bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and development of a nurse-led program for the management of bariatric surgery patients - The NURLIFE program
Authors: Mendes Cláudia , Carvalho Manuel , Martins Catarina , Rodrigues Luís Monteiro , Gregório João
Published: May 2024

Background: A nurse-led case-management intervention program may improve the patients' management of the bariatric surgery process. Close collaboration with the healthcare team may improve health and facilitate the adoption of healthy lifestyles, which may enhance surgical results. Completing this project will allow the deepening and exploration of a network, including other areas of assistance, namely mental health and rehabilitation, as well as primary care.
Aim The program's primary focus is expected to be health education and motivation for lifestyle changes, promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity. The improvement of anthropometric data, the lessening of the metabolic risk factors, and quitting smoking and alcohol habits will also be our main achievements.
Methods This randomized clinical trial has participants divided into two groups. We use a quantitative outcome evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and to anticipate indications for future implementation in different clinical settings.
Discussion This project aims to be the first study to investigate the effect of a specialist nurse interventions on patient candidates for bariatric surgery, based on practice-based evidence, while using mixed programs, face-to-face and e-health, on the management and results of bariatric surgery. As such, the contribution of a multidisciplinary team managed by a case manager may be the most efficient intervention.
Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06020105) July 10, 2023.
Effect of infrequent severe defoliation of forest cover on some selected soil properties, temperatures, and herbaceous vegetation on the topsoil and the possibility of their recovery in a short time
Authors: Sağlam Reyhan , Gökbulak Ferhat
Published: May 2024

Harvesting or degradation of forest ecosystems directly affects the microclimate, causing changes in air and soil temperatures and soil moisture in the forestlands. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of infrequent heavy defoliation of forest cover on some selected soil properties, ambient and soil temperatures, soil moisture, and herbaceous vegetation cover and determine their recovery in a short period in the area subject to infrequent clearcutting under the powerline corridors (PLCs). The study was conducted in the research forest of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Forestry. The treatment plots were selected from the clearcut area and control plots were selected from an untouched oak-hornbeam forestland. Soil temperature and moisture, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were measured in the treatment and control plots between 2020 and 2021 and topsoil was sampled between 2019 and 2021 years. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the effects of clearcutting on some selected soil properties in the short term after cutting. The clearcutting caused a significant increase in soil bulk density (BD), a decrease in the soil total porosity (TP) and soil hydraulic conductivity (HC), and saturation capacity (SC). Forest cover removal significantly decreased the soil organic matter (SOM) content by 3%, increased average soil temperature by 2.1 °C, and the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures by 8.8 °C. Additionally, clearcutting reduced the average soil moisture from 36% to 35%. The findings revealed that clearcutting negatively affected some hydro-physical soil properties and soil microclimate conditions that may not recover to their previous states within the next few years.
SDEvelo: a deep generative approach for transcriptional dynamics with cell-specific latent time and multivariate stochastic modeling
Authors: Liu Jin , Liao Xu , Ji Hongkai , Jiao Yuling , Kang Lican , Peng Yihao , Chai Xiaoran , Lin Chengqi
Published: May 2024

Recently, RNA velocity has driven a paradigmatic change in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies, allowing the reconstruction and prediction of directed trajectories in cell differentiation and state transitions. However, most existing methods use dynamic modeling via ordinary differential equations (ODE) for individual genes in sequence and can lead to erroneous results, as they are inadequately able to fully capture the intrinsically stochastic nature of transcriptional dynamics governed by a cell-specific latent time across multiple genes. Here, we present SDEvelo, a novel deep generative approach to inferring RNA velocity by modeling the dynamics of unspliced and spliced RNAs via multivariate stochastic differential equations (SDE). Uniquely, SDEvelo explicitly models inherent uncertainty in transcriptional dynamics while estimating a cell-specific latent time across genes. Using both simulated and four scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics datasets, we show that SDEvelo can model the random dynamic patterns of mature-state cells while accurately detecting carcinogenesis. Additionally, the estimated gene-shared latent time can facilitate many downstream analyses for biological discovery. We demonstrate that SDEvelo is computationally scalable and applicable to both scRNA-seq and sequencing-based spatial transcriptomics data.
Using Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics methods to explore the causal effect of hypothyroidism on urticaria
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Yang Ting , Qiu Shifeng , Xiao Min
Published: May 2024

Observational studies connect hypothyroidism with urticaria, but causality is unclear. This study explores genetic variations in hypothyroidism and their potential influence on urticaria risk.We collected statistical data from open genome-wide association studies in the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU OpenGwas) project, analyzed genetic data from patients with hypothyroidism and urticaria to study their causal relationship using various methods such as the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, MR-Egger method, weighted median estimator (WME) method, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis through gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network evaluation.Our research identified SNPs that significantly elevate urticaria risk in hypothyroidism. GO analysis highlighted crucial genes regulating immune cell function, adhesion, growth, and cytokine production. KEGG analysis demonstrated enrichment of these genes in immune response and autoimmune pathways. PPI network analysis pinpointed key genes involved in these processes. The study provides strong genetic evidence that there is a causal relationship between hypothyroidism and an increased incidence of urticaria. This finding is expected to help develop more effective treatment strategies for urticaria patients.
Togetherness Reminded by the Earthquake: Relationship Between Stress and Peptic Ulcer Perforation
Authors: YÖNDER Hüseyin , BERHUNİ Mehmet Sait , ELKAN Hasan , TATLI Faik , KOCAOĞLU Mehmet , ERDOĞDU Hamza , ÇİFTÇİ Felat , ERKMEN Fırat , ÖZGÖNÜL Abdullah , UZUNKÖY Ali
Published: May 2024

İntroduction:
Severe stress is one of the leading causes of peptic ulcer perforations. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social stress caused by earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on peptic ulcer perforations.
Materials-Methods:
Based on the earthquakes that happened on February 6, 2023, 66 peptic ulcer perforation patients operated on in three centers in Şanlıurfa in the 6-month periods before and after the earthquake were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated based on their age, gender, diagnostic method, perforation diameter, perforation location, surgical technique, duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, and mortality. The study also included laboratory parameters, such as white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, and albumin levels.
Results
In the 6 months before the earthquake, 21 patients were operated on for peptic ulcer perforation, whereas 45 patients were operated on 6 months later for the same reason. Each group had two fatalities. The number of patients who operated on after the earthquake was significantly higher than those who operated on before the earthquake.
Conclusion
Stress has a crucial role in the development of peptic ulcer perforation. When planning peptic ulcer treatment, it is important to update the medical treatment accordingly, mainly when the stress factor is severe.
Acanthamoeba Keratitis in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Central China: Demographics, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, Treatments and Outcomes
Authors: Wang Jia-Song , Zhao Dan , Yao Tian-Yu , Xie Hua-Tao , Zhang Ming-Chang
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To investigate the demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, treatments and outcomes of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in a tertiary referral hospital in central China.
Methods: In this noncomparative, retrospective study, patients diagnosed with AK at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei province from April 2020 to March 2022 were included.
Results: A total of 21 AK patients were enrolled between April 2020 and March 2022 at a tertiary referral hospital in central China. The most common potential predisposing factors were contact lens wearing (71.4%), mostly were students, and organic trauma (23.8%), mainly by outdoor workers. And 80.9% of patients were initially misdiagnosed with herpes keratitis. The clinical features were radial keratoneuritis 42.8% (n = 9), crude salt-like granular dense infiltration 28.6% (n = 6), and corneal ring infiltration28.6% (n = 6). Fifteen patients were completely cured by medical therapy, and six patients with corneal ring infiltration feature were performed conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS), three of them later underwent secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). All patients completed their follow-up at the Union Hospital, with a total of 20 patients (95.2%) had improved visual acuity after treatment, 1 had no change. Corneal scarring and vascularization were the two most common complications of AK in this study, with incidence rates of 85.7% and 28.6%, respectively.
Conclusions: In central China, AK occurred predominantly in contact lens wearers, mainly in students with myopia prevention and control, sufficient attention should be paid to this population, and whom surprisingly without severe ocular pain. We also have found that the timely diagnosis and initiation of standardized antiamoebic therapies improves visual outcomes, decreases the duration of treatment, and reduces the chances of needing surgical intervention. Clinical feature radial keratoneuritis and crude salt-like granular dense infiltration are largely treatable with medications, whereas corneal ring infiltration requires prompt surgical intervention, and have a higher risk of corneal perforation, the two-step strategy (conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS) combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)) is effective for patients with high-risk AK in this condition.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Translational Model in Sheep Using Bio- Integrative Mineral Fiber-Reinforced Screws
Authors: Cole Brian J. , Easley Jeremiah T. , Nyska Abraham , Rousselle Serge
Published: May 2024

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the more common procedures performed worldwide and perhaps the most widely studied construct in orthopedic literature. Interference screws are reliable and frequently used for ligament reconstruction, providing rigid fixation and facilitates graft incorporation allowing for the physiologic loads of early rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine the bio-integration profile of mineral fiber-reinforced screws and evaluate the quality of soft tissue fixation. Nine sheep underwent ACLR using harvested autologous tendon graft fixated with 4.75mm screws made of continuous mineral fibers. Histopathology and imaging evaluation at 28, 52, 104, 132-weeks (W) demonstrated mesenchymal tissue ingrowth into the implant wall at 28W, which increased at 52W and peaked at 104W. At 132W, implants were fully replaced by newly remodeled bone. Graft cellularity was evident at 28W and continued to increase through 132W as the tendon ossified sites of bone contact. Pro-healing M2 macrophages and giant cells remained infrequent, with minor increases between 52W and 104W, attributed to expected phagocytic response. Pro-inflammatory cells (i.e., M1 macrophages, polymorphonuclears) were absent through the entire study course. In conclusion, bio-integrative screws provide secure soft tissue fixation with replacement by bone demonstrating graft cellularization over time.
The experience of patients undergoing aseptic, elective revision knee joint replacement surgery: a qualitative study.
Authors: Nicolson Philippa , Toye Francine , Sabah Shiraz , Price Andrew , Alvand Abtin , Barker Karen
Published: May 2024

Background
Around 6,000 revision knee replacement procedures are performed in the United Kingdom each year. Three-quarters of procedures are for aseptic, elective reasons, such as progressive osteoarthritis, prosthesis loosening/wear, or instability. Our understanding of how we can best support these patients undergoing revision knee replacement procedures is limited. This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of having a problematic knee replacement and the impact of undergoing knee revision surgery for aseptic, elective reasons.
Methods
Qualitative semi structured interviews with 15 patients (8 women, 7 men; mean age 70 years: range 54–81) who had undergone revision knee surgery for a range of aseptic, elective indications in the last 12 months at an NHS Major Revision Knee Centre. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
We developed six themes: (1) Soldiering on; (2) The challenge of navigating the health system; (3) I am the expert in my own knee; (4) Shift in what I expected from surgery; (5) I am not the person I used to be; (6) Lingering uncertainty.
Conclusions
Living with a problematic knee replacement and undergoing knee revision surgery has significant impact on all aspects of patients’ lives. Our findings highlight the need for patients with problematic knee replacements to be supported to access care and assessment, and for long-term psychological and rehabilitation support before and after revision surgery.
Support provided by outreach team leaders to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the North-West Province of South Africa
Authors: Molato Boitumelo J. , Moloko-Phiri Salaminah S. , Koen Magdalena P. , Matsipane Molekodi J.
Published: May 2024

Background
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic have left an overwhelming impact on communities worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its effects on family structures are particularly pronounced. Caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS encounter challenges in fulfilling their caring duties. Consequently, they rely on the outreach team leaders (OTLs) for support to care for HIV/AIDS orphans.
Aim
This study aimed to explore and describe support provided by OTLs to caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the North West Province of South Africa.
Methods
The exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to realize the objectives of this study. The study was conducted in five local municipalities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district of the North West Province of South Africa. Ward-based outreach nurses were participants in the study. Semi-structured focus group interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Throughout the study, ethical principles were adhered to. The study also adhered to four trustworthiness principles: credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability.
Results
Three main themes emerged from this study: the conduction of home visits to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans, the coordination of a multidisciplinary team for support, and the facilitation of support groups.
Conclusions
The study revealed support provided by OTLs to the caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Caregivers benefitted from the support provided and, therefore, experienced less stigma. Moreover, discrimination was reduced, disclosure was done on time, and medication adherence improved.
Mechanistic study of exosomal high expression of miRNA-29b-3p promoting epithelial mesenchymal transition through hypomethylation in biliary atresia liver fibrosis
Authors: zhao xiaohuan , Liao Yu , Qin Xudong , Huang Lu , Zheng Zebing , Zhang Kaizhi , Tang Chengyan , zhu daiwei , Du Qing , Li Zheping , Gong Yuan , Liu Yuanmei , Jin Zhu
Published: May 2024

Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the most common diseases of the hepatobiliary system in infants and children, but its etiology and associated pathogenesis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism related to the regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) through methylation of miRNA-29b-3p, which is highly expressed in exosomes and leads to hepatic fibrosis in BA. In our study, we found that there was abundant expression of miRNA-29b-3p in exosomes of children with BA. Further analysis of the livers of 30 children with BA and 30 children with non-BA congenital choledochal cysts (CC) revealed that the overall methylation level was reduced in the livers of children with BA, and miRNA-29b-3p was associated with the expression level of DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Jurkat cells were infected with lentivirus expressing miRNA-29b-3p mimics, and exosomes from Jurkat cells were extracted and co-cultured with hepatocytes (L02), in which miRNA-29b-3p expression was elevated in the miRNA-29b-3p mimic group while DNMT3a and DNMT3b expression was decreased in the L02 cells. In addition, expression of Fibronectin and Snail, which are indicators of EMT, was elevated, as was α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, an indicator of fibroblast activation, indicating that fibrosis had occurred. DNMT3a and DNMT3b were identified as target genes of miRNA-29b-3p by dual luciferase reporter assay, and after bisulfite assays were performed, it was found that down-regulation of DNMTs led to hypomethylation of the promoter region of Fibronectin and Snail and the occurrence of EMT, which was then involved in BA liver fibrosis. By constructing an animal model of BA in mice, it was further verified that BA mice developed fibrosis in the liver, with elevated expression of Fibronectin, Snail, and α-SMA, and showed high expression of EMT-related molecular markers DDR2 and FSP1, which are involved in the process of BA liver fibrosis. This study has thus suggested a new hypothesis to determine the pathogenesis of BA.
Quantifying the Ultimate Limit of Plasmonic Near-field Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Shunping , lu zhengyi , Ji Jiamin , Ye Haiming , Zhang Hao , Xu Hongxing
Published: May 2024

Quantitatively probing the ultimate limit of near-field enhancement around plasmonic nanostructures remains elusive, despite more than five decades since the discovery of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Theoretical calculations have predicted an ultimate near-field enhancement exceeding 1000 using the best plasmonic material Ag, but experimental estimations disperse by orders of magnitude. Here, we design a high-quality Ag plasmonic nanocavity with atomic precision and precisely quantify the upper limit of near-field enhancement in ~ 1 nm junctions. A hot-spot averaged SERS enhancement of 4.29×1010 is recorded with a small fluctuation, corresponding to an averaged electric field enhancement larger than 1000 times. This result quantitatively delineates the ultimate limit of plasmonic field enhancement around plasmonic nanostructures, establishing a foundation for diverse plasmon-enhanced processes and strong light-matter interactions at the atomic scale.
Brain-targeted autoimmunity is strongly associated with Long COVID and its chronic fatigue syndrome as well as its affective symptoms
Authors: Almulla Abbas F. , Maes Michael , Zhou Bo , Al-Hakeim Hussein K. , Vojdani Aristo
Published: May 2024

Background Autoimmune responses contribute to the pathophysiology of Long COVID, affective symptoms and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Objectives To examine whether Long COVID, and its accompanying affective symptoms and CFS are associated with immunoglobulin (Ig)A/IgM/IgG directed at neuronal proteins including myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), synapsin, α + β-tubulin, neurofilament protein (NFP), cerebellar protein-2 (CP2), and the blood-brain-barrier-brain-damage (BBD) proteins claudin-5 and S100B. Methods IgA/IgM/IgG to the above neuronal proteins, human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were measured in 90 Long COVID patients and 90 healthy controls, while C-reactive protein (CRP), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in association with affective and CFS ratings were additionally assessed in a subgroup thereof. Results Long COVID is associated with significant increases in IgG directed at tubulin (IgG-tubulin), MBP, MOG and synapsin; IgM-MBP, MOG, CP2, synapsin and BBD; and IgA-CP2 and synapsin. IgM-SARS-CoV-2 and IgM-HHV-6 antibody titers were significantly correlated with IgA/IgG/IgM-tubulin and -CP2, IgG/IgM-BBD, IgM-MOG, IgA/IgM-NFP, and IgG/IgM-synapsin. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that IgM-MBP and IgG-MBP are the best predictors of Long COVID. Multiple regression analysis shows that IgG-MOG, CRP and AOPP explain together 41.7% of the variance in the severity of CFS. Neural network analysis shows that IgM-synapsin, IgA-MBP, IgG-MOG, IgA-synapsin, IgA-CP2, IgG-MBP and CRP are the most important predictors of affective symptoms due to Long COVID with a predictive accuracy of r = 0.801. Conclusion Brain-targeted autoimmunity contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of Long COVID and the severity of its physio-affective phenome.
Oral Reactive Hyperplastic Lesions: Prevalence in Egypt and Proposal of Novel Classification System
Authors: Fathy Safa , Amer Hatem , Khaled Heba , Metwally Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Background
this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral reactive hyperplastic lesions (ORHLs) as well as their distribution in the oral cavity in the Egyptian population over the past 13 years. We also introduced a novel classification system for ORHLs that may help in standardized categorization and better understanding of the nature of these common oral lesions.
Methods
All the records of histopathologically diagnosed ORHLs over the past 13 years (2011 to 2023) were retrieved from the archives of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. The extracted quantitative data was presented as frequencies and percentages of ORHLs. The proposed classification system has used 2 letters and 1 digit to describe ORHLs considering both the clinical appearance of the lesions as well as their characteristic histopathological patterns.
Results
ORHLs represented 33% of the total number of diagnosed cases in the tested period (2256/6858 cases). Among the examined types of ORHLs, irritational fibroma was the most encountered type (40%) followed by pyogenic granuloma (25%). Regarding anatomic location, gingiva was the most common site for ORHLs, where more than half of the cases (52%) were reported in it.
Conclusion
The present study clearly demonstrated the high prevalence of ORHLs as one of the most frequently encountered categories of oral pathology. This highlights the importance of the proposed standardized categorization and consistent description of these common oral lesions based on their clinical appearances and characteristic histopathological findings. This classification enhances the overall knowledge and understanding of ORHLs nature allowing effective communication among healthcare providers as well as accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and research work.
Impact of natural antioxidant (silybin) on the thermal stability of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene: A Thermogravimetric Study
Authors: Khattar Nidhi , Jagriti Jagriti , Kainth Shagun , Sharma Piyush , Ahlawat Vishal , Berar Urmila , Diwan Pawan K.
Published: May 2024

The natural antioxidant (Silybin), with different concentrations, is introduced in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and impact on thermal stability is observed. For this, thermograms are recorded at 5 oC/min heating rate in temperature region 50–600 oC through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) technique. The model fitting (Coats and Redfern) kinetic approach is adopted to determine activation energy of each recorded thermograms to identify optimum silybin concentration. UHMWPE, with optimum silybin concentration, are further subjected to three other heating rates (10, 15 and 20 oC) in the same temperature region. By employing deconvolution (bi-Gaussian asymmetric function) approach, two iso-conversional kinetic models (Starink (SR) and Friedman (FR)) are utilized to obtain activation energies of the deconvoluted peaks. Further, the reaction mechanism involved in thermal decomposition, changes in entropy\(\left(S\right)\), change in enthalpy \(\left(H\right)\) and change in Gibbs free energy \(\left(G\right)\) are determined.
Research on Mechanics and Acoustic Properties of Jute Fiber Composite Material
Authors: Wang Yuan , Du Tianqiang , Ma wenkai , Song Pengyu , Che Yiyu
Published: May 2024

[Abstract]In this study, the loss of quality from the oxidative thermal decomposition of jute fiber was explored during the production of reinforced composite materials. Amino silicone oil was used to modify jute fiber, which was then subjected to thermogravimetric analysis. The modified fiber's thermal decomposition temperature was found to be 271°C, enhancing the composite's thermal stability. The study also investigated how different jute fiber content affected the mechanical and sound absorption properties of composite materials. Results showed that jute fiber composites had better mechanical properties than pure polypropylene materials, and the average sound absorption coefficient of jute polypropylene composites increased with fiber content. Adding jute fiber to polypropylene effectively improved the sound absorption and noise reduction performance of the material. The average sound absorption coefficient of the composite material at a mass content of 20wt% was 120% higher than that of the polypropylene matrix material.
Arthroscopically assisted repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tear using modified “double loop suture” – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Wen , Zhao Ling Long , Yu Xue Jun , Li Peng , Xiang Sheng Tao , Cao Wen Liang
Published: May 2024

Background
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) plays an important role in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)stabilization, and is frequently torn. Especially when conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is required.
Methods
Fourteen individuals with TFCC foveal tear and DRUJ instability were admitted to the department and treated with arthroscopic-assisted modified “double loop suture” transosseous repair between January 2021 and 2023. During the surgery, an osseous tunnel was established, and two nickel-based alloy loops and a polydioxanone II (PDS II) suture were used to achieve the anatomic repair of the tear. All patients received supervised rehabilitation exercises after surgery.
Results
The patients were followed up for an average of 15.3 months. The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score before surgery were 4.7 points, 17.3 kg, and 35.2 points, respectively, compared with 1.9 points, 20.7 kg, and 15.5 points at the final follow-up, with significant differences. The median Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score was 27.50 before surgery, which then decreased to 10.00 at the final follow-up, with significant differences. The mean flexion-extension range of the wrist and pronation-supination range of the forearm, respectively, increased from 111 degrees and 125 degrees before surgery to 116 degrees and 135 degrees at the final follow-upassessment. None of the assessed individuals exhibited DRUJ instability or developed surgery-related complications.
Conclusion
Arthroscopic-assisted modified “double loop suture” is a secure and efficient approachfor achieving anatomic repair of TFCC foveal tears, with satisfactory functional improvement and restoration of DRUJ stability.
A Predictive Screening Tool to Evaluate the Efficiency of Z/E Photoisomerizable Molecular Switches
Authors: Marazzi Marco , Garcia-Iriepa Cristina , Frutos Luis Manuel
Published: May 2024

The evaluation of the Z/E photoisomerization efficiency is an essential task to design novel photoactive molecular devices based on this type of photoreactivity. In this study, a predictive tool to screen the photoinduced Z/E isomerization efficiency of molecular switches is presented, based on three key properties: i) structure of the ground state minimum, ii) nature of the electronic transition populating the optically bright state, and iii) the presence of crossings between the optically bright state and the one lower in energy. Our methodology allows to calculate these properties by few and computationally affordable calculations, enabling the computational screening of large sets of potential photoswitches. After presenting the formal aspects, the tool is applied to model systems of paradigmatic classes of photoswitches (retinal, green fluorescent protein, hemithioindigo, chiroptical, and stilbene compounds), including novel derivatives. A comparison with the available experimental data is performed to validate our approach.
Internalization or Polarization: Community-Level Associations of Shifts in White Americans’ Attitudes with Black Americans’ Attitudes
Authors: Kellogg Alexander , Laws Holly , Dasgupta Nilanjana , Reid Allecia
Published: May 2024

We used over 1.4 million Project Implicit responses between 2008 and 2019 to examine whether living in communities where White Americans hold more negative attitudes toward Black individuals predicts internalization versus polarization among Black Americans (i.e., higher versus lower preference for White relative to Black individuals). We constructed two-year estimates of White and Black county-level implicit (automatic) and explicit (conscious, self-reported) preference for White relative to Black individuals. Results from multilevel autoregressive models were consistent with polarization. In a given county, when White residents’ implicit or explicit preference for Whites increased at one wave, Black residents’ implicit and explicit preference for Whites generally decreased at the subsequent wave. Indicators of structural racism inconsistently predicted outcomes, but negative associations between White and Black residents’ relative preference for Whites were robust to inclusion of indicators of structural racism. These results have important implications for Black Americans’ health and intergroup relations.
Impact of Sovereign Credit Downgrades on Stock Market Returns across Industries: Evidence from the JSE
Authors: Ndlovu Godfrey , Muir Lucien
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the effects of sovereign credit downgrades on the JSE. Credit rating announcements are said to provide new private information about a country, which is tradeable, affecting investment decisions and feeding through to stock returns. Past studies focus on how downgrades affect the overall market, we take this a step further and evaluate how the effect of a particular downgrade differs across industries, using a short-horizon event study methodology. Our results suggest no statistically significant impact on the JSE as a whole. However, a closer analysis suggests the impact is not uniform across industries. Sovereign credit downgrades have a more adverse impact on cyclical industries such as the banking, technology and retail sectors, while other more defensive industries such as the consumer goods, consumer services and mining sectors reacted positively. The counteracting reactions may effectively cancel each other out on balance, making it seem as if there is no effect on the JSE when in fact there is.
Enhancing Radiological Emergency Response through Agent-Based Model Case 1: Effectiveness of staged Evacuation
Authors: Han Sungmin , Lim Joonseok , Hwang Minho , Heo Gyunyoung
Published: May 2024

In the event of radiological emergencies, such as nuclear accidents, the speedy but well-ordering evacuation of residents in imperative to ensure their health and safety. Staged evacuation has been studied as a method to reduce evacuation time. However, a method is needed to confirm the effectiveness of staged evacuation with more realistic factors which are implementable in a simulation platform. This study evaluates the performance of staged evacuation with more realistic factors which are implementable in a simulation platform. The evacuation simulation was conducted using PRISM (Platform for Radiological Emergency Integrated Simulation Model), developed by Kyung Hee University and utilizing an Agent-Based Model. A city was modeled using GIS data for road networks, buildings, and administrative districts. The population distribution was made non-uniform based on building layout data, and evacuation areas were divided based on administrative districts for demonstrating purpose. The simulation varied the order of evacuation groups and the evacuation start time interval, comparing evacuation times and average speeds to evaluate each strategy. The results reached a few insights: (1) Certain staged evacuation strategies are effective in reducing evacuation times within the PAZ. (2) A staged evacuation strategy that prioritizes areas closest to the nuclear plant resulted in longer evacuation times compared to other evacuation sequences. (3) In certain evacuation sequences, increasing the intervals did not significantly impact the evacuation time. This implies that within the same evacuation sequence, it is possible to increase the evacuation speed without a substantial loss in evacuation time by extending the intervals.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Tadalafil Reduces Resting Anal Opening Pressure in Healthy Women: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Christoffersen Thea , Riis Troels , Sonne David P. , Klarskov Niels
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Existing first-line treatments for chronic anal fissures aim to reduce internal anal sphincter pressure and increase healing rates. However, availability and side effects challenge the use of these treatment strategies. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, known for their smooth muscle relaxant properties, have been proposed as alternative treatment candidates. This trial assessed the effect of the long-acting phosphodiesterase inhibitor, tadalafil, on anal opening pressure in healthy women.
Methods
Twenty-four healthy female volunteers participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Participants were randomized to receive a single oral dose of 40 mg tadalafil or placebo at their first visit and the opposite treatment at their second visit. Two hours post-administration, coinciding with the time of peak plasma concentration for tadalafil, anal opening pressure was measured using anal acoustic reflectometry during rest and voluntary squeezes.
Results
Tadalafil reduced resting anal opening pressure with 12.9 (95% CI 5.0 to 20.9, p = 0.003) cmH2O compared with placebo. A minor, statistically insignificant reduction in pressure was observed during squeeze (5.7 95% CI − 6.0 to 17.3 cmH2O, p = 0.3). The most common adverse events were headaches, with 15 reports during tadalafil treatment and 3 with placebo.
Conclusion
Single-dose tadalafil moderately decreased resting anal opening pressure in healthy female volunteers, supporting its potential therapeutic role in managing chronic anal fissures. Further studies are needed to determine the dose-response relationship, therapeutic efficacy, and risk-benefit profile of tadalafil for this application.
Awareness and implementation of three high levels of conjoint management in patients with stroke by neurologists: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey from a tertiary general hospital in Southwest China
Authors: Pu Tianqiang , Zhong Xuemin , Liu Hong , Wu Wei , Liu Xin , Ye Qing , He Lanying , Li Changqing , Wang Jian , Liu Shugai
Published: May 2024

Background: Hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are risk factors for stroke recurrence, referred to as the three highs, and their management in patients with cerebral infarction can reduce stroke recurrence and death. This study aimed to investigate the cognition and implementation of the three highs by neurologists in tertiary general hospitals in Southwest China.
Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was used by neurologists to evaluate the cognition and implementation of the three highs. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to investigate tertiary hospitals in Southwest China.
Results: Compared with inpatient work, approximately 1/3 of the doctors could not always completely evaluate the three highs in outpatient work (P<0.001). The longer the doctors worked, the more they emphasized the importance of the three highs to patients and the more completely they evaluated the three highs. Doctors were more able to develop antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic regimens for patients with cerebral infarction according to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk stratification.
Conclusions: Although most neurologists involved in inpatient and outpatient work knew the importance of the three highs, approximately 1/3 of the outpatient doctors could not always completely evaluate the three highs. Some doctors failed to develop antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic regimens for patients with cerebral infarction according to ASCVD risk stratification, and professional training of doctors, especially young doctors, should be encouraged.
Content Based Video Retrieval using Deep Learning
Authors: Palanivelu Nitish , Jagdale Nishita , Dubey Nishith , Jagtap Bharati
Published: May 2024

Content-based video retrieval (CBVR) is part of a search engine which is widely utilized in everyday life for retrieving relevant images/frames from given large datasets. Generally, the existing methods don't give the relevance and expected images as per the query images and also require more computational time. The CBVR systems depend on the feature representation and similarity measurements. In this project, a CBVR system is developed using deep learning models. The convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to extract features from an input image/frame, and then comparing those features with images in datasets to retrieve similar images/frames. The process involves three main phases namely feature extraction, feature comparison, and retrieval. In feature extraction, the CNN is trained on a dataset of images to learn to extract features that are relevant to the task at hand. In feature comparison, the features extracted from the input image are compared to the features of the images in the database using a similarity measure such as Euclidean distance. Finally, in the retrieval phase, the most similar images/frames from the datasets are returned as the results. The CBVR is carried out using a pre-trained deep learning model, such as VGG16 or ResNet, which is used to train over large image datasets and can extract useful features from new images. In this project, the retrieval of images are carried out and the performance is evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall. Various CCN models are experimented to perform result analysis.
Keywords: Control based video retrieval, Deep learning, Convolutional Neural Network, Information Retrieval, Feature extraction, Inception V3, Feature selection
Factors influencing the quality of undergraduate students’ degree projects: from student and supervisor perspectives
Authors: Christidis Maria , Waters Petra , Ärlegård Linnéa , Säflund Zoe , Christidis Nikolaos
Published: May 2024

Background: Degree projects are part of most professional study programmes and correspond to professional and academic requirements. They are an essential part of students’ professional development and provides them with life-long learning strategies and abilities, which ensures the continuous development of their future profession. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors that influence the quality of student degree projects from a supervisor and student perspective.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed with eight supervisors from the study programme in dentistry at Karolinska Institutet. These were transcribed, and while the first part was summarized and described, the second was analyzed thematically. Also, a questionnaire was completed by 45 students in the 7th and 9th semester of the study programme. Student responses from the questionnaire were summarized and described.
Results: The main findings indicate a convergence of expectations and perspectives between supervisors and students regarding the factors that influence the quality of the degree project. This encompasses the roles of the supervisor and student, the supervision structure, and the perception of academic requirements and quality. Both groups emphasize the importance of having realistic expectations, feasibility, and adherence to academic standards for a high-quality outcome. Effective supervision involves the supervisor being readily available, responsive to student inquiries, and aiding in time-management. Conversely, students are expected to demonstrate motivation, engagement, and a growing sense of autonomy throughout the project. Additionally, both agree that the project should be engaging, relevant to the supervisor's expertise and the student's interests, contribute to personal and academic growth, and ideally result in a publication.
Conclusions: Taken together, supervisors and students share grounds for the degree project work, which is an important condition for ensuring a qualitatively sound degree project. Sharing expectations and perspectives in the beginning and having a continuously open dialogue concerning this issue during the degree project work benefits a sustainable collaboration and ensures quality. To achieve this, supervisors need to choose students that are interested and motivated and a degree project that is in their area of expertise, feasible and structured. Supervisors also need to give students support with time-planning, and to be attentive for instance by responding swiftly to any student queries.
Effect of intravenous sedation on implant-therapy outcomes
Authors: Kaneko Yasuhide , Murakami Takahiro , Okada Atsushi , Kai Satoshi , Amari Yoshiyuki , Tsugawa Junichi , Tanaka Jyoji , Yamaguchi Hidenori
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Intravenous (IV) sedation (IVS) is useful for reducing patient anxiety and fear during dental implant placement. However, its effects on long-term postoperative implant outcomes remain largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of IVS on implant-therapy outcomes.
Methods
This study included patients who underwent implant placement with a minimum follow-up of 3 years after superstructure attachment, had no systemic disease, and no bone augmentation. Patients with a history of smoking were excluded. The medical records of 67 implants in 58 patients who underwent implant therapy with IV sedation ([IVS] group, 31 implants in 38 patients) and those without IV sedation (control group, 29 implants in 27 patients) till the time period between July 1, 2000, and May 31, 2023, were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed for each endpoint to identify those with significant differences.
Results
The 3-year implant survival rate was 100% in both groups. The plaque-control records of the remaining teeth immediately before implant placement were significantly higher in the IVS group than in the control group, and bleeding on probing was significantly lower in the IVS group 3 years after superstructure attachment. The IVS group had a significantly higher number of patients with maintenance visits and additional implant placements than the control group.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that application of IVS for implant therapy improves patients’ willingness to receive dental prophylaxis.
Research on measurement and estimation method of wheel resistance on soil runway
Authors: Wang Zihan , Chong Xiaolei , Wang Guanhu , Liu Chaojia , Zhang Jichao
Published: May 2024

In view of the complexity of the calculation of tire running resistance during transport aircraft running on the soil surface, this paper presents two types of characterization methods of tire running resistance under the force state and the motion state based on the Bekker settlement model. Then a soil runway was established. According to the stress state of the tires, a simulated aircraft loading vehicle was used to test the running resistance of the wheels through mechanical sensors. According to the state of tire movement, position measuring equipment was selected and test software was developed, and the running resistance of tires was tested by changes in speed and distance of common vehicles. On this basis, the method of estimating wheel driving resistance based on vehicle test data is established, and the effectiveness of the estimation method is verified, and the estimation process is given. The results of this paper provide a new idea and method for estimating the running resistance of conveyors on soil pavement, and can also provide a reference for the design the of soil runway length.
Mechanistic investigation on the influence of coating weights on the corrosion behaviour of hot-dip-galvanised Zn-Mg-Al coatings.
Authors: Malla Amar , Sullivan James , Penney David , Goldsworthy Mathew , Britton Daniel , Williams Geraint , Goodwin Frank , Cardoso Ana Paula Domingos
Published: May 2024

Time-lapse Microscopy, scanning vibrating electrode technique and potentiodynamic methods were used to study the influence of increasing coating weight (80-310 gm-2) on microstructure, cut-edge and surface corrosion of Zn-Mg-Al coatings in 0.17 M NaCl. Cut-edge corrosion was similar for all coating weights due to the ORR becoming diffusion-limited. A 64% reduction in surface corrosion was observed for high coating weights through increases in eutectic volume fraction. Spatial and temporal corrosion mechanisms were controlled by microstructural morphological differences as coating weight varied. 80 g.m-2 coatings demonstrated lateral anodic spreading potentially reducing coating penetration rates despite their higher surface corrosion rate.