bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cage subsidence in anterior spinal reconstruction and its clinical outcomes following anterior and posterior stabilization in thoracolumbar fractures
Authors: Gimbernat Marcos Eduardo , Cirillo Juan Ignacio , Pino Cristobal Del , Farias Ignacio , Urzua Alejandro , Aguero Amaru , Tapia Carlos , Zamorano Juan Jose 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Using expandable cages through the anterior approach is a well-established method for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures. We aim to identify factors associated with cage subsidence and their impact on clinical outcomes in patients treated with corpectomy via a complementary anterior approach.
Methods
We included adult patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who were treated using the complementary anterior approach at our institution between 2015 and 2021. Our analysis considered factors related to the fracture, implant, subsidence, and functional outcomes (measured by the SF-36). Hounsfield units were measured using the XERO Viewer System on CT scans, and statistical analysis was conducted using R.v4.1 and Rstudio v2021.09.1 + 372.
Results
thirty-one patients were included. A significant difference was found in subsidence magnitude between the "UH < 110" and "UH > 180" groups (p = 0.0468). Patients who received non-modular cylindrical cages had markedly more subsidence and poorer physical outcomes on the SF-36. If the complementary anterior approach was performed six months after the posterior stabilization, all components of the SF-36 were diminished.
Conclusions
To optimize the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures, it is essential to evaluate bone quality before using an anterior approach. Rectangular base modular cages lead to less subsidence and better health outcomes, while non-modular cylindrical cages may decrease physical function. An anterior approach after six months leads to worst functional results. The results provide valuable insights into the use of expandable cages in addressing burst fractures in the lumbar spine.
Symmetric Sampling and the Discrete Laws of Physics (1)
Refuting the Classical Shannon-Nyquist Sampling Theorem
Authors: Heel Marin van 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Shannon-Nyquist sampling theorem is considered the bedrock of modern signal processing and information science. The theorem states that a continuous signal must be sampled at a Nyquist frequency higher than its bandwidth “2W”, to be able to reconstruct the analogue input signal from its sampled version without aliasing [Shannon CE: Proc. of the IRE 37 (1949) 10-21]. However, the proof of the theorem is flawed: the proof is always true, irrespective of whether the input signal is under-sampled or not. Moreover, the Fourier transform of a signal is itself a signal that must comply with sampling rules, like its real-space equivalent. A comprehensive theory is presented for the simultaneous, symmetric sampling of a signal in two conjugate spaces. Not only must the signal’s power in Fourier-space gradually drop to zero well before reaching the Nyquist frequency, the signal’s power in real-space must also drop to zero well before reaching the edges of sampling-space. Moreover, a limited bandwidth of the input signal is always said to be necessary to avoid aliasing in classical sampling theory. However, such limitation is actually independent of the properties of the input signal, and is rather a linearity requirement of the sampling instrumentation. Well-designed instrumentation cannot generate aliasing. Symmetric-sampling, which applies to two conjugate spaces simultaneously, also naturally incorporates the uncertainty principle and thus covers a more abstract concept of a measurement in Physics. Symmetric-sampling thus provides a fresh perspective on the evasive foundations of the (discrete) laws of physics.
Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Delta/Omicron BA.5 emerging in an immunocompromised long-term infected COVID-19 patient
Authors: Garcia Ignacio , Bråte Jon , Fossum Even , Rohringer Andreas , Moen Line V , Hungnes Olav , Fjaere Olav , Zaragkoulias Kyriakos , Bragstad Karoline 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus led to a global pandemic, prompting extensive research efforts to understand its molecular biology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis. Recombination events have been increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to the virus's diversity and evolution, potentially leading to the emergence of novel strains with altered biological properties. Indeed, recombinant lineages such as the XBB variant and its descendants have subsequently dominated globally. Therefore, continued surveillance and monitoring of viral genome diversity is crucial to identify and understand the emergence and spread of novel strains.
Methods
The case was discovered through routine genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Norway. Samples were whole genome sequenced by the Illumina NovaSeq platform and SARS-CoV-2 lineage assignment was performed using Pangolin and Nextclade. Mutations were pangolin classified based on the frequency of the mutations present in the AY.98.1 and BA.5 lineages.
Results
In this study, we report and investigate a SARS-CoV-2 recombination event in a long-term infected immunocompromised COVID-19 patient. Several recombination events between two distinct lineages of the virus, namely AY.98.1 and BA.5, were identified, resulting in a single novel recombinant viral strain with a unique genetic signature.
Conclusions
The presence of several concomitant recombinants in the patient suggests that these events occur frequently in vivo and can provide insight into the fitness associated with the different combinations of mutations. This study underscores the importance of continued tracking of viral diversity and the potential impact of recombination events on the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Trial registration
Retrospectively registered
Relationship between postprandial salivary amylase activity and blood glucose after starch loading
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Sekine Airi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Postprandial changes in salivary α-amylase activity (SAA) and their relationship with blood glucose (BG) are poorly understood. We investigated levels of SAA and BG after starch loading in 60 healthy young women. SAA and BG reached maximum levels 30–60 min after starch loading (150 g rice). At 60 min, protein-adjusted SAA changes from baseline (ΔSAA) were inversely correlated with BG at 90 min (r = − 0.53, p < 0.0001, Spearman’s correlation), and baseline blood 3-hydroxybutyrate concentration (r = − 0.40, p < 0.01). Generalized linear model analysis indicated that ΔSAA at 60 min was significantly predictive of ΔBG at 60 and 90 min. In conclusion, our results suggest that larger increases in SAA at 60 min are associated with smaller increases in BG at 90 min after starch loading in healthy young women. Postprandial oral SAA at 1 h may therefore play a role in subsequent glucose metabolism.
Stigma and Associated Sex Disparities Among Patients with Tuberculosis in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sekandi Juliet N. , Quach Trang , Olum Ronald , Nakkonde Damalie , Farist Leila , Obiekwe Rochelle , Zalwango Sarah , Buregyeya Esther 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent globally. Stigma associated with TB encompassing self-, anticipated-, and public-stigma has significant negative effects on treatment adherence. In Uganda, limited data exist on the prevalence of stigma and its relationship with sex among patients with TB. We evaluate prevalence of three types of stigma and their relationship with the sex of patients undergoing TB treatment.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 to March 2021 at selected TB clinics in Kampala, Uganda. Eligible participants were aged 18-65 with confirmed TB and starting their prescribed treatment. We collected data on socio-demographics and used 13 items to capture the self-, anticipated-, and public-stigma from which we composed the dependent variables. The primary independent variable was sex. We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between sex and the three stigma types. Additionally, we considered potential confounders such as age, HIV, and employment status. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05.
Results
In this study we enrolled 144 participants with a mean age of 35.8 years (standard deviation = 12). Half of the participants (50%, n=72) were female, 44% had a secondary education, 37.5% were unemployed, and 32.6% were co-infected with HIV. The prevalence of self-stigma was 71.1%, anticipated stigma was 75.7%, and public stigma was 41.7%. Significant factors were associated with self-stigma were female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.35 95% CI: 1.02-5.74) and unemployment (AOR: 2.95 95% CI: 1.16-8.58). HIV-positive status was significantly associated with anticipated stigma (AOR: 3.58 95% CI: 1.38-11.23). However, none of the variables we evaluated showed a significant association with public stigma.
Conclusions
Our study showed a high prevalence of self, anticipated and public stigma among TB patients. Notably, females and unemployed individuals were at a higher risk of self-stigma, while those with HIV/AIDS and TB were more likely to report anticipated stigma. To combat stigma effectively, interventions should be tailored to cater to sex-specific needs and persons living with HIV. Future research should delve further in determinants of TB-related stigma in high-burden settings.
Notes on Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) populations’ divergence: Landscape genetics, comparative phylogeny, and Niche modeling
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mobina , Sheidai Masoud , Koohdar Fahimeh , Shafieizargar Alireza 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Sweet orange is one of the economically important plant species. The present study was conducted with the aim of generating genetic diversity data in Iranian sweet orange germplasm and investigating the landscape genetics of these plants in order to identify genetic regions compatible with environmental and climatic variables using SCoT molecular marker on 29 cultivars. The obtained results showed low to moderate genetic diversity in the sweat orange populations and indicated that the orange germplasm contains a complex genetic group of closely related individuals, but probably to some extent due to local breeding practices and artificial selection by orchard management. It is genetically differentiated. Also, some genetic kidneys were identified, especially in the southern regions of Iran. We also identified genetic regions that are significantly associated with environmental and climatic variables that can be used in the sweet orange conservation program in the country. This is especially true for the studied orange plants from southern Iran. The present study showed that global and local spatial variables affect the genetic structure of orange populations, and orange populations are separated by the phenomenon of distance, that is, as the geographical distance of the studied populations increases, the genetic distance increases. The analysis of species distribution modeling in the present study showed that both northern and southern regions of Iran are suitable habitats for orange cultivation, while temperature and precipitation are both important climatic factors for the cultivation and propagation of orange plants.
The chloroplast genome of two medicinal species (Veronica anagallis-aquatica and Veronica unulata) and its comparative analysis with related Veronica species
Authors: Hai Yonglin , Qian Yan , Yang Meihua , Zhang Yue , Xu Huimei , Yang Yongcheng , Xia Conglong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L and Veronica unulata Wall are widely used ethnomedicinal plants in China. The two species have different clinical efficacies, while their extremely similar morphology and unclear interspecific relationship makes it difficult to accurately identify them, leading to increased instances of mixed usage. This article reports on the complete genome sequence of chloroplasts of these two species and their related veronica species to conduct a comparative genomics analysis and phylogenetic construction. The results showed that the chloroplast (cp) genomes of Veronica exhibited typical circular tetrad structures, with total lengths of 149,386 to 152,319 bp, and GC content of 37.9 to 38.1%, and the number of genes was 129–134. The total number of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in V. anagallis-aquatica and V. unulata is 37 and 36, while V. arvensis had the highest total number of SSRs (56), mainly consisting of A/T single bases. The vast majority of long repeat sequence types are forward repeats and palindromic repeats. Selective pressureanalysis showed that 3 genes were under positive selection. Sequence differences often occur in the non-coding regions of the large single-copy region (LSC) and small single-copy region (SSC), with the lowest sequence variation in the inverted repeat regions (IR). Seven highly variable regions (trnT-GGU-psbD, rps8-rpl16, trnQ-UUG, trnN-GUU-ndhF, petL, ycf3, and ycf1) were detected, which may be potential molecular markers for identifying V. anagallis-aquatica and V. unulata The phylogenetic tree indicates that there is a close genetic relationship between the genera Veronica and Neopicrorhiza, and V. anagallis-aquatica and V. unulata are sister groups. The chloroplast genome data of nine Veronica species provides important insights into the characteristics and evolution of the chloroplast genome of this genus, as well as the phylogenetic relationship of the genus Veronica.
Co-occurrence of posterior chest wall pilonidal sinus with melanocytic nevus: a challenging presentation: a case report
Authors: Salih Abdulwahid M. , kakamad Fahmi Hussein , Muhialdeen Aso S. , Zahir Hardi M. , Saeed Yadgar A. , Ali Halkawt O. , Ahmad Sara N. , Hassan Marwan N. , Hassan Shko H. , Mohammed Mohammed Subhan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction
To date, only a limited number of case reports have documented the co-occurrence of PNS and melanocytic nevus in the medical literature. This study aims to report an exceptionally rare case of posterior chest wall PNS in conjunction with a melanocytic nevus.
Case presentation
A 46-year-old female presented with a long-standing black lesion on her left upper posterior chest wall, that had become painful in the two months prior to presentation. There was a painful, dark blue, non-erythematous, and non-tender nodule on the left upper posterior chest wall. Based on the patient’s desire for cosmetic purposes, the lesion was excised totally with primary closure under local anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed intradermal melanocytic nevus with inflamed pilonidal sinus.
Discussion
The rarity of posterior chest wall PNS associated with nevi poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians. The distinct anatomical location, different from the conventional region, and the rare association between the two conditions may delay accurate diagnosis and result in mismanagement or inappropriate interventions.
Conclusion
The posterior chest wall PNS is another type of atypical PNS that is extremely rare. The association between PNS and blue nevus is a fascinating medical finding that deserves further investigation.
Rapid foliar uptake of inorganic and amino acid nitrogen in three dryland plant species
Authors: Cort Catherine E. , Stricker Eva , Crain-Wright Grace M. , Darrouzet-Nardi Anthony 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Dryland primary production is often nitrogen (N) limited due in part to spatiotemporal decoupling of soil nutrient availability and plant uptake. Our aim is to quantify inorganic and organic N uptake at daily timescales to compare short-term nutrient acquisition patterns among dryland plant species.
Methods
We assessed N uptake in three commonly co-occurring perennial plant species from a Chihuahuan Desert grassland (a C4 grass, C3 grass, and C3 subshrub). In the greenhouse, we applied 15N-ammonium, nitrate, or glutamate tracers to plant roots and quantified uptake and recovery in leaves after 12, 24, and 48 h.
Results
Plants took up inorganic and amino acid N to leaves as rapidly as 12 h following application, and uptake more than doubled between 24 and 48 h. Inorganic N uptake was 3-4x higher than glutamate in all three species, and plants took up ammonium and nitrate at 2-3x faster rates overall. On average, Bouteloua eriopoda had the highest inorganic N recovery and uptake rates, while Gutierrezia sarothrae had the highest glutamate uptake over time. Achnatherum hymenoides uptake was ~ 50% lower than the other two species after 48 h.
Conclusion
Plants showed similar patterns of short-term foliar uptake and recovery indicating a lack of niche partitioning by N form among the three dryland species measured. Our results suggest that soil inorganic N, particularly nitrate, may comprise a greater proportion of plant N nutrition than amino acid-N and may be more widely exploited following a precipitation pulse in this habitat.
Poly (aniline-co-aniline-2,5-disulfonic acid) / L-ascorbic acid / Ag@SiO2 / polysafranin nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization and anomalous electrical behaviour
Authors: Hassan Hammed , Fattah Marwa Abdel , Maged Fatma Abdel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

It is well known that modification of polymer properties by incorporating organic dyes usually improves the conductivity; however, the oxidation of safranin dye itself or its blended material impairs the conductivity. In this paper, we report a new finding that the incorporation of the safranin dye with our recently reported sulfonated polyaniline/Ag@SO2 nanocomposite, prepared under modified conditions, achieved better conductivity after heating. The d.c conductivity of the organic oligomer itself varied from 0.06 to 0.016 (s/cm) and that of the composite from 0.008 to 0.016 (s/cm), respectively, with an increasing temperature of up to 363 K and then decreased at 393 K. The material changed from a semiconductor to a metallic nature, and their d.c conductivities were comparable to those of many commercial inorganic or organic composites. The frequency dependence of the permittivity, e¢, showed a remarkable effect on the frequency window under consideration. e¢ was independent of the increment in the frequency and this behaviour confirmed the presence of electrode polarization and space-charge effects. This result, on account of their attractive electrical properties we suggest, is promising for electronic field applications.
Site-scale soil conditions influencing the decline of Aleppo pine stands in Mediterranean Spanish woodland
Authors: SANZ VALENTIN GOMEZ , González Aitor Gastón , Viñas Juan Ignacio García , Hierro Rafael Serrada 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

• Background and Aims. Vegetative decline in individuals of plant populations is a phenomenon that involves multiple factors, both biotic and abiotic, that lead to highly irregular and complex spatial patterns of mortality at stand or forest scale. Although it might be assumed that site soil conditions are a predisposing factor to this phenomenon, very little research has specifically focused on this aspect, hence the lack of knowledge in this regard is evident. • Methods. Soil characterization was carried out at 20 sites (10 with evidence of decline and another 10 with no signs of decline) and the results were related to their role as modulation factor of the drought effects, which is the main cause of the observed decline in Aleppo pine stands in the Comunidad Valenciana (Spain). • Results. The soil properties which were found to be the most explanatory are those associated with soil quality in terms of available space for root exploration, which is vital for nutrition and, above all, water uptake. Episodes of decline are associated with stands where soils present a shallow effective depth due to a low degree of profile development or through marked textural anisotropy because of particularly clayey horizons that cause abrupt changes in permeability and aeration. • Conclusion. The inherent soil diversity acts as a predisposing driver to this physiological process that generates a heterogeneous spatial mosaic of patches with different degrees of decline.
Effect of nano-silica surface-capped by bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide on the cure behaviors, mechanical properties, swelling resistance and microstructure of styrene-butadiene rubber/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: K Karthikeyan , Damodaran Ajith , Vishvanathperumal S. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In an in-situ surface modification method, nano-silica (NS) was treated with bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (Si69, often referred to as TESPT), a commercially available SCA (silane coupling agent). This produced surface-functionalized NS, also known as modified nanosilica (mNS). The influence of using this mNS as a filler in acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR/NBR) composites was examined in this study. The results show that the silanol groups in TESPT form chemical connections with the surface of the NS, which significantly increases the rubber-matrix nanocomposite's curing efficiency and improves its mechanical properties. The reason for this enhancement is the in-situ surface modification of the NS by the SCA, which significantly raises the filler's miscibility and compatibility with the rubber matrix.
Comprehensive Evaluation Method and Full Cycle Prediction of Aging Performance of Polymer Materials
Authors: Yuan Wang , Yiquan Zhao , Tengfei Bi , Jinghan Dong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Polymer materials are increasingly used in the automotive field, and it is of great significance to study the aging characteristics of polymer materials. However, the cost of comprehensive aging of polymer materials is high and does not have universal properties, while the key models predicted by polymer materials comprehensive aging indicators are rarely studied.This article uses 25 day sunlight simulation test data of two plastics, PP and ASA, based on the analysis of plastic sheet aging behavior and the mechanism of environmental effects on PP and ASA plastics, Explore the correlation between the aging properties of PP and ASA plastics. Through principal component analysis and approximate ideal solution ranking, several aging indexes are reduced into comprehensive aging values, and the aging resistance of PP and ASA plastics is compared. By using the least square method, the aging curves of PP and ASA plastics with different properties under different sunlight simulation durations were predicted, and the aging values of PP and ASA plastics on the 30th day were compared with the measured values. The results show that the hardness, tensile strength, and bending strength have high repeatability. The aging performance of ASA plastic calculated by the TOPSIS method is better than that of PP plastic. The predicted aging values of PP and ASA plastics on the 30th day are within 2% of the measured values, which greatly saves testing cost.