bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application effect of the segmented teaching method in training medical students on clinical practice skills
Authors: Liu Chao , Ren Mei , Luo Chaoen , Asfandyar Khan , Dai Huijie , Yang Jinxin , Lei Zhengwen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The surgical clinical practice skill training is an important part of medical undergraduate education. Surgical skills are complex and difficult to master. However, the traditional teaching method has some disadvantages, for example, the form is stereotyped and monotonous, the content is dull and boring. We innovatively put forward the segmented teaching method. In the segmented teaching method, the theoretical knowledge and operation steps were divided into three stages: pre-operation, during operation, and post-operation. The theoretical knowledge was explained in stages, the operation was segmented, the training was segmented, the timing was segmented, the comment was segmented, and the overall reinforcement was finally achieved. The results of debridement and suture practice training show that this teaching model can improve the clinical practice ability of medical students, and can achieve good training effect in the surgical clinical practice skill training.
Weather Window Analysis for the Deployment, Operation, and Maintenance of Marine Renewable Energy Devices in Irish Coastal Waters
Authors: Moore Dylan , Eftekhari Alireza , Nash Stephen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study presents a detailed analysis of weather window accessibility for marine renewable energy (MRE) sites along Ireland's coast, utilizing a robust 12-year met-ocean dataset. The research focuses on key test sites - the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), the Galway Bay Test Site (GBTS), and the Westwave Demonstration Site - and expands to a broader spatial analysis of Irish coastal waters. By integrating significant wave height and wind data, the study evaluates site accessibility, emphasizing the paramount role of wave height in determining access. Findings reveal substantial spatial variability in accessibility, with high-resource areas like AMETS facing greater access challenges due to harsher conditions, as opposed to the more accessible GBTS. The study underscores the need for a nuanced, region-specific approach to MRE development in Ireland, highlighting how strategic planning and technological advancements are crucial in exploiting the country's significant MRE potential. The results also stress the importance of long-term data for accurate environmental variability assessment, offering vital insights for future MRE site viability and strategy development.
Phthalocyanine-Porphyrin Uniform Orthogonal Conjugated Oligomer for NIR Photothermal-Photodynamic Synergistic Antibacterial Treatment
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao Wanru , Ma Gaoqiang , Zhang Sen , Lian Guixue , Wu Ailin , Zhang Dongjiao , Jiang Jianzhuang , Wang Lin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the increase of antibiotic resistance worldwide, there is an urgent demand to develop new antibacterial agent and approaches to address the threat to human health posed by the ineffectiveness of traditional antibiotics. In this work, an orthogonal conjugated uniform oligomer bactericide of SiPc-ddCPP was constructed between silicon phthalocyanine and porphyrin via amide bond, which can effectively treat infection through photodynamic-photothermal combined therapy without considering drug resistance. Compared with organic photothermal agents induced by unstable H-aggregation with blue-shifted absorption and fluorescence/ROS quenching, this orthogonal-structured uniform SiPc-ddCPP nanoparticle shows remarkably stability and NIR photothermal effect (η = 31.15%) along with fluorescence and ROS generation, due to the photoinduced intramolecular energy transfer within SiPc-ddCPP. Antibacterial studies have shown that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria could be efficiently annihilated in a few minutes through synergistic PDT-PTT of SiPc-ddCPP along with satisfactory bacterial targeting. These results suggest SiPc-ddCPP is a multifunctional NIR bactericide, which afford a new approach of PDT-PTT targeted anti-inflammation to conquer the crisis of antibiotic resistance.
Cardiovascular Fitness and Sleep, but not Physical Activity, are Associated with Improved Brain Functional Connectivity in Older Adults.
Authors: Wing David , Roelands Bart , Wetherell Julie Loebach , Nichols Jeanne F. , Meeusen Romain , Godino Job G. , Shimony Joshua , Snyder Abraham Z , Nishino Tomoyuki , Nichol Ginger , Nagels Guy , Eyler Lisa T. , Lenze Eric J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Aging results in changes in resting state functional connectivity within key networks associated with cognition. Cardiovascular function, physical activity, sleep, and body composition may influence these age-related changes in the brain. Better understanding these associations may help clarify mechanisms related to brain aging and guide interventional strategies to reduce these changes. In a large (n = 398) sample of healthy community dwelling older adults we conducted cross sectional analyses of the relationship between several modifiable behaviors and resting state functional connectivity within the brain in key regions associated with cognition and emotional regulation. Additionally, maximal aerobic capacity with a graded exercise test, physical activity and sleep with accelerometers, and body composition with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry were assessed. Associations were explored both through correlation and best vs. worst group comparisons.
Results
Greater cardiovascular fitness, but not larger volume of daily physical activity, was associated with greater connectivity within the Default Monde and Salience Networks, both of which are key networks associated with aging. Better sleep, in terms of increased total sleep time, higher sleep efficiency and fewer nighttime awakenings was also associated with greater connectivity within multiple networks including the Default Mode, Executive Control, and Salience Networks. Higher body fat percentage was associated with increased connectivity in the Dorsal Attentional Network.
Conclusion
These findings confirm and expand on previous work indicating that, in older adults, higher levels of cardiovascular fitness and better sleep in terms of greater efficiency and less total awakenings, but not greater volume of physical activity or lower volume of body fat are associated with increased functional connectivity within key brain regions. Also, assessing sleep quality and quantity may be a useful tool for identifying potentially clinically meaningful declines in brain function.
Inferring Enterovirus D68 Transmission Dynamics from the Genomic Data of Two 2022 North American outbreaks
Authors: Grunnill Martin , Eshaghi Alireza , Damodaran Lambodhar , Nagra Sandeep , Gharouni Ali , Braukmann Thomas , Clark Shawn , Peci Adriana , Isabel Sandra , Banh Philip , du Plessis Louis , Murall Carmen Lia , Colijn Caroline , Mubareka Samira , Hasso Maan , Bahl Justin , Mostafa Heba H. , Gubbay Jonathan B. , Patel Samir N. , Wu Jianhong , Duvvuri Venkata R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has emerged as a significant cause of acute respiratory illness in children globally, notably following its extensive outbreak in North America in 2014. A recent outbreak of EV-D68 was observed in Ontario, Canada, from August to October 2022. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed a notable genetic similarity between the Ontario outbreak and a concurrent outbreak in Maryland, USA. Utilizing Bayesian phylodynamic modeling on whole genome sequences (WGS) from both outbreaks, we determined the median peak time-varying reproduction number (Rt) to be 2.70 (95% HPD 1.76, 4.08) in Ontario and 2.10 (95% HPD 1.41, 3.17) in Maryland. The Rt trends in Ontario closely matched those derived via EpiEstim using reported case numbers. Our study also provides new insights into the median infection duration of EV-D68, estimated at 7.94 days (95% HPD 4.55, 12.8) in Ontario and 10.8 days (95% HPD 5.85, 18.6) in Maryland, addressing the gap in the existing literature surrounding EV-D68’s infection period. We observed that the estimated Time since the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) and the epidemic's origin coincided with the easing of COVID-19 related social contact restrictions in both areas. This suggests that the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, initially implemented to control COVID-19, may have inadvertently facilitated the spread of EV-D68. These findings underscore the effectiveness of phylodynamic methods in public health, demonstrating their broad application from local to global scales and underscoring the critical role of pathogen genomic data in enhancing public health surveillance and outbreak characterization.
Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms 6 weeks after delivery and the relationship of pelvic floor muscle function
Authors: zhang lei , Wang Xiaoxiao , Hou Xinnan , Zhuang Xinrong , Wang Yu , Wang Xiaoqing , Lu Ye 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
There are few studies of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women with different modes of delivery after 42 days. It is doubtful whether the onset of LUTS is related to the decline of pelvic muscle function after delivery.
Methods
This was an observational study conducted at Peking University First Hospital from 2019 to 2022. A total of 2462 women were recruited and interviewed 42 days after delivery using questionnaires, and gynecological physical examinations and pelvic floor muscle screening were performed. A modified Chinese Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was administered. The participants were asked about the presence of individual LUTS and rated the level of bother caused by those symptoms. Descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, one-way ANOVA and multivariate logistic regressions were used for data analysis.
Results
The prevalence of any LUTS, storage symptoms, or voiding symptoms was 70.6%, 65.4%, and 23.0%, respectively. Nocturia was the most common symptom (35.4%), followed by frequency (25.6%), urgency (25.3%) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI; 20.8%). Nocturia and frequency were not frequently rated as bothersome (38.0%, 21.5%). Urinary incontinence (UI) was the most frequently reported as severely bothersome (SUI 15.6%, urge urinary incontinence (UUI) 15.3%). Vaginal delivery (VD) and forceps delivery (FD) were strong predictors of LUTS (P < 0.05). Compared with cesarean section (CS), VD, especially FD, was associated with lower surface electromyography (sEMG) activity, including resting baseline and contraction amplitude (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
More than half of women experienced LUTS 42 days after delivery. Nocturia, frequency, urgency, and SUI were the most prevalent LUTS. Straining and UI were most frequently reported as bothersome, while UI caused severe discomfort. VD, especially FD, was more likely to cause pelvic floor muscle or nerve damage and was the strongest predictor of storage LUTS.
Formulation Development and In Vivo Assessment of Ethylene Oxide Sterilized Chitosan Biomembranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration in Rabbit Model of Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: David Sheba R , Biswas Biswajit Kumar , Rajabalaya Rajan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a method for separating proliferating soft tissue from bone tissue. However, various factors may cause GTR membrane failure. This study aimed to prepare chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PVA) composite membranes with and without glutaraldehyde crosslinking and drug loading for GTR. We characterized the mechanical and physiochemical properties of GTR membranes, including swelling, water vapor permeability, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrical properties, before and after ethylene oxide sterilization. Then, we conducted in vitrocytotoxicity, drug release, and permeation studies. Finally, we performed in vivo animal studies and limited clinical studies of the GTR biomembranes. The GTR biomembranes caused low in vitro cytotoxicity, good drug release and permeation, and excellent bone growth in our animal and clinical studies. Thus, our membranes allow efficient GTR and may be applicable for clinical bone healing treatments.
Clusterization of Water in the Water-Oil System Adsorbed by Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Silica in Different Media
Authors: Krupska Tetyana , Terebinska Mariia , Datsiuk Andrii , Wei Qiliang , Zheng Jinju , Yang Weiyou , Turov Volodymyr 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The process of water clustering in the interparticle gaps of hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicas in different media was studied using 1H NMR spectroscopy. It has been established that equal amounts of water and oil are introduced into their interparticle gaps under the influence of mechanical load, the water transforms into a nano-sized state. A comparison of the intensities of the signals of water and oil allows us to conclude that the oil is partially frozen in chloroform. In the medium of acetone in the interparticle gaps of hydrophobic silica, the formation of several types of clusters of strongly and weakly associated water is observed, existing as spatially separated nanodroplets. It has been shown that the hydrophobic walls of silica particles have such ordering effect on clusters of water and acetone located in the interparticle gaps that a significant part of acetone turns into a solid state at temperatures (287 К), which is several tens of degrees higher than the bulk freezing temperature.
Design of agricultural question answering information extraction method based on improved LSTM algorithm
Authors: Tang Ruipeng , Aridas Narendra Kumar , Talip Mohamad Sofian Abu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the rapid growth of the agricultural information and the need for data analysis, how to accurately extract useful information from massive data has become an urgent first step in agricultural data mining and application. In this study, an agricultural question-answering information extraction method based on the IM-BILSTM (Improved Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory) algorithm is designed. Firstly, it uses Python's Scrapy crawler framework to obtain the imformation of soil types, crop diseases and pests, and agricultural trade information, and remove abnormal values. Secondly, the information extraction converts the semi-structured data by using entity extraction methods. Thirdly, the BERT(Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) algorithm is introduced to improve the performance of the BILSTM algorithm. After comparing with the BERT-CRF(Conditional Random Field) and BILSTM algorithm, the result shows that the IM-BILSTM algorithm has better information extraction performance than the other two algorithms. This study improves the accuracy of the agricultural information recommendation system from the perspective of information extraction. Compared with other work that is done from the perspective of recommendation algorithm optimization, it is more innovative; it helps to understand the semantics and contextual relationships in agricultural question and answer, so as to Improve the accuracy of agricultural information recommendation systems. By gaining a deeper understanding of farmers' needs and interests, the system can better recommend relevant and practical information.
Using taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity to select the optimal Pinus yunnanensis community configuration
Authors: Li Wenna , Chen Mingmiao , Wan Jiamin , Liu Peiyao , Zhang Caicai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Pinus yunnanensis (Pinaceae) is an endemic tree species that only can be found in southwest China, it is also a native suitable for afforestation in this region. However, the natural forest of P. yunnanensis has been widely degraded due to long-term external disturbances, resulting in the formation of monoculture forests. Based on species across different strata in natural forest data from three P. yunnanensis vegetation types, evergreen mixed coniferous broad-leaved forests (MECF), mixed deciduous coniferous broad-leaved forests (MDCF), and evergreen coniferous forests (ECF), we evaluated the taxonomic and phylogenetic alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity among three P. yunnanensis vegetation types and determined the optimal ecological P. yunnanensis community configuration. The results showed that a total of 121 plant species belonging to 33 families and 55 genera were recorded, including 49 and 72 species in the tree and shrub layers, respectively. The taxonomic and phylogenetic α diversity was highest in the MDCF in both tree and shrub layers, indicating these forests’ richness in species variety and evolutionary history. The taxonomic β diversity was highest in MECF and ECF in the tree and shrub layers, respectively, while phylogenetic β diversity was highest in ECF and MDCF. Based on an upset plot analysis, we found that the P. yunnanensis-Alnus nepalensis community within the MDCF exhibited the highest α and β diversity. For Pinus afforestation, we recommend a species mix that including P. yunnanensis (a dominant species), Alnus nepalensis (a dominant and nitrogen-fixing species), Quercus griffithii (a deciduous broad-leaved species) and Rhododendron (a regional endemic). Our findings support the notion that mixed forests possess greater diversity and highlight the importance of considering multi-species combinations in ecological restoration, including mixed species with different leaf life habits (evergreen versus deciduous) species and the endemic species of this region. Our findings also have a direct implication for forest management and afforestation and reforestation practices. Subjects: Biodiversity, Ecology, Plant Ecology
Radiological Analysis of the Pterygomaxillary Junction for Orthognathic Surgical Precision and Safety: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tseng Fei-Fan , Yang Hui-Zhu , Chang Wei-Chin , Chen Yuan-Wu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the parameters of pterygomaxillary suture (PMS), including thickness, height, and angulation, using computed tomography (CT) scans to enhance surgical precision and maximize the safety of patients during Le Fort I osteotomy.
Materials and Methods: Computed tomography was performed to analyze both sides of the face in 100 Taiwanese patients (50 males and 50 females) aged 18–50 years. They were recruited randomly from our database and met the inclusion criteria of age, absence of jaw lesions, and no previous facial trauma or surgery. The thickness, height, and angulation of pterygomaxillary sutures (PMS) were assessed.
Results: The PMS thickness was significantly greater in males (7.76 ± 1.7 mm) than in females (6.96 ± 1.46 mm) (P = .0002), but no significant differences were observed between sides or ages. PMS height was greater in females (8.9 ± 2.0 mm) than in males (8.02 ± 2.21 mm) (P = .0011), but no significant differences were observed between sides or ages. The angulation of PMS was significantly greater on the right side (62.84 ± 4.64°) than on the left side (61.19 ± 5.2°) (P = .016), but no significant age- or sex-related differences were observed.
Conclusion: Anatomical variations in PMS regarding height, thickness, and angulation were observed between the sexes. Preoperative computed tomographic evaluation is crucial for ensuring the safety of orthognathic surgery.
Clinical Relevance: This study identified variations in PMS among different groups, which can assist surgeons in achieving better safety and precision in the disarticulation of PMS.
Occurrence and distribution of the Scale-feathered Malkoha (Dasylophus cumingi) and Red-Crested Malkoha (Dasylophus superciliosus) as Indicator Species within the different Elevation Gradient of Fragmented Forest in Agosais, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur
Authors: Tria Mark , En Orly Jr. , Valencia Paul Alvin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Scale-feathered Malkoha (Dasylophus cumingi) and Red-crested Malkoha (Dasylophus superciliosus) are prominent avian species in the Philippines, facing habitat loss due to human activities despite being labeled as "Least Concern." This study investigates their occurrence and distribution in the fragmented forests of Agosais, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, using field surveys, ecological assessments, and data analysis. Extensive surveys across eight stations provided insights into their spatial distribution, habitat preferences, and responses to disturbances. Transect walks revealed habitat utilization across diverse forest conditions, while documentation of disturbances shed light on the challenges faced by these species. Analysis showed fluctuations in species abundance across stations due to forest fragmentation, with correlations indicating their significance as indicators of forest disturbance. The study emphasizes the sensitivity of these species to environmental changes and the need for conservation efforts in the face of habitat loss. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the pivotal role of the Scale-feathered Malkoha and Red-crested Malkoha as indicator species in the fragmented forests of Agosais, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. Their presence provides valuable insights into habitat conditions, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative ecological monitoring and conservation efforts. Stakeholder collaboration and sustained monitoring are crucial for effective conservation strategies to preserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of these forests for future generations.
Prevalence, Associated Factors, Barriers and Facilitators for Oral HIV Self-Testing among Partners of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Wakiso, Uganda
Authors: Nduhukyire Lawrence , Semitala Fred C. , Mutanda Juliet Ntuulo , Muramuzi Dan , Ipola Patrick Albert , Kabagenyi Allen , Nangendo Joan , Namutundu Juliana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men is relatively low and still inadequate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Delivering HIVST kits by pregnant women attending antenatal care to their partners is a promising strategy for increasing HIV testing among men. However, even amidst the interventions, most men do not know their HIV status. This study, aimed to determine the proportion of partners who received and used oral HIVST kits delivered by pregnant women, associated factors, barriers, and facilitators for uptake among partners.
Methods
We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study among 380 sampled partners. Lists of partners in the HIVST log books whose women picked an HIVST kit were obtained and systematic random sampling was done to obtain participants. 14 male partners were purposively selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs) to identify barriers and facilitators. We used modified poison regression to determine the association between oral HIVST and independent variables. We used an inductive analysis for the qualitative analysis.
Results
Out of 380 participants, 260(68.4%) received an oral HIVST kit from their pregnant women, and 215(82.7%) used the kit for HIVST. Oral HIVST was associated with; Information Education and Communication (CPR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.48–1.82), being reached at home (CPR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.01–1.08), and being aware of the woman’s HIV status (CPR = 1.04, 95%CI 0.99–1.09). In-depth results identified barriers to uptake as, lack of trust in the HIVST kit results, fear of test outcome in the presence of the partner and inclination that the HIV status of their women is the same as theirs, and facilitators included convenience, ease to use, prior awareness of their HIV status, and fear of relationship consequences and breakup.
Conclusion
Delivery of oral HIVST kits to men through pregnant women reached a high number of men and achieved a high uptake. Accessing information, education, communication and convenience nature were the major reasons for uptake among men who received the Oral HIVST kit as trust issues of the kit affected use among partners. Scaling up the delivery of oral HIVST kits at all departments of the hospital through women seeking health services is paramount to support HIV screening among men to reach the UNAIDS 95 strategy.