bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Radiographical Efficacy of Single Prone Position Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion in Lumbar Degenerative Disease
Authors: Lu Yi , Li Sz-Huei , Yeh Yu-Cheng , Hsieh Ming-Kai , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Hu Yung-Hsueh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose: Degenerative lumbar diseases like disc degeneration and spinal stenosis significantly impact older adults, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Surgical options like interbody fusion stabilize the spine, with techniques like oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) gaining popularity. Single prone position oblique lateral interbody fusion (prone-OLIF) is a newer variant that eliminates patient repositioning and aims to improve outcomes compared to minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). This study compares the clinical and radiographic results of prone-OLIF and MIS-TLIF.
Method: This retrospective study involved 28 prone-OLIF patients and 56 MIS-TLIF patients, matched 1:2 based on age, comorbidity index, and fused spinal levels. Anthropometric, clinical, and radiographic outcomes were compared using statistical analyses.
Results: Prone-OLIF showed superior postoperative clinical outcomes with lower Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores at 5.61 and visual analogue scores (VAS) at 1.43, compared to 11.00 and 3.64 in the MIS-TLIF group, respectively. It also resulted in greater sagittal alignment correction, with a 5.46° improvement in the regional lumbar lordotic angle versus 0.19° in MIS-TLIF. Additionally, prone-OLIF had less intraoperative blood loss but longer operation times.
Conclusion: Prone-OLIF offers superior clinical and radiographic outcomes over MIS-TLIF in pain relief, functional improvement, and spinal alignment correction, despite longer surgical times. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.
CFD Analysis of Ducted Propeller Flow Field Characteristics
Authors: Wang Yu-Shi , Pan Guan-Hong , Hsu Cheung-Hwa , Chen Cheng-hao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the flow field characteristics of ducted propellers and the impact of duct shape on thrust. Numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a sliding mesh model were conducted to analyze various duct shapes, lengths, and tip clearances. Results show that increasing duct length enhances the flow field, boosting propeller thrust. Conversely, larger tip clearance generates a low-speed flow field inside the duct, significantly reducing thrust. Notably, the thrust reduction from increased tip clearance outweighs the thrust gain from extended duct length. These findings underscore the critical role of duct length and tip clearance in optimizing ducted propeller design and efficiency.
The Incidence and Classification of Intraoperative Adverse Events in Urological Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ortner Gernot , Mavridis Charalampos , Bouchalakis Athanasios , Nakou Maria Chrisoula , Yuan Yuhong , Nagele Udo , Mamoulakis Charalampos , Herrmann Thomas RW , Biyani Chandra Shekhar , Tokas Theodoros , Kailavasan Mithun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To perform a systematic review (SR) to examine the application of classification systems (CS) used to report intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) in urological surgery and to evaluate the crude incidence and type of iAEs.
Materials and Methods
This review was published via PROSPERO (CRD42024549954) and conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane CENTRAL were searched using a predefined PICO framework: (P) patients with benign and malignant urological diseases, (I) all types of urological surgery, (C) none/any, (O) intraoperative complications classified with grading systems. Retrospective and prospective studies published between January 2019 and June 2024 were included.
Results
The search yielded 1,570 abstracts, 1,043 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 325 studies reported iAEs (54 used iAE-CS, 64 used Clavien-Dindo Classification and 207 used free-text descriptions). Of the 54 studies (15,298 patients) that used an iAE-CS, the three most used systems were the EAUiaiC (54%), SATAVA (26%), and the modified SATAVA (7%). The overall incidence of iAE was 14% (2,153/15,225 patients). On a study level, the crude incidence of iAE was between 0%-100% (median 7%, IQR: 3%-13%). The misapplication of the Clavien-Dindo system to describe iAEs was high (n = 64 studies).
Conclusions
The use of iAE-CS is scarce, and there is a lack of universal consensus on a CS to describe iAEs. iAE are poorly reported in urological studies. Urologists should report all perioperative complications to improve transparency and surgical and hospital processes.
Leveraging the Synergistic Effects of Au/PANI/CuO Heterostructure for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Abdulaziz Fahad , Zayed Mohamed , Latif Salman , Jeilani Yassin A. , Shaban Mohamed , Patel Raja Rama Devi , Elsayed Hussein A. , Rabia Mohamed , Ahmed Ashour M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study explores a novel photoelectrode made from a combination of copper oxide (CuO), polyaniline (PANI), and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for efficient hydrogen production in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode is fabricated using cost-effective methods, ensuring practical applications. The research evaluates the photoelectrode's morphology, structure, efficiency, and stability to optimize its performance in PEC reactions. Integrating Au, PANI, and CuO nanomaterials improves charge transfer, reduces resistivity, and minimizes charge recombination, resulting in significantly enhanced hydrogen production efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the CuO film has a rough texture with non-uniform particles, while the PANI/CuO film exhibits agglomerates and interconnected PANI nanofibers. The Au NPs are evenly distributed across the PANI/CuO film, with diameters ranging from 5 to 60 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis approves the presence of each element in the desired proportions, validating the successful fabrication of the Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode. The Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode exhibits enhanced light absorption properties due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Au NPs and the interaction between PANI and CuO. The Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode demonstrates a remarkable 300-fold increase in photocurrent density (Jph) compared to pure CuO, achieving a maximum of 15 mA/cm² at -0.39 V vs. RHE. Additionally, the Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode maintains a constant photocurrent density for 0.5 hours, showing superior stability compared to CuO, which experiences rapid decay. It also achieves a high IPCE value of 45% at nearly 500 nm, indicating efficient light utilization. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for designing efficient and stable photoelectrodes in PEC water splitting and hydrogen generation applications.
Nasojejunal tube, jejunostomy tube, and fine needle catheter jejunostomy effects after esophagectomy
Authors: Wang Wu , Yang Tianbao , Xie Jinbiao , Huang Shijie , Chen Boyang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
To analyze and compare the effect of nasojejunal tube placement (NTP), jejunostomy tube placement (JTP), and fine needle catheter jejunostomy (FNCJ) after esophagectomy.
Methods
Herein, 159 patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the following groups: the NTP group (n = 68), JTP group (n = 51), and FNCJ group (n = 40). The operation time, complication rate, average time to start a liquid diet, and average length of hospital stay were compared among the three groups.
Results
The complication rate was significantly higher in the NTP group than in the two other groups (P < 0.05), and it did not statistically significantly differ between the JTP and FNCJ groups (P > 0.05). The tube placement time and average length of hospital stay were also significantly longer in the NTP group than in the two other groups (P < 0.05). The NTP group was associated with significantly longer tube placement time, average length of hospital stay, and average time to start a liquid diet (P < 0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the JTP group than in the FNCJ group (P < 0.05). The average time to start a liquid diet and length of hospital stay were slightly longer in the JTP group than in the FNCJ group (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
NTP showed distinct advantages and disadvantages compared with JTP and FNCJ. When selecting the feeding method, comprehensive consideration should be given to the patient’s specific condition.
The impact of ocean currents and river temperatures on Arctic sea ice
Authors: Song Xue-Long , Zhou Sheng-Qi , Qu Ling , Lu Yuan-Zheng , Gao Qun-Hui , Pan Lu-Dan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Global warming plays a central role in the decline of Arctic sea ice, but the mechanisms remain debated. This study investigates the relationship between Sea Ice Area (SIA) and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the Arctic Ocean, analyzing satellite remote sensing data from 1982 to 2023. Results indicate that SST is a primary factor contributing to the reduction in SIA, with additional influences from Pacific and Atlantic water inflows, as well as riverine discharges, which elevate SST and further drive the decline in SIA. Lagged correlation analysis reveals that SST changes precede SIA changes by approximately 13 days, supporting the hypothesis that rising SSTs drive ice melt. This study elucidates the impact of warming ocean currents and freshwater influxes on Arctic sea ice dynamics, contributing to understand the direct cause of Arctic sea ice decline.
Screening of Natural product as an efflux pump inhibitor and synthesis of its antibiotics conjugates: a novel approach to treat MDR strains
Authors: Marathe Kiran , Koli Sunil , Patil Satish 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Bacteria acquire resistance to different classes of antibiotics through various mechanisms. Among these, the upregulation of efflux pumps plays a key role in multidrug resistance. Thus, the problem is addressed by screening and using natural product-antibiotic conjugates against MDR Staphylococcus. Out of the screened natural products, the blue pigment was showed an excellent efflux pump inhibitory activity in Staphylococus aureus ATCC 6538, which again proved by fluorescence emission and real time efflux assay. The MIC of the blue pigment was found to be 64 µg/ml however, the conjugates of blue pigment with ciprofloxacin and penicillin enhanced the antibacterial activity by 1.5 to 1.9 fold respectively, against S. aureus. The synthesis of conjugates were confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. Overall, the present study highlights the potential of blue pigment derived from Streptomycesas an efflux pump inhibitor, and its conjugates with antibiotics could offer a better option for tackling multidrug-resistance bacteria.
A Century of Population Change with Regional Disparities in South Korea: Application of Cohort-Component Analysis
Authors: Chun Bumseok , Jun Jaebum 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

South Korea's population has been experiencing a significant decline, raising concerns about potential changes in its demographic structure and regional imbalances in the future. While the general trend of population decrease is evident, its specific impact on spatial population patterns over the long term remains unclear. This study aims to examine the temporal and spatial variations in population over the next 100 years with 17 regions, providing insights to inform long-term planning. For its analysis, cohort-component modeling is utilized to forecast future populations with fertility and mortality rates as well as regional net-migration estimated by Statistics Korea which is one of government organizations. The younger the age group, the faster the population declines. The so-called 'super-aging era' has not yet been reached; it is projected to begin in earnest in about 20 years. Additionally, apart from Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and its neighboring administrative region, Gyeonggi-do, regional extinction is observed to start from areas farther away from these regions. Furthermore, it is predicted that 70 to 80 years from now, the rate of population decline will decrease, leading to population stabilization. Results emphasize the urgent need for strategic and practical, long-term regional planning and targeted policies to address the challenges posed by population decline and regional disparities as highlighting significant demographic and spatial shifts in South Korea's population over the next century.
A Case of Peripheral Nerve Hyperexcitability Syndrome Pretended as Infective Endocarditis: Case Report
Authors: Omoomi Sepehr , Ghasemi Majid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
The peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH) syndromes cause repetitive spontaneous electrical discharges in peripheral nerves (mainly motor axons), which leads to the increased activity of the innervated area. PNH syndromes develop various motor, sensory, and autonomous symptoms, of which motor symptoms are the most considerable, including cramps, fasciculations, and myokymia. The PNH syndromes are classified into cramp-fasciculation syndrome, neuromyotonia (Isaacs syndrome), and Morvan’s syndrome. Morvan syndrome is associated with the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). PNH syndromes primarily result from dysfunction of voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC), mainly due to autoantibodies. Alternative causes have been proposed, including potential infectious origins. Previous studies have associated staphylococcal abscesses and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections with the pathogenesis of Isaacs syndrome rather than Morvan’s syndromes.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of VGKC-antibody-positive PNH presented by symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, dyspnea, weight loss, hyperhidrosis, spontaneous muscle spasms, and cramps in the lower limbs. Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement included hallucinations, sleep disorders, confusion, and mood alterations, along with vegetation in the right atrium as detected by echocardiography. The patient initially received a two-week course of antibiotic therapy for suspected infective endocarditis (IE) and bacteremia. Subsequently, due to persistent symptoms despite antibiotic treatment, electromyography (EMG) was performed, revealing anti-VGKC antibodies. The patient then underwent several plasma exchanges and was prescribed carbamazepine, resulting in a significant improvement in their condition.
Conclusion:
This case shares similarities with previous cases of PNH syndrome (especially Morvan’s syndromes) triggered by infections other than previously reported, suggesting that autoantibodies against pathogens may be responsible for the manifestation of PNH syndrome. Moreover, the dramatic response to plasmapheresis and removal of antibodies, as well as positive Anti-CASPR2 auto-antibody, confirms our diagnosis.
Does ecological poverty trap exist in Chinese cities? Evidence from the distribution dynamics of vegetation coverage
Authors: Fan Di , Chen Qiufeng , Wu Jianxin , Cheong Tsun Se , Ma Ning 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This paper is the first to examine the distribution dynamics of vegetation coverage using a dataset of 366 China’s prefecture and above (PAA) cities from 2001 to 2020. The results from the continuous state space approach demonstrate a clear pattern of convergence in China’s vegetation coverage in the long run, proving the effectiveness of government policies in the last two decades. However, catch-up effects in low-vegetation-coverage cities are weak, and an ecological poverty trap exists in Chinese cities. We also find polarization effects in eastern and high-rainfall cities. Some eastern cities with better climate endowments show poor performance in vegetation coverage in the long run, suggesting that ecological damage is caused by overdevelopment rather than natural endowment. Our findings offer robust scientific support for China to take more proactive and aggressive measures to maintain sustainable development.
JEL: Q20, Q50, N55
Comparative Genomic Analysis and Isolation of a Novel Burkholderia gladioli Strain Producing Lethal Bongkrekic Acid in China
Authors: Lv RongGui , Jiang Song , Shen Hongwei , Chen Xi , Yoon Ewnji , Yu Xiaxia , Cheung Kin , Jiao Bai , Zhao Lingguo , Liu Yong , Liu Zhanguo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Bongkrekic acid (BKA) is a potent mitochondrial toxin secreted by certain strains of Burkholderia gladioli, previously known as Pseudomonas cocovenenans. It poses a significant risk to public health, particularly through contaminating fermented or spoiled food products. This study focuses on the isolation and genomic analysis of a novel strain of Burkholderia gladioli from a non-fermented rice noodle linked to a foodborne outbreak in China.
Results
The study employed a multifaceted approach including microbiological isolation, phenotypic characterization, biochemical assays, and molecular identification. Animal experiments were conducted to observe the effects of BKA on rats. Genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced, and analyzed using bioinformatics tools to determine the genetic makeup, gene function annotation, and comparative genomic analysis. The isolated strain, designated as Burkholderia gladioli 201, was found to produce BKA, which was confirmed through animal experiments showing characteristic symptoms and subsequent toxicological examinations. The complete genome sequence revealed a high degree of genetic similarity with other B. gladioli strains, with a distinct BA biosynthesis gene cluster. Comparative genomic analysis and phylogenetic trees constructed from single-copy core genes indicated a close relationship between Burkholderia gladioli 201 and other strains of the species.
Conclusion
This study successfully isolated and characterized a novel strain of Burkholderia gladioli capable of producing BKA from a non-fermented food source. The genomic analysis provided insights into the genetic basis of BKA production and the evolutionary relationships within the Burkholderia genus. The findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of BKA-associated food poisoning.
It’s not just your opinion, it’s a type of hate that may affect your health: the effect of homophobia on health in Europe
Authors: Pinillos-Franco Sara , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Despite progress in legislation protecting the rights and welfare of sexual minorities, homophobic attitudes persist in many societies. To date, research has focused primarily on health consequences for individuals who are the target of homophobic attitudes, but not on those who harbor the prejudice. Using the European Social Survey, we found that homophobic individuals present a higher probability of reporting poor health status, even after instrumenting homophobia using the duration of same-sex marriage laws in each country. Robustness checks also indicated that same-sex marriage laws were not completely exogenous, as prevailing homophobic attitudes in the population predicted the probability of the passage of legislation. The elimination of prejudice against sexual minorities appears to promote the health of both those who harbor prejudices as well as the victims of prejudice.
JEL codes: I14; J15
Hemodynamic sclerotherapy in comprehensive management of varicose disease of lower-limb veins in patients with morbid obesity
Authors: Khitaryan A. G. , Kirtanasova E. Ya. , Orekhov A. A. , Gusarev D. A. , Kislyakov V. N. , Veliev K. S. , Chumburidze I. P. , Shatov D. V. 
Published: January 2025

Introduction. Endovenous laser ablation combined with sclerotherapy are effective treatment options for varicose veins of the lower limb. However, sclerotherapy is associated with an increased risk of side effects in patients with morbid obesity, which makes it challenging.Aim. To improve efficiency of the varicose veins of the lower limb treatment in patients with morbid obesity by using the aspects of “hemodynamic sclerotherapy”.Materials and methods. Prospective comparative study included 109 patients with C3–C5 classes of chronic venous diseases and morbid obesity was performed. All patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation combined with sclerotherapy. In the main group (n = 56) sclerotherapy was performed in the Trendelenburg position, in the control group (n = 53) – in the horizontal position.Results. The diameter reduction of the great saphenous vein by 22.5% in the Trendelenburg position with 15° incline was statically significant (p < 0.001). The perforating veins reflux in the Trendelenburg position with 15° incline was not detected in 72.3% of patients (p < 0.001). The occlusion rates of the varicose tributaries not treated with sclerosant in the main group was 41% (p = 0.032). In the main group only 12.5% of patients were found to have phlebitis (p = 0.029), the Visual Analog Score (p = 0.036) and local temperature (p = 0.049) were also significantly lower. The incomplete occlusion rate of the varicose tributaries in the main group was only 5.3%; however, the difference was not statically significant.Discussion. The perforating veins reflux in the Trendelenburg position and the incomplete occlusion of the varicose tributaries were only in obese patients with body mass index more than 55 kg/m2 and C4b–C5 classes.Conclusions. Sclerotherapy in the Trendelenburg position with the legs elevated at least 15° incline improves the efficiency of the varicose vein’s occlusion in patients with morbid obesity. Sclerotherapy in obese patients with body mass index more than 55 kg/m2 has less effect.
Examining the Impact of Teachers’ Cognitive Load on Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes in Saudi Classrooms
Authors: Alruwaili Reshaa F. , Alasmari Abdullah Abdulrahman 
Published: January 2025

Background
Examining the influence of cognitive load on teacher strategies, engagement of students, and the learning experience as a whole is essential in an age of educational reform and rapid technological evolution in instruction to become more effective pedagogues and positively impact student learning outcomes. This study explicates the experience of cognitive load on teachers and their ability to teach and engage students in the Saudi Arabian 21st-century classroom.

Methods
The study employed a qualitative research design to investigate the experiences of the 35 Saudi teachers through an essential initiative stratum of how they were selected in a randomized stratified process to ensure as much diversity as possible in the teaching community throughout Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through open-ended questionnaires and analyzed using thematic analysis to ascertain primary patterns and themes emerging from the data.

Results
The analysis found that (1) cognitive load significantly impacted teachers’ choice of instructional strategies. (2) Classroom performance was also impeded due to cognitive load as teachers struggled to engage and manage the learning of the students inside the classroom; (3) systemic and environmental forces devolving curriculum and integration of technology into instruction increased cognitive demand for the teachers, and (4) teachers employed various adaptive practices to manage their cognitive demands. They demonstrated tremendous resilience and adaptability in their practice.

Conclusion
The study findings have practical implications for educational policy and practice, primarily that educational policy and practice should focus on providing specific assistance and professional learning for teachers managing cognitive load. Finally, based on the findings, the study’s limitations and recommendations for further research are discussed.