bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fibrinogen Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Enhancing Microfracture for Cartilage Damage: A Retrospective Study of 113 Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Qiongmei , Zhou Haolin , Li Daoxiong , Zhong Yuan , Zhao Ye-Feng , Zhao Hongxiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common osteoarthritis and imposes a significant burden on patients' lives. Several treatment methods can promote cartilage repair to varying extents, but there are limited studies on the combined application of different treatments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of microfracture combined with fibrinogen and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) under arthroscopic in treating knee osteoarthritis, so as to provide a basis for clinical treatment decisions.
Method: A total of 113 patients with knee osteoarthritis who received orthopedic treatment from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected. They were divided into two groups according to whether they received fibrinogen and PRP treatment in addition to microfracture treatment. The two groups were followed up for 2 years to compare the differences in knee joint function and quality of life.
Results: The study compared changes in knee joint function scores and quality of life between the two groups after treatment and found that the quality of life of patients in the combined treatment group was significantly better than that of patients who received microfracture only (at 12-month follow-up, EuroQol-VAS scores were 64.32±5.63 for the microfracture group (MFx) and 75.65±8.57 for the fibrinogen combined with platelet-rich plasma-assisted microfracture group (FPRPA MFx); P=0.015; at 24-month follow-up, EuroQol-VAS scores were 66.47±5.18 for the MFx group and 79.40±7.43 for the FPRPA MFx group, P=0.022). There was also a strong correlation between patients’ quality of life and knee joint function score index (IKDC score correlation coefficient r=-0.375, Lysholm score correlation coefficient r=0.497, MOCART score correlation coefficient r=0.579, VAS score correlation coefficient r=0.242, T2 value correlation coefficient r=-0.293, P<0.001). Age-stratified analysis of the patients in the microfracture combined with fibrinogen platelet-rich plasma treatment group showed that the effect of the combined treatment was more pronounced in elderly patients.
Conclusions: The results of the study showed that compared with microfracture alone, microfracture combined with fibrinogen platelet-rich plasma therapy can further improve patients' knee joint-related function and their quality of life after treatment. The improvement was more obvious in elderly patients.
Habitat Suitability Modeling: A Tool for Restoring Butternut, Juglans cinerea L., in the Eastern United States
Authors: Adeyemo Segun M. , Granger Joshua J. , Schulz Ashley N. , Poudel Krishna P. , Yang Yun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

According to the IUCN Red List, the endangered eastern North American tree species, butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), has been negatively impacted by an introduced pathogen and declining habitat, hindering conservation efforts. We developed an ensemble model to project spatiotemporal dynamics in suitable habitats for butternut across its native eastern United States (US) range under contrasting emissions scenarios. Our model integrated six algorithms weighted by predictive performance on test data. Predictor variables emphasized temperature, precipitation, topography, and humidity variables influential for butternut based on ecological literature. Across four future periods through the end of the 21st century, the ensemble model projected habitat gains, losses, or stability depending on geographic location and climate model, highlighting variability and uncertainty. While some ensemble projections showed poleward and elevational range shifts per previous climate impact studies, incorporating dispersal limitations in future models could avoid under- or over-estimating shifts. Precipitation seasonality and slope aspect emerged as highly influential variables for projected distribution. Slope gradients may provide local climate refugia amid regional drying. Overall, these results demonstrate complex species-climate interactions across spatiotemporal scales, underscoring the need for adaptive and location-specific conservation strategies attuned to ecological intricacies to ensure biodiversity amid the uncertainties of global change.
A Markov Model for Estimating Medication Adherence Effect on Pediatric Asthma Healthcare Use and Cost
Authors: Brinton Daniel L. , MacGeorge Claire A. , Simpson Annie N. , DrPH Kit N. Simpson , Andrews Annie Lintzenich , King Kathryn 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background/Objective: Asthma medication adherence, measured by the asthma medication ratio (AMR), has been shown to be a reliable predictor of exacerbations among children with asthma. We estimated the effects of optimal vs suboptimal AMR on exacerbations resulting in an emergency department (ED) visit or inpatient (IP) admission.
Methods: We constructed an asthma Markov model using claims for a cohort of Medicaid beneficiaries aged 2‐17 years (n = 214,452) using 2013‐2014 MarketScan® data who had at least one claim for an inhaled corticosteroid. We calculated 3‐month AMRs as the basis of transition estimates in the model. The AMRs data were transformed to reflect a one‐month Markov cycle length. Our model included five states: controlled, sub optimally controlled, inactive, IP admission, and ED. The Markov model used an overall 2‐year time horizon for 10,000 beneficiaries. Patients entered the model in one of the five states as observed in the Medicaid data. Costs were based on 2017 Medicaid claims adjusted to reflect 2019 costs. Asthma medication cost-weight were mean payments observed for controller or rescue drugs, and costs weights for an ED visit or inpatient admission used median payments. Utilities for each state were based on existing literature.
Results: Monthly costs for children with asthma were $214 for controlled, $32 for suboptimally controlled (attributable to fewer medication fills), $565 for months with ED visit, and $5,883 with admission. Over a 2‐year period, we estimated the 2‐year direct medical costs of asthma among Medicaid insured children to average $4,552 per child. Children are on average 1.6 months more in controlled state at a cost of $0.71 more per child per month accounting for medication cost less the cost of ED visits and hospitalizations. In addition to the saved side effects of oral steroids and time hospitalized, there is one increased quality month per 13 months.
Conclusions: This Markov model populated with Medicaid population exacerbation, ED, hospital and medication use and payment data provides a solid framework to examine the cost effectiveness of existing and novel targeted interventions aimed at improving medication adherence and decreasing acute care visits for Medicaid children with asthma.
Impact of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy with Renorrhaphy
Authors: Taniguchi Tomoki , Muraoka Kentaro , Nishikawa Kohei , Ikehata Yoshinori , Setoguchi Makoto , Oka Masaru , Ebara Shin , Fujisaki Akira , Makiyama Kazuhide , Inoue Takahiro , Kitamura Hiroshi , Saito Kazutaka , Urakami Shinji , Yoneda Tatsuaki , Koie Takuya 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Renorrhaphy is often performed after tumor resection during robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN). This study aimed to investigate the association between renorrhaphy performance and inflammatory markers.
Material and Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent RAPN at eight institutions in Japan between April 2016 and November 2023. The primary endpoint was the association between the renorrhaphy performance in RAPN and the postoperative inflammatory markers. The secondary endpoints were perioperative outcomes in patients with and without renorrhaphy. The patients were divided into two groups at the time of RAPN: those who underwent renorrhaphy (renorrhaphy group) and those who did not (omitted group).
Results
In total, 934 patients were enrolled in this study. After propensity score matching, the rate of change in C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on postoperative day 28 were not significant difference between the two groups. In contrast, the rate of change in replatelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on postoperative day 28 was significantly higher in renorrhaphy group than omitted group. Regarding surgical outcomes, the renorrhaphy group had a significantly longer hospital stay, operative time, and warm ischemia time (P = 0.038, P = 0.022, and P = 0.009, respectively) than the omitted group did. Furthermore, the omitted group had a significantly higher rate of Trifecta achievement than the renorrhaphy group did.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that renorrhaphy performance in RAPN was significantly associated with the higer value of postoperative PLR.
Effects of low temperature on japonica rice quality in China: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Qianyu , Ji Ruipeng , Feng Rui , Wu Jinwen , Xu Mingjie , Zhang Tao , Zhao Siwen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To investigate the effect of low temperature on the quality of japonica rice, the literature published in the last 20 years (2005-2024) was collected and a database of japonica rice quality was established. Meta-analysis was used to quantify the effect of low temperature on the quality of japonica rice in China under different conditions at the late reproductive stage. The sensitivity of japonica rice to low temperature decreased in the following order: appearance quality > eating quality > milling quality. The effects of low temperature degree (∆T) on japonica rice quality differed. When 3°C<∆T≤6°C, the foodstuff value decreased the most (-12.57%), which strongly reduced the eating quality; when ∆T>6°C, the chalkiness (23.69%) greatly increased, the brown rice percentage (-3.46%) decreased, the milling quality and appearance quality reached their lowest values. Low temperature occurred in different development stages, with small differences in the degree of low temperatures, had variable effects on rice quality traits. Low temperature was most sensitive before and during grouting and significantly reduced the quality of japonica rice. In the single-double-cropping areas of Central China, the low temperature of 19.7°C averaged at the filling stage after delayed sowing improved the milling and appearance quality. However, low temperatures in the early single-cropping area in Northeast China, single-cropping area in North China and single-double-cropping area in Southwest China reduced the milling and appearance quality, improved the eating quality. Our findings provide important insights for the quantitative simulation and prediction of japonica rice quality under future climate change scenarios.
Comparative Analysis of Wildfire Risk Under Normal Climate and Extreme Meteorological Conditions
Authors: ÖZELKAN Emre , EREN Esra , ERENOĞLU Ramazan Cüneyt 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The wildfires have a significant detrimental impact on the forest ecosystem. Extreme weather events such as high temperatures, wind speed and drought triggered by climate change increase the frequency and severity of wildfires. The rising incidence of extreme weather conditions demonstrates the necessity for the development of new approaches for the assessment of fire risk, which is the primary objective of this study. In this study, the determination of wildfire risk areas for all months of the year was carried out in geographic information systems (GIS) by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, a well-known Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method (MCDM). The study area was selected as the Çanakkale province of western Türkiye, situated within the Mediterranean Climate Zone and experiencing an increased frequency of large fires. 12 criteria have been designated in the AHP model, including one vegetation (forest areas), three topographic (slope, aspect, elevation), three anthropogenic (distance from settlements, agricultural areas and roads), five climates (air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and land surface temperature generated using Landsat thermal bands). For the climate factors, unlike the general approach adopted regarding climate data in previous studies, this study analyzed the fire risk according to the extreme meteorological conditions (EMC) in addition to normal climate conditions (NCC). Thus, this study conducted risk analysis with two different data sets: NCC and EMC, where vegetation, topographic, and anthropogenic factors are common, but climate data are different. According to NCC and EMC risk analysis, where the risk was evaluated in 5 degrees between no risk (1) and very high risk (5), July is the riskiest NCC, and EMC period, and medium (3) and mostly high (4) risk groups dominate the study area. To analyse and compare the risk maps obtained from NCC and EMC, the areas burned in previous forest fires in the study area were determined using the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) index produced from Landsat satellite images. In the comparisons considering the burned areas for previous forest fires, the risk analysis, which is fed by EMC, was found to give better results in determining wildfire risk areas. Another notable finding of the study is that the increase in EMC frequency and severity leads to an extension of the fire season towards both autumn and spring.
Non-destructive evaluation of thermal barrier coating structures using multi-physics fusion based on electromagnetic drive
Authors: Xie Shejuan , Li Jialun , Yang Qingning , Wang Jiahao , Qiu Wei , Wang Tiejun , Jiang Peng , Tong Zongfei , Chen Zhenmao , Uchimoto Tetsuya 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used on turbine engines. The failure of TBCs will lead to financial losses or even life hazards, thereby necessitating the employment of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to ensure structural integrity and safety. The smaller size of defects that can be detected, the more likely it is to prevent potential risks. If multi-defects can be detected simultaneously, the maintenance cycles and costs will be reduced. However, current NDT methods are difficult to detect tiny debonding defects with high accuracy, and there are few methods that can detect multi-defects at the same time. To address this challenge, in this paper, combined with calculation and experiment, an electromagnetic driven based multi-physics fusion detection method is proposed for the first time. This method realizes the precise and fast detection of interfacial debonding with diameter 0.7mm within 0.8 second and the detection of substrate cracks simultaneously. To better simulate the actual debonding defects in real working conditions, the specimens with debonding defects fabricated by salt dissolution method are firstly used for the detection. The multi-physics fusion method leads to the combination of multiple NDT methods, which provides ideas for further improving the detection accuracy and efficiency of multilayer coatings.
Assessment of Incidence and Associated Risk Factors of Awareness With Recall Under General Anesthesia in Non-cardiac and Non-obstetric Patients in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital From May to October 2021, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Eshete Zemed Geleta , Denberu Yidersal Demsie , Endris Semira , Hulala Faiza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: General anesthesia involves administering drugs to induce hypnosis, amnesia, and stress suppression during surgery. Anesthesia awareness, an unintended event where patients recall experiences during anesthesia, can lead to long-term psychological effects.
Objective: This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors associated with awareness under general anesthesia among non-cardiac and non-obstetric patients at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May to October 2021.
Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at TASH using the modified Brice questionnaire and Aldrete score to assess intra-operative awareness and wakefulness. Systematic random sampling was used to select patients assessed in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and ward. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and logistic regression was used to determine variable associations (p < 0.05).
Results: The study included 354 patients (response rate: 96.4%); 58.7% were male, and 41.5% were female, with a mean age of 39.3 years. The incidence of awareness with recall was 11.7%, while dreaming occurred in 9.1% of patients. Awareness was significantly associated with muscle relaxants (OR 2.793, 95% CI 1.872-1.948, p = 0.003). Dreaming was more common in females.
Conclusions: The incidence of awareness was higher than in many global studies, with consistent risk factors, particularly the use of muscle relaxants. Dreaming was more common among females.
Recommendations: Anesthesia providers should monitor intra-operative awareness, manage muscle relaxant dosages, and maintain anesthesia equipment, including gas and depth monitors
A Review of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Clinical Trial Protocols
Authors: Chemorion Francis Kiptengwer , Bisotti Marc-Antonio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) is a common condition causing chronic back pain and disability. Despite its global prevalence, the knowledge about treatment options that can be appraised is limited, and some current interventions often fail to provide enduring relief. This review explores IVD management strategies, including conservative, non-surgical, surgical, and regenerative approaches. Available clinical trial protocols were systematically analyzed to identify trends and knowledge gaps.
Methods
This paper conducted an examination of clinical trial protocols with the aim of showcasing the strategies employed by researchers to address intervertebral disc degeneration. Additionally, it enumerates both the primary and secondary outcomes, along with their respective measurement methods. This analysis seeks to identify gaps in existing knowledge and make valuable contributions to future research endeavors. To ensure a structured approach, the study adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA).
Results
Out of the selected studies with protocols (N = 14) focusing on intervertebral disc degeneration, our analysis revealed that 3 (21%) were drug interventions, 3 (21%) were biological interventions, 7 (50%) were device interventions, and 1 (1%) was categorized as other. A chi-square goodness-of-fit test was employed to examine the distribution of these intervention types against an expected equal distribution. The statistical analysis yielded a chi-square statistic of 5.43, corresponding to a p-value of approximately 0.143. This indicates that, within the scope of our review, the distribution of intervention types does not significantly deviate from what might be expected by chance alone (p > 0.05), suggesting a relatively balanced exploration of intervention strategies in the existing literature.
Discussion
We observed that for the drug interventions, there was a shift toward multimodal pain management, especially after the opioid epidemic with alternatives such as liposome-encapsulated formulations; For medical devices, focus is on personalized and non-invasive technologies while in biological interventions, regenerative medicine is hugely stressed. There however is a huge divergence in the content and quality of Intervertebral disc degeneration clinical trial protocols, necessitating an investigation into the standardization of these protocols. This is because the content and quality of the protocol has a direct impact on the quality of data generated.
A propensity scores matching analysis for treating renal stones 20-30mm with flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
Authors: shello haitham abdalla 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
To assess the outcome of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) and LASER lithotripsy as a treatment modality for 2-3 cm renal stone.
Patients and methods:
128 patients underwent F-URS for renal stones were enrolled. Seventy-five Patients had stone burden < 20mm were allocated to group I while 53 patients had stone burden 20-30mm were allocated to group II. A propensity score matching was implemented to match both groups. After matching, each group included 53 patients. Thereafter, both groups were compared according to stone free rate (SFR), needs for auxiliary procedure and complications.
Results:
After matching, the mean operating time in Group II was higher than that in group I p = 0.0176. No statistically significant difference in stone free rate between both groups 86.79% VS 75.47% p =0.693. There was a significant difference in need for a second session of RIRS between two groups (P=0.03).
Conclusion:
F-URS is a feasible treatment modality for stone 20-30mm. Need for another procedure and prolonged operative time should be taken into consideration.
Analysis of spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation at different levels in Beijing based on Mann–Kendall test and wavelet analysis
Authors: Liu Jinghui , Yuan Xushan , Lu Mingxing , Li Yanmin 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper employs Mann–Kendall test, wavelet analysis, and Kriging interpolation to analyze Beijing's precipitation from 1981 to 2022, using 20-station data. It reveals precipitation trends: increase 1980s–1990s, decline, and then rebound in the 2000s, especially in rainstorms. A 2008 turning point marked a shift from decreasing to increasing trends. Annual variation correlates with intensity, while moderate-to-torrential rain changes are linked to days. Beijing's precipitation exhibits multi-timescale periodicity, with similar trends in annual and rainstorm precipitation. Future predictions suggest a decrease. Spatially, northeast receives more rain than southwest, mountains more days than plains/cities, and east has stronger intensity than west. Moderate rain dominates total precipitation, with occurrence declining as intensity increases. Annual precipitation positively correlates with grades but negatively with days. These insights deepen our understanding of Beijing's complex precipitation patterns.
Adsorption performance of MIL-121/CA on lead and cadmium in acid mine drainage
Authors: Liu Ling , Yu Xiaoxi , Li Jian , Mkandawire Vitumbiko , Li Xilin , Cao Ting , Liu Bo , Sun Lu 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

For the remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD) contaminated with Pb2+ and Cd2+, an aluminum-based MOF material, MIL-121, was synthesized via a solvothermal method, and cross-linked with sodium alginate (SA) to make a composite bead, MIL-121/CA. The effects of pH and coexisting ions on the adsorption effect were investigated by batch adsorption experiments. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model well described the adsorption process, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 161.812 and 95.785 mg/g, respectively. Dynamic adsorption experiments showed that the breakthrough curves of both Pb2+ and Cd2+ shifted to the right as the filling height increased, the influent water flow rate and initial concentration decreased, and the pH increased, and the Thomas model could well describe the dynamic adsorption process. The adsorption mechanism of MIL-121/CA on Pb2+ and Cd2+ was analyzed by microcharacterization such as SEM, FTIR, and XPS. It was found that MIL-121/CA surface was rich in pores and had a large number of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups and Ca2+, which had a good removal effect on Pb2+ and Cd2+. MIL-121/CA composite beads can serve as an excellent adsorbent for treating AMD contaminated with Pb2+ and Cd2+.