bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Devices for the transport and microbiological detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in sexual health clinic samples: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Jonker Leon , Phillips Matt 
Published: December 2022

Background Propagation and microbiological detection of N. gonorrhoeae can be challenging due to the fastidious nature of the bacterium outside the human host environment. Different sample transport options were evaluated in order to address this issue. Methods Symptomatic and high-risk patients consented to take part. Standard practice in clinics involve using a guanine and cytosine selective (GC) plate for transport and incubation. Other devices were assessed in two different studies. MWE’s Sigma VCM™-a transport device for use between clinic and laboratory-was used in one study ( n = 166). In the other, ( n = 102), Biomed’s Intray™ plates were used, which can be used for both initial transport and incubation at the destination laboratory. Results In the Sigma VCM™ study, positive results were obtained for 14% (Sigma VCM™), 21% (GC plates); the distribution of outcomes did not significantly differ between the two microbiological sampling methods ( p-value 0.09, Chi-squared test). Concerning the InTray™ sub-study, N. gonorrhoeae was detected in 9% (InTray™), 13% (GC plating) of cases respectively, with again no significant difference between the microbiological sampling methods ( p-value 0.25). Regression analysis identified a significant association between N. gonorrhoeae detection and male patients, absence of dysuria and previous gonorrhoea infection. Conclusion No significant difference in rate of microbiological detection of N. gonorrhoeae could be detected between different transport devices in a sexual health clinic setting. Performance appraisal of transport devices for bacterial sexually transmitted infection can inform practitioners’ options regarding said devices.
Study on tensile properties of carbon fiber/epoxy laminated woven composites with ply splicing
Authors: Fang Qianqian , Chen Li , Wang Weixin , Zhang Changlong 
Published: December 2022

Ply splicing design is a crucial technology to realize the precise manufacturing of woven composite components with various complex shapes. This paper reports two ways of splicing, inter-layer splicing, and in-plane splicing. Two factors affecting the tensile properties of carbon fiber/epoxy laminated woven composites with ply splicing are discussed, including the number of continuous fabric layers on the surface and in-plane splicing spacing. The deterioration of the composites induced during the tensile test is characterized by acoustic emission and digital image correlation. The results reveal that the damage of the laminated woven composites with ply splicing occurs mainly at the butt jointing location and leads to fracture failure. Ply splicing has little effect on the tensile modulus of the composites. The tensile modulus is slightly reduced between 2% and 5%. But ply splicing has a more significant effect on its tensile strength. The total number of continuous fabric layers at the splice position approximately determines the strength retention ratio. The more the number of continuous fabric layers on the surface are, the higher the tensile strength of the composites. When the number of continuous fabric layers on the surface is three layers, the tensile strength retention ratio reaches 69%. The larger the splicing spacing is, the better the tensile properties of the composites. When the splicing spacing is increased to 30 mm, the tensile strength retention ratio reaches 77%.
Anatomic and Biomechanical Study of Thumb Carpometacarpal Dislocations: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Preston Heather , Joines Hannah , Chen Chaoyang , Higginbotham Devan O. , Lemos Stephan E. , Tsai Andrew G. 
Published: December 2022

Background: No previous study recreating an isolated thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation with or without suture augmentation has been performed in the laboratory. This investigation aimed to evaluate the mechanism and ligamentous complex of isolated thumb CMC dislocations. Methods: Biomechanical analysis was performed in 10 cadaveric specimens. A posteriorly directed force or axial loading with hyperflexion through the CMC joint was applied. Load was applied at a rate of 1 mm/s until posterior CMC dislocation was achieved. Maximum load, displacement under nominal loading, stiffness, and mode of failure were recorded. The native ligament was repaired, augmented with high-tensile suture, and testing was repeated. Results: Posteriorly directed force produced posterior CMC dislocations, while axial loading and hyperflexion through the CMC joint caused fractures. Load-to-failure of the native CMC joint was 217.76 N (SD = 66.03). Stiffness of the ligamentous complex on average was 18.86 N/mm (SD = 8.83). Mean load-to-failure after repair with suture augmentation was 94.62 N (SD = 39.77), with average stiffness of 8.21 N/mm (SD = 3.06). The native ligament was noted to have greater stiffness ( P = .002) and greater load-to-failure ( P = .0001) than repair with suture augmentation. Maximum displacement-to-failure of the native ligament was 14.5 mm compared with repair with suture augmentation 11.9 mm ( P = .068). Conclusion: Isolated CMC dislocation was achieved with a posteriorly directed force rather than hyperflexion of the joint. Ultimate failure load of the repaired ligaments with suture augmentation was about half of that of the native ligaments. Further research into this technique is warranted.
Design and Testing of a Smartphone Application for Real-Time Tracking of CSII and CGM Site Rotation Compliance in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Blanchard John , Ahmed Samir , Clark Brenda , Sanchez Cotto Lourdes , Rangasamy Sampath , Thompson Bithika 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes can be difficult to achieve. One critical aspect of insulin delivery is site rotation, which is necessary to reduce dermatologic complications of repeated insulin infusion. No current application is designed to help patients track sites and instruct on overused sites. Objective: The objectives of this study were to (1) design a smartphone app, Insulin Site Guide, to gather real-time information on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) site location and rotation compliance and instruct subjects on the use of an overused site; (2) conduct a usability study to measure site rotation compliance; and (3) report subject satisfaction with the app. Design: The app is installed on the subject’s smartphone. Subjects use the app to record CSII and CGM placement in real-time. Data are sent to the study team at the end of the study. Subjects complete a questionnaire concerning the app. Results: We report site rotation compliance data for eight subjects and survey responses for 10 subjects. Initial data from eight subjects indicate a high site rotation compliance of 84% for insulin pumps. In general, the majority of users indicate high satisfaction with the app. Conclusions: Insulin Site Guide is a mobile app that uses a novel algorithm to better guide site rotation. Use of the app has the potential to improve site rotation and decrease dermatologic complications of diabetes with long-term use.
Factors Affecting Performance of Insulin Pen Injector Technology: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sparre Thomas , Hammershøy Laura , Steensgaard Dorte Bjerre , Sturis Jeppe , Vikkelsøe Per , Azzarello Antonino 
Published: December 2022

Background: Insulin treatment is an essential hormone replacement therapy for the survival of people with type 1 diabetes and is often used for treatment in type 2 diabetes, particularly as the disease progresses. Advances in insulin therapy have been made since its discovery, including production of human insulin and development of insulin analogs with improved efficacy and safety profiles. The different types of available insulin formulations allow health care professionals to personalize treatment to an individual’s needs. Generally, insulin requires parenteral administration via subcutaneous injection owing to very low oral bioavailability. Methods: This article reviews the human, technological, economical, and regulatory factors affecting the performance of insulin pens and the relationship between them. Opportunities and challenges that insulin pen injections may encounter in the future are also considered. Results: Insulin delivery devices, together with other factors, influence dose accuracy, convenience, and quality of life, contributing to easier medication administration with high efficacy and safety. For patients, ease of use, fast and accurate drug delivery, and painless injection are the most valuable features of an insulin injection device. For manufacturers, technological feasibility and economic viability also need to be considered when developing injection devices. Conclusion: Insulin pen injectors are generally preferred over vial and syringe, although access may be limited in some health care systems. Insulin pen injectors can adapt to different insulin regimens and formulations and have the potential to acquire dosing data in real time.
Functional Performance Tests Reveal Promising Results at 6 Months After Shoulder Stabilization Surgery
Authors: Yildiz Taha Ibrahim , Turhan Egemen , Ocguder Durmus Ali , Yaman Firat , Huri Gazi , Duzgun Irem 
Published: December 2022

Background: Although athletes are mostly allowed to return to play 6 months after shoulder stabilization surgery, there are inadequate data about their functional status during this period. Hypotheses: Performance tests would reveal insufficiency in the functional capacity of shoulder 6 months after stabilization surgery. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 32 male athletes with arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair (AACR) were included in the study. Shoulder internal and external rotator (IR-ER) strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocities preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Shoulder function was assessed with closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability (CKCUES) test, Y balance test-upper quarter (YBT-UQ), and unilateral seated shot-put test (USSPT) at 6 months postoperation. Western Ontario shoulder instability index (WOSI) and Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) were used for the self-assessment of the shoulder. Mixed-model ANOVA was used to analyze the changes in the IR-ER strength on both shoulders. Limb symmetry index (LSI) was calculated for the IR-ER strength, YBT-UQ, and USSPT scores. Results: Shoulder IR strength was higher at 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The LSI was 76.4% and 76.6% for ER strength, and 94.2% and 94% for IR strength at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocities, respectively, at the postoperative 6 month timepoint. The mean CKCUES test score was 21.8 ± 2.6 touches and the LSI was 94.7% for the YBT-UQ and 102.5% for the USSPT. WOSI ( P < 0.001) and TSK ( P = 0.001) scores were significantly lower at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Functional status of the patients with shoulder stabilization surgery improved considerably 6 months after surgery, yet they did not fully recover function. Clinical Relevance: Exercise programs focusing on shoulder ER strength and shoulder performance should be emphasized after stabilization surgery.
Utility of dual energy CT in differentiating clot in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Panyaping Theeraphol , Udomkaewkanjana Nuchsarang , Keandoungchun Jesada 
Published: December 2022

Purpose Red blood cells (RBC)-poor thrombi in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are associated with longer recanalization time for mechanical thrombectomy than RBC-rich thrombi. The purpose of the study was to differentiate between RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi using dual energy computed tomography (DECT). Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted on patients with acute arterial occlusion of anterior circulation who underwent DECT cerebral angiography, followed by mechanical thrombectomy with the pathological diagnosis of thrombi, dividing into RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi. The CT attenuation values and thrombus enhancement were measured in non-contrast scans and CTA phases at different energy levels and compared between RBC-rich and RBC-poor groups. Results Fourteen acute stroke patients were included in the study. There were 7 patients in RBC-rich group and 7 patients in RBC-poor group. The CT attenuation values of RBC-rich thrombi were significantly higher than those of RBC-poor thrombi at energy levels of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 KeV, with the most significant difference at 80 KeV ( p = 0.032). A cutoff value of 44.1 Hounsfield units (HU) on 80 keV monoenergetic reconstructions was used to distinguish between RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi. It achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878, sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 92.9%. The degree of enhancement was higher in RBC-poor thrombi than in RBC-rich thrombi, without statistically significant difference. Conclusion DECT could help differentiate between RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi by using CT attenuation values in non-contrast phase at lower energy levels (40–80 KeV).
Entitled and self-conscious? The ego-centric underpinnings of electoral preferences during the 2020 U.S. election
Authors: Tatum Alexander , Nai Alessandro 
Published: December 2022

We investigate whether entitlement (feeling more deserving than others) and several dimensions of self-conscious affect (broadly reflecting responses to shame and guilt) are associated with voting intentions during the 2020 Presidential election in the USA. We utilized a sample of 443 adults recruited through Prolific. The sample was demographically representative with respect to age, gender, and race. Participants were recruited from 12 October 2020 to 15 October 2020, approximately 3 weeks before the national election held on 3 November 2020. Results reveal that higher entitlement beliefs are associated with support for Republicans, and so are shame proneness vis-à-vis behavioral avoidance (desire to hide) and blame externalization. Inversely, guilt proneness and shame proneness vis-à-vis negative self-evaluation is associated with support for Democrats. Results also suggest that shame proneness and blame externalization most closely correspond with voting preference; specifically, negative self-evaluation drives support for Democrats, whereas blame externalization and behavioral avoidance drives support for Republicans. While these effects are often only in the small-to-medium range in terms of magnitude, their implications for a more nuanced understanding of electoral politics—and its pitfalls—are noteworthy.
The use and acceptability of diet-related apps and websites in Australia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Fewings Abbie , Vandelanotte Corneel , Irwin Christopher , Ting Corine , Williams Edwina , Khalesi Saman 
Published: December 2022

Objective Diet-related apps and websites are developed to help improve dietary intake. The aim of this study is to explore the use and acceptability of diet-related apps and websites in Australia. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 241 participants (mean age = 40.6 years) completed an online survey about demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviours and health concerns, experience and confidence in technology use, and preferences, attitudes and perception of diet app and website use. Descriptive analysis and unadjusted multiple logistic regression were used to explore data. Results Overall, 63.5% of participants were current or previous app users. App users were more confident in using technology, more concerned about diet and weight, and more trusting of information provided in diet-related apps compared to non-app users (p ≤ .05). Features such as food tracking, nutrient check and barcode scanning were preferred by both users and non-users. The likelihood of using diet-related apps was higher for those who trust the app information (OR 5.51, 95%CI: 2.40–12.66), often count calories (OR 2.28, 95%CI: 1.01–5.24) and are often on diet (OR 4.16, 95% CI: 1.21–14.21) compared to their counterparts. Conclusions More than half of the Australians that participated in this study used diet-related apps and websites. App features that allow the user to accurately record and monitor food intake and scan barcodes may motivate app use. Future public health strategies may take advantage of diet-related apps and websites to improve dietary behaviour at the population level and reduce the burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases.
Why Merit Pay Fails: Comparison of Public and Private School Practices in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Shi (史和佳) Hejia , Wang (王丹) Dan 
Published: December 2022

Purpose Accounts for failures of merit pay in educational settings were stagnated by the “political obstruction hypothesis,” which blamed teacher unions for impeding the merit pay schemes from proper function. It required stronger evidence from both public and private schools to refute this hypothesis. Design/Approach/Methods Accountability typology was conceptualized to uncover the power relations underpinning merit pay schemes, and teachers’ motivational status was described from the perspective of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to analyze the corresponding consequences. One public school and three private schools were purposefully sampled, and data included principal interviews, teacher interviews, school documents, and relevant policy documents. Findings Our findings suggested an opposite conclusion to the “political obstruction hypothesis” that the more dependent on market, the more intense the conflict between external accountabilities and the nature of teaching. Thus, we supported the “nature of teaching hypothesis” that merit pay was inapplicable in educational settings due to the inherent contradictions between market accountability and professional accountability. Originality/Value Policymakers and school administrators had been misled by the neoliberal initiative of borrowing merit pay into educational settings to promote the quality of teaching. Our findings provided strong evidence to refute this hypothesis and to restore the appreciation of professional autonomy.
Thermodynamics and crystal structures of krautite, Mn[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O, koritnigite, Zn[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O and cobaltkoritnigite, Co[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O
Authors: Majzlan Juraj , Plášil Jakub , Dachs Edgar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSynthetic samples of krautite, Mn[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O, koritnigite, Zn[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O and cobaltkoritnigite, Co[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O, were used for calorimetric experiments. For krautite and koritnigite, single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine positions of all atoms, including the H atoms. These data allowed the hydrogen-bond network and the function of H2O molecules in these structures to be determined. The structural formulae are Mn4(H2[3]O)4[AsO3(OH)]4and Zn4(H2[3]O)2[AsO3(OH)]4(H2[4]O)2, where[3]H2O and[4]H2O are the ‘transformer’ and ‘non-transformer’ H2O groups, respectively. Even though the principal features of these structures are identical, the details, especially those regarding the H2O groups, differ from one structure to another structure in this group. The solubility products (logKsp) were determined from calorimetric data, that is, from the experimentally measured enthalpies of formation and entropies. They relate to the reactionM[AsO3(OH)]⋅H2O →M2++ HAsO42–+ H2O and are –6.10 for krautite, –6.88 for koritnigite and –6.83 for cobaltkoritnigite. We also estimated the logKspfor magnesiokoritnigite as –2.0. Calculation of phase diagrams shows that all these phases originate under acidic conditions from solutions with high metal and arsenate concentration. They are restricted to local environments, to pockets that maintain such high concentrations over the time necessary for crystallisation of the krautite-group phases.
Patient-reported outcomes to assess dyspnoea in interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension: a systematic literature review of measurement properties
Authors: Lemmers Jacqueline M.J. , Vonk Madelon C. , van den Ende Cornelia H.M. 
Published: December 2022

Objective:This COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health measurement INstruments (COSMIN)-based systematic review aims to identify and summarise the quality of measurement properties of dyspnoea-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH) or connective tissue diseases (CTDs).Methods and results:Relevant articles in PubMed and Embase were screened. Based on COSMIN analysis and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, overall rating and level of evidence were assessed to formulate recommendations. We identified 26 publications on 10 PROMs. For patients with ILD, including CTD-associated ILD, nine PROMs were evaluated, of which the Dyspnea-12 (D12), EXACT-Respiratory Symptoms Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Breathlessness subscale (ERS-IPF-B), King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease Health Status Questionnaire breathlessness and activities subscale (KBILD-B) and the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD-SOBQ) had high-quality evidence for sufficient internal consistency, without high-quality evidence of insufficient measurement properties. We reached this same conclusion regarding the D12 for use in patients with PH, including CTD-associated PH. Most PROMs in this systematic review have moderate- or low-quality evidence on construct validity and responsiveness.Conclusion:Four dyspnoea-specific PROMs, D12, ERS-IPF-B, KBILD-B and UCSD-SOBQ, can be recommended for use in patients with ILD, including CTD-associated ILD. Of these four, the D12, despite the limited evidence and the lack of evidence on several important domains, is also suitable for use in patients with PH, including CTD-associated PH.
Metabolome and transcriptome profiles in quinoa seedlings in response to potassium supply
Authors: Huang Tingzhi , Zhang Xuesong , Wang Qianchao , Guo Yirui , Xie Heng , Li Li , Zhang Ping , Liu Junna , Qin Peng 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a herb within the Quinoa subfamily of Amaranthaceae, with remarkable environmental adaptability. Its edible young leaves and grains are rich in protein, amino acids, microorganisms, and minerals. Although assessing the effects of fertilization on quinoa yield and quality has become an intensive area of research focus, the associated underlying mechanisms remain unclear. As one of the three macro nutrients in plants, potassium has an important impact on plant growth and development. In this study, extensive metabolome and transcriptome analyses were conducted in quinoa seedlings 30 days after fertilizer application to characterize the growth response mechanism to potassium.

Results
The differential metabolites and genes present in the seedlings of white and red quinoa cultivars were significantly enriched in the photosynthetic pathway. Moreover, the PsbQ enzyme on photosystem II and delta enzyme on ATP synthase were significantly down regulated in quinoa seedlings under potassium deficiency. Additionally, the differential metabolites and genes of red quinoa seedlings were significantly enriched in the arginine biosynthetic pathway.

Conclusions
These findings provide a more thorough understanding of the molecular changes in quinoa seedlings that occur under deficient, relative to normal, potassium levels. Furthermore, this study provides a theoretical basis regarding the importance of potassium fertilizers, as well as their efficient utilization by growing quinoa seedlings.