bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five new species of the Cnemaspis beddomei clade (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from high elevation, evergreen forests of the Southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: KHANDEKAR AKSHAY , THACKERAY TEJAS , AGARWAL ISHAN
Published: June 2024

We describe five new species allied to Cnemaspis beddomei from the Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India using morphological data and mitochondrial sequence divergence. The new species are members of the beddomei and anamudiensis subclades within the beddomei clade and are from boulder habitats in evergreen forests in Tenkasi (Cnemaspis tenkasiensis sp. nov.), and the Agamalai (C. agamalaiensis sp. nov.), Anaimalai (C. anaimalaiensis sp. nov. and C. valparaiensis sp. nov.) and Palani Hills (C. anuradhae sp. nov.). The new species can be distinguished from other members of the beddomei clade and each other by a combination of non-overlapping morphological characters including body size, distinct colouration in males, the number or arrangement of dorsal tubercles around the body and paravertebral tubercles, the number of ventral scales across midbody and longitudinal scales from mental to cloaca, tail tuberculation and arrangement of subcaudal scales, besides uncorrected pairwise ND2 and 16S sequence divergence of ≥ 5.4 % and ≥ 2.3 %. The beddomei clade is another example of extreme micro-endemism, all 23 known species are evergreen forest dwellers and are each known from just one or a few closely spaced localities, with three non-sister species known from within one kilometre straight-line distance of each other on the Valparai Plateau, Anaimalai Tiger Reserve. The beddomei subclade is distributed from Agasthyamalai to the Anaimalais while the anamudiensis subclade is restricted to the Anaimalai, Palani and Kannan Devan Hills.
Fostering Composer Voice in Tertiary Teaching of Contemporary Music Composition
Authors: Lörch Lucas , Huovinen Erkki
Published: June 2024

The aspiring composer’s development is commonly described using the metaphor of finding one’s own composer voice. A central goal for teaching composition in higher music education is to guide students toward finding such a voice—toward personal expression and creativity. In order to shed light on the teaching strategies associated with this goal, we analyzed composition teachers’ views on their students’ typical problems and how they deal with them. We conducted semistructured interviews with higher education composition teachers in Germany and Sweden. By means of thematic analysis, we identified two recurring problem situations. First, students might be insecure about what they want to achieve musically. To address this issue, teachers reported engaging students in self-reflection regarding their aesthetic preferences or specific compositional decisions. Second, students’ work might not seem original enough. Teachers reported addressing this problem by providing new perspectives on students’ music, for example, by prompting students to engage with their materials, acquire new experiences, or consider different musical parameters. Despite an ideal of creative freedom, the teachers thus retain authority over the aesthetic learning process by requiring adherence to a second ideal—that of originality. The findings could strengthen pedagogical practitioners’ efforts to foster the creativity of young composers.
Emotional Invalidation and Relationship Quality: A Mediational Model Through a Social Learning Lens
Authors: Elzy Meredith B. , Keaton Ashton , Bogus Melanie , Raymond Kristen
Published: June 2024

While we know childhood experiences are influential on a child’s later socioemotional awareness and behavior, we are still searching for specific mechanisms that influence the transferability of childhood experiences and adult relationship functioning. In this study, we seek to further this area of investigation by examining the interpretation of ambiguous social interactions and perceptions of emotional invalidation as potential mediators of the relationship between perceptions of childhood emotional invalidation and current relationship quality. Participants completed online measures of hostile intent attributions, perceptions of childhood emotional invalidation, and current relationship quality with a significant other. They read emotionally provocative interpersonal scenarios and then reported likely emotionally invalidating reactions from their significant other to measure current perceptions of emotional invalidation. Results supported our hypotheses that perceptions of current emotional invalidation in a close, personal relationship would mediate the relationship between perceptions of childhood maternal emotional invalidation and both current relationship support and relationship conflict. Furthermore, the strength of this mediational pathway outweighed the influence of a more general hostile attribution bias. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention strategies designed to enhance interpersonal functioning.
Brentuximab vedotin therapy followed by autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation as a viable treatment option for an older adult with transformed lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tan Jiewen , Zhong Jinman , Hu Wanzhen , Wu Guobiao , Zeng Chong , Xiong Dan
Published: June 2024

This report presents a case involving a woman aged >65 years who had been diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma 3 years prior. The patient was hospitalized with enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, and pathological examination revealed that the lymphoma had transformed into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. After two cycles of brentuximab vedotin in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (BV-R-CHP) chemotherapy, the patient achieved complete remission. This treatment was followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and lenalidomide maintenance therapy. At the last follow-up, the patient had been in continuous remission for 24 months. This case study suggests that the utilization of BV and R-CHP in conjunction can result in rapid remission, and it can be followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and maintenance therapy with lenalidomide. This treatment approach exhibits potential as a viable option for older individuals with transformed lymphoma.
Interaction between refractory for refining ladle and low-carbon low-silicon Al-killed molten steel
Authors: Du Tianyu , Zhang Xiang , Gao Fubin , Ma Guojun , Liu Mengke , Zheng Dingli
Published: June 2024

To investigate the interaction between low-carbon low-silicon Al-killed molten steel and the refractory materials employed in refining ladles, the study focused on the interface reaction between molten steel with a composition of Fe-0.03C-0.01Si-0.2Mn-0.03Al (wt%) and the four types of refractory materials used in different positions of refining ladles at 1873 K. The results show that different interface layers form after 60 min of contact between the refractory materials and the molten steel. The MgO-C refractory generates a dense MgO layer, the MgO-Al2O3 refractory produces a (Fe, Mg)Al2O4 layer, the Al2O3-SiC refractory forms a Mg Al2O4 layer rich in Si, and the MgO-Al2O3-C refractory generates a MgAl2O4 spinel layer. The average content of Mg at the interface decreases in the following order: MgO-C, MgO-Al2O3-C, Al2O3-SiC and MgO-Al2O3 refractory, and SiC available in Al2O3-SiC refractory supplies more Si to the interface. The thermodynamic simulation is consistent with the actual results.
Return to Soccer After Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Primary Repair: A 2-Year Minimum Follow-up Study of 50 Amateur Players
Authors: Annibaldi Alessandro , Monaco Edoardo , Carrozzo Alessandro , Caiolo Vito , Criseo Natale , Cantagalli Matteo Romano , Ferretti Andrea , Maffulli Nicola
Published: June 2024

Background:

Return to sport (RTS) after treatment of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a critical parameter to assess the outcome of a surgical procedure. However, few studies have investigated RTS after ACL repair.

Purpose:

To evaluate RTS of a group of amateur soccer players at a minimum follow-up of 2 years after ACL repair.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients treated with acute ACL repair was conducted. A total of 50 amateur soccer players were included in the study. Patients were examined clinically or contacted to complete postoperative patient-reported outcome measures, namely the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire, the ACL–Return to Sport After Injury scale, and the Forgotten Joint Score–12.

Results:

The patients’ mean age was 25.8 ± 7.7 years (range, 14-47 years), and the mean follow-up was 34.3 ± 10.7 months (range, 24-51.3 months). The median Tegner Activity Scale score was 9. The ACL repair failure rate was 16% (8/50). The mean time from repair to failure was 23.1 ± 12.7 months (range, 6-44 months), and the mean age of patients who sustained ACL repair failure was 19.9 ± 3.3 years (range, 14-24 years), significantly lower compared with patients who did not experience ACL repair failure (26.9 ± 7.9 years; range, 16-47 years; P = .017). Multivariate analysis showed that age ≤21 years was the only significant risk factor for ACL repair failure (odds ratio, 5.45; confidence interval, 1.24-27.91; P = .041). Excluding the 8 patients who experienced repair failure, 31 of 42 patients (73.8%) returned to soccer after ACL repair, with 29 of the 31 (93.5%) returning at their preinjury level of play. Moreover, patients who played competitive soccer and returned to their preinjury level of play were significantly younger than those who did not return to their preinjury level of play (mean, 21.1 ± 3.4 vs 29.2 ± 9.5 years, respectively; P = .002) and had significantly better ACL-Return to Sport After Injury scores (mean, 96.6 ± 4 vs 87.8 ± 11, respectively; P = .044).

Conclusion:

In this study, 73.8% (n = 31) of patients returned to playing soccer, of whom 93.5% (n = 29) returned to their preinjury level after ACL repair. The failure rate was 16% (n = 8) and mainly involved patients ≤21 years old.
Assessment of a Geriatric Evaluation and Management in the Home (GEMITH) Service at a Quaternary Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: De Guzman Keshia R. , Long Duncan , Theodos Alexander , Karlovic Alexandra , Falconer Nazanin
Published: June 2024

Background: The increasing aging population in Australia has created a higher demand for specialist geriatric services within hospitals. A Geriatric Evaluation and Management in the Home (GEMITH) service was implemented at a quaternary Queensland hospital. The GEMITH service was unique as it incorporated a specialist pharmacist into the multidisciplinary team. Objective: To determine the medication safety and quality impact of the GEMITH service by evaluating the type and clinical significance of specialist pharmacist interventions. Methods: This was retrospective observational study of clinical interventions made by the GEMITH pharmacist for patients admitted to the service between October 2020 to April 2021. All pharmacist interventions were rated for their clinical significance using the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) risk classification system. The ratings were undertaken by a panel of three pharmacists that independently assessed the interventions, coming together for final discussion. A narrative analysis of the interventions were derived through group consensus. Results: There was a total of 119 admissions to the GEMITH service, with 132 clinical interventions made by the specialist geriatric pharmacist. The majority (47%) of interventions were considered as low risk interventions, although high- (21%) and extreme-risk (2%) interventions still occurred. The most common type of intervention (32%) involved medication reconciliation. Other intervention types included monitoring recommendations, dosing interventions, and deprescribing suggestions. Conclusion: Multiple clinical interventions were made by the GEMITH pharmacist, which prevented possible and significant medication-related harm. This demonstrated the quality impact of the specialist pharmacist in improving medication safety for geriatric patients.
Efficacy and safety evaluation of Monoblue Dual View and Monoblue ILM View vital stains during vitrectomy surgery
Authors: Blanckaert Gauthier , Vander Mijnsbrugge Joris , Delbecq Ann-Laure , Fils Jean-François , Jansen Joyce , Van Calster Joachim , Stalmans Peter
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To compare the staining properties of Monoblue inner limiting membrane (ILM) View and Monoblue DUAL View (study products) vital stains during vitrectomy surgery to those of ILM Blue or Membrane Blue Dual (control products).

Methods

In this study, 105 patients were included in the Ophthalmic Clinic of the University Hospitals Leuven from September 2021 to April 2022. For prospective data collection in this study, patients were randomized between a control group (ILM Blue or Membrane Blue Dual, manufactured and commercialized by DORC®) and a study group (Monoblue ILM View or Monoblue DUAL View, manufactured and commercialized by Arcadophta®-BVI®). For retrospective data collection, patients were divided into similar surgery groups. Efficacy was analyzed using a binary subjective evaluation of the visualization of stained membranes during vitrectomy. The rate and severity of potential adverse events related to the study products were tracked, allowing both treatment groups to be compared with the corresponding control groups (ILM Blue and Membrane Blue Dual).

Results

Based on the results and findings, none of the comparisons (primary outcomes) were statistically significant, showing similar efficacy of the dyes used. The study products were found to be safe in this study since no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that the Monoblue ILM View and Monoblue DUAL View dyes can safely be used during vitrectomy to stain the ILM and/or epiretinal membrane (ERM) when removal is needed.
Frances’ earrings: or, responding to everyday heterosexual domination
Authors: Kogl Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Women practise agency even under circumstances of heterosexual domination, but the meanings of such practices are not always clear. Specifically, what do women's denials that they have been victims, despite sexual mistreatment, tell us about their experience of embodied power? A phenomenological approach to women's responses to their experiences of ‘grey sex’ expands our possible interpretations of the relationship between agency and victimisation. Such an approach highlights a specific power dynamic that often plays out in grey sex: a kind of domination in which the man treats the woman as if she were not a distinct subject but an extension or appendage of his own subjectivity. In response to such treatment, women's denials of victimisation may be tantamount to the assertion, ‘I am still a person’, which in turn may be a kind of testimony. The implied content of that testimony may include a rejection of the dominator's interpellation of her; a rejection of the social meanings of being dominated; the unavailability of the discourse of victimhood to many women; and an experience of subjectivity that exceeds the ideal of the sovereign subject.
Comparison of the Effects of Volar-Assisted and Elastic Wrist Splints on Edema, Pain, Grip Strength, and Functionality in Pregnant Women With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Mete Cavus Funda , Maden Cagtay , Turhan Begumhan
Published: June 2024

Background:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common musculoskeletal problem in pregnancy. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of rigid and elastic wrist splints on edema, pain levels, grip strength, and upper-extremity functionality in pregnant women with CTS.

Methods:

Forty-one pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy who were diagnosed with CTS were included in the study. The grip strength was evaluated with the Jamar hand dynamometer, functionality with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, pain with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and edema with the water overflow method.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 31.71 ± 5.78 years, body mass index was 28.85 ± 3.63 kg/m2, duration of pain was 2.24 ± 0.79 months, and their pain intensity was 6.63 ± 1.69 according to the VAS. As a result of the study, reductions in pain ( P = .001), increases in functionality values ( P = .001), increases in grip strength ( P = .001), and decreases in edema ( P = .001) were observed in both groups after the treatment. However, there was no significant difference in pain, functionality, or grip strength values between the groups after the treatment ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

In this study comparing the effects of a wrist splint to those of an elastic splint, both treatment methods for pregnant women with CTS decreased pain and edema, increased grip strength, and improved upper-extremity functionality. Considering individual needs, characteristics, and living conditions, both splints can be recommended for pregnant women with CTS.
Characterization of Major Complications of Bridge Plating of Distal Radius Fractures at a Level I Trauma Center
Authors: Emmert A. Scott , Swenson Alan K. , Matar Robert N. , Ross Phillip R. , Stern Peter J.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Comminuted, markedly displaced distal radius fractures can cause instability requiring advanced stabilization with dorsal bridge plating. However, published complication rates of bridge plating widely vary. We hypothesize that complications of bridge plating of distal radius fractures are more prevalent than published rates.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on all patients at an academic level I trauma center treated with a bridge plate for a distal radius fracture from 2014 to 2022.

Results:

Sixty-five wrists were included in the final analysis: average age 53 years, male 51%, average plate retention 4 months, and average follow-up 6 months. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) was performed at time of primary procedure in 7 (10%) cases. Radial height, radial inclination, dorsal tilt, and ulnar variance were all significantly improved ( P < .001). Grip strength, flexion, extension, and supination were significantly limited ( P < .03). Twenty-one patients (32%) developed 35 major complications requiring unplanned reoperation, including mechanical hardware-related complication (15%), deep infection (11%), nonunion/delayed union (9%), adhesions (6%), median neuropathy (6%), symptomatic arthritis (5%), and tendon rupture (2%). Plate breakage occurred in 3 patients (5%) and was always localized over the central drill holes of the bridge plate.

Conclusions:

Major complications for bridge plating of distal radius fractures were higher at our institution than previously published. Plate breakage should prompt reconsideration of plate design to avoid drill holes over the wrist joint. Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome should be carefully assessed at initial presentation, and consideration for concomitant CTR should be strongly considered.
Private museum as public space: Local remembering and memory politics in Yan’an, China
Authors: Zhu Yujie
Published: June 2024

In memory studies, museums and memorials have been actively employed in constructing and reinterpreting the social memories of nation-states and sub-groups within national populations. As such, scholarly debates have often focused on the roles of social and political elites in creating national remembrance. This article provides an alternative theoretical and empirical lens that focuses on China’s local memory practices and initiatives within the context of private museums and their dynamic interaction with the state. It examines how grassroots communities in Yan’an use private museum space to commemorate, interpret and negotiate local histories promoted by political elites. While local governments actively promote official sites of memory in Yan’an as the roots of Chinese communism for patriotic education, the private museum offers an alternative form of public space for social gatherings and memory transmission. Instead of promoting a grand narrative of the founding of the nation, the private museum focuses on local folk culture and the representation of the everyday landscape in response to rapid social change. Such forms of local commemoration are not driven by radical social movements that challenge the dominant historical narrative of ruling elites. Instead, they provide spaces for local communities to safely negotiate, communicate and sometimes compromise within and through official constraints. The findings contribute to our understanding of memory politics and its roles in shaping the state-society relationships of modern China.
Are Within-Racial Group Inequalities by Skin Color Really Greater Than Inequalities Between Racial Groups in the United States?
Authors: Bucca Mauricio
Published: June 2024

The author examines the relationship between skin color and educational and labor market outcomes within White, Black, and Hispanic populations in the United States. By analyzing National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 data, the author challenges claims that intraracial inequalities on the basis of skin color match or surpass inequalities among ethnoracial groups. The findings indicate that although a darker skin tone correlates with less favorable outcomes across all ethnoracial groups, disparities along the color continuum within the Black population are less pronounced than those between Blacks and Whites as a whole. For Hispanics, the significance of between- and within-race inequality varies depending on the outcome. These insights remain consistent both in descriptive analysis and after adjusting for socioeconomic origins.
Predicting the seismic ground-motion parameters: 3D physics-based numerical simulations combined with artificial neural networks
Authors: Ba Zhenning , Lyu Linghui , Zhao Jingxuan , Zhang Yushan , Wang Yu
Published: June 2024

Typically, it is challenging to incorporate near-surface soils into 3D physics-based numerical simulations (PBSs) for ground-motion prediction. The low shear wave speed of near-surface soils, coupled with the complexity of the soil seismic response, poses significant difficulties. To overcome these limitations, a hybrid approach was proposed in this study, combining PBSs with artificial neural networks (ANNs). The essence of the hybrid method can be summarized as follows: (1) development of ANN models, establishing a strong-motion database, training the ANNs on it to predict the ground-motion parameters for East–West (EW), North–South (NS), and Vertical (UD) directions afterward; (2) establishment of 3D PBS model, obtaining the ground-motion parameters of the bedrock face corresponding to a certain shear wave speed; (3) application of the trained ANNs to predict the ground-motion parameters on the ground surface, taking the simulated results and related site parameters as inputs, and the outputs are peak ground acceleration (PGA) and 5% damped spectral accelerations (Sa) at different periods on the ground surface. In this study, ANN models were trained on a strong-motion database based on Kiban–Kyoshin Network (KiK-net). After several verifications of the ANN predictions, a case study of the 21 October 2016 Mw6.2 Central Tottori earthquake was conducted. In addition to the comparison with observations, the broadband (0.1–10 Hz) results of the hybrid method were also compared with the results that obtained by transfer function based on recorded data and Next Generation Attenuation (NGA)-West2 ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method. In addition, the distribution of Sa for four periods in simulated area was presented. The performance of the hybrid method for predicting broadband ground-motion characteristics was generally satisfactory.
Unique features of conventional and nonconventional introns in Euglena gracilis
Authors: Gao Pingwei , Zhao Yali , Xu Guangjie , Zhong Yujie , Sun Chengfu
Published: June 2024

Background

Nuclear introns in Euglenida have been understudied. This study aimed to investigate nuclear introns in Euglenida by identifying a large number of introns in Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis), including cis-spliced conventional and nonconventional introns, as well as trans-spliced outrons. We also examined the sequence characteristics of these introns.

Results

A total of 28,337 introns and 11,921 outrons were identified. Conventional and nonconventional introns have distinct splice site features; the former harbour canonical GT/C-AG splice sites, whereas the latter are capable of forming structured motifs with their terminal sequences. We observed that short introns had a preference for canonical GT-AG introns. Notably, conventional introns and outrons in E. gracilis exhibited a distinct cytidine-rich polypyrimidine tract, in contrast to the thymidine-rich tracts observed in other organisms. Furthermore, the SL-RNAs in E. gracilis, as well as in other trans-splicing species, can form a recently discovered motif called the extended U6/5’ ss duplex with the respective U6s. We also describe a novel type of alternative splicing pattern in E. gracilis. The tandem repeat sequences of introns in this protist were determined, and their contents were comparable to those in humans.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the unique features of E. gracilis introns and provide insights into the splicing mechanism of these introns, as well as the genomics and evolution of Euglenida.
A genome-wide association study reveals novel loci and candidate genes associated with plant height variation in Medicago sativa
Authors: Jiang Xueqian , Yang Tianhui , He Fei , Zhang Fan , Jiang Xu , Wang Chuan , Gao Ting , Long Ruicai , Li Mingna , Yang Qingchuan , Wang Yue , Zhang Tiejun , Kang Junmei
Published: June 2024

Background

Plant height (PH) is an important agronomic trait influenced by a complex genetic network. However, the genetic basis for the variation in PH in Medicago sativa remains largely unknown. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide association analysis was performed to identify genomic regions associated with PH using a diverse panel of 220 accessions of M. sativa worldwide.

Results

Our study identified eight novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with PH evaluated in five environments, explaining 8.59–12.27% of the phenotypic variance. Among these SNPs, the favorable genotype of chr6__31716285 had a low frequency of 16.4%. Msa0882400, located proximal to this SNP, was annotated as phosphate transporter 3;1, and its role in regulating alfalfa PH was supported by transcriptome and candidate gene association analysis. In addition, 21 candidate genes were annotated within the associated regions that are involved in various biological processes related to plant growth and development.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new molecular markers for marker-assisted selection in M. sativa breeding programs. Furthermore, this study enhances our understanding of the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms governing PH variations in M. sativa.
Risk of internal fixation treatment in intertrochanteric fracture based on different lateral femoral wall thickness: finite element analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Yazhong , Qi Xiangyu , Huang Shaolong , Lv Yongxiang , Li Wenbo , Li Chao , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: June 2024

Objective

The thickness of the lateral femoral wall, which is an important indicator for evaluating the stability and integrity of intertrochanteric fractures, has been widely studied in recent years. However, as a typical representative of internal fixation treatment, there are few reports on the biomechanical comparison between PFNA and DHS + CS. This study focused primarily on the biomechanical effects of different lateral femoral wall thicknesses on two types of internal fixation through finite element analysis.

Methods

We randomly recruited a healthy adult and collected his femoral CT data to establish a model of femoral intertrochanteric fracture with different lateral femoral wall thicknesses. Following PFNA and DHS + CS fixation, femoral models were simulated, and variations in stress and displacement of the internal fixation and femoral head were recorded under the same physiological load.

Results

First, finite element mechanical analysis revealed that the stress and displacement of the internal fixation and femoral head were lower in the femoral model after PFNA fixation than in the DHS + CS model. Second, as the outer wall thickness decreased, the stress and deformation endured by both types of internal fixation gradually increased.

Conclusions

Finite element analysis determined that PFNA exhibits significantly better biomechanical stability than DHS + CS when subjected to varying lateral femoral wall thicknesses. Moreover, lateral femoral wall thickness substantially affects the stability of the two internal fixation biomechanical environments. When the thickness of the lateral femoral wall is too small, we do not recommend using extramedullary fixation because there is a significant risk of internal fixation fracture.
Double layer graft technique for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation with staged implant placement: radiographic histological and implant stability analysis–a case report
Authors: Elraee Leila , Ibrahim Suzan Seif Allah , Adel-Khattab Doaa
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Horizontal ridge augmentation of a deficient alveolar bone site is performed either simultaneously with implant placement or in a staged approach prior to implant insertion. There are several available strategies for the augmentation of alveolar ridge deficiencies, including guided bone regeneration (GBR) through the use of barrier membranes. The success of the GBR approach mainly depends on the exclusion of soft tissue cells during bone remodeling.

Case presentation

A healthy 25-year-old male patient presented with a missing upper left central incisor after clinical and radiographic examination, the site showed a class III defect horizontal atrophy. The procedure performed was the horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using resorbable pericardium membrane with double layer graft technique (DLT) where autogenous bone placed as a first layer of the graft followed by xenograft as a second layer, the membrane was fixed with titanium pins. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed before, immediately and 6 month following the surgery. After 6 months during implant placement, a core biopsy specimen was retrieved, stored and prepared for histological evaluation, with assessment of primary implant stability. The radiographic analysis showed a horizontal width gain of about 4 mm, at 6 month following implant placement, the implant was successfully osteointegrated with stability assessment also done after 6 months from placement.

Conclusion

DLT was successfully used for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation, thus allowing a prosthetically driven implant placement. More cases assessing implant survival and success are needed to confirm the results of this case report.
A needs assessment for enhancing workplace-based assessment: a grounded theory study
Authors: Andreou Vasiliki , Peters Sanne , Eggermont Jan , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Workplace-based assessment (WBA) has been vigorously criticized for not fulfilling its educational purpose by medical educators. A comprehensive exploration of stakeholders’ needs regarding WBA is essential to optimize its implementation in clinical practice.

Method

Three homogeneous focus groups were conducted with three groups of stakeholders: General Practitioner (GP) trainees, GP trainers, and GP tutors. Due to COVID-19 measures, we opted for an online asynchronous form to enable participation. An constructivist grounded theory approach was used to employ this study and allow the identification of stakeholders’ needs for using WBA.

Results

Three core needs for WBA were identified in the analysis. Within GP Training, stakeholders found WBA essential, primarily, for establishing learning goals, secondarily, for assessment purposes, and, lastly, for providing or receiving feedback.

Conclusion

All stakeholders perceive WBA as valuable when it fosters learning. The identified needs were notably influenced by agency, trust, availability, and mutual understanding. These were facilitating factors influencing needs for WBA. Embracing these insights can significantly illuminate the landscape of workplace learning culture for clinical educators and guide a successful implementation of WBA.
“The dream is that there’s one place you go”: a qualitative study of women’s experiences seeking care from Long COVID clinics in the USA
Authors: Laestadius Linnea I. , Guidry Jeanine P. D. , Wahl Megan M. , Perrin Paul B. , Carlyle Kellie E. , Dong Xiaobei , Gharbo Raouf , Campos-Castillo Celeste
Published: June 2024

Background

Seeking and obtaining effective health care for Long COVID remains a challenge in the USA. Women have particularly been impacted, as they are both at higher risk of developing Long COVID and of facing gendered barriers to having symptoms acknowledged. Long COVID clinics, which provide multidisciplinary and coordinated care, have emerged as a potential solution. To date, however, there has been little examination of U.S. patient experiences with Long COVID clinics and how patients may or may not have come to access care at a Long COVID clinic.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 U.S. women aged 18 or older who had experienced Long COVID symptoms for at least 3 months, who had not been hospitalized for acute COVID-19, and who had seen at least one medical provider about their symptoms. Participants were asked about experiences seeking medical care for Long COVID. Long COVID clinic-related responses were analyzed using qualitative framework analysis to identify key themes in experiences with Long COVID clinics.

Results

Of the 30 women, 43.3% (n = 13) had been seen at a Long COVID clinic or by a provider affiliated with a Long COVID clinic and 30.0% (n = 9) had explored or attempted to see a Long COVID clinic but had not been seen at time of interview. Participants expressed five key themes concerning their experiences with seeking care from Long COVID clinics: (1) Access to clinics remains an issue, (2) Clinics are not a one stop shop, (3) Not all clinic providers have sufficient Long COVID knowledge, (4) Clinics can offer validation and care, and (5) Treatment options are critical and urgent.

Conclusions

While the potential for Long COVID clinics is significant, findings indicate that ongoing barriers to care and challenges related to quality and coordination of care hamper that potential and contribute to distress among women seeking Long COVID care. Since Long COVID clinics are uniquely positioned and framed as being the place to go to manage complex symptoms, it is critical to patient wellbeing that they be properly resourced to provide a level of care that complies with emerging best practices.
Association between indicators of visceral lipid accumulation and infertility: a cross-sectional study based on U.S. women
Authors: Deng Chenyuan , Ke Xinpeng , Lin Liangcai , Fan Yong , Li Chaohui
Published: June 2024

Background

Evidence on the association between visceral lipid accumulation and infertility remains limited and controversial. Therefore, the current investigation is the first investigation to unveil this correlation by utilizing novel indicators of visceral lipid accumulation.

Methods

The present study utilized the NHANES 2013–2020 dataset. Researchers utilized multiple logistic regression, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analysis to investigate the associations of waist circumference (WC), metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI) with infertility. Additionally, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm model was utilized to evaluate the relative importance of the factors.

Results

After adjusting for potential factors that could influence the results, researchers discovered that all these four indicators of visceral lipid accumulation exhibited strong positive correlations with the probability of infertility. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the correlations remained consistent in the majority of subgroups (P for interaction > 0.05). The results of XGBoost algorithm model indicate that METS-VF is the most meaningful factor in infertility. The ROC curve research revealed that while METS-VF had the greatest AUC values, there was no variation in the AUC value of different markers of visceral fat accumulation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The present investigation discovered that increased WC, METS-VF, LAP, and VAI were associated with a heightened prevalence of infertility.
The new framework of innovation biosphere for analysing innovation policies facing COVID-19 grand challenge
Authors: Nasri Shohreh , Fatemi Mehdi , Nazeri Najmeh , Ghazinoory Sepehr
Published: June 2024

Background

Facing global grand challenges such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) require the participation of various actors in different sectors and systematically directing their innovative efforts. Considering the complexity, non-linear dynamics, and global extent of the COVID-19 challenge, developing and applying a multi-level, resilient, and systematic innovative framework is vital. Therefore, this study aims to apply the “innovation biosphere” framework inspired by ecological studies for examining and analysing the management dimensions of COVID-19.

Methods

In this research, based on a deductive-inductive approach, the case study methodology is used. In accordance with this strategy, the innovation biosphere metaphor is considered as the basic framework (deductive approach) and subsequently the grand challenge of COVID-19 (inductive approach) is analysed at three levels: micro, meso and macro.

Results

The research findings verify the correspondence between what happened in the management of COVID-19 and the proposed framework of innovation biosphere. In other words, the findings of the research show that the effect of global cooperation, role-playing and co-evolution of different actors and subsystems in facing the grand challenge of COVID-19 under an ecosystemic and eco-innovation approach has been evident. These events subsequently led to the cessation of the pandemic after about four years.

Conclusions

The main policy implications include the role of self-organization, the capability of global value networks, mission orientation, and co-evolution between actors as the contributions of innovation biosphere framework for managing grand health challenges, and global cohesion, oligopoly market, supporting local innovations, the critical role of basic research, and deregulation as the contributions of the COVID-19 case study for enhancing the innovation biosphere metaphor.
Global overview of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents over the past 20 years: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Liang Jiamin , Luo Yuxin , Yang Yingzhen , Xie Huanyu , Huang Zirong , Zhong Mingjin , Zhu Weimin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The objectives of this paper is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to examine the research status and development trend of anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction in children and adolescents over the past 20 years.

Design

Descriptive Research.

Methods

This study obtained information regarding studies on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Visual and bibliometric analysis were conducted using VOSviewer, Origin 2022, Pajek64 5.18and Excel 2019. These analytic tools facilitated the analysis of various aspects, including countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals and keywords related to the research.

Results

From 2003 to 2023, a total of 1328 articles were retrieved in WOS, and 637 articles were selected by two authors. The most productive institutions are Childrens Hosp Philadelphia, Kocher, ms. Their articles have the highest number of publications and citations. The American journal of sports medicine is the most frequently cited journal for articles on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. The most common keywords used in these articles were “anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction”, “injury, children, adolescent”, and “skeletally immature patients”.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into the research focus of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. In recent years, there has been significant attention paid to areas of “the return to sport, re-repture rate and functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction” in this specific population. These aspects have emerged as key directions for future research in this field.
Effect of aligners on patients’ oral health-related quality of life and anxiety: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Roulias Panagiotis , Vasoglou Georgios , Angelopoulos Gerassimos , Pandis Nikolaos , Sifakakis Iosif
Published: June 2024

Background

This prospective study explored the impact of aligners on the oral health-related quality of life and anxiety of patients during the first month of orthodontic treatment and the first month of the retention phase.

Methods

A total of 23 male and female patients (median age 25 y) treated with clear aligners were included. The OHRQoL questionnaire was used at certain time points during treatment (T1: placement of the first aligner; T2: after one day of use; T3: after seven days; T4: after one month; and T5: after one month in the retention phase). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was also self-administered to assess state and trait anxiety (Y1 and Y2 subscales, respectively) at the T1, T4 and T5 time points. A population average generalized estimating equations logistic regression model was fit to assess the effect of time on the responses, and the Wald test was used to examine the overall effect of time.

Results

Overall time was a significant predictor for most of the questions. However, time was marginally significant for the OHRQoL questions evaluating oral symptoms such as bad taste/smell, sores, and food accumulation. Tooth discolouration did not differ between time points. The general activity disturbance was significantly lower in the retention phase. Higher depression and anxiety scores were reported at the initial appointment and decreased thereafter.

Conclusions

CAT has a negative impact on quality of life and psychological status during the initial days of treatment. These impairments ameliorate at later treatment stages.
Review on micro-gas chromatography system for analysis of multiple low-concentration volatile organic compounds: preconcentration, separation, detection, integration, and challenges
Authors: Lee Yeongseok , Son Hyeonwoo , Lee Junwoo , Lim Si-Hyung
Published: June 2024

As the dangers of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their potential as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers have been reported, there has been a need for instrument capable of real-time and in-situ monitoring of multiple low-concentration VOCs in indoor air or human metabolites. A promising technology that can qualitatively and quantitatively analyze numerous VOCs as an alternative to conventional bench-top instruments is a micro-gas chromatography (µ-GC) system, which integrates three main components: a micro-gas preconcentrator, a µ-GC column, and a mini- or micro-detector fabricated using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) processes. This review covers the integration methods, features, and analysis capabilities of recently developed µ-GC systems and examines the materials, designs, and principles of the three main components. In addition, the challenging issues that must be addressed for the commercialization of this technology are discussed.
Advancing machine learning with OCR2SEQ: an innovative approach to multi-modal data augmentation
Authors: Lowe Michael , Prusa Joseph D. , Leevy Joffrey L. , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M.
Published: June 2024

OCR2SEQ represents an innovative advancement in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, leveraging a multi-modal generative augmentation strategy to overcome traditional limitations in OCR systems. This paper introduces OCR2SEQ’s unique approach, tailored to enhance data quality for sequence-to-sequence models, especially in scenarios characterized by sparse character sets and specialized vocabularies. At the heart of OCR2SEQ lies a set of novel augmentation techniques designed to simulate realistic text extraction errors. These techniques are adept at generating diverse and challenging data scenarios, thereby substantially improving the training efficacy and accuracy of text-to-text transformers. The application of OCR2SEQ has shown notable improvements in data processing accuracy, particularly in sectors heavily dependent on OCR technologies such as healthcare and library sciences. This paper demonstrates the capability of OCR2SEQ to transform OCR systems by enriching them with augmented, domain-specific data, paving the way for more sophisticated and reliable machine learning interpretations. This advancement in OCR technology, as presented in the study, not only enhances the accuracy and reliability of data processing but also sets a new benchmark in the integration of augmented data for refining OCR capabilities.
Transcriptome analysis reveals potential genes associated with glyphosate resistance in cassava
Authors: Wang Bingyu , Li Junyi , Luo Kai , Wang Honggang , Gao Yu , Wang Yixuan , Zhang Tingting , Qi Jincun , Li Ruitao , Chen Yinhua
Published: June 2024

Glyphosate, widely used to manage weeds in cassava crops, simultaneously inhibits cassava growth, necessitating the development of herbicide-tolerant cassava varieties. In this study, screened 262 cassava varieties, identifying the glyphosate-resistant (GR) variety ZM8701 and the glyphosate-sensitive (GS) variety SC9. Transcriptomic analysis via Illumina sequencing revealed differentially expressed genes associated with resistance, including Cytochrome P450, GST, GT, ABC transporters, and others such as MIOX1, LHCA1, PPH, HSP26, HSP83A, and UGT73C5. Notably, the EMB3004 gene, involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, was significantly upregulated in resistant varieties, suggesting a key role in countering glyphosate’s inhibition of the shikimic acid pathway. These genes are pivotal in enhancing cell wall biosynthesis, optimizing photosynthesis, and improving detoxification processes. This research elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cassava’s resistance to glyphosate, thereby laying the groundwork for breeding programs aimed at developing herbicide-resistant varieties.

Graphical Abstract
Geofluid behavior prior to the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake: insights from groundwater geochemistry
Authors: Zandvakili Zahra , Nishio Yoshiro , Sano Yuji
Published: June 2024

A notable decrease of groundwater Na/K ratios was observed several months before the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (M6.7) at a site approximately 20 km west of the earthquake’s epicenter. To investigate the cause of the decreased Na/K ratios, we analyzed groundwater samples (commercially bottled drinking water) to assess the contribution of deep-derived fluids using Li and Sr isotopic ratios, which are reliable indicators of deep fluid contributions. No pronounced changes in the 7Li/6Li and 87Sr/86Sr ratios were observed; thus, the pre-earthquake decrease of groundwater Na/K ratios did not result from the input of deep-derived fluids. The pre-earthquake decrease in the Na/K ratio observed in this study may instead be related to CO2 influx into the aquifer. The CO2 may have leaked from carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), because CCS was in operation near the epicenter of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake. Decreases of the Na/K ratios and increases of the CO2 concentrations in groundwater have been reported before other large earthquakes; thus, CO2 influx into groundwater may be a common phenomenon preceding earthquakes.