bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lifespan of COVID‐19 living guideline recommendations: A survival analysis
Authors: McFarlane Emma , Mercer Toby , Sharp Steve , Hunter Debra , Kelley Kate , Glen Fiona , Majeed Maria 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundNICE has maintained a portfolio of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) living guidelines since March 2020. Recommendations within these living guidelines are subject to continuous surveillance and updates in response to triggers. However, the lifespan of individual living guideline recommendations and features that may impact whether a recommendation becomes out of date sooner is unknown.ObjectivesThis study describes the length of time NICE COVID‐19 living guideline recommendations have remained valid.MethodsAll guidelines within NICE's COVID‐19 portfolio were included to determine the lifespan of living guideline recommendations. Data were collected on all recommendations that had been developed, undergone surveillance or updated between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2022. The initial publication date, decision to update and updated publication date were extracted. Updates were labelled as major changes in evidence synthesis or minor changes without a substantial change in the evidence base. Any recommendation that had not been updated or withdrawn was censored. Survival analysis (Kaplan–Meier curve) was carried out to determine the lifespan of recommendations.ResultsOverall, 26 COVID‐19 living guidelines and 1182 recommendations were included in the analysis. Living recommendations had a median survival time of 739 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 332, 781). Based on recommendation type, intervention recommendations had a shorter survival time (354 days, IQR: 312, 775) compared to diagnosis (368 days, IQR: 328, 795), patient experience (733 days, IQR: 345, 795) and service delivery (739 days, IQR: 643, 781). Within intervention type, pharmacological recommendations had the shortest survival time versus nonpharmacological recommendations (335 days, IQR: 161, 775 vs. 775 days, IQR: 354, 775). Updates were published an average of 29.12 days following a surveillance decision.ConclusionWithin living guidelines, some recommendations need to be updated sooner than others. This study outlines the value of a flexible responsive approach to surveillance according to the pace of change and expectation of update triggers.
Prevention of osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy
Authors: Naseer Amara , Brennan Sinead , MacCarthy Denise , O'Connell John Edward , O'Sullivan Eleanor , Leech Michelle 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundOsteoradionecrosis is a long‐term, serious side effect of head and neck radiation therapy and is associated with significant morbidity and quality of life issues.MethodsThis paper sought to determine consensus on the prevention and management of osteoradionecrosis by an international panel of multidisciplinary professionals expert in the management of patients with head and neck cancer using a Delphi methodology. Unique to this work is our direct inclusion of the views of patients and carers in our findings.ResultsThis study reached consensus on the importance of pre and post oral health assessment and education for patients with head and neck cancer. This was also noted by the patients and carers who took part in the study.ConclusionsThis work highlights the need for a standardized oral health assessment tool and multidisciplinary care of patients to prevent and manage osteoradionecrosis.
Effect of thoracic manipulation on neck pain in the mobility group: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoshida Ryota , Ichikawa Kazuna , Nagahori Hiraku , Tazawa Tomohiro , Kuruma Hironobu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsThoracic spine manipulation (TSM) increases the thoracic spine's range of motion (ROM), effectively reducing pain intensity and disability in patients with mechanical neck pain. We aimed to determine the effect of TSM on neck pain intensity and functional impairment in patients classified under the “mobility” category in Childs' classification.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, patients with mechanical neck pain who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the TSM (n = 21) or sham manipulation (n = 20) group. The primary outcomes were pain during neck rotation and subjective improvement assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Global Rating of Change (GROC), respectively. The secondary outcomes were NPRS at rest, disability (assessed using the Neck Disability Index [NDI]), and ROM of the cervical and thoracic spine rotation. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline, immediately after treatment, 1 week after treatment, and at the 4‐week follow‐up. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the NPRS, NDI, and ROM. The GROC was analyzed using a chi‐square test for the percentage recording ≥+4; the means of each group were compared using an unpaired t‐test.ResultsThe NPRS with neck rotation, neck and thoracic ROM, and NDI showed significant interactions between the groups. The NPRS with neck rotation was significantly lower in the TSM group than in the sham group at all time points after the treatment (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in the proportion showing moderate (≥+4) improvement according to the GROC; however, there was a significant difference in the mean values (p = 0.013).ConclusionIncorporating TSM into treatment protocols may improve clinical outcomes in patients with neck pain, potentially leading to better pain management and functional recovery. Therefore, physiotherapists should consider TSM as a viable and effective intervention to improve patient outcomes in neck pain rehabilitation.
The association of blood pressure, body mass index and carotid intima‐media thickness as childhood predictors of cardiovascular disease risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Agyei Benedict Apaw , Wiafe Yaw Amo , Donkor Andrew , Anyitey‐Kokor Ijeoma Chinedum , Yahya Kataru , Sarfo Fred Stephen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsBlood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) are well‐known independent predictors of cardiovascular disease especially in adulthood. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the statistical significance of the relationship between childhood CIMT, blood pressure and BMI. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was therefore conducted to ascertain the relationship.MethodsThis systematic review and meta‐analysis was reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Three electronic databases were searched, namely EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Data were extracted independently by two review authors. Quantitative data were analyzed using Review Manager.ResultsThe meta‐analysis was conducted using a random effects model and standard mean difference. The results of the meta‐analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in CIMT of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.41–1.31) between normotensive versus hypertensive children. Again, overweight and moderately obese children had higher CIMT values as compared to normal weight children with a pooled standard mean difference of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.24–1.20) and 2.75 (95% CI: 0.73–4.77) respectively. The pooled standard mean difference of systolic and diastolic blood pressures was found to be 2.44 (95% CI: 1.69–3.19) and 1.28 (95% CI: 0.65–1.92) respectively between normal weight and overweight/obese children.ConclusionThe meta‐analysis found a significant difference in CIMT between normotensive and hypertensive children, with overweight and moderately obese children having higher CIMT values. Thus, conducting CIMT screening for obese or overweight children and children with increased blood pressure can provide valuable information about their cardiovascular disease risk.
Exploring the gender gap in neurosurgery: A cross‐sectional analysis of preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents
Authors: Hassan Taimur , Kakkilaya Akash , Huang Annie , Kakkilaya Apoorva , Downey Kristen , Powell Kerrington 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsWhile the number of female physicians has increased since the 1970s, there continues to be a lack of female surgeons compared to their male counterparts, with the gender gap more prominent in surgical subspecialties such as neurosurgery. While surgical subspecialities have accelerated initiatives to close the gap, potential disparities in research opportunities may position women at a disadvantage, particularly in neurosurgery, where academic publications are an indicator of residency match success. In this paper, we sought to investigate whether gender disparities exist in preresidency neurosurgery publications among current neurosurgery residents.MethodsThe present study selected residency programs from the top 25 neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in US News & World Report's 2022 Ranking. A database of neurosurgery residents and their publications was created using PubMed, neurosurgery residency program websites, and supplementary search. Articles published between the time of birth and December 31st of the year of graduation (medical degree) were used to determine publications before residency.ResultsOur research indicates that 25.7% (n = 135/526) of US neurosurgery residents at top 25 hospitals are women and 74.3% (n = 391/526) are men. Men (n = 391) had a median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–14.5; range, 0–129) publications before residency, and women (n = 135) had a median of 7 (IQR, 4–11.0; range, 0–74) publications before residency. There were no significant differences in the median number of publications between genders (p = 0.65).ConclusionIn conclusion, our research indicates there is no gender disparity in preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents. To improve women's representation in the field, further study is needed to better understand gender inequality among neurosurgeons, particularly in the earlier stages of medical training.
Development and predictors of reading skills in a 5‐year Italian longitudinal study
Authors: Mascheretti Sara , Luoni Chiara , Franceschini Sandro , Capelli Elena , Farinotti Laura , Borgatti Renato , Lecce Serena , Termine Cristiano 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLimited longitudinal studies have explored the development of reading, along with its predictors, in a language characterized by shallow orthography and a simple syllabic structure. In a 5‐year longitudinal study, we investigated the development of reading skills in 327 Italian‐speaking children (male: n = 180, 55%) from Grade 1 (mean age = 6.16 ± 0.28) to Grade 5 (mean age = 10.82 ± 0.31). We tested their reading performance at the end of each school year (Grade 1–5) and examined the impact of early cognitive factors (phonological awareness‐PA, verbal short‐term memory‐vSTM, and non‐verbal intelligence), environmental factors (socioeconomic status) as well as Grade 1 reading proficiency on subsequent reading development. A linear development of reading skills was found in both children classified as typical readers and those with reading disabilities. Non‐verbal intelligence, PA, vSTM and reading proficiency at the end of Grade 1 predicted reading development throughout primary school (reading speed: R2‐Intercept = 61.8%; R2‐Slope = 12.9%, and reading accuracy: R2‐Intercept = 40.1%; R2‐Slope = 22.2%). The stability of reading performance across school grades highlights the significance of early reading skills as a marker and target for early intervention programs.Highlights

To investigate reading development throughout primary school in an Italian‐speaking sample, and the impact of early cognitive and environmental predictors.
Reading development was linear and predicted by early cognitive skills, as assessed by repeated measures ANOVAs and growth curve modelling.
These findings highlight the importance of supporting reading development as early as the end of Grade 1.
Irrigation water strategies to intensify vegetable production on smallholder farms in Guyana
Authors: Madramootoo Chandra A. , Mortel Guia Marie M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs part of its development program, Guyana is diversifying and expanding its agricultural sector to increase the production of higher‐value vegetable crops. Apart from ensuring food security, this also reduces the country's food import bill. Abandoned sugarcane lands are targeted for the intensification and expansion of vegetable production. This study seeks to determine the supplemental irrigation requirements of vegetable farms located along coastal lands, recommend scenarios to manage water during the two annual dry seasons, and understand the effects of irrigation thresholds on the yields of six commonly planted vegetables. The AquaCrop model was used for this purpose, together with inputs of field‐measured soil and climate data obtained from 2005 to 2012. Yield simulations of seven irrigation thresholds (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100% total available water [TAW]) were evaluated. At 40, 50, and 60% TAW, a decreasing irrigation requirement did not significantly reduce yield (pairwise t‐test, p > 0.05). The use of 40, 50, or 60% TAW irrigation thresholds during the two annual dry seasons is recommended. The low irrigation requirements for vegetables do not compete with the water requirements of rice and sugarcane production.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Glass Ionomer Cement With Nanocrystalline Cellulose From Rice Husk
Authors: Rini Aninda Dwi Kartika , Juwita Fifin Tresna , Bagjana Riza Widyanti , Octivany Sherly , Purnama Ryana Budi , Rijal Moch Saifur , Anwar Ahmad Miftahul , Purwasasmita Bambang Sunendar , Asri Lia A. T. W. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) sourced from rice husk on the mechanical properties of a commercial glass ionomer cement (GIC). NCC was isolated through acid hydrolysis, and its crystallinity, chemical structure, and morphology were characterized through x‐ray diffractometry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Various concentrations of NCC (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were added to reinforce the GIC matrix. Mechanical tests including compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and shear bond strength were conducted on the modified GIC samples. The addition of NCC resulted in increased hardness and shear bond strength values, with 1% NCC showing the highest values compared to other concentrations. However, there was no significant improvement observed in the compressive and flexural strength of the modified GIC. Failure mode test revealed a reduction in adhesive failure with the addition of NCC. Incorporating small amounts of NCC (0.5%–1%) suggests a promising and affordable modification of GIC restorative material using biomass residue, resulting in improved mechanical properties.
Examining the evolution of extreme precipitation event using reanalysis and the observed datasets along the Western Ghats
Authors: Khadke Leena , Budakoti Sachin , Verma Akash , Bhowmik Moumita , Hazra Anupam 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, India has witnessed an increase in the intensity, frequency, and spread of extreme weather events. The widespread increase in extreme precipitation over the Western Coast of India is a matter of great concern. The factors contributing to such devastating extreme precipitation remain unclear due to the variability present in meteorological and oceanic variables and associated large‐scale circulations. Using reanalysis and observed datasets, we attempted to identify a combination of dynamic, thermodynamic, and cloud microphysics processes contributing to the anomalous precipitation from August 1 to 10, 2019 against its climatology. Our key findings highlight the crucial role of warm sea surface temperatures (anomaly >1.4°C), outgoing longwave radiation (anomaly <−50 W·m−2), and atmospheric temperature (anomaly over the ocean is >1.6°C) in enhancing the moisture‐holding capacity of the atmosphere by almost 10%. This elevated moisture, propelled by intensified low‐level winds (anomalies exceeding 4 m·s−1), leads to a shift from ocean to land. Notably, we observe that vertical updrafts (anomalies >−0.4 m·s−1) contribute to increased atmospheric instability and moisture convergence. The presence of an ample amount of cloud hydrometeors, with anomalies surpassing 2.5 × 10−4 kg·kg−1, establishes conditions conducive to sustained intense precipitation. Our findings deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between ocean and atmospheric dynamics, and wind patterns, and emphasize their pivotal influence on regional weather patterns and land surface hydrology.
Pseudomorphic synthesis of pore size‐tunable mesoporous silica spherical particles and their application for the fraction of low‐molecular‐weight heparin
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Jie , Yang Yang , Bi Yujie , Cai Changyu , Ke Yanxiong 
Published: August 2024

In this study, spherical silica with pore size varied from 30 to 200 Å was synthesized by pseudomorphic transformation at atmospheric pressure. 40–80 Å silica particles with a narrow pore distribution were obtained by using quaternary amine cationic surfactants and different kinds of swelling agents, including polypropylene glycol, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene, alkanes, and alkanols. Alkyl imidazolium ionic liquid surfactants were used to synthesize large pore size distribution silica spheres with pore sizes in the range of 110–200 Å. All these silica particles can be synthesized under mild conditions within 12 h, which provides a facile synthesis method for the preparation of a chromatographic matrix with tunable pore size. The method is reproducible and the relative standard deviation of silica sphere pore structure parameters in scaled‐up preparations is less than 6%. The pore size on the fraction of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) was investigated in size exclusion chromatography. Matrixes with different pore size distributions have various size exclusion regions. By using UPS‐60‐Diol columns in a twin‐column recirculation separation process, LMWH with >85% heparin with molecular weight within the range of 3000–8000 Da were separated in five‐column volumes.
Trade‐Offs and Optimization of Ecosystem Services in the Plain Terminal Lake Basin: A Case Study of Xinjiang
Authors: Luo Chun , Ma Xiaofei , Yan Wei , Wang Yonghui 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTInfluenced by climate change and human activities, plain terminal lake basins (PTLB) in arid regions experience significant shrinkage, resulting in a decline in ecosystem services (ESs) such as windbreak and sand fixation (SF) and habitat quality (HQ). However, systematic assessments of these services in such basins are limited. A key research challenge is to define and enhance the contribution of plain terminal lakes within the ESs framework of their respective basins. Therefore, this study focused on the Ebinur Lake Basin (ELB), Manas River Basin (MRB), and Tarim River Basin (TRB) in Xinjiang. We adopted both the InVEST and RWEQ models to assess ESs in these regions, by employing the production possibility frontier (PPF) to optimize various ESs, including carbon storage (CS), water yield (WY), HQ, and SF. The results indicated a general upward trend in ESs across these key basins, with a particularly significant increase in the CS. Spatial analysis revealed that regions with improved ESs were mainly concentrated in the mountainous and oasis areas of the basins, with the most pronounced improvement observed in the TRB. Within these basins, the interactions between the different ESs mainly exhibited synergistic relationships. However, notable concave trade‐off relationships existed between WY and CS, WY and HQ, and HQ and SF, particularly in the TRB. This was largely attributed to increased trade‐offs between WY and other ESs, resulting from the widespread agricultural expansion in the TRB. We plotted the optimal Pareto efficiency curves for ESs across the three basins to obtain the corresponding optimization results, and made recommendations for the enhancement of ESs. In summary, this study lays a solid scientific foundation for establishing ecological protection boundaries and promoting high‐quality sustainable development in the PTLB of arid areas.
Gulf Stream intrusion and deep current upwelling drive dynamic patterns of temperature and food supply within cold‐water coral reefs
Authors: Carrick Jane V. , Mienis Furu , Cordes Erik E. , Demopoulos Amanda W.J. , Davies Andrew J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOne of the most significant features of the Northwest Atlantic, the Gulf Stream influences high magnitude environmental fluctuations in deep habitats across the South Atlantic Bight. Amid this variability, the Blake Plateau harbors extensive reefs formed by cold‐water corals that were previously assumed to rely on narrow ranges of temperature, currents, and particulate supply. A benthic lander collected near‐bed conditions at the Richardson Reef Complex, a cold‐water reef dominated by the scleractinian Desmophyllum pertusum at 830 m within the path of the Gulf Stream. Specific behavior of the Gulf Stream resulted in recurring environmental patterns at depth. During offshore meanders, deep stream components intruded onto the reef and caused rapid (3.74°C per hour) temperature increases up to 10.8°C (> 5°C above the site mean) and increased chlorophyll. Within 2 d of peak temperatures, intrusions were replaced by strong, turbid upwelling currents that rapidly cooled the site to temperature minima (4.13°C). While considerable environmental variability from the Gulf Stream may otherwise implicate a thermally stressful setting for corals, high‐temperature events were likely mitigated by their short duration (< 37.4 h) and physical coupling with enhanced organic material. This hypothesis was supported by high‐density clustering of D. pertusum occurrences within 50 km around the Gulf Stream's position along the South Atlantic Bight. This suggests that cold‐water corals experiencing environmental variability can be sustained by relationships between food supply, temperature, and currents that vary in strength along stochastic time scales, shedding further light on the niche of cold‐water corals.
Chain forming diatoms use different strategies to avoid diffusion limited N assimilation
Authors: Stenow Rickard , Olofsson Malin , Whitehouse Martin J. , Ploug Helle 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFormation of large colonies by phytoplankton is considered a disadvantage during low nutrient and non‐turbulent conditions because of diffusion limitation and competition by neighboring cells. This is assumed by diffusion models and not empirical measurements. Here, we measured cell‐specific dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nitrate () assimilation in two chain‐forming Skeletonema marinoi strains by combining secondary ion mass spectrometry with stable isotopic tracer incubations. The pelagic strains were recently germinated from resting stages and thus not adapted to high nutrient regimes of laboratory cultures. During the exponential phase, the cells assimilated excess relative to DIC. The DIC and assimilation varied with chain length or the position of the cell within chains but did not follow any consistent trend. Solitary cells were rare and did not exceed 6% of all cells. During the nitrogen‐limited stationary phase, assimilation was lower than modeled by mass transfer theory at diffusion limitation. assimilation rates were apparently limited by the biological uptake rate at nitrate concentrations < 0.46 μmol L−1. We conclude that S. marinoi is adapted to high nutrient concentrations and may seldom be diffusion limited in coastal waters with ambient concentrations > 0.46 μmol L−1. These findings contrast those previously reported in larger chain forming diatoms, for example, Chaetoceros, which appear to circumvent diffusion limitation at low ambient concentrations and succeed S. marinoi during spring blooms.