bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and validation of a scale for the assessment of educational competencies in traditional musical games
Authors: Fernández Amat Carmen , Zarza-Alzugaray Francisco Javier , del Barrio Aranda Luis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis work studies the traditional musical game as a didactic resource in the development of educational competencies in primary school students. The purpose of the study is to validate a scale for the evaluation of essential educational factors in the work of intrinsic competencies in traditional musical games. With a mixed design, the study involves a qualitative approach to the review and discussion of the contributions of social psychology theories: contact theory, cultural values theory, and attitude theory as well as a quantitative approach using an exploratory factor analysis, a parallel analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis of the use of traditional musical games in a sample of 276 primary school students. From an initial questionnaire of 30 items, a final questionnaire of 18 items was obtained, grouped into 4 subscales (Right to Play/Fun and Preferences/Choice of Game Partners/Emotion and Inclusion) derived from the theories of social psychology. The results demonstrate the need for effective tools to measure the educational value of traditional games. This scale could serve as a tool to contribute to the educational research on traditional musical games. Finally, the educational implications that the adoption of traditional games in the classroom can have in terms of integration, equal inclusion, and the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development of primary school students are discussed.
Cultural capital as a predictor of school success: evidence and gender differences in Chinese middle schools
Authors: Jin Hui , Jiao Shi , Ma Xu , Xia Yunan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCultural capital is vital for equitable educational development. This paper studies the effect of family cultural capital on the performance of middle school students with regard to gender, using a multiple linear regression model. Participants from four representative middle schools, totalling 1036 students, were selected during the online learning period. The study found that institutionalised and objectified cultural capital had a pronounced positive effect on students’ school outcomes, but cultural capital that was embodied had both positive and negative effects. Significant differences in the effects of cultural capital on school success were found between male and female students. The educational level of a mother has a significant impact on the school attainment of female students in Chinese, English, math and overall achievement, whereas a father’s education level has a significant effect on male students’ English achievement and overall achievement. The results of the study showed that cultural capital contributed to the academic success of middle school students in different ways. The results presented above contribute to a better comprehension of the mechanisms of the influence of cultural capital on the school performance of middle school students, which has important implications for students’ educational equity. This study recommends improving the mechanism of collaborative education among schools, families and society, by paying attention to vulnerable groups that lack cultural capital, improving the methods of educational evaluation and providing tailor-made education for all types of students.
Acoustic radiation force on a cylindrical composite particle with an elastic thin shell and an internal eccentric liquid column in a plane ultrasonic wave field
Authors: Pan 潘 Rui-Qi 瑞琪 , Du 杜 Zhi-Wei 芷玮 , Wang 王 Cheng-Hui 成会 , Hu 胡 Jing 静 , Mo 莫 Run-Yang 润阳 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A model with three-layer structure is introduced to explore the acoustic radiation force (ARF) on composite particles with an elastic thin shell. Combing acoustic scattering of cylinder and the thin-shell theorem, the ARF expression was derived, and the longitudinal and transverse components of the force and axial torque for an eccentric liquid-filled composite particle was obtained. It was found that many factors, such as medium properties, acoustic parameters, eccentricity, and radius ratio of the inner liquid column, affect the acoustic scattering field of the particle, which in turn changes the forces and torque. The acoustic response varies with the particle structures, so the resonance peaks of the force function and torque shift with the eccentricity and radii ratio of particle. The acoustic response of the particle is enhanced and exhibits higher force values due to the presence of the elastic thin shell and the coupling effect with the eccentricity of the internal liquid column. The decrease of the inner liquid density may suppress the high-order resonance peaks, and internal fluid column has less effects on the change in force on composite particle at ka > 3, while limited differences exist at ka < 3. The axial torque on particles due to geometric asymmetry is closely related to ka and the eccentricity. The distribution of positive and negative force and torque along the axis ka exhibits that composite particle can be manipulated or separated by ultrasound. Our theoretical analysis can provide support for the acoustic manipulation, sorting, and targeting of inhomogeneous particles.
Disparities and similarities in the spatiotemporal dynamics of flash and slow droughts in China
Authors: Ji Peng , Yuan Xing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Climate warming has induced significant transitions from slowly-developing droughts to rapidly-developing flash droughts in China, causing broad impacts on ecosystems, hydrological regimes, and society. To date, most studies focused on temporal evolution of flash droughts, while neglected the spatial expansion which is essential for understanding their origins and spatial propagations, especially for mega flash droughts. Based on the long-term (1940–2022) dataset of the 5th generation of the European ReAnalysis, here we use a three-dimensional drought identification method to analyze the disparities and similarities in the spatiotemporal dynamics of flash and slow droughts at the subseasonal time scale over China. Although half of the flash and slow droughts are characterized by small areas (<5000 km2), short durations (30–45 d) and short propagation distances of drought centroids (<50 km), the probability of large-scale (>30 000 km2) flash droughts with long propagation distances (>100 km) is twice of slow droughts. Moreover, global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses reveal that South China (SC) and North China are hotspots for large-scale flash and slow droughts, respectively, and they both show significant increasing trends (0.11–0.12 events/decade) during 1940–2022. Without these large-scale droughts, there is no obvious difference in spatial distributions of the frequency of flash and slow droughts. Despite disparities, both large-scale flash and slow droughts show a preferential westward propagation, with 60%–67% of the movements consistent with the pathways of atmospheric water vapor flux anomaly. Our study urges the understanding and prevention of large-scale flash drought events, especially in SC.
Cytotoxic evaluation of Dovyalis Caffra leaf extract-mediated hematite-(Fe2O3) nanoparticles for biological applications
Authors: Adeyemi Jerry O , Ajiboye Timothy O , Oyedeji Adebola O , Singh Moganavelli , Fawole Olaniyi A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Although hematite (Fe2O3) nanoparticles are gaining attention for biomedical purposes due to their unique properties, eco-friendly synthesis using plant extracts is being explored due to toxicity concerns of the resulting material. This study explores the use of plant extracts (Dovyalis caffra leaf extracts) for the synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles alongside their cytotoxicity profile using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanoparticles were established using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopy techniques, confirming their crystalline nature and spherical morphology with minimal agglomeration. Using the MTT assay approach, the cytotoxicity profile of the nanoparticles revealed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects, with higher specificity towards cancer cells and very low toxicity towards the human cell line, suggesting safe usage as biomedical agents. While the standard drug 5-Fluorouracil possessed significantly higher cytotoxicity, its unwanted high toxicity towards normal human cells makes the Fe2O3 nanoparticles a better choice. These findings suggest the potential of Dovyalis caffra leaf extract-mediated Fe2O3 nanoparticles for biomedical applications, emphasizing their low toxicity towards normal human cells and specificity towards cancer cells.
Prosthetic valve infective endocarditis caused by Cutibacterium modestum: a case report
Authors: Shikama Nobuaki , Takiguchi Yasuo , Takeda Masahiko , Mori Naoto , Ishio Naoki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
While Cutibacterium acnes is well known for its potential to cause acne vulgaris, postsurgical infections, and other human infections, few reports have described Cutibacterium modestum infections. Thus, the clinical characteristics of C. modestum as an infectious disease are not well understood. Herein, we describe the characteristics of a case of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis caused by C. modestum.

Case summary
An 81-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with fever, general fatigue, and appetite loss. His past medical history included aortic valve replacement surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting for aortic valve stenosis and angina pectoris. Physical examination on admission revealed a body temperature of 39.0°C, blood pressure of 97/68 mmHg, and pulse rate of 101 b.p.m. Transthoracic echocardiography showed no prosthetic valve destruction or malfunction or obvious vegetation adhesion to the prosthetic or other valves. Bacteria initially identified as C. acnes were detected in two sets of anaerobic blood culture bottles collected upon admission. However, as the samples required 111 and 118 h to become blood culture–positive, the possibility of contaminating bacteria was high. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed vegetation in the artificial valve. Repeated blood culture revealed the same bacteria; thus, contamination was ruled out, and the diagnosis of infective endocarditis was confirmed. Finally, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing identified the detected bacteria as C. modestum rather than C. acnes.

Discussion
Including this case, only two cases of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis caused by C. modestum have been reported, the characteristics of which are still poorly understood.
Heme utilization by the enterococci
Authors: Brunson Debra N , Lemos José A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Heme consists of a tetrapyrrole ring ligating an iron ion and has important roles in biological systems. While well-known as the oxygen-binding molecule within hemoglobin of mammals, heme is also cofactor for several enzymes and a major iron source for bacteria within the host. The enterococci are a diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria that exist primarily within the gastrointestinal tract of animals. However, some species within this genus can transform into formidable opportunistic pathogens, largely owing to their extraordinary adaptability to hostile environments. Although enterococci cannot synthesize heme nor depend on heme to grow, several species within the genus encode proteins that utilize heme as a cofactor, which appears to increase their fitness and ability to thrive in challenging environments. This includes more efficient energy generation via aerobic respiration and protection from reactive oxygen species. Here, we review the significance of heme to enterococci, primarily the major human pathogen Enterococcus faecalis, use bioinformatics to assess the prevalence of hemoproteins throughout the genus, and highlight recent studies that underscore the central role of the heme–E. faecalis relationship in host–pathogen dynamics and interspecies bacterial interactions.
Care-Resistant Behavior Trajectories During Mouth Care Among Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Authors: Xiao Chunhong , Puga Frank , Pickering Carolyn , Wang Hsiao-Lan , Geisinger Maria , Cain Cindy , Li Peng , Jablonski Rita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study examined day-to-day variation in care-resistant behaviors (CRBs) exhibited by persons living with dementia during mouth healthcare and the potential influence of time of day on CRB trajectories.

Research Design and Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted on a sample of 75 nursing home-dwelling persons living with dementia who exhibited CRBs during mouth care activities. Over 21 days, CRBs were measured using the revised Resistiveness to Care scale (RTC-r) during morning and afternoon mouth care sessions. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectory patterns and assess differences between morning and afternoon CRB patterns.

Results
Three trajectory patterns were identified: morning CRB trajectory patterns showed 50.6% of persons living with dementia had consistently low RTC-r scores, 37.5% of persons living with dementia exhibited fluctuating, moderate RTC-r scores, and 11.9% exhibited RTC-r scores that started high and then decreased over time. Similarly, CRB trajectory patterns during afternoon mouth care showed a consistently low RTC-r score for 54.5% and a fluctuating moderate RTC-r score for 38.6% of persons living with dementia. However, the third CRB trajectory group followed a high-increasing trajectory, with RTC-r scores starting high and continuing to increase for 6.9% of persons living with dementia.

Discussion and Implications
CRBs are dynamic and vary within days and over time; however, the time of the day is often not considered in interventions to manage CRBs. Thus, it is important to consider the timing of providing mouth care for persons living with dementia. Based on the characteristics of the trajectories, we suggest that morning mouth activities may be more efficient.
Primary extrarenal papillary type II renal cell carcinoma presenting as a pelvic mass: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sarafi Aikaterini , Tasis Nikolaos , Mpalampou Eleni , Igoumenidi Maria , Arkoumani Evdokia , Tzovaras Alexandros , Korkolis Dimitrios P , Tsirlis Theodoros 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We report a case of a 57 years old woman with a solitary mass located in the pelvis diagnosed as an extrarenal papillary renal cell carcinoma, in the absence of a primary renal cancer. The diagnosis was based on cytomorphological features and further confirmed by immunochemistry findings following surgical excision. The hypothesis of a tumor developing in a supernumerary or ectopic kidney was excluded, since no normal renal tissue could be identified in the specimen and in the preoperative computed tomography and MRI images.
Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow) bill size is primarily shaped by thermoregulation on the California Channel Islands
Authors: Gamboa Maybellene P , Ghalambor Cameron K , Sillett T Scott , Funk W Chris , Furbush Ross A , Husak Jerry F , Danner Raymond M 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Inferring the environmental selection pressures responsible for phenotypic variation is a challenge in adaptation studies as traits often have multiple functions and are shaped by complex selection regimes. We provide indirect evidence that morphology of the multifunctional avian bill is primarily shaped by climate and thermoregulatory ability in Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow) on the California Channel Islands. Our research builds on a study in M. melodia museum specimens that demonstrated a positive correlation between bill surface area and maximum temperature, suggesting a greater demand for dry heat dissipation in hotter, xeric environments. We sampled contemporary sparrow populations across 3 climatically distinct islands to test the hypotheses that bill morphology is influenced by habitat differences with functional consequences for foraging efficiency and is related to maximum temperature and, consequently, important for thermoregulation. Measurements of &gt;500 live individuals indicated a significant, positive relationship between maximum temperature and bill surface area when correcting for body size. In contrast, maximum bite force, seed extraction time, and vegetation on breeding territories (a proxy for food resources) were not significantly associated with bill dimensions. While we cannot exclude the influence of foraging ability and diet on bill morphology, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in M. melodia need for thermoregulatory capacity across the northern Channel Islands selects for divergence in bill surface area.
Prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture alters serum cytokine levels and inflammatory markers in the F1 mouse ovary
Authors: Fletcher Endia J , Stubblefield Winter S , Huff Justin , Santacruz-Márquez Ramsés , Laws Mary , Brehm Emily , Flaws Jodi A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Phthalates are used as plasticizers and solvents in consumer products. Virtually 100% of the US population has measurable exposure levels to phthalates, however, the mechanisms by which prenatal exposure to phthalate mixtures affects reproductive health in the offspring remain unclear. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture promotes inflammation in F1 ovarian tissue. Pregnant CD-1 dams were dosed orally with vehicle control (corn oil) or phthalate mixture (20 μg/kg/d, 200 μg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, 500 mg/kg/d). Pregnant dams delivered pups naturally and ovaries and sera from the F1 females were collected at postnatal day (PND) 21, PND 60, 3 mo, and 6 mo. Sera were used to measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Ovaries and sera were used for cytokine array analysis. RNA was isolated from F1 ovaries and used to quantify expression of selected cytokine genes. Prenatal exposure to the mixture significantly increased the levels of CRP at 200 µg/kg/d on PND 21 compared with controls. The mixture altered 6 immune factors in sera at PND 21 and 33 immune factors in the ovary and sera at 6 mo compared with controls. The mixture increased ovarian expression of cytokines at PND 21 and decreased ovarian expression of cytokines at 6 mo compared with controls. These data suggest that prenatal exposure to a phthalate mixture interferes with the immune response in F1 female mice long after initial exposure.
Home blood pressure measurement days and changes in urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio, estimated salt and potassium intakes and blood pressure: 1-year prospective study
Authors: Kinuta Minako , Hisamatsu Takashi , Fukuda Mari , Taniguchi Kaori , Nakahata Noriko , Kanda Hideyuki ,   the Masuda Study Research Group
Published: July 2024

Objective
Current international guidelines recommend home blood pressure (BP) measurement and low sodium and high potassium intakes for the management of hypertension. We hypothesized that increased home BP measurement may result in more effective management of sodium and potassium intakes and BP.

Methods
We examined associations of home BP measurement days with changes in the urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio, estimated salt and potassium intakes and BP. We included 209 healthy participants (mean age, 55.9 years; 56.5% women) from a prospective cohort study. We examined 1-year data on self-measured home BP and spot urine samples.

Results
Median (interquartile range) days of home BP measurement was 324 (225–358) over 1-year. Baseline mean (SD) Na/K ratio, salt and potassium intakes, morning and evening SBP, and morning and evening DBP were 3.8 (2.3), 8.5 (1.9) g/day, 1833.5 (416.5) mg/day, 120.4 (14.0) mmHg, 118.2 (14.2) mmHg, 79.2 (10.1) mmHg, and 76.2 (10.1) mmHg, respectively. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression , β (standard error) per 10 days increase in number of home BP measurement were −0.031 (0.017) for Na/K ratio, −0.036 (0.015) for salt intake, −1.357 (2.797) for potassium intake, −0.178 (0.064) for morning SBP, −0.079 (0.041) for morning DBP, −0.109 (0.067) for evening SBP and −0.099 (0.045) for evening DBP. Additionally, relationships persisted for men and women, but changes in salt intake were more pronounced among participants taking antihypertensive medication (interaction P = 0.002).

Conclusion
Continuous measurement of home BP may lead not only to self-monitoring of BP, but also to declines in salt intakes and some BP indices.
Key Issues in Surgical Residency Education
Authors: Mellinger John D. , Brasel Karen , Elster Eric , Fried Gerald , Hashimoto Daniel A. , Jarman Benjamin , Joshi Amit R.T. , Kelz Rachel R. , Lindeman Brenessa , Pugh Carla , Reznick Richard 
Published: July 2024

Background:
In September 2022, a summit was convened by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) to discuss competency-based reform in surgical education. A key output of that summit was the recommendation that the prior work of the Blue Ribbon I Committee convened 20 years earlier be revived. With leadership from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Surgical Association (ASA), the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) II was subsequently convened. This paper describes the output of the Residency Education Subcommittee of the BRC II Committee.

Methods:
The Subcommittee organized its work around prioritized themes, including curriculum, assessment, and transition to practice. Top recommendations, time-based action steps, potential barriers, and required resources were detailed and vetted through group discussion, broader Committee review and critique, and subsequent refinement.

Results:
Primary concluding emphases included transitioning to a competency-based training model, facilitating dynamically capable curricular reform emphasizing the digital transformation of surgical care, using predictive analytic assessment strategies to optimize training effectiveness and efficiency, and creating mentorship strategies to govern the transition from training to independent practice in an outcomes-accountable fashion.

Conclusions:
To implement the recommendations outlined, it was recognized that coordinated efforts across existing organizational structures will be required, informed by data set integration strategies that meaningfully measure educational and related patient outcomes.