bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Of A Novel Hand-held Retractor-Assisted Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion By The Wiltse Approach And Posterior TLIF
Authors: Shen Xing , Li Fu tao , Chen Yong quan , Zheng Ming hui , Yao Xin qiang , Wang Hai ming , Jiang Hui , Chen Jian ting 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Previously, achieving spinal canal decompression through the traditional Wiltse approach has been challenging due to limitations of assisted hand-held retractors. However, recent improvements to the retractors by some surgeons have facilitated spinal canal decompression in the Wiltse approach and have resulted in successful surgical outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of literature to assess the safety and efficacy of hand-held retractor assisted Wiltse approach TLIF. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of a novel hand-held retractor system-assisted Wiltse TLIF with that P-TLIF and assess whether this hand-held retractor system assisted Wiltse TLIF can yield less paraspinal muscle injury.
Methods: 56 patients(P-TLIF: 26, Wiltse TLIF: 30) were included in this prospective controlled study. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, mobilization time, and discharge time were recorded. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by ODI, VAS, JOA, and SF-36 scores.Paraspinal muscle injury was assessed by postoperative MRI. CK and C-reaction protein were measured pre and postoperatively, and CT or X-ray was used to assess bony union/non-union.
Results: The Wiltse (study) group was associated with significantly less estimated blood loss, postoperative drainage, and shorter mobilization and discharge times than the P-TLIF (control) group. Serum CK activity at 24h postoperatively in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group.. The incidence of complications in the two groups was comparable. At 7 days after surgery, VAS and ODI scores were lower, while the JOA score was higher in the control group than in the study group. Results observed at 3 months of follow-up were consistent with those at 7 days. After six months postoperatively, paraspinal muscle degeneration in the control group was more significant than in the study group
Conclusion:Our study showed that this novel hand-held retractor system assisted Wiltse approach TLIF can achieve satisfactory surgical efficacy, and the Wiltse approach TLIF can significantly reduce paraspinal muscle injury, postoperative drainage, and intraoperative blood loss, as well as shorten mobilization and discharge time, resulting in better short-term outcomes compared to P-TLIF. Furthermore, both methods yield similar fusion rates and incidence of complications .
Trial registration:, 25/09/2023 NCT06052579
Energy evolution in function neuronal network under different coupling channel
Authors: Zhang Li , Jin Wuyin , An Xinlei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Connecting piezoelectric ceramic to any neuron circuit can result in an auditory neuronal circuit by generating different output voltages that convert external mechanical forces and vibrations into electrical signals. In this paper, three auditory neuron circuits with different firing states connect to form a ring network using resistor, inductor, and capacitor. The coupling channels can be tamed under voltage, magnetic field, and electric field couplings simultaneously. The three kinds of coupling can modulate synchronization via continuous energy exchange and pumping, and the coupling resistor consumes only Joule heat, while the capacitor and inductor can pump and conserve field energy. So the proportion of electric field energy, magnetic field energy and total energy in each neuron, and field energy proportion kept in the coupling channels are respectively calculated to discern the dependence of the firing state and synchronization mode on the energy. It is shown that higher strength coupling can not only attenuate periodic firing and increase the electric field energy proportion in neurons, but also transform chaotic firing into periodic firing and increase the magnetic field energy proportion. The total energy proportion of the coupling channels continuously increases if neurons show only periodic firing, but the existence of neurons with chaotic firing can increase firstly and then decrease the energy proportion. In fact, compared to resistor and capacitor channel, the stronger the coupling can induce the more energy proportion in the inductor channel, which is beneficial for the synchronization of neurons connected by it. From a biophysical perspective, the activation of magnetic field coupling is the result of the continuous release and propagation of intracellular and extracellular ions, which is very similar to the activation of chemical synaptic coupling through the continuous release of neurotransmitters. Therefore, magnetic field coupling may play a key role in modulating collective behavior among neurons.
Isolation of lactic acid bacteria from the reproductive tract of mares as potentially beneficial strains to prevent equine endometritis
Authors: Silva Jessica Alejandra , Castañares Mariana , Mouguelar Horacio , Valenciano Javier Aguilar , Pellegrino Matías Santiago 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Endometritis, the infection and/or inflammation of the endometrium, is the leading cause of subfertility in mares, and therefore responsible for major economic losses in the horse industry worldwide. It is generally treated with uterine lavages combined with ecbolic agents and local or systemic antibiotics. However, since antibiotic overuse has been associated with antimicrobial resistance in mares with persistent endometritis, new prevention and treatment alternatives are needed. One such alternative could be the use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the host. Thanks to their species specificity, indigenous microbiota may restore ecological equilibrium within the host, and therefore, help prevent infections and improve physiological functions. In the present study, 257 bacterial strains were isolated from 77 healthy mares, and 88.76% (n = 228) of them were phenotypically classified as LAB. Within this group, 65.79% were able to inhibit at least one strain from each of the genera that most commonly cause equine endometritis (S. zooepidemicus, E. coli, and Staphylococcus spp.). Five strains (RCE11, RCE20, RCE91, RCE99, and RCE167) were selected on the basis of their beneficial properties: ability to autoaggregate and adhere to equine epithelial cells, high inhibition of and co-aggregation with all the bacteria isolated from clinical cases of endometritis evaluated, and negative co-inhibition between one another. All five were finally identified as Enterococcus spp., namely E. faecium (two strains), E. hirae (two strains), and E. gallinarum (one strain). Further studies will assess their safety and biotechnological potential for the design of a multi-strain probiotic formula to prevent equine endometritis.
Histological assessment for investigation of dose-dependent ovarian toxicity of cyclophosphamide in the rat
Authors: Elahi Narges , Astaneh Mohammad Ebrahim , Ai Jafar , Makoolati Zohreh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Cyclophosphamide (CPA) have significant effects on ovarian follicles which lead to ovarian toxicity and impair the normal female reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of CPA on rat folliclenumbers.
Methods
The experimental groups consisted of rats administered a single intraperitoneal injection of CPA at doses of either 50, 75,150, or 200 mg/kg followed by daily doses of 8 mg/kg for 14 days and control group given no treatment. After the treatment period, the histological evaluation was done.
Results
Primordial and primary follicles were affected by all doses of CPA, but differential follicle counts revealed that graaf and preantral follicles were most sensitive to CPA, followed by primary and primordial follicles. The greatest reduction in all type of studied follicles caused by CPA doses of 50 mg/kg.
Conclusion
Differential follicle counts revealed that CPA-induced ovarian toxicity is exhibited in structural feature of the ovary, particularly in destruction of graaf and preantral follicles in a dose-dependent manner so that the highest decrease in all type of studied follicles caused by 50 mg/kg of CPA and is suggested as the best concentration for ovotoxicity induction. These findings give insight into ovarian response to structural disruption of folliculogenesis.
Anti-saturation time-varying formation control via switching for a wider class of patterns of multiple uncertain marine surface vessels
Authors: Li Jian , Liang Yuqi , Wu Zhaojing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper is devoted to the time-varying formation control of multiple marine surface vessels (MSVs) with input saturation. Remarkably, more serious uncertainties are involved than the related literature since external disturbance is considered while all the system parameters are unknown. Moreover, different from the severe constraints on the formation patterns and the leader’s dynamics in the related literature, rather fairly weak conditions are required since the relative deviations are only first but not more order continuously differentiable which imply that a wider class of formation patterns can be allowed, while the time derivatives of relative deviations as well as the leader’s output are not necessarily available for feedback. These two aspects make the traditional control methods on this topic ineffective. Then, by skilfully combining vectorial backstepping control method with logic-based switching mechanism, a switching controller is successfully designed for the formation control in this paper. It is worthwhile pointing out that, by the skilful design of a switching mechanism, the serious uncertainties are compensated while the severe assumptions on the formation patterns of the related literature are extremely relaxed. Finally, simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 93C10
Highly Efficient Metal-free Nitrate Reduction Enabled by Electrified Membrane Filtration
Authors: Winter Lea , Fan Yingzheng , Wang Xiaoxiong , Butler Claire , Kankam Amma , Belgada Abdessamad , Simon Julia , Chen Eric 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Current methods for electrocatalytic destruction of nitrate in drinking water require metal catalysts to achieve sufficient nitrate removal. However, metal-based catalysts involve complicated synthesis, increase treatment costs, and can lead to leaching of metals into treated water. In this study, we achieved nitrate reduction performance comparable to that of metal-based catalysts via electrofiltration through a metal-free nanoporous electrified membrane (EM) containing unmodified pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Experimental results coupled with computational fluid dynamics simulations elucidated how the decreased diffusion boundary layer in the flow-through CNT-EM mitigates diffusion limitations to enhance overall reaction activity. A maximum single-pass removal efficiency of 86.9% was reached for an initial nitrate concentration of 10 mM when the mass transport rate matched the reaction rate. Through density functional theory and molecular dynamics calculations, we demonstrated enhanced *NO2 and *NO adsorption energies at intrinsic defect sites, which are present in most commercial CNTs and become more accessible to nitrate ions under flow-through operation. Finally, the long-term stability, tolerance of environmental interferences, and sufficient nitrate removal and N2 selectivity to meet drinking water standards were demonstrated in synthetic surface water. By elucidating how nanoporous electrofiltration enables dynamic matching of reaction and transport rates, this study demonstrates a new strategy to drastically improve electrocatalytic reaction performance without complex catalyst materials innovation, bridging existing gaps for nitrate removal in drinking water treatment related to the use of metal-based catalysts.
A comparative study on tensile strength of various thermoplastic polymers sheets following thermoforming on a pre-treatment and post-treatment maxillary model of a patient: An in vitro study
Authors: Nayak Ashwath S , HC Kiran Kumar 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
Thermoplastic polymers show alteration in their mechanical properties after thermoforming on a dental model. The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the tensile strength of different thermoplastic polymer sheets thermoformed on a pre-treatment (moderate crowding) and post-treatment (well-aligned) maxillary model of a patient.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Forty maxillary models (Twenty Pre-treatment & twenty Post-treatment of uniform dimension) were made by duplicating them using alginate. Samples were then divided into eight groups of 5 samples each. The thermoplastic sheets Imprelon® (Scheu-Dent), AVAC R® (Jaypee), Placa Crystal® (BioART), EZ-VAC® (3A Medes) - 1.0 mm thick were thermoformed on these models respectively. The sample was retrieved using ceramic bur mounted on a straight hand-piece and subjected for testing using TINIUS Olsen 10ST micro universal testing machine and recorded.
RESULTS:
There was no statistically significant difference (P > .05) in tensile strength of thermoformed thermoplastic polymer sheets between pre-treatment and post-treatment maxillary model. Tensile strength of EZ-VAC (3A Medes) showed higher variation between pre-treatment and post-treatment maxillary model though it was found to be statistically insignificant (P > .05). Significant difference (P < .05) was seen between groups when they were compared separately among pre-treatment and post-treatment models. Placa Crystal (BioART) among the pre-treatment group, EZ – VAC (3A Medes) among the post-treatment group, showed highest tensile strength.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Results of the study highlights the necessity to test materials in conditions which stands in accordance with the clinical scenario to a considerable extent and also emphasizes the need for further study in aligner.
Exploring the Utility of Expanded Clinical Exome Sequencing in Cancer Patients with Pesticide Exposure: Insights from Blood Samples
Authors: Ribeiro Hemily Gonçalves , Barradas Miller Caldas , Godoy Fernanda Ribeiro , Carvalho Larissa Resende , Pedroso Thays Alves , Silva Vanessa Soares da , Lopes Laura de Sousa , Silva Daniela de Melo e , Porto Iane de Oliveira Pires 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Brazil is a major pesticide consumer with evident problems in regulation and supervision of such products. Thus, evaluating the impact of pesticides on human health is pivotal to understanding their relationship with disease development and progression. In this context, we aimed to assess a panel of molecular pathways associated with cancer susceptibility, as well as the exposure and lifestyle profile of a group of Brazilian farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. We performed a clinical exome sequencing in 31 farmers diagnosed with cancer presenting a history of pesticide exposure. Using the Emedgene software (Illumina), we categorized a compilation of candidate disease-related genes and evaluated them to discern crucial pathways associated with carcinogenesis. Consequently, we successfully pinpointed a group of genes that should be regarded as potential risk factors when exposed to a carcinogenic environment. Our analysis suggests an important role of extracellular matrix related pathways in cancer susceptibility, along with some classical findings such as genes related to DNA repair mechanisms. The tumor microenvironment emerges as a promising area of investigation and, future studies should consider its impact on cancer development and progression.
Choquet integral operator over random hypergraph and its application in multicriteria decision making
Authors: Rahman Saifur , Baro Nabajyoti , Kakati Pankaj 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A hypergraph, which is a generalization of a graph, has a wide range of applications in various fields such as science, informatics, and management. It can effectively represent real-life decision-making situations. In this study, we define the Choquet integral operator on the hypergraph and propose a multicriteria decision-making method to determine the overall preference order of alternatives in practical decision-making problems.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 05C85, 05C38, 05C05, 05C90
Factors associated with postpartum family planning use in Rwanda
Authors: Sylvain Muzungu Hirwa , Valens Rwema 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Resumption and initiation of contraceptive methods after delivery are of critical importance in ensuring the well-being of the mother and the newborn. However, evidence related with postpartum family planning in Rwanda are scanty. This study employed survival analysis techniques to study the time to resumption or initiation of contraceptive methods after childbirth in Rwandan women and the associated factors.
Methods: Data were collected from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS). Descriptive statistics were obtained after adjusting for study design. Initial analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, followed by univariate and multivariable Cox Hazard proportional models to study factors associated with the initiation of contraceptive use after delivery. Cox Model assumptions were tested using scaled Schoenfeld Residuals.
Results:5572 women who delivered in the five years preceding the survey were included in this research. The percentage of women who used modern contraceptives was 32%, 55%, 67%, and 79% at one month, six months, one year and two years respectively. Delivery by cesarean section, access to health insurance, and an increase in the number of children under five years of age were associated with increased chances of utilizing modern postpartum contraceptives after delivery. An increase in female age and in the ideal number of children and women with a history of terminated pregnancy were associated with reduced chances of using postpartum family planning. The influence of religion was highlighted, with Catholic women associated with high contraceptive use.
Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen postpartum family planning in Rwanda. Policy makers and clinicians should provide additional customized interventions for women with factors associated with low use.
Surface Roughness and Color Change of Gamma Irradiated Nanohybrid Resin Composite and Giomer Restorative Materials
Authors: Abaza Engy F. , Yassen Asmaa Aly 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
This study evaluated the effect of gamma radiation on surface roughness and color change of nanohybrid composite and giomer restorative materials.
Methods
Twenty-four-disc shaped specimens (2×2mm) were fabricated; half of them were prepared from Filtek Z-350 nanocomposite while the other half were prepared from Beautiful II giomer restorative material. Each material was divided into two subgroups, control and gamma irradiated. Surface roughness was assessed for each group after 24 hrs. then after 6 months storage in artificial saliva using USB Digital microscope while color change was evaluated using a Reflective spectrophotometer at the same time intervals. Data showed parametric distribution and were analyzed using independent and paired t-test for analyzing independent and dependent variables respectively. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test.
Results
For surface roughness, there was significant increase for both nanocomposite and giomer after 6 months storage. For color change assessments, at both time intervals, Giomer had significantly higher color change than composite (p < 0.05). For both materials, color change measured after 6 months was significantly higher than 24 hours value (p < 0.05). Exposure to gamma irradiation did not affect surface roughness of both materials while it affected their color change.
Conclusions
Time has a detrimental effect on surface roughness of resin composite and Giomer, while gamma radiation has the same effect but on the color change.
Flow mechanism study and geometrical parameters analysis of fluidic oscillators based on pressure-sensitive paint measurements and modal analysis
Authors: Song Jinsheng , Wang Shiqi , Qiu Zihao , Peng Di , Liu Yingzheng , Wen Xin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The present study optimized some novel fluidic oscillator designs, measured their internal-external fluid dynamics, and used modal analysis to reveal their underlying oscillation mechanisms. It also investigated the effects of structural parameters on their fluid dynamics. The time-resolved internal-external pressure fields of the oscillators were determined by using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) measurement. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) were used for modal analysis and phase reconstruction. The time-averaged pressure-field and phase-reconstruction results reveal that recirculation bubbles inside the mixing chamber and the feedback flow have underpinned the mechanism of formation of internal and external continuous sweeping flows. The modal analysis results reveal the spatial modal structures and their time evolution, which dominated the internal-external flow pattern. The inlet-wedge width and feedback-channel inlet diameter were found to be the structural parameters affecting feedback flow and recirculation-bubble size, and thereby influenced flow characteristics such as jet oscillation frequency and divergence angle. Different Coandă surfaces altered the recirculation bubbles and feedback flow of the mainstream, thereby influencing the formation mechanism of the sweeping jet.