bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effectiveness and Return to Work Rate After Lumbar Total Disk Replacement and Microsurgical Lumbar Discectomy in Railway Workers: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Byvaltsev Vadim A. , Kalinin Andrei A. , Pestryakov Yurii Ya. , Yuldashev Ravshan M. , Aliyev Marat 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective.
To compare the clinical efficacy and return to work rate after TDR (total disk replacement) and microsurgical lumbar discectomy (MLD) in railway workers with lumbar disk herniation (LDH).
Methods.
Seventy five patients, ages 25–35 years, underwent single-level procedure and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group I (n = 37) had TDR and group II (n = 38) had MLD. The functional state was assessed using the ODI, pain severity was analyzed using the VAS for back pain and leg pain, quality of life was assessed according to SF-36 preoperatively, at discharge, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The X-ray assessment were used to assess the efficacy of the respective surgical methods pre-operatively and last follow-up of 1-year. The percentage of patients who returned to work at 1 year and the time to return to work post-operatively were analyzed based on workload intensity.
Results.
As expected, the MLD group had statistically significantly lower duration of surgery and less bleeding than TDR group. At a 1 year follow-up period, the TDR group had significantly better ODI, VAS and SF-36 than the MLD group. The postoperative X-ray revealed a statistically significant difference of the Range of Motion and Global Lumbar Lordosis in TDR group compared to the MLD group. After TDR procedure in light-moderate and heavy-very heavy workload patients groups had a statistically significantly higher return to work rate compared with MLD.
Conclusions.
The use of single-level TDR in railway workers has made it possible to significantly improve long-term clinical results, reduce the risk of reoperations, restore of segmental mobility at operation level, preserve of global lumbar lordosis and return to work rate compared to MLD.
Quantitative microvascular change analysis using a semi-automated algorithm in macula- on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment assessed by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Díaz-Aljaro Pablo , Valldeperas Xavier , Broc-Iturralde Laura , Romanic-Bubalo Nevena , Díaz-Aljaro Ignacio , Chu Zhongdi , Wang Ruikang K. , Zarranz-Ventura Javier 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To objectively evaluate the longitudinal changes observed in the retinal capillaries in eyes with macula on rhegmatogenous-retinal-detachment (RRD) assessed with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and to assess the role of these microvascular measures as potential biomarkers of postoperative visual outcomes. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal study conducted on consecutive patients who underwent 25G pars-plana-vitrectomy for primary RRD. Vessel-area-density (VAD), vessel-skeletal-density (VSD), and vessel-diameter-index (VDI) were assessed in the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary-plexuses. Results: Twenty-three eyes with macula-on RRD were included in the study. Mean preoperative VDI, VAD, and VSD of the RRD-eye were 18.6±1.1, 0.43±0.02, and 0.17±0.01 in the SCP, and 18.6±0.6, 0.38±0.03, and 0.15±0.01 in the DCP, respectively. At month-6, 8 (34.8%) eyes achieved a best-corrected-visual-acuity (BCVA) gain ≥0.1 LogMAR. A preoperative VDI>17.80, VSD>0.170, and VDI-change >-0.395 in the SCP; and VDI>18.11 and VDI change >-0.039 in the DCP were predictors of achieving a BCVA-gain ≥0.1 LogMAR. Conclusions: Preoperative VDI in SCP and DCP, VSD in SCP, and their changes from preoperative values were predictors of visual outcomes. Quantitative OCTA analysis of capillary density and morphology may represent a potential predictive tool for surgical outcomes in RRD. The results reported in this study suggest that OCTA is a useful ancillary test for clinical disease management.
Spectroscopic Characteristics, Stability, Reactivity, and Corrosion Inhibition of AHPE-dop Compounds Incorporating (B, Fe, Ga, Ti): A DFT Investigation
Authors: Azeez Yousif Hussein , Kareem Rebaz Obaid , Qader Aryan Fathulla , Omer Rebaz Anwar , Ahmed Lana Omer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study employs density functional theory (DFT) with Gaussian-09W and Gauss view-05 programs, utilizing the DFT/B3LYP/6-31(d, p) basis set, to assess the stability and reactivity of chemical compounds which include AHPE-dop-B, AHPE-dop-Fe, AHPE-dop-Ga, and AHPE-dop-Ti. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis is conducted to determine the energies of HOMO, LUMO, and their energy gap. Various molecular properties, including ELUMO, EHOMO, total energy ΔE, electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), softness (σ), electrophilicity index (ω), nucleophilicity index (ε), chemical potential (Pi), and dipole moment (μ) are explored. Neutrality is elucidated through ionization energy (IE) and electron affinity (EA). The band gap energy (Egap) is determined to comprehend chemical hardness. Thermochemical and optical properties and explanations of potential energy map theory, Fukui function, non-covalent interactions (NCI), and the RDG approach are explored. Using gas-phase Monte Carlo simulations, the study investigated chemical adsorption energy on Fe (110) metal surfaces. The optimized structures of AHPE-dop-B, AHPE-dop-Fe, AHPE-dop-Ga, and AHPE-dop-Ti, with ground state energies of -692.85, -1931.25, -2590.67, and -1517.11, respectively, demonstrate the stability and energetics of these compounds. The study analyzes FT-IR bands for the mentioned elements, focusing on vibrational modes. The shifts in IR spectra reveal peaks corresponding to C-H stretching, C-H2 bending, and C-C vibrational bands. The vibrational stretching modes of O-H, N-H2, and benzene rings are also explored. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy is employed to characterize (AHPE-dop-B, AHPE-dop-Fe, AHPE-dop-Ga, and AHPE-dop-Ti) molecules, revealing shifts in peak locations due to changes in vibrational modes influenced by atomic masses and electrical configurations of the elements.
Multi-sensor information fusion algorithm for night driving vehicle detection
Authors: Chen Yingqian , Shi Zhiwei , Luo Haowen , Li Weiye , Deng Yaohua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The ability to effectively detect vehicles and obtain their comprehensive information through sensors to achieve early warning of a collision and intelligent long-range light exposure are the basic prerequisites for safe night driving. However, sensors have their own performance characteristics, and a single type of sensor cannot fully perceive the environment. Therefore, a night driving vehicle-detection algorithm based on information fusion is proposed. An effective vehicle target priming algorithm based on millimeter-wave radar is designed that is experimentally shown to filter out a large number of irrelevant targets. A YOLOv5 benchmark model is optimized as follows: (a) intelligent data resampling addresses category imbalance; (b) head shared convolution addresses scale imbalance; and (c) lossless mosaic data enhancement solves the inconsistency between target features and labels generated by the original mosaic. A target matching algorithm correlates the detection results of a single sensor, providing comprehensive and reliable information including relative position and speed, category, and far light shield angle, laying a solid foundation for night driving safety.
Clinical characteristics and predictive factors of delayed diagnosis in patients with sellar germ cell tumors
Authors: Tong Tao , Chen Han , Mo Caiyan , Zhong Liyong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the clinical characteristics and predictive factors associated with delayed diagnosis in patients with sellar germ cell tumors (GCTs), aiming for early diagnosis.
Methods A total of 345 patients with sellar GCTs were retrospectively collected. Patients were classified into a delayed diagnosis group (>6 months from onset to diagnosis) and a non-delayed diagnosis group (≤6 months). We compared general characteristics, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, tumor prognosis, and pituitary function between the two groups. Predictive factors for delayed diagnosis were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results 225 patients (65.2%) experienced delayed diagnosis. Although there was no association between delayed diagnosis and survival rates or tumor recurrence rates, the delayed diagnosis group had a higher incidence of central diabetes insipidus, central adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, central hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. Moreover, polyuria/polydipsia (OR 5.46; 95% CI 2.33-12.81), slow growth (OR 5.86; 95% CI 2.61-13.14), amenorrhea (OR 6.82; 95% CI 2.68-17.37), and germinoma (OR 4.99; 95% CI 1.08-3.61) were predictive factors for delayed diagnosis, while older age of onset (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.84-0.94) and nausea/vomiting (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.15-0.63) contributed to earlier diagnosis.
Conclusion In patients with sellar GCTs, delayed diagnosis is common and linked to increased pituitary dysfunction. Factors predicting delayed diagnosis include slow growth, polyuria /polydipsia, amenorrhea, and germinomas with negative tumor markers. Early diagnosis is crucial to minimize the impact of sellar GCTs on pituitary function.
Microbial composition and dynamics in environmental samples from a ready-to-eat food production facility with a long-term colonisation of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Maria Diaz , Aird Heather , Viet Thanh Le , Gutierrez Ana Victoria , Larke-Mejia Nasmille , Omelchenko Oleksii , Moragues-Solanas Lluis , Fritscher Joachim , Som Nicolle , McLauchlin Jim , Hildebrand Falk , Jørgensen Frieda , Gilmour Matthew 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of significant concern for the food industry due to the potential health threat to consumers and a remarkable ability to persist through food safety control efforts. Even with rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices in food production settings, L. monocytogenes and resident microbes can thrive and then potentially spillover from the environment to foods. Understanding the composition and interactions within microbial communities in food processing environments can reveal mechanisms on L. monocytogenes survival and persistence in these settings. In this study, we used metagenomic analysis to monitor the resident microbiota in non-food contact surfaces located in the preparation and production areas of the high care zone of a facility producing ready-to-eat foods that was previously known to have a persistent ST121 strain of L. monocytogenes.
Results: A consistent composition and relative abundance of most microbial taxa over sampling sites and times were observed in environmental metagenomes, with the genus Pseudomonas (principally Pseudomonas fluorescens) representing a major constituent of the metagenome. While there were highly related populations between the production and preparation areas, individual taxa characteristic of each area were observed (e.g., Sphingomonas aerolata was more abundant in the production area). Notably Listeria spp. were not observed in the metagenomes, but were detected in cultured samples, suggesting the abundance of Listeria was below the detection threshold for direct metagenomics. As such, a quasimetagenomics approach (sequencing of microbiological culture enrichments) was used to detect and subtype Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes. While possible to classify Listeria seeligeri sequence types using quasimetagenomes, the classification of the L. monocytogenes sequence types was limited to a low proportion of the samples.
Conclusions: A stable resident microbiota was observed with multiple environmental-associated microbial taxa, emphasizing that non-contact food surfaces represent a niche that can be colonised by a community of interdependent microbes. This community was likely selected for by their collective ability to survive cleaning and disinfection control efforts in this environment. Listeria spp. was a member of this microbial community, albeit at very low abundance, and likewise may be benefiting from the mutualism of the overall microbial community.
A Robust Lattice Based Post-Quantum Three-Party Key Exchange Scheme for Mobile Devices
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Chandra Harish , Rana Saurabh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this work, we provide a unique post-quantum three-party key exchange protocol that makes use of the ring learning with error assumption. This protocol is inspired by the authenticated key exchange protocol developed by Rewal et. al [1]. We revisit the recently suggested system by Rewal et. al. [1], which is a communication efficient three-party password authenticated key exchange, in which we found that scheme is not fully correct and also demonstrate that scheme is not safe from user's anonymity assaults. We provide a enhanced scheme that is both effective and resistant to the mentioned assault. We also demonstrate its security in a ROM (Random Oracle Model). A comparison analysis that includes performance and security evaluations is also provided, proving the suitability of the suggested design.
Comparison of Pulmonary Computed Tomography Images and Quantitative Parameters in Patients with Different Degrees of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Wang Lina , Wang Zhigang , Go Jie , Wang Pei , Zhang Li , Liu Na 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
to investigate the computed tomography (CT) pulmonary imaging characteristics and quantitative parameters of patients with various degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 120 patients with stable COPD were classified into grade I of mild (n = 24), grade II of moderate (n = 58), grade III of severe (n = 30) and grade IV of very severe (n = 8) according to the 2011 Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) strategy. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximum forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and FEV1/predicted value were measured. Routine blood tests were performed with an automatic hematology analyzer. The results showed a remarkabledifference in FVC between grade III and IV preoperatively and postoperatively (P < 0.05). The FEV1 values of grades II, III, and IV were drastically different postoperatively compared with those preoperatively (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis(PCA) showed that FEV6 was positively correlated with FVC, R = 0.961 before treatment, R = 0.947 after treatment (P < 0.05). No great differences were discoveredin white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), or neutrophil count percentage (NEU)% among patients with the four grades (P < 0.05). Quantitative CT can evaluate the severity of emphysema in COPD patients, and the pulmonary function of patients wasdrastically improved after treatment.
The Impact of Occupational Therapy Services on Hospital Readmission for Patients with Cancer in Acute Care Settings
Authors: McNichols Christine C. , Peterson Alicia , Reynolds Stacey 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study examined how the use of occupational therapy (OT) services impacts the likelihood of a hospital readmission within 30 days for patients with cancer diagnoses.
Methodology
This was a retrospective observational study. We analyzed patient records from a National Cancer Institute hospital over a 5-year period. Various factors, including the use of occupational therapy services as well as individual factors such as pain levels, cancer stage, and living environment were considered in relation to readmission status. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of the provision of occupational therapy services on 30-day hospital readmission.
Results
Patients who received OT services had a statistically significant decrease in their risk of a 30-day hospital readmission compared to patients with cancers who did not receive OT services.
Conclusion
The results of the study are intended to contribute to the body of knowledge on the benefits of occupational therapy services on an individual as well as a health systems-based level for patients with cancer diagnoses while hospitalized.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
The knowledge of the utility of occupational therapy services for patients with cancer diagnoses while in the hospital can assist providers, patients, and hospital leadership in understanding some of the potential benefits for patient care and healthcare systems at large while seeking to avoid the deleterious effects from a hospital readmission.
Alternating Bias Assisted Annealing of Amorphous Oxide Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Pappas David , Field Mark , Kopas Cameron , Howard Joel , Wang Xiqiao , Lachman Ella , Zhou Lin , Oh Jinsu , Yadavalli Kameshwar , Sete Eyob , Bestwick Andrew , Kramer Matthew , Mutus Josh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We demonstrate a transformational technique for controllably tuning the electrical properties of individual aluminum-oxide tunnel junctions. Using conventional test equipment to apply an alternating bias to a heated tunnel barrier, giant increases in the room temperature resistance, greater than 70%, can be achieved. The rate of resistance change is shown to be strongly temperature- dependent, and is weakly dependent on junction size in the sub-micron regime. In order to measure their tunneling properties at mK temperatures, we characterized transmon qubit junctions treated with this alternating-bias assisted annealing (ABAA) technique. The measured frequencies follow the Ambegaokar-Baratoff relation between the shifted resistance and critical current. Further, these studies show a reduction of junction-contributed loss on the order of ≈ 0.3 × 10−6, and indicate that there is a reduction in resonant-and off-resonant-two level system defects when compared to untreated samples. Imaging with high-resolution TEM shows that the barrier is still predominantly amorphous with a more uniform distribution of aluminum coordination across the barrier relative to untreated junctions. This new approach is expected to be widely applicable to a broad range of devices that rely on amorphous aluminum oxide, and is likely applicable to many other metal- insulator-metal devices.
Massively Parallel Microbubble Nano-Assembly
Authors: Joh Hyungmok , Hsueh Shaw-long , Ma Zhichao , Fischer Peer , Fan Donglei Emma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Microbubbles are an important tool due to their unique mechanical, acoustic, and dynamical properties. While there has been remarkable progress, it remains challenging to generate addressable microbubbles quickly in a parallel and controlled manner. In this work, we present an opto-electrochemical method that combines the precision of light-based imaging with the relatively low energy bubble formation by hydrolysis. In addition, we show that the inclusion of nanoparticles enables individually addressable microbubbles to be formed in designed patterns. The size of the bubbles can be controlled from a few micrometers to over hundred micrometers with a spatial accuracy of ~ 2 - µm. The light intensity required is only ~ 0.1 W/cm2, which is on par with sunlight and several orders of magnitude lower than that required by other state-of-the-art techniques. The technique is general and permits a wide spectrum of particles to be assembled from suspension, ranging from 40-nm silver nanocrystals, 200 nm polymer nanospheres, to 2-µm-E-coli bacterial cells. We demonstrate particle assembly in well-defined patterns, and show how Ag nanoparticle-bacterial-cell arrays can be formed that permit the spectroscopic detection of cell metabolites. Overall, the reported microbubble tool overcomes multiple key challenges in microbubble-based technologies and promises new opportunities in nanomanufacturing, nanophotonic patterning, nanorobotics, biosensing, and single-cell biotechnology.
An IROA Workflow for correction and normalization of ion suppression in mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling data
Authors: Mahmud Iqbal , Wei Bo , Veillon Lucas , Tan Lin , Martinez Sara , Tran Bao , Raskind Alexander , de Jong Felice , Akbani Rehan , Weinstein John N. , Beecher Chris , Lorenzi Philip L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Ion suppression is a major problem in mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics; it can dramatically decrease measurement accuracy, precision, and signal-to-noise sensitivity. Here we report a new method, the IROA TruQuant Workflow, that uses a stable isotope-labeled internal standard (IROA-IS) plus novel companion algorithms to 1) measure and correct for ion suppression, and 2) perform Dual MSTUS normalization of MS metabolomic data. We have evaluated the method across ion chromatography (IC), hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), and reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)-MS systems in both positive and negative ionization modes, with clean and unclean ion sources, and across different biological matrices. Across the broad range of conditions tested, all detected metabolites exhibited ion suppression ranging from 1% to 90+% and coefficient of variations ranging from 1% to 20%, but the Workflow and companion algorithms were highly effective at nulling out that suppression and error. Overall, the Workflow corrects ion suppression across diverse analytical conditions and produces robust normalization of non-targeted metabolomic data.
Targeting STAT3 Enzyme for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Arun Sowmiya , Patel Praveen Kumar , Lakshmanan Kaviarasan , Rajangopal Kalirajan , Swaminathan Gomathi , Byran Gowramma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:
A category of cytoplasmic transcription factors called STATs mediates intracellular signaling,
which is frequently generated at receptors on cell surfaces and subsequently sent to the nucleus.
STAT3 is a member of a responsible for a variety of human tumor forms, including lymphomas,
hematological malignancies, leukemias, multiple myeloma and several solid tumor types. Numerous
investigations have demonstrated constitutive STAT3 activation lead to cancer development
such as breast, head and neck, lung, colorectal, ovarian, gastric, hepatocellular, and prostate cancers.
It's possible to get a hold of the book here. Tumor cells undergo apoptosis when STAT3 activation
is suppressed. This review highlights the STAT3 activation and inhibition which can be used for
further studies.