bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An antifungal compound secreted by termite workers, phenylacetic acid, inhibits the growth of both termite egg-mimicking fungus and entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Nakashima Masaaki , Mitaka Yuki , Inagaki Tatsuya , Matsuura Kenji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Social insects live in closely related family groups but face risks of intrusion and infection by pathogenic and parasitic microbes. To cope with the microbes invading their nests and feeding sites, social insects produce various types of antimicrobial substances. Subterranean termites occupy microbe-rich decaying wood and soil at high density, expanding their nest area by exploring and feeding on wood outward from the royal chamber (room for kings and queens). Although antimicrobial agents have been identified in many termite species, few studies have investigated those used by foraging workers in unexplored decaying wood, which is richer in microbes than the well-sterilized royal chamber and its surroundings. Here we report that phenylacetic acid, an antifungal aromatic compound, is secreted by foraging workers of the Japanese subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. The compound was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ethyl acetate extracts of shelter papers infested with the workers, and antimicrobial tests demonstrated that it inhibits the mycelial growth of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the termite egg-mimicking fungus Athelia termitephila. Our study provides new insights into the antimicrobial defense mechanisms of termites, including by combining different types of antimicrobial substances secreted by different castes, and thus the survival strategy of entomopathogenic and parasitic fungi in termite nests.
Cleansing efficacy of an oral irrigator with microburst technology in adolescent orthodontic patients. A randomized-controlled crossover study
Authors: gänzer hanna , Kasslatter Manuel , Wiesmüller Vera , Denk Lena , Sigwart Anna-Maria , Kapferer-Seebacher Ines , Crismani Adriano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Simplifying interdental space cleaning is a constantly discussed topic. The present study aimed to compare the cleansing efficacy of an oral irrigator with that of dental flossing in adolescent patients with fixed braces after four weeks of home-use.
Materials and methods
The study design is a randomized, single-blinded cross-over study. Following a twenty-eight-day period of product utilization in a home setting, a comparative analysis was conducted on hygiene indices, specifically the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) and the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), between the test group (oral irrigator) and the control group (dental floss).
Results
Seventeen adolescent individuals finalized the study. After 28 days of cleaning with the oral irrigator, RMNPI was 58.81% (55.31 – 66.47) compared to 59.46% (52.68 - 68.67) with dental floss (p = 0.070). Subgroup analyses did not classify either of the two methods as superior. GBI after the test phase with the oral irrigator was 28.93% (23.21 – 33.97) and insignificant higher compared to 26.40% (21.01 – 31.41) with dental floss (p = 0.1585).
Conclusions
None of the two products proved significantly superior in terms of cleaning efficiency. Therefore, no recommendation can be made in favor of one over the other. It is evident that through special attention to home oral hygiene, improved index values were achieved, leading to the conclusion that paying careful attention to daily dental cleaning is of highly importance.
Clinical relevance
It´s less about the tool but more about oral hygiene instruction and motivation provided by the orthodontist or the responsible guardians at home.
Making a scene – using GAN generated scenes to test the role of real-world co-occurence statistics and hierarchical feature spaces in scene understanding.
Authors: Kallmayer Aylin , Võ Melissa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Our visual surroundings are highly complex. Despite this, we understand and navigate them effortlessly. This requires a complex series of transformations resulting in representations that not only span low- to high-level visual features (e.g., contours, textures, object parts and objects), but likely also reflect co-occurrence statistics of objects in real-world scenes. Here, so-called anchor objects reflect clustering statistics in real-world scenes, anchoring predictions towards frequently co-occuring smaller objects, while so-called diagnostic objects predict the larger semantic context. We investigate which of these properties underly scene understanding across two dimensions – realism and categorisation – using scenes generated from Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) which naturally vary along these dimensions. We show that anchor objects and mainly high-level features extracted from a range of pre-trained deep neural networks (DNNs) drove realism both at first glance and after initial processing. Categorisation performance was mainly determined by diagnostic objects, regardless of realism and DNN features, also at first glance and after initial processing. Our results are testament to the visual system’s ability to pick up on reliable, category specific sources of information that are flexible towards disturbances across the visual feature hierarchy.
Scientific competence during medical education - insights from a cross- sectional study
Authors: Vogt Maximilian , Jahn Nadja , Geissler Mark Enrik , Bereuter Jean-Paul , Geissler Rona Berit , Glauche Ingmar , Gerdes Sebastian , Deußen Andreas , Günther Lydia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Medical knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases is constantly evolving. To effectively incorporate these findings into professional practice, it is crucial that scientific competencies are a central component of medical education. This study seeks to analyse the current state of scientific education and students' desires for integration into the curriculum.
Methods
From October to December 2022, a survey was distributed at the Medical Faculty Dresden to all medical students from the 1st to 5th academic year (AY). The survey investigates current expectations of applying scientific competencies later in professional life, and the students were asked to self-assess various scientific skills and in relation to the National Competence Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education. The self-assessments were objectified through a competence test with ten multiple-choice questions. The desire for curricular teaching was inquired.
Results
860 students completed the survey. This corresponds to a response rate of 64%. In the 5th AY, approximately 80% of the participants stated that they expected to work with scientific literature on a daily to monthly basis in future professional life and to communicate corresponding scientific findings to patients. Only 30–40% of the 5th AY rate their scientific competencies as sufficient to do this appropriately. This corresponds with the self-assessed competencies that only slightly increased over the 5 AYs from 14.1 ± 11.7 to 21.3 ± 13.8 points (max. 52) and is also reflected in the competence test (1st AY 3.6 ± 1.75 vs. 5th AY 5.5 ± 1.68, max. 10 points). Half of the students in the 4th and 5th AYs were dissatisfied with the current teaching of scientific skills. The majority preferred the implementation of a science curriculum (56%), preferably as seminars dealing with topics such as literature research, analysis, and science communication.
Conclusions
The results show discrepancies between expectations of using scientific knowledge in everyday professional life, self-rated and objectively recorded competencies, and the current state of curricular teaching of scientific competencies. There is a strong need for adequate practical training, particularly in critical analyses of scientific literature, which enables the communication of scientific knowledge to patients.
Concurrent Clonal Expansion of Community-Associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Clones in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Hala Sharif , Fallatah Omniya , Bahaitham Wesam , Malaikah Mohammed , Alarawi Mohammed , Anasari Hifzur , Zhou Ge , Zakri Samer , Bazaid Abdurahman Abdullah Mohammed , Aljahdali Mutep Hamed Helal , Aljahdali Linah Hamed Helal , Ujaimi Hashim Adnan R , Masoud Abdulrahman Fadelallah , Alamri Ali Abdullah Ahmad , Abdulaziz Abdulaziz Atef Adel , Aboalola Doaa , Kaaki Mai , Bosaeed Mohammed , Shamrani Majed Al , Alamri Abdulfattah , Moradigaravand Danesh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant public health threat due to its ability to cause a range of diseases in humans and its resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobials. Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains, originating in the community, are increasingly known to underlie hospital infections. However, the dynamics of CA-MRSA clones in hospital settings are not well-characterized. Methods In this study, we conducted a genomic survey of a systematic cross-sectional collection of MRSA isolated over one and a half years in a major tertiary hospital in Jeddah, southwest Saudi Arabia. We subjected 194 isolates recovered from different body sites of 175 patients over two years to whole-genome sequencing and integrated the genomic data with detailed clinical information from electronic health record (EHR) data. We employed a broad range of genomics and text and data mining approaches to decipher the dynamics of MRSA clones, including resistance and virulence mechanisms, and the clinical manifestation of MRSA infections. Results Our results revealed a diverse clonal population underlying the population diversity in the hospital, with six dominant sequence types (STs) concurrently expanding over the past six decades. The major clones in the population harbored hallmarks of CA-MRSA, belonging to ST5 (n = 33), ST672 (n = 36), ST97 (n = 14), ST6 (n = 15), ST88 (n = 19), and ST8 (n = 27). The PVL locus was found in 60% of the ST8 strains and three strains of ST97 and ST88. Phylodynamic analysis showed that ST97, ST6, and ST672 formed more recently than other clones over the past two decades. ST97 carriage was significantly linked to in-hospital mortality and the diagnosis of sepsis. We characterized multiple cases of cross-resistance and showed diverse symptoms associated with colonization/infection by each ST. We further identified the emergence of antimicrobial resistance determinants within each clone and found evidence of the sharing of plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance genes across multiple MRSA lineages. Conclusion Altogether, the study presents an in-depth analysis of the complex dynamics of MRSA, reflecting the concurrent emergence of multiple clones in a single hospital and highlighting the multiple introductions of CA-MRSA strains into the hospital.
Neonatal Outcomes According to Different Glucose Threshold Values in Gestational Diabetes: A Register-based Study
Authors: Kariniemi Kaisa , Vääräsmäki Marja , Männistö Tuija , Mustaniemi Sanna , Kajantie Eero , Eteläinen Sanna , Keikkala Elina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Mild hyperglycaemia is associated with increased birth weight but association with other neonatal outcomes is controversial. We aimed to study neonatal outcomes in untreated mild hyperglycaemia using different oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) thresholds.
Methods
This register-based study included all (n = 4,939) singleton pregnant women participating a 75 g 2-hour OGTT in six delivery hospitals in Finland in 2009. Finnish diagnostic cut-offs for GDM were fasting ≥ 5.3, 1-hour ≥ 10.0 or 2-hour glucose ≥ 8.6 mmol/L. Women who did not meet these criteria but met the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria (fasting 5.1–5.2 mmol/L and/or 2-hour glucose 8.5 mmol/L, n = 509) or the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria (2-hour glucose 7.8–8.5 mmol/L, n = 166) were considered as mild untreated hyperglycaemia. Women who met both the Finnish criteria and the IADPSG or the NICE criteria were considered as treated GDM groups (n = 1292 and n = 612, respectively). Untreated mild hyperglycemia groups and treated GDM groups were compared to controls, who were normoglycemic according to all criteria (fasting < 5.1 mmol/L, 1-hour glucose < 10.0 mmol/L and 2-hour glucose < 8.5 mmol/L, n = 3031). The primary outcome - a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, birth trauma or perinatal mortality – was analysed using multivariate logistic regression.
Results
Compared to controls, the risk for the adverse neonatal outcome was not increased in mild hyperglycemia according to the IADPSG criteria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71–1.44) or the NICE criteria (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.60–1.85).
Discussion
The risk of adverse neonatal outcomes was not increased in mild untreated hyperglycaemia. The OGTT cut-offs of 5.3 mmol/L at fasting and 8.6 mmol/L at 2 hours seem to sufficiently identify clinically relevant GDM, without excluding neonates with a risk of adverse outcomes.
Digital Learning in Nursing Education: Lessons from the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Haanes Gro Gade , Nilsen Etty , Mofossbakke Randi , Wighus Marianne , Ravik Monika 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of universities worldwide, including in Europe, which resulted in the rapid adoption of online learning (e-learning) and online classes as a substitute for face-to-face teaching and interactions. Both nurse educators and students had to improvise in this new reality, and they had varying levels of experience and knowledge of e-learning. Given the critical role that nurses play in healthcare systems, understanding the unique challenges they face in e-learning environments as students is crucial for optimizing educational strategies and ultimately patient care.
Aim: To determine the experiences of nursing students and newly qualified nurses in learning and knowledge development during education provided via e-learning, based on their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Method: This descriptive and exploratory study applied qualitative individual and pair interviews conducted online via Zoom during February and March of 2022. A total of 31 participants from 3 distinct samples comprising full-time nursing students, part-time students, and newly qualified nurses were interviewed by 3 different researchers to gain insights into their experiences and reflections on the sudden shift to e-learning in nursing education during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Results: The study identified three main categories within the overarching theme of learning and knowledge development using e-learning during the lockdown period: (1) learning possibilities and learning barriers when using e-learning, (2) technological difficulties and challenges when using e-learning, and (3) psychological and social challenges when using e-learning. These categories encompass different dimensions of the participants’ perceptions of e-learning during the pandemic. They shed light on the barriers and limitations of digital platforms as well as possibilities in learning experiences and knowledge development using small groups versus large groups online.
Conclusion: Putting students into smaller groups might make e-learning more effective by facilitating deeper understanding and engagement. The scaffolding constructed by the teacher, consisting of structure, accessibility, and predictability, is crucial for achieving deeper learning. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by nursing students, educational institutions can optimize e-learning strategies to ensure that future nurses are well prepared for their vital roles in healthcare systems.
Grewia asiatica leaves extract assisted green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and study of their antibacterial, antioxidant and photocatalytic potential
Authors: Maryam Sana , Akhter Naseem , Qamar Muhammad Azam , Yaqoob Asma , Shahid Muhammad , Farhan Ahmad , Nazir Shela Parveen , Alaghaz Abdel-Nasser M. A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The environmental issues generated by industrial advancement and human activities are serious and must not be overlooked. Bio-nanotechnology has emerged as a solution for producing biosynthetic nanomaterials to address environmental issues. The current work describes for the first time an economical and environmentally benign method of producing gold nanoparticles utilizing Grewia asiatica (GAAuNPs). The optimal AuNPs were produced using a gold ion concentration of 1 mM and a metal-to-extract ratio of 1:1. The resulting nanoparticles were analyzed and characterized using X-ray crystallography, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV visible spectroscopy. The catalytic methylene blue (MB) dye degradation properties, antibacterial and biofilm inhibition abilities, and antioxidant properties of the synthesized particles were investigated. The Au NPs demonstrated efficient catalytic degradation against MB and completely degraded it in 8 minutes. The NPs also exhibited potent biofilm inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus that was close to the standard and was more antioxidant than the standard. The findings highlight G. asiatica as a suitable, inexpensive biosource for biofabricating GAAuNPs with extensive multifunctional uses. To conclude, GAAuNPs' ability to degrade organic pollutants and eradicate pathogens provides a cost-effective and environmentally benign remedy to tackle contemporary pollutants.
Heat exposure and perinatal mortality: A time-stratified, case-crossover study from 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda
Authors: Hanson Claudia , de Bont Jeroen , Annerstedt Kristi Sidney , Alsina Maria , Nobile Federica , Roos Nathalie , Waiswa Peter , Dossou Jean-Paul , Chipeta Effie , Benova Lenka , Kidanto Hussein , Pembe Andrea , Part Cherie , Stafoggia Massimo , Filippi Veronique , Ljungman Petter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Extreme heat events affect both pregnant women and their infants. We applied a time-stratified case-crossover design including 124,819 singleton births in a prospective observational study in 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda to investigate the association between extreme heat and timing of perinatal death.
We observed weak associations between heat exposure and perinatal mortality with an odds ratio of 1.22 (95%CI 0.85-1.73) for stillbirths; 1.10 (95%CI 0.51-2.34) for antepartum and 1.54 (95%CI 0.63-3.73) for intrapartum stillbirths; and 1.17 (95%CI 0.84-2.61) for perinatal deaths with an increase from 75th to 99th percentile in mean temperature one week (lag 0-6 days) before childbirth. The cumulative exposure-response curve suggested the steepest slope for heat was in intrapartum stillbirths, and stronger associations during the hottest seasons. We conclude that higher temperatures may have short-term effects on mortality risks, particularly for intrapartum stillbirths, raising the importance of improved intrapartum care.
Prehospital invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring in critically ill patients attended by a UK Helicopter Emergency Medical Service – a retrospective observational review of practice
Authors: Butterfield Emma D , Bonsano Marco , Price James , Lachowycz Kate , Starr Zachary , Edmunds Christopher , Barratt Jon , Major Rob , Rees Paul , Barnard Ed B G 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Accurate haemodynamic monitoring of critically unwell and injured patients in the prehospital setting is essential. Non-invasive blood pressure measurement is susceptible to vibration and motion artefact, especially at extremes of hypotension and hypertension. Invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) monitoring is a potential solution to these limitations. The aim of this study was to describe the largest series to date of patients in whom IABP monitoring was successfully initiated prehospital.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was conducted at East Anglian Air Ambulance, a UK helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) which provides prehospital critical care in the East of England. It included all patients attended by EAAA who underwent arterial catheterisation and initiation of IABP monitoring between 1st February 2015 and 20th April 2023.
The following data were retrieved for all patients: sex; age; aetiology (medical cardiac arrest, other medical emergency, trauma); site of arterial cannulation; operator role (doctor/paramedic); the time of insertion and, where applicable, time of pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia, and return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest. Characteristics of the sample were described as number (percentage) for categorical variables and mean (± standard deviation (SD)) or median (interquartile range = IQR) for continuous variables as appropriate.
Results
During the study period 13,556 patients were attended; IABP monitoring was initiated in 1083 (8.0%) cases (70.8% male; median age 59 years). 546 cases (50.4%) were of medical cardiac arrest: in 22.4% of these IABP monitoring was initiated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 322 (29.7%) were trauma cases, and the remaining 215 (19.9%) were medical emergencies. The patients were critically unwell: 981 (90.6%) required intubation, of which 789 (72.6%) underwent prehospital emergency anaesthesia; 609 (56.2%) received vasoactive medication. In 424 (39.2%) cases IABP monitoring was instituted en route to hospital.
Conclusions
This study describes over 1000 cases of prehospital arterial catheterisation and invasive blood pressure monitoring in a UK HEMS system and has demonstrated feasibility at scale with no clear signal of catheter-associated complications. The high-fidelity of invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring with the additional benefit of arterial blood gas analysis presents an attractive translation of in-hospital critical care to the prehospital setting.
Robust ferroelectricity in HfO2-based bulk crystals via polymorphic engineering
Authors: Yu Haohai , Wang Shuxian , Shen Yihao , Yang Xiaoyu , Nan Pengfei , Ge Binghui , Zhang Shujun , Zhang Huaijin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The discovery of ferroelectricity in hafnium dioxide (HfO2) thin films over the past decade has revolutionized the landscape of ferroelectrics. HfO2-based ferroelectrics exhibit extraordinary switching capabilities and integrability in existing semiconductor chips, making them a promising candidate for next-generation ferroelectrics beyond the constraints of Moore’s law. However, the underlying mechanism of their ferroelectricity remains a topic of debate, possibly related to the presence of a metastable and volatile ferroelectric phase. Herein, we have achieved the successful growth of HfO2-based bulk crystals, revealing a remarkable remanent polarization of 26 μC/cm2 by a comprehensive understanding of the polymorphic engineering strategy. This result not only rivals the performances observed in extensively studied ultra-thin films but also underscores the universal feature of HfO2-based ferroelectricity. Our investigation has unveiled the intricate local structural transitions during the development of the ferroelectric phase in bulk crystals, clearly elucidating that the ferroelectric orthorhombic Pbc21 phase originates from the metastable tetragonal phase. This groundbreaking discovery clarifies the ferroelectric origin of HfO2 and provides a strategic approach for designing robust ferroelectricity. Our findings hold the potential to advance the comprehension of ferroelectric mechanisms in fluorite-structured materials, paving the way for significant strides in the subsequent development of HfO2-based nonvolatile electronic and photonic devices.