bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Mechanism of Laser Excited Acoustic Wave and its Application in Recognition of Incomplete-penetration Welding Defect
Authors: Cai Yuhua , Luo Yi , Wang Xinxin , Yang Shuqing , Zhang Fuyuan , Tang Fanshun , Peng Yanrui 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Incomplete penetration is a type of welding defect that severely impacts the quality of weldments. In order to identify penetration levels in pulsed laser and plasma transferred arc (laser-PTA) hybrid welding, this paper uses structure-borne acoustic sensors to detect acoustic signals. Their characteristics are then analyzed with respect to the time and frequency domains. Acoustic signals characteristic of incomplete-penetration defects were extracted using a Butterworth band-pass filter. Physical mechanisms of laser excited acoustic wave were then studied by analyzing the correlation between incomplete-penetration defects and their characteristic acoustic signals. The results showed that acoustic signals correlating to incomplete-penetration defects have characteristic frequencies ranging from 0 to 10 kHz, which are generated by interaction between the pulsed laser beam and molten pool. An incomplete-penetration defect constitutes an acoustic cavity, which is an acoustic transmission structure. The structure of phonation sources and the acoustic cavity are affected by levels of penetration, giving rise to acoustic signals with different characteristics. In general, the study of physical mechanisms of laser excited acoustic wave lays a foundation for on-line identification of incomplete-penetration defects in laser-PTA hybrid welding.
WITHDRAWN: Relationship Between Maxillary Sinus Hypoplasia and Maxillary Occlusal Cant: A Cone Beam CT Study
Authors: Alsufyani Noura A. , Major Michael P. , Major Paul W. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) has been reported to cause a cant in the orbital plane. No similar reports exist about the possible impact on the maxilla. The aim of this study was to assess if MSH is associated with maxillary occlusal plane (MOP) cant, and if dental or mandibular factors influenced the existence of the MOP cant. Methods: 80 cone beam CT images of subjects with MSH were analyzed for type of MSH, degree of MOP cant, open or cross bite, mandibular asymmetry, and degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joints. The subjects were compared with a control group matched by age and gender. Results: The degree of MOP cant (range 0-5.1°) was not statistically significantly different in unilateral vs bilateral MSH, or between the different types of MSH. The frequency of open bite, crossbite, mandibular asymmetry, or degenerative joint disease in unilateral vs bilateral MSH, or between the different types of MSH was not statistically significantly different. Between the case and control, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of MOP cant (1.3±1.1° vs 1.1±0.9°, respectively), or frequency of dental and mandibular factors. There was low positive linear correlation between MOP cant and mandibular symmetry in MSH subjects (Spearman’s rho= 0.23) and controls (Spearman’s rho= 0.187). Conclusions: The data suggests a view of the alveolar bone as the adaptable skeletal unit to ensure and bridge the functionality between the nasomaxillary complex and TMJ system – two systems with very different function, and therefore largely independent “matrix units”.
Sodium-fluorescein Guided Resection in Brain Metastases Surgery: Our Results in a Series of 59 Patients
Authors: Fuschillo Dalila , Mongardi Lorenzo , D'Andrea Marcello , Maimone Giuseppe , Antonelli Vincenzo , Tosatto Luigino 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Metastasis are the most common tumors in the brain, nowadays surgical resection still remains the treatment of choice in patients eligible for surgery.Several tools and techniques have been proposed to improve the resection rate but few datas are available on the application of fluorescence guided surgery for brain metastases resectionPurpose: the aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the fluorescence-guided surgery through the application of sodium fluorescein (SF) detected by Yellow 560nm filter for brain metastases surgery Methods: 75 Patients operated from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and 59 patients recruited. The patients were divided into group A of 30 (fluorescein-guided surgery group of 30 patients) and group B (control- standard white light microsurgery of 29 patients). In group A a 5 mg/kg bodyweight of FL was intravenously injected at scalp incision. A yellow 560 filter was employed for microsurgical tumor resection. Preoperative and postoperative metastases volume analysis was performed to evaluate the extent of resection and the residual tumor rateResults: Median preoperative Volume (cm3) was 11.85 (range 2.5-90) in group A and 10 (range 1-48) in group B. Median residual tumor volume (RTV) after surgery was 0 (0-1.0) in group A and 0.4 (0-2.0) in group B whereas median EOR was 100% (0,8-1) in the group A and 98,2% (0,43-1) in group B. Conclusion: SF-guided surgery using YELLOW 560 nm microscope filter should be considered a safe and useful procedure and effective to improve the extent of resection even in metastatic tumor surgery.
Shear Wave Elastography Combined with Molecular Subtype in Early Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Case-control Study
Authors: Huang Jia-Xin , Lin Shi-Yang , Ou Yan , Shi Cai-Gou , Zhong Yuan , Wei Ming-Jie , Pei Xiao-Qing 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to investigate the performance of quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) and the accuracy of SWE with the molecular subtype for early prediction of pathological response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).Methods: In this prospective case-control study, 102 patients were screened from September 2016 to August 2020. Characteristics of conventional ultrasonography (US), SWE and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI), were recorded, and the changes were compared to the pre-NAC baseline data. The pathological response was classified according to the Miller Payne grading system. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for the response to NAC. Results: Significant differences related to changes in SWE characteristics of breast lesions between between pathological response groups were observed earlier than size on the conventional US and MRI images. According to the multivariate predictive model, the best parameter for predicting the pathological response after the first cycle of NAC was the molecular subtype of the tumor [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.83] with low sensitivity (66.04%). Better predictive performance was achieved when △AE/B and the molecular subtype were applied in combination after the second cycle of NAC (AUC = 0.92) with a higher sensitivity (86.79%). The predictive performance of molecular subtype combined with △AE/B and △SWVmean after the third and fourth cycles of NAC were improved (AUC = 0.94).Conclusion: The SWE can be an early predictor of the pathological response to NAC for breast cancer. The combination of SWE and the molecular subtype may be a preferred method for the clinical evaluation of NAC to facilitate the personalization of treatment regimens for breast cancer.
Renal Function in β-Thalassemia Major Patients Treated with Two Different Iron-Chelation Regimes.
Authors: Tanous Osama , Azulay Yossi , Halevy Raphael , Dujovny Tal , Swartz Neta , Colodner Raul , Koren Ariel , Levin Carina 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Renal injury in Transfusion dependent β thalassemia patients (TDT) has been attributed to iron overload, chronic anemia and iron-chelation therapy (ICT) toxicity. We studied renal function in TDT patients treated with two different ICT regimes. Patients and methods: We studied 36 TDT patients: 26 received deferasirox (DFX) and 10 were treated with deferoxamine (DFO) +/- deferiprone (DFP).Results: Increased uNAG was found in 30% of the DFX group vs. 10% of the DFO+/-DFP group, the mean uNAG level in the DFX group was significantly higher than in the DFO+/-DFP group, (P < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between uNAG levels and mean serum ferritin for the prior 10 years (P = 0.03), more pronounced for the DFO+/-DFP group. 29 patients had had their renal function evaluated 10 years earlier; eGFR significantly declined in patients switched to DFX (P = 0.0093) but not in patients who continued DFO+/-DFP. Conclusions: A high prevalence of renal tubular damage was observed in our TDT patients, particularly those treated with DFX; uNAG was negatively associated with mean 10-year serum ferritin, suggesting ICT's involvement in tubular injury. A significant decline in eGFR compared to a decade earlier was observed only in patients currently treated with DFX. Strict follow-up of renal function in TDT patients is warranted.
Childhood Academic Performance: A Potential Marker of Genetic Liability to Autism
Authors: Guilfoyle Janna L , Winston Molly , Sideris John , Marin Gary E , Nayar Kritika , Bush Lauren , Wassink Tom , Losh Molly 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, genetically complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Genetic liability is often expressed among relatives through subclinical, genetically meaningful traits, or endophenotypes. Studies of parents of individuals with ASD suggest important differences from controls in language-related skills in particular, including evidence that such differences may emerge in childhood, that may serve as early markers of genetic liability to ASD. This study investigated whether developmental academic profiles may be evident among clinically unaffected siblings of individuals with ASD, and possibly constitute developmental endophenotypic markers of ASD genetic risk among relatives. Methods: Longitudinal, archival academic testing records were studied to characterize developmental profiles in the domains of language, reading, and math, among clinically unaffected siblings of individuals with ASD. Relationships were explored between siblings’ childhood academic profiles and subclinical ASD-related traits, and the familiality of such traits. Results: Results revealed relatively lower performance in language-related academic skills among siblings of individuals with ASD, mirroring patterns previously reported among parents. Relationships were detected between siblings’ academic performance patterns and subclinical ASD-related traits in themselves and their parents, and with symptom severity in their sibling with ASD. Language phenotypes were associated in mother-sibling dyads, and rigidity and math performance associated in father-child dyads. Limitations: Data from this study represent a relatively small and racially homogenous group of siblings of individuals with ASD, and as such, replication in a larger more diverse sample should be completed to increase generalizability. Conclusions: Distinctive profiles of academic development were evident in siblings in language-related skills, mirroring prior findings in parents, suggesting specific and subtle phenotypes that may represent early-emerging indicators of genetic liability to ASD and are measurable in first-degree relatives using standardized academic testing. Results also suggest differential intergenerational transmission of ASD-related traits between mothers and fathers.
Vaccine Wastage: Associated Risk Factors and Policy Implications in the Littoral Region of Cameroon: A Retrospective Data Review
Authors: Nkenyi Rene , Pak Gi Deok , Chon Yun , Park Se Eun , Kang Sunjoo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Immunization is an effective preventive health intervention. In Cameroon, the Expanded Program on Immunization aims to vaccinate children under five years old for free, but vaccination coverage has consistently remained below the national target. Vaccines are distributed based on the target population size, factoring in wastage norms. However, vaccine wastage rates (VWR) may differ among various settings. Our study aimed to assess vaccine wastage for different site settings, seasonality, and vaccine types in comparison to vaccination coverage. As the government of Cameroon continuously seek to improve and vaccination coverage and vaccine wastage, an investigation into why vaccines are being wasted may provide solutions to minimize it occurrences.Methods: Retrospective data on immunization and vaccine wastage covering 2016 and 2017 in the Littoral Region, Cameroon, were collected. Health districts were classified as urban or rural, seasonality categorized as rainy or dry season, and vaccine types were grouped into liquid, lyophilized, oral, and injectable. VWR and vaccination coverage rates (VCR) were calculated, and the vaccine waste factor was investigated. Results: From 2,851,527 doses, children made up 2,640,077 in 2016 and 2017. VWR was the highest in the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (32.19%) vaccine, followed by measles and rubella (19.05%) and yellow fever (18.34%) vaccines. Single-dose vaccine vials exhibited lower VWR than multi-dose vials. February and November experienced a decrease in the VCR. A negative correlation between VCR and VWR was presented. The VWR for most vaccines was higher during the dry season and remained persistently higher in rural than in urban districts. Conclusion: While the government of Cameroon has consistently been seeking to improve vaccination coverage in recent years by reducing vaccine wastage, understanding risk factors associated to vaccine wastage and coverage is essential for the immunization programs. Reasons for vaccine wastage were multifaceted: limited social infrastructure, cold chain, awareness of immunization, vaccine demand forecasting, and efforts to increase vaccination coverage. To achieve immunization targets, improved forecasting of vaccine demand is essential. Further studies on vaccine wastage and immunization coverage across Cameroon are needed for a comprehensive landscape analysis of immunization programs in Cameroon.
Filipino Nurses in Cebu City Reveals High Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness in Providing Care to COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Denney Brian , Astor Alexandra , Cabrilles Joanna , Codera Kristiane , Forteza Edzil Marice , Ihara Mugen , Lagudas Mary Farrah , Pesante Kathleen Kaye , Tam Jae Christelle 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading illness and has resulted in a global pandemic. In the Philippines, active cases of COVID-19 are rising and have threatened both local health and healthcare workers given the limited information on this new disease. Despite several studies conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, practices, and willingness of nurses to provide care during this pandemic, there are scarce reports regarding Filipino nurses. Thus, our study assessed such criteria in staff nurses across different Cebu hospitals.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive research design using the cross-sectional survey method. A web-based survey and convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data from Filipino nurses from any hospital in Cebu, of which, 137 participated in the study. A 43-item questionnaire was developed, which was spread out into 5 parts that comprised of the demographic profile, knowledge (15 items), attitude (10 items), practices (9 items), and willingness to care for patients with COVID-19 (9 items). The data was processed and analyzed using inferential statistical tools.Results: Majority of the nurses were females (70.80%), whose ages were 20-25 years old (54.01%), single (89.78%), mostly college degree holder (90.51%), and employed in hospitals for 1-3 years (64.96%). They also rely on the internet (99.27%) as a source of information related to COVID-19. They also displayed an overall knowledge of 65% especially about the COVID-19 causative agent, its transmission, and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the respondents were generally knowledgeable of the various information regarding COVID-19 at a rate of 79.56%. The mean values for attitude, practices, and willingness to provide care were 4.45 (very favorable), 4.65 (always), and 4.52 (very willing) respectively.Conclusions: Generally, the results of our study were favorable across the 5 parts of the survey. Overall knowledge and extent of practice was high, which can be attributed to government efforts of educating healthcare workers and observance of the mandated protocols. In addition, attitude significantly affected the willingness of the nurses to provide care. However, knowledge and practice did not affect the nurses’ willingness as the drawbacks and demands of their occupation outweighed and decreased their willingness.
Spatial Distribution and Epidemiological Factors of Brucellosis in Northwest of Iran.
Authors: Mohamadshahi Jafar , Habibzadeh Shahram , Moradi-Asl Eslam , Nakhostin Babak , -Ghahramanloo Abbas Abbasi , Emdadi Dariush , Abishvand Javad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world that infected humans directly through contaminated livestock or indirectly through animal products and induces high medical and economic damage annually. We extracted the incidence cases of the disease from 2016 to 2020 in this retrospective cross-sectional study using the disease registration system of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. The interpolation method and IDW model were employed for spatial analysis and disease distribution and determination of hotspot points, Moran I and General G analysis were used to determine the type of distribution and spatial autocorrelation at a significant level (P <0.05) . GIS software 10.4.8 was applied to determine areas.Results: 2679 cases of brucellosis were diagnosed in the province during the study that 96.97% were Iranian, 2.95% Azerbaijani, and 0.08% were Iraqi. 40.5% of patients were female and 59.5% male. The highest numbers of infected cases were reported in 2020 with 29.2% and the lowest number was reported in 2016 with 16%. Rural areas had a high prevalence in terms of distribution and the north of Aslanduz and the central part of Sarein were determined as two significant rural fauci of the disease. The trend of disease was increasing from east to west of the province.Conclusion: Brucellosis is very widespread in rural areas in Ardabil Province. Ardabil University of Medical Sciences is required to take practical and educational measures to control this disease in high-risk centers. It is expected to take measures in order to educate villagers.
Clinical Analysis of Posterolateral Approach for the Treatment of Posterior Malleolus Fracture with Cannulated Screw or Buttress Plate
Authors: Lei Yang , zhiyuan liu , Gang Yin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background:Posterior malleolus (PM) fractures account for 7%-44% of all ankle fractures. however, the management of PM fractures remains controversial. Studies have shown that the posterolateral approach is one of the most commonly used surgical approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of the posterolateral approach with cannulated screw or buttress plate for the treatment of posterior malleolus fracture.Method:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 66 patients with ankle fractures involving posterior malleolus from January 2016 to March 2018. All patients were treated with a posterolateral approach. Fixation of the posterior malleolus was made with anterior to posterior (AP) lag screws in 7 patients, posterior to anterior (PA) lag screws in 38 patients, buttress plates in 9 patients, and buttress plates combined with PA lag screws in 12 patients. We used the AOFAS ankle and posterior foot function scoring system, VAS pain score, and radiographic evaluations as the primary outcome measures. The mean follow-up was 10.8 ± 4.4 (range, 6-20) months.Results:Radiological evaluation showed that 64 patients (97.0%) achieved a good or excellent reduction and the primary bone union was achieved in all the 66 patients without internal fixation failure or occurrence of post-traumatic ankle arthritis. At the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score of the patients was 92.39 ± 3.84, with an excellent/good rate of 100%. The VAS pain score was 6.62±1.03 before surgery, changed to 3.06 ± 0.72 one week after surgery, and 1.20 ± 0.92 at the final follow-up. There was no statistical difference in the AOFAS score (p=0.01) or VAS pain score (p=0.01) between the different internal fixation methods.Conclusion:The posterolateral approach using lag screws and/or buttress plates can achieve good clinical outcomes in the treatment of posterior malleolus fracture with reduced incidence of postoperative complications, fracture reduction failure, and ankle osteoarthritis.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Patients with Renal Insufficiency and Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Buckenmayer Anna , Dahmen Lotte , Hoyer Joachim , Kamalanabhaiah Sahana , Haas Christian S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple laboratory diagnostic tool for estimating systemic inflammation. It remains unclear, if renal function affects ESR, thereby compromising its validity. This pilot study aims to compare prevalence and extent of ESR elevations in hospitalized patients with or without kidney disease. In addition, the impact of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality on ESR was determined.Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, patients were screened for ESR values. ESR was compared in patients with and without renal disease and/or RRT. In addition, ESR was correlated with other inflammatory markers, the extent of renal insufficiency and clinical characteristics.Results: A total of 203 patients was identified, showing an overall elevated ESR in the study population (mean 51.7±34.6 mm/h). ESR was significantly increased in all patients with severe infection, active vasculitis or cancer, respectively, independent from renal function. Interestingly, there was no difference in ESR between patients with and without kidney disease or those having received a prior renal transplant or being on hemodialysis. However, ESRD patients treated with peritoneal dialysis presented with a significantly higher ESR (78.3±33.1 mm/h, p<0.001), while correlation with other inflammatory markers was not persuasive.Conclusions: We showed that ESR: (1) does not differ between various stages of renal insufficiency; (2) may be helpful as a screening tool also in patients with renal insufficiency; and (3) is significantly increased in ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis per se, while it seems not to be affected by hemodialysis or renal transplantation (see graphical abstract as supplementary material).