bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of periodontal parameters following intensive diabetes care and supragingival dental prophylaxis in patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mizutani Koji , Minami Isao , Mikami Risako , Kido Daisuke , Takeda Kohei , Nakagawa Keita , Takemura Shu , Saito Natsumi , Kominato Hiromi , Sakaniwa Eri , Konuma Kuniha , Izumi Yuichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Iwata Takanori 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the effects of diabetes care on periodontal inflammation.Materials and MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 51 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent intensive diabetes care including educational hospitalization and regular outpatient treatment for 6 months. Dental prophylaxis without subgingival scaling was provided three times during the observational period. Associations between changes in periodontal parameters and glycaemic control levels were evaluated using multiple regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 33 participants (mean age: 58.7 ± 12.9) were followed up for 6 months. At baseline examination, 82% were diagnosed with Stage III or IV periodontitis. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level changed from 9.6 ± 1.8% at baseline to 7.4 ± 1.3% at 6 months. The ratio of probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥4 mm, bleeding on probing (BOP), full‐mouth plaque control record (PCR), periodontal epithelial surface area (PESA) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) also significantly improved. The reduction in PPD and PESA was significantly associated with changes in both HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, and the reduction in PISA was significantly associated with an improvement in FPG after adjusting for smoking, change in body mass index and full‐mouth PCR.ConclusionsThis is the first study to report a significant improvement in PPD and BOP after intensive diabetes care and dental prophylaxis without subgingival scaling. Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000040218.
Host sweet host: Rodent communities support similar ectoparasite diversity regardless of anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Gil‐Fernández Margarita , Vargas‐Sandoval Margarita , Delfín‐Alfonso Christian A. , Mendoza Eduardo , Godínez‐Gómez Oscar , Jiménez‐Lara Nancy K. , MacSwiney G. M. Cristina , Carthey Alexandra , Blanco‐García Arnulfo , Le Roux Johannes J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRodents are important hosts for ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which means they are also important intermediate hosts for many zoonotic diseases. As anthropogenic environments bring humans and rodents into closer contact, an understanding of host–ectoparasite ecology is essential to predict and manage disease spillover risks. We aimed to understand how disturbances in vegetation cover affect rodent ectoparasite diversity, prevalence, spatial segregation, host (i.e., sex, genus, size, and habitat domain), and environmental (i.e., vegetation structure, forest cover, and rainfall) variables in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. We investigated these relationships by trapping rodents in five paired disturbed (reduced vegetation cover and regular human activities) and undisturbed (no reduction in vegetation cover) sites in the summer and autumn of 2022. From 110 trapped rodents, we collected 138 ectoparasites on 38 individuals. We found no difference in rodent diversity, ectoparasite diversity, or ectoparasite prevalence between disturbed and undisturbed sites. However, arboreal and male rodents had a higher probability of carrying ectoparasites than ground‐dwelling and female rodents. Rodents with ectoparasites were not spatially clustered; rather, they were randomly distributed across trapping grids. We also identified two rodent genera (Rattus and Sigmodon) that carry ectoparasites of medical importance and that are in close contact with humans. Our results highlight the necessity of constant monitoring of rodents, ectoparasites, and their associated transmittable diseases. Assessing these interactions and how they are affected by anthropogenic disturbance could better inform management decisions and support the need for rodent conservation programmes in the area.
Balancing fracture risk versus risk of mortality before fracture among women aged 80 years or older
Authors: Schousboe John T. , Langsetmo Lisa , Fink Howard A. , Kado Deborah M. , Cauley Jane A. , Taylor Brent C. , Ensrud Kristine E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMost fractures occur in women aged ≥80 years but competing mortality unrelated to fracture may limit the benefit of osteoporosis drug therapy for some women in late life. Our primary aim was to develop separate prediction models for non‐spine fracture (NSF) and mortality before fracture to identify subsets of women with varying fracture versus mortality risks.MethodsSeparate prediction models were developed for NSF and mortality before NSF for 4895 women aged ≥80 years enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) or the Health Aging and Body Composition (HABC) study. Proportional hazards models modified to account for competing mortality were used to identify candidate risk factors for each outcome. Predictors associated with NSF or mortality (p < 0.2) were included in separate competing risk models to estimate the cumulative incidence of NSF and mortality before NSF during 5 years of follow‐up. This process was repeated to develop separate prediction models for hip fracture and mortality before hip fracture.ResultsSignificant predictors of NSF (race, total hip BMD, grip strength, prior fracture, falls, and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, or oral/transdermal estrogen) differed from predictors of mortality before NSF (age, walking speed, multimorbidity, weight change, shrinking, smoking, self‐rated health, dementia, and use of warfarin). Within nine subsets of women defined by tertiles of risk, 5‐year outcomes varied from 28% NSF and 8% mortality in the high‐risk NSF/low‐risk mortality subset, to 9% NSF and 22% mortality in the low‐risk NSF/high‐risk mortality subset. Similar results were seen for predictors of hip fracture and mortality before hip fracture.ConclusionConsiderable variation in 5‐year competing mortality risk is present among women in late life with similar 5‐year NSF risk. Both fracture risk and life expectancy should inform shared clinical decision‐making regarding initiation or continuation of osteoporosis drug therapy for women aged ≥80 years.
Paste, aggregate, or air? That is the question
Authors: Ossetchkina Ekaterina , Chernoloz Oleksiy , Bromerchenkel Lucas Herzog , Karim Mahzabin , MacHale Liam , Montgomery Amy , Hu Yuqi , Peterson Karl 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, has served for almost 100 years as North America's busiest international border crossing. But in 2025, the Ambassador will be replaced by the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Gordie Howe is a cable‐stayed bridge, with two massive 220 m tall concrete piers on opposite banks of the St. Claire River, a single clear span of 853 m, and 42 m of clearance over this busy waterway. To ensure durability in this harsh freeze‐thaw environment, air‐entrained concrete is specified throughout. And, to ensure the quality of air entrainment, the ASTM C 457 Procedure C, Contrast Enhanced Method is employed. While a similar automated microscopic approach has been in use for well over a decade according to EN 480‐11 Determination of air void characteristics in hardened concrete, this is the first large‐scale application of automated air void assessment in North American infrastructure. According to the ASTM Procedure C, the air void characteristics are determined through digital image processing, while the paste content may be determined by either mix design parameters, manual point count, or ‘other means’. Of these three options, point counting is used for Gordie Howe; but in parallel, during each point count, the digital image coordinates and phase identifications for each evaluated stop are recorded. This allows for training of a neural network, for automated determination of paste content, as demonstrated here.
Incidence of and factors associated with emergency caesarean section in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nabika Satoshi , Nakamura Tsukasa , Ito Yasuo , Nagasawa Atsushi , Morimoto Takeshi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThe incidence of factors associated with emergency cesarean section (ECS) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have not been well investigated.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with GDM between 2011 and 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in Japan. Clinical data, vital signs, and laboratory results of the patients were collected from electronic medical records. We constructed a multivariate logistic regression model to identify the clinical characteristics associated with ECS.ResultsWe included 1189 patients diagnosed with GDM, the mean maternal age was 33 years, and 507 (42.6%) patients were aged ≥35 years. In total, 114 patients underwent ECS (9.6%). The previous assisted reproductive technology (ART) use (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.93), previous artificial abortion (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.13–3.33), high pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.11), and late diagnosis of GDM (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.003–1.05) were independently associated with ECS.ConclusionsOne of every 10 GDM patients required ECS. Previous ART use, previous artificial abortion, high pre‐pregnancy BMI, and late diagnosis of GDM were risk factors for ECS in GDM patients.
The effect of different pain characteristics on jaw functional limitations in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Kliangkaeo Watcharee , Tangpothitham Sakarin , Mitrirattanakul Somsak , Wachiralarpphaithoon Chookiat 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) more often experience jaw functional limitations. The study of jaw functional limitations should be primarily focused on painful TMD.ObjectivesThe impact of TMD pain characteristics (source, chronicity and intensity) on jaw functional limitations were evaluated using Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study reviewed the dental records and self‐report questionnaires of patients with painful TMD. The pain source, chronicity and intensity were evaluated to study the TMD pain characteristics. The jaw functional limitations were analysed using the Thai version of the JFLS.ResultsA total of 176 patients with painful TMD were included in this study. The jaw functional limitations were affected only by pain intensity. Patients with TMD with severe pain intensity had significantly higher jaw functional limitations than those with mild‐to‐moderate pain intensity (p < .05). A significant association was observed between pain intensity and jaw functional limitations (p < .05). Mastication was highly restricted by pain intensity (odd ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.16–1.67).ConclusionThe present study found a significant effect of TMD pain intensity on jaw functional limitations. Patients with severe TMD pain intensity were more likely to experience jaw functional limitations, particularly mastication limitation. Management focusing on reduction of pain intensity may improve jaw functions in patients with TMD.
Automated whole slide morphometry of sural nerve biopsy using machine learning
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Kawai Honami , Kuwahara Hiroya , Yokota Takanori 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThe morphometry of sural nerve biopsies, such as fibre diameter and myelin thickness, helps us understand the underlying mechanism of peripheral neuropathies. However, in current clinical practice, only a portion of the specimen is measured manually because of its labour‐intensive nature. In this study, we aimed to develop a machine learning‐based application that inputs a whole slide image (WSI) of the biopsied sural nerve and automatically performs morphometric analyses.MethodsOur application consists of three supervised learning models: (1) nerve fascicle instance segmentation, (2) myelinated fibre detection and (3) myelin sheath segmentation. We fine‐tuned these models using 86 toluidine blue‐stained slides from various neuropathies and developed an open‐source Python library.ResultsPerformance evaluation showed (1) a mask average precision (AP) of 0.861 for fascicle segmentation, (2) box AP of 0.711 for fibre detection and (3) a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 0.817 for myelin segmentation. Our software identified 323,298 nerve fibres and 782 fascicles in 70 WSIs. Small and large fibre populations were objectively determined based on clustering analysis. The demyelination group had large fibres with thinner myelin sheaths and higher g‐ratios than the vasculitis group. The slope of the regression line from the scatter plots of the diameters and g‐ratios was higher in the demyelination group than in the vasculitis group.ConclusionWe developed an application that performs whole slide morphometry of human biopsy samples. Our open‐source software can be used by clinicians and pathologists without specific machine learning skills, which we expect will facilitate data‐driven analysis of sural nerve biopsies for a more detailed understanding of these diseases.
Effects of communication team training on clinical competence in Korean Advanced Life Support: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yun Soyeon , Park Hyeoun‐Ae , Na Sang‐Hoon , Yun Hee Je 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe conducted a randomized controlled trial to study the effects of interprofessional communication team training on clinical competence in the Korean Advanced Life Support provider course using a team communication framework. Our study involved 73 residents and 42 nurses from a tertiary hospital in Seoul. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group, forming 10 teams per group. The intervention group underwent interprofessional communication team training with a cardiac arrest simulation and standardized communication tools. The control group completed the Korean Advanced Life Support provider course. All participants completed a communication clarity self‐reporting questionnaire. Clinical competence was assessed using a clinical competency scale comprising technical and nontechnical tools. Blinding was not possible due to the educational intervention. Data were analyzed using a Mann–Whitney U test and a multivariate Kruskal–Wallis H test. While no significant differences were observed in communication clarity between the two groups, there were significant differences in clinical competence. Therefore, the study confirmed that the intervention can enhance the clinical competence of patient care teams in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A higher‐yield hybrid rice is achieved by assimilating a dominant heterotic gene in inbred parental lines
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Wang Ziqun , Cai Yunxiao , Zhu Zhou , Yu Danheng , Hong Lei , Wang Yongchun , Lv Wei , Zhao Qiang , Si Lizhen , Liu Kun , Han Bin 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe exploitation of heterosis to integrate parental advantages is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of rice breeding. The genomic architecture of heterosis suggests that the grain yield is strongly correlated with the accumulation of numerous rare superior alleles with positive dominance. However, the improvements in yield of hybrid rice have shown a slowdown or even plateaued due to the limited availability of complementary superior alleles. In this study, we achieved a considerable increase in grain yield of restorer lines by inducing an alternative splicing event in a heterosis gene OsMADS1 through CRISPR‐Cas9, which accounted for approximately 34.1%–47.5% of yield advantage over their corresponding inbred rice cultivars. To achieve a higher yield in hybrid rice, we crossed the gene‐edited restorer parents harbouring OsMADS1GW3p6 with the sterile lines to develop new rice hybrids. In two‐line hybrid rice Guang‐liang‐you 676 (GLY676), the yield of modified hybrids carrying the homozygous heterosis gene OsMADS1GW3p6 significantly exceeded that of the original hybrids with heterozygous OsMADS1. Similarly, the gene‐modified F1 hybrids with heterozygous OsMADS1GW3p6 increased grain yield by over 3.4% compared to the three‐line hybrid rice Quan‐you‐si‐miao (QYSM) with the homozygous genotype of OsMADS1. Our study highlighted the great potential in increasing the grain yield of hybrid rice by pyramiding a single heterosis gene via CRISPR‐Cas9. Furthermore, these results demonstrated that the incomplete dominance of heterosis genes played a major role in yield‐related heterosis and provided a promising strategy for breeding higher‐yielding rice varieties above what is currently achievable.
Leflunomide as adjunct therapy for BK viremia management in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Aldieri Alexandra , Chandran Mary , Matossian Debora , Hariprasad Aparna , Magella Bliss , Lazear Danielle , Blanchette Eliza , Benz Eric , Bock Margret 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundBK viremia after kidney transplantation (KT) poses significant risk for BK virus‐associated nephropathy and impacts graft survival. Conventional treatment involves reduction of immunosuppression, which in turn may increase risk for rejection. To address this dilemma, use of anti‐viral therapy with immunosuppressive properties such as leflunomide is an attractive option.MethodsWe performed a multi‐center, retrospective chart review to report tolerability and effectiveness of leflunomide use for the eradication of BK viremia and prevention of BK virus‐associated nephropathy in pediatric KT recipients.ResultsSeventy patients prescribed leflunomide were included and were followed up from initiation until 1 year following leflunomide completion. BK viremia was eradicated in 64 (91.4%) patients including 8 of 11 with nephropathy (BKVN) on initial biopsy. Reduced anti‐proliferative medication (AP) dosing was not associated with increase in biopsy proven rejection (BPAR). However, complete discontinuation of AP during leflunomide therapy was associated with increase in BPAR in uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression, as was targeted reduction in calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) trough goals. One graft was lost to BKVN. There was no significant association found between time to BK eradication and leflunomide trough concentration, mycophenolate dose reduction, or steroid use (univariate logistic regression). Few leflunomide adverse drug reactions (ADR) were reported (most commonly: gastrointestinal, hematologic).ConclusionLeflunomide is a promising adjunctive treatment to immunosuppression reduction for BK virus eradication with minimal ADR. AP reduction, not discontinuation, and judicious reduction in CNI trough goals with close monitoring, is a promising strategy for treatment of BK viremia with concomitant use of leflunomide therapy.
Has the frequency of ABO RhD blood groups in Australian blood donors changed as a result of the removal of the variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease‐based deferral?
Authors: Hirani Rena , Hoad Veronica C. , Gosbell Iain B. , Irving David O. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesUntil 25 July 2022, Australians who had spent more than 6 months in the United Kingdom or territories between 1980 and 1996 were deferred from blood donation due to the risk of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Removal of this geography‐based donor deferral on RhD‐negative blood availability has not been reported.Materials and MethodsAll donors who donated at least once from 25 July 2022 to 25 July 2023 were included. UK donor status, first‐time donor and ABO RhD data were extracted from the National Blood Management System.ResultsData from 566,447 blood donors with a valid ABO RhD result were analysed. Of these, 34,560 were new or returning lapsed donors following removal of the UK donor deferral. The median age [range] in years for all donors was 43 [75] with UK donors being older 53 [70]. There was a higher prevalence of RhD‐negative status in UK donors (20.2%) compared with first‐time blood donors (15.7%).ConclusionUK donors were generally older, female and more likely to be RhD‐negative. Although UK donors provided a boost to RhD‐negative blood collections, the overall prevalence of ABO RhD blood groups in the total Australian blood donor panel remained similar to previous estimates.
Influence of feral Raphanus sativus seed attributes and burial depth in seedling emergence dynamics
Authors: Vercellino Román B. , Hernández Fernando , Pandolfo Claudio , Presotto Alejandro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the emergence patterns of agricultural weeds is paramount for effective management practices. This study investigates the emergence dynamics of feral radish (Raphanus sativus L.), a widespread weed in the Americas, unravelling the intricate interplay of seed attributes—low or no dormancy, darkness requirement, and indehiscent siliques—on seedling emergence. To explore this, we (1) buried isolated seeds and intact siliques at six increasing depths (0–16 cm) under controlled conditions, and (2) evaluated seedling emergence from both isolated seeds and intact siliques placed on the soil surface and buried at 10 cm under field conditions over 3 years. Our findings reveal that seedlings emergence was about five‐fold higher from shallow‐buried than from surficial isolated seeds, and from isolated seeds than from seeds inside siliques, suggesting strong effects of burial depth and the pericarp. Even isolated seeds buried at 12 cm depth outperformed surface isolated seeds. The burial depth influenced emergence patterns; isolated seeds exhibited rapid emergence, with rates five times higher at 10 cm deep compared to those on the soil surface, showing no emergence after year 1. Conversely, the pericarp delayed and staggered seedlings emergence, contributing to the formation of a persistent seed bank for at least 3 years in both burial depths. Seedlings emergence from seeds inside siliques buried at 10 cm begins in year 1 and in those placed on the soil surface year 2, with emergence peaks predominantly in autumn. These findings enrich our understanding of feral radish seedling emergence, providing valuable insights for the development of sustainable and efficient management practices.
An Analytical Model for Nonlinear-Elastic Compliant Mechanisms With Tension–Compression Asymmetry
Authors: Hargrove Brianne , Frecker Mary , Nastevska Angela , Jovanova Jovana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
While nonlinear-elastic materials demonstrate potential in enhancing the performance of compliant mechanisms, their behavior still needs to be captured in a generalized mechanical model. To inform new designs and functionality of compliant mechanisms, a better understanding of nonlinear-elastic materials is necessary and, in particular, their mechanical properties that often differ in tension and compression. In the current work, a beam-based analytical model incorporating nonlinear-elastic material behavior is defined for a folding compliant mechanism geometry. Exact equations are derived capturing the nonlinear curvature profile and shift in the neutral axis due to the material asymmetry. The deflection and curvature profile are compared with finite element analysis along with stress distribution across the beam thickness. The analytical model is shown to be a good approximation of the behavior of nonlinear-elastic materials with tension–compression asymmetry under the assumptions of the von Kármán strain theory. Through a segmentation approach, the geometries of a semicircular arc and folding compliant mechanism design are defined. The deflection of the folding compliant mechanism due to an applied tip load is then evaluated against finite element analysis and experimental results. The generalized methods presented highlight the utility of the model for designing and predicting the behavior of other compliant mechanism geometries and different nonlinear-elastic materials.