bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and safety of biologic OviTex mesh in ventral mesh rectopexy: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Boom M. A. , van der Schans E. M. , Wijffels N. A. T. , Verheijen P. M. , Consten E. C. J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Minimal-invasive ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) is a widely accepted treatment for patients suffering from rectal prolapse. The type of mesh used in VMR remains a subject of debate. Currently, the most applied implant is a polypropylene mesh. The aim of the present pilot study was to determine the ease of use, feasibility, and safety of OviTex PGA mesh, a biologic mesh, in VMR.

Methods
Consecutive patients who underwent VMR for internal or external rectal prolapse were included in a prospective non-randomised pilot study in two centers. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation (90 days and 6 months) with a clinical examination and questionnaire regarding pelvic floor symptoms was performed. The primary objectives were to monitor the perioperative technical end result and the postoperative complication rate.

Results
Sixteen patients underwent VMR with an OviTex PGA implant. All operations were completed successfully and without intraoperative complications. The mean ODS and FISI score was significantly decreased after 6-months follow-up. No graft-related complications (GRC) occurred. Two patients developed a recurrent prolapse within 6 months.

Conclusion
Robotic correction of rectal prolapse using an OviTex mesh is a safe, minimally invasive, technically feasible treatment. However, further research is warranted to evaluate the potential added value of OviTex compared to polypropylene mesh on a larger scale. Long-term follow-up is essential to assess the durability of the procedure and monitor the occurrence of any new symptoms.
Tackling the Triple Threat in Kenya: Factors Associated with Protection against HIV Risk, Gender-Based Violence, and Pregnancy among Adolescent Girls and Young Women
Authors: Maughan-Brown Brendan , Banougnin Boladé Hamed , Little Madison T. , Hertzog Lucas , Matsha-Carpentier Ntombekhaya , Mugambi Celestine , Gichane Hermes , Cluver Lucie , Toska Elona 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The government of Kenya’s Triple Threat strategy recognises the need for urgent intervention to address the high incidence of HIV, gender-based violence (GBV) and pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). We used nationally representative data among AGYW aged 13–24 (n = 1344) from the 2018-19 Kenya Violence Against Children & Youth Survey (VACS) in multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine associations between three potential protective factors – gender-equitable attitudes, food security and parental monitoring – and outcomes related to the triple threat: Intimate partner violence (IPV); sexual violence; high HIV exposure risk; adolescent pregnancy; child marriage; and not being in school or paid work. Results showed that AGYW with gender-equitable attitudes were less likely to report IPV (adjusted odds-ratio (aOR):0.47, p < 0.01) and adolescent pregnancy (aOR:0.58, p < 0.05). AGYW who were food secure were less likely to report adolescent pregnancy (aOR:0.57, p < 0.05) and child marriage (aOR:0.51, p < 0.05). Those with high parental monitoring were less likely to report IPV (aOR:0.44, p < 0.01), sexual violence (aOR:0.49, p < 0.05), adolescent pregnancy (aOR:0.61, p < 0.05), and child marriage (aOR:0.41, p < 0.01). AGYW who had gender-equitable attitudes, food security and high parental monitoring (i.e., all three factors compared to none) had lower predicted probabilities of reporting IPV (22.3% vs. 5.0%), sexual violence (20.4% vs. 6.0%), adolescent pregnancy (23.7% vs. 7.7%), and child marriage (10.0% vs. 1.6%). The findings indicate that improving gender-equitable attitudes, food security and parental monitoring may positively impact multiple outcomes related to the triple threat; and that addressing all three may have the greatest impact.
Unraveling the ecological impact of a bacterial biocontrol agent applied to melon plants: insights into phenotypic, biochemical, and microbiota changes affected by Frateuria defendens
Authors: Moussa Suzana , Naor Vered , Kruh Lilach Iasur 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The increasing use of bacterial biocontrol agents in agriculture raises concerns about their potential impact not only on the environment of infected plants but also on that of healthy plants. This study investigated the effects of introducing the endophytic bacterium Frateuria defendens, a potential biocontrol agent against phytoplasma diseases, on melon (Cucumis melo) as a model plant. Different isolates of F. defendens were screened for their in vitro and in planta antimicrobial activity, as well as their ability to colonize and influence the plant microbiome. Only one isolate, designated KT11, successfully colonized the melon shoot and was found in the plant sap. The antimicrobial activity of this isolate was retained in the plant sap and was confirmed in a biological test on Spiroplasma melliferum. The presence of KT11 in the plant tissue induced distinct shifts in the overall structure and diversity of the endophytic microbial populations. These significant findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ecological implications of introducing exogenous microbes into plant systems. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intricate interactions between plants, their microbiomes, and introduced biocontrol agents, towards performing sustainable agricultural practices.
Parameter Choice Rules for Discrete Ill-Posed Problems Based on Extrapolation Methods
Authors: Azzarelli Andrea , Brezinski Claude , Fenu Caterina , Redivo-Zaglia Michela , Rodriguez Giuseppe 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Linear discrete inverse problems are common in many applicative fields. Regularization consists of substituting to the original ill-conditioned problem an approximated formulation depending on a parameter, which has to be chosen so that the new problem is well-conditioned and its solution is close enough to the ideal solution. When the parameter is discrete, like in the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) and in the generalized TSVD (TGSVD), one has to choose a vector out of a sequence. In this paper we explore the possibility to employ a sequence of extrapolated solutions to estimate the best parameter, as well as substituting to the regularized solution an extrapolated one. We investigate the use of three classical vector extrapolation methods, MPE (minimal polynomial extrapolation), RRE (reduced rank extrapolation), and VEA (vector epsilon algorithm). For the VEA method we also develop a new computational scheme which reduces memory storage and computing time. Numerical experiments compare the performance of the newly introduced approaches with other well-known methods.
A global, historical rule of law index
Authors: Skaaning Svend-Erik 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article introduces the V-Dem Rule of Law Index, capturing formal-procedural aspects of de facto adherence to rule of law principles. It relies on information from fifteen V-Dem indicators based on systematic expert assessments. The measure covers almost all sovereign and semi-sovereign polities from 1789 until today, which means that its scope by far surpasses that of extant alternatives. All country-year point estimates are supplemented by confidence intervals. The conceptual framework underlying the index builds on a survey of established, thin understandings of the rule of law. Empirical dimensionality tests reveal that the indicators tap into a common trait, which supports the use of Bayesian factor analysis to construct the index values. Comparisons with established rule of law measures demonstrate a very high co-variation. In addition, descriptive overviews and correlations with measures of neighboring concepts indicate that the new measure is able to discriminate between the rule of law performance over time and between countries on the one hand and between adherence to the rule of law and neighboring features of good governance on the other hand. The article closes with an empirical examination of the association between de jure constitutional provisions and de facto observance of the rule of law. The findings, based on a conventional country and year fixed effects regression analysis covering most independent countries from 1850 to 2010, identify a negative, substantively weak association. Hence, the results indicate that constitutional provisions, by themselves, do not promote the rule of law in all contexts, such as under autocratic rule.
Regional Disparities in Family Environments, Preschool Quality and Early School Attainment in China
Authors: Rao Nirmala , Yang Yi , Gong Jing , Su Yufen , Perlman Michal , Sun Jin , Zhang Li , Zhou Jing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We examined associations among home environments, preschool quality, and academic achievement in Shanghai and Guizhou – two regions in China that vary substantially in economic development. Children (N = 697; M
age = 57.6 months; 367 boys) from 52 classrooms in 29 preschools were assessed in individual sessions when they were in preschool (Fall 2017 and Summer 2019) and in Grade 2 (Fall 2020). Parents reported on the home environment (family socioeconomic status and home learning activities), and preschool quality was observed. Home environments, preschool quality, and child outcomes were correlated, and all were significantly better in Shanghai than in Guizhou at all measurement points. When we controlled for children’s baseline abilities and family characteristics, results showed limited associations with child outcomes three years later at Grade 2, but distinct factors played a role in the two regions. In both regions, preschool quality was not associated with child outcomes.
National Mourning and the Poetics of Public Grief: Jaroslav Seifert's Elegies for T. G. Masaryk
Authors: Momčilović Aleksandar , Dušanić Dunja 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis paper explores the relationship between elegy, national mourning, and the poetics of public grief by taking as an example Jaroslav Seifert's sequence of elegies, Osm dní (Eight Days), published in 1937 to mourn the death of Czechoslovakia's first president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (1850–1937). An extraordinary work of poetry—exceptional both in its ambition and in the apparent speed with which it was composed and published—Seifert's Eight Days has largely been forgotten today and remains little known outside of Czech literary criticism. This article offers a reading of the sequence as a modernist elegy, with the purpose of rethinking the multidirectional relationship between poetry, nationalism and public mourning.
Atomistic insights into the mechanical behaviors of nanocrystalline FeNiCrCoCu high entropy alloy under tension and compression
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Zhou Hongjian , Ding Suhang , Hu Yiqun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To understand the mechanical behaviors of nanocrystalline FeNiCrCoCu high entropy alloy (HEA) from the atomic perspective, molecular dynamics simulations of tension and compression tests are conducted. The effects of grain size, strain rate, twin thickness, element composition, and environment temperature on the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms are analyzed. It is found that the classical Hall-Petch (H-P) behavior of flow stress transforms to the inverse H-P relation when the grain size of the nanocrystalline FeNiCrCoCu HEA is below 12−14 nm. In the H-P regime, the emission and glide of partial dislocations are the ruling plastic activities. However, in the inverse H-P regime, the primary deformation behavior is grain rotation and grain boundary migration. Dislocation propagation, intrinsic/extrinsic stacking faults, Lomer-Cottrell locks, FCC to BCC to HCP phase transition, and twinning are observed under both compressive and tensile loads. The dislocation density is higher during compression deformation than during tension deformation, resulting in greater modulus and strength under compression. With increasing temperature, the dislocation activity weakens, while the amorphization intensifies. Additionally, the mechanical parameters, including Young’s modulus, yield strength, flow stress, and peak stress, increase with increasing strain rate or decreasing temperature. These findings provide a guide for the design of FeNiCrCoCu HEA with desired mechanical performance.
Axion-inflation baryogenesis via new U(1) gauge symmetries
Authors: Chao Wei , Wang Yonghua , Xie ChenHui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate axion-inflation baryogenesis models, embedded into U(1)
gauge symmetric extensions of the Standard Model (SM), in which the new gauge field couples to the
pseudo-scalar inflaton via the Chern-Simons coupling. The motion of the inflaton induces a
techyonic instability for one of the two helicities of the gauge field, resulting in the
production of the helical gauge field. It further leads to the generation of the SM particle
number densities through the Adler-Bell-Jackiv anomaly during the reheating, which is sufficient
to generate the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe. Our numerical results show that this
mechanism works for the U(1)𝐋, U(1)𝐑 and U(1)𝐁-𝐋 gauge
symmetry cases, where subscripts 𝐋, 𝐑, 𝐁-𝐋 indicate the lepton
number, the right-handed fermion and the baryon number minus the lepton number respectively. The
key point for these mechanisms to work is that the evolution of the number density for
right-handed neutrinos is decoupled from those of the SM particles, which shares the same merit as
the Dirac Leptogenesis mechanism.
Successful cogenesis of baryon and dark matter from memory-burdened PBH
Authors: Borah Debasish , Das Nayan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We study the possibility of producing the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe (BAU) and dark matter (DM) from evaporating primordial black holes (PBH) beyond the semi-classical regime incorporating the impact of memory burden. In the simplest scenario of baryogenesis via vanilla leptogenesis with hierarchical right handed neutrino (RHN), it is possible to generate the observed BAU with memory-burdened PBH being sole contributor to the production of RHN. While it is not possible to achieve cogenesis in this minimal setup due to structure formation constraints on relic allowed DM parameter space, we show the viability of successful cogenesis in the resonant leptogenesis regime. We also show that successful cogenesis can be achieved in a simple baryogenesis model without taking the leptogenesis route. Due to the possibility of generating asymmetry even below the sphaleron decoupling era, the direct baryogenesis route opens up new parameter space of memory-burdened PBH. The two scenarios of successful cogenesis can also be distinguished by observations of stochastic gravitational waves produced from PBH density fluctuations.
X-ray scattering tensor tomography with a random wavefront modulator to study 3D microstructures in archaeological skeletal remains
Authors: Lautizi Ginevra , Lemmers Simone A.M. , Di Trapani Vittorio , Schmeltz Margaux , Zdora Marie-Christine , Broche Ludovic , Studer Alain , Marone Federica , Stampanoni Marco , Thibault Pierre 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We present an application of X-ray scattering tensor tomography with a random wavefront modulator to resolve the orientation of microstructures in archaeological skeletal remains. We experimentally investigated two fragments from different tissue types — cortical bone and a root dentine — commonly analyzed in archaeological and palaeoanthropological research. This study hints at the potential to advance methodologies for both archaeological research and clinical applications.
Infective endocarditis caused by non-HACEK Gram-negative bacteria, a registry-based comparative study
Authors: Al Janabi Jasmina , El Noaimi Mohammed , Sunnerhagen Torgny , Snygg-Martin Ulrika , Rasmussen Magnus 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction/objectives
Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by non-HACEK Gram-negative bacteria (nHGNB) is uncommon. In the 2023 Duke-ISCVID diagnostic criteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens were added as “typical” pathogens. We examine the consequences of this addition, the risk of IE in bacteremia from nHGNB species and the features of IE caused by nHGNB.

Materials and methods
nHGNB IE cases reported to the Swedish Registry of Infective Endocarditis (SRIE) 2008-2023 were identified. Episodes of bacteremia caused by nHGNB during the same period in Region Skåne were used as controls. Characteristics of IE caused by nHGNB were compared with those of other pathogens reported to the SRIE.

Results
114 episodes of nHGNB IE, of which 98 (87%) were definitive, were identified (1.5% of all cases). Escherichia coli was the most common cause (28%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%) and Klebsiella (9%). Applying the Duke-ISCVID criteria, none of the possible IE episodes caused by P. aeruginosa or S. marcescens were reclassified to definitive IE. Comparing the proportion of the nHGNB species in episodes with IE to episodes with bacteraemia (n=33213), E. coli was more common in bacteraemia than in IE whereas P. aeruginosa and Serratia were more common in IE. Patients with nHGNB IE frequently had underlying diseases and the mortality was higher than in streptococcal IE.

Discussion
Our findings indicate that P. aeruginosa and Serratia are more common in IE than in bacteremia but that that their status as “typical IE-pathogens” in the Duke-ISCVID criteria did not improve the performance of the criteria.
Congregations of rodent-eating birds during flood irrigation of crops exploit novel prey pulses and potentially provide pest control services
Authors: Kross Sara M , Bourbour Ryan P , Strum Khara , Martinico Breanna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In California’s Central Valley, we have observed large congregations of rodent-eating birds- including wading birds, raptors and corvids- hunting for rodent prey during flood irrigation of alfalfa fields. A pilot study in 9 fields revealed a mean of 23.7 rodent-eating birds, and a maximum of 102 birds, hunting simultaneously in a field. We observed a total of 293 rodent prey captures in 570 min of monitoring and calculated a mean of 1.03 rodent prey captures per hour of avian hunting effort. We believe these initial observations provide insights into the responses of rodent-eating birds to an intensive farming practice that echoes natural fluctuations in surface water. We propose 4 testable hypotheses for others exploring the role of irrigation practices for carnivorous birds: (1) rodent-eating birds use social and environmental cues to exploit prey during short-term flood irrigation events; (2) rodents make up a larger proportion of the diet of Ardeidae species in regions that use short-duration flood irrigation compared to regions where this practice is not used and flood-irrigated fields may therefore sustain rodent-eating bird populations in areas where natural wetlands are scarce; (3) rodent-eating birds provide significant rodent pest control services within flooded alfalfa fields; and (4) nocturnal predators respond to short-term flood irrigation events in a similar pattern as diurnal birds.
Setd2 overexpression rescues bivalent gene expression during SCNT-mediated ZGA
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Xu Ruimin , Zhao Yuyan , Yang Yijia , Shi Qi , Wang Hong , Liu Xiaoyu , Gao Shaorong , Li Chong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) faces significant challenges due to epigenetic obstacles. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 as potential contributors to these obstacles. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we generated genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in mouse pre-implantation NT embryos. Our analysis revealed aberrantly over-represented broad H3K4me3 domain and H3K27me3 signal lead to increased bivalent marks at gene promoters in NT embryos compared with naturally fertilized (NF) embryos at the 2-cell stage, which may link to relatively low levels of H3K36me3 in NT 2-cell embryos. Notably, the overexpression of Setd2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase, successfully restored multiple epigenetic marks, including H3K36me3, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3. Additionally, it reinstated the expression levels of ZGA-related genes by re-establishing H3K36me3 at gene body regions, which excluded H3K27me3 from bivalent promoters, ultimately improving cloning efficiency. These findings highlight the excessive bivalent state at gene promoters as a potent barrier and emphasize the removal of these barriers as a promising approach for achieving higher cloning efficiency.
Spatiotemporal Regulation of the Bone Immune Microenvironment via a ‘Zn2+–quercetin’ Hierarchical Delivery System for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Sun Hengliang , Chen Yedan , Sang Xiaoqin , Liu Qingxiang , Yu Haoran , Hu Shaojun , Mao Yingji , Zhang Li 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The immunoregulation of tissue-engineered bone has emerged as a prominent area for bone defect repair. While this field demonstrates considerable potential, effectively managing relevant factors and maintaining a balanced immune microenvironment in practical applications remain substantial challenges that require resolution. In this study, we tested a novel comprehensive hierarchical delivery system based on the requirements of a natural immune microenvironment for inflammatory factors, to optimize local immune responses through precise regulation of drug release. Quercetin (Que)-loaded zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles were embedded in gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) to create a drug-release system featuring a Zn2+ shell and quercetin core. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that this dual sustained-release hydrogel-ZIF-8 system can produce low concentrations of Zn2+ at an early stage, resulting in a mild anti-inflammatory effect and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Moreover, as inflammation advances, the release of quercetin works synergistically with Zn2+ to enhance anti-inflammatory responses, reconfigure the local microenvironment, and mitigate the inflammatory response that adversely impacts bone health by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation. This system is pioneering for sequential microenvironment regulation based on its diverse anti-inflammatory properties, offering a novel and comprehensive strategy for bone immune regulation in the clinical treatment of bone defects.