bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lasiodiplodia theobromae disease symptom development in young avocado (Persea americana L.) plants depends on the inoculation method
Authors: Rodríguez-Gálvez Edgar , Haro-Diaz Cesar , Maza-Aguirre Samir , Canahuire-Castillo Fátima , Sullón-Saucedo Julio , Deising Holger B. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a pathogenic fungus of more than 500 plant species, including avocado (Persea americana Mill.). The global production volume of avocado exceeded 911,000 metric tons in 2023 (Statista, 2024). Although detailed quantitative surveys of yield losses caused by L. theobromae are not available for most avocado-producing regions, estimates indicate that this pathogen is associated with stem-end rot disease in 30–35% of plots located in the Department of Antioquia in Colombia (Ramírez-Gil et al., 2021), suggesting an enormous economic impact. As yield losses strongly depend on the virulence of isolates, a reliable method for determining their aggressiveness is indispensable for initiating disease control measures. In this study, we compared progression of external and internal necrosis caused by the aggressive L. theobromae isolate LA-VLCA3 inoculated into wounded middle parts of the stem and onto excised apices. Irrespective of the inoculation method, internal progression of necroses preceeded that of external necroses. Spreading of external and internal necroses was significantly more severe in plants inoculated at the apex than in mid-stem inoculated plants. We conclude that apex inoculation causes stronger symptoms and is therefore better suited to compare virulence of isolates than mid-stem inoculation.
Legal, Organizational and Technical Determinants for the Use of Spatial Data in the State Fire Service in Poland
Authors: TYRAŃSKA-WIZNER Karolina , SMOLARKIEWICZ Marcin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This article presents the results of research aimed at verifying the following hypothesis: to determine the possibility of using spatial data for the needs of the State Fire Service (SFS), one should take into account conditions of the following nature: legal, organizational and technical. The research, carried out using the survey method in Poland, was limited to a group of SFS officers of provincial and district (city) commands who actively use spatial data in their professional work. The statistically significant results confirmed the validity of the adopted hypothesis, which should be considered to be positively verified.
Surgical instrument detection and tracking in orthopaedic surgery using computer vision
Authors: Paraskevaidis Melissa , Back David Alexander , Stöckle Ulrich , Gehlen Tobias 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to establish a methodology to digitalise the instrument tracking und object tracking analysis in orthopaedic surgery and possibly provide insights about surgical procedures by collecting and utilizing spatiotemporal data about the usage of surgical instruments without introducing new and costly equipment into the operating theatre. The proposed method utilises a computer vision-based approach. This paper applies an instrument tracking and object detection software on a brief video sequence of an open surgical procedure to generate data that can be utilized for analytical purposes. The object detection module provides categorical and spatial information about each detected instrument, whilst the tracking module assigns a unique ID to facilitate continuous tracking of the instruments detected by the object detection module to keep track of those instruments for the duration of their visibility in the surgical video. The findings demonstrate that this method successfully generates data for descriptive statistics. These statistics can offer a comprehensive overview of the surgical procedure, contributing to the enhancement of surgical safety and efficiency. In conclusion the computer vision-based method presented in this study provides an advancement in the digitisation of surgical procedures and object tracking. The ability to collect and analyze spatiotemporal data from standard webcams offers a cost-effective solution, potentially revolutionizing the understanding and improvement of surgical procedures. This method's success in generating descriptive statistics underscores its potential to enhance surgical safety and efficiency, presenting opportunities for further research and application in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
Mechanical effects of foundation restoration on onlay preparations of mandibular first molars after endodontic treatment
Authors: Wang Qiuyue , Shi Dongqi , Liu Xiangling , Zhang Weijun , Sun Zhaolun , Feng Yao , Zhang Lingbo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background. Foundation restorations involve the use of materials such as composite resins to partially restore defective dentin structures. They can be used to simplify the geometry of complex cavities, facilitate restoration insertion, and reduce the polymerization shrinkage of the adhesive. However, the stress distribution of teeth restored after foundation restoration placement is not fully understood.
Methods. The purpose of this finite element study was to analyze the stress distribution of onlays with composite resin foundation restorations to investigate the potential benefits of preserving the remaining dental tissue.A 3Dfinite element model of a mesial proximal defect of the mandibular first molar after endodontic treatmentwas established. Four types of onlay restorations (GA and GB: complete-coverage onlay; GC and GD: partial-coverage onlay) were designed using this model. After the models wereestablished, a fixed vertical load of 600 N and an oblique load of 200 N were applied, and the stress distributions were compared between the monolithic ceramic blockrestorations (GA and GC) and those with foundation restorations (GB and GD). The stress distributions of the onlays and models were also analyzed.
Results. Under vertical loading conditions, GD exhibited higher peak equivalent stress levels inthe onlay and adhesive layers. The maximum principal stress experienced by enamel was lower in GB and GD than in GA and GC, whereas it was greater in GB and GD than in GA and GC for the onlay and adhesive layer. Under oblique loading, the peak equivalent stress and maximum principal stress of the adhesive layer and enamel were the lowest in the GB and GD groups.
Conclusions. Foundation restorations provide good stress dispersion, which can improve the protection of the remaining dental tissue. However, onlay restorations after foundation restoration placement should be used with caution in patients with excessive occlusal forces. Oblique loading was more destructive to the adhesive layer and remaining dental tissue. Complete-coverage restorations have better stress dispersion than partial-coverage restorations.
The clinical effect of floating island laminectomy technique for severe thoracic spinal stenosis and myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Xiu Peng , Chen Hua , Song Yueming , Zeng Jiancheng , Li Tao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Severe thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum often leads to thoracic spinal canal stenosis and spinal cord injury, which generates severe symptoms. Generally, patients required surgery and aggravated spinal cord function impairment is a common complication. We propose a novel surgical technique to remove the ossified ligamentum flavum with the adhesive dura as a floating island. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of floating island in the treatment of severe ossification of ligamentum flavum.
Methods
A total of 31 patients with thoracic spinal stenosis and myelopathy caused by thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum from January 2019 to April 2022 were included in the study and were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. All patients were treated with floating island laminectomy technique. Neurological function was assessed by the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system before and after operation and the rate of improvement was calculated. Perioperative complications were also recorded in this study.
Results
All 31 patients were successfully completed by the same professional surgery team. The average operative time was 207.74 ± 58.54 minutes, and the average intra-operative blood loss was 406.45 ± 217.85 ml. The mJOA score at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery increased from 4.68 ± 0.60 to 6.71 ± 0.73, 7.35 ± 0.76, 8.45 ± 0.85 and 9.06 ± 0.81, respectively. The mJOA score after surgery was significantly higher than before (P < 0.001). The recovery rate was (32.41 ± 8.55)%, (42.57 ± 9.00)%, (60.12 ± 11.07)% and (69.76 ± 11.38)% for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Postoperative complications included dural tear in 13 cases (41.9%), defect in 10 cases (32.2%) and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 10 cases (32.2%). There was no recurrence of ossification or postoperative thoracic vertebra deformity in patients with aggravated neurological injury.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that although the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage is a little high after operation, the floating island laminectomy method for the treatment of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum is still safe and effective, which can effectively avoid the aggravation of neurological symptoms and enable patients to obtain satisfactory neurological function improvement and functional recovery.
Who arrived first? Priority effects on Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa dual biofilms
Authors: Torrents Eduard , Arévalo-Jaimes Betsy , Admella Joana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Historical processes in community assembly, such as the arrival order of species, strongly influence their interactions causing priority effects. Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently co-isolated from biofilm-based infections of the skin, lungs, and medical devices. Their relationship, predominantly antagonistic, involves physical and chemical interactions. However, the presence and implications of priority effects among these microorganisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed dual biofilms with differing inoculation times for each species and assessed the resulting microbial communities' in vitro virulence and susceptibility. Our findings showed that the inoculation order impacts biofilm composition, structure, virulence, and antimicrobial susceptibility. The first colonizer had an advantage for surface colonization. Consecutive colonization increased biofilm virulence and negated C. albicans’ protective effect on P. aeruginosa PAET1 against meropenem treatment. Finally, we propose N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant for treating C. albicans and P. aeruginosa interkingdom infections, working independently of priority effects.
Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lee In Kyung , Lee Kyeong Hun , Han Hye-ji , Kim Na Jin , Kim Kyunghoon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose Children undergoing mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) require effective sedation to reduce anxiety and discomfort. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-receptor agonist, presents as a viable sedative alternative, yet its efficacy and safety for critically ill, mechanically ventilated children remain to be fully established. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of dexmedetomidine in such patients.Methods A systematic search was conducted up to April 2024. RCTs that compare dexmedetomidine with other sedatives in mechanically ventilated children were included. This analysis focused on both the efficacy and safety outcomes through meta-analysis.Results Included in the analysis were eight trials, involving a total of 387 mechanically ventilated children. Compared to other sedatives, dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD -3.54 h, 95% CI, -6.49 to -0.59), particularly when compared to fentanyl. However, dexmedetomidine did not significantly impact the length of ICU stay, duration of sedation, or the necessity for additional sedatives. Dexmedetomidine was associated with a significantly increased risk of bradycardia (OR 6.14, 95% CI, 2.20 to 17.12) and hypotension (OR 8.14, 95% CI, 1.37 to 48.31), with no significant difference observed in the incidence of delirium (OR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.16 to 2.31) in comparison to other sedatives.Conclusion Although dexmedetomidine notably diminished the duration of mechanical ventilation, the potential for adverse effects necessitates further investigation. Large RCTs are needed to validate our findings and refine sedation management in mechanically ventilated children in PICU.
A Comparison of McGrath MAC, AIRWAY SCOPE®, and AceScope® Video laryngoscopes in Novice Healthcare Providers: A Randomized Crossover Simulation Study
Authors: Yahagi Musashi , Omi Kyuma , Yaguchi Yuichi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Video laryngoscopes are widely used for tracheal intubation, particularly in challenging airway scenarios. The McGrath MAC, AIRWAY SCOPE®, and AceScope® are popular video laryngoscopes with different design features. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and usability of these three devices in novice healthcare providers during simulated tracheal intubation scenarios employing a manikin.
Methods
Sixty novice healthcare providers, including nurses and pharmacists, were enrolled in this randomized crossover study. Participants performed tracheal intubation using the McGrath MAC, AIRWAY SCOPE, and AceScope in both normal airway and cervical spine immobilization models. Primary outcomes were intubation success rate and time to intubation. Secondary outcomes included user preferences, device ease of use, and the incidence of dental injuries.
Results
The AIRWAY SCOPE demonstrated the shortest intubation time in both normal airway and cervical spine immobilization models (14.90 ± 1.76 seconds and 23.80 ± 2.43 seconds, respectively), followed by the McGrath MAC and AceScope. All devices exhibited high success rates, and there were no significant differences in perceived difficulty among the three video laryngoscopes. The incidence of dental injuries was comparable among the devices, with one notable exception between the AceScope and McGrath MAC in scenario of tracheal intubation using AceScope in a cervical spine immobilization model.
Conclusions
The AIRWAY SCOPE was the most efficient video laryngoscope in terms of intubation time, followed by the McGrath MAC and AceScope. However, all devices showed high success rates and no significant differences in perceived difficulty. Further research is needed to validate these findings in clinical settings and investigate the impact of device-specific features on intubation outcomes and dental injury incidence.
Flexural response of vertically cast steel fiber reinforced concrete members
Authors: Singh Harvinder 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The presence of the short steel fibers dispersed uniformly in concrete improves its inherent flaws and makes it a versatile structural material. The improvement in material properties depends upon the alignment of the fibers in concrete members caused during their casting; those aligned along the principle tension trajectory of the beams are most efficient among all the fibers present therein and other fibers control their shear response. An attempt is made to quantify the effect of the mould position (vertical or horizontal) during the casting process on the flexural response of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) members. An analytical model is also presented to predict the response of the members in case some of the design constraints require their casting in the vertically placed moulds, such as for walls, columns, etc. instead of the routine horizontal position. A significant reduction in flexural strength and toughness of the SFRC members is observed if these were cast vertically instead of the horizontal position; additionally, they exhibit wider flexural cracks. Their shear capacity remained almost unchanged.
A Prospective Outcomes and Cost-Effective Analysis of Surgery Compared to Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kennedy Andrew , Egloff Shanna A. Arnold , Martin Casey , Gilmore Denis , Garwood Susan , Baxter Tammy , Spigel David , Johnson Melissa , II David Randolph , Chollet-Lipscomb Casey , Cuttino Laurie , Osborne Eleanor , Marks Jenifer , Doshi Pratik , Mattlin Meredith , Geer Richard , Kurbegov Dax , Burris Howard Skip 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate long-term outcomes, treatment costs, and quality of life associated with curative treatment of newly diagnosed stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), by comparing surgery to stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
Methods
Multicenter consecutive prospective study of newly diagnosed stage I NSCLC patients independently assigned surgery or SBRT by a multidisciplinary tumor board, recruited prior to therapy initiation (n=59). Outcomes included total hospital charges, toxicities, complications, readmissions, and patient satisfaction/ quality of life (FACT-L). Multivariable logistic regression models analyzed the association of treatment type with dichotomous endpoints controlling for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and pre-treatment FACT-L; multiple linear regression was used for delta FACT-L.
Results
Of the 55 evaluable patients, 19 (35%) were males and 36 (65%) females. Thirty (55%) patients received SBRT and 25 (45%) received surgery with a mean age of 73 (57-85) and 67 (55-84) years, respectively. Median follow-up time was 514 days after SBRT and 648 days after surgery. The mean CCI for SBRT and surgery patients was 3.87 and 2.36, respectively. SBRT patients experienced significantly greater improvement in quality of life compared to surgery (delta FACT-L, 14, 95%CI, 2 to 26, p=0.0232) after adjusting for baseline FACT-L. CCI but not age, treatment type, or baseline FACT-L was significantly associated with readmissions (OR, 1.42, 95%CI, 1.08 to 2.00, p=0.0226). Interestingly, CCI was significantly lower (2.36±1.66, 3.87±2.84, p=0.0418) yet total hospital charges were significantly greater ($251,759±$215,643, $129,238±$86,588, p=0.0009) for patients receiving surgery verses SBRT.
Conclusions
Although limitations include small sample size and absence of recurrence data, these analyses justify further evaluation of long-term outcomes, including cost and quality of life, to optimize treatment assignment of early stage NSCLC patients. These observations reveal that, despite targeting patients with higher CCI, SBRT is more cost-effective, with a greater improvement in quality of life than surgery.
Trial Registration
Central Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained under expedited review and deemed minimal risk to patients (WCG Clinical IRB00000533 Study 1171593). All participating sites obtained local IRB approval before study initiation. Informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to study entry.
Drifting plastics, the forensics of current and future pollution
Authors: Okabe Akifumi , Sato Hideto , Koizumi Koushiro , Taguchi Hiroyuki , Okada Masaki , Kodera Yoichi , Kusui Takashi , Suzuki Nobuo , Takatama Kohei , Chung Seon-Yong , Kwon Bum Gun , Nishimura Masahiko , Mentese Sibel , Royer Sarah-Jeanne , Kimukai Hideki , Saido Katsuhiko 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The most distinctive features of plastics are their durability and presence throughout the world. Improper handling, has filled the oceans with plastic debris.1 Despite the prevalence of pollution, no proper assessment of pollution has been made to date revealed.2,3 Here we show that a completely different approach to the clarification of this matter as taken up by various other studies. 4–8 This research is the first to show that the actual seriousness of drifting plastics undergo degradation to produce monomers, based on decomposition and fields survey. Polystyrene (PS)was decomposed at 30°C and generate styrene oligomer (SO*).9 Plastic monomers degraded further and their metabolites became more toxic in the ocean. Since 1950 to 2020, 1.4 billion metric tons (MT) of SO have been shown present in the oceans from field survey. From the seawater volume and SO in deep sea, has been shown to give rise to 2.7 × 107 MT, and 15% of inflowing PS has been found to undergo degradation. 1.5 × 108 MT of PS are adrift until now. The monomers; SO, bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalate (PAE) have a direct negative impact on the marine ecosystem. In addition, the methane and ethane gases generated by PE/PP degradation have a greenhouse effect, suggesting that they are involved in global warming. “Actual plastic pollution” based on decomposition rates and field surveys to clearly show “present and future trends”, forensically. Present result contributes to worldwide current monitoring that should assist in the development of appropriate strategies designed to curb drifting plastic pollution in the oceans. SO* is a mixture of styrene -monomer (SM), -dimer (SD), and -trimer (ST) with a certain composition ratio.
Activation behavior of 4-AcNH-TEMPO by ClO2 for selective oxidation of cellulose in DMAc/LiCl system
Authors: Zhao Yao , Wang Xueping , Li Bowen , Si Tian , Gao Xin , Peng Lincai , Zhang Heng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The cellulose catalytic oxidation system mainly comprises of inorganic ion-based oxidants. Hence, the selective oxidation of C6−primary hydroxyls (C6-OH) of cellulose, catalyzed by piperidine free radicals, was limited to the homogeneous cellulosic system containing protic solvents or heterogeneous system. In this work, use of the catalytic system containing 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (4-AcNH-TEMPO) was extended to the cellulosic solution in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and combined with chlorine dioxide. Results showed that the carboxyl content was 0.832 mmol/g. Meanwhile, the degree of polymerization decreased slightly from 900 to 489. This study provides an effective route for the homogeneous selective oxidation of primary hydroxyl groups in cellulose and explored its oxidation mechanism in DMAc solvent. Furthermore, studies showed that the reactive chlorine species- ClO•, Cl•, and ClO2 played a crucial role in the oxidation process. The methodology developed here displayed great potential to be utilized to various biomolecules in aprotic solvents homogeneous system based on 4-AcNH-TEMPO as oxidation catalysts.