bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Metrological Traceability Implementation Using the Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory Medicine Database Entries Including the Fulfillment of “Fit-for-Purpose” Maximum Allowable Measurement Uncertainty
Authors: Panteghini Mauro , Camara Johanna E , Delatour Vincent , Van Uytfanghe Katleen , Vesper Hubert W , Zhang Tianjiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
In previous publications, the Task Force on Reference Measurement System Implementation proposed a procedural approach combining a critical review of entries available in the Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM) database with a comparison of this information against analytical performance specifications for measurement uncertainty (MU) and applied it to a group of 13 measurands.

Content
Here we applied this approach to 17 additional measurands, of which measurements are frequently requested. The aims of the study were (a) to describe the main characteristics for implementing traceability and the potential to fulfill the maximum allowable MU (MAU) at the clinical sample level of certified reference materials and reference measurement procedures listed in the JCTLM database; (b) to discuss limitations and obstacles, if any, to the achievement of the required quality of laboratory measurements; and (c) to provide a gap analysis by highlighting what is still missing in the database. Results were integrated with those obtained in the previous study, therefore offering an overview of where we are and what is still missing in the practical application of the metrological traceability concept to 30 common biochemical tests employed in laboratory medicine.

Summary
Our analysis shows that for 28 out of 30 measurands, conditions exist to correctly implement metrological traceability to the International System of units and fulfill at least the MAU of the minimum quality level derived according to internationally recommended models. For 2 measurands (serum albumin and chloride), further improvements in MU of higher-order references would be necessary.
Effect of storage conditions on host egg suitability and the reproductive fitness of Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an egg parasitoid of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: Quinn Nicole F , Robertson Rebecca R , Duan Jian J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Methods for laboratory-rearing O. agrili have been developed but its mass-production depends on the continuous production and storage of freshly laid EAB eggs as well as diapaused parasitoid progeny (inside parasitized EAB eggs). The purpose of this study was to determine optimal environmental conditions for long-term storage of host eggs as well as diapaused parasitoid progeny. Fresh host eggs and diapaused parasitoid progeny were stored at two low storage temperatures (1.7 and 12.8 °C) and three levels of relative humidity (low ~31%, medium ~74%, and high ~99.9%) for various length of time (15–270 days) and then evaluated for host egg suitability and the reproductive fitness of stored parasitoid progeny. EAB eggs were stored for approximately 30 days without significant reduction of their viability and suitability to O. agrili parasitism at low storage temperatures under high and medium relative humidity. Neither storage temperature or humidity had any significant effects on adult parasitoid emergence for storage durations of up to 270 days. When storage durations were over 120 days, however, both adult parasitoid longevity and fecundity declined approximately 20–30% across all temperature and humidity treatments. Relevance of findings to mass-production and storage of O. agrili for biocontrol is discussed.
Urban distribution network planning and zoning design based on improved K-means clustering in low carbon background
Authors: Gao Qiang , Yang Zhengdao , Dai Pan , Wang Lei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Aiming at the problem that the traditional algorithm is difficult to adapt to the chaotic planning of urban distribution network and the uneven distribution of load points, an improved K-means clustering algorithm based zoning planning method of urban distribution network is proposed. Firstly, considering the effect of the capacity margin on the partition, the weighted factor is introduced to improve the Euclidean distance. Secondly, considering the selection of power supply units according to the distribution characteristics of the substation, the distance between the cluster center and the substation is calculated. Finally, a distribution network zoning planning model with the maximum number of inter-station power supply units and the minimum total Euclidean distance of power distribution as the objective function is constructed. Finally, taking the transformation of a distribution network in Fujian Province as a practical engineering example, the results show that the average difference of load partition obtained by the improved K-means clustering algorithm is reduced by 34.35% compared with the traditional method.
Associations between acquired antimicrobial resistance genes in the upper respiratory tract and livestock farm exposures: a case–control study in COPD and non-COPD individuals
Authors: Cornu Hewitt Beatrice , Bossers Alex , van Kersen Warner , de Rooij Myrna M T , Smit Lidwien A M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Livestock-related emissions have been associated with aggravations of respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), potentially by altering the respiratory resistome.

Objectives
This study investigates the structure of the acquired oropharyngeal (OP) resistome of patients with COPD and controls, its interplay with the respiratory microbiome and associations with residential livestock exposure.

Methods
In a matched case–control study in the rural Netherlands, we analysed OP swabs from 35 patients with COPD and 34 controls, none of whom had used antibiotics in the preceding 4 weeks. Resistome profiling was performed using ResCap, complemented by prior characterization of the microbiome via 16S rRNA-based sequencing. Residential livestock farm exposure was defined using distance-based variables alongside modelled concentrations of livestock-emitted microbial pollutants. We compared resistome profiles between patients with COPD and controls, examining alpha and beta diversity as well as differential abundance. Additionally, we assessed the interplay between the resistome and microbiome using co-occurrence networks and Procrustes analysis. Variations in resistome profiles were also analysed based on residential livestock exposures.

Results
Patients with COPD exhibited higher resistome diversity than controls (Shannon diversity, P = 0.047), though resistome composition remained similar between groups (PERMANOVA, P = 0.19). Significant correlations were observed between the OP resistome and microbiome compositions, with distinct patterns in co-occurrence networks. Residential exposure to livestock farms was not associated with resistome alterations.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal the COPD airway as a hospitable environment for antimicrobial resistance genes, irrespective of recent antimicrobial usage. Demonstrating the interplay between the resistome and microbiome, our study underscores the importance of a deeper understanding of the resistome in respiratory health.
Integration of multi-omics reveals the important role of the BBS10 gene in reproduction
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Chu Mingxing , Wang Shoufeng , Feng Pingjie , Shi Jianxin , Li Hao , Li Xinyue , Pan Zhangyuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Blood samples are easily obtained from sheep. Therefore, blood analysis can be a convenient method for evaluating reproductive traits in sheep by detecting genetic and metabolic changes in the ovary. By combining 167 RNA sequencing data and 60 untargeted metabolomics data, this study analyzed the relationship between genes and metabolites in the ovary and blood. The conjoint KEGG enrichment analysis enriched glutathione (GSH) metabolic pathways both in the ovary and blood. This finding provides an explanation for possible GSH metabolic processes in the ovary with metabolite exchange in the blood. The metabolite–gene–disease interaction network revealed a correlation between the expression of certain Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) family genes in the ovary and blood. This indicates that BBS family genes, such as BBS10 in sheep blood, could be a potential biomarker for BBS. We investigated the relationship between BBS10 gene expression in the ovary and lambing numbers using whole-genome sequencing data from 450 ewes. Our findings suggest that g.112314188C&gt;G may lead to decreased litter size in ewes carrying the FecB gene. These single nucleotide polymorphisms could be potential molecular markers for breeding sheep.
Short-term temperature changes affected the predation ability of Orius similis on Bemisia tabaci nymphs
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Dan , Zhang Jinlong , Yang Nian , Kong Jiao , Hu Ying , Liu Jihuan , Liu Qing , Chen Guohua , Zhang Xiaoming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), a major pest that can adversely affect economies and agriculture globally, is particularly sensitive to climate change-induced temperature fluctuations, which can intensify its outbreaks. Orius similis Zheng, a primary natural predator of B. tabaci, also experiences temperature-related effects that influence its biocontrol efficacy. Thus, understanding the response of O. similis to temperature changes is pivotal for optimizing its biocontrol potential. Herein, our investigations showed that the functional response of O. similis to both high- and low-instar nymphs of B. tabaci adheres to the type II model at temperatures of 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 °C. At 28 °C, O. similis exhibits the highest instantaneous attack rate (high-instar: 1.1580, low-instar: 1.2112), and the shortest handling time per prey (high-instar: 0.0218, low-instar: 0.0191). The efficacy of O. similis in controlling B. tabaci nymphs follows the sequence: 28 °C &gt; 25 °C &gt; 31 °C &gt; 22 °C &gt; 19 °C. Additionally, search efficiency inversely correlates with prey density. Simulations using the Hessell–Varley interference model indicate that increased density of O. similis under any temperature condition leads to reduced predation rates. Moreover, O. similis shows a predation preference for low-instar nymphs of B. tabaci, with higher predation level observed at the same temperature. In conclusion, for effective control of B. tabaci in field releases, O. similis should be optimally released at temperatures between 25 and 28 °C to preferably target the egg or early nymph stages of B. tabaci and determining the appropriate number of O. similis is important to minimize interference among individuals and enhance biocontrol efficacy.
Hierarchical three-body problem at high eccentricities = simple pendulum I: octupole
Authors: Klein Ygal Y , Katz Boaz 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
The gradual evolution of the restricted hierarchical three body problem is analysed analytically, focusing on conditions of Kozai–Lidov cycles that may lead to orbital flips from prograde to retrograde motion due to the octupole (third order) term which are associated with extremely high eccentricities. We revisit the approach described by Katz, Dong and Malhotra (2011) and show that for most initial conditions, to an excellent approximation, the analytical derivation can be greatly simplified and reduces to a simple pendulum model allowing an explicit flip criterion. The resulting flip criterion is much simpler than the previous one but the latter is still needed in a small fraction of phase space. We identify a logical error in the earlier derivation but clarify why it does not affect the final results.
Oral toxicity evaluation of Bacillus clausii M31 isolated from the children’s feces in the northern province of Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Nguyen Quynh Anh , Nguyen Huong Thi , Dam Xuan Thanh , Bui Dinh Nhi , Minh Thi Thao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the acute and repeated 28-day dose toxicity profiles of Bacillus clausii M31, isolated from children’s feces, in Swiss rats and New Zealand rabbits. To investigate acute toxicity, rats were given varied doses of B. clausii M31 (1 × 1011 CFU/mL, 3 × 1011 CFU/mL, and 5 × 1011 CFU/mL) orally once daily for 14 days, in accordance with OECD recommendations No. 423. To evaluate toxicity, rabbits were given either a low dosage (1 × 1011 CFU/mL) or a high dose (5 × 1011 CFU/mL) during a 28-day period using the OECD Test Guideline 407 protocol. Neither death nor significant abnormalities were observed in the rats during the experiment. The microscopic examination of key organs revealed no substantial changes in organ morphology. Furthermore, analyses of serum biochemistry and hematological parameters did not reveal any treatment-associated variations. In sum, these findings suggest that the oral intake of B. clausii M31 at concentrations up to 5 × 1011 CFU/mL for 28 days poses no discernible risks.
International medical graduates and PAs
Authors: Cawley James F. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
During the 1980s and 1990s, international medical graduates (IMGs) sought legal and educational measures aimed at obtaining licensure as physician associates/assistants (PAs). Proponents of IMGs asserted that their ethnic backgrounds and identification with their respective communities could increase access to care for some segments of the population and therefore should be permitted pathways to qualify as PAs. A variety of legal measures were introduced into state legislatures in at least five states and were firmly opposed and defeated by the PA profession. Recent attempts by IMGs to obtain licensure as PAs have occurred in Puerto Rico and Arizona. In their haste to address healthcare access and satisfy various constituencies, state legislators and regulatory boards fail to recognize established professional norms. This is occurring as medical organizations are examining alternative pathways for state licensure of physicians who have completed training and/or practiced outside of the United States. PA organizations, particularly state chapters, must be vigilant in upholding qualifications for practice and licensure standards, and state PA organizations must work to convince legislators to avoid using PA professional regulations to solve a workforce issue that is essentially an issue of physician medical education remediation.
Hangman’s Fractures: A Review of Current Concepts in Evaluation and Management
Authors: Mizels Joshua , Connelly James W. , Spina Nicholas , Lawrence Brandon , Karamian Brian A. 
Published: September 2024

Study design:
Review article.

Objective:
To provide a comprehensive review and update on the evaluation and management of Hangman’s fractures.

Summary of background data:
Hangman’s fractures are the second most common fracture of the C2 vertebrae, and the prevalence is increasing with our aging population. Although these injuries are associated with good clinical outcomes and low rates of neurologic injury, they must be promptly recognized and treated according to patient and fracture factors.

Methods:
A review of the literature.

Results:
Neurologic injuries are uncommon in typical Hangman’s fractures but are more of a concern in atypical Hangman’s fractures due to lack of dissociation of the posterior ring of C2. The nonoperative treatment of stable type I, II, and atypical fractures with external immobilization leads to excellent long-term outcomes as does the operative treatment of unstable type IIa, III, and atypical fractures.

Conclusions:
Stable injury patterns can be treated with immobilization alone, whereas unstable injury patterns necessitate surgical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment Hangman’s fractures is paramount, and when managed properly, patients can have excellent clinical and neurologic outcomes.
Interactive Effects of Long-term Exposure to Air Pollutants on SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severity: A Northern Italian Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Veronesi Giovanni , De Matteis Sara , Silibello Camillo , Giusti Emanuele M. , Ageno Walter , Ferrario Marco M. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
We examined interactions, to our knowledge not yet explored, between long-term exposures to particulate matter (PM10) with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity and severity.

Methods:
We followed 709,864 adult residents of Varese Province from 1 February 2020 until the first positive test, COVID-19 hospitalization, or death, up to 31 December 2020. We estimated residential annual means of PM10, NO2, and O3 in 2019 from chemical transport and random-forest models. We estimated the interactive effects of pollutants with urbanicity on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, hospitalization, and mortality endpoints using Cox regression models adjusted for socio-demographic factors and comorbidities, and additional cases due to interactions using Poisson models.

Results:
In total 41,065 individuals were infected, 5203 were hospitalized and 1543 died from COVID-19 during follow-up. Mean PM10 was 1.6 times higher and NO2 2.6 times higher than WHO limits, with wide gradients between urban and nonurban areas. PM10 and NO2 were positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and mortality, and PM10 with hospitalizations in urban areas. Interaction analyses estimated that the effect of PM10 (per 3.5 µg/m3) on infectivity was strongest in urban areas [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12; 95% CI =1.09, 1.16], corresponding to 854 additional cases per 100,000 person-years, and in areas at high NO2 co-exposure (HR = 1.15; 1.08, 1.22). At higher levels of PM10 co-exposure, the protective association of O3 reversed (HR =1.32, 1.17, 1.49), yielding 278 additional cases per µg/m3 increase in O3. We estimated similar interactive effects for severity endpoints.

Conclusions:
We estimate that interactive effects between pollutants exacerbated the burden of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in urban areas.
Temperature-mortality associations by age and cause: a multi-country multi-city study
Authors: Scovronick Noah , Sera Francesco , Vu Bryan , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M. , Roye Dominic , Tobias Aurelio , Seposo Xerxes , Forsberg Bertil , Guo Yuming , Li Shanshan , Honda Yasushi , Abrutzky Rosana , de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio Coelho Micheline , Nascimento Saldiva Paulo H. , Lavigne Eric , Kan Haidong , Osorio Samuel , Kyselý Jan , Urban Aleš , Orru Hans , Indermitte Ene , Jaakkola Jouni J. , Ryti Niilo , Pascal Mathilde , Katsouyanni Klea , Mayvaneh Fatemeh , Entezari Alireza , Goodman Patrick , Zeka Ariana , Michelozzi Paola , de’Donato Francesca , Hashizume Masahiro , Alahmad Barak , Zanobetti Antonella , Schwartz Joel , Hurtado Diaz Miguel , De La Cruz Valencia C. , Rao Shilpa , Madureira Joana , Acquaotta Fiorella , Kim Ho , Lee Whanhee , Iniguez Carmen , Ragettli Martina S. , Guo Yue L. , Dang Tran Ngoc , Dung Do V. , Armstrong Benedict , Gasparrini Antonio 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Heterogeneity in temperature-mortality relationships across locations may partly result from differences in the demographic structure of populations and their cause-specific vulnerabilities. Here we conduct the largest epidemiological study to date on the association between ambient temperature and mortality by age and cause using data from 532 cities in 33 countries.

Methods:
We collected daily temperature and mortality data from each country. Mortality data was provided as daily death counts within age groups from all, cardiovascular, respiratory, or noncardiorespiratory causes. We first fit quasi-Poisson regression models to estimate location-specific associations for each age-by-cause group. For each cause, we then pooled location-specific results in a dose-response multivariate meta-regression model that enabled us to estimate overall temperature-mortality curves at any age. The age analysis was limited to adults.

Results:
We observed high temperature effects on mortality from both cardiovascular and respiratory causes compared to noncardiorespiratory causes, with the highest cold-related risks from cardiovascular causes and the highest heat-related risks from respiratory causes. Risks generally increased with age, a pattern most consistent for cold and for nonrespiratory causes. For every cause group, risks at both temperature extremes were strongest at the oldest age (age 85 years). Excess mortality fractions were highest for cold at the oldest ages.

Conclusions:
There is a differential pattern of risk associated with heat and cold by cause and age; cardiorespiratory causes show stronger effects than noncardiorespiratory causes, and older adults have higher risks than younger adults.
Plate osteosynthesis of phalanx fractures using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique is cost-effective and associated with less postoperative pain
Authors: Chen Wei-Chieh , Chen Chun-Yu , Lin Yen-Chang 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique, which is based on the local infiltration of lidocaine and epinephrine, is widely used in hand and wrist surgery. However, few studies have been conducted on the cost–benefit analysis of phalanx fracture surgery using the WALANT technique. This study aimed to investigate the clinical condition, as well as the time spent for anesthesia and operation. We also performed an economic analysis to compare general anesthesia, local anesthesia with a tourniquet, and the WALANT technique for plate fixation of phalanx fractures.

Methods:
This retrospective study included all patients with single phalanx fractures who underwent open reduction internal fixation with plating between January 2015 and December 2019. Patients were divided into three groups according to the anesthesia method: general anesthesia with a tourniquet (GA group), local anesthesia with a tourniquet (LA group), and the WALANT technique (WALANT group). Data, including demographics, anesthesia and surgical time, postoperative pain score, and vomiting ratio, were collected and analyzed.

Results:
A total of 62 patients were included in this study. Of the 62 patients, 15 were included in the GA group, 32 in the LA group, and 15 in the WALANT group. No complications were reported during surgery or follow-up in any group. The GA group exhibited a significantly longer anesthesia time than the other two groups, with an average of 32.4 minutes. However, no significant difference in surgical time was observed among the three groups. The WALANT group exhibited a significantly lower postoperative day 1 pain score than the other two groups. The additional cost of general anesthesia was approximately 350 US dollars (USD), accounting for approximately one-third to one-fourth of the total expenses for phalanx surgery.

Conclusion:
Open reduction with plate fixation of phalanx fractures using the WALANT technique or local anesthesia was cost-effective compared with general anesthesia. Patients who underwent phalanx fracture surgery using the WALANT technique experienced less pain on the first postoperative day because of the adequate tumescent technique and not using a tourniquet during surgery.