bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STIMULATION OF THE LINGUAL NERVE FOR INCREASED SALIVA OUTPUT
Authors: Johnson Nathan , Johnson Matthew 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Xerostomia is the perception of oral dryness. In addition to discomfort, xerostomia can lead to several long-term medical complications within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal system. Treatment options are limited and are either not effective or not convenient for all people with xerostomia. In this study, we designed, tested, and further developed an oral mouth guard insert with electrodes for stimulating the lingual nerve on the medial side of the lower jawbone. Saliva production, collected in the context of randomized on/off testing with a subject blinded to the test condition, resulted in significantly more saliva output during and following lingual stimulation (2.07 g over one minute) versus off stimulation control conditions (1.58 g also over one minute) (two-sample t-test, p=0.001). The proof-of-concept prototype is poised for further refinement with system integration and improvement in packaging. Xerostomia is a common medical condition, and non-implantable devices that can increase salivation on-demand hold significant promise for treating xerostomia in the broader public.
Methane production by
Methanothrix thermoacetophila
via direct interspecies electron transfer with
Geobacter metallireducens
Authors: Zhou Jinjie , Smith Jessica A. , Li Meng , Holmes Dawn E. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Methanothrix
is widely distributed in natural and artificial anoxic environments and plays a major role in global methane emissions. It is one of only two genera that can form methane from acetate dismutation and through participation in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) with exoelectrogens. Although
Methanothrix
is a significant member of many methanogenic communities, little is known about its physiology. In this study, transcriptomics helped to identify potential routes of electron transfer during DIET between
Geobacter metallireducens
and
Methanothrix thermoacetophila
. Additions of magnetite to cultures significantly enhanced growth by acetoclastic methanogenesis and by DIET, while granular activated carbon (GAC) amendments impaired growth. Transcriptomics suggested that the OmaF-OmbF-OmcF porin complex and the octaheme outer membrane
c
-type cytochrome encoded by Gmet_0930, were important for electron transport across the outer membrane of
G. metallireducens
during DIET with
Mx. thermoacetophila
. Clear differences in the metabolism of
Mx. thermoacetophila
when grown via DIET or acetate dismutation were not apparent. However, genes coding for proteins involved in carbon fixation, the sheath fiber protein MspA, and a surface-associated quinoprotein, SqpA, were highly expressed in all conditions. Expression of gas vesicle genes was significantly lower in DIET- than acetate-grown cells, possibly to facilitate better contact between membrane-associated redox proteins during DIET. These studies reveal potential electron transfer mechanisms utilized by both
Geobacter
and
Methanothrix
during DIET and provide important insights into the physiology of
Methanothrix
in anoxic environments.

IMPORTANCE

Methanothrix
is a significant methane producer in a variety of methanogenic environments including soils and sediments as well as anaerobic digesters. Its abundance in these anoxic environments has mostly been attributed to its high affinity for acetate and its ability to grow by acetoclastic methanogenesis. However,
Methanothrix
species can also generate methane by directly accepting electrons from exoelectrogenic bacteria through direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Methane production through DIET is likely to further increase their contribution to methane production in natural and artificial environments. Therefore, acquiring a better understanding of DIET with
Methanothrix
will help shed light on ways to (i) minimize microbial methane production in natural terrestrial environments and (ii) maximize biogas formation by anaerobic digesters treating waste.
Perceived organisational support and work engagement among health sector workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre, time-lagged, cross-sectional study among clinical hospital staff in Pakistan
Authors: Ashfaq Fouzia , Abid Ghulam , Ilyas Sehrish , Binte Mansoor Khola 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveWorkplace engagement is associated with several significant positive organisational outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of workplace engagement, particularly for front-line healthcare workers. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study examines the impact of personal and job resources in a workplace that help in resource conservation for work engagement. In view of the high burnout rates reported among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to investigate the impact of perceived organisational support (POS) on work engagement through the mediating effect of well-being and the moderating role of employees’ resilience.DesignTime-lagged, cross-sectional, split questionnaire-based survey study.SettingData were gathered from 68 hospitals in Pakistan, of which 45 were public and 23 were private hospitals.Participants and analysisSimple random sampling techniques were used and data were collected from 345 healthcare professionals (ie, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals) using split questionnaires, in two waves with a 3-week interval, with a response rate of 80%. For analysis of data, the study used the PROCESS macro by Hayes.ResultsEngagement at work was positively correlated with POS, well-being and resilience. POS significantly predicted work engagement through well-being (β=0.06, SE=0.02, 95% bias-corrected CI 0.021, 0.10). Further analysis of the strong effect of resilience on subjective well-being shows the significant value of the mediated moderation index (β=0.06, SE=0.02, 95% bias-corrected CI 0.03, 0.11).ConclusionThe findings suggest that well-being may be an important pathway through which healthcare workers’ POS may influence work engagement, particularly when their resilience capability is high. To maintain engagement at the workplace, hospital administrators should consider strengthening organisational and individual resources that build a supportive environment to meet the demands of challenging times.
Analysing COVID-19 treatment outcomes in dedicated wards at a large university hospital in northern Poland: a result-based observational study
Authors: Palus Damian Krystian , Gołębiewska Martyna Ewa , Piątek Olga , Grudziński Krzysztof , Majeranowski Alan , Owczuk Radosław , Kuziemski Krzysztof , Stefaniak Tomasz 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesPresenting outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 should be put in context and comparison with other facilities. However, varied methodology applied in published studies can impede or even hinder a reliable comparison. The aim of this study is to share our experience in pandemic management and highlight previously under-reported factors affecting mortality. We present outcomes of COVID-19 treatment in our facility that will allow for an intercentre comparison. We use simple statistical parameters—case fatality ratio (CFR) and length of stay (LOS).SettingLarge clinical hospital in northern Poland serving over 120 000 patients annually.ParticipantsData were collected from patients hospitalised in COVID-19 general and intensive care unit (ICU) isolation wards from November 2020 to June 2021. The sample consisted of 640 patients—250 (39.1 %) were women and 390 (60.9 %) were men, with a median age of 69 (IQR 59–78) years.ResultsValues of LOS and CFR were calculated and analysed. Overall CFR for the analysed period was 24.8%, varying from 15.9 % during second quarter 2021 to 34.1% during fourth quarter 2020. The CFR was 23.2% in the general ward and 70.7% in the ICU. All ICU patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 44 (75.9 %) of them developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The average LOS was 12.6 (±7.5) days.ConclusionsWe highlighted the importance of some of the under-reported factors affecting CFR, LOS and thus, mortality. For further multicentre analysis, we recommend broad analysis of factors affecting mortality in COVID-19 using simple and transparent statistical and clinical parameters.
Sexual behaviours and correlates of condom use among HIV-discordant couples from eastern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Fenglin , Dou Zhengdong , Zheng Wei , Ai Ping , Bao Ming , Han Congming , Xiang Kexia , Qin Qirong 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesTo investigate sexual behaviours among HIV-discordant heterosexual couples and assess the correlates of condom use at the couple level.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSeven prefectures along the Yangtze River in the Anhui Province, China.ParticipantsWe included 412 participants aged 18 years or older (206 married HIV-discordant couples).Primary and secondary outcome measuresIn this study, sexual behaviours included marital or extramarital sex in the past 6 months, as well as the frequency of marital sex and condom use (always, sometimes or never) if having marital sex in the past 6 months. We used stepwise ordinal logistic regression modelling to determine the correlates of condom use.ResultsIn total, 63.1% (130 of 206) of couples had marital sex in the past 6 months, of which 89.2% (116 of 130) used condoms consistently. Couples with more marital duration (OR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.28) were more inclined to adhere to condom use, whereas those lacking support and care (OR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.94) and being remarried (OR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.43) were associated with less condom use. In addition, HIV-positive respondents were more likely to have extramarital sex than HIV-negative respondents (p=0.015).ConclusionsThe extramarital sex of HIV-positive spouses should be considered. Implementation of interventions, such as increasing support and care between spouses to promote marital intimacy and stability, could reduce unprotected sexual behaviour.
Suppression of Higgs mixing by “quantum Zeno effect”
Authors: Sakurai Kodai , Yin Wen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe Higgs portal interaction to a singlet sector of the standard model (SM) gauge group is widely-studied. In this paper, we show that a quantum effect is important if the Higgs field mixes with another singlet scalar field whose decay rate is larger than the mass difference between the two mass eigenstates. This effect may be interpreted as the “quantum Zeno effect” by defining the (would-be) decay process of the singlet scalar as the measurement. In either the quantum mechanics or the quantum field theory, we show that the resulting propagating mode is not the eigenstate of the mass matrix, but it is approximately the eigenstate of the interaction. As a consequence, the decoupling of the mixing effect happens at the infinity limit of the decay width of the exotic scalar even if the naïve mixing parameter is not small. With a finite decay width of the exotic scalar, we derive the effective mass of the propagating mode in the SM sector, its decay rate, and the couplings at the 1-loop level. It turns out that the mixed mass eigenstates can mimic the discovered 125 GeV Higgs boson. This fuzzy Higgs boson can be obtained in a simple perturbative renormalizable model when the mass difference is smaller than O(0.1)GeV (O(1) GeV, O(10)GeV) for O(1) (O(0.01), O(0.001)) mixing to be consistent with the 125 GeV SM Higgs boson. We argue the possible natural scenario for the tiny mass splitting and the possibility that the upper bound of the mass difference is larger for a strongly-coupled singlet sector. To probe the fuzzy Higgs boson scenario, it is difficult to directly produce the singlet sector particles. Nevertheless, the future Higgs factories may probe this scenario by precisely measuring the Higgs boson invisible decay rate and the deviation of the Higgs coupling. Applications of the mechanism are also mentioned.
Healthy Lifestyle Index and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Postmenopausal Women With Normal Body Mass Index
Authors: Peila Rita , Xue Xiaonan , Qi Qibin , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Allison Matthew A. , Johnson Karen C. , LaMonte Michael J. , Wild Robert A. , Haring Bernhard , Pan Kathy , Tindle Hilary A. , Foraker Randi , Saquib Nazmus , Barac Ana , Rohan Thomas E. 
Published: June 2023

Background

A lifestyle comprising a healthy diet, light alcohol consumption, no smoking, and moderate or intense physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the association of a healthy lifestyle index (HLI), derived from scores for each of these components plus waist circumference, with the risk of incident CVD and CVD subtypes in postmenopausal women with normal body mass index (18.5–<25.0 kg/m
2
).

Methods and Results

We studied 40 118 participants in the Women's Health Initiative, aged 50 to 79 years at enrollment, with a normal body mass index and no history of CVD. The HLI score was categorized into quintiles. We estimated multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs for the association of HLI with risk of CVD and CVD subtypes using Cox regression models. A total of 3821 cases of incident CVD were ascertained during a median follow‐up of 20.1 years. Compared with the lowest quintile (unhealthiest lifestyle), higher HLI quintiles showed inverse associations with the risk of CVD (HR

quintile−2

=0.74 [95% CI, 0.67–0.81]; HR

quintile−3

=0.66 [95% CI, 0.60–0.72]; HR

quintile−4

=0.57 [95% CI, 0.51–0.63]; and HR

quintile−5

=0.48 [95% CI, 0.43–0.54],
P‐trend
=<0.001). HLI was also inversely associated with risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina, and coronary revascularization. Subgroup analyses, stratified by age (≤63 years vs >63 years), body mass index (</≥ 22.0 kg/m
2
), and general health status (absence/presence of hypertension, diabetes, or lipid‐lowering drug use) also showed inverse associations between HLI and risk of CVD.

Conclusions
Among postmenopausal women with a normal body mass index, adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of clinical CVD and CVD subtypes, underscoring the cardiovascular benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even for women with a healthy weight.
Handling Theology in Footnotes: Salafī Editors on Ḥadīth Commentaries from the Middle Period
Authors: Macit Karagözoğlu Mustafa 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A prominent genre of contemporary Salafī literature consists of critical editions of texts from the Middle Period with editorial introductions and footnotes. These editions allow Salafī editors to reinforce their views on various subjects, sometimes by criticizing the text’s author. This article analyzes Salafī editors’ critical engagement with medieval ḥadīth commentators by focusing on the problem of divine attributes in the ḥadīth commentary literature. It argues that Salafīs seek to rebut their opponents—particularly Ashʿarī ḥadīth scholars—utilizing different discursive strategies. These include rejecting mutashābih, majāz, and taʾwīl as hermeneutical categories, re-defining the concepts of bi-lā kayf and tafwīḍ, and emphasizing the inconsistencies in the Ashʿarī doctrine of divine attributes. Their footnotes also function to reinforce group identity and tradition, presenting Salafī Islam as the core of ahl al-sunna, and appealing to the Muslim public with a concrete image of God.
The Ideological Background to Architectural Restoration in Turkey (1920s–1960s)
Authors: Akboy-İlk Serra 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Based on primary sources such as field notes, reports, and project memorandums, this article addresses architectural restoration work in Turkey from the 1920s to the 1960s. Despite the country’s limited budget and workforce, especially in the early years of the republic, the government crafted an intense preservation program of historic monuments, whereby preservation professionals implemented the scientific protection of architectural heritage mainly through maintenance and repairs. This article argues that the historiography of Turkish art became an agent in restoration, while the concept of the essence of national architecture served as the ideological basis for physical interventions. Seeking to restore the pure forms of Turkish architecture, preservationists searched for the pedigree of built works, and Sinan’s style was treated as the zenith of Turkish architecture. Works by him, along with other examples associated with the “Classical Period of Architecture” were subjected to heavy-handed interventions aimed at achieving stylistic purity.
Intraosseous injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the immature femoral head and prevention of head deformity: A study in a pig model
Authors: Martínez-Álvarez Sergio , Galán-Olleros María , Azorín-Cuadrillero Daniel , Palazón-Quevedo Ángel , González-Murillo África , Melen-Frajlich Gustavo J , Ramírez-Orellana Manuel , Epeldegui-Torre Tomás , Forriol Francisco 
Published: June 2023

Background: Cell therapy has been proposed as part of the therapeutic arsenal to assist bone formation and remodeling in the early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of intraosseous inoculation of mesenchymal stem cells on bone formation and remodeling in an established experimental model of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in immature pigs. Methods: Thirty-one 4-week-old immature Yorkshire pigs were used. Experimental osteonecrosis of the femoral head was created in the right hip of all included animals ( n  =  31). The month after surgery, hip and pelvis radiographs were taken to confirm osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Four animals were excluded following surgery. Two groups were established: (A) mesenchymal stem cell-treated group ( n  =  13) and (B) saline-treated group ( n  =  14). One month after surgery the mesenchymal stem cell-group received an intraosseous injection of 10  ×  106 mesenchymal stem cell (5 cc) and the saline-treated group of 5 cc of physiological saline solution. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head progression was assessed by monthly X-rays (1-, 2-, 3- and 4-months post-surgery). The animals were sacrificed 1 or 3 months following the intraosseous injection. Repair tissue and osteonecrosis of the femoral head were histologically evaluated immediately after sacrifice. Results: At time of sacrifice, radiographic images showed evident osteonecrosis of the femoral head with associated severe femoral head deformity in 11 of the 14 animals (78%) in the saline group and in only 2 of the 13 animals (15%) in the mesenchymal stem cell group. Histologically, the mesenchymal stem cell group showed less osteonecrosis of the femoral head and less flattening. In the saline group, there was pronounced femoral head flattening and the damaged epiphyseal trabecular bone was largely replaced with fibrovascular tissue. Conclusion: Intraosseous mesenchymal stem cells inoculation improved bone healing and remodeling in our immature pig osteonecrosis of the femoral head model. This work supports further investigation to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells enhance the healing process in immature osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
Hospital-service use in the last year of life by patients aged ⩾60 years who died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy: A retrospective linked data study
Authors: Singh Gursharan K , Bowers Alison P , Ferguson Caleb , Ivynian Serra E , Chambers Shirley , Davidson Patricia M , Hickman Louise D 
Published: June 2023

Background: Understanding patterns of health care use in the last year of life is critical in health services planning. Aim: To describe hospital-based service and palliative care use in hospital in the year preceding death for patients who died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy in Queensland from 2008 to 2018 and had at least one hospitalisation in the year preceding death. Design: A retrospective data linkage study was conducted using administrative health data relating to hospitalisations, emergency department visits and deaths. Participants and setting: Participants included were those aged ⩾60 years, had a hospitalisation in their last year of life and died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy in Queensland, Australia. Results: Of the 4697 participants, there were 25,583 hospital admissions. Three quarters ( n = 3420, 73%) of participants were aged ⩾80 years and over half died in hospital ( n = 2886, 61%). The median number of hospital admissions in the last year of life was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2–5). The care type was recorded as ‘acute’ for 89% ( n = 22,729) of hospital admissions, and few ( n = 853, 3%) hospital admissions had a care type recorded as ‘palliative.’ Of the 4697 participants, 3458 had emergency department visit(s), presenting 10,330 times collectively. Conclusion: In this study, patients who died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy were predominantly aged ⩾80 years and over half died in hospital. These patients experienced repeat acute hospitalisations in the year preceding death. Improving timely access to palliative care services in the outpatient or community setting is needed for patients with heart failure.
Semimembranosus Tendon Findings in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: MRI Evaluation and Associated Lesions
Authors: Torre Guglielmo , Buschini Francesco , Zappia Marcello , Battaglia Michael J. , Papalia Rocco , Mariani Pier Paolo 
Published: June 2023

Background: The semimembranosus (SM) tendon acts as a secondary dynamic stabilizer of the knee. It restrains external rotation and anterior translation of the medial compartment. Its role in the mechanism of injury during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is unknown. Hypothesis: The bone bruise (BB) often detected at the posteromedial tibia in association with acute ACL tear may be related to the traction force from the SM tendon insertion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alterations can be detectable at the direct arm of the SM tendon in association with acute ACL injury. Study Design: Cross-sectional study: Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In the first study phase, 36 noninjured patients underwent knee MRI. The anatomic appearance of the SM tendon was evaluated. An imaging score for evaluating the SM tendon was developed for the purpose of the study. The intensity (in the axial or sagittal plane), morphology, and thickness of the distal SM tendon was evaluated and scored (4 total points). In the second study phase, 52 patients undergoing acute ACL reconstruction were included. Preoperative MRI was examined and scored, with documentation of BB at the posteromedial tibial plateau. Finally, arthroscopic diagnosis of a ramp lesion was confirmed. Logistic regression analysis was carried out for correlation between an altered MRI scoring system and the presence of BB at the posteromedial tibial plateau, the presence of a ramp lesion, or both. Results: Interrater agreement of 100% was obtained in the noninjured cohort (ie, no alteration found in any patient). The score validation in the cohort of patients with acute ACL injury showed a Cohen κ of 0.78 (interrater agreement, 82.7%). The direct arm of the SM tendon was altered in 35 of 52 patients (67.3%). A ramp lesion of the medial meniscus was arthroscopically detected in 21 patients (40.4%). The presence of BB at the posteromedial tibial plateau was detected in 33 patients (63.5%) and at the posterior medial femoral condyle in 1 (1.9%). Correlation analysis showed a significant association of a pathologic SM score with the presence of BB at the posteromedial tibial plateau (odds ratio = 2.7; P = .001). Conversely, no correlation was observed between the pathologic score and the presence of a ramp lesion (odds ratio = 0.88; P = .578). Conclusion: The prevalence of pathologic findings in the direct arm of the SM tendon insertion was high in the acutely injured cohort with ACL rupture and is correlated with the presence of BB at the posteromedial tibial plateau. The main hypothesis formulated for the study was confirmed.