bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of the surgical execution of virtually planned deep circumflex iliac artery flaps and their appropriateness for masticatory rehabilitation
Authors: Peters Florian , Raith Stefan , Bock Anna , Kniha Kristian , Ooms Mark , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Tumorous diseases of the jaw demand effective treatments, often involving continuity resection of the jaw. Reconstruction via microvascular bone flaps, like deep circumflex iliac artery flaps (DCIA), is standard. Computer aided planning (CAD) enhances accuracy in reconstruction using patient-specific CT images to create three-dimensional (3D) models. Data on the accuracy of CAD-planned DCIA flaps is scarce. Moreover, the data on accuracy should be combined with data on the exact positioning of the implants for well-fitting dental prosthetics. This study focuses on CAD-planned DCIA flaps accuracy and proper positioning for prosthetic rehabilitation.

Methods
Patients post-mandible resection with CAD-planned DCIA flap reconstruction were evaluated. Postoperative radiograph-derived 3D models were aligned with 3D models from the CAD plans for osteotomy position, angle, and flap volume comparison. To evaluate the DCIA flap’s suitability for prosthetic dental rehabilitation, a plane was created in the support zone and crestal in the middle of the DCIA flap. The lower jaw was rotated to close the mouth and the distance between the two planes was measured.

Results
20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Mean defect size was 73.28 ± 4.87 mm; 11 L defects, 9 LC defects. Planned vs. actual DCIA transplant volume difference was 3.814 ± 3.856 cm³ (p = 0.2223). The deviation from the planned angle was significantly larger at the dorsal osteotomy than at the ventral (p = 0.035). Linear differences between the planned DCIA transplant and the actual DCIA transplant were 1.294 ± 1.197 mm for the ventral osteotomy and 2.680 ± 3.449 mm for the dorsal (p = 0.1078). The difference between the dental axis and the middle of the DCIA transplant ranged from 0.2 mm to 14.8 mm. The mean lateral difference was 2.695 ± 3.667 mm in the region of the first premolar.

Conclusion
The CAD-planned DCIA flap is a solution for reconstructing the mandible. CAD planning results in an accurate reconstruction enabling dental implant placement and dental prosthetics.
Clinical implications of the serum platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in the modern radiation oncology era: research update and literature review
Authors: Lee Dong Soo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRadiation therapy (RT) continues to be the primary approach for treating cancer, and numerous cancer biomarkers associated with oncological outcomes have been investigated in the context of RT. The serum platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is one of the emerging landmark biomarker in the oncologic field. Mounting evidence indicates that an elevated serum PLR may function as a marker of unfavorable tumor characteristics, adverse treatment outcomes and treatment-related toxicities among individuals undergoing RT. However, the findings of these investigations have revealed a few disparities among researchers, highlighting the need for further meticulously planned studies to draw conclusive results. This article provides a comprehensive literature review and in-depth discussion regarding the clinical implications of the serum PLR in the modern RT era.
Hygiene performance rating at farm level - an auditing scheme for evaluation of biosecurity measures’ effect on prevalence of Campylobacter from selected broiler producers
Authors: Nagel-Alne Gunvor Elise , Røtterud Ole-Johan , Refsum Thorbjørn , Holthe Janne , Garner Miriam , Skjerve Eystein , Hauge Sigrun J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Preventing pathogens from entering the broiler premises is the main biosecurity measure at farm level. In conventional broiler production, chickens are kept indoors during the entire production period. Pathogens can enter the broiler-producing unit from sources such as water, equipment, personnel, insects, and rodents. The possible routes must be controlled, and corrective measures applied when necessary. The objective of this study was to (1) develop a hygiene protocol and test the scheme on 30 farms, and (2) compare the results to their Campylobacter-colonised status. A Hygiene Performance Rating protocol at farm level (HPR-F) was developed to systematically review the production to identify risk areas to biosecurity. The HPR-F consists of 13 categories with related questions. For each question, a score was given from 1 to 3, where 1 meant “acceptable”, 2 was “potential for improvements”, and 3 was “not acceptable”. Scores for each question were multiplied with weight factors for hygienic impact and economic consequences describing whether the necessary improvement depends on a significant investment or is a cheap quick-fix and calculated into a percentage where 100% is perfect hygiene. The 30 farms in the study were selected from one county in Norway. The Campylobacter-results for each of the 30 farms in 2019–2021 were given according to rules in the Norwegian Action Plan against Campylobacter faecal sampling on-farm 3–6 days prior to slaughter.

Results
The overall results from the HPR-F showed that the general hygiene level was high in all farms. The mean total hygiene score was 82% and varied from 70 to 92%. The category Handling dead chicken had the highest hygiene score (93%), and Ventilation had the lowest score (55%). The HPR-F results were compared to the Campylobacter-status for the 30 farms: Campylobacter-negative flocks had slightly higher total scores than Campylobacter-positive flocks (P = 0.19). Among others, the category Outdoor area (vegetation close to the premises’ walls) was identified as the most stable factor in relation to be colonised with Campylobacter.

Conclusions
The HPR-F tested in this research trial provides a tool for veterinarians, advisors, and poultry farmers to improve biosecurity at farm level and enhance the preventive animal health initiatives.
Characterization of mosquito host-biting networks of potential Rift Valley fever virus vectors in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Authors: Makhanthisa Takalani I. , Guarido Milehna M. , Kemp Alan , Weyer Jacqueline , Rostal Melinda K. , Karesh William B. , Thompson Peter N. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus with serious implications for livestock health, human health, and the economy in Africa, and is suspected to be endemic in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The vectors of RVFV in this area are poorly known, although several species, such as Aedes (Neomelaniconion) mcintoshi, Aedes (Neomelaniconion) circumluteolus, Aedes (Aedimorphus) durbanensis, and Culex (Lasioconops) poicilipes may be involved. The aim of the study was to determine the vertebrate blood meal sources of potential RVFV mosquito vectors in north-eastern KZN and to characterize the host-biting network.

Methods
Blood-fed mosquitoes were collected monthly from November 2019 to February 2023 using a backpack aspirator, CO2-baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light traps and tent traps, in the vicinity of water bodies and livestock farming households. The mosquitoes were morphologically identified. DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes and used as templates to amplify the vertebrate cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amplicons were sequenced and queried in GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data systems to identify the vertebrate blood meal sources and confirm mosquito identifications. All mosquitoes were screened for RVFV using real time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.

Results
We identified the mammalian (88.8%) and avian (11.3%) blood meal sources from 409 blood-fed mosquitoes. Aedes circumluteolus (n = 128) made up the largest proportion of collected mosquitoes. Cattle (n = 195) and nyala (n = 61) were the most frequent domestic and wild hosts, respectively. Bipartite network analysis showed that the rural network consisted of more host-biting interactions than the reserve network. All mosquitoes tested negative for RVFV.

Conclusions
Several mosquito species, including Ae. circumluteolus, and vertebrate host species, including cattle and nyala, could play a central role in RVFV transmission. Future research in this region should focus on these species to better understand RVFV amplification.

Graphical Abstract
M2-like tumor-associated macrophage-secreted CCL2 facilitates gallbladder cancer stemness and metastasis
Authors: Chen Weihong , Chen Mingyuan , Hong Lingju , Xiahenazi Abudukeremu , Huang Maotuan , Tang Nanhong , Yang Xinyue , She Feifei , Chen Yanling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The predominant immune cells in solid tumors are M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-like TAMs), which significantly impact the promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumors, enhancing stemness and facilitating tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the contribution of M2-like TAMs to tumor progression in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is partially known.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of M2-like TAMs and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in 24 pairs of GBC and adjacent noncancerous tissues from patients with GBC. Subsequently, GBC cells and M2-like TAMs were co-cultured to examine the expression of CSC markers, EMT markers, and migratory behavior. Proteomics was performed on the culture supernatant of M2-like TAMs. The mechanisms underlying the induction of EMT, stemness, and metastasis in GBC by M2-like TAMs were elucidated using proteomics and transcriptomics. GBC cells were co-cultured with undifferentiated macrophages (M0) and analyzed. The therapeutic effect of gemcitabine combined with a chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) antagonist on GBC was observed in vivo.

Results
The expression levels of CD68 and CD163 in M2-like TAMs and CD44 and CD133 in gallbladder cancer stem cells (GBCSCs) were increased and positively correlated in GBC tissues compared with those in neighboring noncancerous tissues. M2-like TAMs secreted a significant amount of chemotactic cytokine ligand 2 (CCL2), which activated the MEK/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway and enhanced SNAIL expression after binding to the receptor CCR2 on GBC cells. Activation of the ERK pathway caused nuclear translocation of ELK1, which subsequently led to increased SNAIL expression. GBCSCs mediated the recruitment and polarization of M0 into M2-like TAMs within the GBC microenvironment via CCL2 secretion. In the murine models, the combination of a CCR2 antagonist and gemcitabine efficiently inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors in GBC.

Conclusions
The interaction between M2-like TAMs and GBC cells is mediated by the chemokine CCL2, which activates the MEK/ERK/ELK1/SNAIL pathway in GBC cells, promoting EMT, stemness, and metastasis. A combination of a CCR2 inhibitor and gemcitabine effectively suppressed the growth of subcutaneous tumors. Consequently, our study identified promising therapeutic targets and strategies for treating GBC.
Development and validation of a secondary vocational school students’ digital learning competence scale
Authors: Tan Xijin , Lin Xiaoxi , Zhuang Rongxia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancement of digital technology has not only affected the world of work but also students' learning. Digital learning competence (DLC) is one of the essential skills students need for effective learning in a digital environment. Despite the significant presence of secondary vocational school students in China, constituting one-third of the high school demographic, research on their digital learning needs remains sparse. Addressing this gap, this paper attempted to propose the elements and structural model of digital learning competence for secondary vocational school students (V-DLC). A corresponding questionnaire was compiled, and an analysis was carried out with 872 valid survey data of secondary vocational school students achieved by convenient sampling. A five-factor model for the V-DLC was established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, cross-validity, and criterion validity tests. This paper suggests that evaluating students' digital learning competence in secondary vocational schools can be achieved by considering the dimensions of cognitive processing and reading, technology use, thinking skills, activity management, and will management, combined with students' learning experiences in school and other fields. Given the global focus on digital learning competence, this framework will pave the way for empirical research on digital learning and guide the enhancement of student learning ability in vocational settings, adapting to the digital era. Furthermore, transitioning to a digitalized vocational education system is essential for preparing students for a digitally-driven workforce, aligning with modern job market demands and global trends.
Characterising aetiologies and clinical-radiological factors of non-resolving pneumonia in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Raj Ajitha , Venugopal Kummannor Parameswaran Pillai , Musthafa Sajitha , Narayan Kiran Vishnu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Non-resolving pneumonia poses a significant clinical challenge. It is common to treat non-resolving pneumonia over an extended period of time, without evaluating the cause of failure or eliciting the exact aetiology.

Objective
To determine the aetiology and clinical-radiological profile of non-resolving pneumonia.

Materials and methods
Analytical, observational study done among 77 consecutive patients with non-resolving pneumonia, who attended a tertiary care centre over 1 year. Clinical details were obtained using prefixed questionnaires. Necessary diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy and image guided transthoracic sampling along with histopathological and microbiological investigations were done to obtain final diagnosis.

Results
The most common aetiology was lung malignancy (44.2%) followed by chronic infections (40.3%) dominated by tuberculosis (14.3%). Adenocarcinoma (32.5%) was the commonest malignancy presenting as non-resolving consolidation. History of smoking (p value 0.001), chest pain (p value 0.001), and haemoptysis (p value 0.006) was associated with a diagnosis of malignancy. Actinomycosis (7%) had a significant association with chest pain (p value 0.032). Transthoracic image-guided tissue sampling had a high diagnostic yield of 84.8% and bronchoscopy of 66.9%.

Conclusion
Malignancy needs to be considered promptly once we encounter with non-resolution of consolidation. The clinical pointers like advanced age, smoking history, symptoms more than 8 weeks, symptoms like chest pain, and haemoptysis mandate evaluation for malignancy in non-resolving pneumonia. The labyrinth of diabetes mellitus impedes the timely resolution of infections.
VV-ECMO in critical COVID-19 obese patients: a cohort study
Authors: Nogueira Joana , Freitas Ricardo , Sousa José Eduardo , Santos Luís Linhares 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity causes significant difficulties in successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and may interfere with patient outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced an increased number of obese patients supported with ECMO in our intensive care unit due to severe illness in this population.

Methods
We designed a single-center retrospective study to identify prognostic factors for 180-day survival in obese critical COVID-19 patients receiving venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO). We included adult critical COVID-19 patients on VV-ECMO, who were obese and overweight (according to the World Health Organization) and admitted to a tertiary hospital’s intensive care unit from April 1, 2020, to May 31, 2022. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess differences in 180-day mortality.

Results
Forty-one patients were included. The median age was 55 (IQR 45–60) years, and 70.7% of the patients were male. The median body mass index (BMI) was 36 (IQR 31–42.5) kg/m2; 39% of patients had a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. The participants had 3 (IQR 1.5–4) days of mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO, and 63.4% were weaned from VV-ECMO support after a median of 19 (IQR 10–34) days. The median ICU length of stay was 31.9 (IQR 17.5–44.5) days. The duration of mechanical ventilation was 30 (IQR 19–49.5) days. The 180-day mortality rate was 41.5%. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher BMI was associated with greater 180-day survival (OR 1.157 [1.038–1.291], p = 0.009). Younger age, female sex, less invasive ventilation time before ECMO, and fewer complications at the time of ECMO cannulation were associated with greater 180-day survival [OR 0.858 (0.774–0.953), p 0.004; OR 0.074 (0.008–0.650), p 0.019; OR 0.612 (0.401–0.933), p 0.022; OR 0.13 (0.03–0.740), p 0.022), respectively].

Conclusion
In this retrospective cohort of critical COVID-19 obese adult patients supported by VV-ECMO, a higher BMI, younger age, and female sex were associated with greater 180-day survival. A shorter invasive ventilation time before ECMO and fewer complications at ECMO cannulation were also associated with increased survival.
Legalizm liberalny, pluralizm wartości i etyka troski
Authors: Polanowska-Sygulska Beata 
Published: August 2024

The background to my reflections developed in this article is the controversial legal philosophy of Scott Veitch, which challenges conventional thinking about law and its institutions. In his first book Moral Conflict and Legal Reasoning, Veitch confronts liberal legalism with Isaiah Berlin’s pluralistic perspective in ethics and concludes that it is not possible to reconcile the two positions. In his later work, Law and Irresponsibility, Veitch argues that legal institutions are often used as a means of organised irresponsibility. Starting with a reconstruction of Veitch’s iconoclastic theses, I then move on to present two situational contexts that occurred in Poland and that have direct relevance to the issue of euthanasia. The two states of affairs are strikingly different, although in both cases the indication for euthanasia comes into play. I then confront both of these situational contexts with two distinct moral keys identified within feminism – an ethic of justice and an ethic of care. I show that each of the distinct cases described aligns with different moral keys. This is a strong argument for adopting a pluralist perspective in ethics, which, however, does not go in pair with liberal legalism. It is for this reason that Ronald Dworkin’s position, as an embodiment of ethical monism, liberal legalism and an ethic of justice, may prove particularly damaging in its effects. And it is one that can teach lawyers an invaluable lesson in humility.
Etyka przekonań prawodawcy – zaczątek rozważań
Authors: Juzaszek Maciej 
Published: August 2024

Ethics of belief is a normative discipline, concerned with what norms and criteria we should apply to accept and reject beliefs. Traditionally, it focuses on the beliefs of individuals, but the literature emphasizes that groups and institutions can also hold beliefs, know or lie. Therefore, it seems that some form of belief ethics should apply to them as well. In this paper, I will be interested in the belief ethics of a rational legislator. Thus, I present an example of such a concept, referring to the theory from the field of ethics of beliefs of individuals – evidentialism, as well as the basic objections that can be formulated against it. Finally, I present a way to reconcile the legislator’s evidentialism with pragmatic or moral factors.
A Theory of Credit Rating Criteria
Authors: Guo Nan , Kou Steven , Wang Bin , Wang Ruodu 
Published: August 2024

We propose a theory for rating financial securities in the presence of structural maximization by the issuer in a market with investors who rely on credit rating. Two types of investors, simple investors who price tranches solely based on the ratings and model-based investors who use the rating information to calibrate models, are considered. Concepts of self-consistency and information gap are proposed to study different rating criteria. In particular, the expected loss criterion used by Moody’s satisfies self-consistency, but the probability of default criterion used by Standard & Poor’s does not. Moreover, the probability of default criterion typically has a higher information gap than the expected loss criterion. Empirical evidence in the post–Dodd–Frank period is consistent with our theoretical implications. We show that a set of axioms based on self-consistency leads to a tractable representation for all self-consistent rating criteria, which can also be extended to incorporate economic scenarios. New examples of self-consistent and scenario-based rating criteria are suggested. This paper was accepted by Agostino Capponi, finance. Funding: This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China [Grant 2020YFA0712700], the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Grants RGPIN-2018-03823, RGPAS-2018-522590], and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 12371476]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01075 .
On the Set of Balanced Games
Authors: Garcia-Segador Pedro , Grabisch Michel , Miranda Pedro 
Published: August 2024

We study the geometric structure of the set of cooperative transferable utility games having a nonempty core, characterized by Bondareva and Shapley as balanced games. We show that this set is a nonpointed polyhedral cone, and we find the set of its extremal rays and facets. This study is also done for the set of balanced games whose value for the grand coalition is fixed, which yields an affine nonpointed polyhedral cone. Finally, the case of nonnegative balanced games with fixed value for the grand coalition is tackled. This set is a convex polytope, with remarkable properties. We characterize its vertices and facets, study the adjacency structure of vertices, develop an algorithm for generating vertices in a random uniform way, and show that this polytope is combinatorial and its adjacency graph is Hamiltonian. Last, we give a characterization of the set of games having a core reduced to a singleton. Funding: This work was supported by the Spanish Government [Grant PID2021-124933NB-I00].