bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between hormone replacement therapy and carpal tunnel syndrome: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Tang Hsien-Chin , Cheng Ya-Yun , Guo How-Ran 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive focal mononeuropathy, and the increased incidence in postmenopausal and pregnant women suggests its association with oestrogen. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the occurrence of CTS.DesignPopulation-based case-control study.SettingNationwide health insurance programme operated by the government with a near 100% coverage rate.ParticipantsWe identified women ≥45 years old in the Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, which contains data on a representative sample of one million enrollees. After exclusion of those who were diagnosed with CTS before the prescription of HRT, a total of 118 309 participants were included and followed up for 15 years starting from 1 January 1996. Both HRT and occurrence of CTS were identified using the insurance claims.Main outcome measuresWe identified incident patients of CTS and evaluated the association between HRT and CTS by calculating the OR.ResultsOf the 4535 participants who developed CTS during the study period, 2334 (51.5%) were HRT recipients. In participants without CTS, the proportion of HRT recipients was 28.1%, yielding an OR of 2.72 with a 95% CI of 2.56 to 2.88. After adjustment for age, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, gout and obesity, the OR of CTS associated with HRT was 2.04 (95% CI 1.91 to 2.17). While HRT, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and gout had similar effects on CTS across all age groups, hypothyroidism and obesity had different effects on different groups.ConclusionThis study observed a positive association between HRT and CTS, independent of age, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, gout and obesity. While the ORs of CTS associated with HRT were similar across age groups, those associated with hypothyroidism and obesity were not, indicating effect modifications by age.
Identifying occupational health hazards among healthcare providers and ancillary staff in Ghana: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Tawiah Philip Apraku , Baffour-Awuah Alberta , Appiah-Brempong Emmanuel , Afriyie-Gyawu Evans 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionThe formation, modification and implementation of occupational health and safety policy for the Ghana healthcare industry hinge on data and reviews on occupational exposures. However, there is no synthesised review to speak to the issues of these occupational exposures. A scoping review on occupational exposures among the health workforce in Ghana will provide a broad overview of exposures, and can guide and assist in making decisions on occupational health issues relating to healthcare workers.Methods and analysisArksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology framework will guide the conduct of this scoping review. Primary research studies, government documents and other information on occupational exposures among healthcare workers published in the English language will be retrieved from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO and Google scholar. A systematic search strategy will be employed to identify articles from 1 January 2010 until 30 November 2021. Also, grey literature sources in Ghana including government and tertiary institutions websites will be searched. A reference list of key studies and other available non-electronic materials will also be screened to identify relevant studies for inclusion. The review will consider studies that address prevalence, knowledge and predisposing factors of occupational exposures along with the use of occupational hazards control/preventive measures. After removal of duplicates, and title and abstract screening, relevant articles will be subjected to full-text analysis. The screening processes will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Data will then be extracted and presented in tabular form with a narrative to aid easy comprehension.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethical approval. The findings will be disseminated through publications, conference presentations and stakeholder meetings.
Behavioural microclimate selection and physiological responses to environmental conditions in a hibernating bat
Authors: Boyles Justin G. , Johnson Emily M. , Fuller Nathan W. , Silas Kirk A. , Hou Lily , Frick Winifred F. , McGuire Liam P. 
Published: January 2022

Hibernators adjust the expression of torpor behaviourally and physiologically to balance the benefits of energy conservation in hibernation against the physiological and ecological costs. Small fat-storing species, like many cave-hibernating bats, have long been thought to be highly constrained in their expression of hibernation because they must survive winter relying only on endogenous energy stores. We evaluated behavioural microclimate selection in tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus (F. Cuvier, 1832)) across a 3-month hibernation experiment under laboratory conditions. We also opportunistically tested for evidence of acclimatization in torpid metabolic rate (TMR). When given access to gradients in microclimate, bats tended to choose the warmest temperature available (11 °C) while almost completely avoiding the driest condition available (85% relative humidity at 8 °C). Furthermore, bats held at different temperatures over the course of the hibernation showed no differences in TMR when measured under common conditions at the end of hibernation. Taken together, our results suggest that selective pressures to conserve energy during hibernation are not overwhelmingly strong and further support the proposition that optimal expression of hibernation is something less than the maximal expression of hibernation unless the animal is nearing starvation.
An Inverse Procedural Modeling Pipeline for SVBRDF Maps
Authors: Hu Yiwei , He Chengan , Deschaintre Valentin , Dorsey Julie , Rushmeier Holly 
Published: January 2022

Procedural modeling is now the de facto standard of material modeling in industry. Procedural models can be edited and are easily extended, unlike pixel-based representations of captured materials. In this article, we present a semi-automatic pipeline for general material proceduralization. Given Spatially Varying Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions (SVBRDFs) represented as sets of pixel maps, our pipeline decomposes them into a tree of
sub-materials
whose spatial distributions are encoded by their associated mask maps. This semi-automatic decomposition of material maps progresses hierarchically, driven by our new spectrum-aware material matting and instance-based decomposition methods. Each decomposed sub-material is proceduralized by a novel multi-layer noise model to capture local variations at different scales. Spatial distributions of these sub-materials are modeled either by a by-example inverse synthesis method recovering Point Process Texture Basis Functions (PPTBF) [
30
] or via random sampling. To reconstruct procedural material maps, we propose a differentiable rendering-based optimization that recomposes all generated procedures together to maximize the similarity between our procedural models and the input material pixel maps. We evaluate our pipeline on a variety of synthetic and real materials. We demonstrate our method’s capacity to process a wide range of material types, eliminating the need for artist designed material graphs required in previous work [
38
,
53
]. As fully procedural models, our results expand to arbitrary resolution and enable high-level user control of appearance.
BRAF Mutations: The Discovery of Allele- and Lineage-Specific Differences
Authors: Hanrahan Aphrothiti J. , Solit David B. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Cancer treatment is increasingly guided by molecular analyses designed to identify clinically actionable genomic alterations in individual patients. The discovery of BRAF mutations in human cancer, and the subsequent development and FDA authorization of selective BRAF inhibitors highlight the potential clinical impact and current limitations of precision oncology paradigms. In 2002, Brose and colleagues reported that the distribution of BRAF mutations differed in melanoma and lung cancer and that not all BRAF mutations were functionally equivalent. Here, we discuss this landmark paper, which foreshadowed subsequent research elucidating how biochemical differences among mutant alleles within the same gene and lineage-specific differences among cancer types impact drug sensitivity. Such translational studies provided a road map for the development of novel RAF inhibitors and rational combination strategies that promise greater clinical activity and/or more favorable toxicity profiles.
See related article by Brose and colleagues, Cancer Res 2002;62:6997–7000
Engineering Principles for Synthetic Biology Circuits in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Shih Ryan M. , Chen Yvonne Y. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Recent advances in biomolecular engineering have led to novel cancer immunotherapies with sophisticated programmed functions, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that bind tumor-associated antigens (TAA) to direct coordinated immune responses. Extensive engineering efforts have been made to program not only CAR specificity, but also downstream pathways that activate molecular responses. Collectively, these efforts can be conceptualized as an immunotherapy circuit: TAAs bind the CAR as input signals; intracellular signaling cascades process the binding interactions into transcriptional and translational events; and those events program effector output functions. More simply, this sequence may be abstracted as input, processing, and output. In this review, we discuss the increasingly complex scene of synthetic-biology solutions in cancer immunotherapy and summarize recent work within the framework of immunotherapy circuits. In doing so, a toolbox of basic modular circuits may be established as a foundation upon which sophisticated solutions can be constructed to meet more complex problems.
See related article on p. 5.
Medium access control protocol design for wireless communications and networks review
Authors: Jaber Zaid Hashim , Kadhim Dheyaa Jasim , Al-Araji Ahmed Sabah 
Published: January 2022

<p><span>Medium access control (MAC) protocol design plays a crucial role to increase the performance of wireless communications and networks. The channel access mechanism is provided by MAC layer to share the medium by multiple stations. Different types of wireless networks have different design requirements such as throughput, delay, power consumption, fairness, reliability, and network density, therefore, MAC protocol for these networks must satisfy their requirements. In this work, we proposed two multiplexing methods for modern wireless networks: Massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) and power domain non-orthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA). The first research method namely Massive MIMO uses a massive number of antenna elements to improve both spectral efficiency and energy efficiency. On the other hand, the second research method (PD-NOMA) allows multiple non-orthogonal signals to share the same orthogonal resources by allocating different power level for each station. PD-NOMA has a better spectral efficiency over the orthogonal multiple access methods. A review of previous works regarding the MAC design for different wireless networks is classified based on different categories. The main contribution of this research work is to show the importance of the MAC design with added optimal functionalities to improve the spectral and energy efficiencies of the wireless networks.</span></p>
ZigBee based data collection in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Nguyen Cuong V. , Coboi Alberto E. , Bach Nam V. , Dang Anh TN. , Le Trang TH. , Nguyen Huy P. , Nguyen Minh Tuan 
Published: January 2022

<p>Wireless sensor networks (WSN), referring to groups of technologies wirelessly controlled, are widely used in many different fields, agriculture, medical, military, etc. These technologies are mainly used for monitoring physical or environmental conditions, such as temperatures, sound, pressure, and so on. In WSN fields, there are technologies as Wi-Fi, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave, and so on. Furthermore, there is one of this technology that offers more outstanding futures to provide more energy-saving and long distances of transmissions compared to other technologies, and that is Zigbee technology, and this had become for many applications, the first high-quality to use and consequently the most used in WSNs. In Zigbee aided WSNs, are included three main devices used to communicate data, that is a Zig-Bee coordinator (network coordinator), ZigBee router, and ZigBee end-devices. The data sensed is transmitted from sensor nodes through coordinators to a base-station (BS), this device (coordinator), collects the data, stores it in a memory, processes, and finally forward to the next suitable nodes or the BS. This research presents the concepts and discussions of Zigbee technologies used in WSNs. Utmost ZigBee communication technologies are revised and analyzed, as well as simulation results with different scenarios are addressed comprehensively. Proposals for advance applications in WSNs are presented. Suggestions for future developments are provided</p>
A emancipação dos povos colonizados na proposta educacional freireana: decolonização interculturalidade
Authors: Severino Antônio Joaquim 
Published: January 2022

The essay aims to show that the emancipatory meaning of Paulo Freire's educational proposal implies the awareness of the condition of cultural coloniality still persistent in peripheral societies of the planet that were constituted by colonization processes carried out by European metropolitan nations and the need to overcome it through the denunciation of Eurocentrism and the practice of intercultural education. It supports the inclusion of Paulo Freire in the universe of pioneer thinkers in the defense of the necessary and relevant role of education as a process of emancipation of colonized peoples, by proposing the rooting of epistemological practice and the interculturality of educational practice.

Keywords: Paulo Freire. Liberating education. Interculturality. Emancipation.
Paulo Freire: um olhar de amorosidade para a educação escolar indígena
Authors: Neves Josélia Gomes 
Published: January 2022

This writing resulted from the analysis of the document: A dialogue with Paulo Freire on Indigenous Education (FREIRE, 1982) that took place in June 1982 in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso at the 8th Regional Assembly of the Indigenist Missionary Council (CIMI). The document analysis was the methodological procedure adopted in this study, among other issues, which allowed us to understand Paulo Freire’s borderline thinking through class and ethnicity articulation. In general, the meeting provided an important reflection on alterity punctuated by considerations and questions specific to dialogical experiences and the confrontation of tensions between asymmetric cultures. Although from the beginning of the event Paulo Freire stated that he was not an expert on the subject, it was possible to discuss issues of the oppressed condition in these contexts and thus interpret resistance behaviors and suggest emancipatory paths.
Supercell Thunderstorm Charge Structure Variability and Influences on Spatial Lightning Flash Relationships with the Updraft
Authors: Stough Sarah M. , Carey Lawrence D. , Schultz Christopher J. , Cecil Daniel J. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Relationships between lightning flashes and thunderstorm kinematics and microphysics are important for applications such as nowcasting of convective intensity. These relationships are influenced by cloud electrification structures and have been shown to vary in anomalously electrified thunderstorms. This study addresses transitional relationships between active charge structure and lightning flash location in the context of kinematic and microphysical updraft characteristics during the development of an anomalously electrified supercell thunderstorm in the Tennessee Valley on 10 April 2009. The initial charge structure within the updraft was characterized as an anomalous dipole in which positive charge was inferred in regions of precipitation ice (i.e., graupel and hail) and negative charge was inferred in regions of cloud ice (i.e., aggregates and ice crystals). During subsequent development of the anomalous charge structure, additional minor charge layers as well as evidence of increasing horizontal complexity were observed. Microphysical and kinematic characteristics of the charge structure also evolved to include increasing observations of negative charge in precipitation ice regions, indicating the emergence of more prominent normal charging alongside dominant anomalous charging. Simultaneously, lightning flash initiation locations were also increasingly observed in regions of faster updrafts and stronger horizontal gradients in updraft speed. It is suggested that continuous variability in charging behavior over mesogamma spatial scales influenced the evolution of lightning flash locations with respect to the updraft structure. Further work is necessary to determine how this variability may impact lightning flash relationships, including lightning flash rate, with bulk microphysical and kinematic characteristics and related applications.
SPOCD1 regulated by miR-133a-3p promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis
Authors: Zheng Tianying , Zhang Xin , Wang Yonggang , Wang Aijun 
Published: January 2022

Objective To investigate the tumorigenic role of spen paralogue and orthologue C-terminal domain-containing 1 (SPOCD1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify the upstream regulatory mechanism. Methods We analyzed SPOCD1 and miR-133-3p expression in normal and HCC tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas and UALCAN databases, and in normal hepatocytes and HCC cell lines by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. We identified the miR-133a-3p-binding site on the SPOCD1 3ʹ-untranslated region using TargetScan. Hierarchical regulation was confirmed by luciferase assay and miR-133a-3p overexpression/silencing. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation were assessed by MTT, scratch, transwell, and clonogenic assays, respectively. Results SPOCD1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, while miR-133a-3p expression was significantly downregulated. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that high SPOCD1 expression was significantly associated with poor survival. TargetScan and luciferase reporter assay revealed that SPOCD1 was the downstream target of miR-133a-3p. Overexpression of miR-133a-3p significantly inhibited the expression of SPOCD1, while miR-133a-3p knockdown significantly increased SPOCD1 expression. Conclusion SPOCD1, regulated by miR-133a-3p, promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation. This study provides the first evidence for the role of the miR-133a-3p/SPOCD1 axis in HCC tumorigenesis.
The Impact of D-Dimer on Postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Thoracolumbar Fracture Caused by High-Energy Injuries
Authors: Wang Haiying , Lv Bing , Li Weifeng , Wang Shunyi 
Published: January 2022

Objective To investigate the dynamic variation of D-dimer and to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of D-dimer level in patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries. Methods A total of 121 patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries were retrospectively identified and included in this study. There were 83 males and 38 females, with an average age of 48.6 ± 11.2 years. All patients were treated with either screw fixation surgery or decompression fixation surgery. The D-dimer levels were measured 1 day before surgery and on the first, third, and fifth days after surgery. The dynamic variation of D-dimer and the effects of risk factors on D-dimer levels were analysed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the appropriate D-dimer cut-off level was determined for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) screening. Results Due to a trough on the third day, D-dimer levels grew in an unsustainable manner following surgery (P < 0.001). Patients with the operation time >120 min (P = 0.009) and those with an American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score A-C (P < 0.001) had higher D-dimer levels. The area under the curve of D-dimer was the greatest on the third day. Applying stratified cut-off values did not change the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value in the group with an operation time >120 min, and ASIA score A-C group. Conclusions D-dimer levels elevated with fluctuation in patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries after surgery. Both operation time and ASIA score had an impact on D-dimer levels. Regarding DVT diagnoses, the diagnostic value of D-dimer was highest on the third day postoperatively, and stratified cut-off values by these two factors did not show better diagnostic efficacy compared with a collective one.
Yoga for Preventive Health: A Holistic Approach
Authors: Madan Shobhit , Sembhi Jasraj , Khurana Navpreet , Makkar Kanika , Byati Priya 
Published: January 2022

Yoga has been prevalent for over 5000 years; it originated in India and has become an essential lifestyle ingredient for achieving optimal health. The goal of this article in lifestyle modification is to increase awareness about the benefits of yoga and how its practice can reduce the overall risk of chronic diseases. Yoga has been proven to be therapeutic for enhancing immunity and support management of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine disorders, obesity, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Yoga techniques called asanas, such as pranayama for breathing regulation and dhyana for meditation, boost innate immune response, interrupt inflammation, and thereby prevent the manifestation of chronic diseases. Yoga also provides symptomatic relief for chronic arthritis by increasing joint flexibility and microcirculation. Yoga and meditation regulate neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and cytokines that mediate interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system. These techniques reduce the psychological and physiological effects of chronic stress. Serotonin, oxytocin, and melatonin released directly due to practicing yoga have been shown to better manage anxiety and fear, especially during the pandemic. We believe the current trends of chronic disease management will become more effective with the implementation of lifestyle changes using yoga.