bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes of cervical laminoplasty versus lateral mass screw fixation in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhang Jianzhou , Deng Longlian , He Mengzi , Tian shuo , Ding wenyuan , Wang zheng , Yang Dalong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to compare cervical sagittal parameters and clinical outcomes between patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty(CL) and those undergoing lateral mass screw fixation(LMS).
Methods
We retrospectively studied 67 patients with multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine who underwent lateral mass screw fixation (LMS = 36) and cervical laminoplasty (CL = 31). We analyzed cervical sagittal parameters (C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C7 slope (C7s), T1 slope (T1s), and spino-cranial angle (SCA)) and clinical outcomes (visual analog scale [VAS], neck disability index [NDI], Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] scores, recovery rate (RR), and minimum clinically significant difference [MCID]). The cervical sagittal parameters at the last follow-up were analyzed by binary logistic regression. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between the cervical sagittal parameters and each clinical outcome at the last follow-up after surgery in both groups.
Results
At the follow-up after posterior decompression in both groups, the mean values of C2-C7 SVA, C7s, and T1s in the LMS group were larger than those in the CL group (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the preoperative period, C2-C7 SVA, T1s, and SCA gradually increased, and the C2-C7 Cobb angle gradually decreased after surgery (P < 0.05). The improvement in the JOA score and the recovery rate was similar between the two groups, while the improvement in the VAS-N score and NDI score was more significant in the CL group (P = 0.001; P = 0.043). More patients reached MCID in the CL group than in the LMS group (P = 0.036). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that SCA was independently associated with whether patients reached MCID at NDI postoperatively. SCA was positively correlated with cervical NDI and negatively correlated with cervical JOA score at postoperative follow-up in both groups (P < 0.05); C2-7 Cobb angle was negatively correlated with cervical JOA score at postoperative follow-up (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
CL may be superior to LMS in treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by OPLL. Cervical SCA after posterior decompression can be used as a predictor of postoperative clinical outcome.
Causes of 2022 Pakistan flooding and its linkage with China and Europe heatwaves
Authors: Hong Chi-Cherng , Huang An-Yi , Tseng Wan-Ling , Lu Mong-Ming , Chang Chih-Chun , Hsu Huang-Hsiung 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In boreal summer of 2022, Pakistan suffered from record rainfall that led to severe flooding and left more than 30 million people homeless. At the same time, heatwaves persisted over central China and Europe. The concurrence of these extreme events suggests a possible linkage. Our analysis of climatic data indicated that the record rainfall was mainly induced by compounding factors, including 1) an unusually strong anomalous easterlies associated with La Niña over the northern Indian subcontinent and intense southerlies, further enhanced by an upward trend, from the Arabian Sea, 2) extratropical-tropical interaction between the northerly, downstream of the Europe blocking, and the southerly monsoon flow from the Arabian Sea. Wave activity flux analysis and regression analysis indicated that the Europe blocking, flooding in Pakistan, and heatwave in China were teleconnected by a stationary Rossby wave-like pattern, which was distinctly different from the Scandinavian and Circumglobal teleconnection pattern and appeared to be a new teleconnection pattern. The nature of teleconnected extreme events is a newly emerged issue that warrants further in-depth investigation for better understanding.
Combinatorial Libraries and In Silico Approaches in the Design of Etoricoxib Based Selective COX-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Tripathy Shyamalendu , Pattanayak Priyabrata , Trivarna V. Lee 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

It is currently accepted practice in drug design to combine the creation of combinatorial libraries with analog docking and in silico screening. By using computer-aided drug design (CADD), we attempted to create optimised etoricoxib molecules that are selective for COX-2 using data from a variety of literature and databases regarding COX inhibitors. Based on the structure of etoricoxib and other published COX inhibitors, we constructed a compound library consisting of 60 compounds, out of which 57 met Lipsinki’s rule of five. The above-screened compounds were further docked to find out their differential binding affinities for COX 2. Only 7 (compounds 11, 18, 24, 26, 30, 32, and 35) out of these 57 compounds sowed differential binding affinity equal to or greater than etoricoxib. Compound, 30, 11, and 26 showed the highest differential binding affinity of -2.1, -1.4, and -1, respectively. The synthetic accessibility score of these compounds was similar to that of etoricoxib, ranging between 2.62 and 3.10. These compounds could be successfully synthesised and evaluated for their potential activity. To concluded, in silico approaches are indeed a very useful tool in the search for potential drug candidates with reduced cost and time.
Land use changes result in increased phylogenetic clustering and preferential loss of species-rich sites for Michigan floral assemblages.
Authors: Figueroa Héctor Fox , Grady CJ , Cortez Maria Beatriz de Souza , Beach Jim , Stewart Aimee , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Smith Stephen A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Distribution models are widely used to understand landscape biodiversity patterns, facilitate evolutionary and ecological studies, and for making informed conservation decisions. While it is common to examine consequences of climate change, impacts of land use on distributions, a major factor in limiting ranges and corridors between populations, are less well understood. Here, we use distribution models to quantify changes in biodiversity due to land use for Michigan floral assemblages. We leveraged a distribution model dataset (1930 species) integrated with dated phylogenetic information and USGS land use maps to parse Michigan areas with unsuitable habitat. Additionally, we quantify the degree of high-quality habitat lost for each species, identifying those most strongly impacted by land use changes. Approx. 39% of Michigan terrestrial habitat fell within “unsuitable” land use categories. Sites predicted to harbor the most species based on climatic variables were those sites that lost the greatest proportion due to land use changes. Further, excluded sites were preferentially those composed of more phylogenetically even communities. Overall, the impact of land use changes on community species richness was the preferential loss of sites with the predicted highest biodiversity. For phylodiversity metrics, land use changes increased the degree of community phylogenetic clustering. This results in overall decreased phylodiversity, leading to assemblages less equipped to respond to rapid climatic changes. Our results confirm land use to be a major, but somewhat overlooked, factor impacting local diversity dynamics and illustrate how local-scale land use impacts regional-scale richness and phylodiversity patterns, likely leading to increased community fragility.
Spatial-temporal vector abundance and malaria transmission dynamics in Nchelenge and Lake Mweru islands, a region with high burden of malaria in northern Zambia
Authors: Muleba Mbanga , Mbata Keith J. , Stevenson Jennifer C. , Norris Douglas E. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Over a decade of vector control by indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) distribution on mainland and only LLINs on islands, has had minimal impact on disease burden in Nchelenge district, northern Zambia. Anopheles funestus and An. gambiae are vectors known only from the mainland. Understanding vector bionomics in the district is necessary for planning and targeting effective vector control. This study aimed to provide information on malaria vectors’ abundance, seasonality and Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infectivity in Nchelenge including islands.Methods Mosquitoes were collected in 192 CDC indoor light traps set in 56 households between January 2015 and January 2016. Morphological and molecular species identifications, and P. falciparum circumsporoites by ELISA were performed. Mosquito counts and relative abundances from the islands and mainland were compared and household factors associated with vector counts determined.Results A total of 5888 anophelines were collected during the study. Of these 5,704 were female An. funestus s.l. and 248 female An. gambiae s.l. The highest proportion of An. funestus (n = 4030) was from Chisenga Island and that of An. gambiae (n = 174) was from Kilwa Island. The dorminance of An. funestus s.l. over An. gambiae s.l. was significant on Chisenga island (z = 6.66, p < 0.001) and mainland (z = 4.83, p < 001) but not on Kilwa island (z = 1.95, p = 0.052). Highest counts of An. funestus were associated with dry season (p < 0.001) whilst abundance of An. gambiae was associated with rainy season (p = 0.404). At household level vector counts were associated with high household occupancy and high bed net use. The highest estimated annual entomological inoculation rate was from Chisenga island with 136.51ib/p/y followed by Kilwa island with 55.05 ib/p/yr then Mainland with 30.31ib/p/yr.Conclusions There was varied species abundance and malaria transmission risk across sites and seasons. Risk for malaria transmission was perennial and higher on the islands. The minimal impact of vector control efforts on mainland was evident but limited overall. Vector control intervention coverage with effective tools need to be extended to the islands to effectively control malaria transmission in Nchelenge district.
Generative AI and Higher Education Assessments: A Competency-Based Analysis
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior , Boadu Gideon , Tenakwah Emmanuel Junior , Parzakonis Michael , Brady Mark , Kansiime Penny , Said Shannon , Ayilu Raymond , Radavoi Ciprian , Berman Alan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The development and introduction of AI language models have transformed the way humans and institutions interact with technology, enabling natural and intuitive communication between humans and machines. This paper conducts a competence-based analysis of an emerging AI language model’s task response to provide insight into its language proficiency, critical analysis and reasoning ability, and structure and relevance of the response. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted, drawing from fields such as Accounting, Education, Management, Social Work and Law, to evaluate the responses generated by the AI to higher education assignments. This paper offers insights into the strengths and limitations of language-based AI responses and identifies implications for the design and implementation of higher education assessments.
Short-term outcomes of single-incision robotic colectomy versus conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer
Authors: Kim Ho Seung , Oh Bo-Young , Chung Soon Sup , Lee Ryung-Ah , Noh Gyoung Tae 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Since the da Vinci SP (dVSP) surgical system was introduced, single-incision robotic surgery (SIRS) for colorectal diseases has gained increasing acceptance. We compared the short-term outcomes of SIRS using dVSP with those of conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (CMLS) to verify its efficacy and safety in colon cancer. The medical records of 237 patients who underwent curative resection for colon cancer by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical modality: SIRS (RS group) and CMLS (LS group). Intra- and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Of the 237 patients, 140 were included in the analysis. Patients in the RS group (n = 43) were predominantly female, younger, and had better general performance than those in the LS group (n = 97). The total operation time was longer in the RS group than in the LS group (232.8 ± 46.0 vs. 204.1 ± 41.7 min, P < 0.001). The RS group showed faster first flatus passing (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.1 ± 1.2 days, P = 0.003) and less opioid analgesic requirement (analgesic withdrawal within 3 postoperative days: 37.2% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.018) than the LS group. The RS group showed a higher immediate postoperative albumin level (3.9 ± 0.3 vs. 3.6 ± 0.4 g/dL, P < 0.001) and lower C-reactive protein level (6.6 ± 5.2 vs. 9.3 ± 5.5 mg/dL, P = 0.007) than the LS group during the postoperative period. On multivariate analysis after adjusting for deviated patient characteristics, no significant difference was observed in short-term outcomes, except for operation time. SIRS with dVSP showed short-term outcomes comparable with those of CMLS for colon cancer.
Benefits from incorporating virtual reality in pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Patsaki Irini , Avgeri Vasiliki , Rigoulia Theodora , Zekis Theodoros , Koumantakis George A. , Grammatopoulou Eirini 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation. Patient participation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) programs has a beneficial effect on disease management, improving patients' functional capacity and quality of life. As an alternative to traditional programs or as a complementary activity, the inclusion of virtual reality (VR) games is proposed.
Aim: The aim of this research study was to investigate the effectiveness of incorporating VR in the pulmonary rehabilitation program of patients with COPD.
Methods: A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed and Pedro from January 2014 to March 2022. The search involved screening for studies examining the effectiveness of enhancing PR with VR. The PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale was chosen as the tool to assess the quality of studies. A meta-analysis was performed where possible.
Results: Six studies were included in this systematic review. The PEDro scale showed five studies of good methodological quality and one of fair quality. The variables examined were: aerobic capacity for exercise, lung function, anxiety and depression, with significant improvement regarding 6MWT and FEV1(p<0.05). There was variability noted in the VR applications and the proposed rehabilitation that the experimental groups followed.
Conclusion: The application of VR is recommended in COPD patients, in combination with conventional PR. VR was found effective in increasing therapeutic effect and should be considered as a mean of increasing accessibility to PR. Therefore, further research, as well as additional RCTs regarding the effectiveness of VR in patients with COPD, seem necessary.
The role of renewable energy and artificial intelligence towards environmental sustainability and net zero
Authors: Hassan Qusay , Sameen Aws Zuhair , Salman Hayder M. , Al-Jiboory Ali Khudhair , Jaszczur Marek 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The challenge of climate change and the need for environmental sustainability necessitate rapid and transformative actions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This paper examines the role of renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) as catalysts in this endeavor, highlighting their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and foster sustainable development. The importance of ambitious renewable energy targets and supportive policies, as well as the application of AI in optimizing energy systems and enabling smart grid management has been discussed. Additionally, outlined a roadmap for success that includes investment in research and development, cross-sector collaboration, education and public awareness, and international cooperation. By implementing these strategies, it can harness the power of renewable energy and AI to drive the transition towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
A new fractional fuzzy dispersion entropy and its application in muscle fatigue detection
Authors: Baohua Hu , Yong Wang , Jingsong Mu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The complexity analysis of neuroelectrophysiological signals has been widely applied in the field of biomedical engineering and muscle fatigue detection using the complexity analysis of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals is one of the hot research topics. Recently, fuzzy dispersion entropy has attracted more and more attention as a new nonlinear dynamics method for complexity analysis which combines the advantages of both dispersion entropy(DispEn) and fuzzy entropy. However, it suffers from limitation of sensitivity to dynamic changes. In this study, fractional fuzzy dispersion entorpy (FFDispEn) is proposed based on DispEn, a new fuzzy membership function and fractional calculus to solve this limitation. Fuzzy membership function is defined based on Euclidean distance between embdding vector and dispersion pattern in this study.
Methods
Simulated signals generated by 1D Logistic map were used to test the sensitivity of the proposed method to dynamic changes. Moreover, ten subjects were recruited for upper limb muscle fatigue exprienment while sEMG signals of the biceps brachii muscle were recorded. Both simulated signals and sEMG signals were processed using sliding window approach. Sample entropy(SampEn), DispEn and FFDispEn were respectively used to calculate the complexity of each frame. The sensitivity of different algorithms to muscle fatigue process was analyzed using fitting parameters through linear fitting of the complexity of each frame signal.
Results
The results show that for simulated signals, the larger the fractional order q, the higher the sensitivity to dynamic changes. Moreover, DispEn performs poorly in the sensitivity to dynamic changes compared with FFDispEn. As for the muscle fatigue detection, FFDispEn value shows a clear declining tendency as muscle fatigue progresses and is more sensitive to muscle fatigue compared with SampEn and DispEn.
Conclusions
This study provides a new useful nonlinear dynamic indicator for sEMG signal preprocessing and muscle fatigue analysis. The proposed method may be useful for physiological and biomedical signal analysis.
Glass - and freezing transition of supercooled water confined in mesoporous materials and biological systems
Authors: Soprunyuk Viktor , Schranz Wilfried 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The behaviour of water confined e.g. in artificial meso- or nanoporous silica materials is intensively discussed in literature. In this paper, we present the results of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis measurements of water confined in biological systems (foods like e.g. bread, apple, turkey bone, etc.) as a function of temperature and frequency and compare them with results of water confined in artificial mesopores. Two types of cooling/heating protocols were used: slow (2 K/min) cooling/heating runs and quenching the samples from room temperature to 100 K prior to slow heating up to room temperature. We found striking similarities between the behaviour of water confined in mesoporous silica and biological systems, both, in the vicinity of the glass transition as well as in the freezing/melting transition region. The obtained results are discussed, using artificial meso- or nanoporous materials as a model system for advancing our understanding of the freezing and glass transition of water confined in foods and other biological systems.
Analysis and comparison of BRCA1/2 gene mutations in 310 cases of ovarian cancer
Authors: Han Jiangxue , Yang Yue 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The risk of ovarian cancer is increased in patients with BRCA1/2 gene mutation, and there are racial and regional differences in BRCA1/2 gene mutation. The aim of this study was to investigate the BRCA gene mutation and its clinical characteristics in ovarian cancer patients in Zhejiang Province, China, analyze its difference from other regions of ovarian cancer.
Methods
310 patients with ovarian cancer were enrolled and their BRCA1/2 mutations were detected. Patients' age, clinical diagnosis, histopathological diagnosis, and preoperative serum CA125 and HE4 levels were collected. The mutation rates and common mutants of BRCA1/2 gene in ovarian cancer in several countries were collected.
Results
A total of 310 patients with non-selective ovarian cancer were selected for this study, of whom 87 (28.1%) had BRCA1/2 gene mutations, including 64 (20.1%) BRCA1 mutations and 23 (8%) BRCA2 mutations.There were four main types of BRCA mutations in 87 patients: frame shift mutations (57.5%), nonsense mutations (26.4%), missense mutations (13.8%), and splicing mutations (2.3%). There were 45 mutations in patients with BRCA1 mutations, of which c.5470-5477del and c.981-982del mutations were the most frequent. 22 mutations were found in patients with BRCA2 mutations, of which c.6373-6374insA mutations were the most frequent. preoperative serum levels of CA125 and HE4 in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations were higher than those in patients without BRCA2 mutations. The differences in CA125 and HE4 levels between patients with BRCA1/2 mutations and patients without mutations were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The differences in age and pathology type between patients with BRCA1/2 mutations and those without mutations were not statistically significant (P > 0.005).
Conclusions
Preoperative tumor markers CA125 and HE4 can be used as an aid to assess BRCA gene mutations in ovarian cancer patients. Significant disparities in BRCA1/2 gene mutation rates and variants across countries and regions.
First principle computation of structural, optical and electronic correlation of Mg-doped AlSb for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Nabi Shafqat , Anwar Abdul Waheed , Wazir Zafar , Aslam Muhammad , Haq Najam Ul , Moin Muhammad , Tayyab Muhammad , Ali Anwar , Ghani Muhammad Usman , Nabi Kashif 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Density functional theory and exchange-correlation approximation are used to determine structural electronic and optical characteristics of Al1-xMgxSb (x =0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75). We employ generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE) to calculate structural properties as lattice parameters, bulk moduli, and pressure derivatives are in good agreement with the experimental data. The GGA-PBE algorithm determines the density of states and band structure for electronic characteristics. These calculations show the optical inactivity and indirect (Γ-L) bandgap of the binary compound AlSb. When a variable percentage in AlSb raises Mg concentration, the bandgap decreases and switches from indirect bandgap (Γ-L) to direct bandgap) and the material starts to function optically. The optical properties of Mg-doped AlSb as reflectivity, optical conductivity, reflectivity, refractive index, dielectric constant and energy loss are significantly improved. The designated material is considered a gateway for optoelectronic and photonic applications.