bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Anesthesia with High-Flow Nasal Cannula Improves Recovery in Elderly Undergoing Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Tang Lifei , Guo Ran , Quan Yaochen , Zhang Haiwen , Qian Yingcong , Yu Youjia , Song Shaoyong , Li Jian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Intravenous anesthesia with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been reported to benefit oxygen reserves and enhance postoperative recovery in surgeries requiring low neuromuscular blockade. This study investigated whether HFNC improves recovery quality in elderlyundergoing ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (UHLL).
Methods: We enrolled 106 elderly patients undergoing UHLL, with 96 patients (48 per group) included in the final analysis. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1, stratified by sex) to receive either HFNC (HFNC group) or laryngeal mask airway (LMA) assisted general anesthesia (LMA group). The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery 15-questionnaire (QoR-15) scores. Secondary outcomes included PACU stay duration, time to out-of-bed mobilization, length of hospital stay, airway dryness scores, surgeons' satisfaction, and postoperative complications.
Results: Compared to the LMA group, the HFNC group achieved significantly higher QoR-15 scores (125.5 [118.3–130.0] vs 136.5 [126.3–139.0]; difference = -9, 95%CI, -11 to -5; P < 0.001) on the first postoperative day. For secondary outcomes, the HFNC group had a shorter PACU stay ( difference = 11.6 min, 95% CI, 10.4–12.8 min), earlier out-of-bed mobilization (difference = 31.8 min, 95% CI, 30.6–33.1 min), lower mouth (difference = 2, 95% CI, 1-3) and throat dryness scores (difference =2, 95% CI, 1–3) at 30 minutes post-operation, and lower rates of postoperative sore throat (14.6% vs 0%; P = 0.019) and cough with sputum (odds ratio [OR] = 9.4, 95% CI, 1.1–78.4). No significant differences were observed between the groups for other measures.
Conclusions: HFNC can improve recovery quality in elderly patients after UHLL compared to LMA-assisted general anesthesia.
Trial Registration: This trial was registered on July 20, 2023, in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300073757).
Dietary acid load and mortality: Results from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study
Authors: Unohara Taichi , Watanabe Takeshi , Arisawa Kokichi , Matsuura Akari , Kita Kahori , Torii Yuka , Ishizu Masashi , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Nguyen Tien , Otonari Jun , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Tanaka Keitaro , Shimanoe Chisato , Nagayoshi Mako , Kubo Yoko , Matsunaga Takashi , Okada Rieko , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Michihata Nobuaki , Nakamura Yohko , Tanoue Shiroh , Koriyama Chihaya , Suzuki Sadao , Nishiyama Takeshi , Koyama Teruhide , Ozaki Etsuko , Kuriki Kiyonori , Takashima Naoyuki , Kondo Keiko , Tamura Takashi , Matsuo Keitaro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of diet on the body acid-base balance may be related to the risk of various chronic diseases. This prospective cohort study examined the relationships between the dietary acid load and all-cause and cause-specific mortalities in a large Japanese population.
Methods: The data of 74,360 subjects (aged 35-69 years in the baseline survey) in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study were analyzed. The dietary acid load was estimated using the net endogenous acid production (NEAP) score. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortalities according to the quartiles of the energy-adjusted NEAP score after adjustments for potential confounders.
Results: During a mean follow-up of 11.6 years, 3,761 deaths were identified. A higher NEAP score was associated with higher all-cause (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04-1.28) and cerebrovascular disease mortality (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.08-2.65). Sex-stratified analyses showed that the NEAP score was associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortalities, including cerebrovascular disease mortality in male subjects, but not in female subjects.
Conclusion: This study suggest that the dietary acid load is associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortalities, including cerebrovascular disease mortality, in Japanese male adults.
Development of MXene-Enhanced Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofibers: A Comprehensive Study on Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Zagabathuni Aparna , Rabeeh VP , G Sree Pranavi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The integration of two-dimensional materials into polymer matrices has garnered significant attention in recent years due to potential to enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of composite materials. This study focuses on synthesizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Ti3C2Tx MXene into a nonwoven nanofiber (NF) composite mat using an electrospinning. Following the electrospinning process, the fibers underwent pyrolysis, a crucial step that enhances their electrical conductivity and structural integrity. To characterize the nanofibers, an X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of both PVA and MXene, while SEM revealed improved morphological properties, including increased surface area and a higher number of active sites. The Raman spectra provided insights into defect densities, with the ID/IG ratio indicating that the incorporation of MXene and subsequent pyrolysis effectively increased defect density in PVA while enhancing its amorphous nature. Importantly, electrical conductivity measurements demonstrated a substantial enhancement in direct current conductivity for the pyrolyzed PVA-MXene composite fibers. The improved defect densities created an additional pathway for charge carriers through localized stress distribution, leading to higher conductivity.
Ultrasound-guided Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Renal Cyst Decompression: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Wan Mengning , Wei Ke , Dong Jun , Jin Juying , Cao Jun , Yuan Baohong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic renal cyst decompression (LRCD) is a common procedure in urology, but postoperative pain remains a significant challenge. While regional nerve blocks provide more targeted pain relief, there is no universally accepted pain management strategy for LRCD. The ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal nerve block (M-TAPA) may offer effective analgesia by blocking the anterior and lateral branches of the intercostal nerves (T5-T12). However, its efficacy in LRCD has not been thoroughly evaluated.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of unilateral M-TAPA in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing LRCD, and to evaluate its potential benefits in enhancing recovery.
Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 61 patients undergoing LRCD were assigned to either the M-TAPA group (n = 31) or the Control group (n = 30). The M-TAPA group received ultrasound-guided nerve block, while the Control group received a placebo injection following general anesthesia. Postoperative pain was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS) over a 48-hour period. Additional outcomes included opioid consumption and opioid-related side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
Results
The M-TAPA group had significantly lower NRS scores at all time points compared to the Control group, with the largest difference observed at 6 hours postoperatively (4.27 ± 0.83 in the Control group vs. 2.19 ± 0.54 in the M-TAPA group). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and treatment (F = 20.813, p < 0.001). Opioid consumption was reduced by 22% in the M-TAPA group over 48 hours (P < 0.001), and the need for antiemetic drugs was significantly lower (P = 0.020). No M-TAPA-related complications were observed.
Conclusion
M-TAPA was found to be an effective method for reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing LRCD.
CYP1B1-AS1 regulates CYP1B1 to promote Coxiella burnetii pathogenesis by inhibiting ROS and host cell death.
Authors: Samuel James , Arunima Aryashree , Niyakan Seyednami , Butler Samantha , Clark Sabrina , Pinson Anna , Kwak Doyoung , Qian Xiaoning , de figueiredo Paul , Schaik Erin Van 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii(Cb), the causative agent of Q fever, replicates within host macrophages by modulating immune responses through poorly understood mechanisms. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of inflammation, yet their role in Cb pathogenesis remains largely unexplored. Here, we employed a global transcriptomic approach to identify lncRNAs specific to Cb infection in THP-1 derived macrophages, compared to 15 other microbial infections. CYP1B1-AS1 was uniquely regulated in a spatio-temporal manner during Cb infection. Promoter assays revealed that CYP1B1-AS1 is transcribed by AHR from a bidirectional promoter, enhancing CYP1B1 expression in cis. Inhibition of CYP1B1-AS1 and CYP1B1 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and apoptosis, suggesting their role in dampening host cell death. Additionally, immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry identified the mitochondrially localized Cb effector CBU_0937 as an interactor of the CYP1B1 enzyme. These events facilitate Cb intracellular survival. Our findings identify CYP1B1-AS1 as a potential molecular target for combating Cb infection.
Comparison of low-rate oxytocin infusion versus bolus oxytocin for initiating uterine contraction during Cesarean delivery: A randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Somjit Monsicha , Pongsri Wichuda , Kasemsiri Cattleya , Sripadung Darunee , Sirisom Monthira , Bootsri Neeranart , Kongwattanakul Kiattisak 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective: Administration of oxytocin is the standard for preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-rate oxytocin infusion compared to a 5 IU intravenous oxytocin bolus, specifically assessing its impact on uterine contractions at 3 minutes and comparing associated side effects.
Material and Methods: This randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, between October 2022 and August 2023. A total of 160 pregnant women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: low-rate oxytocin infusion (Group L) and oxytocin bolus (Group B), with 80 participants in each group. The primary objective was to assess adequate uterine contraction at 3 minutes post-oxytocin administration. Secondary outcomes included uterine tone (measured on a 0–10 linear analog scale) at 3 minutes, the total amount of uterotonic drugs used, additional obstetric procedures required and adverse effects.
Results: Adequate uterine contraction at 3 minutes was achieved in a total of 120 patients. Group L had a significantly lower rate of adequate uterine contraction compared to Group B, with 47 (58.75%) in Group L versus 73 (91.25%) in Group B (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.78). The mean uterine tone at 3 minutes was lower in Group L than in Group B (4.68 ± 1.35 vs. 6.01 ± 1.78, respectively; P < 0.001). The incidence of hypotension was also lower in Group L than in Group B (11.25% vs. 26.25%, RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.88).
Conclusions: Low-rate oxytocin infusion was found to be inferior to a 5 IU oxytocin bolus in achieving adequate uterine contraction during cesarean delivery. Higher doses of oxytocin were associated with an increased risk of hypotension. Further studies are warranted to identify the optimal oxytocin regimen that achieves effective uterine contraction while minimizing the need for additional uterotonic agents and reducing adverse effects.
obfFuzz: Empirical Study to Boost Fuzzing the Obfuscated Software
Authors: Aldoshan Kawkab 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Code obfuscation is a well-known method for pro- tecting proprietary software against reverse engineering. While obfuscation is beneficial, it alters the program’s control and data flow. Thus, systematic control and data flow alteration significantly affect the binaries’ quality, especially from the viewpoint of fuzzing testing. Although these modifications can introduce bugs in the program, there is still a lack of clear understanding of how implementing an obfuscation algorithm degrades the quality of fuzzing obfuscated software.
This paper proposes ObfFuzz, the first empirical study to reveal and understand the challenges behind fuzzing the ob- fuscated software. Our study begins by fuzzing unobfuscated binaries and comparing the results with obfuscated binaries. We chose the most popular fuzzing technique, AFL++. It is interesting because of its approach to combining mutation-based test case generation with code coverage metrics, which is the most affected component, by applying obfuscation transformation techniques. We have evaluated our tool on four real-world programs (pdfinfo, exif, tiffinfo, and md2roff). 1 Our study revealed several findings: 1) Control flow obfuscation makes the code more complex, significantly decreasing code coverage percentage by 60% compared to the original code. 2) Due to data flow obfuscation, we have inefficient mutations during fuzzing, so it takes 70% more time to expose crashes than in the unobfuscated code with the same constraints. 3) Applying obfuscation techniques increases program code size and decreases execution speed, giving us inefficient fuzzing results for the obfuscated binary. 4) Our observation shows that fuzzing an obfuscated binary is inefficient. Obfuscation transformations add more complexity, degrading the resultant binary and introducing buggy code.
On Measuring Labor and Job Shortage by Occupation
Authors: Felder Rahel , Sheldon George 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Popular indicators used to measure labor and job shortage across occupations in Switzerland typically compare the stocks of job openings and unemployed observed in these professions. According to this approach, labor shortage prevails when the number of vacancies in an occupation exceeds the number of jobseekers, and job shortage when the opposite holds. We show that this approach is deficient in a number of ways and develop a new approach that avoids these shortcomings. In addition, we demonstrate that our approach outperforms current methods in capturing the labor market turbulences that followed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
JEL classifications: C41, J64
Fabrication of complex optical phantoms using on-the-fly multi-filament mixing 3-D printing
Authors: Ragunathan Rahul , Mireles Miguel , Xu Edward , Lewis Aiden , Vanegas Morris , Fang Qianqian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We report a method to directly 3-D print complex heterogeneous optical phantoms with programmable tissue-mimicking absorption and scattering properties. The proposed approach utilizes commercially available multi-color mixing extruders and off-the-shelf polylactic acid (PLA) filaments, making this technique low-cost and broadly accessible. We systematically characterized optical properties, including both absorption and reduced scattering coefficients, at a wide range of mixing ratios of gray, white and translucent filaments and validated our hypothesis of a linear-mixing model between the filament mixing ratios and the resulting optical properties. Various techniques were used to design and fabricate sophisticated solid phantoms, including the design of color-purging towers, and the optimization of several printing parameters to improve print quality. To demonstrate the feasibility of this technique for generating anatomically complex phantoms with tunable optical absorption and scattering properties within tissue-relevant ranges, we designed and fabricated three heterogeneous optical phantoms. One of the presented phantoms was specifically designed to support quality assurance efforts in evaluating diffuse optics instruments and methodologies across various institutions. We have characterized the printed phantoms and observed an average error between 12%-15% compared to our linear-mixing model predicted values.
Case Report of a 47-Year-Old Long COVID Patient Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Yao Yang , Liu Shichang , Zhang Yiyao , Liu Chang , Shi Jingsong , Chen Binbin , Yang Zhuo , Zhang Tao , Li Zhanyong , Gao Shan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A 47-year-old female patient was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) based on positive Amyloid-PET and Tau-PET imaging results, coupled with increased levels of plasma biomarkers (Aβ42/Aβ40, pTau181, and pTau217). In this report, we characterized this unusual AD case by integrating data from various diagnostic methods, including PET, MRI imaging, genetic testing, plasma biomarker testing, etc, to contribute to future research and guide clinical practice. Given that this case emerged after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we suggest that the AD cases analogous to this one be categorized under a distinct subset within the long COVID syndromes, termed AD-like COVID syndromes.
New onset granulomatous with polyangiitis in a Covid-19 patient: A case report
Authors: sabouri Reza 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis affecting small to medium-sized blood vessels. COVID-19 pandemic, originating in Wuhan, China in 2019, has led to significant global morbidities and mortalities across the world up to now (3). Autoimmune reactions can be triggered by various factors, including infections and vaccines, contributing to ANCA-associated vasculitis.
Case report: A 41-year-old male with history of HTN was hospitalized with complaints of fatigue, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and gross haematuria. The patient had history of hospitalization due to severe Covid-19 last year and was hospitalized hospitalized due to concurrent diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated ESR, CRP, proteinuria (+2) and haematuria (+4) and positive C-ANCA.
Discussion: We presented a de novo case of wegener’s disease with bronchiectasis in a previously healthy individual. ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis may potentially arise both SARS-Cov2 infection and vaccinations. Proper management and diagnosis of Wegener’s disease requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Overlapping clinical manifestations of GPA with other pathologies and diseases may lead to misdiagnosis, thus high clinical suspicion is crucial.
Conclusion: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare autoimmune vasculitis, affecting small- medium sized blood vessels and is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis caused by autoantibodies against anti-proteinase3 (PR3). SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with either development of de novo autoimmune disease or flaring of preexisting autoimmunity. Further researches are warranted for investigation of long-term complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-risk individuals.
Mapping of shore area wetlands in Lake Tana: Using Multi-Source Datasets, Sentinel-1A SAR, and PCI Geomatica Software
Authors: Wondim Yirga Kebede , Melese Ayalew Wondie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Shore area wetlands are important ecotones for biodiversity, spawning and refuge habitats, high primary productivity, and significant material exchange between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The distribution, size, and dynamic changes of lacustrine wetlands must be understood in order to effectively manage and maintain these resources. This work aimed to develop accurate shore area wetland mapping with multi-temporal, multi-source data, wetland indicators, and radar imagery of Sentinel 1 using Geomatica software, ground truth validation, and manual techniques. The topographic position (DEM and derivatives, as well as Lake Bathymetry) and hydric soil wetland indicators were mapped using different multisource datasets and Arc GIS software. Hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology were mapped using publicly available Sentinel-1 SAR data and Geomatica Banff software packages. For shore area wetland mapping, the analytical hierarchy process and weighted overlay method were applied. The topography position wetland indicator map covered about 55,363.53 ha, while hydric soils (Gleysols, Vertisols, and Fluvisols) covered about 55,151 ha around Lake Tan within a 3 km buffer. The hydrology wetland indicator map of only permanently inundated covered about 591,311.43 ha, while including temporarily inundated covered about 607,052.48 ha. Hydrophytic vegetation around Lake Tana, including invasive water hyacinth, covered about 74,771.86 ha. The overall land use/cover classification accuracy and overall Kappa statistic were 78.68% and 0.70, respectively. Based on Class Accuracy Statistics results of Producer Accuracy (PA), User Accuracy (UA), and Kappa Statistic (KS), water bodies (PA = 94.11%, UA = 99.12, and KS = 0.98), cultivated land (PA = 77.20%, UA = 81.04%, and KS = 0.780), and hydrophytic vegetation (PA = 69.69%, UA = 59.77%, and KS = 0.51) were classified with the highest accuracies. Shrub-land (PA = 45.00%, UA = 29.03%, and KS = 0.27), and Plantation of Eucalyptus (PA = 0.00%, UA = 0.00%, and KS = -0.02) had the lowest PA, UA, and KS. Shore area wetlands were generally found around Lake Tana, about 3 km to the terrestrial part, and covered about 26,663.24 ha. The combination of multi-temporal, multi-source data, wetland indicators, radar imagery of Sentinel 1 using Geomatica software, ground truth validation, and manual techniques provided information on the spatial distribution of shore area wetlands in Lake Tana. In order to properly manage and preserve these resources, the distribution and extent of shore area wetlands produced by this study will be a crucial point of reference for next research.
Remote sensing as a support tool to map suspended sediment concentration over extended river reaches
Authors: Nones Michael , Guo Chao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Spatiotemporal variations of sediments transported along rivers play a crucial role in a wide spectrum of uses, such as navigation, recreation, habitats or river environmental protection. The advancement in technology has made it possible to use various indirect techniques to study and evaluate the transport of suspended sediment in fluvial environments. To investigate large-scale phenomena, remote sensing is becoming a largely utilized approach, as it allows to combine spatially distributed and local information. The systematic change of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and dynamic processes controlling sediment transport at a given local scale are often not well known, and generally investigated using reach-specific field information. In this work, SSC maps were created by combining satellite images with local monitoring SSC data, from the Zhijiang-Chenglingji reach of the Changjiang River (China) as a case study, and analyzing how SSC dynamics changed over the period 2016-2023, also considering extremely low and high-flow events. Multiple relationships between measured SSC and reflectance were selected from the literature and tested. Results show that a combination of Sentinel-2 bands 3,4 and 5 represents the best-performing statistical model (R2=0.61) in mapping SSC spatiotemporal variations over an extent of dozens of kilometres. Despite the uncertainties connected to the small amount of data available and the differences between SSC data measured over the vertical and surface reflectance, this application shows the potential of remote sensing in mapping SSC at a large spatial scale, overcoming the limitations of localized field sampling, eventually suggesting a relatively simple approach that could assist water managers in mapping large-scale dynamics of SSC for applications such as navigation, habitat preservation, and hydropower production.