bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of front limb gait variation overground at a walk in sound and lame dogs using a combination of diagnostic techniques
Authors: Granström Miriam Kjörk , Roepstorff Lars , Pettersson Kjerstin , Ljungvall Ingrid , Dimopoulou Maria , Peck Charlie , Bergström Annika 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BackgroundKinetic and kinematic gait analysis is increasingly practised as a part of lameness evaluation in dogs. The aim of this study was to examine the normal short- and long-term variation in front limb gait in sound control dogs (CD) at a walk using seven selected variables of objective kinetic and kinematic gait analyses. Also, to compare the findings in CD to a group of front limb lame dogs with elbow osteoarthritis (OAD). An additional aim was to test a kinetic based graphic method for lameness detection; symmetry squares (SS). Study design: Prospective longitudinal study of client owned CD and OAD. Clinical and orthopaedic evaluations were performed to ensure soundness and detect and grade lameness. Seven kinetic and kinematic variables and SS were tested for lameness evaluation. The CD were divided into two subgroups, CD1 and CD2, and examined twice: CD1 with two months interval and CD2 with 3-4 hours interval. The OAD group was evaluated once and compared to the CD groups’ first examination.ResultsThirteen CD and 19 OAD were included. For CD1 and CD2, there were no significant differences in any examined variable between examination occasions. Total peak force/impulse symmetry and fore-hind peak force/impulse symmetry differed significantly between OAD and CD. Symmetry squares had a 74% agreement to subjective orthopaedic evaluations.Conclusions:In CD, no difference in the examined variables was seen between examination occasions. Four out of seven objective variables differed significantly between CD and OAD. The graphic SS method might have diagnostic potential for lameness detection.
Outcome of Open Knee Joint Injury among Trauma Patients Visiting Tibebe-ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir-dar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Wuhib Getachew , Wuhib Mekuriaw , Assefa Melatwork , Mekonn Leul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Open knee joint injury is a deep traumatic laceration violating the joint capsule. This study aimed to asses’ outcomes and associated factors of open knee joint injury among trauma patients visiting Tibebe-Ghion specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2021
Methods
Institution based retrospective cross sectional study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 43 patients treated for open knee joint injury from January 2019 to July 2021 giving 86% response rate. Data was entered and exported by using Epi Data manager version 4.4 and was analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Chi-squared test was conducted and p value less than 0.05 were considered significant 0.05
Results
Fourteen (32.5%) of this study subjects had developed either infection or limbing on follow-up due to open knee injury. Majority injuries (58.1%) are caused by car accident. Presence of associated injury, wound size, time of wound closure, debridement as one management option, sex and diagnosis method were showed significant association with complication outcome. From the diagnosed infection 90% was septic arthritis. During the study period eight patients (18.6%) developed limbing on follow up.
Conclusion
The rate of complication as one outcome among open kee injury patient in the study area was significantly higher. Presence of associated injury, wound size, time of wound closure, debridement as one management option, sex and diagnosis method were showed significant association with complication outcome. Targeted public mobilization should be done to improve awareness about orthopedic emergencies and complication risk reduction to have favorable outcomes.
Bone Engineering Fluffy poly Lactide-co-glycolide/hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Strategy for Bone Defects Repair
Authors: yuan tao , meng jia , yang shaoqiang , Lai Cheng-Teng , Hong Qian , Xin Yu , Hui Jiang , Qing-Gang Cao , Xu Jianda , bao nirong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Treatment of bone defects remains crucial challenge for successful bone healing, which arouses great interests in designing and fabricating ideal biomaterials. In this regard, additive manufacturing with altered properties and characteristics of polymers was introduced as a promising approach for bone defects. The present study focuses on developing a novel fluffy scaffold of poly Lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) composites with hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold used in bone defect repair in rabbits. This fluffy PLGA/HA composite scaffold was fabricated by using multi-electro-spinning combined with biomineralization technology. In vitro analysis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seeded onto fluffy PLGA/HA composite scaffold showed their ability to adhere, proliferate and cell viability. The micro-CT and histomorphological analysis showed higher mineralized tissue production in rabbit model treated with fluffy PLGA/HA composite scaffold. The obtained results proved a promising strategy to construct fluffy PLGA/HA composite scaffolds used in bone defects.
Association of Smoking Cessation With Dynapenia Among Older Current or Former Smokers in Korea
Authors: Yoo Keunjoong , Park Yong Soon , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jeong Hyeon 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Muscle strength is important for the health of older individuals. However, the global burden of cigarette smoking remains significant. We investigated the association between smoking cessation and dynapenia in older Korean adults. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2016–2019) were utilized, including 1,177 participants aged 65–79 years, excluding those who had never smoked. Dynapenia was defined as grip strength < 28 kg for men and < 18 kg for women based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between smoking cessation and dynapenia. Compared with former smokers, the odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of dynapenia in current smokers was 1.648 (1.069–2.541). The OR (95% CI) stratified by the years since smoking cessation were 0.678 (0.378–1.217), 0.487 (0.276–0.860), 0.598 (0.323–1.108), and 0.483 (0.229–1.019) in those who did not smoke for < 10, 10–20, 20–30, and > 30 years, respectively. The OR for dynapenia significantly decreased with the number of years since smoking cessation (P for trend = 0.026). Former smokers had a lower risk of dynapenia than current smokers, and dynapenia risk decreased with increasing duration of smoking cessation.
Clinical application of flexible bronchoscopy in neonatal respiratory diseases
Authors: Zhuang Xuee , liu zhiyong , Zheng Jingyang , xu jinglin , Chen Dongmei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Respiratory diseases are an important component of neonatal diseases, and flexible bronchoscopy is increasingly used in neonates. This study aimed to investigate the value of bronchoscopy in neonatal respiratory abnormalities and to evaluate the safety of bronchoscopy application.
Methods: Clinical data and outcomes of 56 children who underwent flexible bronchoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Correlations among indications for bronchoscopy, findings, and clinical diseases were analyzed.
Results: A total of 56 children had a minimum body weight of 1200 g at the time of bronchoscopy, and the minimum gestational age at birth was 26+1 weeks. A total of 22 cases (39.3%) had two or more clinical indications; the five most common indications were dyspnea in 24 cases (42.9%), laryngeal tinnitus in 22 cases (39.3%), pulmonary atelectasis in 10 cases (17.6%), feeding difficulty in 10 cases (17.6%), and difficulty in extubation in 6 cases (10.7%). A total of 16 types of structural and functional abnormalities were detected in the respiratory tract. The most common symptoms were laryngomalacia in 29 cases (59.2%), tracheobronchial tenderness in 8 cases (16.3%), and vocal cord paralysis in 6 cases (12.2%). Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 39 cases. Eight children were diagnosed by bronchoscopy and then underwent thoracic or pentacameral surgery; all of them were cured and discharged from the hospital after surgery. No serious complications, such as pneumothorax or shock, occurred in any of the children, and none died.
Conclusions: Flexible bronchoscopy plays an important role in diagnosing and identifying respiratory disorders in neonates and can be safely used in neonates with few serious complications.
Atypical clinical debut associated with Jarisch Herxheimer reaction in an asplenic patient with leptospirosis: case report and review
Authors: Maria Zarama-Eraso , Jhon Tipasoca-Pineda , Paola Sánchez-Herrera , Michel Pérez-Garzón 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis poses a diagnostic challenge owing to its wide array of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic cases and febrile syndromes to severe disease with a high mortality rate. Risk factors are associated with exposure and the immune response, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.
Case presentation: A clinical case involving a 49-year-old patient with a history of splenectomy and no immunization schedule. The patient presented to the emergency room with non-specific symptoms, primarily myalgias, arthralgias, and emesis, initially suggestive of a viral infection. However, there was a rapid progression to hypoxemic respiratory failure, requiring invasive ventilatory support. Given the immune status due to spleen absence, antibiotic treatment with meropenem and linezolid was promptly initiated, to mitigate the risk of post-splenectomy sepsis. During antibiotic administration, the patient experienced febrile episodes, accompanied by chills, myalgias, and emesis, which gradually decreased in both duration and intensity. Ultimately, the patient exhibited satisfactory progress, successfully underwent extubation, and completed a 7-day antibiotic course. Final reports confirmed positive IgM for Leptospira.
Conclusion: Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease, displaying a diverse array of manifestations; recognized as a potential cause of undifferentiated fever, often confused with other prevalent tropical infections. The imperative to consider this diagnosis extends beyond the general population to encompass individuals in states of altered immunity. Recognizing and addressing leptospirosis in at-risk populations is crucial, as it can significantly impact the prompt initiation of treatment and, consequently, influence associated mortality rates.
Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and virological non-suppression among children living with HIV in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Afrane Adwoa K. A. , Alhassan Yakubu , Amoah Linda Eva , Nyarko Mame Yaa , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Paintsil Elijah , Torpey Kwasi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and malaria are two major diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, with co-infections having an impact on the outcomes of both. We assessed the association between asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and virological non-suppression among children living with HIV attending a clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and the Princess Marie Louis Hospital (PML) in the city of Accra, Ghana.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic malaria in children receiving care at paediatric HIV clinics at KBTH and PML conducted from September to November 2022. Patients who had been on ART for at least 6 months were eligible to participate. Structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, malaria prevention behaviors, and ART-related data using in-person interviews. Microscopy and PCR were used to screen for malaria and GeneXpert to determine viral load. To examine the determinants of malaria PCR positivity and virological non-suppression, Chi-square tests and logistic regression were utilized.
Results
The participants' median age was 9 years with a range of 6 to 12 years. Males made up 57% of the population. We detected 3.6% (10 of 277) and 7.6% (21 of 277) cases of malaria using microscopy and PCR, respectively. Virological non-suppression (VL > 1000 copies/ml) was seen in 82 (29.6%) of the 277 participants. Among the suppressed individuals, 62 (22.4%) exhibited low-level viraemia (VL level 40-1000 copies/ml) and 133 (48%) had non-detectable viral load levels. There were no factors associated with malaria PCR positivity carriage. Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy was associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of viral load non-suppression (AOR = 4.89 [CI = 2.00-11.98], p = 0.001).
Conclusion
The study showed that the proportion of children living with HIV with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was low, with about one third of the study population having virological non suppression. The interaction between malaria parasitemia and viral replication may not be the main culprit for virological non suppression.
“Six Thinking Hats”: Improving Thinking in Traditional Problem-based Learning Pathophysiology Curriculum for Medical Students
Authors: Ma Licai , Wu Di , Li Hongli , Ni Bing , Ouyang Lin , Zhang Zhihui , Deng Fang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Problem-based learning (PBL) was developed for medical education and is currently widely used in pathophysiology courses, one of the core fundamental curricula. Yet, PBL might lead to duplicate and biased discussion, and even invalid arguments. Moreover, students’ passive thinking, lack of self-reflection, feedback and guidance of critical thinking might influence tutorial quality. We aimed to introduced Six Thinking Hats into medical education through a hybrid PBL Pathophysiology curriculum to improve the efficiency of the lectures. 32 medical students from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical University were randomly assigned into experimental groups and control groups in spring semester of 2022. The Six Thinking Hats offered six directions on top of PBL pathophysiology classes to guide students’ thinking process in before-class preparation, classroom discussion and after-class feedback and self-reflection. The curriculum was evaluated using interviews, anonymous student surveys and exams scores. After finals, the high frequency glossaries from the interviews in the experimental groups are efficient, critical, time saving, emotional, control and focus and they felt that their way of thinking had changed. Students in the control groups have lower total exam scores (mean 76.50 ± 6.06 versus 80.88 ± 4.86, p = 0.032) and lower advanced case analysis scores (19.0 ± 3.01 versus 23.81 ± 2.14, p＜0.0001). Integrating Six Thinking Hats into PBL in pathophysiology curriculum was feasible and effective for medical students. It could provide an objective, comprehensive, effective, and positive class environment for medical students and may extend to a broader audience in medical education.
Robust design method and intelligent system for trimming die of complex automotive panel
Authors: Xilei Zhang , Guochao Deng , Zhibing Zhang , Yuqi Liu , Jikun Ta , Wang Zhen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The design process of automotive trimming die is very complicated, time-consuming and error-prone because of the complex geometric shape of the part surfaces and the trimming lines. This paper presents a robust design method for trimming die based on template subtraction and bounding volume strategy (TSBV) to unify different design process of trimming structure. The novel horizontal and vertical offset algorithms are developed to construct the quality derived surfaces based on geometric offset mapping (DS-GOM) quickly and stably, which are applied to generate the bounding surfaces of the template solids. A robust and intelligent design system for trimming die of automotive panel is implemented on NX platform in this paper. And the intelligent system is adopted to design the trimming die for the actual and classical automotive panels to verify the effectiveness and stability of the developed system. Case studies and industrial applications have demonstrated that the system can improve the design efficiency by 74.2% compared with generic design system.
Green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from Phragmites communis and its protective effect on Artemia salina under copper stress
Authors: Gang Xue , Li Meng , Lei Tianya , Zhang Hongmei , Wei Zhenlin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots (CQD) and Nitrogen-doped CQDs (N-CQDs) were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal process, utilizing reed leaves and urea as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The maximum excitation wavelength of CQDs and N2-CQDs was 325 nm, and the corresponding emission wavelength was 407 nm and 406 nm, respectively. Synthetic CQDs have excellent fluorescence properties, while N-doping enhances the fluorescence intensity and stability of CQDs. Next, the adsorption effect of N2-CQDs on various metal ions was also studied using the fluorescence quenching method. The results showed that N2-CQDs have a significant capacity for adsorption of Cu2+ ions. The following quantitative analysis indicated that the Cu2+ concentration showed an excellent linear relationship between 0 ~ 500 µmol/L and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.074 µmol/L. The N2-CQDs at 0-200 µg/mL have no deleterious effects on the viability of HeLa cells and the survival rate of Artemia nauplii. Finally, the agarose gel containing N2-CQDs was constructed, and its absorption behavior of Cu2+ in artificial seawater was evaluated. The results showed that this N2-CQDs-based gel was able to efficiently remove Cu2+ from seawater, leading to a higher survival rate of the nauplii under 10 and 50 mg/L Cu2+ stress. Our results collectively provide a cost-effective method for removing heavy metal ions from seawater and mitigating their harmful effects on sea animals.
Engineering Complex Vectorial Light Field in Leaky-Wave Metasurfaces: Harnessing Structural Parameter-Independent Detour and Geometric Phases
Authors: Cheng Qingqing , Xi Kelei , Zhou Shaodong , Sheng Xiaohang , Gao Jingxiang , Li Lin , Zhou Lei , Zhuang Songlin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To generate arbitrary vector light fields, metasurfaces should exhibit tailored distributions of scattering amplitudes/phases of light waves for two orthogonal polarizations. The traditional approach to design such metasurfaces, involving sorting out meta-atoms consisting of multiple resonators with different structures, is complicated and time-consuming as it relies on an extensive structureparameter library obtained with full-wave simulations. Here, we propose an analytical approach to design metasurfaces for generating arbitrary vector light fields, under excitations of obliquely incident light or guided waves. In contrast to the previous approach replying on resonant phases of meta-atoms, our basic meta-atom consists of two identical perfect polarization convertors exhibiting tailored orientational angles and lateral positions, which determine respectively the geometric and detour phases of scattered waves and, in turn, the scattering phases of two polarizations. Moreover, the scattering amplitudes of two polarizations can be analytically determined by the relative angle of two resonators considering the interferences between waves scattered by them. These analytical expressions enable us to fast design metasurfaces exhibiting arbitrary pre-designed distributions of polarization-dependent scattering amplitudes and phases, without performing time-consuming numerical optimizations. For proof of concept, we theoretically showcase four-image loading on a leaky-wave metasurface, resulting in distinct images for near-field intensity distribution and phaseencoded far-field holography for x− and y−polarizations. Our study establishes a fundamental design principle for complete complex vector field control, applicable across a variety of physical platforms and frequencies.
Efficacy and safety of Kuoxin Formula in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy-related heart failure (Qi-Yin deficiency combined with blood stasis syndrome): study protocol of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial
Authors: Wu Qiong , An Shiying , Lee Rueyjyh , Gao Dongwen , Zhou Yinyifan , Peng Longping , Yao Lei , Fu Deyu , Zhou Chang , Zhou Li , Gao Junjie , Yuan Suyun , Cao Min , Ma Mengjiao , Liu Chenyang , Mao Meijiao , Hu Chunrui , Deng Bing , Zhou Duan , Xu Yingjia , Wang Youhua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe condition characterized by cardiac enlargement and declining heart function, often leading to refractory heart failure and life-threatening outcomes. Globally, and particularly in China, a notable challenge arises from the insufficient availability of targeted therapies demonstrating significant efficacy for DCM. Additionally, the application of traditional anti-heart failure drugs in DCM is constrained, as many patients exhibit a propensity for hypotension or show limited improvement in their heart failure symptoms. Kuoxin Formula (KXF), an internally agreed-upon prescription at Longhua Hospital, is supported by clear biological evidence for improving cardiac function and myocardial remodeling. Previous clinical studies have also demonstrated its potential to improve patients' quality of life. This trial aims to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of KXF in treating DCM -related heart failure.
Method This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial recruits 230 patients diagnosed with DCM (Qi-Yin deficiency combined with blood stasis syndrome) from five centers. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the KXF treatment group or a placebo group. The treatment will span 12 weeks, during which key indicators and adverse events will be monitored. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients whose NT-proBNP decreased by more than 30%. The secondary outcomes include the NYHA functional classification, TCM syndrome scores, echocardiographic parameters, TGF-β, PICP, CITP, galectin-3, ST2 levels, 6MWT, Lee's heart failure score, and MLHFQ score.
Discussion: This study will be the first multicentered research conducted in China that utilizes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to investigate the use of TCM in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. It seeks to develop new theoretical frameworks and provide solid clinical data to support the integration of TCM and modern medicine in treating heart failure in DCM patients.
Trial Registration: China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300068937. Registered on March 1, 2023.