bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces boulardii combined with triple therapy alter the microbiota in the eradication of helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lu Bingyun , Dong Yu , Zhang Yifeng , Chen Ye , Zhang Zhenyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness and safety of combining Saccharomyces boulardii powder with triple therapy as a primary approach for eradicating H. pylori infection, a total of 144 patients who tested positive for H. pylori and diagnosed with non-ulcer dyspepsia underwent gastroscopy at two national centers between June 2017 and March 2019. The patients were categorized into three groups using a subsection randomization method and received initial H. pylori eradication treatments. In the SRAC group, participants were administered saccharomyces boulardii powder alongside triple therapy for the first 10 days, followed by 4 extra days of saccharomyces boulardii treatment only. The BRAC group received a 10-day bismuth quadruple therapy, while the RAC group underwent a 10-day triple therapy regimen. Microbial composition, eradication rates, symptom alleviation, and adverse reactions were monitored on the 14th and 44th days post-treatment. Distinct treatment protocols exhibited varying impacts on the intestinal microecology. When employed as a primary strategy, the combination of Saccharomyces boulardii powder with triple therapy displayed notable efficacy in eradicating initial H. pylori infections among non-ulcer dyspepsia patients. Moreover, this approach demonstrated advantages in alleviating symptoms, exhibited favorable tolerance, and maintained a high level of clinical safety.
Survey to orthopedics surgeons in Italy about Leg length discrepancy and total hip arthroplasty: preoperative and intraoperative management
Authors: Stimolo Davide , Giudice Salvatore Lo , Matassi Fabrizio , Innocenti Matteo , Civinini Roberto , Boniforti Filippo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
We created a Survey for Italian orthopaedics surgeons on how they approach leg length discrepancy (LLD) when dealing with primary total hip arthroplasty. Aim of the study was to show how surgeons manage LLD and follow literature recommendations during clinical practice.
Methods
The Survey was composed of 25 questions divided in 4 sections: 1 -surgeon’s profile, 2 - preoperative and 3 - intraoperative evaluation, 4 - postoperative management. In this paper we report results to answer to section 1 and 2. Absolute and relative frequencies of answers to section 2 and 3 are reported. We divided the participants in subgroups based on the “Surgeon’s profile” and evaluated difference in the answers given.
Results
Absolute and relative frequencies demonstrate low agreement among participants in all phases of LLD management. We demonstrated a statistically significant difference based on the surgeon’s profile regarding these questions: radiographic measure of LLD depending on working experience p = 0.008; digital planning based on surgeons’ age p < 0.001 and workplace p = 0.026; intraoperative anatomical landmarks based on numbers of procedures per year p = 0,020 and use of intraoperative X-rays based on working experience p = 0,002.
Conclusions
LLD is a debated topic with no definitive recommendations. Many decisions still depend on tradition and surgeons’ preference.
Research on the investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings under the carbon emission reduction target
Authors: Song Jintao , Zhang Kai , Liu Piyang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The research on the carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings is of great significance for realizing its popularization and even carbon neutrality in the building industry. Research on carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings from the perspective of investment developers, introducing marginal abatement cost for carbon reduction correlation analysis of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings, defining the connotation, calculation boundary and calculation method of each parameter in the calculation formula, and considering the impact of carbon trading price on the carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings comprehensively, proposing the investment potential value of carbon reduction technology for the first time to measure the carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings. Taking three different energy-saving target design schemes of zero-energy experimental building Sunflower as examples, taking the design schemes of ordinary energy-saving buildings as the benchmark, comparing and analyzing the carbon emission reduction investment potential of passive ultra-low energy buildings and zero-energy buildings using two different heating and air-conditioning systems, namely solar radiant panel system and ground source heat pump system, furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the main factors of zero energy building is carried out to determine its improvement and upgrading ways. The results show that passive ultra-low energy consumption buildings are energy-saving and low-carbon buildings with relatively good carbon emission reduction investment potential, which is consistent with the relevant promotion policies of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings issued by the Chinese government, and verifies the applicability and effectiveness of this research method. Besides, an effective way to improve the carbon reduction investment potential of zero-energy buildings is to significantly reduce the construction costs of their renewable energy systems while minimizing their carbon emissions during the construction and demolition phases.
Expression and purification of inclusion body of Serratia marcescens nuclease relying on SUMO fusion
Authors: Zang Miaoyu , Wei Yuheng , Deng Lin , Xin Wen , Lu Yuncai 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Serratia marcescens nuclease (SM nuclease) can remove nucleic acid residues in recombinant protein drugs and reduce the viscosity of bacteria, exhibiting great significance in investigating these drugs. However, its underexpression in E. coli leads to less protein amount obtained by purification of inclusion body and low enzyme activity. In this study, the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) tag was fused to the N-terminus of the SM nuclease and cloned into the pET28a vector. Subsequently, the expression and purification of inclusion body of the SUMO-fused SM nuclease were compared with those of SM nuclease without SUMO fusion. The results revealed that SUMO fusion elevated the expression of inclusion body of the SM nuclease, but exerted no effect on soluble expression of the protein. Meanwhile, SUMO fusion increased the solubility of inclusion body proteins and enhanced the removal of surface impurities during inclusion body washing. On the other hand, SUMO fusion promoted correct folding of the protein and improved the efficiency of refolding. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) results indicated a protein concentration of 99% after two cycles of affinity chromatography for SUMO-fused SM nuclease. Additionally, the activity of the SUMO-fused protein (4×106 U/mg) was 32 times higher than that of the unfused protein. SUMO fusion yielded approximately 10 mg of SM nuclease protein with a purity of 99% from 1 g of bacteria.
Dome permeability and fluid circulation at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe implied from soil CO2 degassing, thermal flux and self-potential
Authors: Klein Amelie Viktoria , Jessop David E , Donnadieu Franck , Pierre Joanny , Moretti Roberto 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Quantifying subsurface fluid flows and related heat and gas fluxes can provide essential clues for interpreting the evolution of volcanic unrest in volcanoes with active hydrothermal systems. To better constrain the distribution of current hydrothermal activity, we mapped diffuse soil CO \(_2\) degassing, ground temperature and self-potential covering the summit of La Soufrière de Guadeloupe during 2022-23. From these mappings, we identify areas of fluid recharge and the zones and extent of major ascending hydrothermal flows. We provide a first estimate for ground CO$_2$ flux of \SI{3.76+-0.52}{\tonne\per\day} (\SI{0.044+-0.006}{\kg\per\s}), representing about half the CO$_2$ emissions from the summit fumaroles. We find an extensive area of ground heating of at least \SI{15175+-4200}{\m\squared} in area and a total ground heat flux of \SI{2.29+-0.88}{\MW} to \SI{2.79+-0.98}{\MW}, dominated by a convective flux of \SI{2.00+-0.86}{\MW}. These observations indicate that conduction is not always the primary mode of heat transport in hydrothermal volcanoes, especially in highly-altered settings. The prominent summit fractures exert significant control over hydrothermal fluid circulation and delimit a main active zone in the NE sector. The observed shift in subsurface fluid circulation towards this sector may be attributed to a changing ground permeability and may also be related to observed fault widening and the gravitational sliding of the dome's SW flank. Our results indicate that the state of sealing of the dome may be inferred from the mapping of hydrothermal fluid fluxes and that such mappings may help evaluate potential hazards associated with fluid pressurisation.
Proximal Tubal Occlusion First or Oocyte Retrieval First for Patients with Hydrosalpinx?
Authors: Li Jie , Mo Sien , Lin Zhong , Mo Fuhua , Shi Qiuling 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Our study was aimed to investigate the best time to manage hydrosalpinx in order to improve pregnancy outcomes during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
Methods
Patients with hydrosalpinx who received IVF-ET were selected. Two groups were divided to compare the effects of different timing treatment of hydrosalpinx on IVF pregnancy outcomes, "Proximal Tubal Occlusion First Group” (Group Ligation-COH) and “Oocyte Retrieval First Group” (Group COH-Ligation). The main outcome measures included: ovarian response indexes, laboratory indexes and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed for outcome indicators, and the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used.
Results
A total of 1490 patients were included. The Gn initiation dose and MII rate in group Ligation-COH were significantly higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.05). The number of oocytes obtained and the number of available D3 embryos in group COH-Ligation were higher than those in group Ligation-COH (P < 0.05). Although the number of ET cycles per IVF cycle in group COH-Ligation was higher than that in group Ligation-COH (P < 0.05), the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate in group Ligation-COH were significantly higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.05), and the miscarriage rate in group Ligation-COH was lower than that in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age and multiple factors, the above results were still statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). For elderly patients, the clinical pregnancy rate, multiple birth rate and live birth rate in group Ligation-COH were also higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected for patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
Conclusions
For the choice of ligation operation time, we recommend that patients choose tubal ligation first and then ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval treatment.
Large Area Kidney Imaging for Pre-transplant Evaluation using Real-Time Robotic Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zhang Haichong , Ma Xihan , Moradi Mousa , Ma Xiaoyu , Tang Qinggong , Levi Moshe , Chen Yu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging modality that can be used to image microstructures of human kidneys. These images can be analyzed to evaluate the viability of the organ for transplantation. However, current OCT devices suffer from insufficient field-of-view, leading to biased examination outcomes when only small portions of the kidney can be assessed. Here we present a robotic OCT system where an OCT probe is integrated with a robotic manipulator, enabling wider area spatially-resolved imaging. With the proposed system, it becomes possible to comprehensively scan the kidney surface and provide large area parameterization of the microstructures. We verified the probe tracking accuracy with a phantom as 0.0762 ± 0.0727 mm and demonstrated its clinical feasibility by scanning ex vivo kidneys. The parametric map exhibits fine vasculatures beneath the kidney surface. Quantitative analysis on the proximal convoluted tubule from the ex vivo human kidney yields highly clinical-relevant information.
Handling Missing values through Imputation techniques: A Quantitative Survey
Authors: Mohit Mohit Kumar , Devpriya Devpriya Soni 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study examines the various techniques used to address missing datain quantitative studies. It acknowledges that missing data poses challengesto data analysis and presents a range of solutions, from simple methodslike deletion and single imputation to advanced approaches involving mod-eling, multiple imputation, and machine learning. The survey takes both abottom-up and top-down approach in selecting an appropriate method forhandling missing data, where the analysis of the data helps narrow down theoptions for the selection process. The study explores the qualitative benefitsand drawbacks of each technique, considering factors such as the analyticalapproach, missing data handling strategy, sample size, and proportion ofmissing data to assess estimation precision. The researchers employed a the-oretical approach using fictitious data to evaluate the significance of missingdata treatment on estimate precision. The statistical analysis conducted inthis study provides practical guidelines for educational researchers, assistingthem in determining the optimal amount of data to collect, the type of anal-ysis to perform, and the appropriate strategy for addressing missing data toensure the reliability of their studies
Short Term Plasticity as 'Energetic memory' of ion Channels Components of Action Potential
Authors: Ben-Abu Yuval , Wolfson Ira 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Information transfer in the nervous system is traditionally understood by means of transmission of action potentials along neuronal dendrites, with ion channels in the membrane as the basic unit operator for their creation and propagation. We present here a new model for the multiphysics behavior of ion channels and the action potential dynamics in nervous and other signal-transmitting systems. This model builds on the notion of long-term memory-like action potential suppression as a response to mechanical input. While other models focus on the electrical aspects of the action potential, an increasing body of experiments has highlighted its electro-mechanical nature, and, in particular, point towards an alteration of the action potential when subjected to a mechanical input. Here, we propose a new phenomenological framework able to capture the mechanical memory-like dynamics of ion channels and the resulting effect on the overall electrophysiology of the membrane. The model is introduced through a set of coupled differential equations that describe the system while agreeing with the general findings of those experiments. It also confirms that transient quasi-static mechanical loads reversibly affect the amplitude and rate of change of the neuronal action potentials, which are smaller and slower upon indentation loading conditions. Changes after the loading release are also reversible albeit in a different time scale.
Frequency Regulation Bottleneck Scenarios Identification in Large-scale Wind Integrated Power Systems: A Provincial-level Empirical Study in China
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Lu Mengke , Ling Chengxiang , Zhou Jiahao , Li Tianyu , Guan Jun , Chen Hongwei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this paper, large-scale wind power is factored into a frequency regulation model of power system. On this basis, the frequency control of the power system containing this model is investigated under potential bottleneck scenarios. Firstly, the dynamic frequency model of the power system that can reflect the impact of wind power fluctuations on grid frequency is established. Secondly, the research idea for identifying frequency regulation bottleneck scenarios in power systems is proposed, in which the frequency regulation bottleneck scenarios of power systems containing large-scale wind power are explored from the perspectives of wind power penetration rate, wind speed range, and wind speed ramping. Then, two critical bottleneck scenarios are identified: low wind speed with high wind power penetration scenario and wind power ramping in high penetration wind power systems scenario. A 3-node system is used for testing and simulation. Finally, a provincial-level empirical study in China is used to confirm its effectiveness and accuracy in addressing frequency regulation bottlenecks in the presence of large-scale wind power. It provides reference for solving the frequency control problem in large-scale wind power centralized grid connection and improving the penetration of renewable energy, as well as a scenario basis for researching and eliminating bottlenecks.
Short and long term outcomes of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) in gastric varices patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yakoob Rafie , Omar Ahmed , John Anil , Barah Ali , Badi Ahmed , Varughese Betsy , Singh Rajvir , Kaabi Saad Al , Almohannadi Muneera 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Gastric variceal bleeding is one of the major complications of portal hypertension and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of BRTO in gastric varices patients.
Methods: Retrospective single-center study included 36 patients with moderate to large gastric varices who referred to intervention radiology for balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) procedure from January 2007 to December 2019. Short and long post procedural outcomes were analyzed for rebleeding, recurrence of gastric varices, worsening of esophageal varices, and mortality.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.42 ± 9.8 years. Of the 36 patients, 30 (83.3%) were male. The majority of them had diabetes mellitus (21, 58.3%), hypertension (13, 36.1%), and coronary artery disease (3, 8.3%). Hepatitis C virus infection (15, 41.7%) was the predominant cause of liver cirrhosis. The follow-up CT showed immediate hemostasis in all patients except 2 (5.6%), who had hypovolemic shocks. Recurrence of gastric varices were observed in 4 (11.11%) patients, esophageal varices in 2 (5.55%) and both in 1 (2.77%) patient. Ascites and encephalopathy did not exacerbate in any of the patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma developed in two patients during the study period. 8 (22.2%) patients expired during the follow-up period. Kaplan Meir analysis showed that the median survival time was more than 69 months.
Conclusion: BRTO may be a viable solution for prophylactic and therapeutic managing of fundal varices and ectopic variceal bleeding, especially when conventional treatments are unsuccessful or contraindicated.
Potential Impact on Using Aspirin as the Primary Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Twins conceived using ART: A Retrospective Case-Control Study in A Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Huang Dongni , Xie Yao , Duan Pingmei , Wang Jiaxin , Xu Jiacheng , Qi Hongbo , Luo Xin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
With the development of assisted reproductive technology, the number of twin pregnancies is increasing year by year. Given the increased risk of pregnancy complications associated with twin pregnancies, and the fact that these babies are rare and difficult to obtain through assisted reproductive technology, clinicians urgently need to find effective and safe drugs to improve pregnancy outcomes. Aspirin can not only promote placental blood supply, but also effectively anti-inflammatory. Whether aspirin can effectively reduce the risk of pregnancy complications in this special group needs to be clarified. We therefore retrospectively analyzed 665 twin pregnancies from assisted reproduction technology, grouped according to aspirin use, and followed pregnancy outcomes to assess bleeding risk. Aspirin was found to be effective in preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy without a significant risk of bleeding. However, aspirin does not prevent specific complication in twins and may increase the incidence of uterine artery embolization, which should alarm clinicians should not blindly using aspirin in this particular group.
A new thread-level speculative automatic parallelization model and library based on duplicate code execution
Authors: Martinez Millán A. , Fraguela Basilio B. , Cabaleiro José C. , Rivera Francisco F. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Loop-efficient automatic parallelization has become increasingly relevant due to the growing number of cores in current processors and the programming effort needed to parallelize codes in these systems efficiently. However, automatic tools fail to extract all the available parallelism in irregular loops with indirections, race conditions or potential data dependency violations, among many other possible causes. One of the successful ways to automatically parallelize these loops is the use of speculative parallelization techniques. This paper presents a new model and the corresponding C++ library that supports the speculative automatic parallelization of loops in shared memory systems, seeking competitive performance and scalability while keeping user effort to a minimum. The primary speculative strategy consists of redundantly executing chunks of loop iterations in a duplicate fashion. Namely, each chunk is executed speculatively in parallel to obtain results as soon as possible and sequentially in a different thread to validate the speculative results. The implementation uses C++11 threads and it makes intensive use of templates and advanced multithreading techniques. An evaluation based on various benchmarks confirms that our proposal provides a competitive level of performance and scalability.