bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Outcomes of Full‐Endoscopic Degenerative Lumbar Lateral Recess Stenosis Decompression Through an Interlaminar Approach
Authors: Huang Chengqian , Qin Yingying , Huang Yizhu , Wei Xijiang , Zhuo Jing , Wu Shaofeng , Chen Jiarui , Zhu Jichong , Chen Tianyou , Zhang Bin , Feng Sitan , Zhou Chenxing , Xue Jiang , Zhan Xinli , Liu Chong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe conventional open decompression surgery for degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis (DLLRS) yields definitive therapeutic outcomes; however, it confronts numerous challenges, including extensive surgical trauma and iatrogenic spinal instability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the surgical outcomes of full‐endoscopic DLLRS decompression by an interlaminar approach.MethodsA consecutive cohort of 275 patients, including 148 males and 127 females, with an average age of 64.62 (55–82) years, with DLLRS between July 2021 and December 2022, was reviewed in this retrospective study. The involved segments were L4/5 in 126 patients and L5/S1 in 149 patients. The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar were examined before and after surgery to evaluate the degree of decompression. The VAS score of back and leg pain and the ODI scale were recorded preoperatively, 1 day, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and at the last follow‐up. The modified Macnab score was determined at the last follow‐up. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the VAS and ODI scores of back/leg pain at various time points before and after surgery.ResultsAll of the patients underwent surgery successfully. The average duration of surgery was 84.90 min, the average blood loss was 47.33 mL, and the length of hospitalization was 3–4 (3.31 ± 0.46) days, with no nerve injury, infections, or other complications. One‐way ANOVA results showed significantly improved VAS and ODI scores for back/leg pain at each time point after surgery compared to those preoperatively (p < 0.05). The mean follow‐up was 23.6 ± 2.3 (range, 15–32) months; at the last follow‐up, the modified Macnab was excellent in 143 patients, good in 102 patients, fair in 18 patients, and poor in 12 patients.ConclusionFull‐endoscopic lumbar lateral recess decompression through an interlaminar approach is a safe and effective approach for DLLRS.
Modic Changes in Patients Who Have Undergone Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: The Correlation With Fusion Success and Subsidence
Authors: Deng Yifei , Zhang Xiang , Sheng Xiaqing , Wang Beiyu , Hong Ying , Rong Xin , Ding Chen , An Jingjing , Liu Hao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThere is a lack of research on modic change (MC) in the cervical spine, especially regarding its impact on patients following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Some researchers strongly believe that MC may affect the prognosis after anterior cervical surgery. Thus, this study aimed to assess MC in patients who underwent ACDF, investigating its incidence, risk factors, and correlation with fusion success and subsidence rate.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 154 patients who underwent single‐level ACDF from January 2010 to December 2020, with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were recorded at pre‐operation, 1 week, 3 months after operation, and the last follow‐up. The primary outcomes were the fusion rate and cage subsidence. Radiological measurements, including overall (Cobb C) and segmental cervical angle (Cobb S), anterior disc height (ADH), and posterior disc height (PDH) were also recorded. The independent t‐test or Mann‐Whiteny U test was used to compare continuous data, and categorical variables were assessed using the Pearson's chi‐square test of Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression analysis was also adopted to distinguish corresponding factors related with the progress of MC.ResultsOf the 154 patients, the incidence of MC was 44.2% (68/154). The group with MC showed a larger proportion of males and osteoporosis. The fusion rate of those with MC was 88.2% (60/68) while that in the non‐MC group was 97.7% (84/86, p = 0.02). The MC group presented a subsidence rate of 27.9%, which was substantially higher than in the non‐MC group (9.3%, p < 0.01). NDI and VAS neck was significantly higher in the MC group than in the non‐MC group (p = 0.014; p = 0.039). Sex and osteoporosis were distinguished as independent factors related to MC by regression analysis (p = 0.006; p = 0.026).ConclusionPreoperative MC could adversely hinder the fusion process and may increase the incidence of subsidence, affecting clinical outcomes of those underwent ACDF. Patients with MC, especially type 1 MC, are more easily suffered from neck pain than those without MC. Male sex and osteoporosis were risk factors for MC. In order to achieve a better bony fusion and avoid cage subsidence in those with MC, we encourage patients to prolong their immobilization duration with a cervical collar and precisely manage osteoporosis during the peri‐operative period.
Non‐Invasive Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Decreases Heart Rate Variability Independent of Caloric Load
Authors: Kaduk Kristin , Petrella Alessandro , Müller Sophie J. , Koenig Julian , Kroemer Nils B. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe vagus nerve is crucial in regulating physiological functions, including the cardiovascular system. While heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV) may provide non‐invasive proxies of cardiac vagal activity, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has yielded mixed effects, with limited research on right branch stimulation. In a randomized crossover study with 36 healthy participants, we investigated taVNS effects on HR and HRV indexed by SDRR, RMSSD, HF‐HRV, and LF/HF ratio. To assess the impact of the stimulation side (left vs. right ear) on cardiovascular indices and interaction with the physiological state, we recorded electrocardiograms in four sessions per person, covering three session phases: baseline, during stimulation (taVNS vs. sham), and post‐milkshake consumption with stimulation. First, we found moderate evidence against taVNS affecting HR (BF10 = 0.21). Second, taVNS decreased HRV (multivariate p = 0.004) independent of physiological state, with strong evidence for RMSSD (BF10 = 15.11) and HF‐HRV (BF10 = 11.80). Third, taVNS‐induced changes were comparable across sides and stronger than sham, indicating consistent cardiovascular effects independent of the stimulation side. We conclude that taVNS reduces HRV as indexed by RMSSD, HF‐HRV, and SDRR without altering HR, contradicting the assumption that taVNS per se increases cardiovagal activity as indexed by increased HRV due to stimulating vagal afferents. Instead, our results support the role of vagal afferent activation in arousal. Crucially, taVNS on both sides can safely modulate the cardiovascular system without increasing the risk of bradycardia or causing adverse events in healthy participants, offering new treatment possibilities.
Evaluations of clinical practice guidelines, protocols, and pathways used in rural and remote Australia, Canada, and Aotearoa New Zealand: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Arkapaw Luke , Hines Sonia , Brand Anthea , Black Oliver , Byrne Mary , Harvey Gillian , Smith James A. 
Published: February 2025

Objective:
The objective of this review protocol is to scope the extent and type of evidence describing evaluations of clinical practice guidelines, protocols, and pathways that are used in the rural and remote areas of Australia, Canada, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Introduction:
Given the important role that clinical guidance resources can play in minimizing health disparities, it will be useful to understand what resources are being used in rural and remote health contexts and how these are being developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Inclusion criteria:
Records will be included from 3 high-income countries which have rural or remote regions and First Nations populations. Records will only be included if they explicitly identify the clinical guidance resource, have the resource as a primary focus of the evaluation, and show that the resource has been endorsed or implemented for use in the rural or remote health service. Evaluations of point-of-care testing instruments will be excluded, as well as records from aged care facilities, even if they are from rural and remote areas.

Methods:
The JBI methodology for scoping reviews will be followed. Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Emcare (Ovid), Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Google. Records in English will be considered for inclusion. Covidence will be used to remove duplicates and organize the selection review process. Data will be extracted using a data charting tool created by the authors. The results will be analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and presented as a series of tables and a narrative summary.

Review registration:
The review has been registered on Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6EM32
OPTIMIZING BIFACIAL SOLAR MODULES FOR ENHANCED ENERGY CAPTURE ON CLOUDY DAYS
Authors: Lu Jianqing , Xiao Tingyi , Su Xiao , Huang Caiyuan , Jiang Yipeng , Liu Wenyang , Ao Runchun , Zhang Wei , He Jianjun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To improve the utilization of solar irradiance by a bifacial photovoltaic (PV) flat single-axis tracking system under complex weather conditions, a dynamic optimization model for bifacial PV modules, a hybrid tracking algorithm was developed. Scattering coefficients is defined to differentiate weather conditions consistently so as to select different algorithms for tracking. The sun's position is tracked by using the visual sun trajectory model on sunny days, while the maximum sum of irradiance of bifacial modules is used as the tracking angle setting principle for high scattering weather. A month-long controlled field experiment was conducted at a PV plant in Ningxia. Data under typical cloudy and overcast conditions was selected to analyze and verify whether the proposed model can improve the power generation efficiency of the planar single-axis tracking system. The experiment results show that the tracking system using the all-weather dynamic optimization model for bifacial modules has an irradiance gain of 8.174% and 4.81%, and a daily power generation gain is 10.529% and 6.20% respectively under typical cloudy and overcast conditions. This demonstrates that the hybrid tracking model proposed in this paper can improve the power generation of the bifacial flat single-axis tracking system under complex weather.
Conformal Transformation-Based Mechanical Modelling for Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Yangyang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Continuous blood pressure monitoring is essential for individuals, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the continuous measurement of blood pressure using versatile, flexible wearable sensors. However, the analytical relationship among blood pressure, arterial properties, and the pressure sensed by these flexible sensors remains unclear, leading to potential misdiagnoses or missed early warnings. This paper presents a mechanical model that establishes the relationship between blood pressure and the pressure sensed by flexible sensors for continuous blood pressure monitoring, utilizing the conformal transformation method. The blood artery and surrounding tissues are modeled as an elastic half-plane with a circular cavity, subjected to uniform radial pressure at the cavity's inner boundary. By combining conformal transformation and inverse conformal transformation techniques, we derive explicit expressions for stress and displacement in the tissues surrounding the blood vessel and on the skin surface. These findings are validated through finite element analysis and experimental results obtained using digital image correlation methods. Additionally, we establish a simple scaling law relating the normalized pressure perceived by the sensor to the normalized artery depth and radius. The mechanical model established in this paper provides an analytical relationship among the pressure perceived by the sensor, blood pressure and artery parameters, paving the way for analytically extracting accurate blood pressure values from the output electrical signals of flexible wearable sensors.
Experimental study on force and surface morphology of additive manufacturing FeCoNiCrAl0.5 high entropy alloy
Authors: Wen Xue-Long , Zhang Wen-Bo , Gong Ya-Dong , Xu Ru-Chu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
FeCoNiCrAl0.5 HEA specimens were prepared by L-PBF under different laser process parameters, and their physical phases, microstructures, and defects were investigated. Micro-grinding experiments were designed to explore the effects of varying laser parameters on the micro-grinding performance of L-PBF-HEAs by analyzing the micro-grinding force and roughness and observing the surface morphology. The experimental results show that the internal defects of L-PBF-HEA FeCoNiCrAl0.5 decrease as the laser power increases, and increase when the laser scanning spacing and scanning speed increase. When the laser power is increased, the micro-grinding force shows a growing trend, the Ra decreases and then increases, and the surface morphology flatness improves; when the laser scanning spacing increases, the micro-grinding force decreases, the Ra increases, and the surface morphology deteriorates; when the laser scanning speed increases, the micro-grinding force increases and then decreases, and the Ra decreases and then increases, and the surface morphology improves relatively.
Enhancing the Thermal Performance of Solar Air Heaters using Heat Storage Medium: An Experimental Study with Energy, Exergy, and Economic Approach
Authors: Boudhiaf Ridha , Touhami Yassmin , Harby K. , Kabeel Abd Elnaby , Attia Mohamed El Hadi , Khelifa Abdelkrim , Latrache Noureddine , Driss Zied 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A Solar Air Heater (SAH) is a simple device which collects solar radiation and transfers it to the processed air generally uses in several thermal engineering applications such as space and industrial process heating, and food drying, but its utilization is only during sunny hours. One of the most important methods of ameliorating its employing to heat air during the off-sunshine period is through the addition of heat storage medium inside the SAH for storing sun's radiation as thermal energy. The main objective of this experimental study is to predict the effect of the heat storage medium on the thermal performance of SAH. To achieve this goal, three different configurations of SAHs were designed and constructed in the Laboratory of Electro–Mechanic Systems, namely, Traditional SAH with natural circulation (T-SAH), SAH with a centrifugal air blower (F-SAH), and SAH with a centrifugal air blower and coupled with an internal heat storage medium (FS-SAH). They were tested and compared under the same ambient conditions of Sfax central–eastern Tunisia. Experimental results showed that the T-SAH gives higher temperatures than the F-SAH and FS-SAH during the period from 8 AM to 3 PM. From 3 PM to 7 PM, the temperatures of FS-SAH are the highest when compared with the other two SAHs. Through this period, the thermal energy per unit time obtained by FS-SAH, F-SAH and T-SAH is 2.15 kW, 0.23 kW and 0.086 kW, respectively.
Multiparametric ultrasound imaging of the urinary bladder beyond urine volume measurements. A pictorial essay.
Authors: Cokkinos Demosthenes D , Rafailidis Vasileios , Melissovas Ioannis , Beck Avi , Levitin Abraham , Partovi Sasan 
Published: February 2025

Ultrasound of the urinary bladder detects diverse and complex pathology. This manuscript deals with various bladder diseases imaged with multiparametric ultrasound, including contrast enhanced ultrasound.
Chromosomal genes modulating fosfomycin susceptibility in uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
: a genome-wide analysis
Authors: Ma Yibing , Pirolo Mattia , Giarratana Lily , Leth Nielsen Karen , Häussler Susanne , Guardabassi Luca 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
acquires fosfomycin resistance through chromosomal mutations that reduce drug uptake and by drug-inactivating enzymes. However, the complete resistance mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to elucidate the genetic mechanisms regulating fosfomycin susceptibility in uropathogenic
E. coli
(UPEC). We constructed a highly saturated transposon mutant library containing >340,000 unique Tn5 insertions in a clinical UPEC strain. We conducted transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) to screen for chromosomal genes whose mutations are beneficial for bacterial growth and survival in the presence of fosfomycin at 4 and 32 µg/mL. TraDIS analysis identified 67 genes including known resistance determinants (
n
= 13) as well as a set of novel genes modulating fosfomycin susceptibility (
n
= 54). These genes are involved in pyruvate metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, nucleotide biosynthesis, DNA repair, protein translation, cellular iron homeostasis, and biotin biosynthesis. Deletion of 16 selected genes in the wild-type strain resulted in growth advantages and decreased susceptibility when exposed to fosfomycin. Notably, deletion of DNA repair genes (i.e.
, mutL
and
mutS
) and purine synthesis genes (i.e.,
purB
and its upstream gene
hflD
) led to the most significant advantages in competitive and non-competitive growth in the presence of fosfomycin, as well as the highest increase of fosfomycin MIC (8- to 16-fold). These findings provide a genome-wide overview of genes required for maintaining fosfomycin susceptibility in
E. coli
, highlighting new mutations and functional pathways that may be used by UPEC to develop clinical resistance.
Mono- and multidomain defense toxins of the RelE/ParE superfamily
Authors: Gerdes Kenn 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) modules are widely distributed across prokaryotes, often existing in large numbers despite their associated fitness costs. Most type II TA modules are bicistronic operons encoding a monodomain toxin and its cognate protein antitoxin. The RelE/ParE superfamily encompasses toxins with a conserved Barnase-EndoU-ColicinE5/D-RelE (BECR) fold. Yet, their cellular targets differ remarkably: RelE toxins function as ribosome-dependent RNases, while ParE toxins act as DNA gyrase inhibitors. Using a comprehensive bioinformatics approach, this study analyzed 13 BECR-fold toxin families as classified in the Pfam database. Intriguingly, the ParE family was found to include a subcluster of mRNA-cleaving toxins, challenging its conventional role as solely DNA-targeting. This study identified a novel tripartite operon encoding a PtuA-like defense ATPase, a homolog of type IV restriction endonucleases, and a RelE homolog, suggesting a coordinated role in defense mechanisms. Multidomain BECR-fold toxins, including transmembrane variants, were also discovered, extending the functional repertoire of type II TA modules to membrane-associated systems. These findings clarify the evolutionary relationships and functional diversity within the RelE/ParE superfamily and discover novel, putative defense systems that can now be investigated experimentally.

IMPORTANCE
Toxin–antitoxin modules play critical roles in prokaryotic survival and adaptation, contributing to genome stabilization and defense against phages and invading plasmids. The RelE/ParE superfamily exemplifies the structural and functional diversity of these systems, with members targeting distinct cellular processes, such as translation and DNA supercoiling. By elucidating the relationships among the 13 BECR-fold toxin families, this study enhances our understanding of microbial resistance mechanisms and reveals potential new opportunities for research into prokaryotic defense and regulation. These insights may have significant implications for medical and biotechnological applications, particularly in understanding bacterial responses to genetic invaders.
Endogenous nitric oxide promotes
Staphylococcus aureus
virulence by activating autophagy
Authors: Nurxat Nadira , Wang Qichen , Zhao Na , Guo Yanan , Zhang Xilong , Wang Yanan , Jian Ying , Wang Hua , Yang Shengbing , Li Min , Liu Qian 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is a small molecule that has been demonstrated to affect the physiology and survival of bacteria. The role of endogenous NO for
Staphylococcus aureus
survival inside host cells remains unclear. Here, we show that the production of endogenous NO by bacterial nitrate reductase (NR) is affected by molybdopterin biosynthesis protein A (MoeA), which is essential for molybdenum cofactor synthesis in
S. aureus
. During the infection, the production of endogenous NO promotes
S. aureus
survival inside macrophages by initiating cellular autophagy. Mechanistically, bacterial endogenous NO can modify the host regulatory protein thioredoxin vis S-nitrosylation, subsequently triggering the phosphorylation of the JNK-Bcl-2 pathway and promoting the initiation of autophagy through the release of Beclin1. Moreover, we confirmed the critical role of MoeA in bacterial survival
in vivo
by using bloodstream infection, pneumonia, and skin abscess model on both wild-type and autophagy-deficient mice. Interestingly, we observed the significantly increased production of NO and activation of cellular autophagy of sequence type (ST)5 compared with ST239, suggesting that the initiation of autophagy is involved in the clone shift of
S. aureus
. Our data offered new insights on the role of bacterial endogenous NO in regulating the host signal pathway during infection inside host cells.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the mechanism underlying
Staphylococcus aureus
pathogenesis is essential for developing innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of infection. In this study, we underscore the critical role of molybdopterin biosynthesis protein A and nitric oxide (NO) in inducing autophagy during
S. aureus
survival within macrophage and
in vivo
infection. We demonstrate that host regulatory protein can be modified by bacterial metabolites, which may influence cellular processes. Furthermore, our findings indicated that increased endogenous NO production may contribute to the stable prevalence of
S. aureus
ST5 in the healthcare-associated environment. These findings highlight the significance of bacterial metabolism in modulating the host immune system, thereby facilitating
S. aureus
survival and persistence.
Optimizing antibiotic use in MSSA bacteremia: a stewardship-focused approach
Authors: Campodónico Victoria L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial stewardship is essential for optimizing therapy in bloodstream infections. Methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) bacteremia requires prompt beta-lactam treatment, and delays in transitioning from empirical anti-MRSA therapy can result in adverse outcomes. Rapid diagnostics like the BioFire Blood Culture Identification (BCID) PCR panel, combined with stewardship interventions, significantly improve care by reducing unnecessary broad-spectrum antimicrobial use. A study by Yetukuri et al. demonstrated that integrating BCID with stewardship efforts reduced time to optimal therapy by 20 h (49 vs 29.1 h,
P
< 0.001) and shortened both bacteremia duration and anti-MRSA therapy without affecting mortality or hospital stay. These findings emphasize that stewardship programs, including real-time reviews and prescriptive guidance, are critical for translating rapid diagnostic results into timely, targeted treatment. Leveraging stewardship with advanced diagnostics offers a strategic approach to enhancing outcomes and combating antimicrobial resistance.