bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
People of color experience reduced access to pollinators along an urban-rural gradient
Authors: Lynch Lauren R. , Miller James R. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Inequities based on racism and classism play an important role in shaping ecological functioning and patterns of land cover in urban environments. The well-being of city-dwellers is threatened by resulting disparities in access to health, educational, and public safety benefits of green space, and potential negative impacts on urban pollinators are especially alarming given the essential ecosystem services that they provide. We investigated the relationships among income, race, historical discriminatory practices, and pollinator abundance along an urban-rural gradient in Illinois, USA. A positive relationship between income and abundance was observed for flies while a negative relationship was observed for butterflies and overall pollinators. Additionally, we observed fewer pollinators in neighborhoods where more people of color live and for most pollinator groups this pattern was consistent along the urbanization gradient. The recognition of these inequities may facilitate our ability to correct them by allowing us to identify neighborhoods that will most benefit from pollinator conservation. Targeting these neighborhoods for conservation efforts may help us move towards a social-ecological system in which all people benefit from the ecosystem services provided by pollinators.
CaSR modulates proliferation of the superficial zone cells in temporomandibular joint cartilage via the PTHrP nuclear localization sequence
Authors: Zhou Peng , Yang Hongxu , Zhang Mian , Liu Jinqiang , Yu Jia , Yu Shibin , Liu Qian , Zhang Yuejiao , Xie Mianjiao , Xu Xiaojie , Liu Jiguang , Wang Meiqing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objective The superficial zone cells in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage are proliferative. The purpose of the present work was to delineate the relation of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) nuclear localization sequence, and their role in the proliferation behaviors of the superficial zone cells. Methods A gain- and loss-of-function strategy were used in anin vitrofluid flow shear stress (FFSS) model and anin vivobilateral elevation bite (BAE) model, which showed TMJ cartilage thickening. CaSR and PTHrP nuclear localization sequence (PTHrP87 − 139), were modulated through treating the isolated superficial zone cells with activator/SiRNA and via deleting CaSR or PTHrP gene in mice with the promoter gene of proteoglycan 4 (Prg4-CreERT2) in the tamoxifen-inducible pattern with or without additional injection of cinacalcet, the CaSR agonist, or PTHrP87 − 139peptide. Results FFSS stimulated CaSR and PTHrP expression, and accelerated proliferation of the Prg4-expressing superficial zone cells, in which process CaSR acted as an up-streamer of PTHrP. Prg4-specific knockout of CaSR or PTHrP reduced the cartilage thickness, suppressed the proliferation and early differentiation of the superficial zone cells, and inhibited cartilage thickening and matrix production promoted by BAE. Injections of CaSR agonist Cinacalcet could not improve the phenotype caused by PTHrP mutation. Injections of PTHrP87 − 139peptide rescued the TMJ cartilage from knockout of CaSR gene. Conclusions CaSR modulates proliferation of the superficial zone cells in TMJ cartilage through activation of PTHrP nuclear localization sequence. Our data support the therapeutic target of CaSR in promoting PTHrP production in superficial zone cartilage.
Plantar and Dorsal Approaches for Excision of Morton’s Neuroma: A Comparison Study
Authors: Wenpeng Xu , Ning Zhang , Zhengxun Li , Yifan Wang , Xiucun Li , yang Wang , Haipeng Si , Yong Hu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background: Morton’s neuroma is a painful enlargement of the plantar digital nerve between the metatarsal heads which cause pain of the forefoot. Several approaches have been used to treat the Morton’s neuroma, with each having distinct advantages and disadvantages.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of neurectomy for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma through plantar and dorsal approaches.Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients aged averagely 48.5±13.0 years(range: 19-66years) who underwent excision of a Morton’s neuroma that had been unresponsive to conservative treatment from June 2014 to June 2021. All the neurectomies were performed through either a plantar or dorsal approach. Outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and complications. We also used appearance index (AI) to assess the influence of foot appearance on quality of life after surgery.Results: 8 patients underwent neurectomy through a dorsal approach, and 12 patients underwent neurectomy through a plantar approach. The average follow-up time was 28.9±12.9 months(range: 15-72months). There were no statistically significant differences between the dorsal and plantar approach groups with respect to postoperative pain measured by VAS scores. The postoperative AOFAS scores and FAAM outcomes showed no significant differences between the groups. The complications reported in the dorsal approach group were significantly fewer than those of plantar group, mainly discomfort wearing shoes. The AI of the plantar group and the dorsal group were significant different.Conclusion: Excision of Morton’s neuroma through a dorsal or plantar approach both obtained satisfactory outcomes. But the foot appearance after surgery through a plantar approach have less influence on quality of life than a dorsal approach. We recommend that surgeons choose the approach they are most familiar with and most confident in performing. And we recommend the plantar approach if the patient have great need for the appearance.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative case series.
Study on the association between trace elements and thyroid nodule in Guangxi, China
Authors: Li Xiangzhi , Wu Cailian , Huang Mingle , Huang Minmin , Cen Liting , Liu Jingjing , Xie Xiaohe , Liao Ning , Qiu Meiting , Lu Xiaoling , Yang Jiachen 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In addition to genetic factors, environmental exposures are considered to be one of the most important factors affecting thyroid dysfunction in humans. And some trace elements and metal elements in patients often interact with related proteins and hormones, leading to thyroid dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship of selected elements on thyroid nodule in a population from Guangxi. Blood and urine collected from 96 participants (48 patients with thyroid nodules and 48 controls) were analyzed to determine the hormones in serum as well as the elements in urine using kits as well as inductively coupled mass spectrometry, respectively. The relationship between demographics, clinical characteristics and urinary levels of characteristic thyroid trace elements (T3, T4 and TSH) was investigated using Chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, independent sample T-test and Kruskal-Wallis test (K-W test). In the serum, T3/T4 and TSH were lower in the nodule group than in the control group, but there was a correlation between T3 and T4 and the elements in the nodule group. In urine, the concentrations of Cd and Sr were higher and the values of Se, Fe and V were lower in the urine of patients with thyroid nodules compared to controls, and there was a correlation between the various elements. This study showed a correlation between thyroid nodules and exposure to environmental elements, particularly among the various elements in the organism of patients with thyroid nodules.
Perineural block is superior to intravenous dexamethasone block during a single injection of scalenus muscle in the shoulder under arthroscopy：a meta- analysis
Authors: Wu Rongcan , Chen Zhi , Chen Gang , Sun Jun , Liu Wenge 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
PurposeBoth perineural and intravenous dexamethasone prolongs the efficacy of a single interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB). But there is currently debate about the best route of administration. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of perineural injection of dexamethasone versus intravenous injection of dexamethasone in the treatment of ISB during arthroscopic shoulder surgery.MethodsRelevant studies published before May 05, 2021 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases according to the preferred reporting items of the Systematic Evaluation and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcomes were duration of analgesia, sensory and motor block. The secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, opioid consumption and incidence of adverse events. We performed a meta-analysis to find significant differences between the two modalities.ResultsSeven studies were identified (846 patients). Perineural injection of dexamethasone can significantly prolong the analgesic time (WMD: 1.699 hours; 95% CI: 0.0014, 3.384; P: 0.048) and reduced postoperative pain at 12 hours (WMD: -0.652; 95% CI: -1.129, -0.176; P: 0.007). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative pain and opioid consumption at 24 hours, and incidence of adverse events (dyspnea, sleep disturbance, and postoperative glucose change).ConclusionsThe current evidence demonstrated the superior effect of dexamethasone is used around the nerve for prolonged analgesia and reducing acute postoperative pain.
Dynamics for a 3-UPU Parallel Robot
Authors: Zhao Jing-Shan , Wei Song-Tao , Sun Han-Lin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates Newton-Euler dynamics in Plücker coordinates for a parallel robot. In classical mechanics, the Newton–Euler equations describe the dynamics of a rigid body by combining translations and rotations. In accordance to the definition of a screw, the angular velocity of a rigid body and its linear velocity at a point are represented in Plücker coordinates. With Plücker coordinates, we get the absolute displacement through numerical integration on the velocity solution and acceleration through numerical differential interpolation of velocity of each joint. The absolute accelerations and displacements calculated in kinematics are used to establish the force equation and toque equation directly. Since both the displacement and acceleration can be numerically expressed in terms of velocity of first order, the most prominent merit of the algorithm is that the dynamics can be iterated based on the velocities in Plücker coordinates including forward and inverse dynamics. The dynamics of a spatial 3-UPU parallel robot validates the algorithm. Although this paper only discusses the dynamics of 3-UPU parallel robot, it is also suited to developing numerical algorithms for kinematics and dynamics of a series mechanism and hybrid mechanism.
Combining stable isotope (2H, 18O and 87Sr/86Sr) and hydrochemistry to understand hydrogeochemical processes in karst groundwater system, Xin’an, northern China
Authors: Zhang Chunchao , Li Xiangquan , Ma Jianfei , Wang Zhenxing , Hou Xinwei , Gao Ming , Bai Zhanxue , Gui Chunlei , Zuo Xuefeng 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Karst groundwater is the most important source of water supply for Shanxi province, northern China. In this study, different hydrogeochemical indices along with multiple isotope (2H, 18O and 87Sr/86Sr) were used to identify the main factors controlling groundwater salinization and hydrogeochemical processes in the Xin’an karst groundwater system. The region’s karst groundwater system was divided into three geologically distinct sub-systems, namely, the Changzhi-Xiangyuan subsystem (C-X), Huguan-Pingshun subsystem (H-P) and Licheng subsystem (LC). HCO3-Ca·Mg was dominant chemical type for karst groundwater system. The H-P and LC subsystems experienced similar hydrogeochemical processes, from the recharge zone to discharge zone, the Sr2+ content, Sr2+/Ca2+ ratio and TDS concentrations of karst groundwater gradually increases along the flow direction. However, for C-X subsystem, from the deep buried zone to discharge zone, the Sr2+ content, Sr2+/Ca2+ ratio and TDS concentrations gradually decreases due to the mixing of fresh water. The main source of karst groundwater was meteoric water, and it is also recharged by surface water and shallow groundwater. The water-rock interactions in conjunction with the cation exchange absolutely predominated in hydrogeochemical evolution of karst groundwater. Major ions, such as Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3− and SO42−, originated from the dissolution of carbonate and sulfate minerals. Dissolution of sulfate minerals was the major process for the increase of groundwater salinity. The NO3−, Cl− and K+ could be attributed to agricultural and human activities, and the Na+ originated from intense mining activities in the study area. The results will facilitate understanding of hydrogeochemical processes and groundwater pollution to enable effective management and utilization of karst groundwater resources.
GIS Based Analysis of the Solar Radiation Mapping and Potential Assessment for Iraqi Kurdistan region
Authors: Keya Dawod R. , Farangis Baker , Sirwan Ranj , Behler Klaus 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The sun provides almost all the energy for our planet and it is responsible, directly, or indirectly, for the existence of life on Earth. In general, active solar energy technology can be further grouped into two categories photovoltaic technology and solar thermal technology. Different methods have been developed to estimate surface irradiance in the absence of ground records. There are two different types of satellite data to estimate sun irradiation. Geostationary satellites and polar-orbiting satellites. The focus of PVGIS is research in solar resource assessment, photovoltaic (PV) performance studies, and the dissemination of knowledge and data about solar radiation. SARAH is a satellite-based climatology of the solar surface irradiance, the surface direct normalized irradiance, and the effective cloud albedo derived from satellite observations of the visible channels. In this study, the data set consists of records at 29 stations, and irradiation data for 78 points in the period 2005 to 2016 were used. The results indicated that the spatial variability of the daily and annual Rs ranged from as high as 5.4 MJ/m²/day (annual 1964.1) to as low as 4.4 MJ/m²/day (annual 1611.8). Also, the daily irradiation in the context of GHI, DNI, and GIOA ranged from 4.4 to 5.6, 4.9 to 5.8 and from 4.7 to 6.2 MJ/m²/day, respectively.
The Effect of Final Irrigation Protocols on The Apical Sealing Ability of Epoxy Resin-based and Bioceramic-based Root Canal Sealers
Authors: Mohamed Anan , Ghoniem Angie , Nabil Nehal 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aim: The present study evaluated the effect of different final irrigation protocols on the apical sealing ability of bioceramic and epoxy resin-based sealers. Materials and methods: Thirty single-rooted mandibular premolars were instrumented using ProTaper Next rotary files. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to the final irrigation regimen; Group I: 5 ml 0.2% CNPs/3 min, Group II: 2.5 ml 0.2% CNPs/1.5 min followed by 2.5 ml 17% EDTA/1.5 min, and Group III: 5 ml 17% EDTA/3min. All groups were subdivided into two subgroups based on the obturation material; Subgroup A: gutta-percha/Sure-Seal Root BC Sealer and Subgroup B: gutta-percha/AH Plus. The apical sealing ability was assessed using modified silver staining technique. Samples were sectioned longitudinally and examined using SEM. Results: Sure-Seal Root BC sealer showed significantly lower nanoleakage compared to AH Plus. No significant difference was recorded in the nanoleakage of Sure-Seal Root BC sealer among the three groups, while AH Plus showed a significantly higher nanoleakage in the EDTA group. Conclusions: The apical sealing ability of bioceramic sealers is better than that of epoxy resin-based sealers. The type of the final irrigating solution seems to affect the post-obturation seal of both AH Plus and Sure-Seal Root BC sealer.
Rate of spontaneous preterm delivery between gestational diabetes and normal pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tanpong Sirikul , Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Preterm delivery has been reported to increase among women with gestational diabetes (GDM) but with conflicting results. Understand the relationship between the 2 conditions could help in better care of GDM and possibly minimize the risk of preterm delivery Therefore, the primary objective was to compare the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery between GDM and normal pregnancy. Moreover, pregnancy outcomes and associated risk factors for spontaneous preterm delivery were evaluated.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 120 GDM and 480 normal pregnant women. All women received GDM screening with 50-g GCT and 100-g OGTT at first visit and repeated at 24–28 weeks. Data was retrieved from medical records, including baseline and obstetric characteristics, preterm risks, GDM risks, and pregnancy outcomes. Spontaneous preterm birth was defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation that had been preceded by spontaneous labor.
Results
GDM women were more likely to be \(\ge\)30 years (p = 0.032), and have previous GDM (p = 0.013). Incidence of overall preterm delivery was significantly higher in GDM women (17.5% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.004) as well as incidence of spontaneous preterm delivery (15.8% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.004). GDM women had less gestational weight gain (p < 0.001) and were less likely to have excessive weight gain (p = 0.002). GDM women were more likely to deliver LGA (p = 0.02) and macrosomic infants (p = 0.027). Neonatal hypoglycemia was significantly more common among GDM (p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that previous preterm birth and GDM independently increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (adjusted OR 2.56, CI 1.13–5.79, p 0.024 and adjusted OR 2.15, CI 1.2–3.84, p 0.010, respectively).
Conclusion
GDM and previous preterm birth significantly increased the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. GDM also increased the risk of LGA, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.
Comparative Postnatal Cytoarchitectural study of the Cochlear and Vestibular nuclei in the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus)
Authors: Ogbonnaya Obioma , Ibe Chikera Samuel , Ikpegbu Ekele 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The medulla oblongata relays impulses between the spinal cord and higher brain centers and serves as the control center for autonomic processes. The gray matter of the medulla oblongata houses the cochlear and vestibular cranial nerve nuclei, and they are involved in the control of essential bodily activities. Information on status of the auditory reflex centres at earlier postnatal developmental stages of the African giant rat (AGR) is lacking in available literature. Previous studies advocated the use of juveniles instead of adults for neurological studies. The cytoarchitecture of the cochlear and vestibular nuclei at different postnatal developmental stages in AGR need to be investigated to further understand the variation in the auditory capacity of this rodent. It is with this dearth of knowledge on the auditory brain centres of the AGR that the need to conduct the present study was born. Neuronal axons of cochlear bushy cells were absent in neonates, present but short in juveniles and well developed in adults. The relatively poor acoustic structures in neonates, improved acoustic structures in juveniles and dominant acoustic structures in adult AGRs is Progressive. This progressive development of cochlear bushy cells from neonates, through juveniles to adults implies that the adults have huge auditory nerve endings for high fidelity neural transmission in response to acoustic events more than the juveniles and far less in neonates. Therefore, the adults of AGR have the best auditory sense acuity, followed by a good one in juveniles and the worst in neonates.
The relationship between miR-340 and NOD2 may play an important role in Streptococcus pneumoniae-induced meningitis
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Xiaoying , Liu Xianghong , Kang Lili , Lin Xia , Ma Kai , Li Yanfang 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system in children, with a high mortality rate of 12 % - 35 %. Two-thirds of bacterial meningitis cases in Europe and the United States are caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae. In this study, the overexpression of miR-340 and the knockdown of NOD2 could attenuate the microglial inflammation induced byStreptococcus pneumoniaeand improve the nerve function inStreptococcus pneumoniae-induced meningitis mice. In contrast, inhibited miR-340 and overexpression of NOD2 had the opposite effects. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and recovery experiments showed that miR-340 could reduce the microglial inflammation induced byStreptococcus pneumoniaeand improve the neurological damage caused byStreptococcus pneumoniaewith regulating the expression of NOD2. MiR-340 and NOD2 may become the site of targeted therapy forStreptococcus pneumoniaemeningitis.
Multi-Graph Convolutional Neural Network forBreast Cancer Multi-Task Classification
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammad , Henna Shagufta , Jennings Brendan , Butler Bernard , Cullen Gary 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Mammography is a popular diagnostic imaging procedure for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Variousdeep learning approaches to breast cancer detection incur high costs and are erroneous. Therefore, they are notreliable to be used by medical practitioners. Specifically, these approaches do not exploit the complex texture patternsand interactions. These approaches warrant the need for labelled data to enable learning, limiting the scalabilityof these methods under insufficient labelled datasets. Further, these models lack generalisation capability to newsynthesizedpatterns/textures. To address these problems, in the first instance, we design a graph model to transform themammograms images into highly correlated multigraph encode rich structural relations and high-level texture features.Then, we consider a self-supervised learning multigraph encoder (SSL-MG) to improve the features presentation,especially under limited labelled data constraints. Finally, we design a semi-supervised mammogram multigraphconvolution neural network downstream model (MMGCN) to perform multi classifications of mammogram segmentsencoded in the multigraph nodes. We evaluate the classification performance of MMGCN independently and withintegration with SSL-MG in a model called SSL-MMGCN over multi training settings. Our results reveal the efficientlearning performance of SSL-MNGCN and MMGCN with 0.97 and 0.98 AUC classification accuracy in contrast tothe multitask deep graph (GCN) method Hao Du et al. (2021) with 0.81 AUC accuracy.