bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparities in Postoperative Opioid Prescribing by Race and Ethnicity: An Electronic Health Records-Based Observational Study
Authors: Romanelli Robert J. , Shenoy Rivfka , Martinez Meghan C. , Mudiganti Satish , Mariano Louis T. , Zanocco Kyle A. , Wagner Zachary , Kirkegaard Allison , Watkins Katherine E. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Prior studies on disparities in postoperative opioid prescribing have focused primarily on in-hospital opioid administration or long-term opioid use, with fewer studies examining discharge opioid prescribing for adults, and no studies looking across different surgical subspecialties or service lines. We sought to examine racial and ethnic disparities in postoperative opioid prescribing to test the hypothesis that racial and ethnic minority groups receive opioid prescriptions at postoperative discharge with lower morphine milligram equivalents (MME) than non-Hispanic whites (NHW).
Methods: We utilized electronic health records (EHR) data across 24 hospitals from a healthcare delivery system in northern California from January 1, 2015 to February 2, 2020 (study period). The sample included adult patients undergoing a procedure during the study period, discharged to home with an opioid prescription. Cross-sectional, secondary data analyses were conducted to examine differences by race and ethnicity in opioid prescribing, measured as MME, among patients who underwent select, but commonly performed, surgical procedures. Linear regression models included adjustment for factors that would likely influence prescribing decisions and race and ethnicity-specific propensity weights. Opioid prescribing, overall and by race and ethnicity, was also compared to postoperative opioid guidelines.
Results: Among 61,564 patients, on adjusted regression analysis, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients received prescriptions with higher mean MME than NHW patients (+6.4% [95% confidence interval: 4.4%, 8.3%]), whereas Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian patients received lower mean MME (-4.2% [-5.1%, -3.2%] and -3.6% [-4.8%, -2.3%], respectively). Nevertheless, 72.8% of all patients received prescriptions above guidelines, ranging from 71.0% to 80.3% by race and ethnicity. Disparities in prescribing were eliminated among Hispanic and NHB patients versus NHW patients when prescriptions were written within guideline recommendations.
Conclusions: Racial and ethnic disparities in opioid prescribing exist in the postoperative setting, yet all groups received prescriptions above guideline recommendations. Policies encouraging guideline-based postoperative prescribing can reduce disparities and overall excess prescribing.
Trehalose versus carboxymethylcellulose oral spray for relieving radiation-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Ferreira Joao N. , Pravinvongvuthi Kulpriya , Maison Khwanchanok , Urkasemsin Ganokon , Boonroung Thirayu , Prayongrat Anussara , Lertbutsayanukul Chawalit , Sucharitakul Jeerus , Vacharaksa Anjalee 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trehalose oral spray to relieve radiation-induced xerostomia on a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Methods
Prior to RCT, the effect of trehalose (5–20%) on the epithelial growth of fetal mouse salivary gland (SG) explants was evaluated to confirm if 10% trehalose exerted the best epithelial outcomes. Participants who completed radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment were enrolled in a double-blind RCT, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria as per the CONSORT statement. The experimental group (n = 35) received 10% trehalose spray, while the control group (n = 35) received carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) spray to apply intra-orally 4 times/day for 14 days. Salivary pH and volume were recorded pre- and post-interventions. The Xerostomia-related Quality of Life scale (XeQoLs) was filled, and scores assessed post-interventions.
Results
In the SG explant model, pro-acinar epithelial growth and mitosis was supported by 10% topical trehalose. As for RCT outcomes, salivary pH and volume were significantly improved after use of 10% trehalose spray when compared to CMC (p < 0.05). Participants reported an improvement of XeQoLs dimension scores after using trehalose or CMC oral sprays in terms of physical, pain/discomfort, and psychological dimensions (p < 0.05), but not social (p > 0.05). When comparing between CMC and trehalose sprays, XeQoLs total scores were not statistically different (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
The 10% trehalose spray improved salivary pH, saliva volume, and the quality-of-life dimensions linked with physical, pain/discomfort, and psychological signs; therefore, this oral formulation can be used alternatively to CMC. (Thai Clinical Trials Registry; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/ TCTR20190817004)
Multi-Objective edge server placement using the whale optimization algorithm and Game theory
Authors: asghari ali , Azgomi Hossein , Darvishmofarahi Zahra 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
With the emergence of the fifth-generation technology of telecommunication networks, the rapid growth of user's mobile equipment, as well as the emergence of new applications such as the Internet of Things, online education, e-commerce, multimedia applications, and social networks, a new paradigm has been opened in the field of information technology. Due to the users' mobility, new online applications, as well as low processing power, and limited energy of smart devices, traditional cloud computing models could not meet these new services. Therefore, mobile cloud computing was quickly formed. Cloud service providers improved the quality of their services by moving some of the servers to the edge of the network and in the vicinity of mobile users. In this regard, several architectures and protocols of mobile cloud computing models have been introduced by some researchers. Considering the mobility nature of users and the heterogeneous service demands in different areas, the optimal placement of these resources plays an important role in increasing the quality of service provided to users. However, due to a large number of servers, finding the optimal location of all servers is considered a serious challenge. In the proposed method of this paper (MES-WG), in the first step, the geographical area of server deployment is divided into smaller sub-areas to reduce the complexity of the problem. Then, by using the WOA algorithm, the search begins to find the optimal location of the servers. Then, the neural network is used for the local placement of all servers in each area. And finally, in the last step, game theory is deployed for the convergence of resource placement in all zones. The experimental results show that the proposed method better balances the workload on resources and reduces access latency and the number of servers, compared with some similar and state-of-the-art algorithms.
Transformations of native and added chromium among soil fractions by addition of amendments and different contact periods
Authors: Rani Neeraj , Singh Dhanwinder , Dhingra Nitish 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
An experiment was carried out to study the effect of farm yard manure (FYM) and lime addition on the distribution of native and added chromium among various soil chromium (Cr-VI) fractions, namely exchangeable and water soluble (Ex + WS), carbonate bound (CARB), easily reducible oxides (ERO's), organic matter bound (OM), reducible oxides (RO's), and residual (RES) fractions of non-contaminated surface soil. The study was performed with three different treatments (FYM@1%, lime @1% and no amendment) and for eight contact periods (1, 3, 7, 21, 42, 63, 84, and 105 days). The overall trend in Cr fractions shows that a more significant proportion of native Cr was associated with the residual fraction, followed by reducible oxide and organic matter fractions. The lowest concentration of Cr was observed to be in the exchangeable fraction. The addition of different concentrations of Cr increased the Cr content in each fraction with a higher increase in more labile fractions (water-soluble + exchangeable) at a lesser contact period, and further transformation of Cr to relatively lesser available fractions was observed with the increase in the time of contact.
Associations between urinary parabens and lung cancer
Authors: Mao Weili , Qu Jianli , Zhong Songyang , Wu Xilin , Mao Kaili , Liao Kaizhen , jin hangbiao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Parabens are a family of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Environmental estrogens may play a vital role in the development of lung cancer. To date, the association between parabens and lung cancer is unknown. Based on the 189 cases and 198 controls recruited between 2018 and 2021 in Quzhou, China, we measured 5 urinary parabens concentrations and examine the association between urinary concentrations of parabens and lung cancer risk. Cases showed significantly higher median concentrations of methyl-paraben (MeP) (2.1 vs 1.8 ng/mL), ethyl-paraben (0.98 vs 0.66 ng/mL), propyl-paraben (PrP) (2.2 vs 1.4 ng/mL), and butyl-paraben (0.33 vs 0.16 ng/mL) than controls. The significant association between urinary concentrations of PrP and the risk of lung cancer (odds ratio (OR)adjusted = 2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76, 2.75; Ptrend < 0.001) was identified in the adjusted model. In the stratified analysis, we found that urinary concentrations of MeP were significantly associated with lung cancer risk (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.27 for the highest quartile group). Besides, comparing the second, third, and fourth quartile groups with the lowest group of PrP, the adjusted OR was 1.52 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.65, Ptrend = 0.007), 1.39 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.60, Ptrend = 0.010), and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.53, 2.30, Ptrend = 0.001), respectively. Parabens exposure, reflected in urinary concentrations of parabens, may be positively associated with the risk of lung cancer in adults.
Loss of function mutation in progressive ankylosis gene causes aberrant mineralization and acquisition of osteoblast-like-phenotype by the cells of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Ohnishi Takashi , Tran Victoria , Sao Kimheak , Ramteke Pranay , Querido William , de Wetering Koen van , Risbud Makarand 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Pathological mineralization of intervertebral disc is debilitating and painful and linked to disc degeneration in a subset of human patients. An adenosine triphosphate transporter, progressive ankylosis (ANK) is a regulator of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate levels and plays an important role in tissue mineralization. However, the function of ANK in intervertebral disc has not been fully explored. Herein we analyzed the spinal phenotype of Ank mutant mice (ank/ank) with attenuated ANK function. Micro-computed tomography and histological analysis showed that loss of ANK function results in aberrant annulus fibrosus mineralization and peripheral disc fusions with cranial to caudal progression in the spine. Vertebrae in ank/ank mice exhibit elevated cortical bone mass and increased tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase-positive endplate chondrocytes with decreased subchondral endplate porosity. The acellular dystrophic mineral inclusions in the annulus fibrosus were localized adjacent to apoptotic cells and cells that acquired osteoblast-like phenotype. Fourier transform infrared spectral imaging showed that the mineral in the outer annulus fibrosus had similar chemical composition to that of vertebral bone. Microarray-based transcriptomic analysis of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues showed changes in several pathways associated with mineralization including transforming growth factor β and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. The present study provides new insights into the role of ANK in the disc tissue compartments, and highlights the importance of local inorganic pyrophosphate metabolism in inhibiting mineralization of this important connective tissue.
Thalamocortical control of cell-type specificity drives a circuit for processing whisker-related information in mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Young Timothy , Yamamoto Mariko , Kikuchi Satomi , Yoshida Aya , Abe Takaya , Inoue Kenichi , Johansen Joshua , Benucci Andrea , Yoshimura Yumiko , Shimogori Tomomi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Excitatory spiny stellate neurons are prominently featured in the cortical circuits of sensory modalities that provide high salience and high acuity representations of the environment. These specialized neurons are considered developmentally linked to bottom-up inputs from the thalamus, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their diversification and function are unknown. Here, we investigated this in mouse somatosensory cortex, where spiny stellate neurons and pyramidal neurons have distinct roles in processing whisker-evoked signals. Utilizing spatial transcriptomics, we identified reciprocal patterns of gene expression which correlated with these cell-types and were linked to innervation by specific thalamic inputs during development. Genetic manipulation that prevents the acquisition of spiny stellate fate highlighted an important role for these neurons in processing distinct whisker signals within functional cortical columns, and as a key driver in the formation of specific whisker-related circuits in the cortex.
Cough Desensitization Treatment for Patients with Refractory Chronic Cough: Results of a Second Pilot Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Slovarp Laurie J. , Reynolds Jane E. , Tolbert Sophia , Campbell Sarah , Welby Shannon , Morkrid Paige 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective

The purpose of this study was to collect pilot efficacy data on a novel treatment for refractory chronic cough (RCC), which we call cough desensitization treatment (CDT).

Design and Methods

In this parallel cohort, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial, 21 adults with RCC were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of either CDT (progressive doses of aerosolized capsaicin while behaviorally suppressing cough; n = 11) or a sham treatment (repeated exposure to aerosolized saline; n = 9). The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) was the primary outcome measure. Perceived cough severity with a visual analogue scale and cough challenge testing (for measuring cough-reflex sensitivity) were secondary outcome measures. Data were analyzed with mixed effects linear regression and follow-up contrasts.

Results

Results on all measures favored CDT. Excluding one sham participant, whose baseline LCQ scores were deemed unreliable, mean change in LCQ at 3-weeks post treatment was 6.35 and 2.17 in the CDT and sham groups, respectively. There was moderate to strong evidence of a greater improvement in the CDT group in total LCQ score (p = .058) and LCQ Psychological domain (p = .026) and Physical domain (p = .045) scores. Strong evidence was found for a greater reduction in urge-to-cough during CCT in the CDT group (p = .037) and marginal for a reduction in the capsaicin cough-reflex sensitivity (p = .094). There was weak evidence of a greater reduction in cough severity in the CDT group (p = .103).

Discussion

Although the study is limited due to the small sample size, the data provide additional evidence supporting further research on CDT. CDT resulted in a greater change in the primary efficacy measure (LCQ) than both pharmaceutical and behavioral treatments currently found in the literature.

Trial Registration

This trial (NCT05226299) was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 07/02/2022.
Bladder Stones Spontaneous extruding through the urethra to Perianal tissue and finally making its way to the Skin. Is it the natural course when neglected?
Authors: Getahun* Gashaw Messele 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Spontaneous extrusion of bladder stone to perianal area has not been reported so far. We, therefore, report a case and discuss that this may be the natural course of the disease when neglected.
The roles of meteorological variables, demographic factors, and policy response measures in the variation of COVID-19 daily cases: Evidence from different climate zones
Authors: Lyu Yiran , Wang Yu , Jiang Chao , Ding Cheng , Zhai Mengying , Xu Kaiqiang , Wei Lan , Wang Jiao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
It is widely considered that weather conditions affect the spread of COVID-19, but to date, the collective influence of demographic factors and government policy response measures have hardly been considered. The objective of this study is to utilize a machine learning method to assess the corresponding roles of meteorological variables, demographic factors, and government response measures in daily new cases of COVID-19 among multiple climate zones at city/county level. The overall model showed good performance with a validated R2 of 0.86, as satisfactory as individual climate zone models. Population density ranked the most important factor, followed by meteorological variables and response measures. Ultraviolet radiation and temperature dominated among meteorological factors, but the association with daily new cases seemed to be inconsistent among different climate zones. Implementing stricter response measures could help effectively contain the spread of COVID-19, but did so with a lagged effect, and the typical lockdown measures might not be applicable to all climate conditions. This study preliminarily analyzed the roles of certain factors in the transmission of COVID-19, and provided practical evidence for developing an early health warning system of global pandemics by leveraging big data technology and multiple sourced data fusion.
Effect of "motivational interviewing," and "information, motivation and behavioral skills" counseling interventions on choosing the mode of delivery in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shirzad Mahboubeh , Shakibazadeh Elham , Sheikhatari Payam , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Abedini Mehrandokht , Poursharifi Hamid 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: This randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the effects of "motivational interviewing" and "information, motivation and behavioral skills" counseling interventions on choosing the mode of delivery in pregnant women in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: In a four-armed, parallel-design randomized controlled trial, 120 women were randomly assigned to three interventions and one control groups. The intervention groups included the following: 1) motivational interviewing (MI group); 2) face-to-face information, motivation, and behavioural skills training (IMB group); and 3) information, motivation, and behavioural skills training provided using a mobile application (IMB-App. group). The control group received usual antenatal care. The inclusion criteria included being in gestational age from 24 to 32 weeks at the time of recruitment, being literate, being able to speak Persian, and having no complications in the current pregnancy, having no indications for Cesarean section, and having enough time to participate in the study. The primary outcome of the study was the mode of delivery. The secondary outcomes included women's intentions to undergo Cesarean section (CS) and self-efficacy for choosing the mode of delivery.
Results: More than half of the women (56.7%) in the intervention groups preferred to undergo NVD. However, only 37.5% of them underwent NVD. The participants’ self-efficacy scores and intentions to choose the mode of delivery significantly increased (P < 0.05) in all three intervention groups. The participants in the IMB-App group reported significantly higher self-efficacy and intentions compared with the other two intervention groups and the control group.
Conclusions: Brief educational and motivation enhancement interventions could positively help pregnant women to choose normal vaginal delivery instead of unnecessary CS. Moreover, women's self-efficacy and intention to choose mode of delivery were improved in all three interventions, especially when offered using a mobile application. The use of non-expensive brief psycho-educational interventions may significantly reduce unnecessary CS, especially when combined with other evidence-based strategies to change healthcare providers’ practices and institutional policies.
Trial registration: This study has been registered in Iran's Randomized Clinical Trial Center (IRCT20151208025431N7), registered on (07/12/2018).
Emergent constraints on carbon budgets as a function of global warming
Authors: Cox Peter , Williamson Mark , Friedlingstein Pierre , Jones Chris , Rogelj Joeri 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The discovery of a near-proportionality between cumulative anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and global warming since pre-industrial times is arguably the most important policy-relevant simplification of climate change science in the last 25 years. Unfortunately, the latest CMIP6 Earth System Models continue to diagnose a wide range of carbon budgets for each level of global warming. In this paper we present emergent constraints on the carbon budget as a function of global warming, which combine the available CMIP6 Earth System Model historical simulations and future projections with observational estimates of global warming and anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the present day. We derive estimates for cumulative carbon budgets for the Paris targets of 1.5oC and 2oC of global warming of 812 +/- 121 PgC and 1048 +/- 167 PgC, which are significantly larger than the ensemble mean values from the CMIP6 models of 727 +/- 181 PgC and 911 +/- 247 PgC. Our approach produces estimates of the remaining carbon budgets for 1.5oC and 2.0oC within the uncertainty bounds of values given in the IPCC WG1 6th Assessment report, without requiring individual assumptions about the likely range of a number of climate and carbon cycle sensitivity factors, or implicit assumptions about changes in non-CO2 forcing factors. We infer a reduced mean specific carbon budget in the future (473+/-80 PgC/oC beyond 1.2oC of global warming) compared to the past (553+/82 PgC/oC ), primarily due to the decline in cooling atmospheric aerosols. However, the linearity between future cumulative emissions and future global warming is found to be maintained at least until 4oC of global warming, and is consistent with an effective Transient Climate Response to Emissions (TCRE) of 2.1 oC per trillion tonnes of carbon (likely range of 1.8 to 2.6 oC/1000PgC), from now onwards.
Optical fiber-based key for remote authentication of users and optical fiber line
Authors: Yarovikov Mikhail , Smirnov Alexander , Zhdanova Ekaterina , Gutor Alexander , Vyatkin Mikhail 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We have shown the opportunity to use the unique inhomogeneities of the internal structure of an optical fiber waveguide for remote authentication of users or an optic fiber line. Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) is demonstrated to be applicable to observing unclonable backscattered signal patterns at distances of tens of kilometers. The physical nature of the detected patterns was explained, and their characteristic spatial periods were investigated. The patterns are caused by the refractive index fluctuations of a standard telecommunication fiber. We have experimentally verified that the patterns are an example of a Physically Unclonable Function (PUF). The uniqueness and reproducibility of the patterns have been demonstrated and an authentication protocol has been provided.