bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient expression of an alkaline pectin lyase from Bacillus licheniformis in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Li Junyi , Yang Manli , Zhao Fengguang , Zhang Yaping , Han Shuangyan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPectin lyase (PMGL) is an industrially important enzyme with widespread applications in the food, paper, and textile industries, owing to its capacity for direct degradation of highly esterified pectin. In this study, PMGL-Ba derived from Bacillus licheniformis underwent mining and heterologous expression in P. pastoris. Furthermore, diverse strategies, encompassing the optimization of expression cassette components, elevation of gene dosage, and co-expression of chaperone factors, were employed to augment PMGL-Ba production in P. pastoris. The signaling peptide OST1-pre-α-MF-pro and promoter AOX1 were finally selected as expression elements. By overexpressing the transcription factor Hac1p in conjunction with a two-copy PMGL-Ba setup, a strain yielding high PMGL-Ba production was achieved. In shake flask fermentation lasting 144 h, the total protein concentration reached 1.81 g/L, and the enzyme activity reached 1821.36 U/mL. For further scale up production, high-density fermentation transpired in a 5 L fermenter for 72 h. Remarkably, the total protein concentration increased to 12.49 g/L, and the enzyme activity reached an impressive 12668.12 U/mL. The successful heterologous and efficient expression of PMGL-Ba not only furnishes a valuable biological enzyme for industrial applications but also contributes to cost reduction in the utilization of biological enzymes in industrial applications.
Evolution of anisotropic capillarity in unsaturated granular media within the pendular regime
Authors: Suh Hyoung Suk 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhile the shear behavior of granular soils is directly related to the microstructure of contacts which often leads to the coaxiality between Cauchy stress and Satake fabric tensors, it is generally accepted by the geomechanics and geotechnical engineering community that the capillary effects are isotropic. At low saturation levels, however, the pore fluid tends to form interparticle menisci that can also manifest an anisotropic structure, which may result in the development of anisotropic capillarity in wetted granular media. To study the interplay between the solid grain contacts and the liquid bridges at the micro-scales, this study adopts a coupled discrete element method that utilizes a linear contact model combined with a capillary model, and explores their effects by conducting a series of numerical experiments. The distributions of contact and capillary force orientations during the experiment are further investigated to better understand how their alignments affect the global response of the granular assembly subjected to a deviatoric loading. The results indicate that the global shear stress response is not only affected by the contact fabric but also by the network of liquid bridges, and we also observe that the particles may lose contact while the pendular menisci may not be destroyed during the elastic unloading.
A case of MCA arising from ICA: a case report
Authors: Goyo Kai , Ishimaru Kei , Miyaji Taichi , Takamoto Masumi , Kashu Noriaki , Watanabe Katsuya , Takagi Kenji , Habu Kyosuke , Ogi Yusuke , Matsumoto Hironori , Kikuchi Satoshi , Sugishita Hiroki , Akita Satoshi , Yoshida Motohira , Koga Shigehiro , Oshikiri Taro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Complete mesocolic excision (CME) and central vascular detachment are very important procedures in surgery for colorectal cancer. Preoperative and intraoperative assessments of the anatomy of major colorectal vessels are necessary to avoid massive bleeding, especially in endoscopic surgery. A case with a rare anomaly in which the middle colic artery (MCA) and ileocolic artery (ICA) had a common trunk is reported.

Case presentation
The patient was a 73-year-old woman diagnosed with ascending colon cancer on colonoscopy. Preoperative abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed that the MCA and ICA had a common trunk. She underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for the ascending colon cancer with D3 lymph node dissection. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging was conducted. After confirming vessel bifurcation, the ICA was dissected at the distal end of the MCA bifurcation. The patient has been followed as an outpatient, with no signs of recurrence as of 2 years postoperatively.

Conclusion
A case of an ascending colon cancer with a unique vascular bifurcation pattern was presented. Preoperative and intraoperative evaluations of the major colorectal vessels are very important for preventing perioperative and postoperative complications.
Maternal employment status and child age are positive determinants of minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in Sagnarigu municipality, Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Atosona Ambrose , Mohammed Jawahir Abukari , Issahaku Huzaifa , Saani Khadija , Addae Hammond Yaw , Azupogo Fusta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Intake of a diversified diet is key to the prevention of malnutrition among children as it results in improved intake of energy and micronutrients, which are deemed critical for better nutritional status of children. This study assessed minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and its determinants among children aged 6–23 months in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Ghana.

Methods
This was an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out in the Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana and involved 369 mother-child pairs selected through a systematic random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, nutritional knowledge and anthropometry. MDD was assessed using a repeated 24-hour dietary recall method. Chi-square/Fisher exact test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with MDD.

Results
The study found that 24.9% of the children were between the ages of 6–8 months and 75.1% were between the ages of 9–23 months. About 64.2% of the children met the MDD. Children of mothers who were self-employed were approximately 2 times more likely to meet the MDD as compared to children of mothers who were unemployed [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 1.93, 95% CI (1.13–3.31), P = 0.017]. Also, children aged 9–23 months were approximately 14 times more likely to meet MDD as compared to younger children aged 6–8 months [AOR: 13.98, 95% CI (7.54–25.91), P < 0.001].

Conclusion
Our study suggests that maternal empowerment may have positive effects on improving the MDD of infants and young children.
Pre-service TESOL teachers’ professional-awareness building through reflecting on reflections of critical incidents
Authors: Karim Abdul , Amin Fariah , Kabilan Muhammad Kamarul , Reshmin Liza , Amin Evita Umama 
Published: April 2024

AbstractScholars have questioned the effectiveness of reflective practice for gaining professional awareness or attaining professional development. In addition, the prevalence of inadequate comprehensive framework for pre-service teachers’ reflective practice and insufficient support of teacher educators have been noted in the literature. Against these backdrops, the present study attempted to demonstrate how reflecting on reflections, a form of reflective practice, of Critical Incidents (CIs) contributes to building pre-service TESOL teachers’ professional awareness. The study involved ten pre-service teachers (PSTs) in reflecting on reflections of CIs during the teaching practicum. Following the interpretive phenomenological approach, the study unfolded the CIs associated with pedagogical factors, including passive participation of the students, students’ late arrival in the classroom, disobedience to teachers’ instructions, the chaotic environment in the classroom, students’ rude behavior, and disruption caused by technical glitches, and CIs associated with intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, comprising students’ emotional exhaustion and unprofessional behaviors by senior teachers. Subsequently, it illustrated how PSTs cultivated their professional awareness through reflecting on reflections of CIs. The study presented a reflective practice framework applicable to pre-service and in-service teacher education programs. It also provided practical suggestions for pre-service and novice teachers to address and overcome the CIs. Teacher educators and trainers can harness the findings to prepare PSTs to conduct interactive and productive English language classes.
White matter lesion load and location in relation to cognitive impairment in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ezzeldin Mohammed Y. , Khedr Eman M. , Nasreldein Ahmed , Mahmoud Doaa M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
In relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) the connection between cognitive impairment (CI) and white matter lesion load (WM-LL) and location is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the relationship between CI in RRMS patients and WM-LL and locations using a fully automated platform. CI and WM-LL were evaluated in 90 patients with RRMS using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and Automated MRI volumetric measures of WM-LL and lesion distribution. Regression analysis of BICAMS as a dependent variable with different clinical and radiological parameters was performed.

Results
Data were obtained from 90 patients with RRMS who had a mean age of 32.74 ± 8.43 years and a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. The mean (± SD) cognitive rating scores for the BICAMS subtests were 28.07 ± 11.78 for the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), 42.32 ± 12.46 for the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), and 16.13 ± 8.17 for the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). According to the BICAMS criteria, 29 cases (32.2%) had CI. BICAMS scores were significantly correlated with age, education level, relapse frequency, disease duration, and time to start disease-modifying therapies. Whole WM-LL and periventricular lesion load were significantly associated with CI. After controlling for age, sex, and education, logistic regression analysis revealed that total WM-LL was the best predictor for CI together with duration of illness and years of education. The cut-off value of 12.85 cc for total WM-LL predicted CI.

Conclusions
Whole WM-LL and periventricular lesion load are the best anatomical predictors for CI probably due to the effect on the anterior commissural fibers while years of education and duration of disease are the best demographic predictors for CI.
Entanglement preservation in tripartite quantum systems under dephasing dynamics
Authors: Radhakrishnan Chandrashekar , Roy Sovik , Chinnarasu Ravikumar , Ali Md. Manirul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Protecting entanglement from decoherence is a critical aspect of quantum information processsing. For many-body quantum systems evolving under decoherence, estimating multipartite entanglement is challenging. This challenge can be met up by considering a distance-based measure such as relative entropy of entanglement which decisively measures entanglement in both pure as well as mixed states. In this work, we investigate the tripartite entanglement dynamics of pure and mixed states in the presence of a structured dephasing environment at finite temperature. We show that the robustness of the quantum system to decoherence is dependent on the distribution of entanglement and its relation to different configurations of the bath. If the bath is structured individually such that each qubit has its own environment, the system has different dynamics compared to when the bath is common to all the three qubits. From the results we conjecture that there is a connection between the distribution of entanglement among the qubits and the distribution of bath degrees of freedom, and the interplay of these two distributions determines the decay rate of the entanglement dynamics. The sustainability of tripartite entanglement is shown to be enhanced significantly in the presence of reservoir memory.
Evolutionary dynamic of division of labor games
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Wang Ziheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The ubiquity of labor division within diverse social collectives is a topic well captured by evolutionary game theory. This work offers an integrative review of the evolutionary dynamics underpinning such division of labor from a tripartite standpoint —commencing with a theoretical exposition on numerous archetypes of labor division games. Subsequently, we delineate a suite of control strategies formulated to not only realize but also sustain the phenomenon of division of labor. This is followed by an elucidation of practical implementations pertaining to the allocation of tasks and labor division, grounded in the principles of game theory. We culminate with the proposition of prospective avenues and insightful trajectories for future investigations, cultivating a frontier for the continued exploration within this field.
Mechanistic regulation of planarian shape during growth and degrowth
Authors: Ko Jason M. , Reginato Waverly , Wolff Andrew , Lobo Daniel 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Adult planarians can grow when fed and degrow (shrink) when starved while maintaining their whole-body shape. It is unknown how the morphogens patterning the planarian axes are coordinated during feeding and starvation or how they modulate the necessary differential tissue growth or degrowth. Here, we investigate the dynamics of planarian shape together with a theoretical study of the mechanisms regulating whole-body proportions and shape. We found that the planarian body proportions scale isometrically following similar linear rates during growth and degrowth, but that fed worms are significantly wider than starved worms. By combining a descriptive model of planarian shape and size with a mechanistic model of anterior-posterior and medio-lateral signaling calibrated with a novel parameter optimization methodology, we theoretically demonstrate that the feedback loop between these positional information signals and the shape they control can regulate the planarian whole-body shape during growth. Furthermore, the computational model produced the correct shape and size dynamics during degrowth as a result of a predicted increase in apoptosis rate and pole signal during starvation. These results offer mechanistic insights into the dynamic regulation of whole-body morphologies.
Gingival Recession. Part 2: Treatment Options and When to Intervene Surgically
Authors: Hudson Joshua , Darbar Ulpee 
Published: April 2024

This is the second article in a two-part series on gingival recession. The first article covered the aetiology and prevalence of gingival recession, while this article focuses on the factors affecting decision making and the management, including treatment of gingival recession alongside the evidence base. With more than half of the population suffering from gingival recession, the clinician should be aware of the different options and treatment modalities available to manage gingival recession. This will enable them to engage with the patient, giving them the necessary and required information to make a patient-centred decision about the most suitable treatment option that will address their concerns. CPD/Clinical Relevance: The clinician should be aware of the different options and treatment modalities available to manage gingival recession.
Odontogenic Infection of the Infratemporal Fossa: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Paul Alisha , Bawor-Omatseye Adenike , Page Julian 
Published: April 2024

The infratemporal fossa (IF) is an important anatomical space that carries vital neurovascular structures within it. The formation of an abscess in the IF, particularly of odontogenic aetiology, is rare. It can pose a diagnostic challenge due its uncommon presentation and can be life-threatening with delayed treatment. We present an unusual case of an IF abscess in an otherwise healthy female patient. Due to the rising difficulty accessing emergency NHS dental services, the untimely diagnosis and management of odontogenic infections may lead to similar scenarios. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important that clinicians have good knowledge of the anatomy of fascial spaces and be aware of signs and symptoms of spreading infections.
Actinomyces-associated Calcification in a Nasopalatine Cyst
Authors: Smith Robert , Bryce Graeme 
Published: April 2024

Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species. Actinomyces are commensals of the human oropharynx and can invade local structures when mucosal integrity is breached. Within an actinomycosis lesion chronically inflamed and necrotic tissue may undergo dystrophic calcification. This case report documents the assessment, diagnosis, and management of Actinomyces-associated calcification within a nasopalatine cyst, a previously unreported situation. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Actinomycosis lesions of the jaws may present with radiographically detectable calcification(s).
Satisfaction rates, function, and return to activity following young adult total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Galloway Richard , Monnington Katie , Moss Rosalind , Donaldson James , Skinner John , McCulloch Robert 
Published: April 2024

AimsYoung adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) largely have different indications for surgery, preoperative function, and postoperative goals compared to a standard patient group. The aim of our study was to describe young adult THA preoperative function and quality of life, and to assess postoperative satisfaction and compare this with functional outcome measures.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of young adults (aged < 50 years) undergoing THA between May 2018 and May 2023 in a single tertiary centre was undertaken. Median follow-up was 31 months (12 to 61). Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and focus group-designed questionnaires were distributed. Searches identified 244 cases in 225 patients. Those aged aged under 30 years represented 22.7% of the cohort. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (50; 45.5%) and Perthes’ disease (15; 13.6%) were the commonest indications for THA.ResultsPreoperatively, of 110 patients, 19 (17.2%) were unable to work before THA, 57 (52%) required opioid analgesia, 51 (46.4%) were reliant upon walking aids, and 70 (63.6%) had sexual activity limited by their pathology. One patient required revision due to instability. Mean OHS was 39 (9 to 48). There was a significant difference between the OHS of cases where THA met expectation, compared with the OHS when it did not (satisfied: 86 (78.2%), OHS: 41.2 (36.1%) vs non-satisfied: 24 (21%), OHS: 31.6; p ≤ 0.001). Only one of the 83 patients (75.5%) who returned to premorbid levels of activity did so after 12 months.ConclusionSatisfaction rates of THA in young adults is high, albeit lower than commonly quoted figures. Young adults awaiting THA have poor function with high requirements for mobility aids, analgesia, and difficulties in working and undertaking leisure activities. The OHS provided a useful insight into patient function and was predictive of satisfaction rates, although it did not address the specific demands of young adults undertaking THA. Function at one year postoperatively is a good indication of overall outcomes.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):304–311.
Impact of the preservation media on ex vivo bone samples for full field mechanical testing
Authors: Guzman V. Brenda M. , De La Torre I. Manuel H. , Frausto-Reyes Claudio 
Published: April 2024

The preservation method to store bone tissue for posterior analysis is a widespread practice. However, the method’s potential influence on the material’s mechanical properties is often overlooked during single-point experimentation. Saline and formaldehyde solutions are the most common among the employed preservation media. A full field analysis of the mice femoral bone deformation using non-destructive optical techniques is conducted to assess the influence of the storage media on the viscoelastic properties of the tissue. Three different groups are subjected to a standard three-point bending test. The first group is the control, with fresh post-mortem samples. The second and third groups used saline and formaldehyde solutions, respectively. During the mechanical test, the bone’s surface and internal deformation are monitored simultaneously using digital holographic interferometry and Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography. A mechanical comparison among the three groups is presented. The results show that after 48 h of immersion in saline solution, the mice bones keep their viscoelastic behavior similar to fresh bones. Meanwhile, 48 h in formaldehyde modifies the response and affects the marrow structure. The high sensitivity of the optical phase also makes it possible to observe changes in the anisotropy of the samples. As a comparison, Raman spectroscopy analyzes the three bone groups to prove that the preservation media does not affect a single-point inspection.
Integrated bound-state-in-the-continuum photon-pair source
Authors: Ye Fan , Qin Yue , Cui Chenfei , Sun Xiankai , Tsang Hon Ki 
Published: April 2024

Integrated photon-pair sources based on spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) in novel high-χ(2) materials are used in quantum photonic systems for quantum information processing, quantum metrology, and quantum simulations. However, the need for extensive fabrication process development and optimization of dry-etching processes significantly impedes the rapid exploration of different material platforms for low-loss quantum photonic circuits. Recently, bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a promising approach for realizing ultralow-loss integrated photonic circuits without requiring an etching process. Previous realizations of BIC photonic circuits have, however, been limited primarily to the classical regime. Here, we explore the BIC phenomena in the quantum regime and show that the etchless BIC platform is suitable for use in integrated entangled photon-pair sources based on the SPDC process in high-χ(2) materials. Using lithium niobate as an example, we demonstrate photon-pair generation at telecommunication wavelengths, attaining a maximum internal generation rate of 3.46 MHz, a coincidence-to-accidental ratio of 5773, and an experimental two‐photon interference visibility of 94%. Our results demonstrate that the BIC platform can be used for quantum photonic circuits, and this will enable the rapid exploration of different emerging χ(2) materials for possible use in integrated quantum photonics in the future.
Impact of Primary Care Providers and Health Insurance Type on Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States
Authors: Annor Eugene , Atarere Joseph , Ubah Nneoma , Akhiwu Ted , Orhurhu Vwaire , Abegunde Ayokunle T. 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer deaths. We evaluated the effect of health insurance type and primary care provider (PCP) access on CRC screening.

METHODS:
HINTS data were used to analyze CRC screening.

RESULTS:
Individuals aged 50 to 65 years had comparable screening rates across all insurance types. Beyond 65 years, individuals with Medicare or Medicare with private insurance were more likely to undergo screening than private insurance users. PCP access increased CRC screening rates. Among PCP users, Medicare, income, and smoking status influenced screening.

DISCUSSION:
Medicare and PCP access influence CRC screening. All individuals should be linked with PCPs.