bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What structural and cultural organizational characteristics affect flexible work environments? Evidence from the 2017 and 2022 Kessler Foundation National Employment & Disability Survey: Supervisor perspectives
Authors: Kim Hyun Ju , Jablonski Erica , Brucker Debra L. , Chen Ada , O’Neill John , Houtenville Andrew J. , Katz Elaine E. 
Published: December 2024

Background As workplace flexibility can promote employment for people with disabilities, people with disabilities need information about the characteristics of organizations that are more likely to provide this environment. Objective Using the 2017 and 2022 Kessler Foundation National Employment & Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives, we examine organizational characteristics associated with the flexible work accommodations of working from home, flexible work schedules, and job sharing, prior to and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We employ a linear probability model to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of flexible workplaces and explore structural (industry, sector, and size) as well as cultural factors (central accommodation fund and upper management commitments) that are related to the flexible workplace practices. Results The pandemic increased flexible workplace practices. Different organizational structural and cultural characteristics are noted as correlates to providing greater workplace flexibility. Conclusion Our findings can inform job seekers with disabilities to identify organizations that are more likely to offer flexibility. In addition, this information can be useful to vocational rehabilitation professionals in supporting positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Employers can also use our findings to guide their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Self-Employment Proficiency Scale for vocational rehabilitation counselors: A validation study
Authors: Riesen Tim , Sullivan Molly , Keeton Beth , Snyder Aubrey 
Published: December 2024

Background Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs aim to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion. While self-employment is recognized as a viable pathway to achieve these goals, it remains underutilized. One way to increase the use of self-employment is to train professionals and measure specific proficiencies related to substantive service delivery. Objective This study addresses the lack of research on vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) practices in self-employment implementation and is the first step to validating a VRC Self-Employment Proficiency Scale. Method The study used a qualitative, descriptive research design with participants engaged in self-employment-related activities. Participants rated proficiency scale items through a survey, interviews, and a focus group. Results Results highlight consensus and variations in perceptions across competency domains. Notably, there was a lack of consensus on some descriptors, leading to suggestions for revisions to the final scale. The findings underscore the complexity of operationalizing self-employment and the self-employment process to improve vocational outcomes. Conclusion This study provides information about competencies for VRCs who provide self-employment services. The results can be used to inform the development of comprehensive training programs and policies, advancing the broader goals of the Rehabilitation Act.
Predictive value of lncRNA DBH-AS1 for cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with coronary heart disease
Authors: Wang Xintong , Li Yan , Tian Jiaoding 
Published: December 2024

Background The frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising annually. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent complication affecting individuals with T2DM. Objective The aim of this investigation was to assess the level of DBH-AS1 in T2DM with CHD, and to determine its potential role in forecasting the occurrence of significant cardiovascular events. Methods The DBH-AS1 levels were detected by qRT-PCR. The diagnostic value of DBH-AS1 was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the risk factors for cardiovascular events among patients with T2DM with CHD. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the concentration of inflammatory factors was detected by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent (ELISA) kit. Results DBH-AS1 was down-regulated in serum of both T2DM with CHD and cardiovascular events patients. Of the cardiovascular events that occurred, major events included recurrent angina (20%), cardiovascular death (7.5%), acute myocardial infarction (23.75%), severe arrhythmia (22.50%), acute heart failure (18.75%) and stroke (7.5%). And DBH-AS1 had a predictive value for each adverse of cardiovascular events. DBH-AS1 regulated the expression of miR-483-5p and affected the proliferation, apoptosis, and secretion of inflammatory factors of HCAECs. Conclusion DBH-AS1 may serve as a predictor for the occurrence of cardiovascular events in T2DM with CHD patients.
Water-resistant and vapor-permeable textile laminates containing nanofiber membrane as footwear lining
Authors: Knížek Roman , Bajzík Vladimír , Tunáková Veronika 
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to test the suitability of two nanofibrous membranes as a lining in outdoor shoes, especially leather ones. The motivation is that leather shoes offer some water resistance but are not fully waterproof. By inserting a membrane, higher hydrostatic resistance is achieved while maintaining the vapor permeability of the upper material - leather. Two nanofibrous membranes were developed, and three-layer and four-layer laminates were made from them. In addition to the membrane, the lining, and the top material, the four-layer laminate also contains a thermal insulation layer. These laminates were investigated concerning the following properties: hydrostatic resistance, water vapor permeability, thermal insulation, and air permeability, while the first two properties were chosen as crucial. For the study to be complete, the sample set was supplemented with commercially available membranes. It was found that laminates containing nanofiber membranes provide interesting properties: hydrostatic resistance higher than 10 m and water vapor permeability around 5 Pa.m2.W−1, which is promising, especially considering the vapor permeability of the shoe’s upper material – leather. From the selected laminate, a cut was designed, and an inner shoe was realized, which was subsequently incorporated into outdoor leather footwear.
A randomised controlled study on efficacy of midazolam and cartoon for decreasing preoperative anxiety in preschool children undergoing strabismus surgery
Authors: Jin Yuexi , Ye Yingchao , Wang Quanguang , Shi Kejian , Papadimos Thomas J , Xia Yun , Chen Zhangyan , Wu Wenxin , Jiang Wanna , Jin Zhousheng , Liu Le , Wu Yiquan 
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect and influence of midazolam and cartoon on postoperative behaviour in reducing preoperative anxiety in preschool children. Methods: Three hundred children undergoing monocular strabismus correction were divided into three groups: midazolam (M), cartoon (C), and CM. Preoperative anxiety scores, cooperation scores during anaesthesia induction, awakening time, emergence agitation, and postoperative adverse behaviours were recorded. Result: The preoperative anxiety scores of group CM in the preoperative area and before anaesthesia induction were lower than those of group C and M. Compared with Group C, the cooperation scores of Group M and Group CM decreased significantly. And group M’s awakening time was prolonged. The incidence of agitation during awakening and adverse behaviour 1 week after surgery and the cooperation scores in group CM was lower than in groups M and C. The anxiety levels were positively correlated with the agitation and behavioural changes. Conclusion: Watching cartoon videos combined with a low-dose midazolam shows efficacy in reducing preoperative anxiety in children.
The Potential Therapeutic Efficacy of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Seeds on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Alqahtani Reem A. , Almutairi Bader , Al-Zharani Mohammed , Alkahtane Abdullah A. , AL-Johani Norah S. , Alkeraishan Nora , Yaseen Khadijah N. , Aljarba Nada H. , Almasoud Hadeel , Aljuhani Bashayer , Alhenaky Alhanof , Alkahtani Saad 
Published: December 2024

Objectives The objective of this study was to illustrate the core mechanisms of pomegranate seed's anticancer effects beyond its antioxidant properties. Methods Using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, this study explores the impact of pomegranate seed on production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell survival, DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic gene expression. Results Our findings revealed that pomegranate inhibited cell growth via promoting apoptosis. We observed noticeable enhancement in production of intracellular ROS in pomegranate seed-treated cells, along with increased of DNA damage. Additionally, pomegranate seed treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, indicative of malfunction of mitochondria, resulted in initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, we found differential regulation of apoptotic gene expression, with significant reductions in caspase 3 and Bcl-2 genes expression across all concentrations of pomegranate seed tested, and reductions in Bax and caspase 7 gene expression observed only with higher concentrations. Conclusion These results highlight the multifaceted mechanisms through which pomegranate seed exerts its anticancer effects, including ROS-mediated, DNA damage, dysfunction of mitochondria, and modulation of apoptotic pathways. Thus, pomegranate seed holds promise as a novel treatment option for therapeutic management of breast cancer.
Effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on clinical and biological hyperandrogenism and menstruation irregularities in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Mrabet Houcem Elomma , Ben Salem Houda , Ach Taieb , Ben Abdelkarim Asma , Alaya Wafa 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, leading to significant health risks and impaired quality of life. Sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors have shown promise in improving the metabolic profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, their impact on hormonal parameters and cycle disorders remains uncertain. Methods: This systematic review analyzed randomized clinical trials published up to 1 December 2023, comparing sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors to metformin, other antidiabetic agents, or placebo in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The primary outcomes were changes in total testosterone, free androgen index, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, delta-4 androstenedione, and cycle disorders. Results: Five randomized studies were included, evaluating canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, licogliflozin, or empagliflozin against metformin, exenatide, or placebo, with a total of 214 participants. Improvements in total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfatewere observed in some studies, but the effects were inconsistent across drugs and outcomes. Additionally, two studies reported beneficial effects on cycle disorders. Conclusions: Sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors appear to have a potential but variable impact on hormonal parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, larger and longer-duration studies are needed to fully elucidate their long-term efficacy in addressing hyperandrogenism and improving overall outcomes in these patients.
Therapeutic potential of human breast milk-derived exosomes in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Di Si-Jia , Cui Xue-wei , Liu Tian-Jing , Shi Yong-Yan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe inflammatory and necrotizing disease of the intestine that primarily affects the neonates, particularly premature infants. It has a high incidence of approximately 8.9% in extremely preterm infants, with a mortality rate ranging from 20 to 30%. In recent years, exosomes, particularly those derived from breast milk, have emerged as potential candidates for NEC therapy. Human breast milk-derived exosomes (BME) have been shown to enhance intestinal barrier function, protect intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress, promote the proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells, and reduce the severity of experimental NEC models. As a subset of extracellular vesicles, BME possess the membrane structure, low immunogenicity, and high permeability, making them ideal vehicles for the treatment of NEC. Additionally, exosomes derived from various sources, including stem cells, intestinal epithelial cells, plants, and bacteria, have been implicated in the development and protection of intestinal diseases. This article summarizes the mechanisms through which exosomes, particularly BME, exert their effects on NEC and discusses the feasibility and obstacles associated with this novel therapeutic strategy.
Specialization of the brain for language in children with Fragile X Syndrome: a functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy study
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Dominick Kelli C. , Schmitt Lauren M. , Pedapati Ernest V. , Erickson Craig A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSpecialization of the brain for language is early emerging and essential for language learning in young children. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurogenetic disorder marked by high rates of delays in both expressive and receptive language, but neural activation patterns during speech and language processing are unknown. We report results of a functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) study of responses to speech and nonspeech sounds in the auditory cortex in a sample of 2- to 10-year-old children with FXS and typically developing controls (FXS n = 23, TDC n = 15, mean age = 6.44 and 7.07 years, respectively). Specifically, we measured changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the auditory cortex during blocks of speech and nonspeech matched noise in children with FXS and sex-and-age-matched controls. Similar to controls, children with FXS showed hemodynamic change consistent with neural activation of the primary auditory regions for speech as well as leftward lateralization for speech sound processing, strength of which was associated with higher verbal abilities in FXS. However, while controls showed neural differentiation of speech and nonspeech in the left auditory cortex, children with FXS did not demonstrate differentiation of the two conditions in this study. In addition, the children with FXS showed a greater neural activation to the nonspeech condition overall. Overall, these results suggest that basic patterns of neural activation for speech are present in FXS in childhood, but neural response to nonspeech sounds may differ in FXS when compared to controls.
A service evaluation of the implementation of a novel digital intervention for hypertension self-monitoring and management system in primary care (SHIP): protocol for a mixed methods study
Authors: Smith Anne , Tucker Katherine L , Barnes Rebecca K , Drakesmith Cynthia Wright , Agwunobi Adaku , Bateman Paul A. , Forbes Anna , de Lusignan Simon , Ford Gary A , Fujiwara Takeshi , Hobbs FD Richard , Koshiaris Constantinos , Mant Jonathan , McKinstry Brian , Pollock Stephanie , Rice Cathy , Yang Yaling , McManus Richard J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Hypertension is a key risk factor for death and disability, and blood pressure reduction is associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular risk. Large trials have shown that interventions including self-monitoring of blood pressure can reduce blood pressure but real-world data from wider implementation are lacking.

Aim
The self-monitoring and management service evaluation in primary care (SHIP) study will evaluate a novel digital intervention for hypertension management and medication titration platform (“Hypertension-Plus”) that is currently undergoing initial implementation into primary care in several parts of the UK.

Methods and analyses
The study will use a mixed methods approach including both quantitative analysis of anonymised electronic health record data and qualitative analyses of interview and customer support log data. Pseudonymised data will be extracted from electronic health records and outcomes compared between those using the digital intervention and their own historical data, as well as to those not registered to the system. The primary outcome will be difference in systolic blood pressure in the 12 months before and after implementation. A further analysis will utilise self-monitored blood pressure data from the Hypertension-Plus system itself. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will be completed with implementation and clinical leads, staff and patients in six general practices located in two different geographical areas in England. Informed by the non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework, our analysis will identify the challenges to successful implementation and sustainability of the digital intervention in routine clinical practice and in patients’ homes.

Ethics and dissemination
The analyses of pseudonymised data were assessed by the sponsor (The University of Oxford) as service evaluation not requiring individual consent and hence did not require ethical approval. Ethics approval for the qualitative analyses was provided by Wales REC 4 (21/WA/0280) and individual written informed consent will be gained for all participants. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences and disseminated via patient and health service organisations.

Discussion
This study will provide an in-depth analysis of the impact and acceptance of initial implementation of a novel digital intervention, enhancing our understanding and supporting more effective implementation of telemonitoring based hypertension management systems for blood pressure control in England.
Initial experience of a novel ureteral silicon-covered metallic mesh stent in malignant ureteric obstruction: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Lee Chung Un , Choo Seol Ho , Chung Jae Hoon , Han Deok Hyun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate initial experiences and outcomes of a retrograde inserted new silicone-covered metallic ureteric stent (Urexel™) for malignant ureteric obstruction.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records for 12 consecutive patients who underwent Urexel™ stent placement for malignant ureteric obstruction from March 2020 to March 2021. The Urexel™ stent is a segmental metallic ureteric stent composed of a nitinol mesh covered with a silicone membrane. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and complications of this new metallic ureteric stent.

Results
The median age of patients was 61.5 (44–82) years, and the median follow-up was 25.5 (4–37) months. One of the 12 patients underwent bilateral stent insertion, Urexel™ stents were placed in a total of 13 ureteral units. There was no technical failure during stent placement. The median length of obstructions was 9 (1–22) cm. Balloon dilation was necessary in 38.5% (5/13 ureter units) of cases. The 6-month success rate was 83.3%, 1-year success rate was 70%, and estimated success rate was 44.4% at 2-year. Encrustation, migration and hyperplasia were the cause of overall treatment failure in all 6 cases of failure, with median elapsed time to failure of 9.5 (1–30) months. Common complications included persistent pain, acute pyelonephritis, and lower urinary tract symptoms, but they were Clavien-Dindo grade I or II.

Conclusions
In this initial series of novel ureteral silicon-covered metallic mesh stents, Urexel™ provided acceptable success and complication rate in malignant ureteric obstructions.
Lipid production from biofilms of Marinobacter atlanticus in a fixed bed bioreactor
Authors: Yates Matthew D. , Mickol Rebecca L. , Tolsma Joseph S. , Beasley Maryssa , Shepard Jamia , Glaven Sarah M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Biotechnologies that utilize microorganisms as production hosts for lipid synthesis will enable an efficient and sustainable solution to produce lipids, decreasing reliance on traditional routes for production (either petrochemical or plant-derived) and supporting a circular bioeconomy. To realize this goal, continuous biomanufacturing processes must be developed to maximize productivity and minimize costs compared to traditional batch fermentation processes.

Results
Here, we utilized biofilms of the marine bacterium, Marinobacter atlanticus, to produce wax esters from succinate (i.e., a non-sugar feedstock) to determine its potential to serve as a production chassis in a continuous flow, biofilm-based biomanufacturing process. To accomplish this, we evaluated growth as a function of protein concentration and wax ester production from M. atlanticus biofilms in a continuously operated 3-D printed fixed bed bioreactor. We determined that exposing M. atlanticus biofilms to alternating nitrogen-rich (1.8 mM NH4+) and nitrogen-poor (0 mM NH4+) conditions in the bioreactor resulted in wax ester production (26 ± 5 mg/L, normalized to reactor volume) at a similar concentration to what is observed from planktonic M. atlanticus cells grown in shake flasks previously in our lab (ca. 25 mg/L cell culture). The wax ester profile was predominated by multiple compounds with 32 carbon chain length (C32; 50–60% of the total). Biomass production in the reactor was positively correlated with dilution rate, as indicated by protein concentration (maximum of 1380 ± 110 mg/L at 0.4 min−1 dilution rate) and oxygen uptake rate (maximum of 4 mmol O2/L/h at 0.4 min−1 dilution rate) measurements at different flow rates. Further, we determined the baseline succinate consumption rate for M. atlanticus biofilms to be 0.16 ± 0.03 mmol/L/h, which indicated that oxygen is the limiting reactant in the process.

Conclusion
The results presented here are the first step toward demonstrating that M. atlanticus biofilms can be used as the basis for development of a continuous flow wax ester biomanufacturing process from non-sugar feedstocks, which will further enable sustainable lipid production in a future circular bioeconomy