bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Dialogue between Confucius and Christ: The Development and Influence of Chinese Jesuits in Kiang-nan (Jiangnan) during the Late Qing Period (1842–1912)
Authors: Qiang Li , Pieragastini Steven 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
When the Jesuits returned to China during and soon after the Opium War (1839–42), one of their first tasks was to establish a novitiate in Shanghai and begin preparing Chinese novices for formation in the Society. This essay focuses on the role of these Chinese Jesuits and their associates, in particular Huang Bolu (黃伯祿, also known as Pierre, Petrus, or Peter Hoang), who wrote several influential texts on scientific, legal, economic, and political topics in both Chinese and French. Although deeply committed to the church, Huang also tried in subtle ways to reform or redirect certain practices of the Jesuits in China, in particular, the reliance on the French Religious Protectorate. In doing so, he drew together the worlds of global Catholicism and late imperial Chinese literati. The works and experiences of Huang, Chinese Jesuits, and other Chinese Catholics within the orbit of the Jesuits allow us to hear the voice of indigenous Catholicism while also demonstrating the complicated interaction between spirituality, identity, empire, nationality, and the supranational church. This article is part of the special issue of the Journal of Jesuit Studies, “Jesuits in Modern Far East,” guest edited by Steven Pieragastini.
The Bureau of Sinology and Its Early Development, 1927–1934
Authors: Wu Hsin-fang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In 1927, the Jesuit-run Bureau of Sinology was founded in Shanghai to assist missionaries in their apostolic work via education and publications. The bureau’s establishment was part of a longstanding effort to resume the Jesuit tradition of developing intellectual apostolate and pursuing Sinological studies. However, the bureau was soon beset by internal crises that limited its functionality. The bureau also competed with the Synodal Commission, which Celso Costantini (1876–1958), the first apostolic delegate to China, had established in the same year and with a similar objective. The ecclesiastical hierarchy and overlapping purposes of the two institutes disadvantaged the bureau in its early development and escalated tensions between the Jesuits in China and the delegate. This article is part of the special issue of the Journal of Jesuit Studies, “Jesuits in Modern Far East,” guest edited by Steven Pieragastini.
“I Want My Loved One Back Virtually”: Exploring the Desire of Bereaved People to Create and Maintain Digital Bonds With Their Deceased Loved Ones
Authors: Kawashima Daisuke , Kempe Tomomi , Koga Yoshiki 
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of digital technology in recent years, virtual funerals and the reproduction of deceased persons in digital spaces have become possible. However, few empirical studies have been conducted on this topic. This study assessed the attitudes of bereaved people toward digital bonds with their deceased relatives, and explored related factors. A survey was administered to bereaved, middle-aged Japanese citizens who had lost a first-degree relative within the previous 10 years. The results showed that most respondents did not seek digital bonds, but nearly 20% wanted to be reunited with their deceased in a digital space. The desire to maintain digital bonds was significantly related to other variables, such as the deceased’s age and years since their death. Regression analysis revealed that the desire for digital bonds predicted complicated grief 5 months later. The findings suggest that digital bonds may influence post-bereavement maladjustment.
Ambiguity and vagueness in party competition
Authors: Praprotnik Katrin , Ennser-Jedenastik Laurenz 
Published: August 2023

A central theme emerging from recent research on party competition is that political actors sometimes remain deliberately opaque in their communication. This phenomenon has been investigated under labels such as position-blurring, ambiguity, issue clarity or ideological clarity. In this paper we propose a distinction between two concepts that are sometimes conflated in this literature: ambiguity and vagueness. While ambiguity means that there is substantial variance in parties' positional signals, vagueness denotes political statements that are non-committal in terms of the policy action to be taken or the outcome to be achieved. We explore the co-variation of these two dimensions and their relationship to issue ownership and government status using manifesto data produced by the Austrian National Election Study. These data are unique in that they provide detailed positional information as well as information on policy commitment (election pledges). We show that the two dimensions are uncorrelated and have opposite relationships with issue ownership (vagueness positive, ambiguity negative). We conclude that analyses of position-blurring in party competition should take different strategies of non-clarity in party communication into account.
Timing of Complications Following Surgery for Distal Femur Fractures in Older Adults
Authors: Onizuka Naoko , Farmer Samuel , Wiseman Jessica M. , Alain Gabriel , Quatman-Yates Catherine C. , Quatman Carmen E. 
Published: August 2023

Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify the timing and nature of complications associated with distal femur fracture surgery in patients aged 65 and older using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. Methods The ACS NSQIP database was queried for adults aged 65 and older who received surgical treatment for a distal femur fracture between 01 January 2015 and 31 December 2021. Cox regression models and risk tables adjusted for baseline clinical characteristics were created for 14 complications (Superficial Surgical Site Infection (SSI), Deep SSI, Organ/Space SSI, Pneumonia, Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Stroke/Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), Myocardial Infarction (MI), Renal Failure, Cardiac Arrest (CA), Re-operation, Sepsis, and Death within 30 days of surgery). Model summaries were used to identify significant variables with a Bonferroni correction applied. Results A total of 3956 adults met inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. The most common complications were UTI (5.2%), death (4.1%), and pneumonia (3.4%). Complications typically occurred within 14 days after surgery, except for SSI, which occurred between post-op days 11 and 24. Conclusions Distal femur fractures are a substantial source of morbidity and mortality in the older adult population. Our findings underscore the need for comprehensive preoperative risk assessment and patient management strategies to mitigate the impact of identified risk factors in this vulnerable population.
MiR-15b-5p and PCSK9 inhibition reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial dysfunction by targeting SIRT4
Authors: Martino Elisa , D’Onofrio Nunzia , Balestrieri Anna , Mele Luigi , Sardu Celestino , Marfella Raffaele , Campanile Giuseppe , Balestrieri Maria Luisa 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Endothelial dysfunction and deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development of sepsis and are associated with septic organ failure and death. Here, we explored the role of miR-15b-5p on inflammatory pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human endothelial cells, HUVEC and TeloHAEC.

Methods
The miR-15b-5p levels were evaluated in LPS-stimulated HUVEC and TeloHAEC cells by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR). Functional experiments using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transfection with antagomir, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were conducted, along with investigation of pyroptosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) by cytofluorometric analysis and verified by fluorescence microscopy. Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) levels were detected by ELISA and immunoblotting, while proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression was determined by flow cytometry (FACS) and immunofluorescence analyses. Dual-luciferase reporter evaluation was performed to confirm the miR-15b-5p–SIRT4 interaction.

Results
The results showed a correlation among miR-15b-5p, PCSK9, and SIRT4 levels in septic HUVEC and TeloHAEC. Inhibition of miR-15b-5p upregulated SIRT4 content, alleviated sepsis-related inflammatory pathways, attenuated mitochondrial stress, and prevented apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagic mechanisms. Finally, a PCSK9 inhibitor (i-PCSK9) was used to analyze the involvement of PCSK9 in septic endothelial injury. i-PCSK9 treatment increased SIRT4 protein levels, opposed the septic inflammatory cascade leading to pyroptosis and autophagy, and strengthened the protective role of miR-15b-5p inhibition. Increased luciferase signal validated the miR-15b-5p–SIRT4 binding.

Conclusions
Our in vitro findings suggested the miR-15b-5p–SIRT4 axis as a suitable target for LPS-induced inflammatory pathways occurring in sepsis, and provide additional knowledge on the beneficial effect of i-PCSK9 in preventing vascular damage by targeting SIRT4.

Graphical Abstract
Investigating the potential of growing crops hydroponically utilizing feed and draw solutions from fertilizer drawn forward osmosis
Authors: Bassiouny Mohamed , Abdel Maksoud Yasmine , Kimera Fahad , Bahader Khaled , Sewilam Hani 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the potential of utilizing both the draw and feed solutions resulting from fertilizer drawn forward osmosis for hydroponic crop cultivation. Synthetic brackish groundwater of 2500 ppm was used as the feed solution, whereas commercial hydroponic nutrients, sourced from a local supplier, were utilized as a draw solution. This study also investigated the potential of integrating nanofiltration with forward osmosis, but supplementing the water necessary for further dilution of draw solutions through nanofiltration. Two crops were selected, i.e., cherry tomatoes and spinach grown at different water salinities, for their economic values. The cherry tomatoes were grown in Deep Water Culture hydroponic systems, while the spinach was grown in Nutrient Film Technique systems. If this application is deemed feasible, it allows for providing a method to grow two different crops in areas associated with non-arable land and brackish groundwater. During desalination, it was observed that there were two groups of flux readings, the first with an average flux of 7 to 9 l/m2/h, and the other with an average flux of 4 to 6 l/m2/h. This was due to using the same draw solution twice; once to concentrate the feed solution to 5000 ppm, and then once more to concentrate the feed solution to 3500 ppm. It was found that while the 3500 ppm cherry tomatoes tables had the highest yield and highest number of tomatoes throughout the plants lifetime, tomatoes from freshwater tables on average weighed more by about 19%, while, on average, 5000 ppm tomatoes weighed less than 3500 ppm tomatoes by 10%. The results of the spinach demonstrated that while both control and experiment groups yielded similar number of leaves, the average yield per plant for the experiment group was higher than the control group (by 25%).
Stepwise mini-incision microdissection testicular sperm extraction in NOA patients with a history of cryptorchidism: a case–control study
Authors: Xu Shuai , Huang Yuhua , Yao Chencheng , Li Peng , Zhi Erlei , Chen Wei , Deng Cunzhong , Zhao Fujun , Li Zheng , Tian Ruhui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Although the orchiopexy is recommended for cryptorchidism to preserve male fertility, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) may occur in adulthood. Fortunately, a great many of azoospermic men may obtain sperm by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). Due to the potential injuries caused by testicular diagnostic biopsy and vascular damage at the time of orchidopexy, minimal invasiveness is particularly important during mTESE, aims to reduce the surgical damage and avoids secondary testicular failure. This comparative study aims to investigate the efficacy of stepwise mini-incision mTESE technique by comparison with standard mTESE in the treatment of NOA patients with a history of cryptorchidism.

Results
A total of 73 mTESE procedures were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 37 cases performed by stepwise mini-incision mTESE, while Group 2 included 36 cases with standard mTESE. The overall sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in the two groups was 68.5% (50/73), with no significant difference in SRR between Group 1 (78.4%, 29/37) and Group 2 (58.3%, 21/36) (P = 0.1). In addition, 46.0% of the patients (17/37) obtained sperm in the first mini-incision step in Group 1, which was also equal to an overall SRR in Group 2 (58.3%, 21/36) (P = 0.3). The operation time in Group 1 (72.6 ± 33.9 min) was significantly shorter than that in Group 2 (90.4 ± 36.4 min) (P = 0.04). Patients with an orchidopexy age no more than 10 years old had a higher SRR (79.5%, 31/39) than others (55.9%, 19/34) (P = 0.03). There were no postoperative complications including wound infection, scrotal hematoma, persistent pain, and testicular atrophy during a follow-up period of at least 6 months.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our study suggests that the stepwise mini-incision mTESE could be a promising approach for sperm retrieval in NOA men with a history of cryptorchidism. While the technique may potentially reduce operation time and surgical invasiveness, further research is needed to validate these findings on a larger scale. The results also suggest that age at orchidopexy may affect SRR and have important implications for the management of cryptorchidism.
ARCA: the interactive database for arbovirus reported cases in the Americas
Authors: Meneses Maria V. , Riva Alberto , Salemi Marco , Mavian Carla 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Accurate case report data are essential to understand arbovirus dynamics, including spread and evolution of arboviruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses. Giving the multi-country nature of arbovirus epidemics in the Americas, these data are not often accessible or are reported at different time scales (weekly, monthly) from different sources.

Results
We developed a publicly available and user-friendly database for arboviral case data in the Americas: ARCA. ARCA is a relational database that is hosted on the ARCA website. Users can interact with the database through the website by submitting queries through the website, which generates displays results and allows users to download these results in different, convenient file formats. Users can choose to view arboviral case data through a table which containscontaining the number of cases for a particular week, a plot, or through a map.

Conclusion
Our ARCA database is a useful tool for arboviral epidemiology research allowing for complex queries, data visualization, integration, and formatting.
Extant thrips diverged in the early tertiary period
Authors: Wu Chunying , Zhang Hongrui 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThysanoptera, commonly known as thrips, are diverse tiny insects whose earliest fossil record dates back to the Triassic period. Since there are few studies on the divergence time of taxa under Thysanoptera, this study used 13 mitochondrial coding protein genes to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree with divergence time of 26 species of this order and show a reliable phylogenetic relationship of thrips species. The time tree of this study shows that most extant thrips diverged in the early Tertiary period, while the fossil records also support that most extinct thrips appeared in this period. This study expands our understanding of the evolution of thrips and provides a feasible way of using multiple mitochondrial genes to establish robust phylogenetic relationships and explore divergence time between species.
Implementation of the trial emulation approach in medical research: a scoping review
Authors: Scola Giulio , Chis Ster Anca , Bean Daniel , Pareek Nilesh , Emsley Richard , Landau Sabine 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
When conducting randomised controlled trials is impractical, an alternative is to carry out an observational study. However, making valid causal inferences from observational data is challenging because of the risk of several statistical biases. In 2016 Hernán and Robins put forward the ‘target trial framework’ as a guide to best design and analyse observational studies whilst preventing the most common biases. This framework consists of (1) clearly defining a causal question about an intervention, (2) specifying the protocol of the hypothetical trial, and (3) explaining how the observational data will be used to emulate it.

Methods
The aim of this scoping review was to identify and review all explicit attempts of trial emulation studies across all medical fields. Embase, Medline and Web of Science were searched for trial emulation studies published in English from database inception to February 25, 2021. The following information was extracted from studies that were deemed eligible for review: the subject area, the type of observational data that they leveraged, and the statistical methods they used to address the following biases: (A) confounding bias, (B) immortal time bias, and (C) selection bias.

Results
The search resulted in 617 studies, 38 of which we deemed eligible for review. Of those 38 studies, most focused on cardiology, infectious diseases or oncology and the majority used electronic health records/electronic medical records data and cohort studies data. Different statistical methods were used to address confounding at baseline and selection bias, predominantly conditioning on the confounders (N = 18/49, 37%) and inverse probability of censoring weighting (N = 7/20, 35%) respectively. Different approaches were used to address immortal time bias, assigning individuals to treatment strategies at start of follow-up based on their data available at that specific time (N = 21, 55%), using the sequential trial emulations approach (N = 11, 29%) or the cloning approach (N = 6, 16%).

Conclusion
Different methods can be leveraged to address (A) confounding bias, (B) immortal time bias, and (C) selection bias. When working with observational data, and if possible, the ‘target trial’ framework should be used as it provides a structured conceptual approach to observational research.
Perspectives on the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) education among students and alumni in the United States: a cross-sectional national online survey
Authors: Park Chulwoo , Delgado Cindy , Irfan Ans 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
This study explored the current and desired identity of the DrPH degree, focusing on whether the competencies set by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) adequately prepare DrPH graduates for effective public health practice. Additionally, the study investigated the necessity of standardization in DrPH training, referring to a consensus-driven approach that equips future public health practitioners with practical skillsets applicable in real-world scenarios.

Methods
A national cross-sectional online survey titled “National DrPH leaders & practitioners needs assessment” was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021. The survey was based on a self-report by DrPH students and DrPH professionals, consisting of the following two main components: (1) how their DrPH training aligns with CEPH competencies and (2) how they perceive the identity of the DrPH degree. Convenience sampling was used to collect the data, which may have limited representation for all DrPH institutions in the United States.

Results
A total of 222 participants (140 current DrPH students and 82 alumni) completed the survey. The mean of the 10-point Likert scale for the degree to which the DrPH training aligns with 26 CEPH competencies (1: not at all – 10: absolutely) ranged from 6.3 (SD: 2.78) to 7.96 (SD: 2.16). The majority of participants (191/222, 86.04%) were satisfied with the knowledge and skills reflected in their training based on the CEPH competencies. However, more than half of the participants (117/222, 52.70%) sought additional professional development/training outside their institutions. DrPH leaders and practitioners faced barriers where the value of their work might not be fully recognized and endorsed. Participants indicated that the DrPH education should be further distinguished from the PhD education.

Conclusions
The DrPH degree holds significant value within the academic sphere of public health practice in the United States. However, its distinction from PhD programs poses a challenge for employers and organizations in the field, requiring attention from higher education programs. By solidifying the DrPH’s identity, graduates can effectively address diverse public health issues and contribute to creating a safe and healthy environment, including addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves of the knee, be performed without locating corresponding arterial pulsations—a cadaveric study
Authors: Kolakkanni Chinchu , Gonnade Nitesh Manohar , Gaur Ravi , Nayyar Ashish Kumar , Ghuleliya Rambeer , TK Abins 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Given the rising prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves (RFA) has emerged as a promising treatment option for knee pain. The knee has an extremely complex and variable innervation with nearly 13 genicular nerves described. The frequently ablated genicular nerves are the superomedial (SMGN), the superolateral (SLGN), and the inferomedial (IMGN) genicular nerves. Conventionally, under ultrasound guidance, these nerves are ablated near the corresponding arterial pulsations, but due to the rich vascular anastomosis around the knee joint, identifying the arteries corresponding to these constant genicular nerves can be tedious unless guided by some bony landmarks. In this study, we have evaluated whether it is possible to accurately target these three genicular nerves by just locating bony landmarks under ultrasound in human cadaveric knee specimens.

Methods
Fifteen formalin-fixed cadaveric knee specimens were studied. SMGN was targeted 1 cm anterior to the adductor tubercle in the axial view. For SLGN, in the coronal view, the junction of the lateral femoral condyle and shaft was identified, and at the same level in the axial view, the crest between the lateral and posterior femoral cortex was targeted. For IMGN in the coronal view, the midpoint between the most prominent part of the medial tibial condyle and the insertion of the deep fibers of the medial collateral ligament was marked. The medial end of the medial tibial cortex was then targeted at the same level in the axial view. The needle was inserted from anterior to posterior, with an in-plane approach for all nerves. Eosin, 2% W/V, in 0.1 ml was injected. Microdissection was done while keeping the needle in situ. Staining of the nerve was considered a positive outcome, and the percentage was calculated. The nerve-to-needle distance was measured, and the mean with an interquartile range was calculated.

Result
The accuracies of ultrasound-guided bony landmarks of SMGN, SLGN, and IMGN were 100% in terms of staining, with average nerve-to-needle distances of 1.67, 3.2, and 1.8 mm respectively.

Conclusion
It is with 100% accuracy, that we can perform RFA of SMGN, SLGN, and IMGN under ultrasound guidance, by locating the aforementioned bony landmarks.