bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of age, sex, bodyweight, and training on echocardiographic measurements in healthy mixed-breed donkeys
Authors: Bozzola Chiara , Guffanti Ilaria , Ortolina Asia , Bronzo Valerio , Zucca Enrica 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe donkey has always been a notable working animal and its importance as a companion animal has been growing over the last few years. However, there are only a few studies about cardiology in this species. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of age, sex, training, and bodyweight on cardiac dimension in mixed-breed donkeys. Forty-five clinically and para-clinically healthy mixed-breed donkeys were included, and B-mode and M-mode echocardiographic measurements were recorded. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the effect of age, sex, bodyweight, and training on cardiac measurements. Most of the echocardiographic measurements showed a strong statistically significant correlation with bodyweight. Linear regression analysis between echocardiographic measurements and bodyweight was performed to obtain the values of the intercept and slope of the linear equation to calculate the echocardiographic measurements as a function of bodyweight. This is the first study reporting a strong linear correlation between echocardiographic measurements and bodyweight and reporting a correlation between training and echocardiographic parameters in donkeys, suggesting that this variable should be considered when assessing cardiac dimensions in these animals.
Isolation and characterization of a native strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana for the control of the palm weevil Dynamis borassi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the neotropics
Authors: Gutiérrez Yeisson , Alarcón Karen A. , Ortiz Cristian , Santos-Holguín Jenny M. , García-Riaño Jennifer L. , Mejía Cindy , Amaya Carol V. , Uribe-Gutiérrez Liz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to isolate and characterize a native strain of Beauveria bassiana, coded as Bv065, showcasing its potential as a biological control agent targeting the palm weevil Dynamis borassi. Originating from a naturally infected D. borassi specimen collected in southwestern Colombia, the fungus underwent molecular identification and was identified as B. bassiana, exhibiting high sequence similarity with known reference strains. The physiological characterization revealed that Bv065 thrived within a temperature range of 25 to 30 °C and a pH range of 6 to 9. Moreover, the key carbon sources that allow optimal growth of the strain were identified through metabolic profiling, including sucrose, D-mannose, and γ-amino-butyric acid. These findings offer strategic insights for scalability and formulation methodologies. Additionally, enzymatic analyses unveiled robust protease activity within Bv065, crucial for catalysing insect cuticle degradation and facilitating host penetration, thus accentuating its entomopathogenic potential. Subsequent evaluations exposed Bv065’s pathogenicity against D. borassi, causing significant mortality within nine days of exposure, albeit exhibiting limited effectiveness against Rhynchophorus palmarum. This study underscores the importance of understanding optimal growth conditions and metabolic preferences of B. bassiana strains for developing effective biopesticides. The findings suggest Bv065 as a promising candidate for integrated pest management strategies in neotropical regions, particularly for controlling palm weevil infestations in coconut and peach palm cultivation. Future research avenues include refining mass production methodologies, formulating novel delivery systems, and conducting comprehensive field efficacy trials to unlock the full potential of Bv065 in fostering sustainable pest management practices. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on entomopathogenic fungi and their pivotal role in biological control, offering nuanced perspectives on eco-friendly alternatives to conventional insecticidal interventions.
Central dentinogenic ghost cell tumor of the maxilla: a case report with new imaging findings and review of the literature
Authors: Yoshida Suzuka , Takeshita Yohei , Kawazu Toshiyuki , Hisatomi Miki , Okada Shunsuke , Fujikura Mamiko , Obata Kyoichi , Takabatake Kiyofumi , Yoshida Saori , Asaumi Junichi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare benign odontogenic tumor that commonly shows characteristics of solid proliferation and has a relatively high risk of recurrence after surgical treatment. We herein report a case of a central DGCT that occurred in the maxilla and resulted in bone expansion. This study highlights new imaging findings (particularly magnetic resonance imaging) along with histopathological observations. In addition, we conducted a review of the existing literature on this rare tumor. A 37-year-old man developed swelling around the right cheek. A benign odontogenic tumor such as ameloblastoma was suspected based on the imaging examination findings (including bone expansion and the internal characteristics of the tumor) on panoramic imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion was surgically excised from the right maxilla. Postoperative histopathological examination led to a definitive diagnosis of central DGCT. The tumor comprised epithelial neoplastic islands, resembling ameloblastoma, inside tight fibroconnective tissue; masses of ghost cells and formation of dentin were also observed. We had suspected that the minute high-density region around the molars on the imaging examinations represented alveolar bone change; however, it represented dentin formation. This led to difficulty diagnosing the lesion. Although DGCT may present characteristic findings on imaging examinations, its occurrence is infrequent, and in some cases, the findings may include the presence or absence of an impacted tooth without obvious calcification. The present case suggests that we should consider the possibility of an odontogenic tumor with calcification when high-density structures are observed inside the lesion.
New Paradigm of Identifiable General-response Cognitive Diagnostic Models: Beyond Categorical Data
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Gu Yuqi 
Published: July 2024

Cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) are a popular family of discrete latent variable models that model students’ mastery or deficiency of multiple fine-grained skills. CDMs have been most widely used to model categorical item response data such as binary or polytomous responses. With advances in technology and the emergence of varying test formats in modern educational assessments, new response types, including continuous responses such as response times, and count-valued responses from tests with repetitive tasks or eye-tracking sensors, have also become available. Variants of CDMs have been proposed recently for modeling such responses. However, whether these extended CDMs are identifiable and estimable is entirely unknown. We propose a very general cognitive diagnostic modeling framework for arbitrary types of multivariate responses with minimal assumptions, and establish identifiability in this general setting. Surprisingly, we prove that our general-response CDMs are identifiable under Q\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$${\textbf{Q}}$$\end{document}-matrix-based conditions similar to those for traditional categorical-response CDMs. Our conclusions set up a new paradigm of identifiable general-response CDMs. We propose an EM algorithm to efficiently estimate a broad class of exponential family-based general-response CDMs. We conduct simulation studies under various response types. The simulation results not only corroborate our identifiability theory, but also demonstrate the superior empirical performance of our estimation algorithms. We illustrate our methodology by applying it to a TIMSS 2019 response time dataset.
Trophic effects of Bti-based mosquito control on two top predators in floodplain pond mesocosms
Authors: Gerstle Verena , Bollinger Eric , Manfrin Alessandro , Pietz Sebastian , Kolbenschlag Sara , Feckler Alexander , Entling Martin H. , Brühl Carsten A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae play a key role in aquatic food webs as prey for predators like amphibian and dragonfly larvae. This trophic link may be disrupted by anthropogenic stressors such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), a biocide widely used in mosquito control. In a companion study, we recorded a 41% reduction of non-target larval chironomids abundance in outdoor floodplain pond mesocosms (FPMs) treated with Bti. Therefore, we examined the diet of two top predators in the FPMs, larvae of the palmate newt (Salamandridae: Lissotriton helveticus) and dragonfly (Aeshnidae: predominantly Anax imperator), using bulk stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen. Additionally, we determined neutral lipid fatty acids in newt larvae to assess diet-related effects on their physiological condition. We did not find any effects of Bti on the diet proportions of newt larvae and no significant effects on the fatty acid content. We observed a trend in Aeshnidae larvae from Bti-FPMs consuming a higher proportion of large prey (Aeshnidae, newt, damselfly larvae; ~42%), and similar parts of smaller prey (chironomid, mayfly, Libellulidae, and zooplankton), compared to controls. Our findings may suggest bottom-up effects of Bti on aquatic predators but should be further evaluated, for instance, by using compound-specific stable isotope analyses of fatty acids or metabarcoding approaches.
Effects of Static Strain Aging on Mechanical Performance of Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Björklund Ville , Hänninen Hannu , Bossuyt Sven 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEN-GJS-400-15U nodular cast iron intended to be used as load-bearing element in long-term geological disposal canisters containing spent nuclear fuel in Finland and Sweden was studied for static strain aging (SSA). Tensile test specimens manufactured from the nodular cast iron were pre-strained to 1%, 2% and 3% nominal plastic strains. The pre-strained specimens were aged at different temperatures ranging from room temperature to 400 °C for varying times. The aged specimens were tested with conventional tensile testing using constant cross-head speed of 0.016 mm/s. Additionally, four specimens were studied with digital image correlation (DIC) during the tensile testing to obtain full-field strain measurements. SSA resulted in elevated pronounced yield point in all the conditions, while the as-received material showed continuous yielding behavior. SSA reduced the elongation to fracture. DIC tests showed more localized yielding behavior in the SSA specimens. Over-aging effect was observed at 400 °C where increasing pre-strain did not increase the yield stress more. For 1-day aging time, the highest yield stress increment was found after aging at 200°C. The yield stress of the material was almost identical after aging in 100°C and 200°C.
Increased incidence of myxedema coma during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post pandemic era: a single-center case series
Authors: Sokołowski Grzegorz , Studen Katica Bajuk , Opalinska Marta , Wegrzyn Karolina , Motyka Marcin , Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was a major challenge for all health care employees, but it was also difficult for patients to gain access to health care services. Myxedema coma (MC) is an extremely rare but potentially fatal endocrine emergency. The aim of the study was to report an increased incidence of life-threatening myxedema coma that occurred in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we report a cohort of 11 patients with MC who were treated at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, in the period from 2015 to 2023. Only 1 case of MC was recorded in the period from 2015 to 2019, and, in the same area, 10 cases of MC were recorded after the start of COVID-19 pandemic until present. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed de novo in 2 (18%) patients; the remaining patients were severely hypothyroid due to therapy non-compliance. Nine patients had primary hypothyroidism, and 2 had central hypothyroidism. Besides longstanding hypothyroidism, an additional precipitating factor for MC was identified in 4 (36%) of the patients. Due to the inaccessibility of parenteral levothyroxine, patients were treated with oral, mostly liquid, form of levothyroxine. The mortality rate in this cohort was 27.2%. In conclusion, the increase of the incidence of MC, which is a life-threatening complication of inadequately treated hypothyroidism, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when resources were limited, and in the post-pandemic era, underlines the importance of adequate communication with patients and of long-term availability of primary care for patients with thyroid disease.
Association of serum interleukin-2 with severity and prognosis in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Feng-Min , Xu Juan , He Qi-Yuan , Deng You-Peng , Liu Ming-Yan , Liu Ying , Sun Jing , Zhao Hui , Fu Lin , Yang Jin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe prior studies have shown that interleukin-2 (IL-2) exerts important roles in the pathological and physiological processes of lung diseases. However, the role of IL-2 in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is still uncertain. Through a prospective cohort study, our research will explore the correlations between serum IL-2 levels and the severity and prognosis in CAP patients. There were 267 CAP patients included. Blood samples were obtained. Serum IL-2 were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic traits and clinical characteristics were extracted. Serum IL-2 were gradually elevated with increasing severity scores in CAP patients. Correlation analyses revealed that serum IL-2 were connected with physiological parameters including liver and renal function in CAP patients. According to a logistic regression analysis, serum IL-2 were positively correlated with CAP severity scores. We also tracked the prognostic outcomes of CAP patients. The increased risks of adversely prognostic outcomes, including mechanical ventilation, vasoactive agent usage, ICU admission, death, and longer hospital length, were associated with higher levels of IL-2 at admission. Serum IL-2 at admission were positively associated with severe conditions and poor prognosis among CAP patients, indicated that IL-2 may involve in the initiation and development of CAP. As a result, serum IL-2 may be an available biomarker to guide clinicians in assessing the severity and determining the prognosis of CAP.
Smart Sex Toys: A Narrative Review of Recent Research on Cultural, Health and Safety Considerations
Authors: Power Jennifer , Pym Tinonee , James Alexandra , Waling Andrea 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of the Review
Smart sex toys (‘teledildonics’), are digitally enabled haptic devices designed for sexual or erotic stimulation. Devices may conform to conventional sex toy design (e.g. dildoes) or take other forms. Their primary purpose is to provide sexual or erotic stimulation through the networked haptic function. Here, we present a narrative review of academic work in which we aimed to synthesise current lines of inquiry relating to cultural impacts and research on risks and benefits.
Recent Findings.
Forty-one articles were included, published between 2011 and 2024. The articles focused on: prevalence and context of smart sex use; considerations on whether smart sex toys have potential to disrupt normative gendered sexual scripts; whether smart sex toys have potential to expand or change people’s expectations for sex; the potential for harm and non-consensual use; the politics of data security; and the possibilities for smart sex toys to enhance sexual wellbeing.

Summary
Smart sex toys may create new ways for people to explore sexual connection and experience, including people with limited mobility. Data security and consensual use should be considered in product development.
Pitfalls of diagnosing pituitary hypoplasia in the patients with short stature
Authors: Kiremitci Yilmaz Seniha , Yilmaz Ovali Gülgün , Ozalp Kizilay Deniz , Tarhan Serdar , Ersoy Betul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Height age (HA) and bone age (BA) delay is well known in the patients with short stature. Therefore assessing pituitary hypoplasia based on chronological age (CA) might cause overdiagnosis of pituitary hypoplasia. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the PH and PV based on CA, HA, or BA in the patients with GHD.

Methods
Fifty-seven patients with severe and 40 patients with partial GHD and 39 patients with ISS assigned to the study. For defining the most accurate diagnosis of pituitary hypoplasia, PH and PV were evaluated based on CA, BA and HA. The relationship of each method with clinical features was examined.

Results
The mean PV was significantly larger in patients with ISS compared to the GH-deficient patients. PV was more correlated with clinical features including height SDS, stimulated GH concentration, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 SDS, height velocity before and after rGH therapy. We found BA-based PV could discriminate GHD from ISS (Sensitivity: 17%, specificity: 98%, positive predictive value: 94%, negative predictive value: 39%), compared to the other methods based on PH or PV respect to CA and HA. 3% of patients with ISS, 17% of patients with GHD had pituitary hypoplasia based on PV-BA.

Conclusion
PV based on BA, has the most accurate diagnostic value for defining pituitary hypoplasia. But it should be kept in mind that there might be still misdiagnosed patients by this method. PV is also a significant predictor for the rGH response.
Can postpartum depression be prevented with care provided to primiparae using Levine's Conservation Model?: A single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Özcan Şadiye , Eryılmaz Gülşen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of the researchers of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of care given in line with Levine's conservation model in reducing the risk of postpartum depression. There were 56 participants in the experimental group and 56 participants in the control group. To reduce postpartum depression, a nursing care program was created by examining the theoretical structure of Levine's Conservation Model. Seven home visits were paid and a nursing care program was implemented. The first four home visits were paid once a week and the remaining three home visits were paid every 15 days. The women were given trainings on different subjects during each home visits. All the trainings were given in accordance with each conservation model. During the fourth home visit, the researcher who was a Pilates instructor taught the puerperae how to do Pilates exercises by demonstrating the exercises. It was determined that in the puerperae in the experimental group, sleep quality improved, that their postpartum fatigue decreased and energy increased, and that their risk of developing postpartum depression decreased. Holistic care given based on Levine's Conservation model improves symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and depression in postpartum women. Levine's Conservation model can be used in routine care to reduce physical, psychological and social problems experienced by women in the postpartum period.
Systematic review: dorsal bridge plating in distal radius fractures
Authors: Drummond I. , Durand-Hill M. , Jones N. , O’Hagan P. J. , Edwards D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Distal radius fractures are the most common upper limb fractures in adults (up to 18% of all fractures in the Emergency Department). Conservative management is possible for the majority, the preferred surgical technique being volar plate fixation. Dorsal bridge plating (DBP) is an alternative method of treatment for complex fractures. DBP acts as an internal fixator and can be used in patients needing early rehabilitation. This systematic review assesses the demographics, functional and radiological outcomes and complications of using DBP in patients with distal radius fractures compared to volar plate fixation.

Methods
A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Seven hundred and sixty-one articles were found; 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Cadaveric studies and case studies of less than five patients were excluded. Primary outcome measures were functional and radiological outcomes. Complications were recorded as secondary outcomes.

Results
Three hundred and ninety-four patients were included in the study with an average age of 54.8 years (53.9% male and 46.1% female). Weighted mean follow-up was 55.2 weeks; the mean time to plate removal was 17.3 weeks with a mean DASH score of 25.7. The weighted range of movement was 46.9° flexion, 48.8° extension, 68.4° pronation and 67.5° supination. The radiological parameters show satisfactory outcomes with a mean radial height of 10mm, volar tilt of 3.1°, ulnar variance of 0.5mm and radial inclination of 18.8°. The complication rate was 11.4%. Digital stiffness was the most common complication but improved if tenolysis was performed at plate removal.

Conclusions
DBP is a good alternative to volar plating for complex distal radius fractures. The functional outcomes showed a slight loss of range of movement, whereas the radiological outcomes were within recommended limits. A significant disadvantage of the plate is the need for further surgical removal.
COVID-19 risk perception and food security in the MENA region: evidence from a multi-wave household survey
Authors: Abu Hatab Assem , Krautscheid Lena , Elsayied Mohamed , Amuakwa-Mensah Franklin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic had disruptive consequences for MENA countries’ agri-food value chains that exacerbated poverty and jeopardized food security. This study examines the relationship between individuals’ perception of contracting COVID-19 and their experience of food insecurity, using longitudinal data from the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household survey. It also investigates the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 concerns and explores coping strategies employed by households to identify vulnerabilities in food security. The results provide compelling evidence of a strong association between individuals’ concern about the virus and various dimensions of food security, particularly reduced purchasing power and decreased meal frequency. Notably, this association follows an inverted U-shaped curve, with food insecurity initially increasing as worry grows, but declining after individuals contract the virus. High levels of concern were also linked to significant income decreases and worsening economic conditions. Moreover, individuals with higher concerns were more likely to rely on specific coping strategies, particularly spending savings and obtaining funds from relatives or friends. These findings underscore the need for government interventions during disease outbreaks and economic downturns to focus on alleviating individuals’ worry and fear to facilitate informed decision-making that minimizes food insecurity consequences. Additionally, the findings emphasize the need to strengthen social protection systems during public health and economic challenges to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.