bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conductivity and size quantization effects in semiconductor δ-layer systems
Authors: Granado Juan Mendez , Mamaluy Denis 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
We present an open-system quantum-mechanical 3D real-space study of the conduction band structure and conductive properties of two semiconductor systems, interesting for their beyond-Moore and quantum computing applications: phosphorus δ-layers and P δ-layer tunnel junctions in silicon. In order to evaluate size quantization effects on the conductivity, we consider two principal cases: nanoscale finite-width structures, used in transistors, and infinitely-wide structures, electrical properties of which are typically known experimentally. For devices widths W < 10nm, quantization effects are strong and it is shown that the number of propagating modes determines not only the conductivity, but the distinctive spatial distribution of the current-carrying electron states. For W > 10nm, the quantization effects practically vanish and the conductivity tends to the infinitely-wide device values. For tunnel junctions, the quantization of the conduction band leads to deviations from the exponential dependence of the current on the tunnel gap length for low applied biases (≤10mV).
Quantum Amplifier for a Magnetic Flux Qubit
Authors: Gupta Santosh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The possibility of using a particular Josephson-based quantum amplier to amplify the signal of a qubit with a magnetic degree of freedom is investigated. The amplifier consists of two Josephson junctions in a loop like a DC SQUID, but with no external flux bias. The qubit is assumed to be like a spin with two opposite states of flux. The circulating current in the Josephson-based amplier is the signal to be measured by a suitable readout device. A DC current bias through the amplifier can be used to tune the amplifier between an OFF phase, when readout does not occur, and an ON phase, when the amplifier signal is coupled to the readout device and readout occurs. Results are provided demonstrating the average magnitude and noise in the modulation factor of the amplifier current signal. Also it is shown exactly how the current bias may be used to suppress the amplier signal in the OFF phase. Results demonstrate this is a potential candidate for a useful element in the design of a quantum computer.
Effects of indirect foraminal decompression during anterior cervical disc fusion procedure: a prospective study with clinical and radiological outcomes
Authors: LAINÉ Gaetan , COUDERT Pierre , DAMADE Camille , BOISSIERE Louis , POINTILLART Vincent , VITAL Jean Marc , BOUYER Benjamin , GILLE Olivier 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The respective effects of direct and indirect decompression in the clinical outcome after anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) is still debated. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the height of the implants was associated with postoperative foraminal height and volume, and with clinical improvement in patients suffering from cervico-brachial neuralgias due to degenerative foraminal stenosis.
Methods
We conducted a prospective follow-up of patients who underwent ACDF for cervicobrachial neuralgias due to degenerative foraminal stenosis. Patient had filled auto questionnaires (Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for cervical and radicular pain) and performed a CT-scan pre and post-operatively. Disc height, foraminal height and foraminal volumes were measured pre and post operatively.
Results
37 cervical disc fusions were successfully performed in 20 patients, with a total of 148 foramina studied. A significant improvement in the 3 scores was observed at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). We found a significant improvement in every radiological parameter, with a significant increase in disc height, foraminal height and foraminal volume being respectively + 3,22mm (p < 0,001), + 2,12mm (p < 0,001) and + 54mm3 (p < 0,001). Increase in disc height was significantly associated with increase in foraminal height (p < 0,001) and foraminal volume (p < 0,001). Increase in foraminal height was significantly correlated with foraminal volume (p < 0,001) and with improvement in NDI score (p:0,037). Considering all those findings, our study suggests that indirect decompression helps in clinical improvement after ACDF.
Conclusion
This study provides interesting data regarding the clinical benefit of indirect decompression in ACDF performed for cervicobrachial neuralgias.
Preparation of Medical Students for Physical Exam Skills in the Pediatrics Clerkship: A Needs Assessment
Authors: Weinstein Adam , MacPherson Peter , Schmidt Suzanne , Opstal Elizabeth Van , Chou Erica , Pogemiller Mark , Gibbs Kathleen , Held Melissa 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Many students report feeling inadequately prepared for their clinical experiences in pediatrics. There is striking variability on how pediatric clinical skills are taught in pre-clerkship curricula.
Methods: We asked students who completed their clerkships in pediatrics, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics-gynecology and internal medicine to rate their pre-clinical training in preparing them for each clerkship, specifically asking about medical knowledge, communication, and physical exam skills. We also surveyed pediatric clerkship and clinical skills course directors at North American medical schools to describe the competence students should in the pediatric physical exam prior to their pediatric clerkship.
Results: Close to 1/3 of students reported not feeling adequately prepared for their pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, or surgery clerkship. Students felt less prepared to perform pediatric physical exam skills compared to physical exam skills in all other clerkships. Pediatric clerkship directors and clinical skills course directors felt students should have knowledge of and some ability to perform a wide spectrum of physical exam skills on children. There were no differences between the two groups except that clinical skills educators identified a slightly higher expected competence for development assessment skills compared to pediatric clerkship directors.
Conclusions: As medical schools undergo cycles of curricular reform, it may be beneficial to integrate more pre-clerkship exposure to pediatric topics and skills. Further exploration and collaboration establishing how and when to incorporate this learning could serve as a starting point for curricular improvements, with evaluation of effects on student experience and performance. A challenge is identifying infants and children for physical exam skills practice.
Glepaglutide, a novel glucagon-like peptide-2 agonist, has anti-inflammatory and mucosal regenerative effects in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease in rats
Authors: Skarbaliene Jolanta , Mathiesen Jesper Mosolff , Larsen Bjarne Due , Thorkildsen Christian , Petersen Yvette Miata 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) enhances intestinal repair and attenuates inflammation in preclinical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models, making GLP-2 analogues attractive candidates for IBD therapy. Glepaglutide is a long-acting GLP-2 receptor agonist in clinical development for treatment of short bowel syndrome. Here, we investigated if glepaglutide is therapeutically beneficial in rats with small intestinal inflammation.
Methods: Small intestinal inflammation was induced with indomethacin in naive Wistar rats, followed by glepaglutide administration at different disease stages. Glepaglutide was administered in co-treatment and post-treatment regimens. Small intestinal length and concentrations of inflammatory markers α-1-acid glycoprotein and myeloperoxidase were used to assess anti-inflammatory effects. Small intestinal mass was evaluated to determine intestinotrophic effects.
Results: Glepaglutide co- and post-treatment significantly reduced severity of small intestinal inflammation, evidenced by reversed small intestinal shortening and decreased α-1-acid glycoprotein and/or myeloperoxidase concentration(s). Co- and post-treatment with glepaglutide also significantly increased small intestinal mass, indicating intestinal regenerative effects. Similar effects were observed in naive rats after glepaglutide treatment.
Conclusion: Glepaglutide has anti-inflammatory and intestinotrophic effects without the need for pre-treatment in a rat model of small intestinal inflammation. Thus, glepaglutide is of potential clinical interest for patients with IBD.
Low-dose versus standard-dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in the very elderly patients with acute ischaemic stroke: a single-center study in Tianjin, China
Authors: gu yawei , Chu Xu , Dong Yinhua , Han Qian , Liang Xuemei , Fan Hongguang , Li Qiang , Zhao Lan , Wang Chaoran , Wang Hongxin , Wang Lijun 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective: The optimal dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke among the very elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) in China is unclear. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose (0.6 mg/kg) and standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) rt-PA for varying severity and age of Chinese geriatric stroke patients.
Methods: According to dose of rt-PA, the enrolled patients were divided into two groups: rt-PA low-dose group (0.6 mg/kg) and rt-PA standard-dose group (0.9 mg/kg). The efficacy outcome was favorable functional outcome(modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2) at 90 days. The short-term safety outcomes were intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and fatal intracerebral hemorrhage (fICH). The long-term safety outcome was death within 90 days. We assessed the efficacy and safety of low-dose vs standard-dose of rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke in Chinese very elderly patients.
Results: A total of 201 eligible patients were enrolled; among them, 93 patientswere treated with low-dose rt-PA and 108 patients received standard-dose rt-PA. The incidences of ICH, sICH and fICH in rt-PA low-dose group were lower than rt-PA standard-dose group [8.6%(8/93) vs. 19.4%(21/108), 4.3%(4/93) vs. 10.2%(11/108), 1.1%(1/93) vs. 9.3%(10/108); unadjusted and adjusted P< .05]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning the long-term safety index and the effectiveness index. Stratification by stroke severity and age，the favorable functional outcome rate at 90 days of moderate stroke sub-group and ≥90 years old in rt-PA low-dose group were both higher than rt-PA standard-dose group [76.3%(29/38) vs. 52.6%(20/38), 56.5%(13/23) vs. 25.0%(5/20); P< .05] and without a higher risk of mortality (mRS score of 6; P> .05).
Conclusions: The efficacy and safety at 90 days of low-dose (0.6 mg/kg) rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy for Chinese geriatric AIS patients was equivalent to the standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) rt-PA but with a lower risk of ICH, sICH and fICH. For AIS patients with moderate stroke and age 90 years or older, intravenous thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA 0.6 mg/kg is recommended. Confirmation of the results through multicentre, prospective, randomised trial is required.
Fatty pancreas: an initial indicator of ectopic fat deposition and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Rizk Ehsan , Lymon Nabil , Hafez Hala , Elmorsy Basma , Elshahid Mahmoud Abd 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pancreatic steatosis is fat accumulation in the pancreatic gland without fat replacement, this excessive pancreatic lipid content may enter a continuous vicious cycle of hydrolysis and fatty acid re-esterification thereby generating toxic intermediates, which may induce β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Several studies were made to study whether these fat depositions are harmful or inert. This study aimed to assess the implications of fat deposition in pancreas on pancreatic β-cell functions in obese patients.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We included 200 obese female subjects with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and age (25-50 years) who visited an obesity clinic in Mansoura Specialized Medical hospital after exclusion of any medical conditions or taking drugs which affect lipid metabolism or beta cell function. The subjects were further subdivide fatty pancreatic group including 136 female subjects with ages range from 25 to 52 years old and non-fatty pancreatic group including 64 female subjects with ages range from 23 to 45 years old. All subjects were subjected to anthropometric measurement including height, weight, BMI, WC and laboratory investigations including lipid profile and HBA1C, oral glucose tolerance with measurement of glucose and insulin at 0,30,60 and 120 minutes with calculation of insulin sensitivity and resistance indices.
RESULTS: We found that a significant increase in BMI, WC, total cholesterol, LDL-C,TG and glucose and a significant decrease in HDL-C in fatty pancreas group compared to non-fatty pancreas group. Fatty pancreas had negative correlation with β cell functions in the form of decrease insulin secretion and decrease in insulin sensitivity in the form of decrease DI and IGI and increase in HOMA-IR. We found also no relation between fatty liver and fatty pancreas.
A prognostic nomogram based on LASSO Cox regression in patients with pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Tianming , Mao Zhiqing , Wang Hong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
This study was designed to construct and validate a new nomogram that was available for predicting overall survival (OS)in patients with pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC).
Methods
1864 LCNEC patients in total, of which 556 patients served as the validation group and 1308 patients as the training cohort, were drawn from the SEER database. We created a new nomogram for the training cohort using independent factors for overall survival (OS) via LASSO Cox regression, ultimately selecting five independent factors by a stepwise forward process. The nomogram contains all of the Cox regression results. Every result of the Cox regression is contained in the nomogram. Analyses of the calibration curve, decision curve, area under the curve (AUC), and concordance index (C-index) values were performed to assess the effectiveness and discriminative capability of the nomogram (DCA). NRI and IDI index were also used to assess the nomogram's performance in predicting OS against the 7th edition AJCC TNM staging system.Finally, we used the time-dependent ROC curves to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the newly constructed nomogram against the 7th edition AJCC TNM staging system at 3 years and 5years.
Results
Five optimal variablesfor predictive factors for OS were selected and merged to construct a 3- and 5 years OS nomogram.In the training cohort, the nomogram's C-index was 0.716, and it was 0.708 in the validation cohort. The actual survival rate and the calibration curves showing the nomogram forecasts were in good agreement. Results from the DCA in two cohorts demonstrated the clinical validity and applicability of the nomogram. The training cohort's NRI for 3 and 5 years OS was 0.296 and 0.161, while the IDI was 0.054 and 0.055 for predicting OS in comparison to the 7th edition AJCC TNM staging scheme. In the validation cohort, the NRI for 3 and 5 years OS was 0.289 and − 0.009, while the IDI was 0.053 and 0.041. Comparing the new nomogram andthe 7th edition AJCC TNM staging system in predicting 3-years OS were 0.811and 0.820,and 5-years OS were 0.821 and 0.828 in the training cohort. Moreover,Survival curves for the low-risk and high-risk groups were plotted using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
Conclusions
The prognostic nomogram may be very helpful in estimating the overall survival of patients with pulmonary LCNEC.
Nocturnal High Systolic Blood Pressure is Associated with Poor Discharge Outcome in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: Results from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance Study
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Gu Hongqiu , Pu Yuehua , Jiang Yingyu , Duan Wanying , Liu Xin , Nie Ximing , Zhang Zhe , Wang Chunjuan , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Li Zixiao , Liu Liping 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background and purpose
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurological emergency with high mortality and disability. Hypertensive states are related to a bad prognosis and a higher risk of rebleeding. However, the relationship between high blood pressure and onset time with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and its prognosis is quite unknown.
Methods
Data from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance database was reviewed. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to hemorrhage onset time and status of admission systolic blood pressure. Poor outcome was regarded as in-hospital mortality or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. The association between onset time and admission systolic blood pressure and risk of poor outcome was analyzed by the Cox regression model.
Results
Of 8136 patients included in this study, 1791 (22.0%) patients had poor outcome at discharge. Compared with normotensive patients with daytime onset, hypertensive patients with nighttime onset significantly increased the risk of in-hospital mortality or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (adjusted OR, 1.796; 95% CI, 1.511–2.136; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Nighttime onset with the presence of increased blood pressure at admission was associated with the increased risk of in-hospital mortality or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
Retrospective analysis of patients with severe combined immune deficiency: A 20-year Single center experience
Authors: Korkmaz Sevim Busra , Aytekin Selma Erol , Tokgoz Huseyin , Guner Sukru , Reisli Ismail , Keles Sevgi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by impairment in the development and function of lymphocytes and could be a fatal disease if not treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant in the first 2 years of life. There are differences in SCID diagnostic criteria between different primary immunodeficiency societies. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate clinical and laboratory findings of the patients followed up with the diagnosis of 59 SCID at our clinic over the past 20 years to develop an algorithm to help diagnosis of SCID for the countries which high ratio of consanguineous marriage and haven’t started TREC assay in their newborn screening program. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.80 ± 4.90 months, delay in diagnosis was 3.29 ± 3.99 months. The most common complaint and physical examination findings were cough and eczematous rash (63%)/organomegaly (61%), respectively. ADA, Artemis, RAG1/2 deficiency were the most common genetic defects. Lymphopenia (87.5%) was the most frequent abnormal laboratory finding and below 3000/mm³ in 95% of the patients. CD3+ T cell count was 300/mm3and below in 83% of the patients. Although the diagnostic criterion for SCID is specified as a CD3+ T lymphocyte count below 300/mm3 by IUIS and lower total lymphocyte counts (under 3000/mm3) together with determination of genetic defects leading to SCID by ESID, profound lymphopenia might not occur in some genetic defects. Combination of ESID and IUIS criteria for diagnosis of SCID would be safety for the countries with high ratio of consanguineous marriage. Physicians should consider diagnosis of SCID in the patient under 2 years with severe infections together with lymphocyte count under of 3000/mm3.
Delivering the Thinking Healthy Programme as a universal group intervention integrated into routine antenatal care: a randomized-controlled pilot study
Authors: Boran Perran , Dönmez Melike , Barış Ezgi , Us Mahmut Caner , Altaş Zeynep Meva , Nisar Anum , Atif Najia , Sikander Siham , Hıdıroğlu Seyhan , Save Dilşad , Rahman Atif 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Women with perinatal depression and their children are at increased risk of poor health outcomes. There is a need to implement non-stigmatizing interventions into existing health systems which reduce psychosocial distress during pregnancy and prevent perinatal depression. We adapted the WHO-endorsed Thinking Healthy Programme (THP) to be delivered universally to all women attending routine online pregnancy schools in Istanbul, Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention.
Methods
This mixed-methods study incorporated a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial and qualitative evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted THP – Brief Group version (THP-BGV) to a range of stakeholders. We recruited pregnant women at 12-30 weeks’ gestation through pregnancy schools within the University Hospital’s catchment area. Women in the intervention arm received five online sessions of the THP-BGV delivered by antenatal nurses. The intervention employed principles of cognitive behaviour therapy to provide psychoeducation, behaviour activation, problem-solving strategies and group support to participants. In the control arm, women received usual care consisting of routine online educational pregnancy classes aided by the antenatal nurses. The women were assessed for depressive symptoms with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at baseline and 4-6 weeks post-intervention and also evaluated for anxiety, perceived social support, partner relationship, level of disability and sleep quality. In-depth interviews were conducted with women and other key stakeholders.
Results
Of the 99 consecutive women referred to the pregnancy schools, 91 (91.9%) were eligible and 88 (88.8%) consented to participate in the study and were randomized. Eighty-two (83%) completed the final assessments. Our main findings were that this preventive group intervention was feasible to be integrated into routine antenatal educational classes and it was valued by the women and delivery-agents. While the study was not powered to detect differences between intervention and control conditions, we found small trends towards reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms favoring the intervention arm. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
Given the paucity of preventive interventions for perinatal depression in low and middle-income countries, a fully powered definitive randomized controlled trial of this feasible and acceptable intervention should be conducted.
Trial registration: The study was registered at Clinical Trails.gov (NCT04819711) (Registration Date: 29/03/2021).