bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Ultrasound-guided Intercostal Nerve Block in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Authors: Zheng Lamei , Wei Chuang , Lv Rong , Wang Tongxuan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Surgical stimulation causes many pathophysiological changes which are not conducive to the recovery of patients, this trail aims to investigate whether intercostal nerve block can reduce the perioperative stress response and postoperative pain in patients undergoing elective retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy.Patients and methods:40 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to Test groupand Blank group.Results: Our study found that the catecholamine and cortisol levels in two groups were higher than the baseline value after pneumoperitoneum, (P＜0.05), while the catecholamine level was lower in Test groupthan in Blank group (P＜0.05), and there is no differences of cortisol levels was observed in two groups. The catecholamines and cortisol levels of two groups were basically restored to the preoperative level after 24 hours surgery, The concentration of IL-6 and IL-10 in two groups increased at 24 hours after surgery, but there was no differences was observed between the two groups at the same point. And the usage of analgesic during operation was less in the Test group than Blank group (P＜0.05).Conclusion : Intercostal nerve block can reduce the stress response of patients undergoing retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy and reduce the usage of perioperative analgesics.Tial registration statement : This trial has been applied by the ethics Association of Chongqing cancer hospital.
Experimental Research on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Characteristics of Silty Clay Subgrade Filler With Red Pisha Sandstone and Carbide Slag in Seasonal Frozen Regions
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Li Dongqing , Ming Feng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
As the foundation structure of highway engineering, the quality of the subgrade determines the service life of highway engineering. Under this condition, the filling soils are frequently improved for raising the stability of the subgrade. Proper utilization of lower-cost waste materials will reduce demand for natural materials and the cost of construction. In this study, the red Pisha sandstone (RPS) and carbide slag (CS) as green and sustainable materials to reinforce the silty clay. The improvement effect was evaluated through freeze-thaw cycles test, triaxial compression strength test, particle-size distribution test, X-ray diffraction test, and scanning electron microscopy test. The results indicated that the addition of 15wt.% RPS and 15wt.% CS increased about 136% of the triaxial compressive strength of silty clay. With the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, the strength loss ratio and the deformation change slightly. It also has the excellent function of freezing and thawing resistance and shear strength. The key factors for the superior mechanical performance of RPS-CS stabilized silty clay are that more sand-size particles are beneficial to the hydration reactions of RPS and CS during the entire curing time, adequate flocculation and agglomeration of soil particles occurred. Many small-sized rounded and plate-like CSH gels filled most of the soils pores and isolated pores fractures became fewer in the samples, which produced a denser and less permeable material. The outcomes of this research will contribute to the utilization of red Pisha sandstone and carbide slag as a sustainable stabilizer in highway subgrade applications in seasonal frozen regions.
Atypical and Non-spontaneous Attentional Control in “just Look” Tasks for Face Recognition in ASD Children Revealed by Gaze Tracking Pupillometry
Authors: Murofushi Yuka , Kubota Masaya , Akira Ishiguro , Hayakawa Itaru , Ozawa Hiroshi , Abe Yuichi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We hypothesized that abnormalities in social interaction and executive function may be related to fluctuations in pupil diameter, which reflect norepinephrine activity in terms of attentional function. We adopted “just look” tasks to examine spontaneous changes in attention. Twenty children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 39 typically developing (TD) controls participated. Intragroup comparisons of differences in pupil diameter changes during a shift from a scrambled image to the original image (task 1-a), fixation on faces, letters, and geometric patterns (task 1-b), and pupil diameter changes during a shift from a nonsense image to a face-like image (task 2) were performed. In task 1-a, ASD children had prolonged pupil dilation after the shift in images, whereas the pupil contracted in TD children, indicating deficits in attentional disengagement in ASD children. In task 1-b, ASD children preferred geometric patterns over faces. In task 2, the rate of pupillary dilatation during the shift in images was lower in ASD children than in TD children. Therefore, ASD children appear to have abnormalities in spontaneous attention to faces, which function automatically in TD children. In conclusion, atypical attentional function may contribute to the manifestation of abnormalities in social interaction and executive control in ASD.
Modeling Constructed Wetlands for Hot and Arid Regions: Model Development
Authors: Zahakos Harry , Saeed Suhur , Kolluru Venkat S. , Prakash Shwet , Varghese Linso , Prigent Stephane 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A mechanistic model was developed to assist with design of constructed wetlands intended to treat industrial wastewater in the Arabian Gulf region. The model is deterministic in nature and thus allows explicit evaluation of the fate and transport of wastewater constituents throughout constructed wetlands to assess their efficacy in treatment. Although the model was developed for the purpose of evaluating treatment wetlands in the hot and arid climate of the Middle East, the model is generalized in order to allow users to simulate a wide range of climates, any type of wetland, with any configuration, and any selection of material and plants. The model simulates the majority of physical, chemical, and biological processes that could occur in wetlands that are responsible for the removal of constituents. The model is designed to be flexible enough to allow the simulation of any number pre-selected constituents or other constituents of the user’s choice made based on the quality of influent. The model relies on a large body of existing literature to formulate each process. The model development discussed in this report and the resulting model, CWM, is considered “in progress”. During the present stage, the model framework and algorithms have been developed and made functional. Subsequently, model formulations will need to be validated, model limitations analyzed and addressed, and model refinements made, before and during use in full-scale operations and design. As such, it is recognized that the present stage of model development is “experimental”, and future refinements of the model are anticipated. Model results at this time consist of evaluation of key model features and how they perform in Middle Eastern climates.
A Cross-Sectional Survey; Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Self-Medication in Medical and Pharmacy Students
Authors: Alduraibi Razan , Altowayan Waleed 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Self-Medication is common practice worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Self-Medication is referred as self consumption of medication without consulting a physician for either diagnosis or treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward self-medication among medical and pharmacy students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and pharmacy students in Qassim university, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2020-2021.Multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit students. The data were collected through questionnaire.Results: Three hundred and sixteen of 316 students were recruited. This study showed that the majority (94.6%) of students had good knowledge of self-medication. Additionally, the following characteristics were significantly associated with good knowledge: being female, and Pharmacy students. Overall mean score for the attitudes towards self-medication shows that 58.4% of the total sample had high agreements towards the questions of the attitudes toward self-medication. More than half (63.9%) of the students reported that they practice self- medication in the last 6 months. Pain killers was the most common medication used for self- medication by the majority of the students (88.29%). Conclusions: In conclusion, students' knowledge of self-medication appears to be good and significantly high among pharmacy students in comparison to medical students. As well self-medication was highly practiced among the students. Therefor, medical and pharmacy students should be viewed as important contributors to the public health care system, and future health professionals should be properly educated on good pharmacy practice and responsible self-medication.Trial registrationNot applicable
Analysis of 29 Targeted Genes for Non-obstructive Azoospermia: the Relationship Between Genetic Testing and Testicular Histology
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Bertelli Matteo , Condorelli Rosita A. , Vilaj Marija , Vignera Sandro La , Jezek Davor , Calogero Aldo E. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between testicular histology and pathogenic variations of genes regulating spermatogenesis.AIM. To analyze the presence of potentially pathogenic variants of 29 candidate genes known to cause spermatogenic failure (SPGF) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who underwent testicular histology.PATIENTS AND METHODS. Sixty patients with NOA referred to the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia, for testicular biopsy were consecutively assessed for eligibility. Twelve patients were excluded from the study because they had Klinefelter syndrome (n=1), Yq microdeletions (n=6), testicular trauma (n=2), or in-situ germ cell neoplasia (n=3). Therefore, 48 patients were considered eligible and included in this study. They were divided into three groups: those who had cryptorchidism (n=9), those with varicocele (n=14), and those with idiopathic NOA (n=25). All included patients underwent blood withdrawal for next-generation sequencing analysis and gene sequencing.RESULTS. We found a possible genetic cause in 4 patients with idiopathic NOA (16%) and in 2 with cryptorchidism (22%). No pathogenic or possibly pathogenic mutations were identified in patients with varicocele. Variants of undetermined significance (VUS) were found in 11 patients with idiopathic NOA (44%), 3 with cryptorchidism (33%), and 8 patients with varicocele (57%). VUSs of the USP9Y gene were the most frequently as they were found in 14 out of 48 patients (29%). In particular, the VUS USP9Y c.7434+14del was found in 11 patients. They showed varied histological pictures, including Sertoli cell-only syndrome, mixed atrophy, and hypospermatogenesis, regardless of cryptorchidism or varicocele. No direct correlation was found between the gene mutation/variant and the testicular histological picture. CONCLUSION. Different mutations of the same gene cause various testicular histological pictures. These results suggest that it is not the gene itself but the type of mutation/variation that determines the testicular histology picture. Based on the data presented above, it remains challenging to design a genetic panel with prognostic value for the outcome of testicular sperm extraction in patients with NOA.
Ultrasound-triggered on Demand Lidocaine Release Relieves Postoperative Pain
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Jianfeng , Yu Yan , Wang Haoran , Ma Genshan , Wang Di , Xia Donglin , Cao Hanzhong , Yang Jianping 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSafe and noninvasive on-demand relief is a crucial and effective treatment for postoperative pain because it considers variable timing and intensity of anesthetics. Ultrasound modulation is a promising technique for this treatment because it allows convenient timed and noninvasive controlled drug release.MethodsWe created an ultrasound-triggered lidocaine (Lido) release platform using an amino acid hydrogel functioning as three dimensional (3D) scaffold material (Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel). Optimal preparation conditions and ultrasound-triggered parameters were evaluated. In the postoperative pain SD rat model, the Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel or free lidocaine was administered by subcutaneous injection immediately after making the paw incision. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed using calibrated von Frey filaments after an individualized (highly variable) ultrasound-triggered process. The safety of the treatment was also evaluated.ResultsThe Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel allows control of the timing, intensity and duration of lidocaine (Lido) to relieve postoperative pain. The hydrogel releases Lido due to the elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels generated by PPIX under ultrasound triggering. The optimal ultrasound parameter (0.3 W/cm2, 30 s) was chosen for in vitro and in vivo studies. The Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel (with lidocaine, 5.6 mg/mL) under individualized ultrasound triggering (every 2 h in the first 12 h, every 4 h for the next 36 h, and then every 6 h until 72 h postsurgery) released lidocaine and provided effective analgesia for more than 72 h. Additionally, the withdrawal threshold was higher than that in the control group at all time points measured. The hydrogel showed repeatable and adjustable ultrasound-triggered nerve blocks in vivo, the duration of which depended on the extent and intensity of insonation. On histopathology, no systemic effect or tissue reaction was observed in the ultrasound-triggered Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel-treated group.ConclusionsThe Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel with individualized (highly variable) ultrasound triggering is a convenient and effective method that offers timed and spatiotemporally controlled Lido release to manage postoperative pain.
Family Presence During Invasive Procedures. A Pilot Study To Test a Tool
Authors: de Mingo-Fernandez Eva , Belzunegui-Eraso Ángel , Medina-Martín Guillermina , Cuesta-Martínez Roser , Jiménez-Herrera María 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Family presence during invasive procedures (FPDI) generates controversy in healthcare professionals.Objective: Evaluate the FPRB-FPSC tool for invasive procedures and find out the opinions of the medical and nursing staff on FPDI.Method: Descriptive quantitative. Online and paper questionnaire modified from a previous cross-cultural translation. A factor analysis was performed for the validity of the indices and a bivariate analysis for all the variables. Ethical approvals and research permissions were obtained according to national standards.Results: 120 healthcare professionals (22.18%) answered the survey. Cronbach’s α in Family Presence Risk-Benefit scale was 0.877. Cronbach’s α in Family Presence Self-Confidence scale was 0.937. The correlation between the Risk Benefit and Self-confidence variables is significant and with a moderate intensity of the relationship A lower predisposition to Family Presence during Invasive Procedures is observed. Doctors are more reluctant than nurses.Conclusions:The FPDI generates controversy since it alters the routines of health professionals when they decide whether to allow it or not. There is a tendency for younger professionals to support FPDI. In general, health professionals, mainly nurses, are not in favour of FPDI. Health workers who perceive fewer risks and more benefits in FPDI and have greater self-confidence are more in favour of FPDI. The psychometric properties and internal consistency of the questionnaire indicate validity and reliability of this tool.
Improving GSMaP V06 Precipitation Products Over the Upper Tocantins River Basin in the Brazilian Cerrado, Based on Local Rain-Gauge Network
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo , Bufon Vinícius Bof , Maia Felipe Cardoso de Oliveira 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of GSMaP (Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation) in estimating rainfall in central Brazil, using the Upper Tocantins River sub-basin as a specific area of ​​analysis. GSMaP data were compared with data from a rain gauge network between 2000 and 2019. Evaluations were made at daily and monthly temporal scales. In general, GSMaP products show an overestimate bias for drizzle (0.1~1 mm day−1) and underestimate for rainfalls above 10 mm day−1. The use of monthly scale data significantly reduces the bias observed in the daily scale, but with an underestimation trend of -28.3% and -39.7% for the dry and rainy periods, respectively. Categorical indices showed that the GSMaP system had better hit rates for rain detection in the rainy season (October-April) than in the dry season (May-September). For the studied region, the use of GSMaP data on daily and monthly scales should be preceded by a bias analysis as a function of rain gauge network data. The use of bias coefficient corrected observed rainfall data underestimation on daily and monthly scales, improved correlation between GSMaP and observed rainfall data and reduced errors associated with rainfall network data within the basin influence area.
Design of Low-Power SPIHT Decoder Based ECG Compression and Reconstruction System
Authors: Arunachalam Vinod , Natarajan Kumareshan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This article proposes a 1D biomedical signal encoding scheme to allow embedding of metadata and to protect privacy. The compression of ECG signal and its reconstruction is implemented. The design concentrates on an overview of the criteria for safe and effective m-health storage, transmission, and access to medical tests. However, existing architectures for encoding SPIHT are designed to process images/videos. Significant memory and complex sorting algorithms are required for both architectures, and they all require time-consuming tasks that do not apply to mobile ECG applications. On the basis of our previously updated SPIHT coding research, we used flags and bit controls to reduce memory needs and code complexity through a combination of three search processes in one phase. The goal of real-time architecture for mobile ECG applications is therefore to be accomplished. In order first, to solve the disadvantages of the low-encryption speed of coded and complex hardware architectures that characterize previous SPIHT algorithms, we propose a SPIHT coding algorithm that uses several types of state registry files because of its need for dynastic c to attain real-time and performance design objectives. Secondly, a highly piped and efficient VLSI architecture is used to implement a high-efficiency and low-power SPIHT design based on the proposed algorithm.
Evaluation of Calf Circumference, Mid-upper-arm Circumference and Ishii Test for the Assessment of Sarcopenia with Schizophrenia in a Mental Health Center
Authors: Chen Ming , Lei Xiuping , Zhu Tian , Li Qiuxia , Chen Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveOur objective was to understand the prevalence of sarcopenia in schizophrenic patients and to evaluate if calf circumference (CC), mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and Ishii tests can be used to accurately screen for sarcopenia in schizophrenic patients.MethodWe enrolled schizophrenic patients aged 50 or older, who were regularly taking antipsychotic medications, at two mental health centres. Bioimpedance-based muscle-mass was analysed with an InBody 770 instrument, while muscle strength was measured with a digital grip-strength dynamometer. The physical performance of the patients was gauged from their gait speed over 6 m. Standard AWGS2019 diagnostic criteria were used, and the accuracies of the three screening methods were indicated by the sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve, positive predictive values and negative predictive values.ResultsA total of 339 stable schizophrenic patients were enrolled. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.1%, and the prevalence was, respectively, 55.6% and 47.66% for males and females. The prevalence of sarcopenia obesity in the total population was 16.22%, and that of males and females was 18.97% and 10.28%, respectively.The CC, MUAC and Ishii test sensitivity/specificity in screening for sarcopenia were 78.3%/67%, 76.74%/68.93%, 89.92%/67%, respectively, in males and 92.16 %/69.64%, 74.51%/78.57%, 96.08%/55.36%, respectively, in females. In males, the AUCs of the CC, MUAC and Ishii test were 0.8 (95%CI, 0.744-0.856), 0.78 (95%CI, 0.721-0.84) and 0.88 (95%CI, 0.837-0.922), respectively, and in females, they were 0.893 (95%CI, 0.833-0.953), 0.843 (95%CI, 0.772-0.915) and 0.855 (95%CI, 0.784-0.926), respectively.ConclusionThe incidence of sarcopenia in schizophrenia patients is high. Clinical doctors should screen for sarcopenia in patients with schizophrenia and provide timely interventions to reduce the occurrence of adverse events. The CC, MUAC and Ishii tests are simple and easy-to-use screening tools for sarcopenia in both males and females with schizophrenia.
Mutational Spectrum of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes among Women in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Felix Gabriela ES , Guindalini Rodrigo Santa Cruz , Zheng Yonglan , Walsh Tom , Sveen Elisabeth , Lopes Taisa Manuela Machado , Côrtes Juliana , Zhang Jing , Carôzo Polyanna , Santos Irlânia , Bonfim Thaís Ferreira , Garicochea Bernardo , Toralles Betânia Pereira , Meyer Roberto , Netto Eduardo Martins , Abe-Sandes Kiyoko , King Mary-Claire , Nascimento Ivana Lucia de Oliveira , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: There is a paucity of data on the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic variants among women of African ancestry in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods: We performed BROCA panel sequencing to identify inherited loss-of-function variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes among 292 Brazilian women referred to a single institution cancer risk assessment program. Results: The study included a convenient cohort of 173 women with invasive breast cancer and 119 women who were cancer-free at the time of ascertainment. The majority of the women self-reported as African-descended (67% for cases and 90.8% for controls). Thirty-seven pathogenic variants were found in 36 (20.8%) patients. While the spectrum of pathogenic variants was heterogeneous, the majority (70.3%) of the pathogenic variants were detected in high-risk genes BRCA1 , BRCA2 , PALB2 , and TP53 . Pathogenic variants were also found in the ATM , BARD1 , BRIP1 , FAM175A , FANCM , NBN , and SLX4 genes in 6.4% of the affected women. Four recurrent pathogenic variants were detected in 11 patients of African ancestry. Only one unaffected woman had a pathogenic variant in the RAD51C gene. Conclusion: The high prevalence and heterogenous spectrum of pathogenic variants identified among self-reported African descendants in Northeast Brazil is consistent with studies in other African populations with a high burden of aggressive young onset breast cancer. It underscores the need to integrate comprehensive cancer risk assessment and genomic testing in the management of newly diagnosed Black women with breast cancer across the African Diaspora, enabling improved cancer control in admixed underserved and understudied populations.