bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of Wind Speed and Greenspace Layouts on Particulate Matter Pollution: A Multiscale Study in the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area
Authors: Wu Zheyuan , Shang Yaqing , Cao Yang , He Dan , Zhao Hengkang , Lei Yakai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) pollution is separately influenced by urban greenspaces and meteorological conditions. However, the mediating role of wind environment and the combined effect of greenspace pattern layouts and wind on PM pollution remains unclear. This study, conducted in the Zhengzhou metropolitan area (ZMA), which includes nine cities, utilized high-resolution satellite imagery, PM concentration data, and wind speed monitoring data from 2021. We investigated the combined effects of greenspace layouts and wind speed on PM2.5 and PM10 pollution, as well as their scale effects, by constructing Structural Equation Models (SEMs). The results demonstrated that wind speed mediated the impact of greenspace layouts on PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations across various scales. Greenspace layouts and wind speed exhibited more substantial combined effects on PM10 in comparison to PM2.5. The combined effects of greenspace layouts and wind speed on PM2.5 and PM10, in addition to the mediating effects of wind speed, varied significantly across scales. Accounting for the influence of urban wind speed, reducing the percentage of large greenspace patches at the 3-5km scales can significantly diminish PM10 pollution. Simplifying the morphology of greenspace patches at the 1-3km scales, coupled with enhancing the interconnectivity of greenspace patches and the percentage of greenspace at the 2-4km scales, and minimizing the clustering of greenspace patches at the 3-4km scales, such measures can effectively mitigate PM pollution by influencing wind speed. Our findings can provide new insights of incorporating local wind environment into the development of multi-scale greenspace landscape optimization strategies aimed at mitigating PM pollution in ZMA.
Free Gingival Graft Shrinkage on Periosteal Bed and Denuded Alveolar Bone Recipient Site: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ganjehzadeh Shabnam , Shiezadeh Farid , Moeintaghavi Amir , Shooshtari Zahra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
There are several techniques to increase keratinized tissue, and free gingival grafting (FGG) is one of the most predictable methods. One of the main disadvantages of this method is the significant tissue shrinkage of the graft, so it is desirable to find a method that is associated with less shrinkage. The purpose of the present study was to compare graft shrinkage rates and postoperative pain intensity following FGG augmentation on periosteal beds and denuded alveolar bone.
Methods & Materials: 22 FGGs with a thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm were placed in the area between the mandibular premolars. The recipient site for FGG was a periosteal bed in the control group and denuded alveolar bone in the experimental group. Dimensions of the grafts were recorded clinically by periodontal probe as well as taking photographs, and the pain were assessed with VAS scale, 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. The percentage of tissue shrinkage was calculated, and two 2 groups were compared.
Results
22 patients (7 males and 15 females) completed the study and of these, 10 patients were in the experimental group (denuded bone bed), and 12 patients were in the control group (periosteal bed). At all times, the percentage of shrinkage in length, width and area in the control group (periosteum) was higher than the test group (bone). The highest percentage of shrinkage in all 3 parameters occurred in the control group related to the time between baseline and 1st week. In the experimental group, the highest percentage of length changes occurred between baseline and the 1st week and the highest percentage of width and area changes occurred between weeks 1 and 2. Changes in length, width and area between baseline and the first week and between baseline and week 8 were significant between the two groups. The mean pain in the control group (periosteum) was higher than the experimental group and only in the first week this difference was statistically significant.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that epithelialized gingival graft placed on the denuded bone bed is associated with less tissue shrinkage as well as less pain and discomfort in the recipient area during 8 weeks of follow-up compared to FGG placement on the periosteal bed.
Improving dietary diversity and food security among low-income families during financial crisis using mHealth: Experience from two selected districts in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe Millawage Supun Dilara , Karawita Upeksha Gayani , Nissanka Nissanka Achchi Kankanamalage Ayoma Iroshanee , Gunawardana Balangoda Muhamdiramlage Indika , Weerasinghe Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage Prasad Chathuranga , Supun Yakupitiyage Asanka , Peiris Dilka Rashmi , Bandara Roshan Dela , Batuwanthudawe Ranjith 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka worsened food insecurity, with millions facing moderate-to-severe food shortages. This study evaluates the effectiveness of cash transfers combined with mobile health education in enhancing dietary diversity and food security among Sri Lankan households during the crisis.
Methods
This quasi-experimental single-group pre-post study involved 1040 eligible individuals selected through stratified random sampling from eligible households of Samurdhi beneficiaries and smallholder farmers. The intervention included a cash transfer of LKR 22,500 and weekly nutrition awareness messages via WhatsApp and SMS complemented by a one-time awareness session. Dietary diversity and food security were assessed using standard validated tools.
Results
Food insecurity decreased significantly from 89.3% (n=681) in the pre-test to 76.9% (n=533) in the post-test, with a 12.4% reduction (95% CI, 8.57 to 16.24, p < 0.05). The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women improved from 44.5% to 67.8% (23.3% increase (95% CI, 15.89 to 30.63; p < 0.05). The mean NCD-Protect and GDR scores increased significantly, whereas the NCD-risk scores remained unchanged.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that cash transfers combined with mobile phone-based nutritional education significantly improved dietary diversity and food security among low-income families in Sri Lanka during the financial crisis.
Identification Cure Hub Genes of Chromophobe Cell Renal Carcinoma : A study based on Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and the Cure Defective Models
Authors: Ahmadian Maryam , Molavi Zahra , Baghestani Ahmad Reza , Maboudi Ali Akbar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent and aggressive tumor of the urinary system with limited treatment success and poor patient outcomes. However, some patients exhibit long-term symptom relief and are considered 'cured' after successful treatment. This study explores the genetic and pathway mechanisms underlying RCC cure for the first time, utilizing a survival model called the 3-parameter defective Gompertz cure model. The study methodology involved two main steps: Firstly, employing Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) for gene network analysis, which identified six key modules associated with different aspects of cancer progression and survival. Hub genes, pivotal in cellular interactions, were pinpointed through network analysis. Secondly, the 3-parameter defective Gompertz model was utilized to identify therapeutic genes linked to successful treatment outcomes (CSRGs) in RCC. These genes were then compared with genes associated with patient survival (SRGs) using a cox model. The study found ten hub genes commonly identified by both the defective 3-parameter Gompertz and Cox models, with six genes (NCAPG, TTK, DLGAP5, TOP2A, BUB1B, and BUB1) showing strong predictive values. Moreover, six hub genes (TTK, KIF20A, DLGAP5, BUB1, AURKB, and CDC45) were highlighted by the defective Gompertz model as significantly impacting cure when expressed at high levels. Targeting these hub genes may hold promise for improving RCC treatment outcomes and prognosis prediction. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of RCC and underscores the potential of the defective 3-parameter Gompertz model in guiding targeted therapeutic approaches.
Effect of caffeine on extubation of newborns with mechanical ventilation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xinbao , Wang Ziwei , Tang Ze 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The effect of caffeine on airway extubation remains debatable. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of caffeine in facilitating the extubation of mechanically ventilated newborns.
Method: We performed an extensive search of clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Weipu, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine, and SinoMed from their inception to March 5th, 2024. Data analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software.
Results: In the 411 studies, 8 RCTs met the screening criteria of this study. The results showed that a high dose of caffeine could significantly reduce the incidence of extubation failure compared to a low dose of caffeine (OR: 2.81, 95%CI: 2.06 to 3.83, P<0.001) in neonatal infants with mechanical ventilation. Additionally, compared with a low dose of caffeine, a high dose of caffeine significantly decreased the documented apnea (MD: -1.98, 95%CI: -2.44 to -1.51, P<0.001) and shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation in neonatal infants (MD: -1.97, 95% CI: -2.68 to -1.26, P<0.001). However, the chance of tachycardia in high dose of caffeine was higher than that in low dose of caffeine treated neonate (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.32, P=0.010).There were no significant differences in the duration of NCPAP, the incidence of feed intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity between high and low dose caffeine treated neonates.
Conclusion: High dose of caffeine could decrease the incidence of extubation failure in neonates with mechanical ventilation. High dose caffeine treatment also reduced documented apnea and shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation, but was accompanied with a higher chance of tachycardia.
Registration: This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024540741).
Drug administration errors among anaesthesia providers in South Africa: a cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Wyk Rene , Davids Ryan Alroy 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Drug administration errors (DAEs) in anaesthesia are common, the aetiology multifactorial and though mostly inconsequential, some lead to substantial harm. The extend of DAEs remain poorly quantified and effective implementation of prevention strategies sparse.Method A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a peer-reviewed survey questionnaire, circulated to 2217 anaesthetists via a national communication platform. The aim was to determine the incidence, nature, contributing factors and reporting patterns of DAEs among anaesthesia providers in South Africa.Results Our cohort had a response rate was 18.9%, with 420 individuals populating the questionnaire. We found a 92.5% lifetime prevalence of a DAE and 89.2% for a near-miss. Incorrect route of administration, potentially resulting in serious harm, accounted for 8.2% (n = 23/N = 279) of these errors. DAEs mostly occurred in cases involving adult patients (80.5%, n = 243/N = 302), receiving a general anaesthetic (71.8%, n = 216/N = 301), where the drug-administrator prepared the drugs themselves (78.7%, n = 218/N = 277), during normal daytime hours (69.9%, n = 202/N = 289) with good lightning conditions (93.0%, n = 265/N = 285). 26% (n = 80/N = 305) of DAEs involved ampoule misidentification, whilst syringe identification error occurred in 51.6% (n = 150/N = 291) of cases. DAEs are often not reported (40.3%, n = 114/N = 283), with knowledge of correct reporting procedures lacking. 70.5% (n = 198/N = 281) of DAEs were never discussed with the patient.Conclusions DAEs in anaesthesia remain prevalent. Known error traps continue to drive these incidents. Implementation of system based preventative strategies are paramount to guard against human error. Efforts should be made to encourage scrupulous reporting and training of anaesthesia providers, with the aim of rendering them proficient and resilient to handle these events.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy group in reducing engagement in non-suicidal self-injury among borderline personality disorder patients: a time-series investigation
Authors: Kresznerits Szilvia , Zinner-Gérecz Ágnes , Miklósi Mónika , Szekeres Tamás , Perczel-Forintos Dóra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients often encounter healthcare system challenges, including stigma and long waitlists, necessitating brief, tailored interventions to reduce suicidal risk and core difficulties. Our study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (MBCT-NSSI) for BPD patients with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Using a non-randomized controlled time-series design, we evaluated participants' self-reported questionnaires at three points. Out of 158 applicants, N = 50 outpatients completed the training. Baseline assessments showed significant emotional dysregulation, elevated depression, hopelessness, impulsivity, dissociative experiences, and frequent self-harming behavior. Dissociation and impulsivity correlated moderately with NSSI, while non-judgement, non-reactivity, and acting with awareness mindfulness facets showed strong associations with clinical scales. Following MBCT-NSSI, significant reductions in NSSI frequency and improvements in mindfulness skills, self-esteem, self-compassion, depression, and impulsivity were observed, though cognitive emotion regulation strategies did not significantly improve. This study reveals some interconnections between NSSI and psychological factors among BPD patients, and the potential benefits of MBCT-NSSI training. While the training is not a replacement for comprehensive therapy, this focused intervention can have a great impact in reducing suicide risk and preventing deterioration.
Robust Modeling for Continuous Bounded Spatial Data
Authors: Ahmadi Alireza , Khaledi Majid Jafari , Sohrabi Hormoz , Najafi Esmaeil 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper develops two parametric median-based spatial regression models for geostatistical data defined on a bounded support. Specifically, these models resemble spatial generalized linear mixed models (SGLMMs), wherein the response variable is modeled using Kumaraswamy and Johnson-t distributions. The proposed models are more robust than the usual spatial beta regression model against the presence of asymmetries and extreme observations. A fully Bayesian analysis is employed to make inferences using the Metropolis-Hastings-within-Gibbs (MHG) sampling algorithm. Simulation studies and two applications to real-life mathematical Olympics data from Brazil and forest canopy cover data from the Zagros forests in Iran demonstrate that our proposals significantly outperform competitors in terms of predictive accuracy and precision of estimates.
Association of number of days with severe anemia in the first week with 28-Day mortality in patients with sepsis: propensity score-based analyses
Authors: Zeng Qinjing , Zhang Lei , Wu Yongxing , Tang Yonggan , Ma Hongye , liu Yu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Anemia is a common occurrence during sepsis. However, the relationship between anemia duration and short-term effects on mortality in patients with sepsis remains unclear. This study examined the association between number of days with severe anemia in the first week and 28-day mortality rate among patients with sepsis. This retrospective cohort study used the clinical data extracted from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV 2.2. A total of 1335 patients with sepsis were included in the study. After adjusting for confounders, the 28-day mortality of patients with sepsis increased with each additional day of severe anemia (hemoglobin level < 8 g/dl) in the first week of intensive care unit admission with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.05; 1.2], P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients who experienced severe anemia for at least three days had a higher 28-day mortality rate than those with less severe anemia below three days (OR: 1.59, 95% CI [1.19; 2.11], P = 0.002). After employing various propensity score matching methods, we consistently observed a similar association. The adjusted ORs in propensity score matching, inverse probability of treatment weighting, standardized mortality ratio weighting, pairwise algorithmic, and overlap weight were 1.49 (95% CI, 1.08 ~ 2.07, P = 0.016), 1.65 (95% CI, 1.28 ~ 2.12, P < 0.001), 1.49 (95% CI, 1.16 ~ 1.93, P = 0.002), 1.48 (95% CI, 1.07 ~ 2.04, P = 0.018), and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.01 ~ 2.17, P = 0.044) respectively. Thus, this study suggests that a longer duration of severe anemia in the first week may be linked to increased 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis.
Modified Sclerobanding Procedure for Treating Grade II/III Hemorrhoid Disease: clinical efficacy and safety evaluation—a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Wei , Lu Jun , Yang Mian , Yu Jiazi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Sclerobanding (SB) combines Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) with 3% Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy (PFS) for treating hemorrhoidal disease (HD). This study evaluated a modified SB (mSB) procedure's efficacy and safety for Grade II/III HD. We enrolled patients with Grade II/III HD who received RBL treatments from Jan-Dec 2021 and mSB treatments from Jan 2022-Feb 2023 at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital. Primary outcomes included treatment failure rate and delayed bleeding (DB) incidence. Secondary outcomes reviewed postoperative complications like pain, swelling, anal edema, and bleeding grade variation. Long-term follow-up assessed HD Symptom Score (HDSS), Short Health Scale for HD (SHSHD), and Patient Satisfaction (PS). Among 307 patients, 162 received mSB and 125 had traditional RBL. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for anticoagulant history and hospital stay length (P < 0.05). The mSB group had no delayed major bleeding, unlike 5 cases in the RBL group. Recurrence (6.8% vs. 17.0%) and treatment failure rates (6.8% vs. 18.6%) were lower in the mSB group (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications were similar, but the mSB group showed better bleeding improvement by the 7th day (P < 0.05). One-year follow-up indicated no significant differences in HDSS, SHSHD, and PS. The mSB procedure reduces ligation sessions, lowers DB risk, and decreases treatment failure without increasing postoperative complications.
Rare extraocular scleral buckle infections caused by microbial species: a case series
Authors: Zhou Qi , Wang Yu , Cao Yang , Wang Yong , Liang Tao , Zhang Xinran , Gou Yanhao , Lv Hongbin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Scleral buckling surgery is often used to repair noncomplex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. However, postoperative scleral explant infections can cause damage to the eye. This report describes two cases of rare ocular microbial infections after scleral buckling surgery. Two male patients with a history of retinal detachment repair and scleral buckling for more than 10 years presented with redness and purulent secretions of the eye. Scleral buckle infections were diagnosed, and the buckles were removed. The first patient experienced a coinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and filamentous fungi. Acinetobacter junii was found in the conjunctival sac secretions of the second patient. The postoperative course included antibiotic therapy. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of scleral explant infections are important. Scleral buckle removal at an appropriate time and cleaning of the infection site during the perioperative period are critical to effective treatment.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Sol-Gel Synthesis of Aluminum-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: SAADI Hajar , ATMANI El Houssine , FAZOUAN Nejma 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles doped with 3% aluminum (Al) for photovoltaic applications. The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel technique and subsequently calcined at 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO nanoparticles with a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the nanoparticle size increased with higher calcination temperatures. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence and homogeneous distribution of Zn, O, and Al within the samples. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified the presence of ZnO across all samples. Furthermore, the optical properties of the doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited temperature dependent variations in absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance within the UV and Visible-IR spectra. The observed optical gap energies correlated with the calcination temperatures, suggesting a relationship between temperature, gap energy, and nanoparticle size. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the synthesis and characterization of 3% Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles, emphasizing the significant influence of calcination temperature on their structural, morphological, and optical properties, which can be tailored for enhanced photovoltaic applications.
Mixed-Precision Pre-Pivoting Strategy for the LU Factorization
Authors: Sahraneshinsamani Nima , Catalán Sandra , Herrero José R. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the efficient application of half-precision floating-point (FP16) arithmetic on GPUs for boosting LU decompositions in double (FP64) precision. Addressing the motivation to enhance computational efficiency, we introduce two novel algorithms: Pre-Pivoted LU (PRP) and Mixed-precision Panel Factorization (MPF). Deployed in both hybrid CPU-GPU setups and native GPU-only configurations, PRP identifies pivot lists through LU decomposition computed in reduced precision and subsequently reorders matrix rows in FP64 precision before executing LU decomposition without pivoting. Two variants of PRP, namely hPRP and xPRP, are introduced, differing in their computation of pivot lists in full half-precision or mixed half-single precision. The MPF Algorithm generates FP64 LU factorization while internally utilizing hPRP for panel factorization, showcasing accuracy on par with standard DGETRF but with superior speed. The study further explores auxiliary functions required for the native mode implementation of PRP variants and MPF.