bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Risk Factors for Disseminated Cryptococcosis in Non-HIV Patients- A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Yiqing , Tang Xiaoqi , Li Minghui 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with disseminated cryptococcosis in HIV-negative individuals.
Methods
A total of 106 HIV-negative individuals with cryptococcal disease were enrolled. The observation group consisted of patients with disseminatedcryptococcosis (DC), whereas the control groups included patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) and cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression algorithms were used to explore the clinical and laboratory characteristicsthat affect the progression of cryptococcal infections.
Results
Of the 106 patients, 57 were diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis, 22 with cryptococcal meningitis, and 27 with disseminated cryptococcosis. The logistic regression equation included five variables: diabetes, decompensated liver cirrhosis, long-term use of immunosuppressive agents, decreased serum albumin level, and elevated plasma cytokine IL-10 level.
Conclusion
This study identified elevated IL-10 levels as an independent risk factor for developing disseminated cryptococcosis in the control groups. Furthermore, decompensated liver cirrhosis anddecreased serum albumin independentlyaffected the progression of cryptococcosis in the CM and PC groups, respectively.
Zip-14 Expression After Abdominal Surgery in Rats is Mainly Regulated by the Il-6 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Aburto-Luna Violeta , Santos-López Gerardo , Treviño Samuel , Chávez Bertha Alicia León , Brambila Eduardo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objective.
Study the signaling pathways involved in hepatic Zip14 expression in rats undergoing abdominal surgery.
Animals.
Twenty-five Wistar rats received specific IL-6 and IL-1β signaling pathway inhibitors, were subjected to abdominal surgical stress, and sacrificed at 9-h. Rats administered with the vehicle used with each inhibitor served as controls.
Methods.
mRNA-Zip14 transporter was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR, and protein levels were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Intracellular zinc levels were determined by zinquin and dithizone stains.
Results.
Rats administered with a pStat3 inhibitor and undergoing 9-h of abdominal surgery presented a decrease of Zip-14 mRNA and its protein level and an intracellular reduction of zinc. Jak2 inhibition decreased Zip-14 mRNA and its protein levels, but intracellular zinc levels did not show changes. Rats administered with an NF-kB inhibitor increased Zip14-mRNA levels without protein and intracellular zinc changes. Inhibition of JNK and MAPp38 did not change Zip-14 mRNA, but the protein level decreased and showed an increase in intracellular zinc.
Conclusion.
Results suggest that after abdominal surgery, Zip-14 is one of the most essential zinc transporters involved in the hepatic redistribution of zinc. The main signaling pathway involved in Zip-14 expression is mediated by Jak 2/ stat3, which IL-6 activates.
Sodium Removal per Ultrafiltration Volume in Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Tokunaga Takashi , Hamada Riku , Inoguchi Tomohiro , Terano Chikako , Mikami Naoaki , Harada Ryoko , Hamasaki Yuko , Ishikura Kenji , Hataya Hiroshi , Honda Masataka 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
The standard sodium removal in adult anuric patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is 7.5 g/L of ultrafiltration volume (UFV). Although automated PD (APD) is widely used in pediatric patients, no attempt has yet been made to estimate sodium removal in APD.
Methods
The present, retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients with APD who were managed at Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center between July 2010 and November 2017. The patients underwent a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) at our hospital. Sodium removal per UFV was calculated by peritoneal function and dwell time using samples from patients on APD with 1- and 2-hour dwell effluent within three months of PET and 4- and 10-hour dwell effluent at PET.
Results
In total, 217 samples from 18 patients were included, with 63, 81, and 73 of the samples corresponding to the High [H], High-average [HA], and Low-average [LA] PET category, respectively. Sodium removal per UFV (g/L in salt equivalent) for dwell times of 1-, 2-, 4-, and 10-hour was 5.2, 8.8, 8.0, and 11.5 for PET [H], 5.3, 5.8, 5.6, and 8.1 for PET [HA], and 4.6, 5.1, 5.1, and 7.1 for PET [LA], respectively.
Conclusions
Sodium removal per UFV in pediatric APD was less than the standard adult CAPD and tended to be lower with shorter dwell times, leading to sodium accumulation (Na sieving). Otherwise, salt intake should be restricted in combination with daytime CAPD, especially in anuric patients.
Stabilization of prebiotic vesicles by peptides depends on
sequence and chirality
Authors: Black Roy , Cohen Zachary , Todd Zoe , Maibaum Lutz , Catling David 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Life depends on homochiral oligomers with specific sequences to carry out essential functions. How could such oligomers have been selected from the prebiotic clutter? What was the first function for which sequences were selected? Cells were probably preceded by simple compartments, such as fatty acid vesicles, composed of a membrane and one or more oligomers. Differential stabilization of such vesicles could have been the key to answering these questions. Oligomers that increased stability and/or growth of the membrane would have conferred an advantage to vesicles competing for limited membrane components. We therefore tested whether prebiotic peptides (simple oligomers) alter the stability or growth of vesicles composed of a prebiotic fatty acid. We find that one of the peptides, leucine-leucine (Leu-Leu), rapidly shrinks the vesicles and makes them leakier when heterochiral (either L-D or D-L), but not when homochiral (either L-L or D-D). Testing for effects on salt-induced flocculation of vesicles, we find three of fifteen dipeptides reduce flocculation. All three contain leucine, and increasing length increases efficacy. In a final test for modulation of vesicle properties, we find two leucine-containing peptides that increase the size of fatty acid vesicles grown by multiple additions of fatty acid micelles, and a tripeptide outperforms a dipeptide. Thus, prebiotic peptides influence the size, leakiness, susceptibility to flocculation, and growth of prebiotic vesicles and do so with specificity for chirality, sequence, and length. Vesicles that bound peptides favoring stability and/or growth could have outcompeted other vesicles for lipid components of the membrane, beginning selection for the functional oligomers that underpin life.
Biomechanics of Sacroiliac Joint Fixation Using Lag Screws: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Chatain Grégoire , Oldham Alton , Uribe Juan , Duhon Bradley , Gardner Michael , Witt Jens-Peter , Yerby Scott , Kelly Brian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Iliosacral screw placement is ubiquitous and now part of the surgeon’s pelvic trauma armamentarium. More recent evidence supports sacroiliac arthrodesis for treating sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction in select patients. Regardless of the surgical indication, there are currently no studies examining lag screw compression biomechanics across the SIJ. The objective of this biomechanical investigation was to quantify iliosacral implant compressive forces and to examine the insertion torque and compressive force profile over time.
Methods
Eight human cadaveric pelvic specimens underwent SIJ fixation at S1 and S2 using 11.5 and 10.0mm iFuse-TORQ Lag implants, respectively, and standard 7.3mm trauma lag screws. Load decay analysis was performed, and insertion and removal torques were measured.
Results
For both implants at S1/S2 levels, the load relaxed 50% in approximately 67 minutes. Compressive load decay was approximately 70% on average occurring approximately 15 hours post-insertion. Average insertion torque for the 11.5 mm TORQ implant at S1 was significantly greater than the trauma lag screw. Similarly, at S2, insertion torque of the 10.0 mm TORQ implant was greater than the trauma lag screw. At S1, removal torque for the 11.5 mm TORQ implant was higher than the trauma lag screw; there was no significant difference in the removal torque at S2.
Conclusions
In this study, we found that a novel posterior pelvic implant with a larger diameter, roughened surface, and dual pitch threads, achieved improved insertion and removal torques compared to a standard screw. Load relaxation characteristics were similar between all implants.
Superimposed Pilot-based Channel Estimation for RIS-Assisted IoT systems Using Lightweight Network
Authors: Qing Chaojin , Hu Wenquan , Wang Li , Ling Guowei , Liu Zhiying , Cai Xi , Wang Jiafan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Channel estimation (CE) in Internet of Things (IoT) systems faces challenges of low spectral efficiency, high energy consumption, and blocked propagation paths.To address these issues, this paper proposes a superimposed pilot-based CE scheme with reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) assistance. The pilot signal is superimposed on the uplink user data to improve spectral efficiency and reduce user equipment (UE) energy consumption. RIS is introduced to enhance communication robustness in the complex propagation environments. At the base station (BS), dedicated lightweight neural networks (NNs) are developed for CE and symbol detection (SD) to alleviate computational complexity and processing delay. The limited learning ability of these lightweight NNs is addressed by employing conventional CE and SD methods for initial feature extraction. This enables the NNs to learn along with the extracted features, reducing the required training set size. The proposed scheme improves spectral efficiency, reduces energy consumption, computational complexity, and processing delay, while enhancing the performance of both normalized mean square error (NMSE) of CE and the bit error rate (BER) of SD. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method against various parameter settings.
Betaine in Infants Born Small-for-Gestational-Age
Authors: yang guicun , wang nianrong , liu hao , si lina , zhao yan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Aim
Betaine can promote methylation as a methyl donor and play an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, and may affect infant birth weight. The aim of this study is to assess whether betaine is associated with poor fetal growth.
Methods
A total of 141 mother–infant pairs were enrolled in the study. According to gestational age and birth weight, the mother–infant pairs were divided into small-for-gestational-age and appropriate-for-gestational-age group. Cord plasma concentrations of betaine and lipid (triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol) were measured.
Results
Cord plasma betaine concentrations were higher in small-for-gestational-age (4.37 ± 0.98l ng/ml, P = 0.016) relative to appropriate-for-gestational-age (3.98 ± 0.86 ng/ml) newborns, and were not correlated to lipid levels (all P > 0.2). Adjusting for maternal and neonatal characteristics, birth weight (β = -70.32, p = 0.016) and birth length (β = -0.298, p = 0.029) were negatively correlated with the levels of betaine. Higher betaine concentrations were associated with increased risks of small-for-gestational-age (OR = 1.798, P = 0.008).
Conclusions
This study demonstrate that elevated concentration of betaine in cord blood is associated with higher risk of small-for-gestational-age and this association is independent of lipid levels. The dysregulation of betaine in infants may be a risk factor for fetal growth.
Dislocation evolution in GaN-based Laser Diodes under nano-indentation
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Su Xujun , Wang Guobing , Li Xinran , Xu Ke 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The multiplication and motion behavior of dislocations induced by surface damage or the failure of devices in GaN-based LDs were simulated by nano-indentation technique. The results shown that dislocations with burgers vector of b = 1/3 < 11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3> were introduced on either {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)2} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3>, or {1\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)01} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3> slip systems, and dislocations with burgers vector of b = 1/3 < 11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0> were introduced inevitably on {0001} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0> slip system. It is worth noting that dislocations on {1\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)01} slip planes underwent decomposition when passing through the AlGaN/InGaN interface, the screw component slip to the plane {0001} and the edge component were nailed at the interface. Inversely, dislocations on {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)2} slip planes exhibited smooth traverse through AlGaN and quantum well layers.
AI prediction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy outcomes for ureteral stones by machine learning-based analysis with a variety of stone and patient characteristics
Authors: Nakamae Yukako , Deguchi Ryusuke , Nemoto Mitsutaka , Kimura Yuichi , Yamashita Shimpei , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We propose an artificial intelligence prediction method for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment outcomes by analysis of a wide variety of variables. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 171 patients from between January 2009 and November 2019 that underwent shock wave lithotripsy at Wakayama Medical University, Japan, for ureteral stones that were shown on preoperative non-contrast computed tomography. This prediction method consisted of stone area extraction, stone analyzing factor extraction from non-contrast computed tomography images, and shock wave lithotripsy treatment result prediction by a non-linear support vector machine for analysis of fifteen input and automatic measurement factors. Input factors included patient age, skin-to-stone distance, and maximum ureteral wall thickness, and the automatic measurement factors included eleven non-contrast computed tomography image texture factors in the stone area and stone volume. Permutation feature importance was also applied to the artificial intelligence prediction results to analyze the importance of each factor relating to estimate decision grounds. The prediction performance was evaluated by five-fold cross-validation and obtained 0.742 of the mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The proposed method is shown by these results to have robust data diversity and effective clinical application. As a result of permutation feature importance, some factors that showed high p-values in the significant difference tests had a high contribution to the proposed prediction method. Future issues include validation using a larger volume of high-resolution clinical non-contrast computed tomography image data and the application of deep learning.
The Impact of Learning Curve on Robotic Living Donor Nephrectomy Outcomes
Authors: Papa Sarah , Popovic Aleksandar , Dvorai Reut Hod , Shahbazov Rauf 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: We aimed to investigate how surgeon experience in different time points impact donors’ outcome.
Methods: This is a retrospective study comparing outcome of 77 living kidney donors who had robotic living donor nephrectomies (RDN) performed at a single institution. Donors separated into three groups: 25 patients constituting the learning curve period (LCP), 25 patients constituting the stabilization period (SP), and the 27 patients constituting the teaching period (TP). The groups were compared by collecting data on pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters and costs.
Results: Among the three RDN groups, there were significant differences in blood loss (102 mL vs 39 mL vs 41 mL, p=0.01), intra-operative fluids administration (3.2 L vs 3.1 L vs 2.7 L, p=0.45), hospitalization times (2.96 days vs 1.92 days vs 1.85 days, p<0.01), and morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (2068 vs 375 vs 222, p<0.01). Operative time was significantly shorter in the LCP group compared to the TP group (282 min vs 308 min vs 314, p=0.02). However, warm ischemia time was shorter in the TP group compared to the LCP group (5.0 min vs 3.4 min vs 1.5 min, p<0.01). Complication rates were significantly higher in the LCP group compared to the SP and TP groups (p=0.04), but readmission within 30 days was similar at all surgical time points(p=0.58). Surgical costs ($73,756 vs $82,949 vs $91783, p<0.01) were higher in both the SP and TP groups.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that RDN outcomes improve significantly after the initial learning curve of the technique.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Mingjun , Yang Yuxia , Liu Wenkang , Meng Xiangji , Fei Wenyong , Wang Jingcheng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background：Since arthroscopy was discovered as a treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury, people have had great interest and attention to this beautiful and minimally invasive operation, and related research has been increasing all over the world. At present, there is no bibliometric and visualized analysis in this field. The purpose of this study is to explore the research hotspots and trends of arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury through bibliometric and visualized analysis, and look forward to the future development direction of clinical practice.
Methods: The publications on arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury diseases from its establishment to April 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database. CiteSpace, VosViewer, Scimago graphica and Origin were used for bibliometric and visualized analysis.
Results:This study included a total of 330 publications. The number of publications tends to increase every year. The United States has the largest number of publications and citations. Imhoff AB is the most relevant scholar with the largest number of publications in this field, and the scholar with the highest citation and average citation is Mazzocca AD. Tech Univ Munich, Rush University and Charite are the three institutions with the greatest contribution. In addition, “Arthroscopy-the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery” and “American Journal of Sports Medicine” are the insititutions with the largest number of publications and average citations, respectively. The most common keywords are “acromioclavicular joint dislocation”, “arthroscopic resection”, “arthroscopic reconstruction” and “coracoclavicular ligament”.
Conclusion: the number of publications shows a steady upward trend as a whole. However, there is still a lack of cooperation among countries, institutions and scholars around the world, so various countries, institutions and scholars need to strengthen academic exchanges and expand the field of cooperation, so as to promote further research and development in related fields. However, minimally invasive methods such as arthroscopy are still the hotspots and frontiers in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury in the future.
Calculation of Fresnel Integrals of Real and Complex Arguments up to 28 Significant Digits
Authors: Zaghloul Mofreh R. , Alrawas Leen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We present numerical algorithms for efficient and highly accurate computations of Fresnel’s sine and cosine integrals \(S\left(z\right)\) and \(C\left(z\right)\)for real (\(z=x\)) and complex (\(z=x+iy\)) arguments. The algorithms are based on series expansion for small values of |z|, expansion in Chebyshev subinterval polynomial approximations for intermediate real values (\(y=0\)), toggled with sum of half-integer order Bessel functions for complex arguments, together with asymptotic series expansion for large values of |z|. The present algorithms, implemented in a Fortran elemental module, can be run using any of the single, double or quadruple precision arithmetic. Results from the present code have been benchmarked versus comprehensive data tables, generated using Maple, Mathematica and Matlab symbolic toolbox. Compared to a maximum of 16 significant digits in the literature, the present algorithms can calculate \(S\left(x\right)\) and C(x) up to 28 significant digits in the range \(xϵ[0, {10}^{6}]\) and \(S\left(z\right)\) and C(z) to the same accuracy in the domain where \(\left|S\right(z\left)\right|\) and \(\left|C\left(z\right)\right|\) each is less than the largest finite floating point number in the precision under consideration with \(\left|arg z\right|<\frac{\pi }{2}\) or more specifically \(3\times {10}^{-4}<\left|\frac{y}{x}\right|<{2\times 10}^{3}\) for \(S\left(z\right)\) and \({4\times 10}^{-4}<\left|\frac{y}{x}\right|<{2.2\times 10}^{3}\) for \(C\left(z\right)\).
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin-Conjugated Zinc oxide Nanoparticles on Reserpine-Induced Depression in Wistar Rats
Authors: Fahmy Heba M , Aboalasaad Fatmaalzahraa A , Mohamed Ayman S , Khadrawy Yasser A , Elhusseiny Fathi A , Elmekawy Ahmed 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Depression, a devastating brain illness, necessitates the exploration of novel antidepressant treatments. We evaluated the antidepressant effects of free Curcumin, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn(cur)O NPs). The nano-formulations were extensively characterized using advanced techniques. An acute toxicity study ensured the safety of Zn(cur)O NPs. Rats were assigned to one of five groups: control, reserpine-induced depression model, treatment with ZnO NPs, free Curcumin, or Zn(cur)O NPs. Behavioral assessments (forced swimming test [FST] and open-field test [OFT]) and neurochemical analyses were conducted. Zn(cur)O NPs exhibited superior efficacy in ameliorating reserpine-induced behavioral and neurochemical effects compared to free Curcumin and ZnO NPs. The reserpine-induced model displayed reduced motor activity, swimming time, and increased immobility time in the FST and OFT. Treatment with Zn(cur)O NPs 45 mg/kg, significantly improved motor activity and reduced immobility time. Furthermore, Zn(cur)O NPs decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. Additionally, concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) increased. In conclusion, curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrate potent antidepressant effects, alleviating depressive-like behavior in rats. These findings support Zn(cur)O NPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for depression management, warranting further investigation and clinical validation.
Experimental and Mesoscale Numerical Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior and Failure Modes of Mottled Bamboo
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Shengdong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Mottled bamboo and its related products have received significant attention due to their low carbon content, high specific strength, and stiffness. This paper presents geometric and constitutive models on mesoscale to establish the material response of bamboo under various loading conditions. By conducting mesoscale numerical simulations and experimental investigations, the mechanical behavior and failure modes of bamboo subjected to longitudinal tension and compression, transverse tension and compression, and shear loads are systematically analyzed. This study plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanical behavior and failure modes of bamboo materials. Furthermore, the mesoscale exploration of the mechanical strength of different laminated designs for structural bamboo glulam can offer valuable support for the future design and production of such glulam structures.