waste carbon fibers are assembled into an extensible and compressible yarn and further prepared for a fabric evaporator to achieve solar steam generation by two main textile technologies: blended yarn spinning and multibeam weaving. To improve the evaporation efficiency of the photothermal device, a bionic fabric structure resembling the aquatic plant Pistia is designed to reduce heat loss and increase material utilization. Assisted by the porous structure and gradient capillary effect of the evaporator, the performance is maximized by setting the photothermal part 3.2 cm above the water, improving evaporation efficiency from 52.70% in the original state to 88.70% under one sun (1 kW m−2). Combined with the low‐cost of waste carbon fiber and mature textile technologies, the overall raw material cost of the device is reduced to USD 3.54 per m2, which is anticipated that this study offers new possibilities for a cost‐effective, industrialized solar‐driven steam generation route.
Low‐Oxidized Siloxene Nanosheets with High Capacity, Capacity Retention, and Rate Capability in Lithium‐Based Batteries
Authors: Arnot David J. , Li Wenzao , Bock David C. , Stackhouse Chavis A. , Tong Xiao , Head Ashley R. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Yan Shan , Wang Lei , Marschilok Amy C. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe mechanical degradation experienced by Si electrodes during Li (de)alloying reactions can potentially be mitigated by using Si‐based materials with layered 2D geometries. Such materials are expected to exhibit favorable mechanical properties and be capable of buffering the volume change associated with (de)lithitation. In this work, 2D siloxene nanosheets are synthesized using a facile topotactic reaction followed by ultrasonication as an exfoliation step. Detailed structural and chemical characterization via electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy is conducted, revealing a low‐oxidized siloxene nanosheet material with only 15% surface Si‐oxide. The obtained siloxene nanosheets are tested as Li‐ion negative electrodes in lithium‐based electrochemical cells. The cells exhibit high rate capability with a capacity of 935 mAh g–1 at 3200 mA g–1 and ≈99.5% coulombic efficiency. The inclusion of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in the electrolyte improves capacity retention over 200 cycles from 13% to 77% at 1000 mA g–1. This behavior is attributed to the FEC decomposition forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with higher ion conductivity and robust LiF/LixPOyFz content, as characterized via XPS Raman spectroscopy.
Novel, High‐Resolution, Subtractive Photoresist Formulations for 3D Direct Laser Writing Based on Cyclic Ketene Acetals
Authors: Carlotti Marco , Tricinci Omar , Mattoli Virgilio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDirect laser writing (DLW) is an innovative technology based on two‐photon polymerization processes which allow the 3D printing of architectures with arbitrary complexity at the (sub)micrometer scale. While most of the research interest in this field relies on additive manufacturing, subtractive approaches can be extremely helpful in nano/microfabrication, allowing the preparation of expendable scaffolds, replaceable parts, and for the protection of fragile structures. In this study, we show that the simple addition of 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane, a cyclic ketene acetal compound, to a series of different acrylate‐based photoresists results in functional formulations that allow the 3D‐printing of degradable poly(ester‐co‐acrylate) microstructures via DLW. These latter could be degraded reliably under mild conditions compatible with other photoresists and materials of common use in the fabrication of MEMS, thus opening new opportunities to design novel fabrication procedures. In addition, the possibility of using different acrylate mixtures without affecting the degradability, allows the users to choose between a broad range of properties for the printed structures to fit their needs, without affecting the degradability. Finally, the authors show the potential of these photoresists in the fabrication of shadowing masks on 3D objects and their selective degradation employing a photobase.
Boosting Self‐Powered Ultraviolet Photoresponse of TiO2‐Based Heterostructure by Flexo‐Phototronic Effects
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Park Ji‐Yong , Seo Hyungtak 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUltraviolet photodetectors have long been used as key elements for various applications, including optical sensing and communication. However, accurate sensing of weak UV intensities under self‐powered conditions with stable photocurrent and rapid temporal response remains critical because of challenges related to having suitable band alignment and strong junction quality. Here, an enhancement in the self‐power ultraviolet (UV, λ = 365 nm) photoresponse of the silver nanowires/TiO2 Schottky photodetector is demonstrated by taking advantage of the flexoelectric phenomenon. The device does not show measurable photocurrent under self‐biased conditions with low‐intensity (200 µW cm–2) UV illumination, whereas a significant photocurrent of about 0.48 µA is measured by integrating the photovoltaic and flexo‐phototronic effects. Additionally, rise/fall times improved from 300/1068 to 43/165 µs by utilizing the flexo‐phototronic effects, depicting an enhancement of 597%. Further, remarkable responsivity of 124 mA W–1 and high detectivity of 6.5 × 1011 Jones under self‐biased conditions are recorded. Moreover, microscopic evidence of flexoelectric effect modulated photoresponse is provided by photoconductive atomic force microscopy measurements. High efficiency and self‐powered capability demonstrated in this study are likely to inspire the development of next‐generation ultrafast, energy‐efficient, and sophisticated photodetectors for communication, imaging, and sensing networks.
Transition Metal‐Free, Visible Light‐Mediated Radical Cyclisation of Malonyl Radicals onto 5‐Ring Heteroaromatics
Authors: Hernández‐Lladó Pol , Garrec Kilian , Schmitt Daniel C. , Burton Jonathan W. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAnnulated heteroaromatics can be accessed through the addition of malonyl radicals onto heterocycles. Current methods are applicable to electron‐rich heteroaromatics and reliant on transition metals or toxic tin reagents. Here we report a metal‐free, visible light‐mediated cyclisation of malonates onto 5‐ring heteroaromatics using iodomalonates as key intermediates. The iodomalonates are prepared and photolysed in situ to give the desired annulated products, in yields of 46–94% without the need for external catalysts. The scope of this transformation includes N‐alkyl, N‐acyl and carbon‐tethered malonates adding onto a wide range of 5‐membered heteroaromatics.magnified image