bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pedicle screw fixation by four different posterior approaches for the treatment of type A thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury
Authors: Zhu Xu , Shao Yijie , Lu Yun , Sun Jiajia , Chen Jie 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis study was designed to compare the pedicle screw fixation by four different posterior approaches for the treatment of type A thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury.MethodsA total of 165 patients with type A thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury who received pedicle screw fixation by posterior approaches from February 2017 to August 2018 were enrolled in this study. They were further divided into the following four groups according to different posterior approaches: Open-C group (conventional open approach), Open-W group (Wiltse approach), MIS-F group (percutaneous approach with fluoroscopy guidance), and MIS-O group (percutaneous approach with O-arm navigation). The demographic data, clinical outcomes, and radiologic parameters were evaluated and compared among the four groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, gender, fracture segment, and follow-up time. The incision length, blood loss, hospital stay time, and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) scores at the early stage of post-operation were the worst in the Open-C group. The MIS-O group showed significantly higher accuracy rate of pedicle position than other groups. The preoperative and postoperative AVH (anterior vertebral height) and VWA (vertebral wedge angle) obtain obvious correction in all patients immediately after and 1 year post-operation. No difference was found among the four groups at the final radiographic follow-up.ConclusionsThe four different posterior approaches are effective in treating type A thoracolumbar fractures in our study. Each approach has its own individual strengths and weaknesses and therefore requires comprehensive consideration prior to use. Proper approaches selection is critical to patients.
First metatarsal single-screw minimally invasive chevron-akin osteotomy: A cost effective and clinically reliable technique
Authors: Li Xueqian , Zhang Jieyuan , Fu Shaoling , Wang Cheng , Yang Fan , Shi Zhongmin 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe common disease hallux valgus results in foot discomfort and dysfunction. Less soft tissue damage and faster wound healing have made minimally invasive surgery (MIS) more popular. However, little research has compared the fixation results of minimally invasive chevron-akin (MICA) osteotomy thus far. In this study, the clinical and radiographic results of MICA with first metatarsal single- or dual-screw fixation are being examined.MethodsA total of 107 feet of 103 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic hallux valgus treated MICA from January 2018 to June 2020 were retrospective evaluated, with at least 12-months follow-up. 51 patients underwent single-screw fixation procedures and 52 patients received dual-screw fixation procedures. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up with radiographic measurements [hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA)] and clinical scores (american orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) forefoot score, visual analog scale (VAS) and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) scores). The coughlin satisfaction scores were also obtained.ResultsBoth groups showed significantly improved HVA, IMA and DMAA at the final follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). Regarding clinical outcomes, the AOFAS, VAS and MOxFQ in two categories also significantly improved postoperatively (P &lt; 0.001). There was no obvious difference in the clinical and radiographic outcomes between the two groups (HVA, P = 0.833; IMA, P = 0.073; DMAA, P = 0.35; AOFAS, P = 0.48; VAS, P = 0.86; MOxFQ, P = 0.87). However, the single-screw fixation group showed significantly lower operation time and less number of intraoperative fluoroscopy (P &lt; 0.001). No serious complications were observed in either group. The single-screw fixation technique saves at least $1,086 compared with the dual-screw group.ConclusionAt the final follow-up, both the single- and dual-screw fixation groups had comparable good to excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes, as well as a similar incidence of complications. Additionally, the single-screw fixation group reduces overall surgical costs, number of intraoperative fluoroscopy and operational time.
Clinical evaluation of paraspinal mini-tubular technique vs. laminoplasty for spinal intradural extramedullary tumors: Study protocol for a multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Rui , Liang Ze-Yan , Chen Yan , Chen Chun-Mei 
Published: January 2023

The development of minimally invasive surgery has promoted the use of the paraspinal mini-tubular technique (PMTT) for spinal tumors. The similarity of the efficacy of PMTT to that of traditional surgery remains unclear; randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not been conducted to investigate this technique for spinal tumors. The conventional surgery used for such tumors is laminoplasty (LP). To compare the differences between the two surgical techniques, an RCT is significantly required. Therefore, a prospective, multi-center, non-inferiority RCT was designed to compare the safety and effectiveness of LP and PMTT for treating spinal intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors. Moreover, the availability of PMTT, including its advantages and disadvantages, surgical indications, procedures, complications, and prognosis, would be explored. Overall, 280 patients will be randomly allocated to the PMTT and LP groups in a 1:1 ratio. The trial hypothesis is that PMTT has superior or equivalent efficacy and cost-effectiveness to LP. The primary outcome is the Japanese Orthopedic Association score. The non-inferiority margin for the primary outcome is five. The Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China, has approved this study (project number: FJMUUH05). Any results of the trial will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100047582
Sexual function and sexual activity in young total hip arthroplasty Chinese patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Daishui , Zhang Jie , Zhang Kexin , Zhou Yanlin , Peng Xiao , Wang Ling , Liu Tang 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionAs an essential component of quality of life, there is limited evidence of sexual function (SF), especially for young patients, before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aims to enhance the understanding of SF status and assess patient perspectives before and after THA.MethodsA total of 109 patients who received THA were enrolled into our retrospective cohort study. To assess the SF status before and after THA, patients were required to fill out a standardized SF questionnaire [female sexual function index (FSFI) or brief sexual function inventory (BSFI) for males] and a specifically designated questionnaire regarding perspectives toward sexual activity and attitudes to sexual-related information.ResultsTotal average scores of both FSFI and BSFI were higher post-THA. For female patients, the FSFI scores were significantly higher in the domain of desire, orgasm, and satisfaction (p &lt; 0.05). For male patients, the BSFI scores were also improved in the sex drive and satisfaction domain post-operation (p &lt; 0.05). A large proportion of the patients (64.22%) reported difficulty in sexual activity preoperatively, primarily due to restricted motion (82.86%) and hip pain (74.29%). After a successful procedure, there was a reduction in difficulty in patients’ sexual activity post-THA (39.45%), mainly attributed to less pain (72.09%) and greater mobility (79.07%). In addition, subgroup analysis results indicated that gender and severity of hip stiffness and pain were crucial factors that could affect the patient's SF status. Furthermore, the majority of patients reported that they desired information concerning sexual activity, but only 12.84% of patients were informed well. Patients’ preferred channels to acquire sexual-related information was a booklet (65.59%, n = 61), followed by informing a surgeon and a nurse. The most concerning questions regarding the sexual activity of patients were the time to recovery (90.32%) and safe postures (76.34%).ConclusionThe majority of men and women who underwent THA reported their SF status return to baseline or have improved, mainly attributable to less pain and greater mobility. Age and severity of hip pain/stiffness were the factors that could affect patients’ SF status. Sexual education for young THA patients is needed due to the lack of related information during hospitalization.
Joint Exposure to Ambient Air Pollutants Might Elevate the Risk of Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Infants in Wuhan: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Faxue , Zhang Xupeng , Zhong Yuanyuan , Zhu Shijie , Zhao Gaichan , Zhang Xiaowei , Li Tianzhou , Zhang Yan , Zhu Wei 
Published: January 2023

Objective: To investigate the effect of exposure to multiple ambient air pollutants during pregnancy on the risk of children being born small for gestational age (SGA).Methods: An Air Pollution Score (APS) was constructed to assess the effects of being exposed to six air pollutants simultaneously, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 (referred to as joint exposure). A logistic regression model was applied to estimate the associations of APS and SGA.Results: The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of SGA per 10 ug/m3 increased in APS during the first and second trimesters and the entire pregnancy were 1.003 [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.000, 1.007], 1.018 (1.012, 1.025), and 1.020 (1.009, 1.031), respectively. The ORs of SGA for each 10 μg/m3 elevated in APS during the whole pregnancy were 1.025 (1.005, 1.046) for mothers aged over 35 years old vs. 1.018 (1.005, 1.031) for mothers aged under 35 years old. Women who were pregnant for the first time were more vulnerable to joint ambient air pollution.Conclusion: In summary, the results of the present study suggested that joint exposure to ambient air pollutants was associated with the increment in the risks of SGA.
¿El conocimiento transforma a los ciudadanos? Análisis del impacto de las noticias publicadas en el blog Cariri Transparente
Authors: Moreira Cruz Mateus , Alves da Silva Maria Valéria , Rodrigues Chagas Milton Jarbas 
Published: January 2023

La participación del individuo en la sociedad, asegurando que no haya violación de sus derechos, está relacionada con el ejercicio de la ciudadanía, por lo que la Constitución de la República Federalista de Brasil, promulgada en 1988, garantiza el acceso a los datos públicos generados y mantenidos por el gobierno y sus instancias a través del Portal da Transparência. En este contexto, vinculado al programa de extensión de la UFCA (Universidad Federal de Cariri), Blog Cariri Transparente busca promover el control social de la población de Cariri en Ceará.
En este sentido, como problema de investigación, el objetivo es responder: ¿cómo las noticias, publicadas en el Blog Cariri Transparente, ayudan a la ciudadanía a conocer las acciones del gobierno? Como objetivo general, este informe pretende demostrar el impacto de las noticias producidas por el Blog Cariri Transparente, desde su creación en 2018, describiendo cómo los ciudadanos de las ciudades de Crato, Juazeiro do Norte y Barbalha pueden utilizar la información para ejercer la ciudadanía y el control social.
A través del Blog, la información disponible en los portales de transparencia de las ciudades se transforma en noticias de fácil comprensión para la población. Se trata de información presupuestaria sobre los gastos en obras y servicios públicos, en gastos de personal, las fuentes de ingresos, licitaciones y contratos públicos. Una vez preparada la noticia, se revisa antes de su publicación.
Así, con más de 130 publicaciones, el Blog ha tenido más de 8.000 visitas y 3.100 visitantes desde su creación en 2018. Interés en información como las cantidades abonadas por el Legislativo, o con relación al incremento de los gastos diarios en los municipios, demuestra el interés de la población en el destino y aplicación de los recursos públicos, pudiendo formar parte del control social.
Highlight Advances in Planetary Physics in the Solar System: In Situ Detection Over the Past 20 Years
Authors: Sun Yixin , Zhao Jiutong , Hou Chuanpeng , Jiao Weixin 
Published: January 2023

Planetary science is the science of studying planets, moons, and planetary systems. The scale of the research objects ranges from small meteoroids to large gas giant planets, and the research purpose is to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, evolution, mutual relationship, and history.
With the development of human space technology, planetary exploration has become one of the most important space exploration activities of mankind. According to statistics from the Spacecraft Encyclopedia website, as of December 2021, a total of 252 planetary probes have been launched around the world. The missions reveal the deep space to humankind. In this paper, we review some advances in planetary science made by these missions in the past years. The topics involve interior structures, geological features, atmospheres, magnetospheres, and so on, not every aspect but as much as possible. Although there are still many extraordinary scientific results that have not been included, we believe that this review can already help people learn about the scientific results of planetary exploration and hopefully inspire the next generation of planetary missions.
Perception of Ethics and Professionalism Teaching among Dental Professionals at a Teaching Hospital in Karachi
Authors: Jawed Rubab , Dr Ruqayyah Quresh Hashmi  , Dr Hafsa Usman  , Dr Mehtab  , Dr Saba Sabir  
Published: January 2023

Background: Health care professionals come across many ethically difficult situations in their clinical practices and community; the students should be equipped with skills to resolve ethical and professional issues.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Baqai dental college, Karachi. All the faculty members and house officers of the dental teaching hospital were included in the study. The tool used for the data collection was a structured questionnaire, for drawing views of the participants on professionalism and ethics teaching. The survey instrument evaluated two domains; attitudes 25 items, and goals 19 items on ethics and professionalism education. Data were recorded and analyzed in SPSS 24. To compare the responses of both the groups, that is, the house officers and the faculty member’s independent t-test was applied to compare the mean scores. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The questionnaire was circulated to a total of 157 participants (75 faculty members and 82 house officers) with a 100% response rate. The faculty members and the house officers showed a positive attitude regarding ethics, professionalism, and teachings. The participants agreed with the goals that can be achieved by incorporating professionalism and medical ethics in education. The participant strongly affirmed the learning and teaching of professionalism (4.06 ± 0.989).
Conclusion: The realization of the need to teach ethics and professionalism by dental professionals is the first step to bringing change in their daily clinical practice and interpersonal qualities.
Keywords: Ethics, Professionalism, “Education, Medical”, “Personality development”, “Social Desirability”.
Role of Steroids in Reducing Recurrence of Urethral Stricture after Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy
Authors: Umer Farooq  , Khan Faraz Basharat , Irfan Ahmad  , Muhammad Nawaz  , Changazi Shabbar Hussain , Muhammad Imran  
Published: January 2023

Background: Recurrence of urethral strictures is the most frequent and bothersome complication, with majority of stricturesrecurring after optical internal urethrotomy. The objective of this study was to establish the role of oral steroid therapy after direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) in minimizing recurrence of urethral stricture.
Methodology: It was a randomized controlled trial carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Rawalpindi from January 2018 to March 2021. A total of 180 male patients with urethral stricture of ≤2 cm were included. Patients with traumatic stricture, post-anastomotic urethroplasty strictures, neurogenic bladder and history of steroid intake were excluded. Patients were randomly categorized into two groups i.e. Group A patients were given oral prednisolone (6 mg tablet twice daily for 4 weeks) while group B was control group. Patients were followed up to 12 months for recurrence of stricture.
Results: The mean age of patients in group A was 44.38 ± 8.03 years while in group B was 46.64 ± 6.66 years. The mean length of stricture in group A was 0.93 ± 0.26 cm and in group B was 0.95 ± 0.27 cm. Recurrence of stricture was seen in 18 (20.0%) patients in group A (oral steroids group) and 42 (46.67%) patients in group B (no oral steroids) with p-value of 0.0001.
Conclusion: Oral prednisolone therapy after internal urethrotomy waseffective in decreasing the rate of recurrence of urethral stricture.
Keywords: Oral, Recurrence, Steroid, Urethral Stricture.
Vertical alignment control of self-ordered multilayered Ge nanodots on SiGe
Authors: Wen Wei-Chen , Schubert Markus Andreas , Tillack Bernd , Yamamoto Yuji 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Self-ordered multilayered Ge nanodots with SiGe spacers on a Si0.4Ge0.6 virtual substrate are fabricated using reduced-pressure chemical vapor deposition, and the mechanism of vertical ordering is investigated. The process conditions of Ge and SiGe layer deposition are H2-GeH4 at 550 °C and H2-SiH4-GeH4 at 500 °C–550 °C, respectively. By depositing the SiGe at 550 °C or increasing Ge content, the SiGe surface becomes smooth, resulting in vertically aligned Ge nanodots to reduce strain energy. Ge nanodots prefer to grow on the nanodot where the SiGe is relatively tensile strained due to the buried Ge nanodot underneath. By depositing at 500 °C and lowering Ge content, checkerboard-like surface forms, and the following Ge nanodots grow at staggered positions to reduce surface energy. The Ge nanodots are laterally aligned along the elastically soft 〈100〉 direction without pre-structuring resulting from the strain distribution.
Comparing h-BN and MgO tunnel barriers for scaled magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Robertson J. , Naganuma H. , Lu H. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) with MgO/Fe based interfaces and perpendicular spin directions form the basis of present-day spin-transfer torque magnetic random-access memories. Many semiconductor devices, such as CMOS transistors, have undergone fundamental changes in materials design as dimensional scaling has progressed. Here, we consider how future scaling of MTJs might affect materials choices, comparing different tunnel barriers, such as 2D h-BN materials with existing MgO tunnel barriers. The different interfacial sites of h-BN on Ni or Co are compared in terms of their physisorptive or chemisorptive bonding and how this affects their transmission magnetoresistance, ability to create perpendicular magnetic isotropy, and unusual factors such as the “pillow effect.” These effects are balanced by the beneficial chemical thermodynamics of the existing MgO barriers and MgO/Fe interfaces.
Coherent growth of β-(Al
x
Ga1−x
)2O3 alloy thin films on (010) β-Ga2O3 substrates using mist CVD
Authors: Kaneko Masahiro , Nishinaka Hiroyuki , Kanegae Kazutaka , Yoshimoto Masahiro 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate β-(Al
x
Ga1−x
)2O3 thin films that were coherently grown on a (010) β-Ga2O3 substrate using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD). X-ray diffraction and reciprocal space mapping results revealed that the β-(Al
x
Ga1−x
)2O3 thin films were of high-crystalline quality and were grown coherently to attain an Al content of 18.3% as measured by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Importantly, based on their surface morphologies, the coherently grown β-(Al
x
Ga1−x
)2O3 thin films have atomically flat surfaces. These results indicate that mist CVD is a promising technique for β-(Al
x
Ga1−x
)2O3/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction devices.
Strain-induced tunable optoelectronic properties of inorganic halide perovskites APbCl3 (A = K, Rb, and Cs)
Authors: Islam Md. Rasidul , Mazumder Abdullah Al Mamun , Mojumder Md. Rayid Hasan , Shifat A. S. M. Zadid , Hossain M. Khalid 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Halide perovskites are promising photovoltaic, solar cell, and semiconductor materials. Density-functional theory (DFT) models address compressive and tensile biaxial strain effects on APbCl3, where A = (K, Rb, and Cs). This research shows how A-cation impacts bandgap energy and band structure. The direct bandgap for KPbCl3, RbPbCl3, and CsPbCl3 is found 1.612, 1.756, and 2.046 eV, respectively; increases from A = K to Cs. When spin–orbital coupling (SOC) is introduced, bandgaps in KPbCl3, RbPbCl3, and CsPbCl3 perovskites are reduced to 0.356, 0.512, and 0.773 eV, respectively. More tensile strain widens the bandgap; compressive strain narrows it. Without SOC, the bandgaps of KPbCl3, RbPbCl3, and CsPbCl3 were tuned from 0.486 to 2.213 eV, 0.778 to 2.289 eV, and 1.168 to 2.432 eV, respectively. When the compressive strain is increased, the dielectric constant of APbCl3 decreases (redshift) and increases (blueshift) as the tensile strain is increased. Strain improves APbCl3 perovskite’s optical performance.
Monte Carlo simulation of the lateral spread for proton beams in voxelized water phantom using GEANT4 platform
Authors: Kaanouch Othmane , Krim Mustapha , Ghazi Ismail , Saidi Kamal , Essaidi El Mehdi , Tantaoui Meriem , Saad El Madani 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
An evaluation of the lateral spread that the proton beams undergo during their interactions with a water phantom has been performed. We calculated and evaluated the dose distribution spatially deposed of protons acceleration up to energies between 70 and 215 MeV using a voxelized water phantom as a 3D detector. A 0.1 mm3 size precision voxel was used to detect and calculate the deposed energy and dose in any area of the water phantom using the GEANT4 platform based on the Monte Carlo method simulation. We find that, regardless of the initial proton energy, the lateral spread follows a parabolic pattern as a function of depth, and the ratio of the radius at the Bragg peak to the depth of the Bragg peak is around 2.8%. A good agreement has been found compared to other analytical models, simulation methods, and especially to experimental data.
Inactivating gram-positive microorganism by using atmospheric pressure discharges with water mist
Authors: Takahashi Kazuo , Yuri Atsushi , Sanada Yosuke , Ohara Tomoya , Ukai Ryota 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Dusty plasmas corresponding to plasmas containing micro-particles have interested plasma scientists for a few decades. In this study, a plasma including water mist is introduced as the dusty plasma, with potential for applications to biological and other engineering techniques. The plasma with water mist was generated by combining a dielectric barrier discharge with an Ar gas flow transporting the water mist in the atmosphere. The water mist in the discharge enhanced inactivating spores of a microorganism (Geobacillus stearothermophilus). Under these conditions, optical emission of OH radicals from the discharge center was clearly observed. The spores were little affected by the water mist directly introduced to them under the discharge but were effectively inactivated by discharge plasma involving the water mist. The O and N species produced by the metastable Ar in the atmosphere, and possible OH radicals excited by the discharge in the water mist, are discussed as the likely reaction schemes of spore inactivation.