bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3-Dimensional Biomechanics of Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Male Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Zago Matteo , Esposito Fabio , Stillavato Susanna , Zaffagnini Stefano , Frigo Carlo Albino , Della Villa Francesco
Published: May 2024

Background:

The understanding of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury causation in soccer has improved over the past decades. Bidimensional video analyses have significantly augmented our awareness, representing to date the only practical method to describe injury biomechanics. However, the extent of the problem continues to raise serious concerns.

Purpose:

To advance our understanding of the causal pathways leading to ACL injury with a large-scale reconstruction of 3-dimensional (3D) whole-body joint kinematics of injuries that occurred to male elite soccer players, as well as to compare the joint angle time course among situational patterns.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 33 consecutive noncontact and indirect contact ACL injuries that occurred in 6 national and 2 international professional leagues (seasons 2020-2021 to 2022-2023 until December 2022) were analyzed: (1) multiview noncoaxial television images were inspected; (2) multiple camera views were taken from 400 ms before the initial ground contact to 200 ms after the injury frame; (3) a size-matched pitch was modeled and used to calibrate cameras; (4) a 3D skeletal model was adjusted to fit the player's pose in each frame/view; and (5) poses were interpolated, and Euler joint angles were extracted.

Results:

The authors reconstructed the 3D lower limb joint kinematic curves preceding and during ACL injuries in 33 cases; notably, a sudden external (up to 5°) and then internal knee rotation was observed after the initial contact and before the injury frame. The overall kinematics at injury were knee moderately flexed (45.9°± 21.7°), abducted (4.3°± 5.1°), and externally rotated (3.0°± 6.4°); trunk shallowly flexed (17.4°± 12.5°) and rotated and tilted toward the injured side; and hip flexed (32.0°± 18.7°), abducted (31.1°± 12.0°), and slightly internally rotated (6.6°± 12.2°). Variable behaviors were observed at the ankle level.

Conclusion:

Via reconstruction of the sequence of whole-body joint motion leading to injury, we confirmed the accepted gross biomechanics (dynamic valgus trend). This study significantly enriches the current knowledge on multiplanar kinematic features (transverse and coronal plane rotations). Furthermore, it was shown that ACL injuries in male professional soccer players manifest through distinct biomechanical footprints related to the concurrent game situation.

Clinical Relevance:

Interventions aimed at reducing ACL injuries in soccer should consider that environmental features (ie, situational patterns) affect injury mechanics.
Intensification of a Reading Comprehension Intervention Using Student Data: A Pilot Study
Authors: Filderman Marissa J. , Stewart Alicia A. , Cramer Allie M. , Hughes-Berheim Sarah S. , Swanson Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Many students in the upper elementary grades and beyond uniquely struggle with reading comprehension, necessitating explicit instruction and remediation in this area. This study used data-based decision-making (DBDM), a research-based systematic approach to student data collection and analysis, to intensify the evidence-based Strategies for Reading Information and Vocabulary Effectively (STRIVE) reading comprehension intervention. Results indicate that students who received DBDM to intensify STRIVE and students who received STRIVE alone outperformed students in a business-as-usual comparison condition on a researcher-designed vocabulary mastery measurement. Other findings, future directions, and implications for research and teaching are also discussed.
Exposure to occupational air pollution and vascular endothelial dysfunction in workers of the steel industry in Iran
Authors: Sadeghi Masoumeh , Sadeghifar Mostafa , Golshahi Jafar , Khani Azam , Rouhani Sina , Shokri Kasra , Rabiei Katayoun
Published: May 2024

Air pollution is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of occupational air pollution exposure on endothelial function in workers within the steel industry. Specifically, we examined male employees in the coke-making division of the Isfahan Steel Company in Iran, as well as those in administrative roles with no known history of cardiovascular risk. Data on age, body mass index, duration of employment, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile were collected. To assess endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured. The baseline brachial artery diameter was greater (mean difference [95% CI] = 0.068 mm [0.008 to 0.128]), while the FMD was lower (mean difference [95% CI] = −0.908 % [−1.740 to −0.075]) in the coke-making group than in the control group. After controlling for potential confounding variables, it was observed that working in the coke-making sector of the industry was associated with lower FMD (F = 3.954, p = .049). These findings indicated that occupational air pollution exposure among workers in the steel industry is linked to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Physiomimetic Fluidic Culture Platform on Microwell-Patterned Porous Collagen Scaffold for Human Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Chen Huajian , Shang Kuang-Ming , Izumi Kenji , Koba Naoya , Tsuchiya Takanori , Kawazoe Naoki , Quijano Janine , Omori Keiko , Orr Chris , Qi Meirigeng , Ku Hsun Teresa , Kandeel Fouad , Tai Yu-Chong , Chen Guoping , Komatsu Hirotake
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic islet transplantation is one of the clinical options for certain types of diabetes. However, difficulty in maintaining islets prior to transplantation limits the clinical expansion of islet transplantations. Our study introduces a dynamic culture platform developed specifically for primary human islets by mimicking the physiological microenvironment, including tissue fluidics and extracellular matrix support. We engineered the dynamic culture system by incorporating our distinctive microwell-patterned porous collagen scaffolds for loading isolated human islets, enabling vertical medium flow through the scaffolds. The dynamic culture system featured four 12 mm diameter islet culture chambers, each capable of accommodating 500 islet equivalents (IEQ) per chamber. This configuration calculates > five-fold higher seeding density than the conventional islet culture in flasks prior to the clinical transplantations (442 vs 86 IEQ/cm2). We tested our culture platform with three separate batches of human islets isolated from deceased donors for an extended period of 2 weeks, exceeding the limits of conventional culture methods for preserving islet quality. Static cultures served as controls. The computational simulation revealed that the dynamic culture reduced the islet volume exposed to the lethal hypoxia (< 10 mmHg) to ~1/3 of the static culture. Dynamic culture ameliorated the morphological islet degradation in long-term culture and maintained islet viability, with reduced expressions of hypoxia markers. Furthermore, dynamic culture maintained the islet metabolism and insulin-secreting function over static culture in a long-term culture. Collectively, the physiological microenvironment-mimetic culture platform supported the viability and quality of isolated human islets at high-seeding density. Such a platform has a high potential for broad applications in cell therapies and tissue engineering, including extended islet culture prior to clinical islet transplantations and extended culture of stem cell-derived islets for maturation.
Ritual, Performance and Spirituality: Revisiting the Performative Cultures of Chaitra Parva and Purulia Chhau in West Bengal
Authors: Kumar Maheshwar , Nayak Amarjeet , Swain Pranaya Kumar
Published: May 2024

Ritual, a reflection of human nature, society, and culture, influences various performance traditions as a form of symbolism, a way of communicating and a vehicle of transformation. Additionally, performance as an embodied process characterizes the constitutive of culture signifying the study of man. This integration of ritual and performance is mirrored in the Chaitra Parva or the Spring Festival, celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva, invoking rain. During this ritual worship, the devotees undertake severe austerities through renunciation and self-mortification, and the Chhau dancers incarnate the gods, goddesses, and demons through their highly stylized masked dance. Drawing references to a series of rituals and performances, the present study explores the major events of the last four days of Chaitra Parva and its constitutive performing art of Chhau. The study also involves enquiring about the people of Purulia district in West Bengal and their cultural heritage to provide an empirical grounding to this study. It also introduces the background and context of the Hindu epics and focuses on the myth of Lord Shiva and the history of Shiva temple at Lohoria in Purulia. Finally, through a synthesis of performative rituals, performances and spirituality, the present study shows how the people find meaning, significance, and connection in those ritual rites and performances which bind them together with a sense of cultural identity and belongingness.
Impact of Gender Empowerment on Gender-based Wage Inequality and Unemployment: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Dutta Priya Brata , Das Deboleena
Published: May 2024

The article develops a three-sector competitive general equilibrium model with an agricultural sector, a manufacturing sector and a non-traded service sector and three factors: male unskilled labour, female unskilled labour and skilled labour. The article shows how sociocultural barriers impact female labour force participation and male–female wage disparity in the presence of male unemployment in the labour market in a developing economy. The analysis finds a rise in gender wage inequality and a decrease in male unskilled labour unemployment when the female labour force rises due to a fall in sociocultural barriers. Finally, we show that the Gini coefficient of income inequality of unskilled labour and gender-based wage inequality move in opposite directions due to the rise in female labour participation in the workforce and the fall in the male unemployment rate.

JEL: D50, J31, J61
The Power of Language to Transform Efforts to Address Intimate Partner Violence: Tensions in the Field and Pathways Forward
Authors: Graham Laurie M. , Mellinger Marcela Sarmiento , Barth Richard P. , Jiwatram-Negrón Tina , Waller Bernadine Y. , Messing Jill T. , Bennett Chantel R. , Cavaletto April
Published: May 2024

Language has the power to mobilize communities and spark intervention development. Language also can cause harm and stymie intervention innovation. Building Healthy Relationships to End Violence, one of the Grand Challenges for Social Work, prompts us to consider the language we use to address interpersonal violence and related interventions. Through the lens of healing-centered engagement, this article analyzes evolving language about intimate partner violence (IPV), people who experience IPV, and people who engage in violent behavior in intimate relationships, considering the implications of such language for IPV-related interventions. The article additionally provides touchpoints for ongoing conversations about the intentional use of language in IPV research, education, and practice that reflect the varied experiences of diverse individuals, families, and communities impacted by IPV.
Gustav Oppenheim (1882–1937) and the Discovery of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Ness Anthony Maurice , Aiken Judd
Published: May 2024

The discovery of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is frequently attributed to Dr. Gustav Oppenheim—a man who has been largely passed over in history. Oppenheim’s clinical and neuropathologic research covered a variety of disorders, but his name is best known for his work on senile dementia and CAA. Although Oppenheim was in fact not the first to discover CAA, his neuropathologic observations and inferences on neurodegenerative disease proved to be remarkably faithful to our modern understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. As a neurologist, he served in the First World War and was later subjected to religious persecutions in the leadup to the Holocaust but was not fortunate enough to emigrate before his death. The life, social impact, and previously overlooked contributions to science and medicine by Oppenheim are detailed.
Suppression effect of the leading-edge groove on deep cavity noise at low speeds: Groove length
Authors: Lu Weishuang , Zheng Guannan
Published: May 2024

Detached Eddy Simulations combined with Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings acoustic analogy of subsonic flows over a deep cavity preceded by deep grooves with different lengths were conducted to investigate the effects of groove length on the flow characteristics and the noise suppression in the vicinity of the deep cavity. The length-to-depth ratio of the deep cavity is 2/3, and the length-to-depth ratios of the grooves are 1/2. The distance between the grooves and the cavity remains constant at twice the groove length. The groove length ranges from 5 mm to 30 mm. The Reynolds number based on the cavity length is 8 × 10−5. The analysis results indicate that all grooves studied in this paper have some effect on the distribution of sound energy of near-field noise and near-/far-field noise amplitude, but have no effect on the characteristic frequencies of cavity noise and far-field noise directivity. When the groove length is 15 mm and 20 mm, the deep grooves are most effective in suppressing deep cavity noise. The time-averaged velocities in the incoming boundary layer, shear layer, and wake region decrease, and the height of the boundary layer downstream of the cavity increases, which reduces the intensity of the interaction between the flow structure and solid wall downstream of the cavity, resulting in a reduction in flow-acoustic feedback noise. Meanwhile, the suppression effect of the groove flow on the cavity flow effectively alters the flow characteristics of the entire cavity mouth, the rear edge wall, and part of the bottom surface region, reducing the energy at these locations. This is the primary reason for the reduction in broadband noise and acoustic resonance noise.
Resisting and transgressing cisheteronormativity at home: LGBT+ youths’ active strategies
Authors: Pascual-Bordas Júlia
Published: May 2024

Many of the struggles and advances in LGBT+ rights are fought in domestic spaces. However, the political and emotional complexity of the home in relation to gender and sexual dissidence has received limited attention. This research aims to explore the discrimination and coping strategies of young LGBT+ youth in their family and personal home. Through a qualitative methodology, I examine how 27 LGBT+ youth from Bages (Catalonia) experience different home spaces according to their age, gender, and sexual orientation. The results show adultism and pressure to conform to cisheteronormative expectations at the family home. However, these norms dissolve in the personal home, allowing the free development of their LGBT+ identities. The study reveals the resistance and transformation strategies they use to tackle cisheteronormativity, highlighting home as a place of politics, negotiation, power, and complex emotions.
News participation is declining: Evidence from 46 countries between 2015 and 2022
Authors: Altay Sacha , Fletcher Richard , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: May 2024

Digital media are often praised for having offered new ways to participate with news. But how has participation with news changed in recent years? A pre-registered analysis of survey data from 2015 to 2022 in 46 countries ( N = 577,859) shows that participation with news has declined. This decrease is observed in most countries and for most forms of participation, including liking, sharing, commenting on news on social media and talking about the news offline. The only form of participation that has increased is news sharing via private messaging apps. Overall, participation with news was higher among younger people, the university-educated, those with high interest in news and those with low trust in news. Over time, participation has declined more for those with lower trust in news, those without a bachelor’s degree and for women. Within countries, increases in political polarization were associated with lower participation.
Pseudo-scientific versus anti-scientific online conspiracism: A comparison of the Flat Earth Society’s Internet forum and Reddit
Authors: Pilati Federico , Venturini Tommaso , Sacco Pier Luigi , Gargiulo Floriana
Published: May 2024

Attitudes of distrust and paranoia toward scientific and political institutions are increasingly identified as major troubles in online communication and often lumped together under the umbrella term of conspiracy theories. However, this term encompasses two distinct communication practices that deserve to be distinguished. Traditional conspiratorial thinking adopts pseudo-scientific arguments, while newer manifestations lack coherent theories, promoting trolling, and antagonism. We argue that these strands align with different types of digital communications and are supported by different technical infrastructure and cultures of use, with classic conspiracy theories prevalent in early online venues and “conspiracies-without-theory” more common on social media. By comparing the Flat Earth Society’s Internet forum and its subreddit, we highlight their stark differences. The forum prioritizes pseudo-scientific discourse, while the subreddit fosters confrontational antagonism and unmoderated escalation. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for understanding their communicative profoundly different nature and developing targeted strategies to address them effectively.
Technical Adequacy of the Data-Based Instruction Knowledge and Skills Assessment in Writing
Authors: Choi Seohyeon , McMaster Kristen L. , Lembke Erica S. , Guha Manjary
Published: May 2024

Teachers’ knowledge and skills about data-based instruction (DBI) can influence their self-efficacy and their implementation of DBI with fidelity, ultimately playing a crucial role in improving student outcomes. The purpose of this brief report is to provide evidence for the technical adequacy of a measure of DBI knowledge and skills in writing by examining its internal consistency reliability, considering different factor structures, and assessing item statistics using classical test theory and item response theory. We used responses from 154 elementary school teachers, primarily special educators, working with children with intensive early writing needs. Results from confirmatory factor analysis did not strongly favor either a one-factor solution, representing a single dimension of DBI knowledge and skills, or a two-factor solution, comprising knowledge and skills subscales. Internal consistency reliability coefficients were within an acceptable range, especially with the one-factor solution assumed. Item difficulty and discrimination estimates varied across items, suggesting the need to further investigate certain items. We discuss the potential of using the DBI Knowledge and Skills Assessment, specifically in the context of measuring teacher-level DBI outcomes in writing.
The role of glomerular filtration rate in AVF success: Should we intervene earlier?
Authors: Aslan Kutsal Dilek , Kehlibar Tamer , Kizilyel Fatih , Yilmaz Mehmet , Gunay Rafet , Ketenci Bulend
Published: May 2024

Introduction

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients require life-sustaining kidney replacement therapies, with the natural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) being the preferred vascular access due to its low infection risk, high patency, and fewer complications. Factors like vessel diameter, gender, diabetes, age, and surgical technique influence AVF maturation.

Method

Our study focused on short-term AVF creation success, specifically examining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels using the CKD-EPI formula. Patients were categorized according to their eGFR levels to observe the effects of fistula timing and the severity of kidney disease.

Results

No significant demographic or outcome differences between eGFR groups have been observed except for gender. AVF maturation was notably associated with distal vein diameter (>2 mm), while other factors did not significantly impact maturation rates. As a secondary outcome, it was concluded that the recording of patients’ blood pressure values at preoperative and perioperative levels led to the conclusion that blood pressure levels may have an impact on fistula maturation.

Conclusion

To ensure vascular access effectiveness, optimizing blood pressure, determining vein diameter, strategic AVF timing, and reducing catheter usage are crucial. Our study aimed to identify eGFR levels conducive to optimal AVF outcomes. Although significant results could not be obtained in this regard, it is considered worthwhile to re-examine the effect of blood pressure in secondary outcomes. Additionally, prospective studies may be appropriate for reevaluating the effect of GFR.
Caught in the liberal pragmatic trap? How political parties viewed energy dependence on Russia in three European countries 2012–2022
Authors: Godzimirski Jakub M , Myhre Marthe Handå , Onderco Michal
Published: May 2024

After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and its subsequent decision to stop its gas export to Europe, Europe’s energy dependence on Russia was put on full display. In this paper, we map energy relations with Russia in three European countries that in the period of analysis between 2012 and 2022 were among the most important energy customers of Russia: Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. Moreover, we examine how this issue has been addressed – if at all – in party programs in elections in the same period. Examining party programs, we argue, brings new insights and a better understanding of how energy policies and relations with Russia were viewed in the three countries – and in the EU in general in that period. The paper identifies two ideal types – the ‘liberal pragmatists’, who treated strong energy interdependence as a possible conflict-mitigating measure, and the ‘hard core realists’, who viewed strong energy dependence on Russia as a possible source of strategic threat.
Uterine artery embolization versus myomectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Ansari Haya Waseem , Ejaz Arooba , Khalid Furqanullah , Naz Aimen , Waqar Ayesha , Khan Adeela Sarfaraz , Godil Sana , Ayub Muhammad Zain , Tariq Muhammad Azaan , Salman Yumna , Shah Hassaan Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Uterine fibroids are the commonest benign tumors of the reproductive tract in women of childbearing age. They are usually asymptomatic but can cause menorrhagia. Treatments include myomectomy and uterine artery embolization (UAE). The latter is a relatively new procedure, therefore of special interest.

Objectives:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies to provide a comprehensive outlook on the effectiveness of UAE by comparing its outcomes to those of myomectomy. Electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Central) were systematically searched from January 2000 to March 2022 for published randomized control trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses that compared UAE to myomectomy for at least one of the pre-specified outcomes, namely re-intervention rates, length of hospital stay, and complications.

Methods:

We shortlisted nine studies for the final analysis. For continuous outcomes, results from random-effects meta-analysis were presented as mean differences (MDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results:

The final analysis consisted of nine studies. Factors like re-intervention, hospitalization, and complications, each with its unique follow-up duration were assessed. Pooled analysis demonstrated significant results for greater re-intervention rates with UAE as compared to myomectomy (RR: 2.16, 95% CI: (1.27–3.66), p-value 0.004, heterogeneity I2 = 85%). UAE holds a greater but statistically insignificant risk for major complications (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: (0.29–1.33), p-value 0.22, heterogeneity I2 = 0%) and myomectomy shows a statistically insignificant greater risk for minor complications (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: (0.92–3.22), p-value 0.09, heterogeneity I2 = 0%). UAE had a shorter but statistically insignificant duration of hospital stay (MD: −1.12, 95% CI: (−2.50 to 0.27), p-value 0.11, heterogeneity I2 = 96%) ( p-value for subgroup differences = 0.005).

Conclusion:

Our meta-analysis of approximately 196,595 patients demonstrates that myomectomy results in a significant reduction in re-intervention rate compared to UAE.
Management of unscheduled bleeding on HRT: A joint guideline on behalf of the British Menopause Society, Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Royal College of General Practitioners and Getting it Right First Time
Authors: Manley Kristyn , Hillard Timothy , Clark Justin , Kumar Geeta , Morrison Jo , Hamoda Haitham , Barber Katie , Holloway Debra , Middleton Bronwyn , Oyston Maria , Pickering Mark , Sassarini Jenifer , Williams Nicola
Published: May 2024

Unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect up to 40% of users. In parallel with the increase in HRT prescribing in the UK, there has been an associated increase in referrals to the urgent suspicion of cancer pathway for unscheduled bleeding. On behalf of the British Menopause Society (BMS) an expert review panel was established, including primary and secondary care clinicians with expertise in the management of menopause, with representatives from key related organisations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, the British Gynaecological Cancer Society, British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, Royal College of General Practitioners and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, and service development partners from NHS England and GIRFT (Getting it Right First Time). For each topic, a focused literature review was completed to develop evidence led recommendations, where available, which were ratified by consensus review within the panel and by guideline groups.
Open and Collaborative Innovation for the Social Construction of Learning: Descriptive Analysis of an xMOOC Design
Authors: Minga-Vallejo Ruth-Elizabeth , Ramírez-Montoya María-Soledad , Rodríguez-Conde María-José
Published: May 2024

In education, technological advances have boosted digital processes that expand training possibilities, such as xMOOCs (eXtended Massive Open Online Courses). The purpose of this study was to analyze the design of the xMOOC in the light of open and collaborative innovation and the social construction of learning. The quantitative method and descriptive statistical analysis were used to analyze the perceptions of eight expert’s MOOC developers based on the results of a Likert scale questionnaire. The results were integrated with a previous study carried out with inferential statistics on 217 xMOOC students. The findings revealed two approaches to innovation to support the social construction of learning and its challenges: (a) design and teaching-learning strategies that integrate social learning activities; (b) learning objectives to strengthen social learning activities through pedagogical and technological innovation. The contribution of this research is to add value to the body of knowledge available to trainers, researchers, and stakeholders in MOOC design, the social construction of learning, and open and collaborative innovation.
New K-12 Chinese teachers’ experiences with curriculum: Flexibilities and difficulties
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Bale Jeff
Published: May 2024

Investigating the experiences of four new Chinese language teachers from diverse backgrounds in a Midwest state, this study explores their interactions with curriculum during their first year of teaching in U.S. K-12 schools. Using Zeichner and Gore’s interactive perspective of teacher socialization, the study gathered qualitative data from multiple sources and formats. The data underwent coding and analysis in NVivo 8. The findings revealed that these new teachers had limited access to K-12 Chinese curriculum and lacked sufficient knowledge about it. Consequently, they faced challenges in making informed curricular decisions and struggled in their daily instruction. Despite these obstacles, the teachers managed to create their own curricula, implement student-centered teaching, and incorporate both Pinyin and Chinese characters in their instruction. The paper concludes with recommendations for Chinese teacher education.
Determinants of Food Security Status of Agricultural Households: An Empirical Investigation from Kuttanad Wetland System in Kerala, India
Authors: Kasim C. Mohammed , Harikumar S.
Published: May 2024

Recent debates highlight that agriculture-based strategies can enhance food security. Thus, this article examined the incidence and determinants of food security of agricultural households in Kuttanad, a wetland region situated in the southern part of the state of Kerala in India. Towards this objective, we have collected food consumption data from households and converted them into an equivalent amount of calorie intake. Further, we define food security in terms of calorie adequacy using the minimum calorie norm of 1,800 kcal suggested by the Food and Agricultural Organization for India. Our empirical results reveal that 37% of the sample households are food insecure. The incidence of food insecurity is higher among poor sections like labour households, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), and Scheduled Castes families. Results of Probit regression show that below poverty line and AAY families are less likely to be food secure than above poverty line families. The purchase of cereals from the Public Distribution System is found to have a positive impact on the food security status of the households. Both farm income and non-farm income positively influence the probability of food security. The study concludes that there are impediments to realizing the linkages between agriculture and food security.

JEL Classification: Q10, Q18, I32, C25
Molecular dynamics simulation to investigate titanium metallization on sapphire for fiber optic-based pressure sensing application
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Ghildiyal Shrinkhla
Published: May 2024

Brazing of sapphire or ceramic with metal is an essential manufacturing process for sensor and ultra-high vacuum applications. For an efficient brazing of such materials with metals, a prerequisite of metallization of sapphire with titanium (Ti) layers with good adhesion is required. In this direction, the present work is carried out to investigate the phenomena occurring at the interface of titanium–sapphire during metallization process and observe the strength of joint of sapphire with respect to Ti layer. To carry out such study, a model was constructed using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) for both sapphire and Ti. The MDS model showed that the chemical reaction between Ti and sapphire takes place to form new chemical bonds of Ti–O, Ti–O–Al–O–Ti, and Al–O–Ti. These new bonds are much stronger than the chemical bonds of parent materials and they are the key factor for brazing of sapphire surface using Ti layer. This study shows that chemical reaction in the metallization is a spontaneous and exothermic process which increases the temperature of Ti layer by 450 K. Moreover, it is also observed that the metallization quality mainly depends on the extent of proximity between sapphire and Ti, and it is possible by surface heating up to 1,200 K. The present work is for the understanding and optimization of metallization process, which could be useful toward an efficient execution of brazing between sapphire and metal.
Early Postoperative Iatrogenic Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection Following Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: An Uncommon Complication of a Common Surgery
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Atmakur Gautam , Kulkarni Gururaj Pramod , Kale Satya Sridhar
Published: May 2024

Complications of cardiac surgery include iatrogenic acute aortic dissection (IAAD), which occurs in 0.04%–0.06% of cases and has poorer results than spontaneous dissection. IAADs generated by thoracotomy are often associated with severe cardiovascular conditions, such as advanced atherosclerosis with three or more coronary artery lesions and persistent heart failure due to multivalvular heart disease. It is possible to experience this complication following any kind of cardiac surgery, including off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) as well as following endovascular operations. We encountered early postoperative IAAD following OPCAB, which necessitated high-risk reoperation with dismal outcomes. Death rates could be reduced with better access to timely diagnosis and adequate treatment. Avoiding, diagnosing, and treating this potentially fatal complication requires tremendous effort from every member of the heart team.
The global pattern of epiphytic liverwort disparity: insights from Frullania
Authors: Yu Ying , Fan Mei-Ying , Zhou Hong-Xia , Song Yue-Qin
Published: May 2024

The geographical and ecological patterns of morphological disparity are crucial to understand how species are assembled within communities in the context of the evolutionary history, morphological evolution and ecological interactions. However, with limited exceptions, rather few studies have been conducted on the global pattern of disparity, particularly in early land plants. Here we explored the spatial accumulation of disparity in a morphologically variable and species rich liverwort genus Frullania in order to test the hypothesis of latitude disparity gradient. We compiled a morphological data set consisting of eight continuous traits for 244 currently accepted species, and scored the species distribution into 19 floristic regions worldwide. By reconstructing the morphospace of all defined regions and comparisons, we identified a general Gondwana-Laurasia pattern of disparity in Frullania. This likely results from an increase of ecological opportunities and / or relaxed constraints towards low latitudes. The lowest disparity occurred in arid tropical regions, largely due to a high extinction rate as a consequence of paleoaridification. There was weak correlation between species diversity and disparity at different spatial scales. Furthermore, long-distance dispersal may have partially shaped the present-day distribution of Frullania disparity, given its frequency and the great contribution of widely distributed species to local morphospace. This study not only highlighted the crucial roles of paleoenvironmental changes, ecological opportunities, and efficient dispersal on the global pattern of plant disparity, but also implied its dependence on the ecological and physiological function of traits.
Investigating the causal relationship of gut microbiota with GERD and BE: a bidirectional mendelian randomization
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yu Jiali , Yang Yuxiao , Han Bingyu , Wang Qiao , Du Shiyu
Published: May 2024

Background

Gut microbiota(GM) have been proven associated with lots of gastrointestinal diseases, but its causal relationship with Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus(BE) hasn’t been explored. We aimed to uncover the causal relation between GM and GERD/BE and potential mediators by utilizing Mendelian Randomization(MR) analysis.

Methods

Summary statistics of GM(comprising 301 bacteria taxa and 205 metabolism pathways) were extracted from MiBioGen Consortium(N = 18,340) and Dutch Microbiome Project(N = 7,738), GERD and BE from a multitrait meta-analysis(NGERD=602,604, NBE=56,429). Bidirectional two-sample MR analysis and linkage disequilibrium score regression(LDSC) were used to explore the genetic correlation between GM and GERD/BE. Mediation MR analysis was performed for the risk factors of GERD/BE, including Body mass index(BMI), weight, type 2 diabetes, major depressive disorder(MDD), smoking initiation, alcohol consumption, and dietary intake(including carbohydrate, sugar, fat, protein intake), to detect the potential mediators between GM and GERD/BE.

Results

11 bacterial taxa and 13 metabolism pathways were found associated with GERD, and 18 taxa and 5 pathways exhibited causal relationship with BE. Mediation MR analysis suggested weight and BMI played a crucial role in these relationships. LDSC identified 1 taxon and 4 metabolism pathways related to GERD, and 1 taxon related to BE. Specie Faecalibacterium prausnitzii had a suggestive impact on both GERD(OR = 1.087, 95%CI = 1.01–1.17) and BE(OR = 1.388, 95%CI = 1.03–1.86) and LDSC had determined their correlation. Reverse MR indicated that BE impacted 10 taxa and 4 pathways.

Conclusions

This study established a causal link between gut microbiota and GERD/BE, and identified the probable mediators. It offers new insights into the role of gut microbiota in the development and progression of GERD and BE in the host.
Genome-wide evolutionary analysis of TKL_CTR1-DRK-2 gene family and functional characterization reveals that TaCTR1 positively regulates flowering time in wheat
Authors: Su Peisen S. , Li Jingyu , Zang Dongtian , Wang Zhiyu , Wu Yangyang , Chi Shatong , Sun Fanting , Niu Yufei , Hua Xuewen , Yan Jun , Ge Wenyang
Published: May 2024

Background

Flowering time has an important effect on regional adaptation and yields for crops. The tyrosine kinase-like (TKL) gene family is widely existed and participates in many biological processes in plants. Furthermore, only few TKLs have been characterized functions in controlling flowering time in wheat.

Results

Here, we report that TaCTR1, a tyrosine kinase-like (TKL) gene, regulates flowering time in wheat. Based on identification and evolutionary analysis of TKL_CTR1-DRK-2 subfamily in 15 plants, we proposed an evolutionary model for TaCTR1, suggesting that occurrence of some exon fusion events during evolution. The overexpression of TaCTR1 caused early flowering time in transgenic lines. Transcriptomics analysis enabled identification of mass differential expression genes including plant hormone (ET, ABA, IAA, BR) signaling, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenolamides and antioxidant, and flowering-related genes in TaCTR1 overexpression transgenic lines compared with WT plants. qRT–PCR results showed that the expression levels of ethylene (ET) signal-related genes (ETR, EIN, ERF) and flowering-related genes (FT, PPD1, CO, PRR, PHY) were altered in TaCTR1-overexpressing wheat compared with WT plants. Metabonomics analysis showed that flavonoid contents were altered.

Conclusions

Thus, the results show that TaCTR1 plays a positive role in controlling flowering time by activating various signaling pathways and regulating flowering-related genes, and will provide new insights on the mechanisms of wheat flowering regulation.
Responses of soil and rhizosphere microbial communities to Cd-hyperaccumulating willows and Cd contamination
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhang RuiQing , Wang Pu , Gao Yunpeng , Zhang Jue
Published: May 2024

Background

The pollution of soil by heavy metals, particularly Cd, is constitutes a critical international environmental concern. Willow species are renowned for their efficacy in the phytoremediation of heavy metals owing to their high Cd absorption rate and rapid growth. However, the mechanisms underlying microbial regulation for high- and low-accumulating willow species remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the responses of soil and rhizosphere microbial communities to high- and low-Cd-accumulating willows and Cd contamination. We analyzed soil properties were analyzed in bulk soil (SM) and rhizosphere soil (RM) planted with high-accumulating (H) and low-accumulating (L) willow species.

Results

Rhizosphere soil for different willow species had more NH4+ than that of bulk soil, and RM-H soil had more than RM-L had. The available phosphorus content was greater in hyper-accumulated species than it was in lower-accumulated species, especially in RM-H. Genome sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities showed that RM-L exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, whereas RM-H displayed the greatest richness than the other groups. SM-L exhibited the highest diversity and richness of fungal communities. Ralstonia emerged as the predominant bacterium in RM-H, whereas Basidiomycota and Cercozoa were the most enriched fungi in SM-H. Annotation of the N and C metabolism pathways revealed differential patterns: expression levels of NRT2, NarB, nirA, nirD, nrfA, and nosZ were highest in RM-H, demonstrating the effects of NO3-and N on the high accumulation of Cd in RM-H. The annotated genes associated with C metabolism indicated a preference for the tricarboxylic pathway in RM-H, whereas the hydroxypropionate-hydroxybutyrate cycle was implicated in C sequestration in SM-L.

Conclusions

These contribute to elucidation of the mechanism underlying high Cd accumulation in willows, particularly in respect of the roles of microbes and N and C utilization. This will provide valuable insights for repairing polluted soil using N and employing organic acids to improve heavy metal remediation efficiency.
The predictive value of the Kampala Trauma Score (KTS) in the outcome of multi-traumatic patients compared to the estimated Injury Severity Score (eISS)
Authors: Hakimzadeh Zahra , Vahdati Samad Shams , Ala Alireza , Rahmani Farzad , Ghafouri Rouzbeh Rajaei , Jaberinezhad Mehran
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The classification of trauma patients in emergency settings is a constant challenge for physicians. However, the Injury Severity Score (ISS) is widely used in developed countries, it may be difficult to perform it in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). As a result, the ISS was calculated using an estimated methodology that has been described and validated in a high-income country previously. In addition, a simple scoring tool called the Kampala Trauma Score (KTS) was developed recently. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of KTS and estimated ISS (eISS) in order to achieve a valid and efficient scoring system in our resource-limited setting.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study between December 2020 and March 2021 among the multi-trauma patients who presented at the emergency department of Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz, Iran. After obtaining informed consent, all data including age, sex, mechanism of injury, GCS, KTS, eISS, final outcome (including death, morbidity, or discharge), and length of hospital stay were collected and entered into SPSS version 27.0 and analyzed.

Results

381 multi-trauma patients participated in the study. The area under the curve for prediction of mortality (AUC) for KTS was 0.923 (95%CI: 0.888–0.958) and for eISS was 0.910 (95% CI: 0.877–0.944). For the mortality, comparing the AUCs by the Delong test, the difference between areas was not statistically significant (p value = 0.356). The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for the prediction of mortality KTS and eISS were 28.27 and 32.00, respectively.

Conclusion

In our study population, the KTS has similar accuracy in predicting the mortality of multi-trauma patients compared to the eISS.
Risk factors for delayed colorectal postpolypectomy bleeding: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuzhen , Jiang Xiaoxing , Shi Liang
Published: May 2024

Background

To systematically analyze risk factors for delayed postpolypectomy bleeding (DPPB) in colorectum.

Methods

We searched seven large databases from inception to July 2022 to identify studies that investigated risk factors for DPPB. The effect sizes were expressed by relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The heterogeneity was analyzed by calculating I2 values and performing sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 15 articles involving 24,074 subjects were included in the study. The incidence of DPPB was found to be 0.02% (95% CI, 0.01–0.03), with an I2 value of 98%. Our analysis revealed that male sex (RR = 1.64), history of hypertension (RR = 1.54), anticoagulation (RR = 4.04), polyp size (RR = 1.19), polyp size ≥ 10 mm (RR = 2.43), polyp size > 10 mm (RR = 3.83), polyps located in the right semicolon (RR = 2.48) and endoscopic mucosal resection (RR = 2.99) were risk factors for DPPB.

Conclusions

Male sex, hypertension, anticoagulation, polyp size, polyp size ≥ 10 mm, polyps located in the right semicolon, and endoscopic mucosal resection were the risk factors for DPPB. Based on our findings, we recommend that endoscopists should fully consider and implement effective intervention measures to minimize the risk of DPPB.
Comparison of malaria diagnostic methods for detection of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections among pregnant women in northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Adane , Yimer Mulat , Gelaye Woynshet , Tegegne Banchamlak , Endalamaw Demeke , Estifanos Fikirte , Abebaw Abtie , Abere Aberham
Published: May 2024

Background

Malaria in pregnancy remains a major public health problem in the globe, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In malaria endemic areas, most pregnant women remain asymptomatic, but malaria could still cause complications on the mother and her offspring; as well as serve as reservoirs to transmit infection. Despite these effects, no attention is given to the diagnosis of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections (APIs) using highly sensitive and specific laboratory diagnostic tools in Ethiopia. Therefore, the goal of this study was to compare the performance of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect APIs among pregnant women.

Methods

A health facility based cross -sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Fendeka town health facilities Jawi district, northwest Ethiopia from February to March, 2019. A total of 166 participants were enrolled by using convenient sampling technique. Socio-demographic features were collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected for molecular analysis. Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection on pregnant women was diagnosed using RDT, microscopy and RT-PCR. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of APIs. Method comparison was performed, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k) was used to determine the degree of agreement among the diagnostic methods. Parasite densities were also calculated.

Results

The prevalence of API was 9.6%, 11.4% and 18.7% using RDT, microscopy and RT-PCR, respectively. The overall proportion of API was 19.3%. Sensitivity of the RDT was 83.3% as compared with microscopy. Rapid Diagnostic Test and microscopy also showed sensitivity of 50% and 60%, respectively, as compared with RT-PCR. The mean parasite density was 3213 parasites/µl for P falciparum and 1140 parasites/µl of blood for P. vivax.

Conclusion

Prevalence of API in the study area was high. Both RDT and microscopy had lower sensitivity when compared with RT-PCR. Therefore, routine laboratory diagnosis of API among pregnant women should be given attention and done with better sensitive and specific laboratory diagnostic tools.