bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields for Perineal Lacerations and Surgical Wounds Healing in the Postpartum – a Pilot Study
Authors: Carbone Ilma Floriana , Sandi Flavia , Rossi Gabriele , Gallicola Benedetta , Esposito Giovanna , Gigli Francesca Maria Paola , Romagnoli Valentina , Ferrazzi Enrico Mario 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
In the last years, there has been a growing interest in non-invasive biophysical treatments to support surgical healing techniques beyond pharmacological therapies. Among these, the Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs), and in particular the Therapeutic Magnetic Resonance (TMR), had been studied in orthopedics with promising results. The aim of our study was to assess the possible benefits of this technology in the treatment of spontaneous perineal lacerations and episiotomies in the postpartum.
Methods
We performed a prospective, non-pharmacologic, non-profit, monocentric interventional study on women who delivered and were admitted to our postpartum ward with a spontaneous laceration and/or an episiotomy at delivery. 172 women were eligible for this study. 52 women accepted to undergo treatment with TMR device, while 120 women underwent standard care and were followed-up according to the same protocol. Patients were visited one day post-partum, before starting the treatment; then a follow-up visit was performed at three weeks (time 1), five weeks (time 2), and three months (time 3) after delivery. The main endpoint was the time required for complete healing of the laceration and/or the episiotomy. Secondary endpoints were the prevalence of dehiscence, infections, urinary discomfort, urinary leakage, and the quality of restoration of sexual function.
Results
The REEDA score, used to assess the progression of wound healing, was significantly better both at three- and five-weeks postpartum follow-up. At three weeks and five weeks postpartum, we observed a significantly better outcome in the treatment group for all subjective complaints and perineal complications associated with lacerations and episiotomies. The percentage of patients who scored above the cutoff for sexual dysfunction (26, 5) was significantly better in the treatment group (83%) than in the control group (29%) (p < 0,001).
Conclusions
With this pilot study, we introduced low dose Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) as a novel conservative and not pharmacological approach to reduce complications of perineal lesions. This technology is compatible with breastfeeding, easy to use and therefore well accepted by women. Our results demonstrated to significantly improve perineal wound healing and to ameliorate the sexual function in the post-partum.
Impact of ABO blood type on morbidity of organ dysfunction and mortality in septic patients: a single center retrospective observational study
Authors: ZHENG HongZhu , JIN HuiYong , ZHANG Qian , SONG Haijing , YI LingXian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host immune response to infection. The relationship between ABO blood type and the occurrence of organ dysfunction the initial stages of sepsis and 28-day mortality has rarely been reported. This study aims to explore the potential association between ABO blood type and the incidence of organ dysfunction and 28-day mortality. This study was a single-center retrospective observational analysis, encompassing all septic patients admitted to our ICU from 2015 to 2021. Various patient characteristics were recorded.
Results
A total of 184 patients diagnosed with sepsis were enrolled in the study, with 166 meeting the specified inclusion criteria. The finding revealed a significant association between d/eOD and ABO blood type. Specifically, individuals with blood type B demonstrated the lowest incidence of d/eOD. Consequently, the septic patients were divided into two groups: blood type B and non-B blood types. Compared to non-B blood types, blood type B exhibited a lower incidence of d/eOD within 7-day (43.40% vs 26.67%, P = 0.03) and 28-day mortality (52.83% vs 26.67%, P < 0.00). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that both blood type B [HR 0.42, 95% CI (0.24–0.74), P < 0.01] and SOFA score [HR 1.14, 95% CI (1.05–1.24), P < 0.01] were associated with 28-day mortality. Additionally, blood type B was found to be an independent factor protecting against d/eOD [OR 0.48, 95% CI (0.24–0.96), P = 0.04].
Conclusion
Blood type B has been found to a protective factor in the incidence of d/eOD during early-stage sepsis and 28-day mortality for septic patients.
Comorbidities and factors associated with health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Gandaki Province of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Srijana , Baral Sushila , Yadav Rajesh Kumar , Baral Yadu Nath , Yadav Dipendra Kumar , Poudel Santosh , Khadka Khim Bahadur , Nagila Amar , Adhikari Bipin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern affecting millions of people across the world. Co-morbidities had also added burden among PLHIV and affected quality of life. This study aims to assess the prevalence of co-morbidities and health related quality of life of HIV infected patients of Gandaki province.
Methods
The study was a health facility-based cross-sectional in design. This study was carried out among 337 HIV patients registered under Western Regional Hospital ART center of Gandaki province of Nepal. The hospital is located at the capital city of Gandaki province. Participants’ response was recorded into the questionnaire tool. Data was entered in Epi Data software and analysis was performed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) V.16. Multivariate logistic regression model was carried out to identify the independent and comorbidities factors related HRQoL. The odds ratio and 95% CI was reported while computing the association between comorbidities, HRQoL and independent variables.
Results
A total of 337 people living with HIV patients participated in this study. The overall quality of life of participants was found poor with mean score of 6.25±1.87. The overall prevalence of comorbidities among HIV patients was 28.2%. Participants who had comorbidities were associated with overall health related quality of life; participants who had co-morbidities had poor quality of life. The research findings indicate that the quality of life for HIV patients was generally low, and there was a significant presence of comorbidities among individuals living with HIV. Several factors appear to influence the occurrence of these comorbidities, including marital status, family structure, educational attainment, occupation, current alcohol consumption, having a spouse who was a migrant labor worker, CD4 count, transportation expenses, the behavior of healthcare workers, and quality of life in all domains except the physical domain.
Conclusions
Comorbidities were high among people living with HIV. Community engagement to facilitate routine health check-ups and effective communication and support among these population are crucial.
CSegNet：A Crack Segmentation Network Combining CNN and Transformer
Authors: Dong Hao , Du Yinlai , Feng Dong , Hu Qingyuan , Zhou Mingzhu , Xing Jun , Zhang Long , Wang Shu , Liu Yong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Detecting cracks from images plays a crucial role in road maintenance. Road cracks exhibit significant diversity and complexity in terms of shape, size, texture, and road images may contain various noises and interferences such as lighting variations, shadows, and different appearances due to varying perspectives and scales. To address these challenges, we constructed a comprehensive dataset called the Comprehensive Road Crack Dataset (CRCrack Dataset), which encompasses various crack characteristics. In this study, we propose a road crack segmentation network called CSegNet (Crack Segmentation Network), which combines convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformers. The network adopts an encoder-decoder framework, like DeepLab V3+. In the encoder, leveraging the flexibility of Transformers in modeling long-term dependencies and the ability of CNNs to capture local contextual information through local receptive fields, weight sharing, and spatial subsampling, we design a ResNeXTR (ResNeXt-Transformer) feature extraction module as the backbone network to enhance the feature extraction capability for road crack images. To reduce the computational cost in self-attention computation of transformer, we introduce an average pooling layer to downsample the dimensions of the encoded features. In the decoder, to focus on the key information of road cracks under diverse environmental conditions and interferences, we combine the Efficient Channel Attention Module (ECAM) and the Spatial Attention Module (SAM) to design an Efficient Convolutional Block Attention Module (ECBAM) attention module to further optimize feature representation. Additionally, we employ the ReLU activation function, SGD gradient descent, and a hybrid loss function of Binary Cross Entropy with Logits to accelerate convergence speed and improve segmentation accuracy. Through comparative experiments on the CRCrack dataset, the results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms classic networks such as U-Net and DeepLab V3 + in terms of IoU, Dice, and AUROC evaluation metrics. It exhibits good adaptability to ground crack images from different sources, providing a basis for estimating the degree of road damage.
Molecular Detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in selected chicken breeds in South Africa
Authors: Idowu Peter Ayodeji , Mpofu Takalani J , Zishiri Oliver T , Nephawe Khathutshelo A. , Mtileni Bohani 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
BackgroundThe impact of chickens onmaintaining the economy and livelihood of rural communities cannot be overemphasized. In recent years, one of the diseases affecting its success has been Mycoplasma spp. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are significant respiratory pathogens that affect chickens. The presentstudy aimed to molecularly detect and characterize the presence of MG and MS intracheal swabsand fecalsamples fromSouth African chicken breeds.
Methods: Forty-five tracheal swabs from the Lohmann Brown (n=9), Rhode Island (n=9), Ovambo (n=9), Venda (n=9), and Potchefstroom Koekoek (n=9) breeds were collected.To detect MG and MS, DNA was extracted from tracheal swabsand faecal samples,and qPCR was performed with a 16S rRNA (185 bp) and vlhA (392 bp) gene fragment. Following the sequencing of all the amplicons, MG, and MS dendrograms showing the evolutionary relationships among the five South African chicken breeds and the reference population from the GenBankwere constructed.
Results: The qPCR revealed the presence of MG and MS in 22% (2/9) of the tested tracheal swab samples for MS only in Rhode Island breeds;66.6% (6/9) and 33% (3/9) of the tested samples in Ovambo breeds;and 11.1% (1/9) and 44.4% (4/9) of the tested samples in Venda breeds. No MG orMS were detected in the Lohmann Brown orPotchefstroom Koekoek breed. Furthermore, qPCR revealed the presence of MG in pooled faecal samples from Lohmann Brown and Ovambo breeds. Eight different bacterial isolates were recognized from both samples. Four isolates were of the Mycoplasma gallisepticum 16sribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene (named PT/MG51/ck/00, PT/MG48/ck/00, PT/MG41/ck/00 and PT/MG71/ck/00),and one was of the Mycoplasma Synoviae variable lipoprotein hemagglutinin A (vlhA) gene (named PT/MSA22/ck/01, PT/MS41/ck/01, PT/MS74/ck/01 and PT/MS46/ck/01). These isolateswere successfully sequenced with 95–100percentage similarity with isolates from the gene bank.
Conclusion: The study revealedgreat variation in susceptibility to MG and MS amongthe chicken breeds sampled. This, therefore, poses a threat to South Africa poultry production becausethere is a need for strict biosecurity measures and constant detection of the presence of MG and MS to prevent their spread.
Zhishi xiebai guizhi decoction ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice via the Autophagy-ACBP-TSPO axis
Authors: liu linling , Cui xiaobing , Jiang jing , Zhang yaxin , zeng ping , gu yuyan , Fu xueqin , Li rong , Jia yuhua , Cheng saibo , Jin wen , Zhou fenghua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is often associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, programmed cell death, and autophagy. Protecting the mitochondrial function of myocardial tissue is critical for cardiac function. However, there is currently no effective treatment for MIRI. We aimed to determine whether zhishi xiebai guizhi decoction (ZXGD) attenuates MIRI through the autophagy-ACBP-TSPO axis.
Methods
A model of MIRI was established in mice by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min and reperfusion for 2 h. The myocardial injury was assessed by TTC-Evans blue and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stains. The potential protein targets were identified using network analysis and molecular docking. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production were detected using JC-1 assay and ATP assay kit, respectively. The target proteins were detected by western blotting, immunofluorescence analysis, and immunohistochemistry.
Results
ZXGD markedly attenuated myocardial damage, and enhanced cardiac function and mitochondrial morphology in mice accompanied with ischemia-reperfusion. It was found that AKT1-mTOR-mediated autophagy was possibly involved in the pretreatment of ZXGD on MIRI by network analysis and molecular docking. Experiments in vivo confirmed that ZXGD could inhibit myocardium autophagy, partly through activating the AKT1-mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, we revealed that ZXGD could promote ACBP expression and ACBP-TSPO binding in the myocardium, which might result from the regulation of autophagy.
Conclusion
ZXGD pretreatment significantly ameliorates MIRI by activating the autophagy-ACBP-TSPO axis in mice.
Effect of loupe and microscope on dentists’ neck and shoulder muscle workload during crown preparation
Authors: Hong Soohyun , Park Jinyoung , Jeon Mi-Jeong , Shin Su-Jung , Park Jung Hyun , Park Jeong-Won 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Even though there is a consensus among dentists that the use of a visual aid not only enhances vision but also helps to maintain an erect posture, there is scarce evidence. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of visual aids (loupe and microscope) on the muscle workload of dentists during crown preparation on dentiform first molars of every quadrant in a phantom head, according to dentists’ muscle, patients’ tooth position, and tooth surface. Six right-handed dentists from a single tertiary hospital participated in this study. Results showed significant differences in muscle workload according to visual aid (p < 0.05), especially with the use of a microscope. The muscle with the highest workload for all types of visual aid was the cervical erector spinae followed by upper trapezius. No significant difference in muscle workload according to tooth position was found. As for tooth surface, statistical difference in muscle workload according to visual aid was observed for proximal surface of every tooth position (p < 0.05). Therefore, during crown preparation, the workload of the studied muscles can successfully be reduced with the use of a loupe or microscope.
Estimating the impact of maternity service delivery on health in Malawi: An individual-based modelling study
Authors: Collins Joseph , Allott Helen , Ng'ambi Wingston , Lin Ines Li , Giordano Mosè , Graham Matthew , Janoušková Eva , Kachale Fannie , Kawaza Kondwani , Mangal Tara , Mfutso-Bengo Joseph , Mnjowe Emmanuel , Mohan Sakshi , Molaro Margherita , Nkhoma Dominic , Revill Paul , Rodger Alison , She Bingling , Tamuri Asif , Tann Cally , Twea Pakwanja , Cambiano Valentina , Hallett Timothy , Phillips Andrew , Colbourn Tim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Despite improvements in maternal and perinatal health in Malawi, morbidity and mortality remain high, partially due to gaps in the coverage and quality of health services. We developed an individual-based simulation model of maternal and perinatal health and healthcare in Malawi, situated in a ‘whole-health system, all-disease’ framework. We considered scenarios to estimate the impact of current coverage, improved coverage and improved coverage and quality of antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal services from 2023 to 2030. Whilst current service delivery is inferred to avert morbidity and mortality, there is scope to substantially improve population health through higher coverage of services meeting or exceeding minimum quality of care standards. Generally, increased coverage without quality improvement did not impact mortality or DALYs, with maternal deaths being most reduced through high coverage and quality postnatal service delivery (40% reduction) and stillbirths and neonatal deaths being most reduced through improved intrapartum services (10% and 29% reductions, respectively). Importantly, whilst maximum availability of intrapartum care may reduce neonatal deaths sufficiently to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.2 by 2030, no single scenario led to reductions in maternal mortality sufficient to achieve SDG target 3.1, suggesting system wide investments are essential if such targets are to be met.
The causal relationship between gut microbiota and lower extremity deep vein thrombosis combined with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Xu Qiyang , Fang Jihong , Wang Yi , Lang Dehai , Xu Bin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Over the years, numerous studies have explored the relationship between gut microbiota and lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal link between gut microbiota and LEDVT combined with PE.
Methods
Human gut microbiota genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from the Mibiogen consortium (n = 18,340) were utilized. Summary-level data on LEDVT (2,116 cases and 359,078 controls) and LEDVT combined with PE (4,319 cases and 356,875 controls) were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project. MR analysis was conducted using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analysis. Additionally, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode were employed as supplementary methods. Sensitivity analyses, including tests for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, were performed.
Results
The IVW analyses revealed 7 causal relationships between genetic liability in the gut microbiota and LEDVT and 5 causal relationships between genetic liability in the gut microbiota and LEDVT combined with PE. The intersection of these outcomes identified that the genus Butyricicoccus reduced the risk of both LEDVT and LEDVT combined with PE, while the genus Clostridium innocuum increased the risk for both conditions.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that the gut microbiota is causally associated with LEDVT and LEDVT combined with PE. Our findings provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and suggest potential avenues for further clinical investigations of these conditions.
Non effectiveness of cryostorage duration on clinical and neonatal outcomes after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfers
Authors: Baatarsuren Mungunshagai , Jamiyansuren Jambaldorj , Ganbaatar Chinzorig , Sengebaljir Davaakhuu , Eredenkhuyag Belguune , Enhkbaatar Sandag , Mungunsuvd Namsrai , Baljinnyam Lkhagvasuren , Tumur-Ochir Ganjiguur , Amarsaikhan Ariunaa , Dorjpurev Amarjargal , Ganbat Gereltsetseg , Boris Tsogzolmaa , Khangarid Azjargal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In the current era of assisted reproductive technology, the strategy of single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) is acknowledged for positively impacting clinical outcomes and preventing the risk of multiple conceptions. Previous studies have indicated that blastocyst grade and the day of blastocyst positively correlate with outcomes. Moreover, storage duration has no significant effect on survival rates, clinical outcomes and neonatal outcomes. However, some researchers express controversial opinions on cryostorage duration, and their findings suggest a negative impact on clinical outcomes. These results remain subject to controversy and limited studies exist regarding the outcomes after SVBT. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the impact of the day of blastocyst, blastocyst grade and blastocyst cryostorage duration on clinical and neonatal outcomes following SVBT in patients who underwent clomiphene-citrate based minimal stimulation.
Material and methods
In this study, retrospective cohort study data collected from June 2015 to November 2022 included 3121 non-donor cycles of SVBT from 1810 patients who underwent a clomiphene-based minimal ovarian stimulation protocol or a drug-free natural protocol at the Ojinmed IVF Center. Patients were categorized into four groups based on blastocyst cryostorage duration: group 1 (< 2 months, n = 905), group 2 (3–6 months, n = 927), group 3 (6–12 months, n = 835) and group 4 (> 12 months, n = 454).
Result
Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that prolonged cryostorage duration insignificantly correlated with clinical outcomes. Although, in group 2 (aOR 1.37, CI 95% 0.99–1.88, p = 0.049), group 3 (aOR 1.42, CI 95% 1.02–1.98, p = 0.03), and group 4 (aOR 1.5, CI 95% 1.01–2.21, p = 0.04), blastocysts are correlated with a miscarriage rate than those in group 1. Additionally, women’s age, blastocyst grade and the day of blastocyst are strongly correlated with clinical outcomes.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that patients who underwent clomiphene citrate-based minimal stimulation and were subsequently selected for blastocyst transfer should consider cryostorage duration, as prolonged cryostorage of blastocysts was associated with a higher miscarriage rate.
Understanding the relationship between pore size, surface charge density, and Cu 2+ adsorption in mesoporous silica
Authors: Niu Yanhui , Yu Wenbin , Yang Shuguang , Wan Quan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research delved into the influence of mesoporous silica's surface charge density on the adsorption of Cu2+. The synthesis of mesoporous silica employed the hydrothermal method, with pore size controlled by varying the length of trimethylammonium bromide (CnTAB, n = 12,14,16) chains. Gas adsorption techniques and transmission electron microscopy characterized the mesoporous silica structure. Surface charge densities of the mesoporous silica were determined through potentiometric titration, while surface hydroxyl densities were assessed using the thermogravimetric method. Subsequently, batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of Cu2+ in mesoporous silica, and the process was comprehensively analyzed using Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and L3 edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). The research findings suggest a positive correlation between the pore size of mesoporous silica, its surface charge density, and the adsorption capacity for Cu2+. More specifically, as the pore size increases within the 3-4.1 nm range, the surface charge density and the adsorption capacity for Cu2+ also increase. Our findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between the physicochemical properties of mesoporous silica and the adsorption behavior of Cu2+, offering potential applications in areas such as environmental remediation and catalysis.