bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does regime type matter for economic institutions in non‐democracies?
Authors: Bakhshiani Reza , Nili Masoud , Barakchian S. Mahdi
Published: August 2024

We provide evidence that the quality of economic institutions in non‐democracies is not uniform, and differences in the type of political regimes lead to such variations. By dividing non‐democracies into four groups of monarchies, personal dictatorships, party dictatorships, and military dictatorships, we argue that monarchies perform better than the others due to their structural characteristics. Using a broad sample of non‐democracies, we empirically find that the performance of economic institutions is better in monarchies compared to other forms of dictatorships. Moreover, no significant difference is observed between the performance of personal, party, and military dictatorships.
Reduced Body Flexibility Is Associated With Poor Survival in Middle‐Aged Men and Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Araújo Claudio Gil S. , de Souza e Silva Christina G. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Franklin Barry A. , Laukkanen Jari A. , Myers Jonathan , Fiatarone Singh Maria A. , Franca João Felipe , Castro Claudia Lucia B.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Flexibility is recognized as one of the components of physical fitness and commonly included as part of exercise prescriptions for all ages. However, limited data exist regarding the relationship between flexibility and survival. We evaluated the sex‐specific nature and magnitude of the associations between body flexibility and natural and non‐COVID‐19 mortality in a middle‐aged cohort of men and women.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Anthropometric, health and vital data from 3139 (66% men) individuals aged 46–65 years spanning from March 1994 to October 2022 were available. A body flexibility score, termed Flexindex, was derived from a combination of 20 movements (scored 0–4) involving seven different joints, resulting in a score range of 0–80. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were obtained, and unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality estimated.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 12.9 years, 302 individuals (9.6%) comprising 224 men/78 women died. Flexindex was 35% higher in women compared to men (mean ± SD: 41.1 ± 9.4 vs. 30.5 ± 8.7; p < 0.001) and exhibited an inverse relationship with mortality risk in both sexes (p < 0.001). Following adjustment for age, body mass index, and health status, the HR (95% CI) for mortality comparing upper and bottom of distributions of Flexindex were 1.87 (1.50–2.33; p < 0.001) for men and 4.78 (1.23–31.71; p = 0.047) for women.

Conclusions

A component of physical fitness—body flexibility—as assessed by the Flexindex is strongly and inversely associated with natural and non‐COVID‐19 mortality risk in middle‐aged men and women. Future studies should assess whether training‐induced flexibility gains are related to longer survival.
The novel non‐classical HLA‐G*01:55 identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Quan Zhan‐Rou , Liu Jie , Yang Bing‐Na , Song Jia‐Min , Zou Hong‐Yan
Published: August 2024

The non‐classical HLA‐G*01:55 allele differs from G*01:01:12 at one position in exon 4.
Additive Focus Adverbs Presuppose Content to Manage Rapport in Responses to Negative Hotel Reviews
Authors: Yang Dongheng
Published: August 2024

The current study delves into the interpersonal functions of additive focus adverbs (henceforth AFAs) in online communication, an area that has received limited attention in empirical pragmatic research. By elucidating the presuppositions triggered by AFAs, this investigation aims to demonstrate how these adverbs contribute to managing rapport in responses to negative hotel reviews on TripAdvisor. A combined corpus and content analysis reveals that the AFA again, which triggers known presuppositions, effectively fulfills a hotel’s relational goal while implicitly protecting its identity face. Furthermore, by presupposing both new and known but discourse-new content, the AFA also enhances the understanding of a hotel’s responsible image while concurrently maintaining the quality faces of both the hotel and its reviewers. Overall, these findings indicate that the employment of AFAs in responses represents a successful strategy to foster positive customer-hotel rapport by implicitly attending to the three bases of rapport. These findings provide novel insights into the interpersonal functions of AFAs in handling customer complaints, further enriching the understanding of moves and strategies in negative review responses.
Micronutrient Status During Military Training and Associations With Musculoskeletal Health, Injury, and Readiness Outcomes
Authors: Sekel Nicole M. , Lovalekar Mita , Koltun Kristen J. , Bird Matthew B. , Forse Jennifer N. , Martin Brian J. , Nindl Bradley C.
Published: August 2024

Objective: Micronutrient status, specifically vitamin D and iron, represent modifiable factors for optimizing military readiness. The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine associations between micronutrient deficiency (i.e., iron status and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D]) and operationally relevant outcomes (i.e., skeletal health, musculoskeletal injury) at baseline and post-10 weeks of arduous military training. Methods: A total of 227 (177 men, 50 women) Marine Officer Candidates School (OCS) candidates who completed OCS training with complete data sets were included in this analysis. Vitamin D and iron status indicators were collected at two timepoints, pre (baseline) and post OCS. Musculoskeletal outcomes at the mid- and proximal tibial diaphysis were assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Results: Micronutrient status declined following OCS training in men and women and was associated with musculoskeletal outcomes including greater bone strength (strength strain index) at the mid-diaphysis site in those with optimal status (M = 38.26 mm3, SE = 15.59) versus those without (M = −8.03 mm3, SE = 17.27). In women (p = .037), endosteal circumference was greater in the deficient group (M = 53.26 mm, SE = 1.19) compared with the optimal group (M = 49.47 mm, SE = 1.31) at the proximal diaphysis. In men, greater baseline hepcidin concentrations were associated with an increased likelihood of suffering musculoskeletal injury during training. Conclusions: Vitamin D and iron status declined over the course of training, suggesting impaired micronutrient status. Differences in musculoskeletal outcomes by micronutrient group suggests optimal vitamin D and ferritin concentrations may exert beneficial effects on bone fatigability and fracture reduction during military training.
Switching off autoimmunity
Authors: Laman Jon D. , Molloy Michael , Noelle Randolph J.
Published: August 2024

Discovered 30 years ago, CD40L antagonists are proving to be powerful autoimmune drugs
Stock assessment models overstate sustainability of the world’s fisheries
Authors: Edgar Graham J. , Bates Amanda E. , Krueck Nils C. , Baker Susan C. , Stuart-Smith Rick D. , Brown Christopher J.
Published: August 2024

Effective fisheries management requires accurate estimates of stock biomass and trends; yet, assumptions in stock assessment models generate high levels of uncertainty and error. For 230 fisheries worldwide, we contrasted stock biomass estimates at the time of assessment with updated hindcast estimates modeled for the same year in later assessments to evaluate systematic over- or underestimation. For stocks that were overfished, low value, or located in regions with rising temperatures, historical biomass estimates were generally overstated compared with updated assessments. Moreover, rising trends reported for overfished stocks were often inaccurate. With consideration of bias identified retrospectively, 85% more stocks than currently recognized have likely collapsed below 10% of maximum historical biomass. The high uncertainty and bias in modeled stock estimates warrants much greater precaution by managers.
Mechanisms of minor pole–mediated spindle bipolarization in human oocytes
Authors: Wu Tianyu , Luo Yuxi , Zhang Meiling , Chen Biaobang , Du Xingzhu , Gu Hao , Xie Siyuan , Pan Zhiqi , Yu Ran , Hai Ruiqi , Niu Xiangli , Hao Guimin , Jin Liping , Shi Juanzi , Sun Xiaoxi , Kuang Yanping , Li Wen , Sang Qing , Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

Spindle bipolarization, the process of a microtubule mass transforming into a bipolar spindle, is a prerequisite for accurate chromosome segregation. In contrast to mitotic cells, the process and mechanism of spindle bipolarization in human oocytes remains unclear. Using high-resolution imaging in more than 1800 human oocytes, we revealed a typical state of multipolar intermediates that form during spindle bipolarization and elucidated the mechanism underlying this process. We found that the minor poles formed in multiple kinetochore clusters contribute to the generation of multipolar intermediates. We further determined the essential roles of HAUS6, KIF11, and KIF18A in spindle bipolarization and identified mutations in these genes in infertile patients characterized by oocyte or embryo defects. These results provide insights into the physiological and pathological mechanisms of spindle bipolarization in human oocytes.
Glycerol metabolism contributes to competition by oral streptococci through production of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Taylor Zachary A. , Chen Ping , Noeparvar Payam , Pham Danniel N. , Walker Alejandro R. , Kitten Todd , Zeng Lin
Published: August 2024

As a biological byproduct from both humans and microbes, glycerol’s contribution to microbial homeostasis in the oral cavity remains understudied. In this study, we examined glycerol metabolism by
Streptococcus sanguinis,
a commensal associated with oral health. Genetic mutants of glucose-PTS enzyme II (
manL
), glycerol metabolism (
glp
and
dha
pathways), and transcriptional regulators were characterized with regard to glycerol catabolism, growth, production of hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
), transcription, and competition with
Streptococcus mutans
. Biochemical assays identified the
glp
pathway as a novel source for H
2
O
2
production by
S. sanguinis
that is independent of pyruvate oxidase (SpxB). Genetic analysis indicated that the
glp
pathway requires glycerol and a transcriptional regulator, GlpR, for expression and is negatively regulated by PTS, but not the catabolite control protein, CcpA. Conversely, deletion of either
manL
or
ccpA
increased the expression of
spxB
and a second, H
2
O
2
-non-producing glycerol metabolic pathway (
dha
), indicative of a mode of regulation consistent with conventional carbon catabolite repression (CCR). In a plate-based antagonism assay and competition assays performed with planktonic and biofilm-grown cells, glycerol greatly benefited the competitive fitness of
S. sanguinis
against
S. mutans
. The
glp
pathway appears to be conserved in several commensal streptococci and actively expressed in caries-free plaque samples. Our study suggests that glycerol metabolism plays a more significant role in the ecology of the oral cavity than previously understood. Commensal streptococci, though not able to use glycerol as a sole carbohydrate source for growth, benefit from the catabolism of glycerol through production of both ATP and H
2
O
2
.

IMPORTANCE

Glycerol is an abundant carbohydrate in the oral cavity. However, little is understood regarding the metabolism of glycerol by commensal streptococci, some of the most abundant oral bacteria. This was in part because most streptococci cannot grow on glycerol as the sole carbon source. In this study, we show that
Streptococcus sanguinis
, a commensal associated with dental health, can degrade glycerol for persistence and competition through two pathways, one of which generates hydrogen peroxide at levels capable of inhibiting
Streptococcus mutans
. Preliminary studies suggest that several additional commensal streptococci are also able to catabolize glycerol, and glycerol-related genes are actively expressed in human dental plaque samples. Our findings reveal the potential of glycerol to significantly impact microbial homeostasis, which warrants further exploration.
Factors governing attachment of
Rhizobium leguminosarum
to legume roots at acid, neutral, and alkaline pHs
Authors: Parsons Jack D. , Cocker Clare R. , East Alison K. , Wheatley Rachel M. , Ramachandran Vinoy K. , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Poole Philip S.
Published: August 2024

Rhizobial attachment to host legume roots is the first physical interaction of bacteria and plants in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The pH-dependent primary attachment of
Rhizobium leguminosarum
biovar viciae 3841 to
Pisum sativum
(pea) roots was investigated by genome-wide insertion sequencing, luminescence-based attachment assays, and proteomic analysis. Under acid, neutral, or alkaline pH, a total of 115 genes are needed for primary attachment under one or more environmental pH, with 22 genes required for all. These include components of cell surfaces and membranes, together with enzymes that construct and modify them. Mechanisms of dealing with stress also play a part; however, exact requirements vary depending on environmental pH. RNASeq showed that knocking out the two transcriptional regulators required for attachment causes massive changes in the bacterial cell surface. Approximately half of the 54 proteins required for attachment at pH 7.0 have a role in the later stages of nodule formation. We found no evidence for a single rhicadhesin responsible for alkaline attachment, although sonicated cell surface fractions inhibited root attachment at alkaline pH. Our results demonstrate the complexity of primary root attachment and illustrate the diversity of mechanisms involved.

IMPORTANCE

The first step by which bacteria interact with plant roots is by attachment. In this study, we use a combination of insertion sequencing and biochemical analysis to determine how bacteria attach to pea roots and how this is influenced by pH. We identify several key adhesins, which are molecules that enable bacteria to stick to roots. This includes a novel filamentous hemagglutinin which is needed at all pHs for attachment. Overall, 115 proteins are required for attachment at one or more pHs.
Supplemental Material: Lawsonite eclogite records subduction rheology and slab detachment, Faro, Yukon-Tanana Terrane, Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Faber Carly , Rowe Christie D.
Published: August 2024

Figure S1 includes large thin section scans for all samples. Figure S2 comprises electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) large area maps for samples F09c and F11. Figure S3 includes additional isopleths or garnet core estimates for samples F09c and F11. Figure S4 includes EBSD GROD (grain reference orientation deviation) maps for two garnets in eclogite showing minor internal misorientation consistent with fragmented compositional zoning. Tables S1–S9 include: (S1) a table of all samples and sample mineralogy; (S2) X-ray fluorescence data for samples F09c, F11, and F13c; (S3) all garnet analyses for Fig. 4A; (S4) all clinopyroxene analyses for Fig. 4B; (S3S5) all amphibole analyses for Fig. 4D; (S6) all lawsonite analyses for Fig. 4E; (S7) all white mica analyses for samples F09c and F11; (S8) all epidote group mineral analyses for samples F09c and F11; and (S9) all chlorite analyses for samples F09c and F11.
Multivariate time series approaches to extract predictive asthma biomarkers from prospectively patient-collected diary data: a systematic review
Authors: Clemeno Franz Aaron Apritado , Quek Eleanor , Richardson Matthew , Siddiqui Salman
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Longitudinal data are common in asthma studies, to assess asthma progression in patients and identify predictors of future outcomes, including asthma exacerbations and asthma control. Different methods can quantify temporal behaviour in prospective patient-collected diary variables to obtain predictive biomarkers of asthma outcomes. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate methods for extracting biomarkers from longitudinally collected diary data in asthma and investigate associations between them and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of patients with asthma.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 2000 and July 2023.

Eligibility criteria

Included studies generated biomarkers from prospective patient-collected peak expiratory flow, symptom scores, reliever use and nocturnal awakenings, and evaluated their associations with asthma PROs, namely asthma exacerbations, asthma control, asthma-related quality of life and asthma severity.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to screen and extract data from included studies. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) and the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASessment Tool (PROBAST), respectively.

Results

24 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Generally, higher levels of variability in the diary variables were associated with poorer outcomes, especially increased asthma exacerbation risk, and poor asthma control. There was increasing interest in non-parametric methods to quantify complex behaviour of diary variables (6/24). TRIPOD and PROBAST highlighted a lack of consistent reporting of model performance measures and potential for model bias.

Conclusion

Prospectively patient-collected diary variables aid in generating asthma assessment tools, including surrogate endpoints, for clinical trials and predictive biomarkers of adverse outcomes, warranting remote monitoring. Studies consistently lacked robust reporting of model performance. Future research should use diary variable-derived biomarkers.
Management and outcomes among patients with hard-to-heal ulcers in Sweden: a national mapping of data from medical records, focusing on diagnoses, ulcer healing, ulcer treatment time, pain and prescription of analgesics and antibiotics
Authors: Öien Rut Frank , Roxenius Jenny , Boström Maria , Wickström Hanna Linnea
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate whether patients with hard-to-heal ulcers in Sweden were treated according to an aetiological diagnosis and to explore ulcer healing, treatment time, ulcer-related pain and the prescription of analgesics and antibiotics.

Design

A national mapping of data from the patients’ medical records, between April 2021 and March 2023.

Setting

Data from medical records for patients with hard-to-heal ulcers from a randomised clustered sample of two units per level of care and region.

Participants

Patients with hard-to-heal ulcers treated in primary, community and specialist care, public or private, within units covering all 21 regions in Sweden.

Outcome measures

Descriptive analysis of data from the patients’ medical records.

Results

A total of 2470 patients from 168 units were included, of which 39% were treated in primary care, 24% in community care and 37% in specialist care. A total of 49% of patients were treated without an aetiological diagnosis. Healing occurred in 37% of patients and ulcer-related pain was experienced by 1224 patients (50%). Antibiotics were given to 56% of the patients. Amputation occurred in 5% and 11% were deceased.

Conclusion

Only 51% of patients with hard-to-heal ulcers had a documented aetiological ulcer diagnosis, which means that approximately 20 000 patients in Sweden might receive suboptimal treatment. Future research needs to explore why so many patients are undiagnosed and how to improve diagnosis, which could lead to faster healing and shorter treatment times.
Scoping review protocol: what is the state of evidence for the use of communication apps with immigrant seniors in long-term care and community settings?
Authors: Yoon Rosanra , Wong Josephine Pui-Hing , Chung-Lee Leinic , Akbarian Abdolreza , Abdulai Abdul-Fatawu , Hou Rui , Ho Mabel , Zinaic Rade , Anoushka Anoushka
Published: August 2024

Introduction

First language care is critical for older immigrant adults with limited English proficiency, especially in long-term care settings where most residents require staff assistance and experience complex chronic conditions, resulting in multiple communication interactions where language poses a barrier. Although there are a myriad of cultural-language translation apps and devices available, there is a gap in both research and practice on the acceptability and feasibility of these digital resources within the context of long-term care and community settings for older immigrant adults, from a cultural relevance and digital health equity perspective. Our paper outlines a scoping review protocol to examine the state of the literature on the extent to which cultural-language translation apps are used in long-term care settings and community-based elder care. We will also examine the extent to which such apps bridge or further gaps in equitable, accessible and acceptable care for older immigrant adults with limited English language proficiency.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review protocol will employ an adapted five-stage framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley guided by enhancements recommended by Levacet aland Colquhounet al. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s population, concept and context framework, we defined the scope of the scoping review by identifying the target population, concepts for investigation and the context within which the research is situated. We will conduct a search of the literature from 2005 to 2024 using five bibliographic databases from health sciences (Healthstar OVID, MEDLINE OVID and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) EBSCO), engineering (Engineering Village Elsevier) and a cross-disciplinary database (Web of Science Clarivate). The research team will adopt a critical, equity-focused approach for the scoping review by integrating Richardsonet al’s framework for Digital Health Equity into our analysis of the findings. This will ensure that health and social equity perspectives are integrated within our methodology and analytical lens. Our analysis will specifically examine selected studies for their engagement with health equity and their ability to address issues such as ageism, ableism and the digital divide within geriatric care.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review as it involves secondary analysis of published works and no primary data collection involving human subjects. Findings of the review will be shared with community partners and disseminated through publications, conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
Recurrent patellar dislocation: personalised therapy or operative treatment? The REPPORT randomised trial protocol
Authors: Arnold Susanne , Haque Aminul , Aujla Manjit , Barrows Raegan , Beard David , Chandler Craig , Chandler Elizabeth , Ellard David R , Eldridge Jonathan , Ferreira Manuela , Foster Nadine E , Griffin James , Mason James , Mandalia Vipul , Parsons Helen , Ray Georgina , Stewart Kimberley , Thompson Peter , Underwood Martin , Whitehouse Michael R , Zanganeh Mandana , Metcalfe Andrew , Smith Toby
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Recurrent patellar dislocation is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition, affecting mainly adolescents and adults under the age of 30. It can persist for many decades, causing pain and cartilage and soft-tissue damage, potentially leading to osteoarthritis. Recurrent patellar dislocation can be managed with physiotherapy or surgery. However, it is not known which treatment is most effective.

Methods and analysis

Recurrent Patellar Dislocation: Personalised Therapy or Operative Treatment (REPPORT) is a pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm, superiority, randomised controlled trial. It will compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an initial management strategy of personalised, phased and progressive rehabilitation, termed personalised knee therapy versus surgery for recurrent patellar dislocation.

The trial’s target sample size is 276 participants who will be recruited from approximately 20 sites across the UK. Participants will be randomly allocated to the two treatment groups via a central computer-based minimisation system. Treatment allocation will be in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by age, presence of patella alta and recruitment site.

The primary outcome is participant-reported function using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome 4-domain score at 18 months post randomisation. Health economic evaluation will be conducted from a healthcare system and personal social services perspective. Secondary outcome data including patellar instability, health utility, work/education status, satisfaction with social roles and treatment, health resource use and adverse events will be collected at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis and reported in-line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the East Midlands—Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee on 30 March 2023.

Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, in lay summaries, and using the REPPORT website and social media channels.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17972668.
Development of the Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) conceptual framework to monitor and improve the performance of primary care for people living with chronic conditions
Authors: Valderas Jose M , Porter Ian , Martin-Delgado Jimmy , Rijken Mieke , de Jong Judith , Groene Oliver , Bloemeke-Cammin Janika , Sunol Rosa , Williams Rachel , Ballester Marta , de Bienassis Katherine , Kendir Candan , Guanais Frederico , de Boer Dolf , van den Berg Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) initiative aims to support countries in improving care for people living with chronic conditions by collecting information on how people experience the quality and performance of primary and (generalist) ambulatory care services. This paper presents the development of the conceptual framework that underpins the rationale for and the instrumentation of the PaRIS survey.

Methods

The guidance of an international expert taskforce and the OECD Health Care Quality Indicators framework (2015) provided initial specifications for the framework. Relevant conceptual models and frameworks were then identified from searches in bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE and the Health Management Information Consortium). A draft framework was developed through narrative review. The final version was codeveloped following the participation of an international Patient advisory Panel, an international Technical Advisory Community and online international workshops with patient representatives.

Results

85 conceptual models and frameworks were identified through searches. The final framework maps relationships between the following domains (and subdomains): patient-reported outcomes (symptoms, functioning, self-reported health status, health-related quality of life); patient-reported experiences of care (access, comprehensiveness, continuity, coordination, patient safety, person centeredness, self-management support, trust, overall perceived quality of care); health and care capabilities; health behaviours (physical activity, diet, tobacco and alcohol consumption), sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported chronic conditions; delivery system characteristics (clinic, main healthcare professional); health system, policy and context.

Discussion

The PaRIS conceptual framework has been developed through a systematic, accountable and inclusive process. It serves as the basis for the development of the indicators and survey instruments as well as for the generation of specific hypotheses to guide the analysis and interpretation of the findings.
Vestibular schwannoma causing normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Hayes Alexander , Wilson Mark , Gontsarova Anastassia , Carswell Christopher
Published: August 2024

Vestibular schwannoma is a common benign tumour that may cause local complications. However, vestibular schwannoma has a known association with communicating hydrocephalus presenting with symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus and requiring treatment by ventricular shunting or tumour resection. We report a 79-year-old woman who presented with subacute gait apraxia, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence. CT and MR imaging identified a 20 mm vestibular schwannoma and communicating hydrocephalus; her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein was elevated. Her symptoms improved following ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. The mechanism by which non-obstructing vestibular schwannoma causes hydrocephalus is unclear, but hyperproteinorrachia is probably important, likely by impeding CSF resorption.
Exploring association rules overseeing subcontractor quotation behaviors: An empirical study in the construction industry of Taiwan
Authors: Chen Jieh-Haur , Chang Chih-Kuo , Wei Hsi-Hsien , Lee Yi-De
Published: August 2024

Two construction contractual parties enter negotiations to delineate terms and specifics, each aiming to negotiate the quotation to agree on a contract. The research objective is to delineate association rules overseeing subcontractors' pricing behaviors. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing literature review and expert interviews, this study delves into the attributes of quotation behaviors that inform the data collection process. The dataset encompasses information from nine significant engineering categories representing typical construction projects, featuring six distinct quotation behavior characteristics. A total of 10,433 quotations sourced from private sector endeavors over the past 10 years have been analyzed. Employing the Apriori algorithm, each engineering category yields between 2 to 5 association rules. A prevailing finding suggests that subcontractors across all sub-work types typically provide discounts of less than 10%, while their profit margins remain relatively stable across different sub-work categories. The frequency of quotations shows considerable variability based on procurement quantity.
Tilt in quadratic gravity
Authors: de Medeiros Waleska P. F. , Lazo Matheus J. , Müller Daniel , Sales Dinalva A.
Published: August 2024

In this work, tilted source solutions in both Einstein–Hilbert General Relativity (GR) and Quadratic Gravity (QG) for the anisotropic Bianchi V model are addressed. Since the excellent CMBR match of Starobinsky’s inflation with Planck’s team measurements data, QG has acquired a prominent status in the effective sense, for sufficiently strong gravity fields. The main interest is in the numeric time evolution to the past towards the singularity and the behavior of the kinematic variables, vorticity, acceleration, and the expansion of this source substance. In QG we found that for universes with higher and smaller matter densities fall into the Kasner or isotropic singularity attractors to the past, respectively. We also found that the Kasner singularity attractor to the past has always zero vorticity, for both GR and QG theories. While for QG the isotropic singularity attractor may have divergent vorticity. For the set of assumptions and conditions supposed in this work, the isotropic singularity attractor, favors QG as compared to GR. Only in QG we were able to find a geometric singularity with divergences in all of the kinematic variables of the substance, decreasing to finite values to the future, upon time reversing. That is, we obtained an initial kinematic singularity substance, that approaches a perfect fluid source.
Finite Element Analysis of Protective Measures against Lateral Hinge Fractures in High‐Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Özmen Emre , Baris Alican , Circi Esra , Yuksel Serdar , Beytemür Ozan
Published: August 2024

Background. Opening wedge high‐tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is widely used for correcting mechanical axis deviations and offloading the medial compartment in unicompartmental osteoarthritis. However, lateral hinge fractures (LHFs) pose a significant complication. This study investigates protective measures to mitigate these fractures, guided by prior observations of mechanical stress impact on LHFs. Purpose. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of different protective measures, specifically the use of varying sizes of Kirchner wires and drill holes, in reducing the incidence of LHFs during OWHTO. Study Design. The study employs a quantitative, comparative analysis using a finite element method (FEM) based on computed tomography (CT) scans. Methods. Using CT‐based FEM, the study compares the impact of different sizes of K‐wires (1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.5 mm) and drill holes (3.2 mm and 4.5 mm) on the mechanical stresses around the hinge area in OWHTO. The models were created from a CT scan of a healthy 33‐year‐old male, focusing on the force required to open the osteotomy gap and the incidence of cracked shell elements. Results. The study found that thicker K‐wires increased the force required to open the osteotomy gap, whereas larger apical holes decreased it. The 4.5 mm apical hole model demonstrated significantly fewer cracks compared to the 2.0 mm K‐wire model, with no significant difference observed compared to the 2.5 mm K‐wire model. Models using a 1.6 mm K‐wire or a 3.2 mm drill hole did not significantly reduce cracks compared to the base model. Conclusions. The findings suggest that a 4.5 mm drill hole may be more effective in reducing the risk of LHFs compared to thinner diameter K‐wires or smaller apical holes. Both a 2.5 mm K‐wire and a 4.5 mm drill hole reduce the number of cracked elements, but the 4.5 mm drill hole also significantly decreases the average and maximum principal stresses as well as the average tensile strength ratio at the hinge area. These findings may be important for surgical planning, particularly in cases requiring increased osteotomy distraction.
Implications of Convolutional Neural Network for Brain MRI Image Classification to Identify Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yakkundi Ananya , Gupta Radha , Ramesh Kokila , Verma Amit , Khan Umair , Ansari Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic clinical condition that is predominantly seen in age groups above 60 years. The early detection of the disease through image classification aids in effective diagnosis and suitable treatment. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data on Alzheimer’s disease have been collected from Kaggle which is a freely available data source. These datasets are divided into training and validation sets. The present study focuses on training MRI datasets using TinyNet architecture that suits small‐scale image classification problems by overcoming the disadvantages of large convolutional neural networks. The architecture is designed such that convergence time is reduced and overall generalization is improved. Though the number of parameters used in this architecture is lesser than the existing networks, still this network can provide better results. Training MRI datasets achieved an accuracy of 98% with the method used with a 2% error rate and 80% for the validation MRI datasets with a 20% error rate. Furthermore, to validate the model‐supporting data collected from Kaggle and other open‐source platforms, a comparative analysis is performed to substantiate TinyNet’s applicability and is projected in the discussion section. Transfer learning techniques are employed to infer the differences and to improve the model’s efficiency. Furthermore, experiments are included for fine‐tuning attempts at the TinyNet architecture to assess how the nuances in convolutional neural networks have an impact on its performance.
Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Properties of Traditional Formulations Based on Cochlospermum tinctorium Used in Benin
Authors: Dossa Appolinaire K. , Klotoé Jean Robert , Dougnon Victorien , Agbodjento Eric , Akotègnon Rémi , Ohouko Fréjus , Hounkanrin Manoir , Vodounnon Kévine , Brun Luc V. C. , Loko Fréderic
Published: August 2024

Hepatic diseases represent a public health problem. Among the approaches to their management is the use of traditional treatments based on the use of medicinal plants. In Benin, several recipes based on Cochlospermum tinctorium are used in the treatment of hepatitis without a real scientific basis. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects and acute oral toxicity of 10 of these recipes. The variables studied were the variety of C. tinctorium (wild form vs. cultivated form), the species associated with C. tinctorium (Combretum micranthum vs. Chromolaena odorata), and the proportion of C. tinctorium in the recipe (1; 4/5; 1/2). The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/bw was evaluated in Wistar rats subjected to hepatotoxicity induction through the administration of 5 g/kg of paracetamol. Acute oral toxicity was assessed following the OECD 423 protocol. The results revealed an absence of acute oral toxicity for the 10 recipes. The hepatoprotective tests conducted indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of C. tinctorium is dose dependent. The wild variety of C. tinctorium had a better hepatoprotective effect than the cultivated one. The association with C. micranthum enhances the hepatoprotective effect of C. tinctorium, unlike that with C. odorata. This study emphasizes that the combination of C. tinctorium with C. micranthum in the treatment of hepatitis is scientifically justified and it exhibits a dose‐dependent hepatoprotective effect.
Multisource Accident Datasets‐Driven Deep Learning‐Based Traffic Accident Portrait for Accident Reasoning
Authors: Wang Chun-Hao , Ji Yue-Tian-Si , Ruan Li , Luhwago Joshua , Saw Yin-Xuan , Kim Sokhey , Ruan Tao , Xiao Li-Min , Zhou Rui-Jue
Published: August 2024

Traffic accident data‐based portrait plays a vital role in accident cause investigation, relationship reasoning, prevention, and control. The traffic accident data tend to be multisourced with increasingly hidden and complicated accident relationships. The existing reported research focus more on traffic drivers’ measurement of penalty, the relationship among drivers, cars, and dates, etc. How to use multisource data based on deep learning, especially based on the Chinese recent unstructured data and structured data to establish accident portrait for individual and groups of accident drivers, still lacks. Moreover, how to perform multisource accident data label extraction, identity, and relationship extraction are still challenging problems. This paper proposes a multisource accident datasets‐driven deep learning‐based traffic accident portrait method. Our multisource accident datasets‐driven deep learning model is composed of the following three submodels: (1) the structured data accident model using our accident feature‐driven bidirectional long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM) and accident feature‐driven bidirectional conditional random field (Bi‐CRF) model to extract labels, (2) the unstructured traffic accident data model using our accident feature‐driven piecewise convolutional neural network (PCNN) model to identify the extracted labels, and (3) the semistructured traffic accident data processing model. Moreover, to solve the problem of how to construct hidden relationship among the multisource accident data, a multisource accident data visualization method based on traffic accident knowledge graph where the accident relational inference algorithm is to complete the hidden relationship between traffic accident data labels is used and then data are visualized using the traffic accident knowledge graph. This paper uses the NER dataset of the People’s Daily and a manually labeled dataset to test the Bi‐LSTM + Bi‐CRF model, and it acquires the highest scores of 0.9562 and 0.9779 compared with several other models. This paper uses the DuIE dataset and a manually labeled dataset to test the PCNN model, and it acquires the highest scores of 0.9674 and 0.9108 compared with several other models. Experiments verified our model’s merits than other models in regards to accident label extraction, accident identity identification, and accident relationship extraction.
Breeding Maize (Zea mays L.) for Aluminum Tolerance through Heterosis and Combining Ability
Authors: Asfawu Fekadu , Nayagam Gomathi , Fikiru Edossa , Azmach Girum
Published: August 2024

Soil acidity, a major threat to food security in developing countries, can cause a staggering 71% decline in maize (Zea mays L.) production. Identifying the genetic basis of aluminum tolerance is crucial for developing improved varieties. This study investigated the heterosis and combining ability effects of selected maize inbred lines for aluminum tolerance to identify superior parents and families for further breeding advancements. Using a 7 × 7 half‐diallel mating design, seven inbred lines of maize were crossed, each with varying levels of aluminum tolerance. Under controlled conditions with and without aluminum stress, parents and F1 hybrids were evaluated for traits related to aluminum tolerance. Our analysis revealed the significant role of both additive and nonadditive gene action in aluminum tolerance, highlighting specific parental lines and hybrid combinations with exceptional performance. For every trait under study, parental genotypes VL144091 and VL153179 showed positive and significant GCA effects, while parents VL143984, VL143893, KL154667, and VL1110532 had negative and significant GCA effects. These findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing heterosis and combining ability for breeding high‐yielding, acid‐tolerant maize cultivars, contributing to enhanced food security in regions affected by soil acidity.
Supplementary Tables from Mast Cell Infiltration and Subtype Promote Malignant Transformation of Oral Precancer and Progression of Oral Cancer
Authors: Cai Xin-Jia , Peng Chao-Ran , Zhang Jian-Yun , Li Xue-Fen , Wang Xu , Han Ying , Zhang He-Yu , Peng Xin , Li Tie-Jun
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Table 1. Baseline data of oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples for RNA sequencing. Supplementary Table 2. Baseline data of oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples for immunofluorescence staining. Supplementary Table 3. The association between mast cell subtypes and clinical parameters in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Supplementary Table 4. The logistic regression analyses of potential diagnostic markers for oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Supplementary Table 5. The Cox regression analyses of potential prognostic markers for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Unbiased Morphometric Assessment of Red Blood Cell Storage Lesion in the Presence of Shear-Induced Stomatocytes
Authors: Boecker Clemens , Halblaub Miranda Jose Luis , Klüter Harald , Suhr Hajo , Bieback Karen , Wiedemann Philipp
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo progressive biochemical and morphological changes during storage, collectively called storage lesion. The quality of red cell concentrates (RCCs) is typically assessed by quantifying hemolysis. An assessment of morphological changes, associated with low quality RBCs, could give an additional indication of the safety and efficacy of the concentrates. The current standard for determining morphological changes is a manual, laborious, and subjectively biased microscopic process that limits the number of cells that can be examined. When using alternative methods like flow cells, flow and shear-induced morphologies affecting especially stomatocyte morphologies must be taken into account. We already established an automated flow morphometric RBC analysis system as an alternative to manual microscopic evaluation. The goal of the present work is to obtain a robust, automated, morphology-related signal (lesion index) quantifying RBC storage lesion in a laminar flow channel under conditions similar to stasis that is not affected by shear-induced reversible morphology changes. Methods: We use a convolutional neural network (CNN) for high throughput classification of RBCs. We analyzed the morphological changes of 5 RCCs over a period of 12 weeks and classified RBC morphologies, including such that are degradation-induced and reversible. We introduce a lesion index to denote the percentage of irreversible spherical morphologies, known to reduce the post-transfusion survival of erythrocytes. We further addressed shear-induced stomatocyte morphologies in laminar flow and whether these affect CNN-based RBC classification. Results: Our flow morphometry system achieves a high-resolution classification comprising nine morphological classes with an excellent overall accuracy of 92% and F1 scores between 84% and 97%. We generate strong evidence that the morphological lesion index can predict the hemolysis level in RCCs during storage. The power of this new classification technique allowed it, for the first time, to detect and measure the lateral concentration gradient of stomatocytes in a conventional flow chamber. Importantly, we show that reversible shear rate-induced morphologies, typical for microfluidic systems, bear no influence on the lesion index. Conclusion: Flow morphometry combined with evaluation by a CNN allows to reliably assess RBC storage lesion and thus concentrate quality. Additionally, this method reduces the need for complex laboratory procedures.
Secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata Induced by Long-Term Use of High-Dose Topical Minoxidil
Authors: Baksanskaite Juste , Caballero Uribe Natalia , Trüeb Ralph M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a medical condition that is characterized by thickening of the scalp giving the scalp a cerebriform appearance. Due to an apparent paucity of the condition, limited research exists, and causes are as yet undetermined. What is known, is that the condition may either be a feature of several syndromes or occur as a consequence of a number of diseases or drugs that produce changes in scalp structure, particularly acromegaly, and theoretically, the use of growth hormone (GH) itself or the use of drugs that mimic the effect of GH (secretagogues). Case Presentation: We present a case of CVG that resulted from long-term topical use of minoxidil at a high concentration. Discussion and Conclusion: Minoxidil has been shown to be able to potentiate the mitogenic effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Meanwhile, the striking manifestations of acromegaly are due to excessive IGF-1 production by the liver in response to GH stimulation. The growth-promoting properties of IGF-1 trigger soft tissue hypertrophy, and hypertrichosis. Pseudoacromegaly has been reported to be induced by the long-term use of oral minoxidil. This is the first case report of secondary CVG from the use of topical minoxidil for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia.