bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A potential of iron slag-based soil amendment as a suppressor of greenhouse gas (CH4 and N2O) emissions in rice paddy
Authors: Galgo Snowie Jane C. , Canatoy Ronley C. , Lim Ji Yeon , Park Hyon Chol , Kim Pil Joo 
Published: March 2024

Iron slag-based silicate fertilizer (SF) has been utilized as a soil amendment in rice paddy fields for over 50 years. SF, which contains electron acceptors such as oxidized iron (Fe3+) compounds, is known to reduce methane (CH4) emissions, which have a global warming potential (GWP) of 23, higher than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, the dynamics of nitrous oxide (N2O), which has a GWP of 265, were questionable. Since the reduced Fe (Fe2+) can react as an electron donor, SF application might suppress N2O emissions by progressing N2O into nitrogen gas (N2) during the denitrification process. To verify the influence of SF application on two major greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics during rice cultivation, three different kinds of SF were prepared by mixing iron rust (&gt;99%, Fe2O3) as an electron acceptor with different ratios (0, 2.5, and 5%) and applied at the recommended level (1.5 Mg ha−1) for rice cultivation. SF application was effective in decreasing CH4 emissions in the earlier rice cropping season, and seasonal CH4 flux was more highly decreased with increasing the mixing ratio of iron rust from an average of 19% to 38%. Different from CH4 emissions, approximately 70% of seasonal N2O flux was released after drainage for rice harvesting. However, SF incorporation was very effective in decreasing N2O emissions by approximately 40% over the control. Reduced Fe2+ can be simultaneously oxidized into Fe3+ by releasing free electrons. The increased electron availability might develop more denitrification processes into N2 gas rather than NO and N2O and then decrease N2O emissions in the late rice cultivation season. We could find evidence of a more suppressed N2O flux by applying the electron acceptor-added SFs (SF2.5 and SF5.0) to a 49%–56% decrease over the control. The SF application was effective in increasing rice productivity, which showed a negative-quadratic response to the available silicate (SiO2) concentration in the soil at the harvesting stage. Grain yield was maximized at approximately 183 mg kg−1 of the available SiO2 concentration in the Korean rice paddy, with a 16% increase over no-SF application. Consequently, SF has an attractive potential as a soil amendment in rice paddy to decrease GHG emission impacts and increase rice productivity.
Impact of melphalan day -1 vs day -2 on outcomes after autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma
Authors: Merino Aimee , Shanley Ryan , Rashid Faridullah , Langer Jenna , Dolan Michelle , Tu Sarah , Jurdi Najla El , Rogosheske John , Hanna Kirollos , DeFor Todd , Janakiram Murali , Weisdorf Daniel 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundMelphalan is the most common conditioning regimen used prior to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT); however, there are varying data on optimal melphalan timing prior to transplant for best safety and efficacy. Historically, ASCT conditioning consisted of melphalan 200 mg/m2 on day 2 (D-2) (48 h prior to ASCT), but many institutions have since adopted a melphalan protocol with administration on day 1 (D-1) (24 h prior to SCT) or split dosing over the 2 days. The optimal timing of melphalan has yet to be determined.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed transplant outcomes for patients between March 2011 and September 2020 admitted for high-dose, single-agent melphalan 200 mg/m2 on D-1 vs. D-2. The primary outcomes were time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment. Secondary outcomes include incidence of hospital readmission within 30 days, 2-year progression-free survival, and 2-year overall survival.ResultsA total of 366 patients were studied (D-2 n = 269 and D-1 n = 97). The incidence of high-risk cytogenetics was similar between the two groups (37% vs. 40%). Median days to absolute neutrophil count engraftment was similar at 11 days in the D-2 and D-1 cohort (n = 269, range 0–14, IQR 11–11 vs. n = 97, range 0–14, IQR 11–12). Median days to platelet engraftment &gt;20,000/mcL was 18 days for D-2 melphalan (range: 0–28, IQR 17–20) versus 19 days for D-1 melphalan (range: 0–32, IQR 17–21). Overall survival at 2 years post-transplant was similar in both cohorts (94%; p = 0.76), and PFS was 70% in D-2 compared with 78% in D-1 (p = 0.15). In a multivariable model including age and performance status, hospital readmission within 30 days of transplant was higher in the D-1 cohort (odds ratio 1.9; p = 0.01).ConclusionThis study demonstrates similar neutrophil and platelet engraftment in D-1 and D-2 melphalan cohorts with similar 2-year PFS and OS. Either D-2 or D-1 melphalan dosing schedule is safe and effective.
Postoperative outcomes after total sevoflurane inhalation sedation using a disposable delivery system (Sedaconda-ACD) in cardiac surgery
Authors: Labaste François , Cauquil Paul , Lestarquit Magda , Sanchez-Verlaan Pascale , Aljuayli Abdulrahman , Marcheix Bertrand , Geeraerts Thomas , Ferre Fabrice , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Minville Vincent 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted our team to develop new solutions for performing cardiac surgery without intravenous anesthetics due to a shortage of these drugs. We utilized an anesthetic conserving device (Sedaconda-ACD) to administer total inhaled anesthesia because specific vaporizers were unavailable for administering inhaled agents during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in our center. We documented our experience and postoperative cardiovascular outcomes. The primary outcome was the peak level of troponin, with secondary outcomes encompassing other cardiovascular complications.Material and methodsA single-center retrospective study was conducted. We performed a multivariate analysis with a propensity score. This investigation took place at a large university referral center.ParticipantsAdult patients (age ≥ 18) who underwent elective cardiac surgery with CPB between June 2020 to March 2021.InterventionDuring the inclusion period, two anesthesia protocols for the maintenance of anesthesia coexisted—total inhaled anesthesia with Sedaconda-ACD and our classic protocol with intravenous drugs during and after CPB.Primary endpointTroponin peak level recorded after surgery (highest level recorded within 48 h following the surgery).ResultsOut of the 654 included patients, 454 were analyzed after matching (intravenous group = 297 and inhaled group = 157). No significant difference was found between the groups in postoperative troponin peak levels (723 ng/l vs. 993 ng/l–p = 0.2). Total inhaled anesthesia was associated with a decreased requirement for inotropic medications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.99, p = 0.04).ConclusionIn our cohort, the Sedaconda-ACD device enabled us to achieve anesthesia without intravenous agents, and we did not observe any increase in postoperative complications. Total inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane was not associated with a lower incidence of myocardial injury assessed by the postoperative troponin peak level. However, in our cohort, the use of inotropic drugs was lower.
Alterations in urinary ceramides, sphingoid bases, and their phosphates among patients with kidney disease
Authors: Morita Yoshifumi , Sakai Eri , Isago Hideaki , Ono Yoshikazu , Yatomi Yutaka , Kurano Makoto 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundTo avoid an invasive renal biopsy, noninvasive laboratory testing for the differential diagnosis of kidney diseases is a desirable goal. As sphingolipids are demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases, we investigated the possible usefulness of the simultaneous measurement of urinary sphingolipids for differentiating kidney diseases.Materials and methodsResidual urine specimens were collected from patients who had been clinically diagnosed with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), diabetic mellitus (DM), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and arterial hypertension (AH). The urinary sphingolipids—CERs C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0; sphingosine [Sph]; dihydrosphingosine; sphingosine 1-phosphate [S1P]; and dihydroS1P [dhS1P]—were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the results, machine learning models were constructed to differentiate the various kidney diseases.ResultsThe urinary S1P was higher in patients with DM than in other participants (P &lt; 0.05), whereas dhS1P was lower in the CGN and AH groups compared with control participants (P &lt; 0.05). Sph and dhSph were higher in patients with CGN, AH, and SLE than in those with control participants (P &lt; 0.05). The urinary CERs were significantly higher in patients with CGN, AH, and SLE than in those with control participants (P &lt; 0.05). As a results of constructing a machine learning model discriminating kidney diseases, the resulting diagnostic accuracy and precision were improved from 94.03% and 66.96% to 96.10% and 78.26% respectively, when the urinary CERs, Sph, dhSph, S1P, dhS1P, and their ratios were added to the models.ConclusionThe urinary CERs, sphingoid bases, and their phosphates show alterations among kidney diseases, suggesting their potential involvement in the development of kidney injury.
Preoperative differentiation of gastric schwannomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors based on computed tomography: a retrospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Zhao Luping , Cao Guanjie , Shi Zhitao , Xu Jingjing , Yu Hao , Weng Zecan , Mao Sen , Chen Yueqin 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionGastric schwannoma is a rare benign tumor accounting for only 1–2% of alimentary tract mesenchymal tumors. Owing to their low incidence rate, most cases are misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), especially tumors with a diameter of less than 5 cm. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a diagnostic nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) imaging features for the preoperative prediction of gastric schwannomas and GISTs (diameters = 2–5 cm).MethodsGastric schwannomas in 47 patients and GISTs in 230 patients were confirmed by surgical pathology. Thirty-four patients with gastric schwannomas and 167 with GISTs admitted between June 2009 and August 2022 at Hospital 1 were retrospectively analyzed as the test and training sets, respectively. Seventy-six patients (13 with gastric schwannomas and 63 with GISTs) were included in the external validation set (June 2017 to September 2022 at Hospital 2). The independent factors for differentiating gastric schwannomas from GISTs were obtained by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a corresponding nomogram model was established. The accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that the growth pattern (odds ratio [OR] 3.626; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.105–11.900), absence of necrosis (OR 4.752; 95% CI 1.464–15.424), presence of tumor-associated lymph nodes (OR 23.978; 95% CI 6.499–88.466), the difference between CT values during the portal and arterial phases (OR 1.117; 95% CI 1.042–1.198), and the difference between CT values during the delayed and portal phases (OR 1.159; 95% CI 1.080–1.245) were independent factors in differentiating gastric schwannoma from GIST. The resulting individualized prediction nomogram showed good discrimination in the training (area under the curve [AUC], 0.937; 95% CI, 0.900–0.973) and validation (AUC, 0.921; 95% CI, 0.830–1.000) datasets. The calibration curve showed that the probability of gastric schwannomas predicted using the nomogram agreed well with the actual value.ConclusionThe proposed nomogram model based on CT imaging features can be used to differentiate gastric schwannoma from GIST before surgery.
Effect of Sn nanoparticles on the optical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films
Authors: Aly Kamal A. , Ismail Yasser A. M. , Salman S. Alsulami Ziad , Abolibda Tariq Z. , Almohammedi Abdullah , Gomha Sobhi M. , Ahmed Hoda A. , Ibrahim Mohamed S. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: In this study, we focus on enhancing the optical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films by incorporating pure Sn nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using the ultrasonic ablation technique. The objective is to investigate the impact of Sn concentration on the optical characteristics of the films, with a specific emphasis on applications in organic solar cells.Methods: We systematically varied the concentrations of Sn in PEDOT:PSS thin films and characterized their optical properties. The index of refraction (n) and extinction coefficient (k) were precisely determined by analyzing the transmission and reflection spectra of the films. Additionally, Sellmeier’s dispersal model was employed to elucidate the obtained results of n, and dispersive factors were calculated and interpreted.Results: The incorporation of Sn nanoparticles led to improvements in the energy bandgap (Eg) values of PEDOT:PSS films. Notably, as the concentration of Sn increased, the n values decreased, indicating enhanced suitability for organic solar cell applications. The study also unveiled a decrease in the dielectric constant of PEDOT:PSS/Sn films with increasing Sn content, resulting in improved transmittance velocity and enhanced efficacy of microelectronic devices. This, in turn, promotes the development of large-frequency and large-velocity stretchy circuit boards.Discussion: The comprehensive assessment of optical and dielectric parameters, including complex dielectric constant, complex optical conductance, and nonlinear optical constants, provides valuable insights into the potential applications of PEDOT:PSS/Sn films. The larger nonlinear optical constants observed in the present films suggest their suitability for diverse applications such as all-optical switching, limiting, phase modulation, and frequency conversion. Overall, our findings highlight the promising potential of Sn-incorporated PEDOT:PSS thin films in advancing the field of optoelectronics and microelectronics.
TVET programme and health-related quality of life among low-income populations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Yasin Ruhizan Mohammad , Tan Maw Pin , Said Mas Ayu , Rasul Mohd Sattar , Thangiah Nithiah , Rizal Hussein , Magli Amirah Shazana , Ithnin Muslimah , Majid Hazreen Abdul , Ismail Rozmi , Su Tin Tin 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionEducation improves the economy and quality of life. The availability of skilled education in Malaysia is not restricted to the younger generation but is available to people of all ages, including those with low incomes.MethodsThis study used the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ- 5D-5L) tool during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine relationships between socio-demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards education and outcomes of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Between September and October 2020 and January and February 2021, a cross-sectional study using a multi-stage sampling technique was carried out.ResultsA total of 1,997 adults participated, with a mean age of 45.17 (SD 14.113). In total, 74.9% had good knowledge, while 59.8% had a positive attitude towards skill education. In univariate analyses, the EQ-5D-5L score was related to age, income, education level, marital status, employment status, financial strain level, and knowledge and attitude towards skilled education. Generalised linear model analyses demonstrated that lower EQ-5D-5L scores were associated with older age, financial constraints, and a negative attitude towards skills education. However, additional adjustments for knowledge and attitude towards skills education show only an increase in age and financial strain was significant.ConclusionThe findings suggest that appropriate strategies be implemented to increase low-income populations’ knowledge and attitude towards skill education. Improving education may improve the quality of life for this vulnerable group. Additionally, a qualitative study can be conducted to determine the barriers to low-income households participating in skilled education to fill in the knowledge gap.
A new technique of autologous bone grafting for open-wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Gong Yongchao , Jin Lin , Wang Yanwei , Liu Boxu , Shen Pengfei , Zhang Zhiang , Yuwen Peizhi , Zhao Kuo , Ma Lijie , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to demonstrate the application of orthotopic bone flap transplantation with a fibula transplantation (OBFT-FT) in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OW-HTO) and to assess the effect of OBFT-FT on gap healing.Patients and methodsFrom January to July 2020, 18 patients who underwent OW-HTO with OBFT-FT were reviewed for this study. Demographics, postoperative complications, and radiological and clinical outcomes of patients were collected. Finally, the clinical outcomes of patients were analyzed.ResultsA total of 14 patients were included in this study. The average age and body mass index were 59.6 ± 9.2 years and 28.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, respectively. The average correction angle and gap width were 9.5 ± 1.8° and 10.2 ± 2.7 mm, respectively. The rates of radiological gap healing at sixth week, third month, and sixth month were 42.9%, 85.7%, and 100%, respectively. The mean Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and visual analog scale scores at sixth-month follow-up were significantly better than the preoperative scores (p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). And, no delayed union or non-union, collapse, loss of correction, or surgical site infection were found.ConclusionsAs a new technique for autologous bone graft, the OBFT-FT could be successfully applied in the treatment of gap healing after OW-HTO, and excellent radiological and clinical outcomes could be seen on patients’ short-term follow-up.
Pedicled flap transfer after chest wall malignant tumor resection and potential risk of postoperative respiratory problems for patients with low FEV1.0%
Authors: Asanuma Kunihiro , Tsujii Masaya , Hagi Tomohito , Nakamura Tomoki , Uchiyama Teruya , Adachi Ryohei , Nakata Kenta , Kataoka Takeshi , Sudo Akihiro 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionMusculoskeletal transfer for chest wall tissue defects is a crucial method, and pedicled flaps around the chest wall are preferred in terms of location and simplicity of transfer. These require special care because of complications such as partial necrosis, fistula, wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma and restricted function of the arm or shoulder. However, studies of respiratory function are rare. In the present study, we investigated the complications including respiratory problems after wide resection for malignant chest wall tumors with musculoskeletal pedicle transfer.MethodsA total of 13 patients (15 operations) who underwent wide resection of primary, recurrent, or metastatic malignant chest wall tumors and musculoskeletal pedicle transfer for coverage of tissue defects were enrolled in the present study. A retrospective review of all patients was performed using data collected from hospital records and follow-up information. The complications of musculoskeletal transfer after chest wall wide resection, including respiratory problems, are evaluated.ResultsRib or sternal resection was performed in 12 operations, and only soft tissue resection was performed in 3 operations. Latissimus dorsi (LD) pedicle transfer was performed in 13 operations, and pectoralis major (PM) pedicle transfer was performed in 2 operations; basically, wounds were closed primarily. Surgical complications were observed following 5 of the 15 operations (33.3%). Respiratory complications were seen in 7 of the 15 operations (46.7%). Patients with respiratory complications showed significantly lower preoperative FEV1.0% values than those without respiratory complications (p = 0.0196). Skin resection area tended to be higher in the complication group than in the no complication group (p = 0.104).DiscussionPedicled myocutaneous flap transfers such as LD, PM, and rectus abdominus can be used following multiple resections. After harvesting LD or PM, the wound can be closed primarily for an 8–10-cm skin defect in patients with normal respiratory function. However, for patients with low FEV1.0%, after primary closure of LD or PM transfer for wide soft tissue defects, attention should be paid to postoperative respiratory complications.
Crystal induced arthropathies—a comparative study of 40 patients with apatite rheumatism, chondrocalcinosis and primary synovial chondromatosis
Authors: Bély Miklós , Apáthy Ágnes 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Apatite rheumatism (AR), chondrocalcinosis (Ch-C), and primary synovial chondromatosis (prSynCh) are regarded as distinct clinical entities. The introduction of the non-staining technique by Bély and Apáthy (2013) opened a new era in the microscopic diagnosis of crystal induced diseases, allowing the analysis of MSU (monosodium urate monohydrate) HA (calcium hydroxyapatite), CPPD (calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate) crystals, cholesterol, crystalline liquid lipid droplets, and other crystals in unstained sections of conventionally proceeded (aqueous formaldehyde fixed, paraffin-embedded) tissue samples. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristic histology of crystal deposits in AR, Ch-C, and prSynCh with traditional stains and histochemical reactions comparing with unstained tissue sections according to Bély and Apáthy (2013).Patients and methods: Tissue samples of 4 with apatite rheumatism (Milwaukee syndrome), 16 with chondrocalcinosis, and 20 with clinically diagnosed primary synovial chondromatosis were analyzed.Results and conclusion: Apatite rheumatism, chondrocalcinosis, and primary synovial chondromatosis are related metabolic disorders with HA and CPPD depositions. The authors assume that AR and Ch-C are different stages of the same metabolic disorder, which differ from prSynCh in amorphous mineral production, furthermore in the production of chondroid, osteoid and/or bone. prSynCh is a defective variant of HA and CPPD induced metabolic disorders with reduced mineralization capabilities, where the deficient mineralization is replaced by chondroid and/or bone formation. The non-staining technique of Bély and Apáthy proved to be a much more effective method for the demonstration of crystals in metabolic diseases than conventional stains and histochemical reactions.