bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nesting and mating behaviours, and the development time of three solitary digger wasps of the genus Ammophila (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Authors: Pham Phong Huy , Pham Mai Quynh , González Jorge M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Nesting and mating behaviours and the development time of Ammophila clavus (Fabricius), Ammophila globifrontalis Q.Li & Ch.Yang, and Ammophila laevigata F.Smith from Vietnam are presented. All three dig their nests in the ground. The nest entrance is round. The nest burrow is nearly vertical and ends with an elliptical cell. The cell contains 1–2 caterpillars. The egg is usually glued on the third abdominal segment of prey. The three wasps temporarily close their nest burrows just below the entrance when provisioning, but permanently close them above or at the nest cells when full provision is complete. As the last stage of nest construction, the nest entrance is camouflaged with small sticks and several pebbles. Males of both Ammophila clavus and Ammophila laevigata patrol nesting areas, pursue females searching for their nest sites, pounce upon them, and mate with them on the ground. The development time from egg to the emergence of adult wasps is more than one month, males always emerging before females. The nesting behaviour of the three Ammophila species is compared and discussed.
The role of serum albumin in critical illness, predicting poor outcomes, and exploring the therapeutic potential of albumin supplementation
Authors: Rabi Razan , Alsaid Reem M , Matar Abdelrahman N , Dawabsheh Yusuf , Abu Gaber Dina 
Published: August 2024

Objective: Serum albumin (ALB) plays a vital role in maintaining oncotic pressure and contributing to hemodynamic stability, with low levels associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. This study aimed to assess the association between serum ALB concentrations and poor outcomes and the possible benefits of ALB supplementation. Methods: A retrospective study involving 300 intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Albumin levels were recorded upon admission and throughout the stay, and patients were categorized based on a cutoff of 2.49 g/dl. The associations between low ALB levels and mortality were assessed using regression analysis. Additionally, it investigated the association of albumin supplementation with patient outcomes and mortality in specific patient populations. Results: The mean age was 54.9 years, with 68% having sepsis. Patients with low baseline ALB concentrations exhibited higher overall mortality (71% vs. 52%) and 28-day mortality (50% vs. 39%). Adjusted analyses confirmed associations with mortality. Albumin supplementation was administered to 53% of the patients. Its use demonstrated potential benefits, particularly in reducing mortality, when given to specific groups, such as sepsis and hypoalbuminemia patients. Discussion: The study confirms that low serum albumin levels are strongly associated with higher mortality rates in ICU patients. Albumin supplementation showed potential benefits, particularly in patients with sepsis and low albumin levels. Further analyses explored the dosage–response relationship and identified potential groups that would benefit from albumin supplementation. Conclusion: Albumin can play a major role in predicting mortality in critically ill patients. Moreover, ALB supplementation may improve survival, especially in resource-limited settings. Future research should refine protocols through clinical trials for optimal survival in critically ill patients.
Optimal operation strategy predictive control for an integrated radiant cooling with fresh air system based on machine learning
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Xia Xueying , Hu Yushuo , Li Zhen , Gu Hailong 
Published: August 2024

Radiant cooling systems are widely valued for their great comfort and energy-saving potential. However, they still face the risk of condensation in the early stages of operation, especially in case of random occupancy and intermittent operation. This study aims to avoid unacceptable discomfort durations in randomly occupied rooms that installed integrated radiant cooling and fresh air system while consuming as little energy as possible. This paper firstly compares the effects of adopting only the setback or standby cooling strategy in a randomly occupied conference room by simulation. The simulation results demonstrate the necessity for predicting optimal operation strategy. Subsequently, optimal operation strategy predictive models were built using three machine learning algorithms on three datasets. The evaluation results of the models indicate the feasibility of using data from neighbouring cities to improve the generalisation ability of the target city model. Finally, the best one of models was used to predict optimal operation strategy and achieved good results: discomfort durations of 97.56% of the conferences were within the acceptable range. Additionally, compared to only adopting the standby cooling strategy, the radiant cooling system operating time was reduced by 8.88%, and the total energy consumption was reduced by 28.85 kWh. In this study, a model to predict optimal operation strategy is proposed. By simulating and analysing from both comfort and energy perspectives, the optimal operation strategy predictive control method effectively limits the discomfort duration and reduces energy consumption and radiant system runtime. This study provides an example of practical engineering and machine learning applications for radiant cooling systems.
Comparison of microbial growth on primed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits in varying environments using different priming solutions
Authors: Godinez Berenice , Weinberg Allison , Azmat Ramsha , Balic Nerina , Parker Anita , Kaur Ramandeep , Lerret Nadine , Collins Julie A. 
Published: August 2024

Background Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support device for patients with severe heart and/or lung failure. Emergency situations require immediate ECMO response. Primed circuits have become a routine practice, as it may take 30-60 min to assemble and prime. There remains a lack of data to support the sterility of primed and stored ECMO circuits. This bench study assessed the impact of storage environment and priming solution on specific microbial growth of primed ECMO circuits. Methods Twelve adult ECMO circuits were tested for sterility for 56 days between September-December 2020. Circuits were assembled and primed in a perfusion lab in Chicago, IL. Six were stored in a sterile environment and six in a non-sterile environment, with three circuits primed using normal saline (NaCl) and three with Plasmalyte-A for each environment. Samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 in anaerobic bottle cultures testing for potential pathogen growth, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Results Samples obtained from the 12 primed ECMO circuits demonstrated no microbial growth of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli in the bottle cultures. Similarly, there was no difference in the circuit sterility based on the storage environment (sterile vs nonsterile) or priming solution (NaCl vs Plasmalyte-A). Conclusion Our findings showed that ECMO circuits can be primed for 56 days without evidence of the specified bacterial growth. Furthermore, the storage conditions and the prime utilized did not affect the sterility of the primed ECMO circuits.
A Field Experiment on Pro-Social Nudges: The Snowballing Problem
Authors: Hunt Charles 
Published: August 2024

In contrast to traditional economic methods to address negative externalities, the study of pro-social nudges within the field of behavioral economics is quickly developing (Carlsson et al., 2019, 2021; Schubert, 2017). The aim of pro-social nudges is to reduce a negative externality to a defined group or community. This study uses a natural field experiment to examine the impact of a pro-social nudge on a local negative externality of hot rooms in college residence buildings and the resulting more global externality of excess greenhouse gas emissions. These externalities are the result of the interplay between the heating system and the propensity of students to open their windows causing the system to produce more heat to everyone––labeled the snowballing problem. This study suggests the nudge did not reduce the negative externalities, rather it may have backfired and exacerbated the existing problem (room temperatures increased 0.5–1.6 F° after the intervention). As the results illustrate, addressing negative externalities with pro-social nudges may be particularly challenging because they often target behavior that benefits a larger society and requires the individual to experience some short-term disutility.
Rehabilitation Intervention Is Associated With Improved Neurodevelopment and Modulation of Inflammatory Molecules in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Magalhães Rafael Coelho , Filha Roberta da Silva , Vieira Érica Leandro Marciano , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Moreira Janaina Matos , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina 
Published: August 2024

Aim To evaluate the effects of systematic rehabilitation on both the neuropsychomotor development, and on the peripheral response from immunological and neuroplastic mediators in children with cerebral palsy. Methods This is a prospective cohort study with 90 children with cerebral palsy at 18 months of age. Sixty children received rehabilitation for 6 months, and they were compared to 30 children that were placed in the waiting list. Peripheral biomarkers and neuropsychomotor parameters were compared between the Rehab vs the Nonrehab groups at baseline and at 6 months. Results Results showed higher Bayley III scores in the Rehab group, with significant differences in inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers between groups. Rehabilitation was associated to decreased levels of IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL8 IL-8, and CXCL9/MIG and increased levels of BDNF and GDNF. Nonrehab children had stable immune molecule levels but decreased BDNF levels over time. Conclusion Rehabilitation improved neurodevelopment parameters and modulated levels of inflammatory (↓) and neurotrophic (↑) biomarkers.
Dexmedetomidine Improves Microcirculatory Alterations in Patients With Initial Resuscitated Septic Shock
Authors: Xu Jingyuan , Wang Yeming , Shu Chang , Chang Wei , Guo Fengmei 
Published: August 2024

Background: The study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on microcirculation in patients with early septic shock despite initial resuscitation. Methods: This was a single-center prospective study. Patients with early septic shock despite initial fluid resuscitation who still required norepinephrine to maintain target arterial pressure were enrolled. Hemodynamic and gas analysis variables, sublingual microcirculatory parameters were measured at baseline, and during the infusion of dexmedetomidine for 1 h (0.7mcg/kg/h). To elucidate the possible mechanisms of the effect of dexmedetomidine on microcirculation, after interim analysis, the dose-effect relationship of dexmedetomidine on microcirculation and catecholamine level were investigated at baseline, 1h after stabilization at different doses of dexmedetomidine (0.7 and 0.3 mcg/kg/h), and 2h after dexmedetomidine cessation. Results: Forty-four patients with septic shock were enrolled after initial resuscitation. Compared with baseline, total and perfused vascular densities were statistically increased after infusion of dexmedetomidine, which was correlated with the dose of dexmedetomidine. During dexmedetomidine infusion, plasma norepinephrine, and dopamine level were significantly decreased. Changes in plasma norepinephrine level contributed to dexmedetomidine infusion were well correlated with changes in total and perfused vascular densities. Conclusions: In adult patients with resuscitated septic shock, dexmedetomidine improved microcirculation, which might be associated with plasma catecholamine level. However, double-blinded large sample studies should be performed to verify the results. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02270281. Registered October 16, 2014.
Antibacterial activity of a silver-incorporated vancomycin-modified mesoporous silica against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chamani Mehdi , Asgari Shadi , Najmeddin Ali , Pourjavadi Ali , Amin Mohsen , Gholami Mahdi , Dorkoosh Farid Abedin 
Published: August 2024

Since conventional antibiotics are almost ineffective on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, designing their antibacterial alternatives is necessary. Besides, the use of vancomycin is applied for specific detection of the bacteria. Silver-incorporated vancomycin-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs@Van@Ag NPs) were designed for detection and treatment of MRSA bacteria. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized through the template method, modified with vancomycin, and finally incorporated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The MSNs@Van@Ag NPs with a homogenously spherical shape, average size of 50-100 nm, surface area of 955.8 m2/g, and thermal stability up to 200°C were successfully characterized. The amount of Ag incorporated into the MSNs@Van@Ag was calculated at 3.9 ppm and the release amount of Ag was received at 2.92 ppm (75%) after 100 h. The in vitro antibacterial susceptibility test showed the MIC of 100 μg mL−1 for MSNs@Van and 50 μg mL−1 for MSNs@Van@Ag, showing in vitro enhanced effect of Ag and vancomycin in the bactericidal process. An in vivo acute pneumonia model was performed and biochemical assays and pathological studies confirmed the nanomedicine’s short-term safety for in vivo application. Cytokine assay using ELISA showed that MSN@Van@Ag causes a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial proliferation leading to alleviation of inflammatory response.
Publication Trends and Surgeon Perceptions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Disparities in Craniofacial Surgery
Authors: MacIsaac Molly F. , Khan Iman F. , Tiongco Rafael Felix P. , Wright Joshua M. , Qamar Fatima , Cooney Carisa M. , Redett Richard J. , Halsey Jordan N. 
Published: August 2024

In academic craniofacial surgery, gender disparities exist across various metrics including faculty positions, leadership roles, and conference representation. This study benchmarks the academic productivity of craniofacial surgeons in 2022 and surveys their perspectives regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Total, first author, and senior author PubMed publications in 2022 were recorded for 193 craniofacial attendings and fellows. Craniofacial surgeons were also surveyed regarding academic experience, leadership roles, and DEI perceptions. Electronic 26 craniofacial attendings Total, first author, and senior author publication counts in 2022 Women comprised 27% (n = 53) of the craniofacial surgeon cohort. Men led total publications (81% vs 19%, p < 0.001), senior-author publications (84% vs 16%, p < 0.001), average total publications (6.6 vs 4.0, p = 0.043), and average senior-author publications (3.1 vs 1.5, p = 0.02). Sub-analysis of craniofacial fellows showed a higher proportion of women (65%) with no statistical difference in total or average publication counts. Survey responses (n = 26) included a perceived lack of female representation in academic and leadership roles. Barriers included inadequate support from current leadership, systemic issues, and biases. Recommendations for improvement included mentorship programs, targeted recruitment, and equitable conference speaker selection. Ongoing gender disparities are evident in craniofacial surgery, particularly in academic metrics. However, trends in younger cohorts exhibit more balanced gender representation, publication records, and leadership positions, indicating potential improvements. Further studies are needed to examine these cohorts more comprehensively and longitudinally. Sustained commitment, including mentorship programs and enhanced DEI efforts, is needed to continue this progress.
Postoperative Calcaneocuboid Joint Subluxation and Midtarsal Joint Changes in Pediatric Idiopathic Flexible Flatfoot Treated With Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy: A Midterm Follow-up Study
Authors: Bae Kunhyung , Kwak Yoon Hae , Kang Michael Seungcheol , Huser Aaron J. , Kim Dohun , Kim Gisu , Kim Min-Ju , Park Soo-Sung 
Published: August 2024

Background: Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy (CLO) is one of the main surgical options for treatment of pediatric idiopathic flexible flatfoot (FFF). Reportedly, calcaneocuboid (CC) joint subluxation occurs after CLO; however, its effect on the midfoot remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the radiologic midterm results after CLO treatment in pediatric idiopathic FFF. Methods: We evaluated 23 pediatric patients with idiopathic FFF aged ≥8 years, who underwent CLO from 1999 to 2017 owing to moderate to severe flatfoot deformity (assessed by visual inspection). Patients aged between 8 and 14 years were included (mean follow-up: 6.3 years; range, 3.1-11.4 years). Anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing foot radiographs were assessed for radiologic parameters preoperatively and at the 3-month, 1-year, and final follow-ups postoperatively. Results: All patients had immediate postoperative radiologic correction of the flatfoot deformity, and these improvements were maintained until the final follow-up. The mean allograft length inserted was 9 (range, 8-10) mm. There was increased CC joint subluxation after CLO, but it improved continuously until the final follow-up. A CC joint spur was newly noted in 1 case. There were 24 cases (24/39, 61.5%) of talonavicular (TN) joint spurs at the final follow-up, but 19 of these were already present on the preoperative radiographs (19/24, 79.2%). Further, the new-onset TN joint spurs were not associated with preoperative clinicoradiologic factors. Conclusion: In pediatric patients with idiopathic FFF receiving CLO treatment, preoperative radiologic angles improved. CC joint subluxation increased after surgery; however, it gradually reduced without evidence of CC joint arthritic changes over the time period studied in this cohort.
Cellular therapy site-preparedness: Inpatient pharmacy implementation at a large academic medical center
Authors: Martino Janine G. , McConnell Kim , Greathouse Lorraine , Rosario Brent Del , Jaskowiak Jaclyn M. 
Published: August 2024

Background With the recent Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval of cellular therapy that requires product manipulation prior to administration in combination with a short stability window, the need was identified for local dose preparation within the pharmacy rather than the off-site stem cell processing laboratory. This approval gave rise to assessment of regulatory standards surrounding cellular therapy, evaluation and revision of current standard operating procedures and policies with formal process validation, assessment of occupational exposure mitigation and safety considerations, and development of staff training and education. Objective To describe and provide insight into the stepwise process of FACT validation and onboarding of commercially available cellular therapy products that require sterile compounding manipulation within a pharmacy prior to administration. Discussion A multidisciplinary effort is required to attain FACT certification and implement pharmacist compounding of cellular therapy products. 1 Local preparation within a pharmacy facilitates a sound operational workflow and provides a pathway to perform aseptic manipulations of cellular therapy products safely and efficiently. Conclusion Safe and successful administration of cellular therapies handled and compounded by pharmacy department staff along with program validation requires a preemptive review utilizing a multidisciplinary approach for process development. This manuscript will provide a foundation based on consistency and transparency in effective cellular therapy sterile compounding and aseptic manipulation, proper handling and disposal procedures, increased communication through creation and optimization of treatment plans and order-sets, standardized medical center staff education, and development of policies and standard operating procedures for the entire health care team.
Pachychoroid neovascular membrane in a patient with sickle cell disease trait
Authors: Córdoba-Ortega Carlos Miguel , Arias Aristizabal Juan D , Suta Figueroa María , Pérez-Vergara Valentina , Pulgarin Dayron Martínez 
Published: August 2024

Purpose To describe a rare presentation of pachychoroid neovascular membrane in a patient with sickle cell trait and the accuracy of ruling out hemoglobinopathies in the presentation of pachychoroid spectrum. Methods The patient was subjected to physical examinations, multimodal images (fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography), hemoglobin electrophoresis, and peripheral blood smear, documenting sickle cell trait. The management included laser treatment to target non-perfusion areas, along with a single dose of anti-VEGF. Results A 45-year-old male patient with diagnosis of pachychoroid neovascularization treated for 6 years with multiple anti VEGF injections in the left eye. A detailed clinical evaluation included hypochromic conjunctiva, peripheral vascular occlusion with non-perfusion areas led us to suspect sickle cell disease retinopathy. The images of fluorescein angiography showed peripheral arteriovenous anastomosis with non-perfusion areas; the optical coherence tomography revealed a thinner neuroepithelium with a thicker choroid; also, hemoglobin electrophoresis and peripheral blood smear documenting sickle cell trait. The chosen management was photocoagulation of the peripheral retina on the non-perfusion areas and anti VEGF without neovascular activity recurrence in the follow up period. Conclusion Although sickle cell trait is considered a mild form of this pathology without serious retinal manifestations, it has to be noted that in the context of pachychoroid spectrum diseases is a trigger that could perpetuate retinal ischemia and neovascular activity.
Cognitive progression independent of relapse in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fuchs Tom A , Schoonheim Menno M , Zivadinov Robert , Dwyer Michael G , Colato Elisa , Weinstock Zachary , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Strijbis Eva MM , Benedict Ralph HB 
Published: August 2024

Background: Substantial physical-disability worsening in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) occurs outside of clinically recorded relapse. This phenomenon, termed progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA), is yet to be established for cognitive decline. Methods: Retrospective analysis of RRMS patients. Cognitive decline was defined using reliable-change-index cut-offs for each test (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised, California Verbal Learning Test–II). Decline was classified as PIRA if the following conditions were met: no relapse observed between assessments nor within 9 months of cognitive decline. Results: The study sample ( n = 336) was 80.7% female with a mean (standard deviation (SD)) age, disease duration, and observation period of 43.1 (9.5), 10.8 (8.4), and 8.1 (3.1) years, respectively. A total of 169 (50.3%) subjects were cognitively impaired at baseline relative to age-, sex-, and education-matched HCs. Within subjects who experienced cognitive decline ( n = 167), 89% experienced cognitive PIRA. A total of 141 (68.1%) cognitive decline events were observed independent of EDSS worsening. Cognitive PIRA was more likely to be observed with increased assessments ( p < 0.001) and lower assessment density ( p < 0.001), accounting for baseline clinical factors. Conclusion: These results establish the concept of cognitive PIRA and further our understanding of progressive cognitive decline in RRMS.