bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An infectious issue
Authors: Acharya Sandeep , Barry Siobhan , O'Grady Kevin
Published: September 2024

Sandeep Acharya, Siobhan Barry and Kevin O'Grady give an overview of a fast-spreading problem for the dental team.
What are the benefits?
Authors: Sonnabend Suzie
Published: September 2024

Suzie Sonnabend lists the benefits of further qualifications and advanced training.
A new lifestyle
Authors: Hood Jo
Published: September 2024

Jo Hood details a new programme to create a change of scene.
Ghassan Kanafani and the Leninist Warriors of Palestine
Authors: Brehony Louis
Published: September 2024

Inspired by the broad reading of the works of Ghassan Kanafani, necessitated through the collective process of translating his Selected Political Writings, this article charts the influence of Leninism among a key group of Palestinian revolutionaries. It defines the process of radicalization among activists of the Arab Nationalist Movement, locating an engagement with scientific socialism that pre-dates the June 1967 defeat of Nasser-led forces – often seen as the watershed of Palestinian recruitment to Marxism-Leninism. This article explores publications where Kanafani played a leading editorial role, including al-Hadaf newspaper and other works he developed as a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Here, Kanafani is seen as the main theoretician of the Front, in a period where questions of organization, theory, and military action formed a Lukácsian totality in his reading. It is argued, moreover, that the trajectory of Kanafani, George Habash, Leila Khaled, and other activists shared similarities to the embrace of Marxism by socialist-led national liberation movements in China, Cuba, and Vietnam, among other examples.
Analyzing the spectrum characteristics of a double-grating transmission scheme
Authors: Chen Yun-yun , Zhang Ying-ying
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the spectral characteristics formed by a double-grating transmission scheme are discussed based on the scalar diffraction theory. First, considering two different grating periods, the angular spectrum at the back of the second grating is obtained. Then, the spectral characteristics are discussed with three different periodic conditions, while it is proved that the spatial distribution and spacing of the spectrum are absolutely determined by the grating constants and angles. The theoretical results manifest that the spatial distribution range of the spectrum becomes larger as the angle increases, unlike the spectral points, which are distributed on a single line when the grating lines of the two gratings are parallel. Finally, for the sake of proving that our theoretical analysis is correct and reasonable, three sets of experiments are conducted with three different combinations of Ronchi gratings. As expected, the experimental and theoretical results are in perfect agreement. In a word, the involved results could be useful for expanding the application of moiré deflectometry.
Design of geostationary orbit ultrawide FOV long-wave infrared imaging spectrometer
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Zhang Rongfu , Yu Qinghua
Published: September 2024

The geostationary orbit imaging spectrometer offers distinct advantages for diverse applications in remote sensing. To enhance swath and data richness, there is a growing trend toward spectrometers with broader fields of view (FOV) and extended slit lengths. Optical systems equipped with these features face significant challenges in aberration correction. This paper investigates the parameters of geostationary orbits and designs a spectroscopic system capable of achieving ultrawide FOV without the need for stitching spectrograph subsystems. Additionally, it also designs a front-end telescope system that matches the spectroscopic system. The spectroscopic system features a slit length of 240 mm, employing an enhanced Offner structure for a long slit spectroscopic system, incorporating a freeform surface on the third mirror. To inhibit the effects of radiation stray light, the system's exit pupil is controlled to be positioned in front of the image plane to facilitate matching with the cold shield. The analysis indicates that the spectral resolution of the long-wave infrared imaging spectrometer system is 50 nm, with a total of 90 spectral sampling channels. The system's spatial resolution is 100 m, enabling a swath width of 400 km. Furthermore, the modulation transfer function (MTF) exceeds 0.42 at the Nyquist frequency of 8.35 lp/mm. The maximum RMS radius of the system is less than 27 μm at wavelengths ranging from 8 to 12.5 μm.
Generation of terahertz radiation with a specified spectral profile from a mosaic combined organic crystal
Authors: Ovchinnikov A. V. , Il’ina I. V. , Ovchinnikov M. A. , Chefonov O. V.
Published: September 2024

We present a method for the generation of terahertz (THz) pulses with a high optical-to-THz conversion efficiency and a smooth spectrum. The method is based on the optical rectification of near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses with a wavelength of 1240 nm in a mosaic combined crystal, consisting of two pieces of nonlinear organic crystals, OH1 and DSTMS. The mosaic combined crystal produces a relatively smooth spectrum in the 0.3–4.5 THz range with no pronounced absorption dips and with a maximum in a spectral amplitude at about 2 THz. The peak field strength is 9.6 MV/cm for an effective crystal diameter of 4.3 mm.
Lithium niobate waveguide-integrated Bi2Te3/graphene heterojunction photodetector
Authors: Yuan Tingfei , Dong Qiaonan , Sun Xinxing , Gao Lang , Zheng Yong , Wang Ke , Wu Rongbo , Cheng Ya
Published: September 2024

We demonstrate an on-chip photodetector by integrating a graphene and topological insulator Bi2Te3 heterostructure on a thin-film lithium niobate waveguide. Lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) waveguides are fabricated by the photolithography-assisted chemical mechanical etching method. The bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and graphene heterostructure design provides enhanced photocurrent due to the effective photocarrier generation. The lithium niobate waveguide-integrated Bi2Te3/graphene heterojunction presents a high absorption coefficient of 2.1 dB/µm. The Bi2Te3/graphene heterojunction photodetector exhibits a responsivity of 2.54 mA/W without external bias at a 1.55 µm wavelength, which is enhancement of sevenfold as compared to the pure graphene-based photodetector. The photodetector has a 3 dB bandwidth of over 4.7 GHz. This work provides a potentially viable method for a self-powered, high responsivity, and fast response of the photodetector integrated with the LNOI photonic platform.
Tunable waveguide mode of hyperbolic phonon polaritons in α-MoO3 flake/gold slit composite structure
Authors: Deng Nan , Huang Zhongao , Wang Kai , Wang Kun , Han Xiaobo , Zhang Xinying , Wang Bing , Long Hua , Lu Peixiang
Published: September 2024

Hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPhPs) in van der Waals layered polar crystals exhibit extreme light confinement capability, providing an unprecedented research opportunity to manipulate nanoscale midinfrared photons. Precise tuning of HPhPs propagation characteristics and near-field energy routing is crucial for applying polaritonic devices. Here, we demonstrate a widely tunable waveguide mode of HPhPs in an α-MoO3 flake/gold slit composite structure. By varying the width of the gold slit from 3 μm to 220 nm, the compression ratio of HPhPs wavelength relative to the incident light wavelength can be adjusted from 35% to 8.6%, respectively. This is attributed to the introduction of the gold slit, which can effectively excite and guide HPhPs within an α-MoO3 flake, forming a confined waveguide mode. Notably, the excitation efficiency of HPhPs in the nanoscale ultranarrow waveguide can be enhanced by integrating an extended port at the waveguide port. In addition, the routing of polaritons in a Y-shaped waveguide is realized by modulating the frequency of the incident light. This work presents a promising platform for manipulating deep subwavelength polaritons in planar photonic devices for infrared applications.
Nonvolatile silicon photonic MEMS switch based on centrally clamped stepped bistable mechanical beams
Authors: Ma Qian , Hu Yinpeng , Lu Ye , Liu Yunzhi , Li Huan , Dai Daoxin
Published: September 2024

High-performance photonic switches are essential for large-scale optical routing for AI large models and the Internet of Things. Realizing nonvolatility can further reduce power consumption and expand application scenarios. We propose a nonvolatile 2×2 silicon photonic micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch compatible with standard silicon photonic foundry processes. The switch employs an electrostatic comb actuator to change the air gap of the compact horizontal adiabatic coupler and achieves nonvolatility with centrally clamped stepped bistable mechanical beams. The photonic switch features a 10s μs-scale switching speed and a 10s fJ-scale simulated switching energy within a 100  μm×100  μm footprint, with ≤12  V driving voltages. This 2×2 switch can be used in a variety of topologies for large-scale photonic switches, and its nonvolatility can potentially support future photonic field programmable gate array designs.
All-optical control of high-order harmonic generation in correlated systems
Authors: Wang Yang , Gao Jingsong , Liu Yu , Jiang Pengzuo , Xiao Jingying , Zhou Zhuoyan , Yang Hong , Lu Guowei , Peng Liang-You , Liu Yunquan , Gong Qihuang , Wu Chengyin
Published: September 2024

Solid-state high-order harmonic generation (HHG) presents a promising approach for achieving controllable broadband coherent light sources and dynamically detecting materials. In this study, we demonstrate the all-optical control of HHG in a strongly correlated system, vanadium dioxide (VO2), through photo-carrier doping. It has been discovered that HHG can be efficiently modified using a pump laser, achieving modulation depths approaching 100% (extinction ratio ≥40  dB) on femtosecond timescales. Quantitative analysis reveals that the driving forces behind pump-dependent HHG are attributed to two distinct many-body dynamics: the scattering-induced dephasing and the insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) caused by photo-induced electron shielding. These two dynamics play a crucial role in defining the intensity and transient response of the HHG. Furthermore, we demonstrate that it is possible to quantitatively extract the metallic phase fraction from time-resolved HHG (tr-HHG) signals throughout the IMT. This study highlights the benefits of utilizing many-body dynamics for controlling HHG and underscores the necessity for further theoretical research on HHG in strongly correlated systems.
Integrating dynamic models and neural networks to discover the mechanism of meteorological factors on Aedes population
Authors: Zhang Mengze , Wang Xia , Tang Sanyi
Published: September 2024

Aedes mosquitoes, known as vectors of mosquito-borne diseases, pose significant risks to public health and safety. Modeling the population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes requires comprehensive approaches due to the complex interplay between biological mechanisms and environmental factors. This study developed a model that couples differential equations with a neural network to simulate the dynamics of mosquito population, and explore the relationships between oviposition rate, temperature, and precipitation. Data from nine cities in Guangdong Province spanning four years were used for model training and parameter estimation, while data from the remaining three cities were reserved for model validation. The trained model successfully simulated the mosquito population dynamics across all twelve cities using the same set of parameters. Correlation coefficients between simulated results and observed data exceeded 0.7 across all cities, with some cities surpassing 0.85, demonstrating high model performance. The coupled neural network in the model effectively revealed the relationships among oviposition rate, temperature, and precipitation, aligning with biological patterns. Furthermore, symbolic regression was used to identify the optimal functional expression for these relationships. By integrating the traditional dynamic model with machine learning, our model can adhere to specific biological mechanisms while extracting patterns from data, thus enhancing its interpretability in biology. Our approach provides both accurate modeling and an avenue for uncovering potential unknown biological mechanisms. Our conclusions can provide valuable insights into designing strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases and developing related prediction and early warning systems.
Adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination: A comprehensive analysis of spontaneous reporting data in Ghana
Authors: Asare Amma Frempomaa , Sabblah George Tsey , Buabeng Richard Osei , Alhassan Yakubu , Asamoa-Amoakohene Abena , Amponsa-Achiano Kwame , Mohammed Naziru Tanko , Darko Delese Mimi , Bonful Harriet Affran
Published: September 2024

Vaccines are important public health tools and formed part of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Five COVID-19 vaccines were given Emergency Use Authorization in Ghana and deployed during the pandemic. Early phase trials of the vaccines were mostly not conducted in Africans. This study examines safety data during their deployment under real-life conditions in Ghana. This study analysed secondary data on COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reported to the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (GFDA) between March 2021 and June 2022 using STATA. AEFIs were coded with their Preferred Terms using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, version 24.0. Statistical tests examined associations between demographic characteristics, vaccine types, seriousness, and AEFI outcomes. Binary logistic regression model assessed factors associated with serious AEFIs, while the GFDA’s Joint COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Review Committee provided causality assessments of serious AEFIs. Overall cumulative incidence of AEFIs was about 25 per 100,000 persons vaccinated. Across the five vaccines, majority of the AEFIs reported were not serious (98.7%) with higher incidences in those below 50 years (74.0%) and females (51.2%). The most common AEFIs recorded were headache (52.9%), pains (44.4%), pyrexia (35.1%), chills (16.7%) and injection site pain (15.6%). Relative to those 50 years and above, the odds of serious AEFI were 60% less among those aged <30 years (aOR = 0.40, CI: [0.19, 0.86], p = 0.019). However, a causality assessment of the 57 serious AEFIs indicated only 8 (14%) were vaccine product-related. There was a low incidence of AEFIs following deployment of the vaccines in Ghana with a much lower incidence of serious AEFIs. Informing the public about the safety of the vaccines and potential side effects may increase trust and acceptance, decreasing hesitancy in current and future vaccination programmes.
Machine learning of the prime distribution
Authors: Kolpakov Alexander , Rocke A. Alistair
Published: September 2024

In the present work we use maximum entropy methods to derive several theorems in probabilistic number theory, including a version of the Hardy–Ramanujan Theorem. We also provide a theoretical argument explaining the experimental observations of Y.–H. He about the learnability of primes, and posit that the Erdős–Kac law would very unlikely be discovered by current machine learning techniques. Numerical experiments that we perform corroborate our theoretical findings.
Proteomic analysis of dorsal root ganglia in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Hanna Rania , Graur Alexandru , Sinclair Patricia , Mckiver Bryan D. , Bos Paula D. , Damaj M. Imad , Kabbani Nadine
Published: September 2024

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug widely used for the treatment of various cancers based on its ability to potently stabilize cellular microtubules and block division in cancer cells. Paclitaxel-based treatment, however, accumulates in peripheral system sensory neurons and leads to a high incidence rate (over 50%) of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in patients. Using an established preclinical model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN), we examined proteomic changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult male mice that were treated with paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, at 4 injections every other day) relative to vehicle-treated mice. High throughput proteomics based on liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry identified 165 significantly altered proteins in lumbar DRG. Gene ontology enrichment and bioinformatic analysis revealed an effect of paclitaxel on pathways for mitochondrial regulation, axonal function, and inflammatory purinergic signaling as well as microtubule activity. These findings provide insight into molecular mechanisms that can contribute to PIPN in patients.
Controlling shareholders’ share pledge and share repurchase notices of listed companies
Authors: Cao Limei , Zhu Xiaoyun , Xie Jiani
Published: September 2024

States encourage listed companies to use stock repurchase to elevate the market value of listed firms. After China’s promulgation of the new Company Law in 2018, the number of listed companies that issued stock repurchase notices has increased, and the frequency is also increasing. But whether market value management is the real incentive for the action remains debatable. To reduce the risk of pledges, controlling shareholders may use stock repurchases to maintain the security of control rights, and stock repurchase notice may become a tool for controlling shareholders to manage pledge risks. From the perspective of pledge risk management, this paper selects the listed companies from 2012 to 2019 and finds that the share pledge of the controlling shareholder affects the stock repurchase behavior of listed companies by affecting the current pledge risk and the quality of information disclosure plays the interactive role between the two.
Effects of low-pressure Valsalva maneuver on changes in cerebral arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity
Authors: Yang Eun-Seon , Jung Ju-Yeon , Kang Chang-Ki
Published: September 2024

The Valsalva maneuver (VM), commonly used to assess cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system functions, can induce changes in hemodynamic function that may affect cerebral vascular functionality, such as arterial elasticity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-pressure VM on cerebral arterial stiffness and cerebral vascular dynamics. Thirty-one healthy young participants (average age 21.58±1.72 years) were recruited for this study. These participants were instructed to maintain an expiratory pressure of 30–35 mmHg for 15 seconds. We measured the vasoconstriction and vasodilation diameters (VCD and VDD) of the common carotid artery (CCA), as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), before and after VM (PRE_VM and POST_VM). Additionally, we assessed mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and arterial stiffness. Our findings revealed significant increases in both the VCD and VDD of the CCA (2.15%, p = 0.039 and 4.55%, p<0.001, respectively), MAP (1.67%, p = 0.049), and DBP (1.10%, p = 0.029) following low-pressure VM. SBP showed an increasing trend, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.108). Interestingly, we observed significant decreases in arterial stiffness and PWV in POST_VM when comparing with PRE_VM (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In conclusion, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of low-pressure VM in reducing the PWV and stiffness of the CCA. This suggests that low-pressure VM can be a simple and cost-effective method to reduce cerebrovascular stiffness in a brief interval, without the need for specific environmental conditions.
Individual values, the social determinants of health, and flourishing among medical, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner students
Authors: Neary Stephanie , Doolittle Benjamin , Mueller Martina , Nichols Michelle
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore how demographics and individual values, qualities, and personality traits are associated with perceptions of flourishing among medical (MD), physician assistant (PA), and nurse practitioner (NP) students. Current MD, PA, and NP students from two academic medical centers were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study between August 6 and October 9, 2023. Participants completed the Secure Flourish Index (traditional SFI) and then applied a percentage weight to each of the six flourishing domains based on perceived relative importance to their overall flourishing. Additional survey questions included demographics and multiple validated instruments: WellRx, 2 Question Maslach Burnout Inventory, Brief COPE Inventory, the Short Grit Scale, and Duke University Religion Index. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses were performed with an alpha of 0.05. A total of 393 of 1820 eligible students began the survey (21.6%) while 280, (15.4%) were included in the analysis. Traditional SFI scores were higher with higher grit (r = .368, p < .001). Traditional SFI scores were lower with higher WellRx (r = -.336, p < .001), burnout (r = -.466, p < .001), or avoidant (r = -.453, p < .001) coping style. Scores were about 10 points lower for students who had considered leaving training in the past 6 months (M = 75.3, SD = 16.2) than those who had not (M = 85.6, SD = 14.4; p < .001). The SFI domain of physical and mental health had the highest relative percentage weight (20.2% (SD 8.4)) but was second to lowest in mean domain flourishing score (mean 6.5, SD 1.7). While participants placed high value on physical and mental health, they reported relatively low flourishing in this area. Targeted interventions to improve the ability for students to cope with the hardships of training and life, as well as supports structured to address the social and structural determinants of health may improve flourishing among students with similar values.
Outer casing structure design for the trisection turbine wheel burst of the air turbine starter
Authors: Tang Jin , Zhang Yong , Wang Ge , Ma Weidong
Published: September 2024

The aviation regulations mandate that high-energy rotor components must possesses adequate containment capabilities. Ensuring the containment of the turbine wheel of the air turbine starter is of paramount importance. In this paper, the design thickness of the containment ring was determined and the containment ring deformation was given. Based on the design thickness and deformation of the containment ring, an outer casing structure design method was proposed by using FEM. Then, two containment tests were conducted for different distances between the containment ring and outer casing to validate the outer casing structure design method. The errors of the containment ring deformation are smaller than 7.5%, and the experimental results of the containment process are in accordance with the simulation, validating correctness of the outer casing structure design method. The containment ring deformation rate with the design thickness T = 10 mm is 115%. A safety margin of 1.05 is designed by considering the uniformity of containment ring deformation and the containment ring assembly error. The results illustrate that the deformed containment ring does not damage the outer casing, when the inner diameter of the outer casing is designed as 1.2 times the outer diameter of the containment ring.
Relationship between serum uric acid levels and periodontitis—A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bai Jingjing , Zhou Chenying , Liu Ye , Ding Ming , Zhang Zhonghua , Chen Zhu , Feng Ping , Song Jukun
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Whether there is an association between serum uric acid level (sUA) and periodontitis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between moderate/severe periodontitis and sUA in US adults.

Materials and methods

A total of 3398 participants were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2014. The independent variable was sUA and the dependent variable was periodontitis. SUA for continuous variables, periodontitis as classification variables. Covariate including social demographic variables, life style, systemic diseases, etc. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the distribution of differences in covariates between different independent groups. To investigate the association between serum uric acid levels and moderate/severe periodontitis, three models were used (Model 1: unadjusted model; Model 2: adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity; Model 3: adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, household income/poverty ratio, smoking behavior, alcohol consumption, dental floss frequency, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, and sleep disorders).

Results

Among the 3398 patients, 42.5% had moderate/severe periodontitis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sUA was significantly associated with moderate/severe periodontitis (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: (1.03, 1.16), P = 0.0020) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. In addition, it may vary by race/ethnicity and gender. The association between sUA levels and the prevalence ofperiodontitis was U-shaped in women and non-Hispanic blacks.

Conclusion

sUA level is associated with moderate to severe periodontitis. However, the association between sUA levels and the occurrence of periodontitis in women and non-Hispanic blacks followed a U-shaped curve.

Clinical relevance

sUA may directly or indirectly contribute to the global burden of periodontal disease, but there is little evidence that sUA is directly related to periodontitis.This study further supports that high uric acid levels are closely related to periodontitis and may contribute to the control of periodontitis. It also provides new insights into whether it can be used as an indicator to assess the risk or progression of periodontitis. More studies are needed to confirm the relationship between sUA and periodontitis.
An explainable ensemble approach for advanced brain tumor classification applying Dual-GAN mechanism and feature extraction techniques over highly imbalanced data
Authors: Roy Priyanka , Srijon Fahim Mohammad Sadique , Bhowmik Pankaj
Published: September 2024

Brain tumors are one of the leading diseases imposing a huge morbidity rate across the world every year. Classifying brain tumors accurately plays a crucial role in clinical diagnosis and improves the overall healthcare process. ML techniques have shown promise in accurately classifying brain tumors based on medical imaging data such as MRI scans. These techniques aid in detecting and planning treatment early, improving patient outcomes. However, medical image datasets are frequently affected by a significant class imbalance, especially when benign tumors outnumber malignant tumors in number. This study presents an explainable ensemble-based pipeline for brain tumor classification that integrates a Dual-GAN mechanism with feature extraction techniques, specifically designed for highly imbalanced data. This Dual-GAN mechanism facilitates the generation of synthetic minority class samples, addressing the class imbalance issue without compromising the original quality of the data. Additionally, the integration of different feature extraction methods facilitates capturing precise and informative features. This study proposes a novel deep ensemble feature extraction (DeepEFE) framework that surpasses other benchmark ML and deep learning models with an accuracy of 98.15%. This study focuses on achieving high classification accuracy while prioritizing stable performance. By incorporating Grad-CAM, it enhances the transparency and interpretability of the overall classification process. This research identifies the most relevant and contributing parts of the input images toward accurate outcomes enhancing the reliability of the proposed pipeline. The significantly improved Precision, Sensitivity and F1-Score demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism in handling class imbalance and improving the overall accuracy. Furthermore, the integration of explainability enhances the transparency of the classification process to establish a reliable model for brain tumor classification, encouraging their adoption in clinical practice promoting trust in decision-making processes.
Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis isolates in Gansu, China
Authors: Peng Yousheng , Li Chenchen , Hui Xueke , Huo Xiaoning , Shumuyed Nigus Abebe , Jia Zhong
Published: September 2024

Tuberculosis has posed a serious threat to human health. It is imperative to investigate the geographic prevalence of tuberculosis and medication resistance, as this information is essential for informing strategies for its prevention and treatment. Drug resistance was identified using a proportion method. Drug-resistant genes and pathways were predicted using whole genome sequencing. The drug resistance range of bedaquiline was identified using the microporous plate two-fold dilution method, and drug resistance genes were studied using sequencing. The study revealed that 19.99% of the tuberculosis cases had multidrug resistance. The genes ofM.tuberculosisare predominantly involved in the synthesis of ABC transporters, two-component systems, and bacterial secretion systems, as well as in energy production and conversion, and lipid transport and metabolism. The genes encode for 82.45% of carbohydrate-related enzymes such as glycoside hydrolases, glycosyl transferases, and carbohydrate esterases. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bedaquiline against clinical strains was approximately 0.06 μg/mL, with identified mutations in drug-resistant genes Rv0678, atpE, and pepQ, specifically V152A, P62A, and T222N, respectively. The multidrug resistance tuberculosis development was attributed to the strong medication resistance exhibited. It was concluded that tuberculosis had presented a high level of drug resistance. Phenotypic resistance was related to genes, existing potential genetic resistance inM.tuberculosis. Bedaquiline was found to possess effective antibacterial properties againstM.tuberculosis.
Efficient population size of urban agglomerations in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from a financial perspective
Authors: Xiao Long
Published: September 2024

Urban agglomerations, such as the Yangtze River Delta, Yangtze River Middle Reaches, and Chengdu-Chongqing regions, play a crucial role in driving China’s regional economic development. While previous studies have focused on economic and social aspects, the fiscal dimension of urban agglomerations remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between population size and fiscal efficiency in these three major urban agglomerations along the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB).We introduce the concept of fiscal efficiency based on revenue and expenditure and select relevant indices, such as efficient population size and fiscal self-reliance. Using statistical data from 2017 to 2019, we employ curve regression analysis in SPSS to estimate the efficient population sizes of these urban agglomerations and examine differences in financial efficiency over time and space. Our analysis reveals that cities with populations over 10 million hinder fiscal efficiency in the Yangtze River Delta, those with 3–5 and 5–10 million in the Yangtze River Middle Reaches, and those with 5–10 and 1–5 million in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomerations. The maximum financially efficient population sizes are estimated at 648 million for the Yangtze River Delta, 308 million for the Yangtze River Middle Reaches, and 320 million for the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomerations. Considering various fiscal indicators, all three agglomerations demonstrate varying degrees of efficiency. The innovation of this study lies in the interdisciplinary approach, integrating finance, demography, urban planning, and regional economics. By analyzing population size from a fiscal perspective, we provide a novel theoretical framework and analytical tool for policymakers. This study highlights the importance of fiscal balance and population optimization in urban agglomerations, contributing to regional coordinated development and sustainable growth.
A critical and reflexive qualitative study with independent dance artists: Transferring knowledge from creative dance to health and care practice
Authors: Hanna Julie
Published: September 2024

The study addresses a gap in the dance-health literature by exploring creative dance from the perspective of a non-dancer and health care practitioner. The findings contribute to further understanding the body from a sociological perspective, recognizing dance as culturally constructed. This is a qualitative research study drawing on critical and reflexive ethnographic methods. The themed findings suggest that social and intersubjective relations are key in this dance-health practice. The dance artists, conceptualized as guides within the study, help to facilitate in others a heightened awareness of somatic and subjective lived body experience. The study provokes debate about the meaning and relevance embodiment has for health and care practitioners.
Government-funded productions in ecological civilization: Promulgating environmental terms, deflecting blame and sending visual instructions in China’s green campaign
Authors: Luohe Shijie
Published: September 2024

This article delves into two types of government-funded video productions within China’s Ecological Civilization movement: eco-documentaries produced at the highest level and eco-feature films produced at the provincial and sub-provincial levels. Both types of productions focus on environmental topics, but environmental awareness and behaviours are often not prioritized. This article aims to situate China’s green campaign in a centre-local relation and to demonstrate how this campaign is portrayed through government-funded moving images. The article concludes that moving images are utilized by different levels of government to promulgate new green terms, shift blame among different levels of authorities and individuals, and guide grassroots officials’ behaviours in the nation’s brand-new environmental vision.
How metal scenes dealt with the pandemic: An introduction
Authors: Bardine Bryan , Stueart Jerome
Published: September 2024

Metal scenes were forced to address the pandemic like many other groups and organizations around the world. This introduction begins the conversation you will see in this issue of Metal Music Studies. The first section of the introduction makes connections to the Dayton metal scene and its struggles and then leads into ways that scenes could have approached the pandemic. The chapter concludes with brief paragraphs explaining the five articles that are the focus of this issue: scenes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Turkey, the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, Serbia and France.
Perceptions of health and ecosystem risks from free-roaming domestic animals in Mediterranean wetlands: One health perspective
Authors: Poblete Yanina , Bidegain Iñigo , Pillo Francisca Di , Fresno Marcela , Salazar Carla , Palma Tamara , Jiménez Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim: Free-roaming domestic animals (FRDAs) impact ecosystems and public health. The perception of the ecological and health risks posed by FRDAs can vary depending on individual, cultural, and social factors. In this study, we assessed the perception of ecological and health risks associated with FRDAs in the Batuco wetland (Chile) from a One Health perspective.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to 399 respondents. A Chi-square test, generalized linear models, and correlations were carried out to assess whether respondents’ status (resident or tourist), gender, age, and educational level explained their perception of risks and views on control and management actions for FRDAs. These data were used to propose interventions based on the One Health approach.

Results: Residents exhibited greater awareness of the presence of FRDAs in the Batuco wetland but had a lower perception of ecological risks and control and management actions than tourists. In contrast to men, women showed a higher level of knowledge regarding ecological and health risks and identified significantly more control and management actions. However, overall knowledge of ecological and health risks is limited across all groups.

Conclusion: The results emphasize the need to implement community engagement and educational programs for residents and tourists using a One Health approach that promotes participation from both men and women to reduce gender gaps in ecological and health risk awareness associated with FRDAs.

Keywords: Ecological risk, free-roaming domestic animals, health risk, one health, urban wetland.
Understanding crowdfunding as collaborative networks for startups: A research agenda
Authors: Telles Renato , Goes Weslei , Ferreira Gabriel , Zenke Adriane , Ferraro Rosangela
Published: September 2024

Objective: To contribute to the expansion of crowdfunding strategies' efficiency by incorporating the perspective of a collaborative network in financing the startup's initial operation. The study focused on investigating crowdfunding as a network with a collaborative culture and management. Methodology: A literature review was conducted to identify conceptual convergences between crowdfunding and collaborative networks. The aim was to assess the potential improvement of crowdfunding strategies by understanding the process as a collaborative network. Relevance/Originality: The article presents an innovative and additional approach to crowdfunding strategy by conceptualizing and operationally supporting its design and management as a collaborative network. Results: The study provides a consistent conceptual comparison between crowdfunding and collaborative network dimensions, identifying the theoretical convergence between the two. As a result, it indicates the viability of collaborative networks as a relevant
Application of the “Klotski Technique” in Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament With En Bloc Type Dura Ossification
Authors: Guan Jian , Li Kang , Yuan Chenghua , Duan Wanru , Wang Kai , Liu Zhenlei , Wang Zuowei , Wang Xingwen , Wu Hao , Jian Fengzeng , Chen Zan
Published: September 2024

Objective: The anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) technique is a new procedure for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) that requires management of the disc adjacent to the ossification. This study describes a novel technique to reduce the number of fixed segments, namely, the “Klotski technique.” The efficacy of ACAF using the Klotski technique was compared with that of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) in the treatment of OPLL with en bloc type dural ossification (DO).Methods: The clinical data of 25 patients with severe OPLL and en bloc type DO who were treated by the ACAF Klotski technique or ACCF at our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. In the Klotski technique, the number of segments fused within the OPLL is limited. The antedisplacement space was designed according to the shape of the vertebrae-OPLL-DO complex (VODC). Then, the entire VODC was antedisplaced as in Klotski. Neurological function and image examination were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Complications associated with surgery were recorded.Results: Patients were followed up for 24–36 months. There were 11 patients who were treated with ACAF and 14 patients who were treated with ACCF. At 2 weeks after surgery, the incidence of neurological deterioration was 21.4% (3 of 14) in the ACCF group and 9.1%(1 of 11) in the ACAF group. The incidence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CFL) was 35.7% (5 of 14) in the ACCF group and 9.1% (1 of 11) in the ACAF group. The postoperative follow-up JOA scores of the patients in both groups were significantly better than their preoperative JOA scores (p<0.05).Conclusion: The Klotski technique for ACAF is a good option for the treatment of patients with en bloc type OPLL-DO, as it limits the number of fused segments, has a low incidence of CFL and neurologic deficits and is associated with good neurological recovery.
Effect of Cage Material and Size on Fusion Rate and Subsidence Following Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: You Ki-Han , Cho Samuel K. , Hwang Jae-Yeun , Cha Sun-Ho , Kang Min-Seok , Park Sang-Min , Park Hyun-Jin
Published: September 2024

Objective: Biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (BE-TLIF) is an emerging, minimally invasive technique performed under biportal endoscopic guidance. However, concerns regarding cage subsidence and sufficient fusion during BE-TLIF necessitate careful selection of an appropriate interbody cage to improve surgical outcomes. This study compared the fusion rate, subsidence, and other radiographic parameters according to the material and size of the cages used in BE-TLIF.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent single-segment BE-TLIF between April 2019 and February 2023 were divided into 3 groups: group A, regular-sized three-dimensionally (3D)-printed titanium cages; group B, regular-sized polyetheretherketone cages; and group C, large-sized 3D-printed titanium cages. Radiographic parameters, including lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, anterior and posterior disc heights, disc angle, and foraminal height, were measured before and after surgery. The fusion rate and severity of cage subsidence were compared between the groups.Results: No significant differences were noted in the demographic data or radiographic parameters between the groups. The fusion rate on 1-year postoperative computed tomography was comparable between the groups. The cage subsidence rate was significantly lower in group C than in group A (41.9% vs. 16.7%, p=0.044). The severity of cage subsidence was significantly lower in group C (0.93±0.83) than in groups A (2.20±1.84, p=0.004) and B (1.79±1.47, p=0.048).Conclusion: Cage materials did not affect the 1-year postoperative outcomes of BE-TLIF; however, subsidence was markedly reduced in large cages. Larger cages may provide more stable postoperative segments.
Risk Factors of Unsatisfactory Outcomes Requiring Additional Intervention Following Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion
Authors: Limthongkul Worawat , Chaiwongwattana Bandid , Kerr Stephen J. , Tanasansomboon Teerachat , Kotheeranurak Vit , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Singhatanadgige Weerasak
Published: September 2024

Objective: Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure for stabilizing the spine and indirectly decompressing the neural elements. There is sparse data on unsatisfactory outcomes that require additional interventions (surgery or intervention) after OLIF. This study aimed to identify the causes, and risk factors of these reintervention.Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of the patients who underwent the OLIF procedure from June 2016 to March 2023. Several clinical and radiographic parameters were studied. We also analyzed associations between several potential risk factors and the reintervention following OLIF.Results: A total of 231 patients were included. Over an average of 2.5 years of follow-up, 28 patients (12.1%) required a reintervention. Adjacent segment disease (ASD) was the most common cause of reintervention. The risk factors associated with reintervention were previous surgery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–16.33; p=0.02) and high preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (aOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.08; p=0.03). Although increasing the duration of follow-up was not statistically significant, the 95% CI was consistent with an increased risk of reintervention with longer follow-up (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.94–1.50).Conclusion: This study showed that patients with prior lumbar surgery and high preoperative ODI scores were more likely to require additional intervention after the OLIF procedure. In addition, an increasing duration of follow-up was associated with an increased risk of reintervention. The most common reason for reintervention was ASD after OLIF.
Modulation of the LIMK Pathway by Myricetin: A Protective Strategy Against Neurological Impairments in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Sen Santimoy , Das Rudradip , Shard Amit , Kumar Hemant
Published: September 2024

Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the major disabilities concerning central nervous system injury, results in permanent tissue loss and neurological impairment. The existing therapeutic options for SCI are limited and predominantly consist of chemical compounds. In this study, we delved into the neuroprotective effects of myricetin, a natural flavonoid compound, and the underlying mechanisms, specifically in the context of SCI, utilizing an in vivo model. Previously, our investigations revealed an elevation in the phosphorylated form of Lin-11, Isl-1, and Mec-3 kinase1 (LIMK1) at chronic time points postinjury, coinciding with neuronal loss and scar formation. Our primary objective here was to assess the potential neuroprotective properties of myricetin in SCI and to ascertain if these effects were linked to LIMK inhibition, a hitherto unexamined pathway to date.Methods: Computational docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed to assess myricetin’s potential to bind with LIMK. Then, using a rat contusion model, SCI was induced and different molecular techniques (Western blot, Evans Blue assay, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry) were performed to determine the effects of myricetin.Results: Remarkably, computational docking models identified myricetin as having a better interaction profile with LIMK than standard. Subsequent to myricetin treatment, a significant downregulation in phosphorylated LIMK expression was observed at chronic time points. This reduction correlated with a notable decrease in glial and fibrotic scar formation, and enhanced neuroprotection indicating a positive outcome in vivo.Conclusion: In summary, our findings underscore myricetin’s potential as a bioactive compound capable of attenuating SCI-induced injury cascades by targeting the LIMK pathway.
Live Typhoid and Yellow Fever Vaccines Administered to a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis on Vedolizumab
Authors: Hegde Yash , Hayney Mary S. , Caldera Freddy
Published: September 2024

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who receive immunosuppressive therapy have an increased risk of infection. Live vaccines are contraindicated in these patients because of the increased risk of unchecked replication of the attenuated vaccine microorganisms. Vedolizumab is a gut-selective biological agent with a low risk of infection approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. There are limited data on the risk of providing a live vaccine in patients receiving vedolizumab, and patients may receive live vaccines if the benefits outweigh the risks. We describe a patient with ulcerative colitis, treated with vedolizumab who received 2 live vaccines, typhoid and yellow fever, without postimmunization adverse events.