bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trabecular architecture of the distal femur in extant hominids
Authors: Lukova Andrea , Dunmore Christopher J. , Bachmann Sebastian , Synek Alexander , Pahr Dieter H. , Kivell Tracy L. , Skinner Matthew M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExtant great apes are characterized by a wide range of locomotor, postural and manipulative behaviours that each require the limbs to be used in different ways. In addition to external bone morphology, comparative investigation of trabecular bone, which (re‐)models to reflect loads incurred during life, can provide novel insights into bone functional adaptation. Here, we use canonical holistic morphometric analysis (cHMA) to analyse the trabecular morphology in the distal femoral epiphysis of Homo sapiens (n = 26), Gorilla gorilla (n = 14), Pan troglodytes (n = 15) and Pongo sp. (n = 9). We test two predictions: (1) that differing locomotor behaviours will be reflected in differing trabecular architecture of the distal femur across Homo, Pan, Gorilla and Pongo; (2) that trabecular architecture will significantly differ between male and female Gorilla due to their different levels of arboreality but not between male and female Pan or Homo based on previous studies of locomotor behaviours. Results indicate that trabecular architecture differs among extant great apes based on their locomotor repertoires. The relative bone volume and degree of anisotropy patterns found reflect habitual use of extended knee postures during bipedalism in Homo, and habitual use of flexed knee posture during terrestrial and arboreal locomotion in Pan and Gorilla. Trabecular architecture in Pongo is consistent with a highly mobile knee joint that may vary in posture from extension to full flexion. Within Gorilla, trabecular architecture suggests a different loading of knee in extension/flexion between females and males, but no sex differences were found in Pan or Homo, supporting our predictions. Inter‐ and intra‐specific variation in trabecular architecture of distal femur provides a comparative context to interpret knee postures and, in turn, locomotor behaviours in fossil hominins.
Development of a nomogram for predicting acute pain among patients after abdominal surgery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Ling , Qin Fang , Zhen Li , Li Ruihua , Tao Siqi , Li Guoxin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsTo develop a nomogram to provide a screening tool for recognising patients at risk of post‐operative pain undergoing abdominal operations.BackgroundRisk prediction models for acute post‐operative pain can allow initiating prevention strategies, which are valuable for post‐operative pain management and recovery. Despite the increasing number of studies on risk factors, there were inconsistent findings across different studies. In addition, few studies have comprehensively explored predictors of post‐operative acute pain and built prediction models.DesignA prospective observational study.MethodsA total of 352 patients undergoing abdominal operations from June 2022 to December 2022 participated in this investigation. A nomogram was developed for predicting the probability of acute pain after abdominal surgery according to the results of binary logistic regression. The nomogram's predictive performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration. Internal validation was performed via Bootstrap with 1000 re‐samplings.ResultsA total of 139 patients experienced acute post‐operative pain following abdominal surgery, with an incidence of 39.49%. Age <60, marital status (unmarried, divorced, or widowed), consumption of intraoperative remifentanil >2 mg, indwelling of drainage tubes, poor quality sleep, high pain catastrophizing, low pain self‐efficacy, and PCIA not used were predictors of inadequate pain control in patients after abdominal surgery. Using these variables, we developed a nomogram model. All tested indicators showed that the model has reliable discrimination and calibration.ConclusionsThis study established an online dynamic predictive model that can offer an individualised risk assessment of acute pain after abdominal surgery. Our model had good differentiation and calibration and was verified internally as a useful tool for risk assessment.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe constructed nomogram model could be a practical tool for predicting the risk of experiencing acute post‐operative pain in patients undergoing abdominal operations, which would be helpful to realise personalised management and prevention strategies for post‐operative pain.Reporting MethodThe Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.Patient or Public ContributionBefore the surgery, research group members visited the patients who met the inclusion criteria and explained the purpose and scope of the study to them. After informed consent, they completed the questionnaire. The patients' pain scores (VAS) were regularly assessed and documented by the bedside nurse for the first 3 days following surgery. Other information was obtained from medical records.
Effects of the Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 on anaemia treatment for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Fang Xiaowan , Ren Xiaoying , Pan Yujing , Wang Mei , Ding Jiaxiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimPatients undergoing dialysis are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Haemoglobin (Hb) levels may be changed in patients infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of anti‐anaemia treatment on such patients.MethodsThis study enrolled patients undergoing PD who were infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 at our centre between November 2022 and February 2023. We retrospectively analysed changes in Hb levels and explored the effectiveness of roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) for patients infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19.ResultsAmong 125 enrolled patients, 83 (66.4%) were infected with the Omicron variant and 75 (90.4%) patients mainly experienced mild or moderate disease. During infection, C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were higher than those before infection (p < .001). Additionally, their CRP levels were negatively correlated with Hb levels (p = .002). However, Hb levels were decreased 1 month after infection (109.61 ± 10.64 g/L vs. 115.69 ± 12.04 g/L; p < .001). The roxadustat treatment group did not exhibit significantly decreased Hb levels 1 month after infection (114.57 ± 14.11 vs. 117.51 ± 10.74 g/L; p = .225). Conversely, the rhEPO treatment group experienced a mild decrease in Hb levels (108.69 ± 11.20 vs. 115.03 ± 12.23 g/L; p = .001). Ferritin levels increased in both groups during infection (p = .495). Two months after infection, ferritin levels (median, 205.0 ng/mL) were significantly decreased compared with during infection (median, 377.4 ng/mL) (p < .001) in the roxadustat treatment group.ConclusionRoxadustat was effective than rhEPO for treating anaemia in patients undergoing PD who were infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19.image
When dietary modification turns problematic in patients with esophageal conditions
Authors: Simons Madison , Zavala Sonia , Taft Tiffany 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with chronic illness affecting the esophagus often modify their eating habits to manage symptoms. Although this begins as a protective strategy, anxiety around eating can become problematic, and lead to poor outcomes. We administered a survey to examine the factors associated with problematic eating behaviors in patients who have reflux and difficulty swallowing (esophageal dysphagia).MethodsIn total, 277 adult patients aged above 18 diagnosed with achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux completed an online survey: (1) demographic and disease information; (2) reflux and dysphagia severity (3) eating behaviors, as measured by a study‐specific, modified version of the Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) for patients with esophageal conditions; and (4) Food related quality of life (FRQOL). Descriptive statistics, one‐way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlations evaluated the sample data and a hierarchical linear regression evaluated predictors of problematic eating behaviors.Key ResultsProblematic eating behaviors were associated with reflux severity, dysphagia severity, symptom anxiety, and hypervigilance, and negatively associated with FRQOL. While reflux and dysphagia severity predicted greater problematic eating, symptom anxiety explained more of these behaviors. Although hypervigilance and anxiety also predicted poorer FRQOL, problematic eating was the largest predictor.Conclusion & InferencesProblematic eating behaviors are associated with increased symptom severity and symptom anxiety, and diminished FRQoL. Symptom anxiety, rather than symptom severity, appears to be a driving factor in problematic eating behaviors. Interventions aimed at diminishing symptom anxiety may be useful in reducing problematic eating behaviors in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Resource availability and disturbance frequency shape evolution of plant life forms in Neotropical habitats
Authors: Prochazka Luana S. , Alcantara Suzana , Rando Juliana Gastaldello , Vasconcelos Thais , Pizzardo Raquel C. , Nogueira Anselmo 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Organisms use diverse strategies to thrive in varying habitats. While life history theory partly explains these relationships, the combined impact of resource availability and disturbance frequency on life form strategy evolution has received limited attention.
We use Chamaecrista species, a legume plant lineage with a high diversity of plant life forms in the Neotropics, and employ ecological niche modeling and comparative phylogenetic methods to examine the correlated evolution of plant life forms and environmental niches.
Chamaephytes and phanerophytes have optima in environments characterized by moderate water and nutrient availability coupled with infrequent fire disturbances. By contrast, annual plants thrive in environments with scarce water and nutrients, alongside frequent fire disturbances. Similarly, geophyte species also show increased resistance to frequent fire disturbances, although they thrive in resource‐rich environments.
Our findings shed light on the evolution of plant strategies along environmental gradients, highlighting that annuals and geophytes respond differently to high incidences of fire disturbances, with one enduring it as seeds in a resource‐limited habitat and the other relying on reserves and root resprouting systems in resource‐abundant habitats. Furthermore, it deepens our understanding of how organisms evolve associated with their habitats, emphasizing a constraint posed by low‐resource and high‐disturbance environments.
Combined effect of changes in NO2, O3, PM2.5, SO2 and CO concentrations on small airway dysfunction
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Lee Hyo Jin , Oh Sohee , Lee Jung‐Kyu , Heo Eun Young , Kim Deog Kyeom 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWhen multiple complex air pollutants are combined in real‐world settings, the reliability of estimating the effect of a single pollutant is questionable. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of changes in air pollutants on small airway dysfunction (SAD).MethodsWe analysed Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) V–VIII database from 2010 to 2018 to elucidate the associations between annual changes in air pollutants over a previous 5‐year period and small airway function. We estimated the annual concentrations of five air pollutants: NO2, O3, PM2.5, SO2 and CO. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25%–75%) <65% was defined as SAD. Using the quantile generalized‐Computation (g‐Computation) model, the combined effect of the annual changes in different air pollutants was estimated.ResultsA total of 29,115 individuals were included. We found significant associations between SAD and the quartiles of annual changes in NO2 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.08–1.12), O3 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.05), PM2.5 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.05), SO2 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.08) and CO (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12–1.19). The combined effect of the air pollutant changes was significantly associated with SAD independent of smoking (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.26–1.35, p‐value <0.001), and this trend was consistently observed across the entire study population and various subgroup populations. As the estimated risk of SAD, determined by individual‐specific combined effect models, increased and the log odds for SAD increased linearly.ConclusionThe combined effect of annual changes in multiple air pollutant concentrations were associated with an increased risk of SAD.image
Exploring citizen perceptions and values for a responsible society
Authors: Zelenkovski Kiril , Prodanova Jana , Kocarev Ljupco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsCitizens’ perceived values play a decisive role in shaping a responsive society, driving social and political attitudes and behaviors. Understanding these values, influenced by cultural, historical, and personal experiences, is essential for comprehending public perspectives on social, economic, and ecological aspects crucial for sustainable societies. This study investigates perceived values as indicators of citizens’ potential civic engagement, mainly contributing to societal development.Materials and methodsFor the purpose of this study, we analyzed 1012 cases from the European Value Survey/World Value Survey data set of the Republic of Macedonia. In addition to the exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis, we employed XGBoost regression, coupled with SHAP analysis, offering a transparent exploration of the significance of citizens’ perceived values, while emphasizing their role in motivating social responsibility and duty.ResultsWe identified 12 factors and categorized Macedonian citizens into 4 clusters. Through the SHAP feature importance method, we determined that perceptions of gender stereotypes, trust in people, civil rights, and job equality strongly influence the idea of social responsibility.ConclusionsOur findings offer pathways to promote individual accountability and increased participation in societal actions, fostering greater advocacy and policy changes for a responsible, engaged, and sustainable society.
The Role of Gesture in Language Development for Neurotypical Children and Children With or at Increased Likelihood of Autism
Authors: Choi Boin , Rowe Meredith L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor young children, gesture is found to precede and predict language development. However, we are still building a knowledge base about the specific nature of the relationship between gesture and speech. While much of the research on this topic has been conducted with neurotypical children, there is a growing body of work with children who have or are at increased likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we summarize the literature on relations between gesture and speech, including the role of child gesture production as well as that of gesture exposure (caregiver gesture). We include literature on both neurotypical children and children with or at likelihood of ASD, highlight the similarities and differences across populations, and offer implications for research as well as early identification and intervention.
The Interaction of Linguistic and Visual Cues for the Processing of Case in Russian by Russian‐German Bilinguals: An Eye Tracking Study
Authors: Minor Serge , Mitrofanova Natalia , Westergaard Marit 
Published: February 2024

AbstractModulation of visual attention in the Visual World Paradigm relies on parallel processing of linguistic and visual information. Previous studies have argued that the human linguistic capacity includes an aspect of anticipation of upcoming material. Such anticipation can be triggered by both lexical and grammatical/morphosyntactic cues. In this study, we investigated the relationship between comprehension and prediction by testing how subtle changes in visual representations can affect the processing of grammatical case cues in Russian by Russian‐German bilingual children (n = 49, age 8−13). The linguistic manipulation followed previous designs, contrasting SVO and OVS sentences, where the first NP (NP1) was marked with nominative or accusative case, respectively. Three types of visual displays were compared: (i) individual referents (potential agent/theme); (ii) pairs of referents (NP1 + potential agent/theme); and (iii) events (representing interactions between the referents). Participants were significantly more sensitive to the case manipulation when presented with events compared to the other two types of visual display. This suggests that they were able to quickly integrate the thematic role information signaled by grammatical case in the event representations. However, they were less likely to use the case information to anticipate upcoming arguments when the target pictures represented individual referents or pairs of noninteracting referents. We hypothesize that the process of argument anticipation is mediated by the activation of syntactic templates (SVO or OSV, depending on the case marking on NP1). The relatively weak anticipation effect observed may be attributed to the absence, or weak representation, of the noncanonical OVS template in the bilingual children's long‐term memory.
Evaluation of plasma canine C‐reactive protein concentrations in dogs with otitis media, healthy dogs and dogs with chronic otitis externa
Authors: Buendia E. , Germain P. A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundOtitis is characterised by inflammation of one or more of the structures of the ear. At present, to confirm or exclude otitis media (OM), it is most often necessary to perform a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Inflammation is an immune defence response found in many conditions that can be detected and tracked by measuring biological markers of inflammation as the Canine C‐reactive protein (CRP).ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine whether CRP measurement is useful as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in dogs with otitis and whether elevated concentrations correlated with disease severity/presence of OM.AnimalsTwenty‐four client‐owned dogs were recruited over 1 year.Materials and MethodsThe dogs were divided into three groups: chronic or recurrent otitis externa (CO), otitis media (OM) and H (healthy). The dogs with otitis underwent a CT scan of the head, measurement of the plasma CRP concentration and evaluation of a 0–3 Otitis Index Score 3 (OTIS3 score).ResultsNo dog (0%) in group H had an increased CRP value, compared to 20% in the CO group (one of five dogs) and 23% in the OM group (3 of 13 dogs). Plasma CRP concentrations show a statistically significant positive relationship with the OTIS3 score (p = 0.04).Conclusion and Clinical RelevancePlasma CRP concentration is not reliable as a discriminatory tool in cases of otitis, although there is a trend for elevation in cases with more severe disease. However, a larger study may provide a statistically more reliable correlation between the severity of OM and CRP concentrations.
Prospective, randomized, clinical trial on the effects of laparoscopic insufflation pressures on portal pressures in dogs
Authors: Parlier Mark , Thomson Christopher B. , Rendahl Aaron , Strelchik Alena , Baldo Caroline , Eckman Sarah K. , Krueger Amy , Gordon‐Evans Wanda J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe adverse effects of intra‐abdominal pressure from capnoperitoneum on cardiovascular and pulmonary systems have been well documented, but the effects on portal pressures in dogs with various insufflation pressures is poorly defined. The aim of the present study was to measure the effect of a range of insufflation pressures on the portal pressure, using direct pressure measurements in patients undergoing laparoscopy.Study designClinical randomized prospective study.AnimalsNine client‐owned dogs undergoing routine laparoscopy.MethodsTwo rounds of direct portal pressure assessments were performed, at insufflation pressures of 0, 6, 10, and 14 mmHg in a predetermined randomized sequence. The data were analyzed for effects of insufflation pressure, hemodynamic alterations, and round. A best‐fit exponential model of the relationship between portal pressure and insufflation pressure was created.ResultsPortal pressure increased by 38% at 6 mmHg, 95% at 10 mmHg, and 175% at 14 mmHg compared to baseline. Portal pressure increased at an average rate of 7.45% per mmHg of insufflation pressure. Effects of weight, weight/insufflation pressure interaction, and round of insufflation were not statistically significant. No systemic hemodynamic adverse events were observed.ConclusionPortal pressure increased as insufflation pressure increased. There was no clinically significant difference in baseline portal pressure between rounds of insufflation.Clinical significanceThis exponential model of portal pressure supports the use of the minimum insufflation pressure to allow visualization during laparoscopy. The return of portal pressure to baseline following desufflation supports the comparison of portal pressure measurements before and after laparoscopic shunt attenuation.
A Combined Experimental and Turbulence-Resolved Modeling Approach for Aeroengine Turbine Rim Seals
Authors: Vella Simon , Darby Peter , Carnevale Mauro , Scobie James A. , Lock Gary D. , Jarrossay Clément , Salvatori Francesco , Bonneau Damien , Sangan Carl M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ingress is the penetration of hot mainstream gas into the rotor–stator wheel-space formed between adjacent disks; a rim seal is installed at the periphery of the wheel-space. Purge flow is bled from the compressor and re-introduced in the turbine to reduce, or in the limit prevent, ingress. This study presents a unique, concomitant experimental and turbulence-resolved numerical investigation of ingress in an aeroengine rim seal, with leakage flow. Experimental modeling is conducted in the University of Bath's 1-stage turbine test facility. Measurements of gas concentration, pressure and swirl were used to assess the performance of the rim seal. A parallel study using improved delayed detached eddy simulations (IDDES) was used to generate time-averaged and time-resolved flow-fields, enabling direct comparison with experimental data. The modeled geometry included realistic features typical of aeroengine architectures, including a contoured stator undershroud and an omega-seal cover plate. Such features were shown to locally distort the flow field, highlighting the limitation when modeling simplified geometry. The circumferential distribution of sealing effectiveness was nonaxisymmetric and synchronized in accordance with the local radial velocity field. Utilization of a detached eddy simulation (DES) turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation multiplier demonstrated regions where increased turbulence resolution was required to resolve the appropriate scale of turbulent eddies. IDDES computations were found to accurately capture the radial distributions of pressure, swirl and effectiveness, both in the absence and presence of a superposed leakage flow, provided that the mesh was sufficiently refined so as to resolve ≥50% of the energy cascade. The IDDES approach exhibited significantly superior agreement with experiments when compared to previous studies that employed the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) methodology.