bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the timing of spawning of two sea urchins (Tripneustes gratilla and Toxopneustes pileolus)
Authors: Lin Shih‐jie , Hsu Chia‐Hsuan , Soong Keryea 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMany marine organisms broadcast gametes for external fertilization, thus conspecifics need to concentrate the time of gamete release through synchronization with environmental factors. We investigated the timing of spawning in two sea urchin species, Tripneustes gratilla and Toxopneustes pileolus, by assessing the spawning potential of individuals using both surveys and experiments in southern Taiwan from March to November 2010. We developed a new method to observe the spawning potential without sacrificing any individuals, defining those individuals‐initiated spawning within 30 min after 10 s of exposure to air as having the spawning potential. We discovered that the percentage of individuals with spawning potential, that is, the spawning ratios of the population, varied greatly from 0% to 80% in To. pileolus and from 0% to 50% in Tr. gratilla within the reproductive seasons. We evaluated the possibility of a lunar/semilunar rhythm of spawning ratios of the population and tested three environmental factors, that is, light intensity, tide, and temperature that could potentially affect the spawning potential of the sea urchins by experiments. Individuals with spawning potential were neither randomly nor evenly distributed among days but were aggregated on certain days; however, no lunar/semilunar rhythm of the spawning ratios was detected within the reproductive season. The possible role of the tidal factor within a day was not found in experiments in either species. However, when water temperature was >27°C in our surveys, significantly higher spawning ratios were observed in To. pileolus, but not in Tr. gratilla in the reproductive season. A further temperature experiment in To. pileolus supported the positive role of high temperature on the spawning ratios of individuals. In addition, To. pileolus was more likely to spawn during the day than at night, and the light/dark experiments suggested that the spawning potential was controlled by an endogenous biological clock rather than by the ambient light conditions directly. The lack of rhythmic pattern and yet concentrated spawning of these sea urchins may be adaptive to avoid predation.
Global assessment of effective population sizes: Consistent taxonomic differences in meeting the 50/500 rule
Authors: Clarke Shannon H. , Lawrence Elizabeth R. , Matte Jean‐Michel , Gallagher Brian K. , Salisbury Sarah J. , Michaelides Sozos N. , Koumrouyan Ramela , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Grant James W. A. , Fraser Dylan J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEffective population size (Ne) is a particularly useful metric for conservation as it affects genetic drift, inbreeding and adaptive potential within populations. Current guidelines recommend a minimum Ne of 50 and 500 to avoid short‐term inbreeding and to preserve long‐term adaptive potential respectively. However, the extent to which wild populations reach these thresholds globally has not been investigated, nor has the relationship between Ne and human activities. Through a quantitative review, we generated a dataset with 4610 georeferenced Ne estimates from 3829 populations, extracted from 723 articles. These data show that certain taxonomic groups are less likely to meet 50/500 thresholds and are disproportionately impacted by human activities; plant, mammal and amphibian populations had a <54% probability of reaching = 50 and a <9% probability of reaching = 500. Populations listed as being of conservation concern according to the IUCN Red List had a smaller median than unlisted populations, and this was consistent across all taxonomic groups. was reduced in areas with a greater Global Human Footprint, especially for amphibians, birds and mammals, however relationships varied between taxa. We also highlight several considerations for future works, including the role that gene flow and subpopulation structure plays in the estimation of in wild populations, and the need for finer‐scale taxonomic analyses. Our findings provide guidance for more specific thresholds based on Ne and help prioritise assessment of populations from taxa most at risk of failing to meet conservation thresholds.
Integrated corridor management by cooperative traffic signal and ramp metering control
Authors: Farabi Abdullah Al , Mohebifard Rasool , Niroumand Ramin , Hajbabaie Ali , Hadi Mohammed , Elefteriadou Lily 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper formulates a cooperative traffic control methodology that integrates traffic signal timing and ramp metering decisions into an optimization model to improve traffic operations in a corridor network. A mixed integer linear model is formulated and is solved in real time within a model predictive controller framework, where the cell transmission model is used as the system state predictor. The methodology is benchmarked in a case study corridor in San Mateo, CA, in VISSIM with two optimization scenarios, namely, optimal metering and optimal signal control, and two simulation scenarios with a preset metering plan and no metering. The numerical results show that integrated traffic signal and ramp metering control reduces delays, stops, and travel times of the corridor by up to 33.1%, 36%, and 16.4%, respectively, compared to existing benchmark conditions. With appropriate weights prioritizing freeway or arterial street operations, the integrated control balances traffic congestion between the arterial street and the freeway.
An efficient Bayesian method with intrusive homotopy surrogate model for stochastic model updating
Authors: Chen Hui , Huang Bin , Zhang Heng , Xue Kaiyi , Sun Ming , Wu Zhifeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a new stochastic model updating method based on the homotopy surrogate model (HSM) and Bayesian sampling. As a novel intrusive surrogate model, the HSM is established by the homotopy stochastic finite element (FE) method. Then combining the advanced delayed‐rejection adaptive Metropolis–Hastings sampling technology with HSM, the structural FE model can be updated by uncertain measurement modal data. The numerical results show that the updating effectiveness of the proposed method is better than that of the Bayesian methods with the non‐intrusive surrogate models, such as stochastic response surface model and Kriging model. Compared to the Bayesian method with the intrusive second‐order perturbation model, the updating results of the proposed method are more accurate, especially when the fluctuation of the uncertain measured data is large and the stiffness of the structure significantly changes. The model updating results of a cable‐stayed bridge show that the statistic modal properties of the updated bridge model have a very good agreement with the uncertain measurement modal data.
Use of nursing care bundles for the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in low‐middle income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Rehmani Amyna Ismail , Au Alesia , Montgomery Carmel , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundVentilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in low‐middle‐income countries (LMICs), where the burden of hospital‐acquired infections is high, and resources are low. Evidence‐based guidelines exist for preventing VAP; however, these guidelines may not be adequately utilized in intensive care units of LMICs.AimThis scoping review examined the literature regarding the use of nursing care bundles for VAP prevention in LMICs, to understand the knowledge, practice and compliance of nurses to these guidelines, as well as the barriers preventing the implementation of these guidelines.Study DesignThe review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) five‐stage framework and the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines guided reporting. Searches were performed across six databases: CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus and Cochrane, resulting in 401 studies.ResultsAfter screening all studies against the eligibility criteria, 21 studies were included in the data extraction stage of the review. Across the studies, the knowledge and compliance of nurses regarding VAP prevention were reported as low to moderate. Several factors, ranging from insufficient knowledge to a lack of adequate guidelines for VAP management, served as contributing factors. Multiple barriers prevented nurses from adhering to VAP guidelines effectively, including a lack of audit/surveillance, absence of infection prevention and control (IPC) teams and inadequate training opportunities.ConclusionsThis review highlights the need for adequate quality improvement procedures and more efforts to conduct and translate research into practice in intensive care units in LMIC.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIPC practices are vital to protect vulnerable patients in intensive care units from developing infections and complications that worsen their prognosis. Critical care nurses should be trained and reinforced to practice effective bundle care to prevent VAP.
ChatGPT/GPT‐4 (large language models): Opportunities and challenges of perspective in bariatric healthcare professionals
Authors: Law Saikam , Oldfield Brian , Yang Wah ,   Global Obesity Collaborative
Published: April 2024

SummaryChatGPT/GPT‐4 is a conversational large language model (LLM) based on artificial intelligence (AI). The potential application of LLM as a virtual assistant for bariatric healthcare professionals in education and practice may be promising if relevant and valid issues are actively examined and addressed. In general medical terms, it is possible that AI models like ChatGPT/GPT‐4 will be deeply integrated into medical scenarios, improving medical efficiency and quality, and allowing doctors more time to communicate with patients and implement personalized health management. Chatbots based on AI have great potential in bariatric healthcare and may play an important role in predicting and intervening in weight loss and obesity‐related complications. However, given its potential limitations, we should carefully consider the medical, legal, ethical, data security, privacy, and liability issues arising from medical errors caused by ChatGPT/GPT‐4. This concern also extends to ChatGPT/GPT ‐4's ability to justify wrong decisions, and there is an urgent need for appropriate guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of ChatGPT/GPT‐4.
Orthodontic treatment in children and adolescent patients with X‐linked hypophosphatemia: A case–control study
Authors: Janssens Yann , Duplan Martin Biosse , Linglart Agnès , Rothenbuhler Anya , Chaussain Catherine , Le Norcy Elvire 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesX‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare genetic disease that disturbs bone and teeth mineralization. It also affects craniofacial growth and patients with XLH often require orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to describe changes in the dental health of XLH children during orthodontic treatment compared with those in matched controls undergoing similar orthodontic procedures.Materials and MethodsFor this retrospective case–control study, we included all individuals less than 16 years old diagnosed with XLH, orthodontically treated in our centre from 2016 to 2022 and pair‐matched them to patients with no chronic or genetic conditions. Clinical and radiological parameters concerning their malocclusion, craniofacial discrepancy and the characteristics and iatrogenic effects of their orthodontic treatment were analysed.ResultsFifteen XLH patients (mean age: 11.3 ± 2.1), pair‐matched to 15 control patients were included. Orthodontic treatment was successfully conducted in XLH patients with slightly shorter duration and similar iatrogenic effects as in the control group, except for the occurrence of dental abscess during and after orthodontic tooth movement. XLH patients did not show more relapse than the controls.ConclusionDespite the presence of oral manifestations of XLH such as spontaneous abscesses, XLH patients can undergo orthodontic treatment with no obvious additional iatrogenic effects.
Dental caries and developmental defects of enamel in cerebral palsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Thaynara Nascimento , Drumond Victor Zanetti , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Pani Sharat Chandra , Vargas‐Ferreira Fabiana , Eustachio Ricardo Rabelo , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , Abreu Lucas Guimarães 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare the occurrence of dental caries and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in individuals with and without cerebral palsy (CP).Materials and MethodsWe conducted searches across five databases and the grey literature. Data were organized using EndNote 20. Reporting followed the MOOSE checklist. A random‐effects model meta‐analyses were conducted using RStudio, presenting results as mean difference (MD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias of studies was analyzed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.ResultsAmong 1336 identified records, 25 studies involving 59,997 participants (mean age: 11.1 years) were included. Data of 12 were pooled into meta‐analyses. No significant differences were found between CP and non‐CP individuals across indices: DMFT (k = 7) (MD = 0.31; 95% CI [−0.42–1.05]), dmft (k = 4) (MD = 0.31; 95% CI [−0.50–1.14]), DMFS (k = 2) (MD = −0.61; 95% CI [−20.56–19.33]), dmfs (k = 3) (MD = 0.54; 95% CI [−1.09–2.17]), and DDE (k = 3) (OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.09–7.31]). The certainty of evidence was very low.ConclusionIndividuals with CP do not appear to differ significantly from those without CP in terms of dental caries experience and DDE.
Metronidazole may display anti‐inflammatory features in periodontitis treatment: A scoping review
Authors: Suárez Lina J , Arce Roger M , Gonçalves Cristiane , Furquim Camila Pinheiro , Santos Nidia Castro Dos , Retamal‐Valdes Belén , Feres Magda 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimMetronidazole (MTZ) is an antimicrobial agent used to treat anaerobic infections. It has been hypothesized that MTZ may also have anti‐inflammatory properties, but the evidence is limited and has not been previously reviewed. Thus, this scoping review aimed to answer the following question: “What is the evidence supporting anti‐inflammatory properties of metronidazole that are not mediated by its antimicrobial effects?”MethodsA scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA‐ScR statement. Five databases were searched up to January 2023 for studies evaluating the anti‐inflammatory properties of MTZ used as monotherapy for treating infectious and inflammatory diseases.ResultsA total of 719 records were identified, and 27 studies (21 in vivo and 6 in vitro) were included. The studies reported experimental evidence of MTZ anti‐inflammatory effects on (1) innate immunity (barrier permeability, leukocyte adhesion, immune cell populations), (2) acquired immunity (lymphocyte proliferation, T‐cell function, cytokine profile), and (3) wound healing/resolution of inflammation.ConclusionTaken together, this scoping review supported a potential anti‐inflammatory effect of MTZ in periodontitis treatment. We recommend that future clinical studies should be conducted to evaluate specific MTZ anti‐inflammatory pathways in the treatment of periodontitis.
Brain drain in pediatric anesthesiology: The geographic and demographic distribution of national origin among pediatric anesthesiologists in the United States
Authors: Sullivan Liam K. , Saldaña Guillermo , Williams Cody W. , Lim Yuli , Hubbard Richard M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAmerican pediatric anesthesiologists have a long history of international volunteerism. However, the US healthcare system also benefits from the contributions of a large number of physicians who come from other nations to work within its borders. Despite this fact, little is known about the contribution of international medical graduates (IMG) to the pediatric anesthesiology subspecialty.AimsTo characterize the contribution of IMG to the field of pediatric anesthesiology in the United States, and to elucidate the geographic and demographic distribution of their national origins so as to understand the movement of skilled personnel between countries.MethodsOnline physician directories of American children's hospitals were searched, and anesthesiologists were recorded for their national origin of medical education. International graduates were reported as a percentage of the pediatric anesthesiology workforce. Those attending medical colleges catering to American students (“offshore” medical schools) were analyzed separately from other IMGs. The cohort of non‐offshore IMGs were analyzed for national and continental origins, and by national level of economic development.ResultsOf 1979 anesthesiologists analyzed, 397 attended medical school outside the United States, with 58 being from offshore schools. The remaining 338 represented 17.1% of the total pediatric anesthesiology workforce. They came from 58 countries on six continents. Of those, 65.1% attended medical school in low‐ and middle‐income countries.ConclusionsInternational medical graduates, disproportionately from low‐ and middle‐income countries, compose a large proportion of the US Pediatric Anesthesiology workforce. While these clinicians play a vital role in providing care for American children, the potential impacts of skilled physician loss on their nations of origin must also be considered.
Molecular heterogeneity of quiescent melanocyte stem cells revealed by single‐cell RNA‐sequencing
Authors: Palmer Joseph W. , Kumar Nilesh , An Luye , White Andrew C. , Mukhtar M. Shahid , Harris Melissa L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMelanocyte stem cells (McSCs) of the hair follicle are a rare cell population within the skin and are notably underrepresented in whole‐skin, single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) datasets. Using a cell enrichment strategy to isolate KIT+/CD45− cells from the telogen skin of adult female C57BL/6J mice, we evaluated the transcriptional landscape of quiescent McSCs (qMcSCs) at high resolution. Through this evaluation, we confirmed existing molecular signatures for qMcCS subpopulations (e.g., Kit+, Cd34+/−, Plp1+, Cd274+/−, Thy1+, Cdh3+/−) and identified novel qMcSC subpopulations, including two that differentially regulate their immune privilege status. Within qMcSC subpopulations, we also predicted melanocyte differentiation potential, neural crest potential, and quiescence depth. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the qMcSC population is heterogeneous and future studies focused on investigating changes in qMcSCs should consider changes in subpopulation composition.
Pediatric donor heart utilization variability among organ procurement organizations
Authors: Haregu Firezer , Dixon R. Jerome , Porter Michael , McCulloch Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundOrgan procurement organizations (OPOs) are responsible for the medical management of organ donors. Given the variability in pediatric donor heart utilization among OPOs, we examined factors that may explain this variability, including differences in donor medical management, organ quality, and candidate factors.MethodsThe Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database was queried for pediatric (<18 years) heart donors and candidates receiving pediatric donor heart offers from 2010 to 2019. OPOs were stratified by pediatric donor heart utilization rate, and the top and bottom quintiles were compared based on donor management strategies and outcomes. A machine learning algorithm, combining 11 OPO, donor, candidate, and offer variables, was used to determine factors most predictive of whether a heart offer is accepted.ResultsThere was no clinically significant difference between the top and bottom quintile OPOs in baseline donor characteristics, distance between donor and listing center, management strategies, or organ quality. Machine learning modeling suggested neither OPO donor management nor cardiac function is the primary driver of whether an organ is accepted. Instead, number of prior donor offer refusals and individual listing center receiving the offer were two of the most predictive variables of organ acceptance.ConclusionsOPO clinical practice variation does not seem to account for the discrepancy in pediatric donor heart utilization rates among OPOs. Listing center acceptance practice and prior number of donor refusals seem to be the important drivers of heart utilization and may at least partially account for the variation in OPO heart utilization rates given the regional association between OPOs and listing centers.
Understanding democracy in Africa: Concept and praxis
Authors: Majeed Hasskei M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDemocracy is a political system that has some universal appeal, and, this seems to invest it with some kind of legitimacy over other systems of government. But this in no way suggests that it is homogenously conceived or practiced across the world—particularly in Western and African countries. Yet there is some supposition that some cultures have (almost) perfected their practice of democracy while others are learning its rudiments. This tends to arouse the philosopher's interest in the conceptual and practical bases for the supposition. In African philosophy, the notion of consensus has often been touted as a kernel and mēnsūra for evidence of democracy in traditional African thought. This paper examines the propriety of this move, taking into account the specific positions of the Ghanaian philosophers, Kwasi Wiredu and Kwame Gyekye. It explores the political dynamics of contemporary Africa and brings out the challenges and prospects for the sort of democracy that is being practiced—or, at least, is said to be practiced—in Africa. It is often debated in African political thought whether consensus or majoritarian rule (characterized by such activities as voting and multipartism) defines democracy, but the paper argues that neither of them really brings about democracy. It then highlights the humanistic end of democracy. Using the Ghanaian experience especially, the paper proposes ways of improving the understanding and practice of democracy in Africa.
Policies and cultural beliefs: Community perceptions about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia
Authors: Efendi Ferry , Dewi Yulis Setiya , Arifin Hidayat , Hargono Arief , Apriyanto Yogo , Adnani Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah , Gouda Amel Dawod Kamel , Susanti Ika Adelia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveVaccine hesitancy is a global concern and a significant threat to COVID‐19 vaccination programs. This study aimed to explore vaccine hesitancy from the perspective of the Indonesian community related to policies and cultural beliefs.DesignA descriptive qualitative approach was utilized in this study.SampleTwenty participants were recruited from various settings to ensure the representation of experiences in different contexts in Indonesia.MeasurementAudio‐recorded, semi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews were carried out. Content analysis was performed to identify the main key themes.ResultsTwenty participants were recruited from various regions of Java Island, Indonesia. The participants revealed hesitancy about the COVID‐19 vaccine, including the themes of mistrust, controversy, and the culture and beliefs of the community.ConclusionsThis study highlights COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia, which may have implications for the community's perceptions and beliefs regarding the uptake of the COVID‐19 vaccine. The trust issue remains a major challenge to convincing the community to accept the vaccine at the grassroots level. Targeted education and communication strategies are essential in addressing trust issues surrounding COVID‐19 vaccines among critical stakeholders and religious leaders in Indonesia. Public health nursing plays a crucial role in fostering community acceptance and ensuring the success of vaccination programs.