bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reoperation Rate After Posterior Spinal Fusion Varies Significantly by Lenke Type
Authors: Boufadel Peter , Badin Daniel , Samdani Amer F. , Sponseller Paul D. ,   on behalf of the Harms Study Group
Published: November 2024

Background:
Lenke curve types can vary in their response to treatment. We explored potential differences in reoperation rates, causes, and risk factors among patients with different Lenke types who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods:
We studied a multicenter database of patients with AIS who underwent index PSF at ≤21 years of age and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Baseline and surgical characteristics were collected. Reoperation rates, causes, and risk factors were analyzed by Lenke type.

Results:
A total of 3,165 patients were included. The mean age was 14.6 years, and most patients were female (81%) and Caucasian (68%). The mean follow-up period was 4.4 years. A total of 138 patients (4.4%) underwent reoperation. The reoperation rate varied by Lenke type (p = 0.02): patients with type-5 curves had the highest reoperation rate (7.2%), and those with type-1 curves had the lowest (3.0%). The most common cause of reoperation was an instrumentation complication. The rate of reoperation due to an instrumentation complication varied by Lenke type (p < 0.01). Compared with patients with type-1 curves, those with type-5 curves had significantly higher rates of reoperation due to implant prominence (odds ratio [OR], 11.7; p = 0.03), loss of fixation (OR, 3.9; p = 0.01), or a broken rod (OR, 7.8; p = 0.02) and those with type-3 curves had a significantly higher rate of reoperation due to loss of fixation (OR, 4.37; p = 0.01). Independent risk factors for reoperation were a major curve magnitude of ≥60° in patients with type-5 curves (adjusted OR [aOR], 4.18; p = 0.04), a major curve correction of ≥40° in patients with type-5 curves (aOR, 3.6; p = 0.04), and a lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) at or above L1 in patients with type-1 curves (aOR, 2.8; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:
The reoperation rate for patients with AIS who underwent PSF varied by Lenke type. Patients with type-5 curves had the highest reoperation rate, whereas patients with type-1 curves had the lowest. Patients with Lenke type-5 curves had a higher rate of reoperation due to instrumentation complications.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Study on Damage Evolution Law of Coal Pore Structure under Multipass Pulsating Hydraulic Loads
Authors: Deng Qiucheng , Chen Xi , Ma Guoliang , Fan Chaonan , Ge Shaocheng , Zhou Gang , Fan Nan 
Published: November 2024

Summary
Coal seam water injection prefracturing to reduce dust is one of the important measures to control coal mine dust. At present, the hydraulic load used for coal seam water injection can be divided into pulsating hydraulic load and conventional hydraulic load. Pulsating hydraulic load can produce a more complex pore-fracture network under the same equivalent pressure as conventional hydraulic load, which is of remarkable significance for improving the effect of coal mine dust control. This study is based on the self-built pulsating hydraulic fracturing experimental device and combined with the nondestructive 3D reconstruction technology of computed tomography (CT) scanning, aiming to investigate the evolution law of coal fracture propagation under various pulsating peak pressures and loading times at the microscopic level. The results show that the primary pore structure governs the trend of coal damage. The arrangement directions of pores and small fractures can be made to slope in the direction of water injection by the pulsating hydraulic load, and the higher the pulsating peak pressure, the better the fracture penetration effect. The propagation of pores with a diameter of 100–500 μm is the main cause of the fracture section formation, and macropores that have a diameter larger than 500 μm constitute the principal part of the pore structure, indicating the propagation and penetration of fractures; the average surface porosity increment of coal increases with the increase of peak pressure. Under different pulsating peak pressures and loading times, the pore fractal dimension of coal samples all have a bimodal distribution of small and large peaks, but varied pulsating peak pressures also have an impact on the distribution range, number, and occurrence stage of this distribution.
Developing Block 2 Angola: A Multidimensional Approach to Managing Development Risk
Authors: Morris R. L. , Romero R. R. 
Published: November 2024

Management
Summary
This case study focuses on a $380-million project involving development of eight new offshore fields in Block 2 Angola, which became a success story despite facing major obstacles during early phases of the project. This study highlights how a multidimensional approach to managing risk and uncertainty, coupled with excellent cooperation with partners and government, can lead to an economic success.
With the interruption of the Angolan peace process in 1992, Block 2 was directly affected during the construction phase of the project. For a 2-year period and until the signing of the Lusaka Peace Accords in 1994, which re-established a cease-fire in Angola, mitigation of risk and uncertainty became the primary driver in completing this project. As a minority shareholder in Block 2, Texaco Angola (Texaco Panama Inc.-Angola) as operator needed to gain consensus among all its partners and the government for a revised development plan, taking into account some very divergent views of the risks facing the partnership. Ensuring the security of personnel, continuity of income, and maintaining sound project economics were required to gain the consensus needed to move ahead. A complete redesign of the development concept ensued while in the construction phase. The result was that this project was completed approximately 3 years later with acceptable economics. Unconventional and innovative design, financial hedging, and project-management solutions are highlighted to illustrate how this was accomplished.
WITHDRAWN: Application of poly(Clove Oil)-Based Organo-Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Dudu Tuba Ersen , Alpaslan Duygu , Turan Abdullah , Aktas Nahit 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Spinal muscular atrophy is also a disorder of spermatogenesis
Authors: MAGOT Armelle , REIGNIER Arnaud , BINOIS Olivier , MILLET Anne-Laure BEDAT , DAVION Jean-Baptiste , DEBERGE Louise , GHORAB Karima , GUYANT Lucie , LAHERANNE Emilie , LAFORET Pascal , LEFEUVRE Claire , MALLARET Martial , MICHAUD Maud , OMAR Chahla , PAKLEZA Aleksandra NADAJ , NICOLAS Guillaume , NOURY Jean Baptiste , PEGAT Antoine , PERE Morgane , SALORT Emmanuelle CAMPANA , SOLE Guilhem , SPINAZZI Marco , TARD Céline , VUILLEROT Carole , PEREON Yann 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients benefit from pre-mRNA splicing modifiers targeting the SMN2 gene, which aims to increase functional SMN production. The animal toxicity affecting spermatogenesis associated with one such treatment raised questions about male SMA patients’ spermatogenesis.
Methods
This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to July 2023. The study involved adult male patients with genetically confirmed SMA type 2 (SMA2) or SMA3 from 13 French neuromuscular centers. The patients’ general data, motor severity, urological history, exposure to certain factors, parenthood, and spermogram results were obtained. All patients were enrolled prior to exposure to risdiplam.
Findings
Sixty-eight patients were enrolled ( 36 SMA2 and 32 SMA3 patients). Forty-one patients had fertility data (parenthood history and spermogram analyses) and underwent 33 spermograms. Fertility disorders were identified in 27 of the 41 patients (65·9%, 95%CI: 51·3%–80·4%) in particular SMA2 patients: 19 cases (90.5%, CI: 77·9%-100%) (SMA3: 8 cases (40%, CI :18·5%-61·5%). Among the patients with available spermograms, 81% (27/33) had abnormal sperm concentration; 30% presented azoospermia. These abnormalities were significantly associated with SMA type (more prevalent in SMA2 patients, p < 0·001), disease motor severity, which included age at the loss of walking ability and wheelchair use duration (p < 0·001). The Motor Function Measure (MFM) determined that the sperm counts were also correlated with disease severity (p < 0·01).
Interpretation
The fertility disorders were correlated with SMA severity and were particularly evident in SMA2 patients. In the latter, sperm concentration positively correlated with MFM. This study is the first one to link fertility disorders with spermogram abnormalities in SMA males. Understanding spermatogenesis in SMA is crucial, especially with new therapies such as risdiplam. Consequently, conducting systematic spermogram studies prior to SMA treatment is recommended.
Ethical Issues in Providing Comprehensive Abortion Care to Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Der Amanda Debuo , Ganle John K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, abortion rates among young women is a public health concern. In 2021, 17.8% of abortions occurred among adolescents in the Eastern region of Ghana, who struggle to access comprehensive abortion care (CAC) due to conflicts over decision-making capacity and parental consent requirements. This study explores the ethical issues surrounding CAC provision for adolescents in the New Juaben Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study approached was used to explore the ethical concerns of healthcare workers providing CAC to adolescents. Twelve healthcare workers, comprising midwives, a physician specialist, a physician assistant, and a nurse, who had provided CAC services for at least 6 months were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using ATLAS.it software. Thematic analysis was conducted, with relevant quotations used to support the findings. Findings: This study revealed that some midwives provided biased and persuasive counseling to adolescents. Other ethical issues uncovered were confidentiality, coercion of mentally ill to accept post-abortion contraceptives, and contemplation with conscientious objection. Minors required parental consent for CAC, but mature adolescents provided informed consent. Where minors object to parental involvement, the loco parentis is used albeit strict parental involvement is required in advanced gestational age. Healthcare providers resolved ethical dilemmas related to informed consent through personal discretion and consultation. Confidentiality and conscientious objection were handled through consultation and referral. Task sharing ensured appropriate counseling and confidentiality. The Ghana Health Service counseling guidelines were often used for post-abortion family planning counseling. Conclusion: This study identified several ethical concerns related to CAC for adolescents, including biased counseling, compromised autonomy, confidentiality, beneficence, and conscientious objection. Appropriate resolution of ethical issues is important to improve access to CAC services for adolescents. Values clarification and attitude transformation training is required to orientate healthcare workers to provide unbiased and non-directive counseling. Clinical Trial Number: Not Applicable
Protein sequence classification using natural language processing techniques
Authors: Perveen¹ Huma , Weeds² Julie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to improve protein sequence classification through natural language processing (NLP) techniques, addressing the need for precise, automated methods. The research focused on comparing various machine learning and deep learning models to determine the most effective approach for classifying protein sequences into 75 target classes.
Methods
The study evaluated models such as K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Multinomial Naïve Bayes, Logistic Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Decision Tree, Random Forest, XGBoost, Voting and Stacking classifiers, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and transformer models (BertForSequenceClassification, DistilBERT, and ProtBert). Performance was tested using different amino acid ranges and sequence lengths.
Results
The Voting classifier outperformed other models with 74% accuracy and 65% F1 score, while ProtBERT achieved 76% accuracy and 61% F1 score among transformers.
Conclusion
Advanced NLP techniques, particularly ensemble methods like Voting classifiers, and transformer models show significant potential in protein classification, with sufficient training data and sequence similarity management being crucial for optimal performance.
Evaluation of renal allograft function by diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion weighted imaging
Authors: Li Wenxin , Ge Shiliang , Gao Feng , Zhang Jun , Liu Xiaolu , Li Meng , Gan Tian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To investigate the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging techniques in allograft kidneys.
Materials and Methods:
This study was approved by the institutional ethical review committee, and written informed consent was obtained. We included 84 eligible kidney transplant patients and 30 age-matched healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent DTI, mono-exponential DWI and pCASL scans using a 1.5T MRI scanner. Cortical and medullary fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and cortical renal blood flow (RBF) were measured. Recipients were categorized into three groups according to eGFR. The study compared among the groups, evaluated the correlation of each parameter with eGFR and their diagnostic efficacy in discriminating between different functional states of transplanted kidneys.
Results:
(1) Cortical ADC, medullary ADC and cortical RBF decreased with the decline of allograft renal function and were positively correlated with eGFR (cortical ADC: r= 0.513, p < 0.001; medullary ADC: r= 0.489, p < 0.001; cortical RBF: r= 0.615, p < 0.001); cortical-medullary FA values did not show such a trend.
(2) Cortical RBF values had the maximum AUC with high sensitivity and specificity when distinguishing between groups 1 and 2 (0.919, 95.7%, 71.4%)and between groups 1 and 3(0.969, 85.7%, 100%), and we found that when distinguishing between groups 1 and 3, combining it with cortical and medullary ADC values , respectively, increased the AUC(0.980); and when distinguishing between groups 2 and 3, cortical ADC values had the maximum AUC(0.798) with high specificity(91.3%).
Conclusions:
DWI and ASL are valuable in assessing kidney graft function. The diagnostic validity of cortical RBF values is higher in different groups of transplanted kidneys.
Enhancement of the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles toward methanol electro- oxidation using La-doped-Ta 2 O 5 /MWCNTs supporting materials
Authors: Wu Bohua , Lu Xicheng , Du Fengxiao , Liu Yifan , Wang Xiaoqin , Xiong Shanxin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this work, La-doped Ta2O5 was synthesized as support for Pt nanoparticles by hydrothermal method. The prepared Pt/Ta2O5-La/MWCNTs catalysts were characterized by TEM, XRD and XPS. These characterization methods confirm that Pt nanoparticles were successfully supported on La-doped Ta2O5/MWCNTs. The TEM reveals that the catalyst particle size on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is mainly between 2 nm and 10 nm, with an average particle size of 4.8 nm. The further electrochemical characterizations including CV, show that Pt/Ta2O5-La/MWCNTs catalysts have larger electrochemical surface area, better electrocatalytic activity and higher stability towards the methanol oxidation reaction compared to the carbon supported Pt catalysts. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is mainly contributed to the smaller particle size and more uniform dispersion of Pt nanoparticles. This work demonstrated that Ta2O5-La/MWCNTs is a promising anode catalyst support for direct methanol fuel cells.
Exploring Medical Students' Preferences and Challenges in Clinical Pharmacology Education: Insights and Improvement Strategies
Authors: Tobaiqy Mansour 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical students receive foundational knowledge in clinical pharmacology, bridging the gap between pharmacology and clinical practice. While several studies have investigated clinical pharmacology teaching methodologies, few describe the teaching and learning of clinical pharmacology in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to explore medical students' preferences for teaching and learning methods in clinical pharmacology, identify current strengths and challenges, and provide suggestions for improvement.
Methods
In April 2024, a cross-sectional online survey was distributed via WhatsApp to second and third-year medical students at the University of Jeddah, KSA. The survey invitation explained the purpose, voluntary participation, and anonymity of responses, with informed consent obtained. A 24-item English questionnaire, including a Likert scale and open-ended questions, was developed based on prior research and pilot-tested by five medical students. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17, employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ2) tests to explore variable relationships.
Results
Ninety out of 395 medical students completed the questionnaire (22.8% response rate). Students (43.3%, n = 39) found the curriculum comprehensive and relevant for medication management but lacked cohesiveness. Significant challenges included understanding course content (56.7%, n = 51) and passing exams (43.3%, n = 39). Additionally, 56.7% (n = 51) felt overwhelmed by the volume of information and struggled to practically apply pharmacological knowledge. Interactive teaching methods, such as case-based discussions and simulations, were deemed inadequate, and hands-on experience opportunities needed to be improved. While 43.3% (n = 39) expressed satisfaction with their education, 36.7% (n = 33) remained neutral, indicating uncertainty about the instruction's quality and effectiveness. Half of the respondents (50%, n = 42) called for adding root cause analysis and systems-based approaches to improve medication safety in the curriculum. Key teaching demands: autonomic pharmacology (44.3%), pharmacokinetics/dynamics (39.8%), and cardiovascular pharmacology (37.5%).
Conclusions
Findings suggest the need for more cohesive clinical pharmacology curricula, enhanced interactive teaching methods, and increased use of technology and practical applications to improve learning outcomes.
Deformation behavior of additive manufactured 316L stainless steel using in situ neutron diffraction
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Jiang Zhenjun , Wang Fuzhu , Zhao Dandan , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Chen , Hao Jianfei , Tong Mengmeng , Chen Bin , Kong Hao Jie , Wan Bingbing , Li Runxia , Wang Biao , Liu Gang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Manufacturing of metallic components using additive manufacturing technique is of great interest for the industrial applications. Here, the mechanical and microstructural responses of a 316L stainless steel (316LSS) built by selective laser melting (SLM) with XOY and XOZ directions were revealed by performing in situ neutron diffraction tensile tests. The tensile strength of the XOY-printed samples reaches 700 MPa, while the tensile strength of the XOZ-printed samples is less than 600 MPa. The diffraction peaks of the XOY and XOZ oriented SLM-formed 316LSS samples underwent significant changes during the tensile deformation process. The lattice constant of the printed samples in the tensile loading direction increased, while the lattice constant of the printed samples in the direction perpendicular to the tensile loading decreased. As a result, deformation anisotropy mechanism of additive manufactured 316LSS based on in situ neutron diffraction is due to the difference of fraction of nano-sized dimples, twin boundaries, diffraction peak transformation and lattice constants during tensile tests at room temperature. Therefore, choosing right printing direction plays a vital role in forming of metal parts using SLM for further application.
TLK1 as a Druggable Target in TMZ-Resistant Glioblastoma: Evaluating Small Molecule as a Promising Drug Candidate
Authors: Kirubakaran Sivapriya , Priya Bhanu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The acquired resistance to existing therapies poses a grave concern in achieving successful therapeutic outcomes. Temozolomide (TMZ), a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic in Glioblastoma therapy, often encounters resistance, necessitating the investigation of the underlying mechanisms of TMZ-acquired resistance. To study TMZ resistance, a cell-based model system was generated by intermittently exposing glioblastoma cells to increasing concentrations and time of TMZ over six months. The survival response of cells at higher concentrations confirmed TMZ-resistant cells, which exhibited a phenotypic shift toward a mesenchymal-like state, with decreased epithelial traits, indicating mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). This transition likely facilitates the stabilization and clonal growth of TMZ-resistant cells. Subsequent analysis revealed elevated expression of TLK1, a DNA repair protein, thus reinforcing its potential involvement in mechanisms associated with acquired resistance. To explore the therapeutic aspect of TLK1 inhibition, we utilized an in-house developed TLK1 inhibitor, J54. The inhibition of TLK1 in TMZ-resistant cells enhanced cytotoxicity, indicating TLK1 as a potential target to combat TMZ resistance. Moreover, TLK1 inhibition reduced cell migration and invasion, implying its role in promoting metastasis. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the role of TLK1 in the context of TMZ resistance, highlighting its potential as a valuable target for therapeutic intervention.