bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal transport in Yb-based 1-2-20 materials
Authors: Ekuma C. E. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lattice thermal-transport properties of heavy-fermion YbT2Zn20-based (T = Co, Rh, and Ir) 1-2-20 compounds are calculated with the single-mode relaxation-time approximation and the full solution of the linearized phonon Boltzmann transport equation from first-principles anharmonic phonon calculations. We predict low lattice thermal conductivity κ

L
with a maximum value of ∼24.16

·K at 85.14 K, 137.29

·K at 9.67 K, and 23.55

·K at 67.50 K and ∼12.02, 40.04, and 10.30

·K at room temperature for YbCo2Zn20, YbRh2Zn20, and YbIr2Zn20, respectively. Based on the analysis of the cumulative κ

L
as a function of the phonon mean free path and the frequency-dependent joint density of states at various temperatures, we attribute the low κ

L
to a rattling mode with an average characteristic rattling frequency

that enhanced phonon scattering processes, which reduced the phonon mean free paths, suppressed the phonon lifetime, and enhanced the probability of three-phonon scattering events. The predicted low κ

L
, especially in YbCo2Zn20 and YbIr2Zn20, makes them promising candidate materials for thermoelectric applications and thermal management.
The Endocrine Phenotype Induced by Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumors Is Age- and Sex-Dependent
Authors: Kunstreich Marina , Dunstheimer Desiree , Mier Pascal , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Wudy Stefan A , Huebner Angela , Redlich Antje , Kuhlen Michaela 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
Adrenocortical carcinomas are very rare malignancies in childhood associated with poor outcome in advanced disease. Most adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are functional, causing signs and symptoms of adrenal hormone excess. In most studies, endocrine manifestations were reported 4 to 6 months prior to diagnosis.

Objective
We sought to extend knowledge on endocrine manifestations with regard to age and sex to facilitate early diagnosis.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed features of adrenal hormone excess in children and adolescents with ACT registered with the GPOH-MET studies between 1997 and 2022. Stage of puberty was defined as prepubertal in females &lt; 8 years of age and males &lt; 9 years.

Results
By December 2022, 155 patients (110 female, 45 male) with data on endocrine manifestations had been reported. Median age at ACT diagnosis was 4.2 years [0.1-17.8], median interval from first symptoms was 4.2 months [0-90.7]. In 63 girls of prepubertal age, the most frequently reported manifestations were pubarche (68.3%), clitoral hypertrophy (49.2%), and weight gain (31.7%); in 47 pubertal female patients, the most frequent manifestations were excessive pubic hair (46.8%), acne (36.2%), and hypertension (36.2%). Leading symptoms in 34 boys of prepubertal age were pubarche (55.9%), penile growth (47.1%), and acne (32.4%), while in 11 pubertal male patients, leading symptoms were weight gain (45.5%), hypertension (36.4%), excessive pubic hair (27.3%), and cushingoid appearance (27.3%). In pubertal patients, symptoms of androgen excess were mainly unrecognized as part of pubertal development, while symptoms of Cushing syndrome were more frequently apparent.

Conclusion
The endocrine phenotype induced by pediatric ACT is age- and sex-dependent.
The Effect of perioperative forced air warming blanket on older adult patients undergoing spinal surgery with general anesthesia
Authors: Shin Youngduck , Lee Jooyong , Seo Haewon , Park Sanghi 
Published: February 2024

Objective: As the population of patients aged 65 years and older increases, the number of older adult patients undergoing surgery also increases. Older adults are vulnerable to hypothermia due to age-related changes in the thermoregulatory center, which leads to reduced subcutaneous fat tissue, vasomotor response, and heat production. Thus, they are more likely to suffer complications, including cardiovascular changes, blood coagulation disorders, infections, and delayed recovery from surgery. The study investigated the effect of preventive active warming.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study conducted at Chungbuk National University Hospital investigated clinical data from older adult patients undergoing spinal surgery from January 1, 2020, to December 13, 2022. In this study, we explored the use of prophylactic active warming during anesthesia induction and post-surgery warming in older adult patients (≥65 years) who experienced hypothermia during and after surgery under general anesthesia.
Results: The control group of patients who experienced hypothermia increased from 20% after 10 minutes to 80% after 30 minutes and 100% after 60 minutes. The percentage of patients in the treatment group who initially experienced hypothermia increased from 10% after 30 min to 40% after 60 minutes. However, notably, 90% of these patients had returned to a normal body temperature upon their arrival at the recovery room. The difference in the percentage of patients who developed hypothermia was statistically significant between the two groups.
Conclusions: Hypothermia prevention via an air-forced warming blanket was effective for older adult patients undergoing spinal surgery under general anesthesia.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7886
How to cite this: Shin Y, Lee J, Seo H, Park S. Effect of perioperative forced air warming blanket on older adult patients undergoing spinal surgery with general anesthesia. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):706-710. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7886
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effect of fascia iliaca compartment block combined with ropivacaine on post-operative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair
Authors: Li Junshi , Chen Hui , Zuo Jianfeng , Zhang Xiping 
Published: February 2024

Objective: To explore the effect of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in combination with ropivacaine on post-operative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture (HF) repair.
Methods: Retrospective analysis included data of 111 elderly patients who underwent HF surgery with FICB in Changxing County People’s Hospital from October 2018 to October 2022. Observation group received 0.25% ropivacaine combined with FICB (n=52), and the control group was administered an intravenous injection of parecoxib sodium (n=59). Baseline characteristics of the patients, and indexes such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, were collected at one-, six-, 12- and 24-hours past surgery, both at rest and after passive movement.
Results: VAS scores, MAP and HR at rest and after a passive movement in both groups were comparable before the surgery. VAS sores were significantly lower in the observation group at one-, six-, 12- and 24-hours after the surgery (P<0.05). Postoperative MAP in the observation group (80.83 ± 8.31) was significantly lower compared to the control group (95.29 ± 8.45 (t = -9.0659, p < 0.0001). Similarly, HR of the observation group was significantly lower one-hour post-surgery both at rest (t = -2.0468, p = 0.0431) and after passive movement (t = -6.0625, p < 0.001), and at all subsequent time intervals after the passive movement (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Ropivacaine combined with FICB was associated with improved post-operative outcomes such as lower post-surgery VAS scores, MAP and HR compared to the intravenous injection of parecoxib sodium.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8283
How to cite this: Li J, Chen H, Zuo J, Zhang X. Effect of fascia iliaca compartment block combined with ropivacaine on post-operative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):757-762. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8283
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The effect of budesonide combined with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli on lung function and gut microbiota of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liu Yan , Ye Feng , Ma Long 
Published: February 2024

Objective: To explore the effects of budesonide combined with Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli on the lung function and intestinal microbiota of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods: Clinical data of 124 COPD patients admitted to Fengcheng Hospital, Fengxian District, Shanghai from February 2021 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients either received budesonide treatment alone (n=59, control group) or budesonide combined with Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli (n=65, observation group). Levels of lung function indicators, symptom relief time, gut microbiota levels, and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment.
Results: After two weeks of treatment, the improvement of lung function in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to budesonide treatment alone, combined budesonide, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacilli treatment were associated with shorter symptom relief time (P<0.05), and with more significant improvement of intestinal microbiota level (P<0.05) and the quality of life (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Budesonide combined with Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms, regulate intestinal microbiota, improve lung function and the quality of life of COPD patients.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8514
How to cite this: Liu Y, Ye F, Ma L. The effect of budesonide combined with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli on lung function and gut microbiota of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):695-700. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8514
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Spatial Variation of Population Density and Age Structure of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a Colombian Moor
Authors: Carrillo-Villamizar Jennifer Zilenthsjigh , López-Arévalo Hugo Fernando 
Published: February 2024

Wildlife population density is affected by resource availability, predators and competitors, and anthropogenic stressors. Its analysis and the factors affecting it are important for conservation, use, or population control. Based on estimates of density and population parameters, together with niche modeling, previous studies considered that the white-tailed deer population at the Chingaza National Natural Park (NNP) is undergoing exponential growth due to the marginal influence of factors regulating its abundance, such as predators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population density and age structure of the white-tailed deer in the Chingaza NNP, Colombia. To evaluate the population density and age structure of white-tailed deer in the Monterredondo and La Paila sectors of the Chingaza NNP, 10 transects were installed with circular plots in each. These were visited twice; in each visit, we collected all deer pellet groups, measuring each pellet to estimate its volume. Population density was calculated using the Eberhardt and Van Etten method and the semi-automated PELLET procedure using FSC and FAR techniques; the age structure was estimated by k-means and fuzzy clustering analyses. With the FAR technique, the estimated deer density was 2.09 ind/km2 in Monterredondo and 0.94 ind/km2 in La Paila. With PELLET, these values were 0.37 ± 0.4 ind/km2 for Monterredondo and 0.16 ± 0.2 ind/km2 for La Paila. The proportion of age classes (adult, juvenile, and fawn) was 1:0.29:0 for Monterredondo and 1:0.57:0.04 for La Paila. The population density of white-tailed deer in two sectors of the Chingaza NNP is not homogeneous, but shows temporal and spatial variations. Population density has decreased versus reports from previous studies in this same area, with the highest deer abundance recorded in 2004, mostly in the Monterredondo sector. The proportion of age classes suggests that the population is stable, as the largest proportion of individuals corresponds to the adult stage
Urgent Prioritization of Conservation Sites for the Jagüilla (Tayassu pecari) in the Honduran Moskitia Region
Authors: Portillo Reyes Hector Orlando , Martínez Marcio 
Published: February 2024

Tayassu pecari (known in Honduras as jagüilla and Wari in Miskito), is one of two types of wild pigs (chanchos de monte) found in Honduras (Marineros and Martinez 1998). Currently, its conservation status on the IUCN red list is vulnerable (VU) and critically endangered (CR) for Honduras (WCS 2021). According to Portillo and Elvir (2016), the potential area for jagüilla distribution is 6,126 km2 corresponding to 5.5 % of the country territory. The potential area for this species is in three sites, mainly protected area of the Reserva del Hombre and the Biósfera del Río Plátano (RHBRP), with approximately 70 % of the predicted potential distribution (4,288 km2), 20 % (1,225 km2) in the indigenous territories of Rus Rus, Mocorón and Warunta, and 10 % (613 km2) in the Tawahka Asagni Biosphere Reserve. The aim of this note is to contribute to the prioritization of four sites where evidence of small groups of jagüillas have been found: 1) Sierra de Agalta National Park. 2) the core zone of the RHBRP. 3) the cultural zone of the RHBRP. 4) the Warunta Mountains. Records of jagüilla were obtained from diverse sources (Table 1), mainly from biological monitoring implemented in various locations of the Río Plátano Biosphere (buffer zone, cultural zone, and core zone), Warunta Mountains, riparian forest in Rus Rus River, as well as the Tawahka Biosphere Reserve through the use of camera traps which were carried out between 2016 and 2022. In the RHBRP jagüilla were registered in two of the three zones these being the core zone and the cultural zone; no records of the species were obtained in the buffer zone. In these localities, groups of 2 to 45 individuals were documented. For the Warunta region in the Indigenous Federation of Mocoron and Segovia Zone (FINZMOS territory), tracks, and photographic evidence of a large group of 50 to 100 individuals were registered moving in this territory covered mainly by primary broadleaf forest. Hunting by invasive settlers and habitat loss due to deforestation in protected areas, has had an impact on jagüilla populations, reducing this species in the Honduran Moskitia region as mentioned by Portillo and Elvir (2016). One of the important aspects of this work is to highlight the findings in NP Sierra de Agalta as a potential site for future research and biological monitoring efforts for the development of conservation processes for the jagüilla as a park conservation target (Figure 2) since the last records of this species were documented at La Quebrada del Sol, NP Sierra de Agalta, in 1994 (Marineros and Martínez 1998). It is of utmost importance to establish monitoring and participatory conservation processes with the local communities (Larsen 2019; Martínez et al. 2022).
“Our desire is to make this village intestinal worm free”: Identifying determinants of high coverage of community-wide mass drug administration for soil transmitted helminths in Benin, India, and Malawi
Authors: Saxena Malvika , Roll Amy , Walson Judd L. , Pearman Emily , Legge Hugo , Nindi Providence , Chirambo Chawanangwa Mahebere , Titus Angelin , Johnson Jabaselvi , Bélou Elijan Abiguël , Togbevi Comlanvi Innocent , Chabi Félicien , Avokpaho Euripide , Kalua Khumbo , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Aruldas Kumudha , Means Arianna Rubin 
Published: February 2024

Background
Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STH) are associated with substantial morbidity in low-and-middle-income countries, accounting for 2.7 million disability-adjusted life years annually. Current World Health Organization guidelines recommend controlling STH-associated morbidity through periodic deworming of at-risk populations, including children and women of reproductive age (15–49 years). However, there is increasing interest in community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) which includes deworming adults who serve as infection reservoirs as a method to improve coverage and possibly to interrupt STH transmission. We investigated determinants of cMDA coverage by comparing high-coverage clusters (HCCs) and low-coverage clusters (LCCs) receiving STH cMDA in three countries.

Methods
A convergent mixed-methods design was used to analyze data from HCCs and LCCs in DeWorm3 trial sites in Benin, India, and Malawi following three rounds of cMDA. Qualitative data were collected via 48 community-level focus group discussions. Quantitative data were collected via routine activities nested within the DeWorm3 trial, including annual censuses and coverage surveys. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided coding, theme development and a rating process to determine the influence of each CFIR construct on cMDA coverage.

Results
Of 23 CFIR constructs evaluated, we identified 11 constructs that differentiated between HCCs and LCCs, indicating they are potential drivers of coverage. Determinants differentiating HCC and LCC include participant experiences with previous community-wide programs, communities’ perceptions of directly observed therapy (DOT), perceptions about the treatment uptake behaviors of neighbors, and women’s agency to make household-level treatment decisions.

Conclusion
The convergent mixed-methods study identified barriers and facilitators that may be useful to NTD programs to improve cMDA implementation for STH, increase treatment coverage, and contribute to the successful control or elimination of STH.

Trial registration
The parent trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03014167).
Perioperative quality indicators among neurosurgery patients: A retrospective cohort study of 1142 cases at a tertiary center
Authors: Chavush Edzhem , Rössler Karl , Dorfer Christian 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to present the first comprehensive analysis of perioperative quality indicators; length of hospital stay; readmission; reoperation; pre-, intra, and postoperative events; and mortality in a diverse neurosurgical patient cohort in Europe.MethodsElectronic medical records of all patients who were admitted to our institution between January 1 and December 31 of 2020, and underwent an index neurosurgical operation (n = 1142) were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe median length of hospital stay at the index admission and readmission was 8 days (range: 1–242 days) and 5 days (range: 0–94 days), respectively. Of the 1142 patients, 22.9% (n = 262) had an extended length of hospital stay of ≥14 days. The all-cause 7-, 15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates were 3.9% (n = 44), 5.7% (n = 65), 8.8% (n = 100), 12.3% (n = 141), and 16.5% (n = 188), respectively. The main reason for unplanned readmission was deterioration of medical and/or neurological condition. The all-cause 7-, 15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day reoperation rates were 11.1% (n = 127), 13.8% (n = 158), 16.5% (n = 189), 18.7% (n = 213), and 19.4% (n = 221), respectively. Unplanned reoperations were due primarily to hydrocephalus. The rate of preoperative events was 1.1% (n = 13), one-third of which were associated with infection. The rate of intraoperative events was 11.0% (n = 126), of which 98 (64.47%) were surgical, 37 (24.34%) were anesthesiologic, and 17 (11.18%) were associated with technical equipment. The rate of postoperative events was 9.5% (n = 109). The most common postoperative event was malfunction, disconnection, or dislocation of an implanted device (n = 24, 17.91%). The mortality rates within 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after the index operation were 0.9% (n = 10), 1.8% (n = 21), 2.5% (n = 29), 3.4% (n = 39), and 4.7% (n = 54), respectively. Several patient characteristics and perioperative factors were significantly associated with outcome parameters.ConclusionsThis study provides an in-depth analysis of quality indicators in neurosurgery, highlighting a variety of inherent and modifiable factors influencing patient outcomes.
Projected Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality Based on Observed Adherence to Colonoscopy and Sequential Stool-Based Screening
Authors: Meester Reinier G.S. , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris , Winawer Sidney J. , Church Timothy R. , Allen John I. , Feld Andrew D. , Mills Glenn , Jordan Paul A. , Corley Douglas A. , Doubeni Chyke A. , Hahn Anne I. , Lobaugh Stephanie M. , Fleisher Martin , O'Brien Michael J. , Zauber Ann G. 
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Modeling supporting recommendations for colonoscopy and stool-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests assumes 100% sequential participant adherence. The impact of observed adherence on the long-term effectiveness of screening is unknown. We evaluated the effectiveness of a program of screening colonoscopy every 10 years vs annual high-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing (HSgFOBT) using observed sequential adherence data.

METHODS:
The MIcrosimulation SCreening ANalysis (MISCAN) model used observed sequential screening adherence, HSgFOBT positivity, and diagnostic colonoscopy adherence in HSgFOBT-positive individuals from the National Colonoscopy Study (single-screening colonoscopy vs ≥4 HSgFOBT sequential rounds). We compared CRC incidence and mortality over 15 years with no screening or 10 yearly screening colonoscopy vs annual HSgFOBT with 100% and differential observed adherence from the trial.

RESULTS:
Without screening, simulated incidence and mortality over 15 years were 20.9 (95% probability interval 15.8–26.9) and 6.9 (5.0–9.2) per 1,000 participants, respectively. In the case of 100% adherence, only screening colonoscopy was predicted to result in lower incidence; however, both tests lowered simulated mortality to a similar level (2.1 [1.6–2.9] for screening colonoscopy and 2.5 [1.8–3.4] for HSgFOBT). Observed adherence for screening colonoscopy (83.6%) was higher than observed sequential HSgFOBT adherence (73.1% first round; 49.1% by round 4), resulting in lower simulated incidence and mortality for screening colonoscopy (14.4 [10.8–18.5] and 2.9 [2.1–3.9], respectively) than HSgFOBT (20.8 [15.8–28.1] and 3.9 [2.9–5.4], respectively), despite a 91% adherence to diagnostic colonoscopy with FOBT positivity. The relative risk of CRC mortality for screening colonoscopy vs HSgFOBT was 0.75 (95% probability interval 0.68–0.80). Findings were similar in sensitivity analyses with alternative assumptions for repeat colonoscopy, test performance, risk, age, and projection horizon.

DISCUSSION:
Where sequential adherence to stool-based screening is suboptimal and colonoscopy is accessible and acceptable—as observed in the National Colonoscopy Study—offering screening colonoscopy can increase screening effectiveness.