bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference values for the Teller Acuity Cards II (TAC II) in infants and preverbal children, a meta‐analysis
Authors: Neijzen Catelijne M. , de Wit Femke M. , Hettinga Ymkje M. , de Boer Joke H. , van Genderen Maria M. , de Wit Gerard C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeThe Teller Acuity Card (TAC) procedure is a preferential‐looking method to assess visual acuity in infants and preverbal children and provides a quantitative measure of grating acuity. Several studies containing reference values have been published, the majority based on an older version of the TAC card set. In 2003, a new version of the TAC was released, called the TAC II. This study aims to provide clinicians with a unified set of age norms for the TAC II.MethodsWe conducted a literature search and extracted individual data points per age from either tables or figures. We performed a weighted regression on both the standard deviation and the mean visual acuity as a function of age. Furthermore, based on literature, we corrected data points from studies using the original TAC by subtracting 0.3 octave to align them with the TAC II age norms.ResultsA total of 5 studies, published between 1990 and 2006, provided binocular visual acuity data for 837 children and monocular visual acuity data for 1052 children. Age norms were derived from these combined data sets.ConclusionsThe TAC charts are the gold standard for assessing visual acuity between the ages of 0 and 36 months. We provide a unified set of age norms for TAC II, the most recent version of the TAC charts.
Evaluating C‐Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin Discordance Among Febrile Infants at Risk of Serious Bacterial Infections
Authors: Chong Shu‐Ling , Zhan Stella Jinran , Khoo Zi Xean , Piragasam Rupini , Wong Lena , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Lee Jan Hau , Ganapathy Sashikumar , Ong Gene Yong‐Kwang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimWe aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with C‐reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) discordance in febrile infants with serious bacterial infections (SBIs).MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of febrile infants ≤ 90 days old presenting to the emergency department between December 2018 and June 2023. We compared conservative and pragmatic thresholds for PCT (< 0.5 ng/mL and < 1.7 ng/mL) and CRP (< 10 mg/L and < 20 mg/L). Discordance was defined as normal CRP with abnormal PCT and vice versa. Performance was presented using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).ResultsAmong 3459 infants, 426 infants (12.3%) had SBIs, among whom 355 (83.3%) had both CRP and PCT performed. Overall, a conservative CRP threshold had the highest sensitivity (74.1%, 95% CI 69.2%–78.6%) and NPV (95.6%, 95% CI 94.6%–96.4%). Among those with SBIs, 148/355 (41.7%) had a normal PCT (< 1.7 ng/mL) and an abnormal CRP (≥ 20 mg/L), while 16/355 (4.5%) had a normal CRP (< 20 mg/L) and an abnormal PCT (≥ 1.7 ng/mL). An increased discordance, specifically abnormal CRP with normal PCT, was found in males, infants 29–90 days old, and those with urinary tract infections.ConclusionSBI clinical decision rules should consider CRP‐PCT discordance in specific patient populations.
Robotic surgery for paediatric neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmad Ihtisham , Alshammari Dheidan , Yadav Priyank , Chua Michael , Chancy Margarita , Ansari Mohd S. , Gundeti Mohan S. 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo evaluate in a systematic review the outcomes, benefits, and limitations of robot‐assisted surgeries for paediatric neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), as robot‐assisted techniques have emerged as a potential alternative, offering enhanced precision, dexterity, and visualisation.MethodsThis review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO identifier CRD42023464849) and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. We included studies of paediatric patients (aged <18 years) with neurogenic LUTD undergoing robot‐assisted continence surgery, assessing safety and efficacy. Literature searches in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), and Scopus were conducted until 12 July 2024. Data extraction included surgical procedures, complications, operative times, lengths of stay, and bladder function outcomes.ResultsA total of 42 studies (20 case reports, 10 case series, six cohort studies, six comparative cohort studies) were included. Robotic procedures for continent catherisable channel construction, augmentation cystoplasty, and bladder neck reconstruction showed comparable peri‐ and postoperative outcomes. Meta‐analysis of five studies comparing robotic vs open appendicovesicostomy indicated a significant reduction in length of stay for robotic groups, while operative time, complications, and re‐intervention rates were not significantly different. Conversions to open surgery were rare, indicated by adhesions or small appendices during channel constructions.ConclusionsRobot‐assisted surgeries for paediatric neurogenic LUTD demonstrate potential benefits, including reduced hospital stays and comparable complication rates to open surgery in certain contexts. However, the available evidence is limited by heterogeneity in study designs, small sample sizes, and single‐centre experiences, which constrain generalisability. Standardised reporting of complications and outcomes, alongside multicentre studies, is essential to clarify the long‐term efficacy and broader applicability of these techniques.
Gender‐specific outcomes in pilonidal sinus disease: Female outcomes after cleft lift surgery in a large prospective Danish cohort
Authors: Faurschou I. K. , Ankersen J. L. , Pedersen N. , Sørensen M. J. , Friis M. L. , Pedersen A. G. , Doll D. , Haas S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimPilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common condition particularly affecting young men. Females affected by the condition account for about 20% of patients and are rarely mentioned, much less studied specifically. In this study we evaluate the surgical outcomes in a female population following Bascom's cleft lift (BCL) surgery in primary extensive disease, non‐healing wounds after previous surgery and recurrent disease in a large Danish cohort from a high‐volume centre.MethodThe study is based on a prospective database established at Randers Regional Hospital in 2016. All patients undergoing BCL surgery from June 2016 until October 2022 were included in this study.ResultsIn all, 560 patients underwent BCL surgery at our centre during this period. Eighty‐eight (15.7%) were women. Only 10 (11.3%) were operated due to primary extensive manifestations. The rest presented with either non‐healing wounds after previous surgery (47.7%) or recurrent PSD (41%). Risk of recurrence in female patients was 30% higher than in male patients (risk ratio 1.30, 95% CI 0.79–2.09) and the risk of prolonged healing after BCL surgery was 46% higher in women compared to men (risk ratio 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.14).ConclusionFemale PSD patients may represent a subcategory of patients at higher risk of treatment failure and should be dealt with as such. Initially, few present with the need for extensive surgery. However, given the common occurrence of prolonged healing and recurrence, we recommend a minimal invasive approach when possible.
Study on the effectiveness and influencing factors of vegetation protection in national nature reserves on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qin Le , Ren Yueheng , Zhu Yanpeng , Li Boyan , Fu Mengdi , Ji Shengnan , Liu Weiwei , Qiu Dongdong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractProtected areas are the cornerstone of national and global efforts to mitigate biodiversity loss. This study focused on the national nature reserves (NNRs) of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), using a long‐term series of NDVI data from 2010 to 2020 to assess the effectiveness of vegetation protection across the entire region. By employing a multiple regression model, we accounted for 71% of the variation in the NDVI change rate, indicating a goodness of fit (R‐squared) that indicated an interplay between factors such as the natural environment, management capabilities, human‐mediated disturbance, and population density in shaping vegetation protection effectiveness within the NNRs of the QTP. The managerial capacity, natural environment, population, and human‐mediated disturbance factors contributed 46.0%, 37.5%, 11.4%, and 5.1%, respectively, of the total. The regression analysis findings highlight the crucial role that environmental elements play in the success of conservation by showing that latitude, longitude, elevation, and average annual precipitation all have a major impact on the effectiveness of NNRs. The effectiveness of conservation is significantly positively impacted by province and per capita patrol area, and negatively by per capita management area. Practical conservation and management solutions appropriate for the NNRs of the QTP are also offered to meet current challenges and management restrictions. These suggestions are meant to help the QTP function as an ecological security barrier more successfully.
Potential Landscapes for Conservation of the Black‐Tailed Prairie Dog Ecosystem
Authors: Davidson Ana D. , Thiesen Brum Fernanda , Houts Michael , Menefee Michael , Williamson Matt , Sterling Krank Lindsey , Van Pelt Bill , Augustine David J. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimTo identify potential landscapes for the conservation of the black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus; BTPD) ecosystem, across their historical geographical range within the United States.LocationCentral Grasslands of the United States.MethodsWe used a structured decision analysis approach to identify landscapes with high conservation potential (HCP) for the BTPD ecosystem. Our analysis incorporated ecological, political and social factors, along with changing climate and land use to maximise long‐term conservation potential.ResultsThe landscapes we identified with HCP (top 30% rangewide) represented 22% of the historical distribution of BTPDs and remained strongholds under projected climate change. We provide a suite of HCP area scenarios to help inform different conservation and management interests, including those that consider projected climate change and jurisdictional (state‐level) boundaries.Main ConclusionsOur findings highlight the large conservation potential for BTPDs and associated species, and the maps we generated can be incorporated into other large‐scale, multispecies conservation planning efforts being developed for the Central Grasslands of North America.
Bridging Classrooms and Communities: The Transformative Impact of Community‐Based Dental Education on the Learning Experiences of Undergraduate Students
Authors: Ali Kamran , Sunil Sruthi , Gupta Nidhi , Glanville Rebecca , Vanishree T. , Al‐Maweri Sadeq Ali , Khtib Asmaa Al 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimsThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of community‐based dental education (CBDE) on the learning experiences of undergraduate dental students and recent dental graduates from two diverse geographical regions.MethodsThe study followed a cross‐sectional design, conducted online using Google Forms, with ethical approval from Qatar University. A non‐probability purposive sampling method was used to recruit dental students and recent graduates from three institutions in India and one in Qatar. A questionnaire based on 20 closed‐ended items and two open‐ended questions, developed by a team of dental academics, was used for data collection. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and thematic analysis for open‐ended responses.ResultsThe study included 148 participants, with 116 female (78.37%) and 32 male (21.62%) students, mostly from India (75%) and the rest from Qatar (25%). ANOVA revealed significant differences based on age, country and stage of education (p < 0.001). Dental interns had the highest mean score (1.12 ± 0.8), while Year 2 students had the lowest (0.75 ± 1.08). Female participants had a slightly higher mean score (1.05 ± 0.77) than male participants (0.92 ± 0.98), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.127). Key challenges included inadequate support and cultural barriers in India, and conflicts with religious obligations and didactic workload in Qatar. Recommendations focused on enhancing field activities, logistical support and mentorship programmes.ConclusionsThe study shows that dental students value CBDE for developing essential skills for community engagement. However, challenges differ across socio‐cultural contexts, highlighting the need for more localised and supportive frameworks to improve CBDE experiences. The variation in student perceptions by age, education stage and country suggests that CBDE strategies should be flexible and adaptable to address the diverse learning needs of students.
Coupling Infrared Isotopic Gas Analysis and Thermal Ramped Analysis to Characterise Soil Organic and Inorganic Carbon
Authors: Hazera Joséphine , Kowalewski Isabelle , Sebag David , Verrecchia Eric , Ravelojaona Herman , Chevallier Tiphaine 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTStudying the soil organic and inorganic carbon (SOC and SIC) dynamics is essential to assess the carbon (C) sequestration potential of calcareous soils. Isotopic signatures (δ13C) are used to assess the C origin of SOC or SIC. However, as measuring SOC and SIC contents, measuring δ13CSOC and δ13CSIC on a non‐pretreated aliquot remains a challenge. Thermal analyses, like the Rock‐Eval (RE) analysis, are promising to quantify SOC and SIC in a single analysis, but, to our knowledge, no development was conducted to assess δ13CSOC and δ13CSIC. We coupled a RE device to an isotopic gas analyser (Picarro) to continuously measure δ13CCO2 and approach δ13CSOC and δ13CSIC. We hypothesised that different carbonate mineralogies and/or crystal sizes in SIC involve fluctuations of the δ13CCO2. Two calcareous soils, a lithogenic (calcite) and a biogenic (snail shell) carbonate, and five calcite/shell mixes were analysed with the RE‐Picarro setup. Two distinct δ13CCO2 values were obtained before and after 650°C and were consistent with the δ13CSOC and δ13CSIC obtained by EA‐IRMS. The fluctuations of δ13CCO2 above 650°C were higher with calcite/shell mixes than with pure carbonates. A δ13CCO2 fluctuation > ± 0.2‰ could be a pertinent indicator to detect mixes of carbonate with different δ13C in soils. The RE‐Picarro setup is promising to assess SOC and SIC contents, δ13CSOC and δ13CSIC and detect mixes of carbonate with different origin on a non‐pretreated aliquot. Development is needed (i) on more soil and carbonate samples and (ii) to improve the precision and accuracy of the RE‐Picarro setup.
Circadian rhythm disruption aggravates alveolar bone loss in rat apical periodontitis
Authors: Ye Lanxiang , Mei Gang , Liu Huan , Zhong Rong , Tang Qingming , Yuan Zhenglin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCircadian rhythm disruption (CRD) affects the expression levels of a range of biological clock genes, such as brain and muscle ARNT‐Like‐1 (BMAL1), which is considered to be an important factor in triggering or exacerbating inflammatory response. However, the underlying effect of CRD on the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis, a common oral inflammatory disease, currently remains unknown. Exploring the effects and pathogenic mechanisms of CRD on apical periodontitis will be beneficial in providing new ideas for the prevention and treatment of apical periodontitis.MethodologyThe cross‐sectional study was conducted among patients with apical periodontitis visiting to hospital. Rat models combining CRD and apical periodontitis were constructed, and the destruction of periapical alveolar bone was assessed by Micro‐CT, H&E, and TRAP staining assay. Rat periapical alveolar bone tissues were collected for RT‐qPCR and immunohistochemistry to further detect the expression of periapical biological clock genes. A model of apical periodontitis was constructed using Bmal1−/− and WT rats to further verify the key role played by Bmal1. Finally, rats raised in CRD environment were intraperitoneally injected with melatonin to restore the circadian rhythm, and the periapical alveolar bone repair was observed by Masson's staining and staining of osteogenic markers (ALP, RUNX2).ResultsA close association between CRD and acute exacerbation of chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) in patients was first found in an epidemiological survey. By constructing animal models of CRD and apical periodontitis, it was found that CRD could aggravate the inflammatory stress of apical periodontitis and even drive the acute exacerbation of CAP. Further investigations suggested that the expression of crucial clock genes, especially Bmal1, were significantly disrupted in the periapical tissue of apical periodontitis. In addition, the periapical tissue from Bmal1 knockout rat displayed stronger inflammatory response and more severe alveolar bone destruction in apical periodontitis. Restoring circadian rhythm by melatonin supplementation could effectively alleviate both the inflammatory response and alveolar bone loss in apical periodontitis.ConclusionCRD is a novel trigger in aggravating the inflammatory response and alveolar bone loss of apical periodontitis. Melatonin is expected to be used in the dental clinic as an important adjunctive therapy strategy for the healing of periapical tissue in apical periodontitis.
Comparing Proctored and Unproctored Cognitive Ability Testing in High‐Stakes Personnel Selection
Authors: Norrøne Tore Nøttestad , Nordmo Morten 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTNew advances in computerized adaptive testing (CAT) have increased the feasibility of high‐stakes unproctored testing of general mental ability (GMA) in personnel selection contexts. This study presents the results from a within‐subject investigation of the convergent validity of unproctored tests. Three batteries of cognitive ability tests were administered during personnel selection in the Norwegian Armed Forces. A total of 537 candidates completed two sets of proctored fixed‐length GMA tests before and during the selection process. In addition, an at‐home unproctored CAT battery of tests was administered before the selection process began. Differences and similarities between the convergent validity of the tests were evaluated. The convergent validity coefficients did not significantly differ between proctored and unproctored batteries, both on observed GMA scores and the latent factor level. The distribution and standardized residuals of test scores comparing proctored‐proctored and proctored‐unproctored were overall quite similar and showed no evidence of score inflation or deflation in the unproctored tests. The similarities between proctored and unproctored results also extended to the moderately searchable words similarity test. Although some unlikely individual cases were observed, the overall results suggest that the unproctored tests maintained their convergent validity.
Enablers and inhibitors of nursing and midwifery leadership in Pacific Island collectivist cultures
Authors: Rumsey Michele , Thoms Debra , Deki  , Leong Margaret , Wilson Colleen Turaga , Filise Mele Sii Inukihaangana , Tuipulotu Amelia Latu Afuha'amango , Rossiter Chris 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimTo identify and explore inhibitors and enablers of nursing and midwifery leadership in the Pacific; to develop context‐specific recommendations for policy and practice.BackgroundMany Pacific Island countries experience poor health outcomes and are vulnerable to climate‐related health emergencies. Nursing and midwifery leadership is essential to improve regional health outcomes through influencing policy decisions, strengthening health systems and ensuring optimal health workforce utilisation. Understanding factors affecting health professional leadership facilitates action to remove obstacles and stimulate professional development for emerging leaders.MethodsThis qualitative study utilised a culturally sensitive co‐designed approach and follows the COREQ criteria. The PARcific research methodology synthesised Participant Action Research with Pacific methodologies for culturally safe interviews with 136 stakeholders.ResultsMajor enablers of leadership identified were professional development, particularly skills in communication, project planning and data literacy; adequate workforce resources; effective workforce management; support from peers and managers; and personal confidence and courage. Participants identified main inhibitors: inadequate workforce resources; limited cultural sensitivity; and poor understanding of national and regional strategies.However, perspectives varied between different participant groups. International and regional policy makers did not recognise the critical importance of workforce resources and individual agency to fostering nursing and midwifery leadership.DiscussionJoint action to enhance health professional leadership will promote better policymaking leading to improved health outcomes.Implications for health policyProfessional development should specifically include leadership training using culturally appropriate methods and mechanisms for management and peer support. Leadership development also requires adequate workforce resources to support training; regional standards for accreditation and professional development; improved formal and informal communication pathways; established regional policy directions; and a regional taskforce with health professionals trained to provide crisis leadership.
Effect of Severe Salt Stress on Respiratory and Biochemical Parameters in Legumes With Differential Nodulation Form
Authors: Ortiz José , Sanhueza Carolina , Yaupi Pablo , Plaza Fabián , Castro Catalina , Paniagua‐López Mario , de la Peña Teodoro Coba , López‐Gómez Miguel , Bascuñán‐Godoy Luisa , Del‐Saz Néstor Fernández 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLegumes are among the most utilised agronomic plant species due to their symbiotic association with N2‐fixing bacteria. Since N2 fixation entails high ATP cost, salt stress disrupts N2 fixation in the symbiont, but increases the production of osmolytes and antioxidant systems in the host plant. This results in competition for C allocation between osmoprotection in the host and continued supply to the symbiont for N acquisition, which may result in different plant responses to salinity. Two‐nodule types of plant species with contrasting carbon requirements for organic N2 fixation can be found within legume species; determinate and indeterminate. In this study, we tested responses of respiratory carbon metabolism, nitrogen assimilation and antioxidant machinery in leaves and roots of Phaseolus vulgaris (determinate nodules) and Pisum sativum (indeterminate nodules) 24 and 72 h after salt treatment (300 mM of NaCl). In P. sativum, we observed that nitrogenase activity was maintained at 24 h, but showed a strong decrease at 72 h together with cytochrome activity. On contrast, in P. vulgaris, respiration rates were maintained by an enhanced antioxidant activity under salinity although at the expense of nodule metabolism. Despite of the severity of the salt stress for N2 fixation, both species showed similar mechanisms to cope with salinity, like the maintenance of alternative respiration and increased antioxidant defence, that are worthy to be tested in the long term under field conditions.