bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Multicenter Retrospective Study on Single-Level Thoracolumbar Corpectomy and Vertebral Body Replacement by Neurosurgeons
Authors: Al-Barbarawi Mohammad Khalil , Norcia Valerio di , Berra Luigi Valentino , Santoro Antonio , Moustafa Wahab , Badary Amr 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Vertebral body replacement (VBR) with expandable cages after corpectomy is a critical procedure in spinal surgery, addressing conditions like fractures and tumors that compromise the anterior column of the spine. The eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) approach has revolutionized this technique by minimizing muscle dissection and reducing recovery times compared to traditional approaches.
Methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted on 23 consecutive patients who underwent single-level corpectomy and VBR between 2018 and 2023. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) for neurological status. Radiological assessments included preoperative and postoperative CT scans to measure regional angulation and stability.
Results: Postoperatively, patients showed significant pain reduction (median VAS score decreased from 8 to 2) and neurological improvement (82.6% ASIA E classification). Radiologically, there was a median kyphotic angle correction of 5° post-dorsal stabilization and 9° post-ventral stabilization. Complications included pleural injuries (8.7%) and hypoesthesia (8.7%), with higher incidence in thoracic VBR cases and patients with osteoporosis.
Conclusion: VBR via XLIF is a promising technique for treating vertebral fractures and tumors, offering substantial pain relief, neurological recovery, and spinal stability. Despite some complications, the procedure demonstrates significant clinical and radiological benefits, underscoring its efficacy in complex spinal pathologies.
Use of an activity-based time tracking tool to support implementation of a school district-level technical assistance intervention
Authors: Lin Yu Chen , Offstein Maddie , Malner Cassidy , Williams Angel , Jarpe-Ratner Elizabeth , Leider Julien , Chriqui Jamie F 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background.Detailed time and cost data are often lacking in implementation science, particularly in school-based interventions. In a pilot intervention in one Chicago Public Schools’ geographic network, a Network Specialist was hired to provide schools with tailored technical assistance (TA) to support compliance with over 50 health-related policies (the Healthy CPS initiative). This study describes the methods for developing and implementing an activity-based time tracking tool to assess the Network Specialist’s fidelity, time, and cost in providing TA using a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework (“Tier 1” universal support, “Tier 2” targeted support, and “Tier 3” intensive, individualized support).Methods.The tool was developed in close collaboration with the Network Specialist to capture the Specialist’s interactions with schools between 2020–2023. Key informant interviews and asynchronous post-hoc feedback were qualitatively analyzed to assess the Specialist’s feedback on the tool. Descriptive statistics on school interactions, tiers of support provided, and domains of implementation support provided using the SISTER implementation science framework were generated from the tracking tool data. Differences in mean baseline Healthy CPS policy compliance based on the extent of schools’ interactions with the Specialist in each tier of support were computed using Wald tests.Results.The Specialist described the tracking tool as feasible and useful in providing tailored support and advocated for its continued use as the intervention is expanded to additional networks. The Specialist spent the highest proportion of time and costs (41.4%, $39,117) providing intensive Tier 3 supports, and those supports were targeted toward schools with the most need. Schools receiving the most Tier 3 supports had lower baseline Healthy CPS compliance of 64.4%, versus 78.4% and 67.3% for schools receiving low and medium levels of Tier 3 supports, respectively (p-value = 0.045).Conclusions.Expanded use of time and cost tracking is needed in implementation science, particularly for school-based interventions. Time tracking tools help collect data on intervention activities that inform decision-makers about how to implement interventions with fidelity. Our findings point to the value of using a collaborative, partner-engaged approach to developing the tracking tool with the end user to maximize its feasibility, usefulness, utilization, and sustainability.
Manganese Overexposure: Unveiling its Neurotoxic Potential and Involvement in Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chib Shivani , Singh Shamsher , Singh Randhir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Currently, the globe is undergoing a modern era and down the line, increased availability of luxurious goods and convenience (pesticides, utensils and comfy clothes) are also potential downsides to consider. Woefully, the manufacturing process of various essential need metals and chemicals. One such is manganese, an element, ubiquitously present in fruits and vegetables. Research substantiates that excessive exposure to Mn is deleterious to health and potentially leads to life-threatening diseases. In this context, Parkinson’s disease, is an insidious neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurones. The exact pathological culprit is still unknown and oxidative stress and inflammation are perceived to be the major delinquent. Overexposure to Mn disrupt various physiological process and cause inhibition of the ETC complex, mitochondrial failure, ROS generation, a-synuclein oligomerization, glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity and inflammation. In the present study, 28 days of intraperitoneal exposure to Mn ameliorate the motor coordination and grip strength confirmed by the strength glass chamber test and string test respectively. Moreover, the level of inflammatory marker and oxidative stress marker was also found to be increased. Cellular apoptosis was confirmed by estimating the caspase 3 level. Dopamine and glutamate levels were accessed by RP-HPLC in animal brain homogenate. The study comes to an end that overexposure to Mn is detrimental and cause neurotoxicity.
The origins and sedimentary environment of glauconite in Ordovician Dawangou Formation, NW Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Tian Ya , Lihong Liu , Chunlian Wang , Zhongkai Bai , Yuanyin Zhang , Jianwei Wu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A bioclastic limestone containing a high concentration of glauconite is extensively present in the Ordovician Dawangou Formation at the NW Tarim Basin, China. This study investigates the petrology and geochemical properties of glauconite through microscopic thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and major and trace element analysis. The genesis, maturity, and sedimentary environment of the glauconite are discussed. The results indicate that the glauconite in this region originates from granular glauconitization, derived from bioclasts and carbonate particles, forming quasi-autochthonous glauconite in a weak oxidation-weak reduction environment. The glauconite in the Dawangou Formation exhibits emerald green to dark green coloration, granular or flower-like structure, with a K2O content ranging from 6.27–8.73% and an average of 7.19%, indicating maturity to high maturity. The values of Al2O3/(Al2O3 + Fe2O3) and LaN/CeN average 0.78 and 0.81, respectively, suggesting a continental margin sedimentary environment. The average values of Th/U, Ni/Co, and V/Sc are 2.74, 10.54, and 0.16, respectively, confirming the weak oxidation-reduction conditions of the Ordovician Dawangou Formation. Considering the regional geological context, it is inferred that the Ordovician Dawangou Formation in NW Tarim primarily represents slope-basin facies. This study of glauconite in the Dawangou Formation not only offers insights into the stratigraphic and sedimentary characteristics of the area but also serves as a valuable reference for further research in related fields.
Biodegradable plastic film mulch increased nitrous oxide emissions in organic leek but decreased emissions in organic cabbages
Authors: samphire martin Joseph , Jones David L , Chadwick David R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Plastic film mulch (PFM) controls weeds and increases yields, making them attractive to vegetable growers; biodegradable PFMs potentially reduce the harms associated with conventional PFMs. PFMs increase soil biological activity, accelerating the decomposition of soil organic matter and potentially increasing emissions of some greenhouse gases (GHGs). Conversely, they are a barrier to rainfall infiltration and gas exchange, reducing harmful nitrate (NO3−) leaching and ammonia (NH3) volatilisation. The effects of PFMs on the processes resulting in GHG emissions are not well explored outside conventionally grown commodity crops in major growing regions. To address this, we conducted a field plot-scale experiment on an organic vegetable farm in SW Wales (UK). We measured nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and potential NH3 emission from the soil, growing leeks or cabbages, with or without biodegradable PFM and amended with poultry manure or green-waste compost. Averaged across both crops, yield was 26% higher with PFM; potential NH3 emissions were 18% lower (43% on a yield-scaled basis) in mulched treatments than unmulched; CH4 emissions were not significantly affected. Yield-scaled N2O emissions were 62% higher in mulched leeks than unmulched but 56% lower in mulched cabbages than unmulched; this coincided with higher soil NO3− concentrations in mulched leeks than either unmulched crop or mulched cabbages. Results were not obtained for CO2, so partial global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) were determined mainly by N2O emissions. Thus, biodegradable PFM is potentially useful in reducing harmful gaseous N emissions in organic horticulture.
Travertine mineralogical characteristics and development level in Huanglong, a world natural heritage, china：derived from late pleistocene to early holocene glacial u-shaped valley carbonate deposits
Authors: Gao Wenhao , Liu Xinze , Sun Dong , Xu Ronglin , Zhao Songjiang , Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Shupu , Dong Jianxing , Wang Shikuan , Zhang Weizhen , Zhang Jing , Tang Jiyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the long and complex process of geological evolution, the rise of the Himalayan movement and the strong Quaternary glacial movement 400,000 years ago have shaped the highly distinctive travertine landform landscape of Huanglong, China. The overflow of karst water in the high travertine layer has formed magnificent waterfalls and wonderful karst caves, as well as the world's largest open-air calcified beach flow and color pool. The unique travertine landscape has entered the public's vision. The travertine landscape composed of rare geological relics such as pools, terraces, beaches, waterfalls and karst caves is like a gorgeous garland on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, playing a pivotal role in China and even the world. The mineralogical characteristics and development level of Huanglong travertine were studied by means of hydrogeological survey, UAV aerial survey and rock and mineral analysis. The length of Huanglong Trench is 3.6 km, with an average thickness of 17.8 m, and the thickest part is 31.9m at the front of bonseong pool. Due to the strong alteration of superficial plants, the main vertical structure is diversified, with porous travertine, dense travertine and detritus travertine. Huanglong travertine was born in late Pleistocene to early Holocene of the Quaternary. The deep carbonate rocks were deposited on the surface through the water cycle. The mineral composition is mainly calcite, and the purity of CaCO3 is generally over 95%.
Urtica comp. gel for prevention and therapy of radiation dermatitis An interdisciplinary, interprofessional phase II randomized controlled trial in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Freeman Jodie , Timo Nannen , Susanne Sester , Ursula Wolf 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy for breast cancer and affects 90 % of patients. Skin lesions bear a marked risk of infection and have a profound impact on the patient’s quality of life, due to pain and discomfort. This can cause interruption to radiotherapy, resulting in inadequate disease treatment.
The aim was to test if Urtica comp. gel reduces the incidence and severity of RD, reduce the need for additional therapy, pain, and improve the quality of life.
Methods: A randomised open-label phase II study compared Urtica comp. gel with the standard of care, Excipial-Hydrolotion. Patients were assessed at baseline, at weekly assessments and up to 6 weeks after radiotherapy.
Results: A total of 30 patients were randomly assigned and included. There was no statistically significant difference in maximum acute RD between Urtica comp. gel and Excipial-Hydrolotion. However, Urtica comp. gel significantly reduced the need for rescue care with only 31 % of the 13 patients needing rescue care compared to 69 % using Excipial-Hydrolotion. A chi-square test of independence found that the relationship was highly significant, X2 (1, N =28) = 5.073, p = 0.02. Results also showed a trend for reduced pain (Cohen's d = 0.74, p = 0.09) and itchiness (not significant Cohen's d = 0.57, p=0.16) on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for patients receiving Urtica comp. gel. In addition, patients using Urtica comp. gel rated the appearance of their RD as significantly better than patients receiving Excipial-Hydrolotion (p < 0.02, p < 0.03, p < 0.02) in week 3, 4 and 5 respectively. There were no major differences between groups on skin-related quality of life.
Conclusion: This study yielded promising results and found that Urtica comp. gel was statistically more effective than standard of care in reducing the need for rescue care in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Patients also rate the appearance of their RD as significantly better when using Urtica comp and scored lower pain and itchiness on the VAS. These results highlight that Urtica comp. gel may be an effective treatment option against RD. This should be further tested in a larger clinical trial.
Trial Registration
NCT03494205
Competition between surface tension and line tension canalizes craniate evolution
Authors: Fleury Vincent 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

It has been suggested for long that physical principles might canalize evolution, especially in the genus homo, where brain size is the largest. However, what physical principle exactly would drive such a progress is unknown. Recent work suggests that there exists a mechanical, built-in, correlation between brain dilation and head flexure in vertebrate morphogenesis. This internal correlation would explain the canalization of evolution towards bigger brains and simultaneously a quite flexed head, with neural tissue curled forward. I report here a detailed study of neural tube flexure and dilation up to day 4 of development in chicken embryos. In vivo time-lapse shows a correlation between brain expansion and head flexure. The early embryo exhibits a biaxial texture in its tissue, in its vascular system and in heart formation, which causes line tensions antagonist to brain dilation. This competition between line tensions and vesicle surface expansion induces a mechanical correlation between brain dilation and flexure. Theoretical modeling reproduces how embryo texture constrains brain expansion and flexure, and how they relate to hemodynamics. This work demonstrates the existence of an internal, textural, correlation between heart morphogenesis, brain dilation and head flexure, which contributes to explaining the origin of humans. To be precise: the physical principle at the origin of humans is a competition between line tension and surface tension.
Leveraging Graph Neural Networks and Gate Recurrent Units for Accurate and Transparent Prediction of Baseball Pitching Speed
Authors: Yang Chen , Jin Pengfei , Chen Yan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are widely used in biomechanical data analysis but have significant limitations in interpretability and decision transparency. Combining Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) with Gate Recurrent Units (GRUs) may offer a better solution. This study proposes and validates a hybrid GNN-GRU model for predicting baseball pitching speed, enhancing its interpretability using Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP). C3D data from 53 baseball players were downloaded from a public dataset. Kinematic features of 9 joints and pitching speed during the pitching process were calculated using Visual3D, resulting in a total of 208 valid pitches. The feature data were input into both LSTM and GNN-GRU hybrid models, with hyperparameters tuned using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). LRP was employed to obtain the contribution rate changes of kinematic features to the prediction results throughout the pitching cycle. The prediction accuracy of the models was evaluated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and R-squared (R²). The results showed that there were significant statistical differences in the MAE and R2 metrics between the LSTM model and the GNN-GRU model in predicting pitching speed on the test set. The MAE (P = 0.000, Z = -5.170, Cohen's d =1.514) and R2(P = 0.000, Z = -2.981, Cohen's d =2.314) of the LSTM model were significantly lower than those of the GNN-GRU model. Compared to LSTM, the GNN-GRU model achieved better prediction accuracy but was more susceptible to the influence of data outliers. Moreover, the GNN-GRU-based model demonstrated better interpretability and decision transparency.
Energy, exergy, sustainability, and economic analysis of a waste heat recovery for a heavy fuel oil-based power plant using Kalina cycle integrated with Rankine cycle
Authors: Rahman Md Musfiqur , Bandhan Labib Rahman , Husna Asma Ul , Monir Luban , Das Barun K. , Das Pronob 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, a comparative analysis of the thermodynamic, exergy, economic, and environmental aspects of high-temperature Kalina cycle and the Rankine cycle integrated with the Kalina cycle has been investigated. The Kalina cycle either stand-alone or in combination with the Rankine cycle is examined using the diesel engine waste heat from the Katakhali 50 MW HFO-based peaking powerplant, Bangladesh as the heat source. EBSILON Professional software is used for simulation and finding out various state conditions of the cycle, whereas the engineering equation solver (EES) is used for parametric analysis. Results from this analysis indicate that a combined cycle can provide 348 kW more power output at an electricity cost of only 0.0175 $/kWh than stand-alone Kalina cycle. The combined cycle produces around 4075 kW with 27% and 59% as energy and exergy efficiencies, respectively. Meanwhile, the stand-alone cycle offers 3725 kW with 25% and 54% energy and exergy efficiencies. Economic analysis results show that the combined cycle involves capital costs of approximately $370,000 lower than the stand-alone Kalina cycle, primarily due to its high energy conversion. The payback period for the combined cycle is 1.94 years whereas 2.41 years for the stand-alone cycle. In addition, the combined cycle is almost 60% more environmentally sustainable. The best operating condition for the suggested configurations is set by parametric analysis to determine the high output power with low electricity cost. Finally, it can be concluded that the proposed model can be an effective combined model to generate power by recovering waste heat for the power plants operating in Bangladesh.
Clopidogrel protect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity through targeting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and coagulation pathways
Authors: Akila Asmaa A. , Gad Rania A. , Ewees Mohamed Gamal El-Din , Abdul-Hamid Manal , Abdel-Reheim Eman S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Gentamicin (Genta)-induced nephrotoxicity poses a significant clinical challenge due to its detrimental effects on kidney function. Clopidogrel (Clop), an antiplatelet drug known for its ability to prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation, also has potential effects on oxidative stress and cell death. This study investigates Clop's protective role against Genta-induced nephrotoxicity, emphasizing the importance of the coagulation cascade. The 32 adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups of eight (n = 8). The first group received only the vehicle. Genta was injected intraperitoneally at 100mg/kg/day for eight days in the second group. Groups 3 and 4 received oral Clop at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day for one week before Genta delivery and throughout the experiment. Renal tissue showed renal function tests, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, coagulation profile, and fibrin expression. Clop improved Genta-induced kidney function and histopathology. Clop substantially reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, pro-apoptotic proteins, and fibrin protein. Clop also significantly boosted renal tissue anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic protein expression. Genta-induced nephrotoxicity involves oxidative stress, apoptosis, and coagulation system activation, according to studies. This study underscores that Genta-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and activation of the coagulation system. Clop's protective effects on nephrons are attributed to its anticoagulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, presenting it as a promising therapeutic strategy against Genta-induced kidney damage.
Comparison of the Association and Predictive Ability of Anthropometric Indexes for Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Li , Cao Jin , Ming Jie , Cao Hongwei , Li Qiaoyue , Yu Xinwen , Liang Shengru , Zhou Jie , Ji Qiuhe , Xu Qian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the association between various anthropometric indexes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and evaluate their predictive effectiveness for MetS. Data from the China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Survey (CNDMDS) were analyzed, including 44,557 adults aged 20 years and above. Eleven anthropometric indexes were assessed for their association with the prevalence of MetS. MetS diagnosis was based on the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria, and the discriminatory ability of each index was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Among Chinese adults, the crude prevalence of MetS was 29.92%. All anthropometric indexes included in the analysis were significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of MetS (all p-trend < 0.0001). ROC curve analysis indicated that, among males, WC and AVI were the most effective indexes for discriminating MetS, while in females, WC and AVI also demonstrated the highest discriminative power. In the entire population, WHtR and BRI showed higher maximal Youden index values, with AUC values both at 0.83. WHtR and BRI exhibit comparable diagnostic value in predicting MetS in the general population. Considering the simplicity of calculation and measurement, WHtR is recommended as the primary screening index for MetS.