bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical comparison of five iliosacral screw fixation techniques for Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture under two-legged standing load: a cadaver study
Authors: Fan Shicai , Chen Sheqiang , Xiang Haibo , Mai Qiguang , Zhu Zhenhua , Chen Yuhui , Hou Zhiyong , Chen Wei , Zhu Qingan , Zhang Yingze 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

There lack biomechanical studies of different Iliosacral screw (ISS) techniques in treating Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of five ISS techniques at two angles of sacral slope (SS). Six cadaveric Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture specimens were subjected to 500 N compressive force in two-leg stance at 30° and 40° SS. They were fixed randomly with S1 ISS, S1 trans-iliac-trans-sacral screw (TITSS), S2 TITSS, S1 ISS + S2 TITSS, and S1 TITSS + S2 TITSS. Displacement and rotation were measured and analyzed. The S1 TITSS reduced the total, lateral and vertical displacement compared with the S1 ISS, and provided more vertical stability than the S2 TITSS. The S1 TITSS + S2 TITSS ensured more vertical stability than the S1 ISS + S2 TITSS, whereas it did not improve the pelvic stability compared to the single S1 TITSS. The S1 ISS + S2 TITSS enhanced total, lateral and vertical stability compared to single S1 ISS. The vertical displacement at 40° SS tended to be greater than that at 30° SS. This study demonstrated biomechanical advantages of different ISS and potential effect of SS on pelvic stability, which may help making ideal clinical choices.
Hypoxia induces cardiomyocyte autophagy by regulating SIRT5 expression
Authors: Yunle Wang , Wei Hongqi , Yuxuan Fu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the expression of SIRT5 in myocardial hypoxia and to further explore its function during this pathological process.
Material and methods
We analysed the microarray dataset GSE27975 derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between hypoxic and normoxic cardiomyocytes. We divided C57BL/6J mice into two groups: the sham group and the myocardial infarction (MI) group. Heart functions were detected by echocardiogram, and heart tissue was harvested on the 3rd day after MI for the detection of autophagy and SIRT5 expression. To further study the mechanism of Sirt5 in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, we divided H9C2 cells into four groups: the control group, the hypoxia group, the Sirt5 siRNA group and the Sirt5 siRNA + hypoxia group and detected Sirt5 expression and cell autophagy.
Results
A total of 156 genes were highly expressed, and 185 genes were expressed at low levels between hypoxic and normoxic cardiomyocytes. SIRT5 was expressed at low levels in the hypoxia group. In vivo, we generated an MI mouse model, and heart function was decreased. The expression of SIRT5 in heart tissue was decreased after MI, while the autophagy level was increased. In vitro, after we knocked out Sirt5 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes, autophagy was significantly increased. Meanwhile the expression of p-MTOR, p-ULK1 changed, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was maintained.
Conclusion
Hypoxia reduced SIRT5 expression may be associated with cardiomyocytes autophagy. Knockdown Sirt5 in H9C2s could activate autophagy via mTOR/ULK1 pathway and preserve mitochondrial function.
Three-year Retrospective Analysis of the Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Isolates from Culture-Positive Clinical Specimens at the Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Erkihun Mulat , Assefa Ayenew , Legesse Biruk , Almaw Andargachew , Berhan Ayenew , Getie Birhanu , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Fentie Alemie , Solomon Yenealem , Damtie Shewaneh , Eyayu Tahir , Malkamu B /maskel , Sharew Bekele , Asmare Zelalem , Getie Molla , Enkobahry Aklesya , Ayele Bayu , Ashagrie Degu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The main concerns affecting human health are infectious diseases. Bacterial infections constitute a large portion of infectious disorders. Infections acquired in health institutions are also among their sources. The location of culture-positive specimens and profiles of antibiotic resistance for common pathogens were the focal points of subsequent investigations.
Methodology:
The diagnosis of microbiology was carried out using traditional culture techniques. In accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. The data were extracted from WHONET and analyzed.
Results
In total, 2489 isolates were isolated from 2073 patient specimens from three consecutive years from different locations. According to this analysis, about 768 (34.9%) of the isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric wards. 63.2% isolates were from blood specimens. The predominant isolates were gram-positive aerobic bacteria and aerobic gram-negative bacteria (1117, 44.9%) & (1008, 40.5%), respectively. The ESKPAE pathogens were predominant (67%). In addition to antimicrobial activities, approximately 100 Entrobacterceae family member bacteria were resistant to carbapenem drugs, and 320 isolates of this family were expected to be beta lactamase producers. Approximately 120 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were also identified.
Conclusion
Among the isolates, ESKAPE pathogens accounted for the greatest proportion. The most common isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit. A significant number of multidrug-resistant, extreme drug-resistant and pandrug-resistant isolates were identified in the present study. The Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital must identify the source of infection for further preventive measures.
Optimizing Electrical Conductivity of PEDOT:PSS Films: A Systematic Study of Individual and Combined Enhancement Techniques
Authors: DiFilippo Aaron , Chakraborty Amrita , Orlowski Marius 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on crafting organic conductive electrodes for flexible substrate-based organic electronics, exploring techniques to enhance PEDOT:PSS film conductivity, including acid treatments, noble and non-noble metal nanoparticle doping, multiple layer depositions, and mono-layer graphene and graphene nanoplatelets insertion. These methods are systematically investigated, both individually and in combination, to optimize enhancement and provide engineering flexibility for various applications. The optimized process prioritizes PEDOT:PSS multilayer depositions and nitric acid treatment, proving more effective and cost-efficient. The research details a process of rendering PEDOT:PSS polymer films highly conductive, highlighting their patterning abilities and robust adhesion to oxidized Si wafers and flexible substrates. Adhesion is accomplished with oxygen plasma treatment, and patterning involves an Ag sacrificial layer, PEDOT:PSS etching, and Ag island removal. Enhanced electrical conductivity is achieved through multiple PEDOT:PSS depositions without significant thickness increase. The paper explores doping PEDOT:PSS with metal nanoparticles like Cu and Ag, in both bulk and topical applications. Compared to a single-layer PEDOT:PSS of the same thickness, the optimized multilayer polymer stack, treated with nitric acid, reduces sheet resistance from 1 MΩ/sq to 6.7 Ω/sq. The study also addresses film aging and ways to mitigate reliability effects induced by the ambient environment.
Evaluation of oxychlorides as chemical oxygen demand interferents: The roles of the different oxidizing agents and the organic carbon source of wastewaters
Authors: Gutiérrez-González Julio A. , Fernández-Mohedano Ángel , Bejines Francisco Raposo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is considered to be the most useful analytical parameter to characterize wastewaters in terms of water quality, by providing their organic matter or pollution content. For COD determination, a few interferences have been reported but some of them have not been estimated in detail in scientific literature. Hence constituting a critical issue for COD analysis in wastewater samples. In this research work, the negative interference of oxychlorides in COD measurements has been evaluated at laboratory scale. Specifically, the role of oxychlorides as alternative oxidizing agents in competition with dichromate has been assessed. The COD reduction performance varied widely according to the particular oxidizing agent used and its concentration, as well as, the organic carbon source and amount present in the wastewater. The experimental values of COD removal performance should be considered as dual concentration dependent. On the one hand, for each oxidizing agent the COD reduction performance is directly proportional to the dosage used in the experiment. On the other hand, the influence of OM concentration on COD removal performance was inversely proportional. In addition, chlorate can be considered as the strongest oxidizing agent and the principal interferent responsible for the over-evaluation of the COD removal performance. Furthermore, the interference extent of oxychlorides on COD determination decreased in the order of: Phthalate > Hydrocarbons > Proteins.
Exploring multiple reaction pathways in the proteolysis of SARS-CoV-2 main protease through large-scale quantum molecular dynamics
Authors: Ono Junichi , Koshimizu Uika , Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Nakai Hiromi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Elucidation of the enzymatic reaction mechanism of the main protease (Mpro) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is significant for the development of peptidomimetic covalent inhibitors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as nirmatrelvir. Large-scale quantum molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations were performed for wild-type Mpro dimer, monomer, and nirmatrelvir-resistant mutant with natural substrate models. The study primarily focused on the acylation stage of the catalytic cycle, which involves covalent bond formation between the enzyme and the ligand. Free energy analyses revealed that nucleophilic acyl substitution, characterized by intra-protein proton transfer, nucleophilic substitution, and proton transfer between the protein and substrate, occurs via two pathways with comparable free energy barriers in the wild-type Mpro dimer. The study revealed that the free energy barriers for the two reaction pathways in the monomer were marginally higher than those in the dimer, suggesting that dimerization contributes to the stabilization of the active-site structure, which is crucial for facilitating chemical reactions. Additionally, the nirmatrelvir-resistant mutant was observed to destabilize the intermediate state during the nucleophilic substitution process. This finding illustrates that despite the mutation conferring drug resistance, the enzymatic reactivity is preserved by altering the reaction mechanism, thereby maintaining the protease’s functionality.
Flexible and Cost-Effective Deep Learning for Fast Multi-Parametric Relaxometry using Phase-Cycled bSSFP
Authors: Birk Florian , Mahler Lucas , Steiglechner Julius , Wang Qi , Scheffler Klaus , Heule Rahel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To accelerate the clinical adoption of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), frameworks are needed that not only allow for rapid acquisition, but also flexibility, cost-efficiency, and high accuracy in parameter mapping. In this study, feed-forward deep neural network (DNN)- and iterative fitting-based frameworks are compared for multi-parametric (MP) relaxometry based on phase-cycled balanced steady-state free precession (pc-bSSFP) imaging. The performance of supervised DNNs (SVNN), self-supervised physics-informed DNNs (PINN), and an iterative fitting framework termed motion-insensitive rapid configuration relaxometry (MIRACLE) was evaluated in silico and in vivo in brain tissue of healthy subjects, including Monte Carlo sampling to simulate noise. DNNs were trained on three distinct in silico parameter distributions and at different signal-to-noise-ratios. The PINN framework, which incorporates physical knowledge into the training process, ensured more consistent inference and increased robustness to training data distribution compared to the SVNN. Whole-brain relaxometry using DNNs proved to be effective and adaptive, suggesting the potential for low-cost DNN retraining. This work emphasizes the advantages of in silico DNN MP-qMRI pipelines for rapid data generation and DNN training without extensive dictionary generation, long parameter inference times, or prolonged data acquisition, highlighting the flexible and rapid nature of lightweight machine learning applications for MP-qMRI.
Association Between Depression and the Risk of Osteoporosis of the United States Adult Population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Yanxu , bao Jing , Li Kecheng , Zhang Xin , Guo Jingchen , Guo Weiqin , Ren Zixuan , He Jinshen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Adults frequently experience depression and osteoporosis as mental diseases. lt is yet unknown, nevertheless, how depression affects one's risk for osteoporosis. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the relationship between depression and osteoporosis in the United States adult population.
Methods
The study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. We applied the logistic regression model to examine the association between depression and osteoporosis adjusting for confounders, and stratified regression analysis was conducted to identify specific populations.
Results
The study, which included 6153 participants, consisting of the control group (n = 5726) and the osteoporosis group (n = 432). Compared with individuals who do not have osteoporosis, those who have osteoporosis have a higher incidence of depression (10.7% vs 6.6%, P = 0.002). Additionally, individuals with depression are more likely to also have osteoporosis (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.29, P = 0.010). On subgroup analysis, there were higher odds ratio of osteoporosis in males (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.05, P = 0.013), individuals between the ages of 50 to 65 are also at a greater risk (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.74, P = 0.006), high BMI (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.64, P = 0.027), taking prednisone or cortisone(OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.06 to 8.05, P = 0.039), and patients with high cholesterol levels (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.36 to 3.35, P = 0.001).
Conclusion
Therefore, doctors should pay attention to the osteoporosis of middle-aged and elderly people with depression. At the same time, one should be cautious about the increased risk of fractures associated with this.
Prevalence and risk factors of myopia among children and adolescents in Hangzhou
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Jiang Xiujun , Zhang Wenhui , Hao Li , Zhang Yuting , Wu Shangxi , Zhu Bing , Xu Hong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of myopia among children and adolescents in Hangzhou city, and provide ideas for the formulation of myopia prevention and control measures.
Methods
A cross-sectional school-based study using stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 31,880 students from 113 schools in Hangzhou city. Myopia screening and questionnaires on the influencing factors of poor visual acuity were carried out. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen possible risk factors of myopia.
Results
The overall myopia rate was 55.3%, with the increase of the school period, the prevalence of myopia among students showing upward trend (χ2 = 8744.446, P<0.001). The myopia prevalence in girls is higher than that in boys (χ2 = 119.917, P<0.001); the prevalence of myopia in urban students is higher than that in suburban students (χ2 = 4.603, P = 0.032). With the increase of school stage, the composition ratio of low myopia showed a downward trend, while the composition ratio of medium and high myopia showed an upward trend, the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 2482.504, P<0.001). Longer homework time (P<0.001), unreasonable light usage (P = 0.001), duration of using eyes at a short distance ≥ 1h (P<0.001) and one or both of the parents suffered myopia (P<0.001) are independently associated with higher prevalence of myopia.
Conclusions
The myopia prevalence among children and adolescents in Hangzhou is still at a relatively high level, and is affected by most factors such as outdoor activities, lighting use, sleep time, eye-use behaviors, and region, needing targeted intervention measures.
Factors influencing patient experience in hospital wards: a systematic review
Authors: GUAN Tingyu , CHEN Xiao , LI Junfei , ZHANG Yuxia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:Patient experience plays an essential role in improving clinical effectiveness and patient safety. It's important to identify factors influencing patient experience and to improve quality of healthcare.
Objective:To identify factors that influence patient experience in hospital wards.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review including six databases; they were PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, ProQuest, and Cochrane. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria. The JBI checklist was used to perform quality appraisal. We used 5 domains of the ecological model to organize and synthesize our findings.
Result: A total of 138 studies(133 cross-sectional, 3 longitudinal, 2 cohort studies) were included, and 164 factors were identified. These factors were integrated into 6 domains. All domains but one (survey-related factors) could be mapped onto the attributes of the social ecological framework: intrapersonal level, interpersonal level, institutional level, community level, and public policy level factors. These factors had mixture effect on patient experience. The intrapersonal level refers to individual characteristics of patients such as knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The interpersonal level refers to interactions between patients and nurses, such as the caring time spent by nurse. The institutional level refers to organizational characteristics, rules and regulations for operations, such as hospital size and accreditation. The community level refers to relationships among organizations, institutions, and informational networks within defined boundaries, such as a hospital located in a larger population area. Public policy refers to local, state, national, and global laws and policies, including health insurance policies. The sixth domain was added to the framework, survey related factors, and included factors such as survey response rate and survey response time.
Conclusion: The factors influencing patient experience are comprehensive, ranging from intrapersonal to public policy. Providers should adopt a holistic and integrated perspective to assess patient experience and develop context-specific interventions to improve the quality of care.
PROSPERO registration number CRD42023401066.
Co-exposure effects of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals on lung function: Mediating role of systematic inflammation
Authors: Wu Lihong , Lu Xue , Zhang Siying , Zhong Yumei , Gao Hui , Tao Fangbiao , Wu Xiulong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals were associated with decreased lung function, but co-exposure effects and underlying mechanism remained unknown.
Methods: Among 1,123 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012, 10 urinary PAHs, 11 urinary metals, and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count were determined, and 5 lung function indices were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp) were used to estimate co-exposure effects on lung function. Meditation analyses were used to explore mediating role of WBC.
Results: These models demonstrated that PAHs and metals were significantly associated with lung function. BKMR models showed that comparing to all chemicals fixed at median level, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75% decreased by 1.31% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.91%), 231.62 (43.45, 419.78) mL/s, and 131.64 (37.54, 225.74) mL/s respectively, when all chemicals were at 75th percentile. In the qgcomp, each quartile increase in mixture was associated with 104.35 (95% CI: 40.67, 168.02) mL, 1.16% (2.11%, 22.40%), 294.90 (78.37, 511.43) mL/s, 168.44 (41.66, 295.22) mL/s decrease in the FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75%, respectively. The 2-OHPh, 3-OHFlu, and Cd were leading contributors to the above associations. WBC mediated 8.22%-23.90% of association between PAHs and lung function.
Conclusions: Co-exposure of PAHs and metals leads to lung function impairment, and WBC could partially mediate the relationship. Our findings clarify co-exposure effects of environmental mixtures on respiratory health and underlying mechanism, and suggest that focusing on highly prioritized toxicants would effectively attenuate the adverse effects.
Physicians’ Experiences with the Primary Care Chronic Disease Management Program in South Korea: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Koo Bon Mi , Do Young Kyung 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic diseases impose a substantial burden on society, and enhancing the quality of chronic disease management in primary care settings has emerged as a policy priority. The Korean government initiated the Primary care Chronic Disease Management Program as a pilot project in 2019, aiming to deliver comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care to patients with hypertension and diabetes in primary care settings. The purpose of this study was to explore physicians’ experiences during the program implementation.
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight physicians who participated in the program, with each interview lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. Thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts to generate well-structured and detailed description of data.
Results
The potentials of the program for improving chronic disease management included systematic management of chronic diseases, increased concern on patient education and counselling during consultation, improved therapeutic relationships with patients, and assuming greater responsibility for managing chronic diseases. However, challenges persist in the implementation of the program. These challenges encompass the gap between guidelines and their implementation in real-world settings, time-consuming administrative work, patient's out-of-pocket expenses, and insufficient incentives for fostering a team-based approach. Various contextual challenges were also observed.
Conclusion
While the program has served as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of chronic care by stipulating and incentivizing normative practice guidelines in the current fee-for-service system, substantial challenges still persist, both within the program and beyond.