bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Penumbra of the Great Tang: Poetry from the Margins of the Empire at the Turn of the Eighth Century
Authors: Tian Xiaofei
Published: December 2023

The turn of the eighth century witnessed, for the first time in Chinese history, a concentration of poems written by exiled courtiers. In an era when mobility was limited by curfews, passes, and vehicular technologies, banishment to faraway places, accomplished by a decreed use of exclusionary post-station horses, ironically became a sanctioned and expedited means of traversing new territories. Through the poetic texts circulated via the highly developed post-station system, the empire’s center in the north became more connected to its distant margins than ever before. This article argues that these poems, characterized by centripetalism and constituting a petitionary genre, contributed to a new way of envisioning the empire as a whole and in its totality, and if we define “court” as a field of dynamic power relations, then these poems are court poetry, whose definition must be expanded to reflect the catholic nature of the term “court” itself.
The Quanzhou Qianfo xinzhu zhuzushi song (Or.8210/S.1635): Manuscript, Textual History, and Genealogy
Authors: Van Cutsem Laurent
Published: December 2023

This article explores the textual history and genealogical claims in the Quanzhou Qianfo xinzhu zhuzushi song 泉州千佛新著諸祖師頌 (Or.8210/S.1635), a collection of encomia composed by Wendeng 文僜 (d. 972) that documents the formation of the so-called “southern” Chan lineage and provides a crucial link between the Baolin zhuan 寶林傳 and the Zutang ji 祖堂集. The focus of this paper is on reexamining the potentially layered nature of Wendeng’s work based on the preface by Huiguan 慧觀 (d.u.), internal evidence from the Dunhuang manuscript, and related accounts in Chan records and local gazetteers. In addition, this study investigates the genealogical glosses in S.1635 and suggests that these were probably not authored by Wendeng and therefore cannot be taken as evidence of his understanding of the pedigree of the presumed successors to Huineng 慧能 (638–713).
A Double-Edged Sword: Examining the Structures That Afford and Limit Practices of Environmental Learning and Community Building in an Urban Community Garden in South Korea
Authors: Ahn Saerom , Gi Gyeongmi , Martin Sonya N.
Published: December 2023

Community gardens offer valuable educational and social benefits, contributing to enhanced environmental learning and community building. To expand these opportunities and support community gardens’ objectives, we emphasize the necessity of establishing specific structures that facilitate gardeners’ practices. Investigating a Korean community as a case study, we identify the ways in which certain structures afford and limit learning opportunities and community building, shedding light on the role structures can play in the field of the community garden. Our analysis illustrates the importance of understanding the dynamic relationship between gardening practices and supporting structures. By doing so, garden participants and policymakers can more intentionally activate opportunities to learn about the environment and to build community. Our research aims to examine structures that afford and limit practices as a means of providing a valuable lens to guide community gardening program designers and policymakers in achieving the goals of promoting environmental learning and community building.
Indoors vs. Outdoors
Authors: Jablonski Simone
Published: December 2023

Modelling activities serve to integrate real-life objects into STEM classes. This article investigates different settings for modelling with real objects and their representations both inside and outside the classroom. Using the example of mathematics, the settings working outside the classroom at the real object, inside the classroom with photos, and inside the classroom with a 3D model are considered and compared in an explorative study with 29 students. Questionnaire items provide information about the students’ perceptions of the different settings. The results report significant differences in the simplifying and structuring step as well as in the mathematising step when comparing the settings outside and inside with photos. The results are taken up for generating hypotheses concerning the role of the outdoors in interdisciplinary STEM modelling activities.
STEAM Trails in Outdoor Learning Environments around the Egyptian Pyramids Complex
Authors: El Bedewy Shereen , Lavicza Zsolt , Haas Ben , Kreis Yves
Published: December 2023

During the last years, the arrival of new technologies facilitated STEAM integration in real-world learning situations, e.g., GPS-based software and mixed realities allow us to combine the virtual and real world to increase our understanding of complex knowledge. Based on these technologies, the authors designed several teaching practices by creating STEAM trails in an outdoor learning environment, integrating architecture in place-based learning approaches that are likely to occur with architecture connected to arts, culture, history and mathematics. However, the complexity of STEAM-integrated teacher practices within real-world situations is challenging. In this conceptual article, the authors will present and discuss the designed teaching practices, stress possible hindrances and chances for their integration into teaching and discuss further research opportunities. This study may be of interest to educators, curriculum developers and policy makers to promote outdoor teaching practices in integrated STEAM trails.
A catalogue of the nematode slide collection from the late W.L. Nicholas held at National Research Collections Australia, CSIRO
Authors: KHUDHIR MANDA , HODDA MIKE , NICHOLAS EVELYN , CAMPBELL JENNIFER , NICHOLAS WARWICK L.
Published: December 2023

A catalogue is presented of the nematode slide collection of W.L. Nicholas, which is deposited in the National Research Collections Australia at CSIRO. This is the most extensive slide collection of free-living marine and estuarine nematodes from Australia to date, and consists of 553 putative species, collected across a wide range of Australia’s eastern and northern regions over the course of nearly 40 years. The collection contains mostly marine and estuarine free-living nematodes collected on coarse substrate in littoral habitats. The most abundant genera were Desmodora, Theristus, and Onyx. Most taxa were found rarely, being recorded only once, and repeated sampling at several sandy beach sites revealed only a small proportion of the fauna on more than one occasion. A significant proportion of the taxa were also found to be widespread, occurring on more than one occasion at more than one location, with Theristus sp., Onyx sp., and Viscosia sp. occurring in the greatest number of localities. The catalogue adds an additional 90 species and 160 genera to the documented fauna of Australian free-living nematodes verifiable by specimens in permanent collections. It thus provides a better framework for studying nematode biodiversity and biogeography in the region.
Nanocomposite Films of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorods/Polyacrylamide(PAM)/Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for Electronic Devices Applications
Authors: Alhusaiki-Alghamdi H. M.
Published: December 2023

Novel nanocomposite films of Zinc oxide/polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol (ZnO/PAM/PVA) were fabricated via casting methodology. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles affects the structural and physical properties of the PAM/PVA blend. The degree of the crystallinity was changed in the PAM/PVA
blend after adding ZnO nanorods, as seen by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The FT-IR spectra provided evidence of the interaction between the PAM/PVA polymeric chains and ZnO nanorods. The UV-visible measurement confirmed that the ZnO nanorods embedded in PAM/PVA outcomes lead to substantial
modifications in the absorption coefficient and band gap. The FESEM images provided confirmation that ZnO induces the formation of pores on polymeric matrices as roughness parameters increase. This characteristic renders it useful in electronic and optical devices. The presence of increased
active surface sites on the nanocomposites contributes to their enhanced functionality in these applications. HRTEM images show that ZnO has a rod-like shape with an average particle size of 40 nm. By raising the ZnO loading, the AC conductivity of the blend increased. In the semiconductor
industry, these nanocomposite films improved optical characteristics and AC conductivity stimulating their widespread use.
Enhanced Nanoelectronic Detection and Classification of Motor Imagery Electroencephalogram Signal Using a Hybrid Framework
Authors: Rahmani Mohammad Khalid Imam , Ahmad Sultan , Hussain Mohammad Rashid , Ameen Aso Khaleel , Ali Aleem , Shaman Faisal , Alshehri Aziz , Dildar Muhammad Shahid , Irshad Reyazur Rashid , Islam Asharul
Published: December 2023

Motor imagery-based electroencephalogram (MI-EEG) signal classification plays a vital role in the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), particularly in providing assistance to individuals with motor disabilities. In this study, we introduce an innovative and optimized hybrid
framework designed for the robust classification of MI-EEG signals. Our approach combines the power of a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCRNN) with the efficiency of the Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) algorithm. This framework consists of four key phases: data acquisition, pre-processing,
feature engineering, and classification. To enhance the signal quality, our work incorporates adaptive filtering and independent component analysis (ICA) during the pre-processing phase. Feature extraction is carried out using a deep autoencoder. For classification, we employ the DCRNN, and
further enhance its performance with the ALO algorithm to optimize training and classification processes. The study is implemented in MATLAB and evaluated using the PhysioNet dataset. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method, achieving an impressive accuracy
of 99.32%, a precision of 99.41%, a recall of 99.29%, and an f-measure of 99.32%. These results surpass the performance of existing classification strategies, highlighting the potential of our hybrid framework in MI-EEG signal classification for various BCI applications.
Toxicological Profiling of Potential Shikimate Kinase Inhibitors Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Jhangiani Ashish , Panda Vandana , Sukheja Aanchal , Thomas Sneha , Dusseja Piyush , Pandya Siddhartha , Chintakrindi Anand
Published: December 2023

Over the last decade, Mycobacterium tuberculosis has mutated into a putative ‘superbug’, as treatments against it have failed due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. As a result, the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is posing a significant public health threat, thus, the need to develop effective drugs for MDR-TB has become an urgent priority. To identify new drug candidates for the treatment of MDR-TB, the present study was based on mycobacterial shikimate kinase (MtSK) as the pharmacological target. One hundred potential MtSK inhibitors were identified from literature and database searches to identify compounds that were designed to specifically function as MtSK antagonists. The ADME properties of these compounds were evaluated by using the SwissADME web tool. ProTox-II software was also used to investigate any potential endocrine disrupting effects, mediated through their interaction with oestrogenic and/or androgenic receptors. This study also aimed to predict LD50 values of potential drug candidates that would be active against the standard H37Rv strain of M. tuberculosis, by using the ProTox-II in silico tool. The molecules for which no structural hazard alerts were identified with these software tools were further subjected to molecular docking analyses and molecular dynamic simulations to estimate their ability to interact with the MtSK enzyme. Preliminary results from SwissADME indicated that 30 molecules were drug-like, due to their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. However, subsequent analysis with ToxTree and ProTox-II indicated that only three of these 30 drug-like molecules were suitable for taking forward into further in vitro experiments. This study, which is based on the use of commonly used open-source in silico tools, identified new MtSK ligands for potential use in the development of new drugs for the therapeutic management of tuberculosis. An initial prediction of their safety profile was also generated.
Development of a Large-Scale Pathogen Screening Test for the Biosafety Evaluation of Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Pekker Emese , Priskin Katalin , Szabó-Kriston Éva , Csányi Bernadett , Buzás-Bereczki Orsolya , Adorján Lili , Szukacsov Valéria , Pintér Lajos , Rusvai Miklós , Cooper Paul , Kiss-Tóth Endre , Haracska Lajos
Published: December 2023

Background

The action of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is the subject of intense research in the field of regenerative medicine, including their potential use in companion animals, such as dogs. To ensure the safety of canine MSC batches for their application in regenerative medicine, a quality control test must be conducted in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Based on guidance provided by the European Medicines Agency, this study aimed to develop and validate a highly sensitive and robust, nucleic acid-based test panel for the detection of various canine pathogens. Analytical sensitivity, specificity, amplification efficiency, and linearity were evaluated to ensure robust assessment. Additionally, viable spike-in controls were used to control for optimal nucleic acid extraction. The conventional PCR-based and real-time PCR-based pathogen assays were evaluated in a real-life setting, by direct testing MSC batches.

Results

The established nucleic acid-based assays displayed remarkable sensitivity, detecting 100–1 copies/reaction of template DNA. They also exhibited high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, highly effective nucleic acid isolation was confirmed by the sensitive detection of spike-in controls. The detection capacity of our optimized and validated methods was determined by direct pathogen testing of nine MSC batches that displayed unusual phenotypes, such as reduced cell division or other deviating characteristics. Among these MCS batches of uncertain purity, only one tested negative for all pathogens. The direct testing of these samples yielded positive results for important canine pathogens, including tick-borne disease-associated species and viral members of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Notably, samples positive for the etiological agents responsible for enteritis (CPV), leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans), and neosporosis (Neospora caninum) were also identified. Furthermore, we conducted biosafety evaluation of 12 MSC batches intended for therapeutic application. Eleven MSC batches were found to be free of extraneous agents, and only one tested positive for a specific pathogen, namely, canine parvovirus.

Conclusion

In this study, we established and validated reliable, highly sensitive, and accurate nucleic acid-based testing methods for a broad spectrum of canine pathogens.
Draft genome of Castanopsis chinensis, a dominant species safeguarding biodiversity in subtropical broadleaved evergreen forests
Authors: Chen Pan , Lian Ju-Yu , Wu Bin , Cao Hong-Lin , Li Zhi-Hong , Wang Zheng-Feng
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Castanopsisis the third largest genus in the Fagaceae family and is essentially tropical or subtropical in origin. The species in this genus are mainly canopy-dominant trees, and the key components of evergreen broadleaved forests play a crucial role in the maintenance of local biodiversity.Castanopsis chinensis, distributed from South China to Vietnam, is a representative species. It currently suffers from a high disturbance of human activity and climate change. Here, we present its assembled genome to facilitate its preliminary conservation and breeding on the genome level.

Data description

TheC.chinensisgenome was assembled and annotated by Nanopore and MGI whole-genome sequencing and RNA-seq reads using leaf tissues. The assembly was 888,699,661 bp in length, consisting of 133 contigs and a contig N50 of 23,395,510 bp. A completeness assessment of the assembly with Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) indicated a score of 98.3%. Repetitive elements comprised 471,006,885 bp, accounting for 55.9% of the assembled sequences. A total of 51,406 genes that coded for 54,310 proteins were predicted. Multiple databases were used to functionally annotate the protein sequences.
Association of serum Asprosin concentrations with heart failure
Authors: Wang Guoan , Fan Chunzhen , Chai Yaru , Yu Xin , Xing Mingqing , Lv Zhihua , Yuan Shanshan , Dai Hongyan
Published: December 2023

Background

To analyze the association of serum Asprosin concentrations with heart failure (HF).

Methods

A total of 103 patients with HF were included in the HF group, and 103 patients with health checkups were included in the non-HF group. The serum Asprosin levels of the two groups were measured, and relevant clinical data were collected for statistical analysis.

Results

Compared with the non-HF group, the serum Asprosin concentration was significantly higher in the HF group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). According to the serum Asprosin levels, we divided all the subjects into three quartiles. We found that the prevalence of HF increased with increasing serum Asprosin levels in the three groups (P < 0.001). Serum Asprosin levels were positively correlated with NT-ProBNP (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with LVEF (P < 0.001). Dichotomous logistic regression analysis found Asprosin and age to be independent risk factors for HF (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.003–1.018; OR = 1.058, 95% CI:1.004–1.665, respectively). Combining Asprosin and NT-proBNP indicators to draw ROC curves can improve the specificity and sensitivity of HF diagnosis.

Conclusions

Serum Asprosin levels were significantly elevated in HF patients. The serum Asprosin level is an independent risk factor for HF, and the combined detection of Asprosin and NT-proBNP levels can improve the accuracy of HF diagnosis.
Expanded nursing roles to promote person-centred care for people with cognitive impairment in acute care (ENROLE-acute): study protocol for a controlled clinical trial, process and economic evaluation
Authors: von der Lühe Verena , Roos Marcelina , Löbberding Mareike , Scholten Nadine , Müller Wiebke , Hellmich Martin , Simic Dusan , Köpke Sascha , Dichter Martin N.
Published: December 2023

Background

For people with cognitive impairment, hospitalisation is challenging and associated with adverse events as well as negative outcomes resulting in a prolonged hospital stay. Person-centred care can improve the quality of care and the experience of people with cognitive impairment during hospitalisation. However, current care processes in German hospitals are rarely person-centred. To enable successful implementation of person-centred care on hospital wards, change agents within the interprofessional team are key. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and initial effects of a newly developed complex person-centred care intervention for people with cognitive impairment provided by expanded practice nurses in acute care.

Methods

We will conduct an exploratory non-randomised controlled clinical trial with accompanying process and cost evaluation with three intervention and three control wards at one university hospital. The person-centred care intervention consists of 14 components reflecting the activities of expanded practice nurses within the interprofessional team on the intervention wards. The intervention will be implemented over a six-month period and compared with optimised care on the control wards. We will include people aged 65 years and older with existing cognitive impairment and/or at risk of delirium. The estimated sample size is 720 participants. The primary outcome is length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes include prevalence of delirium, prevalence of agitation, sleep quality, and person-centred care. We will collect patient level data at six time points (t1 admission, t2 day 3, t3 day 7, t4 day 14, t5 discharge, t6 30 days after discharge). For secondary outcomes at staff level, we will collect data before and after the intervention period. The process evaluation will examine degree and quality of implementation, mechanisms of change, and the context of the complex intervention. The economic evaluation will focus on costs from the hospital’s perspective.

Discussion

The ENROLE-acute study will provide insights into the effectiveness and underlying processes of a person-centred care intervention for people with cognitive impairment provided by expanded practice nurses on acute hospitals wards. Results may contribute to intervention refinement and evidence-based decision making.

Trial registration

Current controlled trials: ISRCTN81391868. Date of registration: 12/06/2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN81391868
Equipping undergraduate medical and nursing students with elderly health care assessment skills at Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Uganda
Authors: Nakasujja Noeline , Nawagi Faith , Aujo Blessed Tabitha , Ajambo Aidah
Published: December 2023

Background

Elderly health care training and aging science remain the least prioritized discipline of medical education in many African countries. With scant scientific evidence on elderly health care in low-income countries, coupled with limited exposure to elderly health care training, this project aimed to equip undergraduate health professional students with elderly health care assessment skills and research through an online course and a clinical placement.

Methods

Students (3rd year) underwent online elderly health care training through the Alison courses published by the Advanced Learning Academy in Ireland. The students were then subjected to an online exam with a pass mark of 80%. Students were also trained on standard elderly health care assessment tools through a one-day session. For practical skills on data collection, each student assessed 15 elderly patients at the Mulago National Referral Hospital Assessment Centre. All tools once filled in were assessed for completion. A one-day reflection session was held with students, faculty and the project leads to share findings from the various tools used to assess elderly individuals. The students shared their experiences and provided feedback on the online training as well as the hardships they may have experienced while administering the tools. A certificate of participation was provided to the students at the end of the project.

Results

All the students (10) gained knowledge on elderly assessment skills, the impact of aging on various body systems, and how to manage common occurrences among elderly individuals. The average score in the post-exam was 82% (standard deviation ± 2.01). All students (10) reported having had this as their first training on the assessment of functionality among elderly individuals.

Conclusions

The students gained knowledge of elderly health assessments as well as the impact of aging on various body systems. They also gained insight into how to care for the elderly holistically with an added understanding of how to manage spinal and traumatic brain injuries.
Effectiveness evaluation of autotransplanted teeth after performing extraoral endodontic surgery instead of conventional root canal therapy
Authors: Liao Fenglin , Wang Hui , Zhao Jihong , Zhang Biao , Zhong Haoyan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the viability and efficacy of utilizing extraoral apicoectomy and retrograde filling in combination to seal the root canal system of mature molars without the need for root canal therapy (RCT) during the autotransplantation of teeth (ATT).

Materials and methods

This study screened 27 patients who received ATT at the Department of Oral Surgery in the Hospital of Stomatology from 2019 to 2021. Extraoral apicoectomy and retrograde filling were performed, while RCT was temporarily not performed. The study analysed the periodontal status and masticatory function of transplanted teeth one to three years postoperation and used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and periapical radiograph (PA) to evaluate the integrity of the periodontal space and intra/periapical inflammation. The potential predictors of survival/success were analysed statistically. We also conducted questionnaires and chewing efficiency tests.

Results

In this study, 27 TTs from 27 patients were found to be fully functional in terms of chewing ability. The overall survival rate was 100% (27/27), and the success rate was 70.4% (19/27). A total of 90.9% (20/22) of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their TTs. Additionally, the chewing efficiency of the transplantation side was on average 82.0% of that of the healthy side, with a significant difference between the two sides (P < 0.05). None of the potential predictors were found to significantly affect the success or survival of the transplanted tooth (TT).

Conclusion

The combination of extraoral apicoectomy and retrograde filling in TT showed promising outcomes, but further clinical cases and longer follow-up times are still required to validate the treatment plan.
Progress testing of an objective structured clinical examination during undergraduate clinical clerkship: a mixed-methods pilot study
Authors: Shimizu Ikuo , Mori Junichiro , Yamauchi Aiga , Kato Sawako , Masuda Yuichi , Nakazawa Yuichi , Kanno Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

Progress testing is an assessment method in which an examination reflecting competencies at graduation is regularly administered to students over multiple years, thereby facilitating self-directed learning. However, the significance of the objective structured clinical examination as a progress test in undergraduate education, needs to be determined. This study provides evidence of the role of the objective structured clinical examination for progress testing and optimal scoring methods for assessing students in different academic years.

Methods

We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods pilot study. Participants were assessed using the Item Rating Scale, the year-adjusted Global Rating Scale, and the Training Level Rating Scale. The characteristics of each scale were compared quantitatively. In addition, the influence of the objective structured clinical examination as a progress test on learning attitudes was examined. Qualitative data from a post-examination questionnaire were analyzed, using content analysis to explore influences on self-directed learning.

Results

Sixth and fifth year clinical students (n = 235) took the objective structured clinical examination progress test. The total Item Rating Scales were recorded (%) as 59.03 ± 5.27 and 52.64 ± 5.08 (p < 0.01); Training Level Rating Scale was 3.94 ± 0.39 vs 3.22 ± 0.42 (p < 0.01); and the year-adjusted Global Rating Scale was 4.25 ± 0.44 vs 4.32 ± 0.52 (no significant difference), for the sixth and fifth year students, respectively. The correlations across stations and the reliability of each station were satisfactory. Four categories were identified in the qualitative analysis: “motivation to learn during the clinical clerkship was promoted,” “dissatisfied with being asked about things they had not experienced,” “confusion about being unable to use conventional test-taking strategies,” and “insufficient understanding of competencies at graduation.” The scores indicated significant differences in performance according to training year.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the objective structured clinical examination can be used as a progress testing tool for undergraduate clinical clerkships. Further enhancement of training opportunities and dissemination of performance competency goals in clerkship curricula are required if we intend to promote self-directed learning through progress testing.
Management of edoxaban therapy and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing major or nonmajor surgery: a subanalysis of the EMIT-AF/VTE study
Authors: von Heymann Christian , Unverdorben Martin , Colonna Paolo , Santamaria Amparo , Saxena Manish , Vanassche Thomas , Köhler Sabine , Borrow Amanda P. , Jin James , Chen Cathy
Published: December 2023

Background

Optimising periprocedural management of direct oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation on chronic treatment undergoing major surgeries is an important aspect of balancing the risk of surgery-related bleeding with the risk of thromboembolic events, which may vary by surgery type.

Methods

This subanalysis of the prospective EMIT-AF/VTE programme assessed periprocedural-edoxaban management, according to physicians’ decisions, and bleeding and thromboembolic event rates in patients who underwent major vs. nonmajor surgeries. Edoxaban interruption and clinical outcomes were compared between major vs. nonmajor surgeries and between renal function subgroups (creatinine clearance [CrCL] ≤ 50 mL/min vs. > 50 mL/min).

Results

We included 276 major and 512 nonmajor surgeries. The median pre- and postprocedural duration of edoxaban interruption in major vs. nonmajor surgeries was 4 vs. 1 days, whereas median duration of interruption for those with preprocedural-only and postprocedural-only interruption was 2 vs. 1 days and 2 vs. 0 days, respectively (P < 0.0001). Rates of all bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding were numerically higher in major vs. nonmajor surgeries. Event rates (number of events per 100 surgeries) were low overall (< 6 events per 100 surgeries), independent of renal function subgroups.

Conclusion

In this subanalysis of the EMIT-AF/VTE programme, periprocedural-edoxaban interruption was significantly longer in patients undergoing major vs. nonmajor surgery. This clinician-driven approach was associated with low rates of bleeding and thromboembolic events following both major and nonmajor surgeries.

Trial registration

NCT02950168, registered October 31, 2016; NCT02951039, registered November 1, 2016.
Assisted reproductive technology induces different secondary sex ratio: parental and embryonic impacts
Authors: Zhao Jiansen , Shen Haoran , Zhu Qijiong , Liu Jiong , Han Jianhua , Yi Ruiting , Li Junxing , Lin Yanshan , Liu Tao , Zhong Xinqi
Published: December 2023

Background

Assisted reproduction technology (ART) has advanced significantly, raising concerns regarding its impact on the secondary sex ratio (SSR), which is the sex ratio at birth in offspring. This study aimed to explore factors affecting SSR in singletons, singletons from twin gestation, and twins from twin gestation within the context of ART.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 8335 births involving 6,223 couples undergoing ART. Binary logistic regression assessed relationships between parental and embryonic factors and SSR in singletons and singletons from twin gestation. Multinomial logistic regression models were utilized to identify factors influencing SSR in twins from twin gestation.

Results

Secondary infertility (OR = 1.164, 95% CI: 1.009–1.342), advanced paternal age (OR = 1.261, 95% CI: 1.038–1.534), and blastocyst embryo transfer (OR = 1.339, 95% CI: 1.030–1.742) were associated with an increased SSR, while frozen embryo transfer (FET) showed a negative association with SSR (OR = 0.738, 95% CI: 0.597–0.912) in singletons. A longer duration of gonadotropin (Gn) usage reduced SSR in singletons (OR = 0.961, 95% CI: 0.932–0.990) and singletons from twin gestation (OR = 0.906, 95% CI: 0.838–0.980). In singletons from twin gestation, male-induced infertility (OR = 2.208, 95% CI: 1.120–4.348) and higher Gn dosage (OR = 1.250, 95% CI: 1.010–1.548) were significantly associated with an increased SSR. Women aged > 35 years and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were associated with lower SSR (OR = 0.539, 95% CI: 0.293–0.990 and OR = 0.331, 95% CI: 0.158–0.690, respectively). In twins from twin gestation, paternal age exceeded maternal age (OR = 0.682, 95% CI: 0.492–0.945) and higher Gn dosage (OR = 0.837, 95% CI: 0.715–0.980) were associated with a higher proportion of male twins. Cleavage stage transfer (OR = 1.754, 95% CI: 1.133–2.716) resulted in a higher percentage of boy-girl twins compared to blastocyst transfer.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the complex interplay of various factors in determining the SSR in ART, highlighting the importance of considering infertility type, paternal age, fertilization method, embryo transfer stage, and Gn use duration when assessing SSR. Nevertheless, further research with a large sample size is necessary to confirm and expand upon the findings of this study.
Three-dimensional quantification of mandibular asymmetries in Caucasian adult patients with different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns. A cone beam study using 3D segmentation and mirroring procedures
Authors: España-Pamplona Pilar , Zamora-Martinez Natalia , Tarazona-Álvarez Beatriz , Pangrazio-Kulbersh Valmy , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

An accurate identification of mandibular asymmetries is required by modern orthodontics and orthognathic surgery to improve diagnosis and treatment planning of such deformities. Although craniofacial deformities are very frequent pathologies, some types of asymmetries can be very difficult to assess without the proper diagnostic tools. The purpose of this study was to implement the usage of three-dimensional (3D) segmentation procedures to identify asymmetries at the mandibular level in adult patients with different vertical and sagittal patterns where the asymmetries could go unnoticed at the observational level.

Methods

The study sample comprised 60 adult patients (33 women and 27 men, aged between 18 and 60 years). Subjects were divided into 3 sagittal and vertical skeletal groups. CBCT images were segmented, mirrored and voxel-based registered with reference landmarks using ITK-SNAP® and 3DSlicer® software’s. 3D surface models were constructed to evaluate the degree of asymmetry at different anatomical levels.

Results

There was a degree of asymmetry, with the left hemimandible tending to contain the right one (0.123 ± 0.270 mm (CI95% 0.036–0.222; p < 0.001). Although the subjects under study did not present significant differences between mandibular asymmetries and their sagittal or vertical skeletal pattern (p = 0.809 and p = 0.453, respectively), a statistically significant difference has been found depending on the anatomical region (p < 0.001; CI95%=1.020–1.021), being higher in the condyle, followed by the ramus and the corpus.

Conclusions

Although mandibular asymmetries cannot be correlated with vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns in symmetric patients, knowledge about 3D segmentation procedures and color maps can provide valuable information to identify mandibular asymmetries.
Comparative analysis of surgical interventions for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Liyou , Deng Xiaolei , Wei Bo , Wang Jian , Hou Decai
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite several surgical options, there remains no consensus regarding the optimal approach for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), a prevalent and refractory disease. To determine the most suitable treatment modality, we compared randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated multiple surgical treatments for ONFH using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

The outcomes of 11 different surgical treatments were assessed using NMA comparisons of the rate of progression of femoral head necrosis, the rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty, and improvement of the Harris hip score (HHS). A random effects model was used to analyze the odds ratio (OR) or mean difference, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for randomized trials. The confidence of the results was assessed using the confidence in network meta-analysis tool.

Results

A total of 18 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with core decompression (CD), the forest plot showed that autologous bone grafting (ABG), free fibula grafting (FFG), vascularized bone grafting (VBG), autologous bone grafting combined with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (ABG + BMAC), and biomaterial grafting combined with vascularized bone grafting (BMG + VBG) delayed ONFH progression. Among them, ABG + BMAC showed the most promising results (OR 0.019; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0012–0.25). However, upon comparing CD with different surgical modalities, no significant differences were found in preventing total hip arthroplasty. Furthermore, we cannot draw conclusions regarding the HHS due to attribution and high heterogeneity across the studies.

Conclusion

Overall, ABG, VBG, FFG, ABG + BMAC, and BMG + VBG showed significant results in preventing ONFH progression compared with that shown by CD. Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking, ABG + BMAC was the most effective. Moreover, all treatments involving bone grafting were found to be effective, possibly indicating the necessity of its use in the treatment of ONFH.
Metabolic GWAS-based dissection of genetic basis underlying nutrient quality variation and domestication of cassava storage root
Authors: Ding Zehong , Fu Lili , Wang Bin , Ye Jianqiu , Ou Wenjun , Yan Yan , Li Meiying , Zeng Liwang , Dong Xuekui , Tie Weiwei , Ye Xiaoxue , Yang Jinghao , Xie Zhengnan , Wang Yu , Guo Jianchun , Chen Songbi , Xiao Xinhui , Wan Zhongqing , An Feifei , Zhang Jiaming , Peng Ming , Luo Jie , Li Kaimian , Hu Wei
Published: December 2023

Background

Metabolites play critical roles in regulating nutritional qualities of plants, thereby influencing their consumption and human health. However, the genetic basis underlying the metabolite-based nutrient quality and domestication of root and tuber crops remain largely unknown.

Results

We report a comprehensive study combining metabolic and phenotypic genome-wide association studies to dissect the genetic basis of metabolites in the storage root (SR) of cassava. We quantify 2,980 metabolic features in 299 cultivated cassava accessions. We detect 18,218 significant marker-metabolite associations via metabolic genome-wide association mapping and identify 12 candidate genes responsible for the levels of metabolites that are of potential nutritional importance.Me3GT,MeMYB4, andUGT85K4/UGT85K5, which are involved in flavone, anthocyanin, and cyanogenic glucoside metabolism, respectively, are functionally validated through in vitro enzyme assays and in vivo gene silencing analyses. We identify a cluster of cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis genes, among whichCYP79D1,CYP71E7b, andUGT85K5are highly co-expressed and their allelic combination contributes to low linamarin content. We findMeMYB4is responsible for variations in cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside contents, thus controlling SR endothelium color. We find human selection affects quercetin 3-O-glucoside content and SR weight per plant. The candidate geneMeFLS1is subject to selection during cassava domestication, leading to decreased quercetin 3-O-glucoside content and thus increased SR weight per plant.

Conclusions

These findings reveal the genetic basis of cassava SR metabolome variation, establish a linkage between metabolites and agronomic traits, and offer useful resources for genetically improving the nutrition of cassava and other root crops.
Bladder capacity in an elimination communication infant: a case report
Authors: Kraut Roni
Published: December 2023

Background

Bladder capacity is essential in assessing children with voiding dysfunction, yet it is currently unclear how best to determine a benchmark bladder capacity; various formulas have been proposed.

Case presentation

This report details the unique case of an elimination communication Caucasian infant (< 2 years old) who achieved nighttime and daytime dryness by 6 months of age. His first morning voids were measured from 8 to 20 months of age and compared with three formulas: (1) the Koff formula, a widely used formula based on fill volumes in anesthetized infants; (2) the Kaefer formula, a formula based on fill volume in nonanesthetized infants; and (3) the Holmdahl formula, a formula based on frequency–volume charts in normal infants.

Conclusion

This infant’s first morning void was found to be most consistent with Kaefer's formula. Further research is required to determine if formulas based on fill volume in nonanesthetized infants provide the more accurate benchmark bladder capacity in infants.
Primary cystic echinococcosis of the peritoneum: a case report
Authors: Kardoun Nizar , Fendri Sami , Rejab Haitham , Youssef Mejdoub , Tlili Ahmed , Triki Meriam , Toumi Nozha , Trigui Ayman , Boujelbene Salah
Published: December 2023

Background

Peritoneal cystic echinococcosis happens usually after traumatic rupture or after surgical treatment. Primary peritoneal cystic echinococcosis is a very rare case that constitutes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Case report

A 30-year-old Tunisian man was admitted for hypogastric pain since 4 months. He has a 10 cm hypogastric mass. Biological-tests were normal. A computed tomography Scan showed a cystic mass on the pelvis measuring 13 × 17 cm without echinococcosis cyst in the liver.

The patient was operated and we found a cystic mass of 17 cm located on the Douglas cul-de-sac that suggest a pelvic hydatid cyst. We have performed an aspiration of the cyst confirms the diagnosis followed by injection of hypertonic solution, extarction of the germinal layer and a maximal reduction of the pericyst. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

Trough our case, we try to focus on the diagnosis and therapeutic options of this rare entity that we should think of in front of a patient with isolated peritoneal cyst especially in endemic country.
Shotgun metagenomics reveals interkingdom association between intestinal bacteria and fungi involving competition for nutrients
Authors: Xie Zixuan , Canalda-Baltrons Aleix , d’Enfert Christophe , Manichanh Chaysavanh
Published: December 2023

Background

The accuracy of internal-transcribed-spacer (ITS) and shotgun metagenomics has not been robustly evaluated, and the effect of diet on the composition and function of the bacterial and fungal gut microbiome in a longitudinal setting has been poorly investigated. Here we compared two approaches to study the fungal community (ITS and shotgun metagenomics), proposed an enrichment protocol to perform a reliable mycobiome analysis using a comprehensive in-house fungal database, and correlated dietary data with both bacterial and fungal communities.

Results

We found that shotgun DNA sequencing after a new enrichment protocol combined with the most comprehensive and novel fungal databases provided a cost-effective approach to perform gut mycobiome profiling at the species level and to integrate bacterial and fungal community analyses in fecal samples. The mycobiome was significantly more variable than the bacterial community at the compositional and functional levels. Notably, we showed that microbial diversity, composition, and functions were associated with habitual diet composition instead of driven by global dietary changes. Our study indicates a potential competitive inter-kingdom interaction between bacteria and fungi for food foraging.

Conclusion

Together, our present work proposes an efficient workflow to study the human gut microbiome integrating robustly fungal, bacterial, and dietary data. These findings will further advance our knowledge of the interaction between gut bacteria and fungi and pave the way for future investigations in human mycobiome.
Unidirectional freeze casting of compressible metallic aerogel composed of freeze-dried cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Choi Jungwook
Published: December 2023

Metallic aerogels have attracted tremendous interest because of their superior properties, such as low density, high electrical conductivity, and large specific surface area. However, extremely brittle connections in their 3D networks remain a challenge. In this study, compressible aerogels with microporous fiber-like structure consisting of freeze-dried cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) were fabricated by unidirectional freeze-casting process. To improve the robustness, elasticity, and deformability of the aerogel, freeze-dried microfiber-structured CNFs assembled with AgNWs were used. The freeze-dried CNF/AgNW-based aerogels exhibited a low density (8.51–13.5 mg/cm3) and high porosity (up to 98.2%). Furthermore, these aerogels demonstrated impressive mechanical properties with high compressive strength (up to 4.85 kPa at 70% strain), elastic modulus (up to 16.3 kPa), and yield strength (up to 2 kPa). Additionally, the aerogels exhibited reversible deformability up to a 10% strain and maintained their durability over 200 cycles of compressive strain at 10%. The fabricated aerogels also showed a low electrical resistivity (< 8.65 mΩ·m) in addition to robust and compressible mechanical properties. These aerogels are expected to be useful in a wide range of applications that require characteristics such as light weight, high compressive strength, high elasticity, and low electrical resistivity.
Racial and ethnic differences in the effects of state firearm laws: a systematic review subgroup analysis
Authors: Smart Rosanna , Barnes-Proby Dionne , Holmes Pierrce , Schell Terry L. , Morral Andrew R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite growing evidence about how state-level firearm regulations affect overall rates of injury and death, little is known about whether potential harms or benefits of firearm laws are evenly distributed across demographic subgroups. In this systematic review, we synthesized available evidence on the extent to which firearm policies produce differential effects by race and ethnicity on injury, recreational or defensive gun use, and gun ownership or purchasing behaviors.

Main body

We searched 13 databases for English-language studies published between 1995 and February 28, 2023 that estimated a relationship between firearm policy in the USA and one of eight outcomes, included a comparison group, evaluated time series data, and provided estimated policy effects differentiated by race or ethnicity. We used pre-specified criteria to evaluate the quality of inference and causal effect identification. By policy and outcome, we compared policy effects across studies and across racial/ethnic groups using two different ways to express effect sizes: incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and rate differences. Of 182 studies that used quasi-experimental methods to evaluate firearm policy effects, only 15 estimated policy effects differentiated by race or ethnicity. These 15 eligible studies provided 57 separate policy effect comparisons across race/ethnicity, 51 of which evaluated interpersonal violence. In IRR terms, there was little consistent evidence that policies produced significantly different effects for different racial/ethnic groups. However, because of different baseline homicide rates, similar relative effects for some policies (e.g., universal background checks) translated into significantly greater absolute differences in homicide rates among Black compared to white victims.

Conclusions

The current literature does not support strong conclusions about whether state firearm policies differentially benefit or harm particular racial/ethnic groups. This largely reflects limited attention to these questions in the literature and challenges with detecting such effects given existing data availability and statistical power. Findings also emphasize the need for additional rigorous research that adopts a more explicit focus on testing for racial differences in firearm policy effects and that assesses the quality of race/ethnicity information in firearm injury and crime datasets.