bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrological and Geological Controls for the Depth Distribution of Dissolved Oxygen and Iron in Silicate Catchments
Authors: Osorio‐Leon Ivan , Bouchez Camille , Chatton Eliot , Lavenant Nicolas , Longuevergne Laurent , Le Borgne Tanguy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDissolved Oxygen (DO) plays a key role in reactive processes and microbial dynamics in the critical zone. Recent observations showed that fractures can provide rapid pathways for oxygen penetration in aquifers, triggering unexpected biogeochemical processes. In the shallow subsurface, DO reacts with electron donors, such as Fe2+ coming from mineral dissolution. Yet, little is known about the factors controlling the spatial heterogeneity and distribution of oxygen with depth. Here we present a reduced analytical model describing the coupled evolution of DO and Fe2+ as a function of fluid travel time in silicate catchments. Our model, validated from fully resolved reactive transport simulations, predicts a linear decay of DO with time, followed by a rapid non‐linear increase of Fe2+ concentrations up to a far‐from‐equilibrium steady‐state. The relative effects of geological and hydrological forcings are quantified through a Damköhler number (Da) and a lithological number (Λ). We use this framework to investigate the depth distribution of DO and Fe2+ in two catchments with similar environmental contexts but contrasted hydrochemical properties. We show that hydrochemical differences are explained by small variations in Da but orders of magnitude variations in Λ. Therefore, we demonstrate that the hydrological and geological drivers controlling hydrochemistry in silicate catchments can be discriminated by analyzing jointly the O2 and Fe2+ evolution with depth. These findings provide a new conceptual framework to understand and predict the evolution of DO in modern groundwater, which plays an important role in critical zone processes.
Postoperative cage migration and subsidence following TLIF surgery is not associated with bony fusion
Authors: Rickert Marcus , Fennema Peter , Wehner Diana , Rahim Tamim , Hölper Bernd , Eichler Michael , Makowski Marcus , Meurer Andrea , Brenneis Marco 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPseudarthrosis following transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) is not infrequent. Although cage migration and subsidence are commonly regarded as evidence of the absence of solid fusion, there is still no evidence of the influence of cage migration and subsidence on fusion. This study aimed to evaluate cage migration and subsidence using computed tomography (CT) DICOM data following lumbar interbody fusion. The effects of cage migration and subsidence on fusion and clinical outcomes were also assessed. A postoperative CT data set of 67 patients treated with monosegmental TLIF was analyzed in terms of cage position. To assess the effects of cage migration and subsidence on fusion, 12-month postoperative CT scans were used to assess fusion status. Clinical evaluation included the visual analog scale for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index. Postoperative cage migration occurred in 85.1% of all patients, and cage subsidence was observed in 58.2%. Radiological signs of pseudarthrosis was observed in 7.5% of the patients Neither cage migration nor subsidence affected the clinical or radiographic outcomes. No correlation was found between clinical and radiographic outcomes. The incidence of cage migration was considerable. However, as cage migration and subsidence were not associated with bony fusion, their clinical significance was considered limited.
Analysis of the characterization of NaOH-treated natural cellulose fibre extracted from banyan aerial roots
Authors: Thandavamoorthy Raja , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Thanappan Subash 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNatural fibre is renewable and extensively utilized for structural and medicinal applications. The current research concentrates on surface modification for fibre enhancement using an alkaline treatment technique to extract raw fibre from banyan (Ficus benghalensis) aerial root bark. Using a 10% NaOH solution, attempts have been made to improve the crystalline, surface, thermal, physical, and chemical properties of banyan aerial root fibre (BAF). Five samples of BAF were produced by soaking the unprocessed fibre in an alkaline solution for variable amounts of time. On the surface of the treated BAF, a higher concentration of cellulose could be seen. The X-Ray Diffraction test revealed that the crystallinity index improved by 52%, with a crystalline dimension of 51.2 nm. It was observed that the crystalline content is increased in treated Banyan aerial root fiber due to this alkali treatment. The significance of natural fibre characterization is also briefly discussed, and this summary will serve as a resource for future studies on natural fibre composites by other researchers.
Understanding the impact of spinal cord injury on the microbiota of healthy skin and pressure injuries
Authors: Wettstein Reto , Valido Ezra , Buergin Joel , Haumer Alexander , Speck Nicole , Capossela Simona , Stoyanov Jivko , Bertolo Alessandro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPressure injuries (PI) are a common issue among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), especially in the sitting areas of the body. Considering the risk of infections occurring to PI during the wound healing process, the skin microbiome is likely to be a source of bacteria. We investigated the relationship between skin and PI microbiomes, and assessed any correlation with clinically relevant outcomes related to PI. Samples were isolated from SCI patients undergoing reconstructive surgery of PI, severity grades III and IV. DNA samples from skin and PI were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our results showed disparities in microbiome composition between skin and PI. The skin had lower diversity, while PI showed increased bacterial homogeneity as the severity grade progressed. The skin bacterial composition varied based on its location, influenced by Cutibacterium. Compositional differences were identified between PI grades III and IV, with clusters of bacteria colonizing PI, characterized by Pseudomonas, Proteus and Peptoniphilus. The skin and PI microbiomes were not affected by the level of the SCI. Our study highlights the differences in the microbiome of skin and PI in SCI patients. These findings could be used to target specific bacteria for PI treatment in clinical practice.
OPG/RANK/RANKL axis relation to cardiac iron-overload in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia
Authors: Sayed Samira Zein , Abd El-Hafez Asmaa Hosni , Abu El-ela Mostafa Ahmed , Mourad Mohamed Aboul-fotouh , Mousa Suzan Omar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOPG/RANK/RANKL axis was reportedly involved in initiating various diseases, especially bone and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the relationship between some OPG, RANK, and RANKL polymorphisms and alleles and iron-overload-induced cardiomyopathy in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). This study included 80 TDT children and 80 age and sex-matched controls. Real-time PCR was done for rs207318 polymorphism for the OPG gene and rs1805034, rs1245811, and rs75404003 polymorphisms for the RANK gene, and rs9594782 and rs2277438 polymorphisms for the RANKL gene. Cardiac T2* MRI and ejection fraction (EF) were done to assess the myocardial iron status and cardiac function. In this study, there were no significant differences in frequencies of the studied polymorphisms between cases and controls (p > 0.05 in all). In TDT children, OPG rs2073618 (G > C) had a significant relation to myocardial iron overload (p = 0.02). Its C allele had significantly more frequent normal EF than its G allele (p = 0.04). RANK rs75404403 (C > DEL) had a significant relation to cardiac dysfunction (p = 0.02). Moreover, the C allele of that gene had significantly more frequent affected EF than its DEL allele (p = 0.02). The A allele of RANKL rs2277438 (G > A) had significantly less frequent severe cardiac iron overload than the G allele (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the OPG/ RANK/RANKL genes may act as genetic markers for iron-induced cardiomyopathy in TDT children. Some of the studied genes’ polymorphisms and alleles were significantly related to myocardial iron overload and cardiac dysfunction in TDT children.
Elderly female ultra-marathoners reduced the gap to male ultra-marathoners in Swiss running races
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Witthöft Anja , Valero David , Thuany Mabliny , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Scheer Volker , Forte Pedro , Weiss Katja 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRecent studies showed that female runners reduced the performance gap to male runners in endurance running with increasing age and race distance. However, the investigated samples were generally small. To investigate this further, the present study examined sex differences by age across various race distances (5, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon) using a large dataset of over 1,100,000 race records from Switzerland over two decades (1999–2019). The study explored performance and participation disparities between male and female runners by employing diverse methods, such as descriptive statistics, histograms, scatter and line plots, correlations, and a predictive machine learning model. The results showed that female runners were more prevalent in shorter races (5, 10 km, half-marathon) and outnumbered male runners in 5 km races. However, as the race distance increased, the male-to-female ratio declined. Notably, the performance gap between sexes reduced with age until 70 years, after which it varied depending on the race distance. Among participants over 75 years old, ultra-marathon running exhibited the smallest sex difference in performance. Elderly female ultra-marathoners (75 years and older) displayed a performance difference of less than 4% compared to male ultra-marathoners, which may be attributed to the presence of highly selected outstanding female performers.
Investigating pathogenic SNP of PKCι in HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Khan Naila , Khan Khushbukhat , Badshah Yasmin , Trembley Janeen H. , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Shabbir Maria , Danish Lubna , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Justin Saira , Hasan Zafarul , Razak Suhail 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths due to its complexity in diagnosis, chemo-resistance, and aggressive nature. Identifying pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in protein kinase C iota (PKCι) can be a potential biomarker in the prognosis and treatment of HCC. This study investigated the association between a SNP in PRKCI and the Pakistani population's hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Obtained samples were first evaluated for ALT measurements and viral load quantification through reverse transcriptase-PCR. The PKCι nsSNP rs1199520604 was evaluated computationally by multiple consensus bioinformatics tools for predicting its potential deleterious effects. Its association with hepatitis C virus- (HCV) mediated HCC was then investigated through ARMS-PCR (Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction). SNP analysis of rs1199520604 was performed in 100 cases and 100 controls. Variant rs1199520604’s homozygous T genotype is a risk factor allele for the HCV-induced HCC (odds ratio: 4.13, relative risk: 2.01, P-value < 0.0001). The heterozygous genotype is determined to protect HCV patients from HCC development (P < 0.001). The study highlighted the disease association of variant rs1199520604 with HCV-induced HCC in the Pakistani populations. This variant, after further validation through high-throughput investigation on a larger cohort, has the potential to be translated at the clinical level.
Precise region semantics‐assisted GAN for pose‐guided person image generation
Authors: Liu Ji , Weng Zhenyu , Zhu Yuesheng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGenerating a realistic person's image from one source pose conditioned on another different target pose is a promising computer vision task. The previous mainstream methods mainly focus on exploring the transformation relationship between the keypoint‐based source pose and the target pose, but rarely investigate the region‐based human semantic information. Some current methods that adopt the parsing map neither consider the precise local pose‐semantic matching issues nor the correspondence between two different poses. In this study, a Region Semantics‐Assisted Generative Adversarial Network (RSA‐GAN) is proposed for the pose‐guided person image generation task. In particular, a regional pose‐guided semantic fusion module is first developed to solve the imprecise match issue between the semantic parsing map from a certain source image and the corresponding keypoints in the source pose. To well align the style of the human in the source image with the target pose, a pose correspondence guided style injection module is designed to learn the correspondence between the source pose and the target pose. In addition, one gated depth‐wise convolutional cross‐attention based style integration module is proposed to distribute the well‐aligned coarse style information together with the precisely matched pose‐guided semantic information towards the target pose. The experimental results indicate that the proposed RSA‐GAN achieves a 23% reduction in LPIPS compared to the method without using the semantic maps and a 6.9% reduction in FID for the method with semantic maps, respectively, and also shows higher realistic qualitative results.
Position‐aware pushing and grasping synergy with deep reinforcement learning in clutter
Authors: Zhao Min , Zuo Guoyu , Yu Shuangyue , Gong Daoxiong , Wang Zihao , Sie Ouattara 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe positional information of objects is crucial to enable robots to perform grasping and pushing manipulations in clutter. To effectively perform grasping and pushing manipulations, robots need to perceive the position information of objects, including the coordinates and spatial relationship between objects (e.g., proximity, adjacency). The authors propose an end‐to‐end position‐aware deep Q‐learning framework to achieve efficient collaborative pushing and grasping in clutter. Specifically, a pair of conjugate pushing and grasping attention modules are proposed to capture the position information of objects and generate high‐quality affordance maps of operating positions with features of pushing and grasping operations. In addition, the authors propose an object isolation metric and clutter metric based on instance segmentation to measure the spatial relationships between objects in cluttered environments. To further enhance the perception capacity of position information of the objects, the authors associate the change in the object isolation metric and clutter metric in cluttered environment before and after performing the action with reward function. A series of experiments are carried out in simulation and real‐world which indicate that the method improves sample efficiency, task completion rate, grasping success rate and action efficiency compared to state‐of‐the‐art end‐to‐end methods. Noted that the authors’ system can be robustly applied to real‐world use and extended to novel objects. Supplementary material is available at https://youtu.be/NhG\_k5v3NnM}{https://youtu.be/NhG\_k5v3NnM.
Kann die Phytotherapie Long-/Post-Covid-Patient*innen helfen?
Authors: Niklas Anke 
Published: August 2023

SummaryEinige Phytotherapeutika können auf empirischer Basis einen Therapieversuch rechtfertigen. „Meiner Erfahrung nach sind viele Long-/Post-Covid-Patient*innen dankbar, wenn sie überhaupt etwas versuchen können“, sagt Prof. Karin Kraft. Welche Phytotherapeutika infrage kommen und worauf es ankommt, erklärt sie im zkm-Interview.
Yogatherapie bei Erschöpfung und Fatigue
Authors: Peters Alexander 
Published: August 2023

SummaryErschöpfung ist ein Zustand, der bei anhaltenden und schwerwiegenden Belastungen eintritt, die nicht mehr kompensiert werden können. Neben Symptomen wie Müdigkeit oder einem Gefühl innerer Leere treten bei Erschöpfung auch körperliche Beschwerden wie Schlafstörungen oder erhöhter Blutdruck auf. Die Yogatherapie kann Betroffenen helfen, den Erschöpfungszustand zu überwinden. Durch sie lernen Erschöpfungs­patient*innen, kurzfristig ihre Körperwahrnehmung zu verbessern und Selbstfürsorge einzuüben sowie mittel- und langfristig ihre Belastbarkeit im Alltag zu erhöhen, ein Krankheitsverständnis zu entwickeln und ein neues Gleichgewicht von Leistungsfähigkeit und Entspannung zu finden.
Neue Kraft tanken mit Ayurveda – Traditionelle multimodale Behandlung von Erschöpfung und Burnout
Authors: Katharina Schiele HP Julia , Keßler Christian S. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryAyurveda bietet Menschen mit Erschöpfung oder Burnout individuell abgestimmte multimodale Therapiemöglichkeiten, um wieder in ihre Kraft zu kommen. Zentrale Bedeutung haben hierbei aufbauende, nährende, wärmende und auf Rhythmus und Stabilität ausgerichtete Maßnahmen in Lebensgestaltung und Therapie, um Geweberegeration und Resilienzförderung (rasayana) zu ermöglichen. Dazu gehören vata-reduzierende und sattva-stärkende Ernährung mit Fokus auf ojas-Aufbau und die Nutzung phytotherapeutischer Heilmittel. Gleichsam können sanfte Ausleitungsverfahren, äußere Ölanwendungen sowie beruhigende, ausgleichende Atemtechniken, Meditation und ­Yoga-Praktiken effektiv zur Regeneration beitragen. Eine realistische, kleinschrittige Herangehensweise mit ausreichend Unterstützung eines einfühlsamen Teams aus Therapeutinnen und Therapeuten und einem supportiven sozialen Umfeld unterstützen den Genesungsprozess nachhaltig.
Safety and Feasibility of Long-Distance Aeromedical Transport of Neonates and Children in Fixed-Wing Air Ambulance
Authors: Veldman Alex , Krummer Stefanie , Schwabe Dirk , Diefenbach Michael , Fischer Doris , Schmitt-Kästner Sophie , Rohrbeck Cornelia , Pannu Ruby 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn cases of critical injury or illness abroad, fixed-wing air ambulance aircraft is employed to repatriate children to their home country. Air ambulance aircraft also transport children to foreign countries for treatment not locally available and newborns back home that have been born prematurely abroad. In this retrospective observational study, we investigated demographics, feasibility, and safety and outcomes of long-distance and international aeromedical transport of neonates and children. The study included 167 pediatric patients, 56 of those preterm neonates. A total of 41 patients were ventilated, 45 requiring oxygen prior to the transport, 57 transferred from an intensive care unit (ICU), and 48 to an ICU. Patients were transported by using Learjet 31A, Learjet 45, Learjet 55, and Bombardier Challenger 604, with a median transport distance of 1,008 nautical miles (NM), median transport time of 04:45 hours (median flight time = 03:00 hours), flight time ≥8 hours in 15 flights, and transport time ≥8 hours in 29 missions. All transports were accompanied by a pediatric physician/nurse team. An increase in FiO2 during the transport was documented in 47/167 patients (28%). Therapy escalation (other than increased oxygen) was reported in 18 patients, and technical adverse events in 3 patients. No patient required CPR or died during the transport. Clinical transport outcome was rated by the accompanying physician as unchanged in 163 transports, improved in 4, and deteriorated in none. In summary, international, long-distance transport of neonatal and pediatric patients performed by experienced and well-equipped transport teams is feasible. Neither major adverse events nor physician-rated clinical deteriorations were observed in this group of patients.
Role of “Compartment Pressure” Measurement in Extensive Burns of Extremities
Authors: Sahi R. P. , Mahendra N. N. , Bhatnagar S. K. , Gupta S. B. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe rise in “compartment pressure”, following deep or circumferential burns of extremities, leads to production of “compartment syndrome”. The resultant reduction of perfusion pressure causes ischaemic necrosis of unburnt deeper tissues in the limbs. This can be prevented by accurate measurement of “compartment pressure” for which needle infusion technique has been used in this study. The procedure was found to be simple, cheap and reliable . To prevent ischaemic tissue necrosis the measurement of “compartment pressure” should be added to the list of parameters used for evaluating patients with thermal injury of the limbs.
Compression Osteosynthesis in Craniofacial Injuries
Authors: Patel Kiran M. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryA simple ingenious external bone fixator has been devised for the management of craniofacial fractures based on the assumption that the proper reduction of fractures and maintaining the fracture segment in the reduced state are very important factors in primary bone healing. The Kiran fixator helps in osteogenesis by compressing the fractured segments against each other. It can be used for the management of all types of fractures of the facial bones e.g. Lefort II, Lefort III, fractures of the naso-ethmoidal complex and mandibular fractures. The use of the fixators have convincingly improved the quality of care and the results in the group of patients treated at the plastic surgery hospital in Ahmedabad.
Role of Early Tendon Transfers in Radial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Pandey S. D. , Kumar Pramod , Chandra Ramesh , Singh Arun Kumar 
Published: August 2023

SummarySixteen cases of wrist drop were managed by tendon transfers using Boyes Technique for early rehabilitation. The procedure was found useful both in remedial and irremedial radial nerve lesions. In the former they act as internal splints during the period of recovery. Results in high as well as in low radial nerve lesion were equally good. Patients were able to return to their original work, 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.
A Method of Managing Hemicranial Scalp Loss
Authors: Bhattacharya V. , Sinha J. K. , Tripathi F. M. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryA method of management for hemicranial scalp loss is described. The contralateral hair bearing scalp is transferred anteriorly. In due course it enables the individual to cover the denuded area by natural hairs with a better aesthetic result and near normal rehabilitation in the society.
Unilateral Absence of Nose with Lateral Proboscis (A Case Report)
Authors: Yadava V. N. S. , Singh D. P. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryAn extremely rare congenital malformation in a male child having complete absence of the nose on the right side with unilateral proboscis arising from the supracanthal region on the same side is being reported here for favour of documentation in the literature. The morphology and embryology of this malformation has also been discussed.
Size and strain modulation of dielectric constant on atomic bond relaxation
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhu Min , Yang Liwen , Huang Yonggang , Yang Xuexian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
From the viewpoints of bond order-length-strength correlation, core–shell structural model, and local bond average approach, we examined the size and strain effects on the dielectric constant of the transition metal dichalcogenides system. Consistency in theoretical results and reported values confirms that: (i) the surface atomic coordination number deficiency and bond energy perturbation dictate the size effect of the dielectric constant for nanometric semiconductors, and (ii) the bond elongation and softening lead to the tensile strain-induced rise in dielectric constant. The analytical function of dielectric constant dependence on size and strain is beyond the scope of available approaches, which not only provides a new understanding of the physical mechanism of the dielectric response to perturbations but also is helpful in the quantitative design of optoelectronic and photovoltaic nanodevices.