bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric plasma treatment: an alternative of HF etching in lithium disilicate glass-ceramic cementation
Authors: Wu Xiaoqian , Liu Kun , Luo Rui , Xu Jianhao , Chen Mingsheng 
Published: December 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) could modify the surface of lithium disilicate glass ceramics (LDC) instead of hydrofluoric acid (HF) in LDC resin cementation.Methods: Two hundred and thirty-two LDC blocks were randomly divided into seven groups: Group 1 (16 specimens) was the blank control group (without HF or APPJ treatment); Group 2 (36 specimens) was etched by HF; Groups 3–7 (36 specimens each) were treated with APPJ, and the relative air humidity (RAH) of the discharge was 22.8%, 43.6%, 59.4%, 75.2%, and 94.0%, respectively. Three LDC blocks in each group were characterized via X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, 3 blocks via contact angle measurements, and other 10 blocks via surface roughness measurements. The residual LDC blocks in groups 2–7 were cemented to composite cylinders. Testing the cemented specimens’ shear bond strength (SBS) before and after thermocycling (6,500 cycles of 5°C and 55°C) revealed fracture patterns. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (post hoc: Bonferroni) (α = 0.05).Results: After APPJ treatment, the water contact angle values of APPJ treated blocks dropped from 31.37° to 5.66°, while that of HF etched ones dropped to 18.33°. The O/C ratio increased after HF etching or APPJ treatment according to the calculated results, except for the APPJ-treated samples at a RAH of 22.8%. The surface roughness of LDC blocks showed no statistic difference before and after APPJ treatment, but experienced significant difference after HF etching. The O/Si and O/C ratios varied after HF etching or APPJ treatment. No significant difference in SBS values could be found among groups 2–7 before or after artificial aging (p &gt; 0.05). All specimens showed mixed failure patterns.Conclusion: The APPJ treatment method reported in this study is a promising novel strategy for surface modification of the LDC. With acceptable bonding strength, it might be an alternative to HF in LDC-resin cementation.
On the importance of accurate elasto-plastic material properties in simulating plate osteosynthesis failure
Authors: Mischler Dominic , Gueorguiev Boyko , Windolf Markus , Varga Peter 
Published: December 2023

Background: Plate osteosynthesis is a widely used technique for bone fracture fixation; however, complications such as plate bending remain a significant clinical concern. A better understanding of the failure mechanisms behind plate osteosynthesis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to develop finite element (FE) models to predict plate bending failure and validate these against in vitro experiments using literature-based and experimentally determined implant material properties.Methods: Plate fixations of seven cadaveric tibia shaft fractures were tested to failure in a biomechanical setup with various implant configurations. FE models of the bone-implant constructs were developed from computed tomography (CT) scans. Elasto-plastic implant material properties were assigned using either literature data or the experimentally derived data. The predictive capability of these two FE modelling approaches was assessed based on the experimental ground truth.Results: The FE simulations provided quantitatively correct prediction of the in vitro cadaveric experiments in terms of construct stiffness [concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.97, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 23.66, relative standard error (RSE) = 10.3%], yield load (CCC = 0.97, SEE = 41.21N, RSE = 7.7%), and maximum force (CCC = 0.96, SEE = 35.04, RSE = 9.3%), when including the experimentally determined material properties. Literature-based properties led to inferior accuracies for both stiffness (CCC = 0.92, SEE = 27.62, RSE = 19.6%), yield load (CCC = 0.83, SEE = 46.53N, RSE = 21.4%), and maximum force (CCC = 0.86, SEE = 57.71, RSE = 14.4%).Conclusion: The validated FE model allows for accurate prediction of plate osteosynthesis construct behaviour beyond the elastic regime but only when using experimentally determined implant material properties. Literature-based material properties led to inferior predictability. These validated models have the potential to be utilized for assessing the loads leading to plastic deformation in vivo, as well as aiding in preoperative planning and postoperative rehabilitation protocols.
Mechanical testing and comparison of porcine tissue, silicones and 3D-printed materials for cardiovascular phantoms
Authors: Illi Joël , Ilic Marc , Stark Anselm Walter , Amstutz Cornelia , Burger Juergen , Zysset Philippe , Haeberlin Andreas , Gräni Christoph 
Published: December 2023

Background: Cardiovascular phantoms for patient education, pre-operative planning, surgical training, haemodynamic simulation, and device testing may help improve patient care. However, currently used materials may have different mechanical properties compared to biological tissue.Methods/Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of 3D-printing and silicone materials in comparison to biological cardiovascular tissues. Uniaxial cyclic tension testing was performed using dumbbell samples from porcine tissue (aorta, pulmonary artery, right and left ventricle). Flexible testing materials included 15 silicone (mixtures) and three 3D-printing materials. The modulus of elasticity was calculated for different deformation ranges.Results: The modulus of elasticity (0%–60%) for the aorta ranged from 0.16 to 0.18 N/mm2, for the pulmonary artery from 0.07 to 0.09 N/mm2, and for the right ventricle as well as the left ventricle short-axis from 0.1 to 0.16 N/mm2. For silicones the range of modulus of elasticity was 0.02–1.16 N/mm2, and for the 3D-printed materials from 0.85 to 1.02 N/mm2. The stress-strain curves of all tissues showed a non-linear behaviour in the cyclic tensile testing, with a distinct toe region, followed by exponential strain hardening behaviour towards the peak elongation. The vessel samples showed a more linear behaviour comparted to myocardial samples. The silicones and 3D printing materials exhibited near-linearity at higher strain ranges, with a decrease in stiffness following the initial deformation. All samples showed a deviation between the loading and unloading curves (hysteresis), and a reduction in peak force over the first few cycles (adaptation effect) at constant deformation.Conclusion: The modulus of elasticity of silicone mixtures is more in agreement to porcine cardiovascular tissues than 3D-printed materials. All synthetic materials showed an almost linear behaviour in the mechanical testing compared to the non-linear behaviour of the biological tissues, probably due to fibre recruitment mechanism in the latter.
Mendelian randomization suggests a causal relationship between gut dysbiosis and thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhang Pengpeng , Liu Ying , Bao Chongchan , Qian Dong , Ma Chaoqun , Li Hua , Yu Ting 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAlterations in gut microbiota composition and function have been linked to the development and progression of thyroid cancer (TC). However, the exact nature of the causal relationship between them remains uncertain.MethodsA bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was conducted to assess the causal connection between gut microbiota (18,340 individuals) and TC (6,699 cases combined with 1,613,655 controls) using data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The primary analysis used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method to estimate the causal effect, with supplementary approaches including the weighted median, weighted mode, simple mode, and MR-Egger. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were assessed using the Cochrane Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-PRESSO global test. A reverse TSMR analysis was performed to explore reverse causality.ResultsThis study identified seven microbial taxa with significant associations with TC. Specifically, the genus Butyrivibrio (OR: 1.127, 95% CI: 1.008-1.260, p = 0.036), Fusicatenibacter (OR: 1.313, 95% CI: 1.066-1.618, p = 0.011), Oscillospira (OR: 1.240, 95% CI: 1.001-1.536, p = 0.049), Ruminococcus2 (OR: 1.408, 95% CI: 1.158-1.711, p &lt; 0.001), Terrisporobacter (OR: 1.241, 95% CI: 1.018-1.513, p = 0.032) were identified as risk factors for TC, while The genus Olsenella (OR: 0.882, 95% CI: 0.787-0.989, p = 0.031) and Ruminococcaceae UCG004 (OR: 0.719, 95% CI: 0.566-0.914, p = 0.007) were associated with reduced TC risk. The reverse MR analysis found no evidence of reverse causality and suggested that TC may lead to increased levels of the genus Holdemanella (β: 0.053, 95% CI: 0.012~0.094, p = 0.011) and decreased levels of the order Bacillales (β: -0.075, 95% CI: -0.143~-0.006, p = 0.033). No significant bias, heterogeneity, or pleiotropy was detected in this study.ConclusionThis study suggests a potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and TC, providing new insights into the role of gut microbiota in TC. Further research is needed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms.
Knowledge and practice of obstetric care providers on prevention of obstetric fistula 2023: an institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemu Solomon Seyife , Agago Mahlet Tesfaye , Ukumo Eshetu Yisihak , Hadero Tesfahun Simon 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundObstetric fistula is a preventable devastating condition that is mostly caused by obstructed labour. About 22% of obstructed labor is complicated by obstetric fistula. Skilled birth attendants during delivery are essential for the prevention of obstetric fistula. However, little is known about the status of the knowledge and practice of obstetric fistula prevention in the Gamo zone.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and associated factors of obstetric caregivers on the prevention of obstetric fistula in public health facilities of the Gamo zone in southwest Ethiopia 2023.MethodA cross-sectional study was employed among 372 obstetric caregivers in selected public health facilities of the Gamo zone in southwest Ethiopia from 1 December 2022 to 30 January 2023. Study participants were selected by a simple random sampling technique, and data were collected by using a pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 computer software and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis purposes. Bivariable and Multivariable Logistic analyses were applied. The level of significance was declared at aP-value ≤0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.ResultsAbout 57% [95% CI (53.00–62.00)] of participants had good knowledge, and about 55.4% [95% CI (50.00–60.00)] of obstetric caregivers showed good practice for obstetric fistula prevention. The factors significantly associated with knowledge were service year [AOR = 2.50, 95% CI = (1.12–6.73)], types of a health facility [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = (1.01–3.92)], age [AOR = 2.38, 95% CI = (1.03–5.49)], and in-service training [AOR = 4.61, 95% CI = (2.35–9.05)]. In-service training [AOR = 14.86, 95% CI = (12.75–18.73)], service year [AOR = 3.58, 95% CI = (1.24–10.29)], and knowledge [AOR: 13.24, 95% CI = (6.18–14.34)] were factors which were significantly associated with the practice of obstetric caregivers towards obstetric fistula prevention.ConclusionThe knowledge and practice of obstetric caregivers on the prevention of obstetric fistula was low in public health facilities of the Gamo zone. In this study, practicing at a hospital was a factor significantly associated with the knowledge of obstetric caregivers. Having in-service training, advanced service year, and age were factors significantly associated with the knowledge and practice of obstetric caregivers. Regular in-service training of health professionals can enhance their knowledge and practice of obstetric fistula prevention.
A temperature-based synthesis and characterization study of aluminum-incorporated diamond-like carbon thin films
Authors: Ghadai Ranjan Kumar , Shanmugasundar G. , Cepova Lenka , Das Soham , Kumar Mahto Premchand , Kalita Kanak 
Published: December 2023

The present work deals with the study of various properties of aluminum (Al)-incorporated diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films synthesized using the atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) technique by varying the deposition temperature (Td) and keeping the N2 flow rate constant. Surface morphology analysis, resistance to corrosion, nanohardness (H), and Young’s modulus (E) of the coatings were carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM), corrosion test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nanoindentation test, respectively. SEM results showed a smoother surface morphology of the coatings grown at different process temperatures. With an increase in process temperature, the coating roughness (Ra) lies in the range of 20–36 µm. The corrosion resistance of the coating was found to be reduced with a consecutive increase in the deposition temperature from 800℃ to 880℃. However, above 880℃, the resistance increases further, and it may be due to the presence of more Al weight percentage in the coating. The nanoindentation result revealed that H and E of the coating increase with an increase in the CVD process temperature. The elastic–plastic property indicated by H/E and H3/E2, which are also indicators of the wear properties of the coating, were studied using the nanoindentation technique. The residual stresses (σ) calculated using Stoney’s equation revealed a reduction in residual stress with an increase in the process temperature.
Comparison of MRI radiomics-based machine learning survival models in predicting prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Zhang Di , Luan Jixin , Liu Bing , Yang Aocai , Lv Kuan , Hu Pianpian , Han Xiaowei , Yu Hongwei , Shmuel Amir , Ma Guolin , Zhang Chuanchen 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the performance of radiomics-based machine learning survival models in predicting the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients.Methods131 GBM patients were included in our study. The traditional Cox proportional-hazards (CoxPH) model and four machine learning models (SurvivalTree, Random survival forest (RSF), DeepSurv, DeepHit) were constructed, and the performance of the five models was evaluated using the C-index.ResultsAfter the screening, 1792 radiomics features were obtained. Seven radiomics features with the strongest relationship with prognosis were obtained following the application of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The CoxPH model demonstrated that age (HR = 1.576, p = 0.037), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score (HR = 1.890, p = 0.006), radiomics risk score (HR = 3.497, p = 0.001), and radiomics risk level (HR = 1.572, p = 0.043) were associated with poorer prognosis. The DeepSurv model performed the best among the five models, obtaining C-index of 0.882 and 0.732 for the training and test set, respectively. The performances of the other four models were lower: CoxPH (0.663 training set / 0.635 test set), SurvivalTree (0.702/0.655), RSF (0.735/0.667), DeepHit (0.608/0.560).ConclusionThis study confirmed the superior performance of deep learning algorithms based on radiomics relative to the traditional method in predicting the overall survival of GBM patients; specifically, the DeepSurv model showed the best predictive ability.
Association of plasma amyloid-β oligomerization with theta/beta ratio in older adults
Authors: Bae Heewon , Kang Min Ju , Ha Sang-Won , Jeong Da-Eun , Lee Kiwon , Lim Seungui , Min Jin-Young , Min Kyoung-Bok 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundOligomeric Aβ (OAβ) is a promising candidate marker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a potential tool for early detection of AD. Still, whether EEG power ratios, particularly the theta/alpha ratio (TAR) and theta/beta ratio (TBR), reflect Aβ burden—a primary mechanism underlying cognitive impairment and AD. This study investigated the association of TAR and TBR with amyloid burden in older adults based on MDS-OAβ levels.Methods529 individuals (aged ≥60 years) were recruited. All participants underwent EEG (MINDD SCAN, Ybrain Inc., South Korea) and AlzOn™ test (PeopleBio Inc., Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea) for quantifying MDS-OAβ values in the plasma. EEG variables were log-transformed to normalize the data distribution. Using the MDS-OAβ cutoff value (0.78 ng/mL), all participants were classified into two groups: high MDS-OAβ and low MDS-OAβ.ResultsParticipants with high MDS-OAβ levels had significantly higher TARs and TBRs than those with low MDS-OAβ levels. The log-transformed TBRs in the central lobe (β = 0.161, p = 0.0026), frontal lobe (β = 0.145, p = 0.0044), parietal lobe (β = 0.166, p = 0.0028), occipital lobe (β = 0.158, p = 0.0058), and temporal lobe (beta = 0.162, p = 0.0042) were significantly and positively associated with increases in MDS-OAβ levels. After adjusting for the Bonferroni correction, the TBRs in all lobe regions, except the occipital lobe, were significantly associated with increased MDS-OAβ levels.ConclusionWe found a significant association of MDS-OAβ with TBR in older adults. This finding indicates that an increase in amyloid burden may be associated with an increase in the low-frequency band and a decrease in the relatively high-frequency band.
High blood viscosity in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kang Jihoon , Oh Ju Seok , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Jun Yup , Kim Do Yeon , Yun So-Yeon , Han Moon-Ku , Bae Hee-Joon , Park Inwon , Lee Jae Hyuk , Jo You Hwan , Ahn Kyung Hyun 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe changes in blood viscosity can influence the shear stress at the vessel wall, but there is limited evidence regarding the impact on thrombogenesis and acute stroke. We aimed to investigate the effect of blood viscosity on stroke and the clinical utility of blood viscosity measurements obtained immediately upon hospital arrival.MethodsPatients with suspected stroke visiting the hospital within 24 h of the last known well time were enrolled. Point-of-care testing was used to obtain blood viscosity measurements before intravenous fluid infusion. Blood viscosity was measured as the reactive torque generated at three oscillatory frequencies (1, 5, and 10 rad/sec). Blood viscosity results were compared among patients with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and stroke mimics diagnosed as other than stroke.ResultsAmong 112 enrolled patients, blood viscosity measurements were accomplished within 2.4 ± 1.3 min of vessel puncture. At an oscillatory frequency of 10 rad/sec, blood viscosity differed significantly between the ischemic stroke (24.2 ± 4.9 centipoise, cP) and stroke mimic groups (17.8 ± 6.5 cP, p &lt; 0.001). This finding was consistent at different oscillatory frequencies (134.2 ± 46.3 vs. 102.4 ± 47.2 at 1 rad/sec and 39.2 ± 11.5 vs. 30.4 ± 12.4 at 5 rad/sec, Ps &lt; 0.001), suggesting a relationship between decreases in viscosity and shear rate. The area under the receiver operating curve for differentiating cases of stroke from stroke mimic was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.88).ConclusionPatients with ischemic stroke exhibit increases in whole blood viscosity, suggesting that blood viscosity measurements can aid in differentiating ischemic stroke from other diseases.
Effect of sleep deprivation and NREM sleep stage on physiological brain pulsations
Authors: Helakari Heta , Järvelä Matti , Väyrynen Tommi , Tuunanen Johanna , Piispala Johanna , Kallio Mika , Ebrahimi Seyed Mohsen , Poltojainen Valter , Kananen Janne , Elabasy Ahmed , Huotari Niko , Raitamaa Lauri , Tuovinen Timo , Korhonen Vesa , Nedergaard Maiken , Kiviniemi Vesa 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSleep increases brain fluid transport and the power of pulsations driving the fluids. We investigated how sleep deprivation or electrophysiologically different stages of non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep affect the human brain pulsations.MethodsFast functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in healthy subjects (n = 23) with synchronous electroencephalography (EEG), that was used to verify arousal states (awake, N1 and N2 sleep). Cardiorespiratory rates were verified with physiological monitoring. Spectral power analysis assessed the strength, and spectral entropy assessed the stability of the pulsations.ResultsIn N1 sleep, the power of vasomotor (VLF &lt; 0.1 Hz), but not cardiorespiratory pulsations, intensified after sleep deprived vs. non-sleep deprived subjects. The power of all three pulsations increased as a function of arousal state (N2 &gt; N1 &gt; awake) encompassing brain tissue in both sleep stages, but extra-axial CSF spaces only in N2 sleep. Spectral entropy of full band and respiratory pulsations decreased most in N2 sleep stage, while cardiac spectral entropy increased in ventricles.DiscussionIn summary, the sleep deprivation and sleep depth, both increase the power and harmonize the spectral content of human brain pulsations.
Clinical value of combined predictors of RET%, γ-GT, LDH in the ABO neonatal hemolytic disease
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Dong Yan , Qin Yingchao , Xue Chunyan , Lyu Wei 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the prognostic significance of the amalgamated indicators, reticulocyte percentage (RET%), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and γ-Glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), in neonatal ABO hemolytic disease.MethodsA total of 137 hospitalized children with pathological jaundice were included. Based on their medical conditions, they were categorized into two groups, hemolytic (67 cases) and non-hemolytic (70 cases). Pearson linear correlation and binary logistic multivariate analysis were used to analyze LDH, γ-GT, RET% and hemolysis. Furthermore, the predictive value of the combined predictors of RET%, LDH, and γ-GT on ABO neonatal hemolytic disease was evaluated using the ROC curve analysis.ResultsThe laboratory indexes of the two groups were subject to analysis using binary logistic regression to identify suspicious influencing factors. The study revealed that RET%, LDH, and γ-GT were independent risk factors for hemolysis. Pearson linear correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between LDH and γ-GT with RET% (r = 0.529, P &lt; 0.01; r = 0.526, P = &lt;0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the predictive value of each combined predictor was obtained using the ROC curve, and it was observed that combined predictor L (RET% + LDH + γ-GT)&gt;L1 (RET% + LDH)&gt;L2 (RET% + γ-GT).ConclusionCombined predictor L (RET% + LDH + γ-GT)demonstrate its optimal diagnostic efficacy, offering a novel approach towards diagnosing early-onset ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn.