bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sturge-Weber Syndrome: A comprehensive review of clinical features, optimized diagnosis and management strategies
Authors: Naja Katarzyna , Kapciak Alicja , Górny Julia , Świerzyńska Adrianna , Hawajski Artur , Jankowska Natalia , Kamieniecka Oliwia , Zwardoń Jakub , Mazur Weronika , Pawelec Natalia 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by facial port-wine birthmarks, leptomeningeal angiomatosis, and associated neurological, ophthalmological, and dermatological symptoms. The condition's variable presentation poses challenges for diagnosis, management, and long-term care. Advances in imaging, genetics, and targeted therapies are reshaping the landscape of Sturge-Weber Syndrome treatment.
Aim of Study: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, differential diagnoses, and treatment options for Sturge-Weber Syndrome, with a focus on the management of neurological, ophthalmological, and dermatological symptoms.
Material and methods: A comprehensive review of the literature on Sturge-Weber Syndrome was performed using the PubMed database.
Results and Conclusions: Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a complex disorder requiring a multidisciplinary approach to management. Neurological complications, particularly epilepsy, are a major concern, often necessitating pharmacological or surgical interventions. Ophthalmological issues, especially glaucoma, pose challenges across all age groups, with tailored treatments offering varying success. Dermatological symptoms, such as port-wine stains, benefit significantly from early pulsed dye laser therapy, often enhanced by adjunctive treatments like topical rapamycin. Emerging therapies, including sirolimus and aspirin, show promise in reducing complications. Advances in imaging techniques and targeted treatments offer hope for improved management, while lifelong monitoring remains essential. Further research into the pathophysiology and therapies for Sturge-Weber Syndrome is critical to developing personalized and effective treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Enhancing leadership and management skills in midwifery through optimised mentorship
Authors: Abdul-Rahim Hadi Zulhiqman , Abdul-Mumin Khadizah H 
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims Mentorship experience is a crucial aspect of midwifery students' development. Midwifery education in Brunei Darussalam aims to enhance leadership and management skills in preparation for the transition to becoming registered midwives. This study explored how mentorship experiences influenced midwifery students' preparation for leadership and management roles, as well as the challenges that impacted the effectiveness of mentorship experiences in clinical settings. Methods This descriptive qualitative study involved 43 final-year midwifery students from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam who contributed written essays reflecting on their readiness for leadership, clinical learning encounters and perceptions of mentorship. The essays were analysed thematically. Results Most students felt unprepared for leadership as they had received limited guidance and exposure to clinical settings. Mentorship experiences varied, with some finding it beneficial while others struggle to adapt, citing disparities in mentor motivation, teaching abilities and leadership styles. Conclusions Practical, hands-on experience is vital to developing leadership and management skills. However, students face challenges in balancing academic commitments with clinical practice, limiting their opportunities to hone their skills. Implications for practice A standardised mentorship programme and longer clinical attachments would allow students more time to acclimatise to healthcare environments, comprehend their role and enrich their learning journey.
Caregivers and Coping: Well-Being, Depression, and Coping Strategies Among Caregivers of Young Adults With Developmental Disability
Authors: Singer Hannah , Clarke Elaine B. , Schiltz Hillary K. , Lord Catherine 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This 10-year study followed 134 caregivers of young adults with autism and intellectual disability, examining the effects of caregivers’ coping strategies, sociodemographic features, and young adult symptomatology on caregiver well-being and depression. Lower caregiver education and higher young adult externalizing behaviors predicted lower well-being and higher depression among caregivers. Caregivers who were Black or mixed-race experienced higher depression than White caregivers. All five coping strategies investigated predicted changes in caregiver well-being and/or depression, with some effects moderated by young adult externalizing behaviors and sociodemographic features. Notably, higher use of positive coping among caregivers of adults with high externalizing behaviors predicted higher caregiver well-being and lower depression. Findings highlight the importance of effective coping strategies for improving caregiver mental health.
Photonics-based Bessel beam launcher with an air-filled core and cylindrical Bragg gratings in the cladding
Authors: Serunjogi Solomon , Taha Ayat , Rasras Mahmoud S. 
Published: December 2024

In this study, we develop a photonics-based Bessel launcher characterized by a hollow-core cylindrical waveguide surrounded by Bragg gratings composed of concentric silicon rings, each 375 nm thick. The metasurface is constructed on a 5 µm high silicon cylindrical substrate. This configuration effectively generates a Bessel beam at the commonly used telecom infrared optical wavelength of 1.55 µm. We explore three variations of this optical antenna, featuring 3-, 6-, 16-, and 32-ring arrays, respectively. We compare the results with the geometrical optics approach as well as the Rayleigh hypothesis. The performance of the optical antenna configuration is assessed through simulated far-field polar plots and z-directed intensity distributions up to a non-diffracting range (NDR) of 1 mm using CST Microwave Studio and Lumerical FDTD INTERCONNECT. These simulations reveal that the optical antenna gain of the launcher in the far field varies from 20 to 26 dBi as the number of concentric rings increases from 6 to 32. We report the S11 reflection coefficient of −33dB and the radiation efficiency of 0.01 dB. To independently verify the angular spectrum of the antenna, we employ dyadic Green’s functions, orthogonal vector wave functions, and Bloch’s theorem in MATLAB, demonstrating exceptional coupling of the Gaussian beam into the photonic device with a radiation efficiency of 99%.
A High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM) PCR assay for the detection and identification of Old World Leishmania species
Authors: Saadi-Ben Aoun Yusr , Souguir Hejer , Chouaieb Hamed , Kraiem Mongia , Bel Hadj Ali Insaf , Chakroun Ahmed S. , Noguier Florian , Fathallah-Mili Akila , Piquemal David , Guizani Ikram 
Published: December 2024

Background
Cutaneous Leishmaniases (CL), highly endemic in Africa and Mediterranean region, are caused by different Leishmania parasite species. Accurate species identification is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases, but traditionally relies on DNA-based methods. High Resolution Melting analysis PCR (HRM PCR) provides rapid results and precise differentiation based on nucleotide variations. We hypothesized that the Strumpellin gene of Leishmania could serve as an effective target for developing a HRM PCR method for the rapid and efficient detection and identification of Leishmania species in CL diagnosis.

Methodology
The Strumpellin gene was investigated in Trypanosomatidae family using bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to explore its evolutionary conservation and suitability for HRM PCR. HRM PCR target and primers were selected and validated on 73 different Leishmania DNAs. The analytical limit of detection was assessed, and the performance for detecting and identifying parasites in 38 cutaneous lesions aspirates was compared to Direct Examination (DE) and ITS1-PCR RFLP methods.

Findings
The developed HRM PCR assay accurately identified promastigote DNAs of L. donovani/L. infantum, L. major, L. aethiopica, L. turanica, L. arabica, L. tarentolae and 3 genotypes of L. tropica. Differentiation was achievable with as little as a single nucleotide difference occurring within or between species. HRM profile interpretations were consistent with sequencing results of the HRM PCR target and identification by ITS1-PCR RFLP. The assay could detect the equivalent of 24 Leishmania parasites. In a small-scale sample, we brought proof of principle demonstration the HRM could detect and identify Leishmania in human cutaneous samples. In comparison to DE, the sensitivity and specificity of the HRM PCR assay on human cutaneous samples were 88% and 84.62%, respectively, while the ITS1-PCR assay evaluation parameters were 84% and 92.31%. Statistical analysis confirmed good correlation among the three tests, with both molecular methods providing congruent parasite identification. Notably, in three samples, only the HRM PCR assay was able to assign them to L. infantum or L. tropica.

Conclusions
The HRM PCR assay is a valuable tool for the detection and identification of Old World Leishmania species. Its integration into molecular diagnostic algorithms for CL or in eco-epidemiological studies holds promise for improving disease management and control.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: A serial cross-sectional study
Authors: Bagala Irene , Namuganga Jane Frances , Nayebare Patience , Cuu Gloria , Katairo Thomas , Nabende Isaiah , Gonahasa Samuel , Nassali Martha , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Dorsey Grant , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Bakeera-Kitaka Sabrina , Kiguli Sarah , Greenhouse Bryan , Ssewanyana Isaac , Kamya Moses R. , Briggs Jessica 
Published: December 2024

Background
Understanding COVID-19’s impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status.

Methods
Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave). Household questionnaires and blood samples were collected to test for malaria by microscopy and for SARS-CoV-2 using a Luminex assay. Seroprevalence was estimated at both the survey and community level. Mixed-effects logistic regression models assessed the association between individual and household factors and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in children, adjusting for household clustering.

Results
More households reported disruptions in daily life at baseline compared to follow-up, though economic impacts lingered. By the follow-up survey, 52.7% of adults had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Overall seroprevalence in children was higher at follow-up compared to baseline (71.6% versus 19.2%, p < 0.001). Seroprevalence in children ranged across communities from 6–37% at baseline and 50–90% at follow-up. At baseline, children from the poorest households were more likely to be infected. Increasing age remained the only consistent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion at both timepoints.

Conclusions
Results indicate that a larger number of children were infected during the Delta and Omicron waves of COVID-19 compared to the Alpha wave. This study is the largest seroprevalence survey in children in Uganda, providing evidence that most children were infected with SARS-CoV-2 before the vaccine was widely available to pediatric populations. Pediatric infections were vastly underreported by case counts, highlighting the importance of seroprevalence surveys in assessing disease burden when testing and reporting rates are limited and many cases are mild or asymptomatic.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the combination of ezetimibe and statins for hyperlipidemia
Authors: Yang Tianfu , Li Weijuan , Chen Weiwei , Zhu Donghong , Ren Yuxi , Huang Xiongfeng 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Hyperlipidemia is increasingly recognized as a significant global health issue, often associated with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. While statins are frequently prescribed to manage lipid levels, recent studies indicate that reliance solely on statin therapy may present certain disadvantages, including prolonged treatment durations, the potential for drug resistance, and various adverse effects. Research indicates that the combination of ezetimibe and statins demonstrates a favorable therapeutic effect in the management of hyperlipidemia. However, existing studies have not consistently confirmed these benefits, and there is no current meta-analysis available. As a result, we will perform a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination of ezetimibe and statins in managing hyperlipidemia, aiming to offer evidence-based medical guidance for clinical practice.

Methods and analysis
The systematic review and meta-analysis will adhere to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We will search for randomized controlled trials that investigate the efficacy and safety of the combination of ezetimibe and statins in treating hyperlipidemia, based on specific criteria. The following electronic databases will be searched by two researchers for relevant records published up to October 1, 2024: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in Cochrane Library, Embase.com, Web of Science, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Wanfang China Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP). They will also check references and relevant journals manually. Two independent reviewers will handle screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis will be performed to assess consistency and reliability. Review Manager 5.4 will be used for data analysis and synthesis, while the GRADE approach will be employed to evaluate the overall study’s evidence quality.

Expected results
The findings of this systematic review will be shared with various stakeholders who are interested in the combination of ezetimibe and statins for hyperlipidemia. This will offer valuable insights for researchers undertaking future investigations and for clinical practitioners specializing in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Ethics and dissemination
This study is based on a secondary analysis of the literature, so ethical review approval is not required. The final report will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Study registration
The protocol of the systematic review has been registered on Open Science Framework, with a registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TEVUY.
Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. using the Raft Culture Method
Authors: Ilac Adora Giron , Foronda Joanna Mae Saoadan , Ayop Antonio Narollo , Europa-Morales Anna Liza Villanueva , Ruadap May Evellia Valencia 
Published: December 2024

The seaweed Kawkawayan (Gracilaria sp.), marketed as a food product in the Ilocos Region, has the potential for high profitability due to its growing demand across various industries. The research, conducted in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, used the raft culture method to assess growth by measuring average weight every 15 days and analyzing its relationship with seawater parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, salinity, water current, conductivity, water temperature, and total dissolved solids). The data were analyzed using a descriptive correlation design, employing the Mean and Pearson Product Moment of Correlation. A 3.5 X 5 m raft with six monolines containing 23 seedlings was installed in the culture site. The results indicated that pH, conductivity, TDS, and turbidity were within the normal range, whereas temperature, salinity, DO, and water current were above the average. Gracilaria's weight increased consistently every 15 days, reaching a peak of 22.99 g on the 105th day. However, there was no significant correlation between the weight gain and the measured seawater parameters. The fluctuations in Gracilaria’s weight were linked to thallus breakdown caused by vigorous water movements. The study’s findings should be made available to fisherfolks in the coastal community who cultivate Gracilaria; optimal cultivation of this seaweed can be obtained when disturbances are minimal particularly from February to May thus boosting aquaculture productivity. Alternative cultivation methods like tubular nets and cage systems, along with valuable seaweed species, are recommended. Fisherfolks’ participation is crucial for their success and the future of seaweed farming and marine resource conservation.
Investigating lexical-semantic effects on morphosyntactic variation using elastic net regression
Authors: Sevenants Anthe , Van de Velde Freek , Speelman Dirk 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article showcases elastic net regression as a means to build fairer models of morphosyntactic variation. Elastic net allows lexical items to appear on the same level as traditional, high-level predictors, enabling fuller models of variation. We apply elastic net regression to 1,296,574 Dutch verbal cluster tokens from the SoNaR corpus, analysing a morphosyntactic alternance in Dutch subordinate clauses. Our results show morphosyntactic preferences among verbs, indicating that semantic effects are indeed at play. Further analysis shows that semantic patterns for either word order exist, though it remains difficult to glean any semantic generalisations. Still, the elastic net technique shows that the inclusion of lexical items as full predictors in a model is useful, as much of the variation left unexplained by high-level predictors can be explained in lexical terms.
The Status of War Prisoners at Uruk in the Old Babylonian Period
Authors: Rositani Annunziata 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper elaborates on the status of war prisoners in southern Mesopotamia during the Old Babylonian period. The analysis focuses on the data from the bīt asīrī texts, coming from “the house of prisoners of war.” These texts date back to the reign of Rīm-Anum, who held power in Uruk during the rebellion of southern Mesopotamian city-states against king Samsu-iluna of Babylon. This archive provides unparalleled evidence for studying the status of war prisoners during the first half of the second millennium BC.
The analysis suggests a distinction in the management of slaves and prisoners of war, showing that the latter were only employed as forced workers under the superior authority of the palace without being included in the slave trade or becoming privately owned slaves. The author argues that the status of prisoner of war was different from slavery, and the paper uses the emic term “head” (sag) when referring to them. To confirm this model, the author analyzes some elements of the so-called “death certificates” and particular ways in which war prisoners were employed, such as weavers.
Additionally, the article presents the gifting of some prisoners to deities by the royal family. These gifted prisoners were high-ranking military officers or connected to prominent figures of Ešnunna, Malkum, and Mutiabal, often qualified as šallatum of Isin. It is argued that they were not slaves but hostages; giving them to the temples could have been a way to leave an option for a potential ransom or to negotiate agreements with other warring parties. Finally, the paper analyzes the ways of releasing prisoners upon ransom payment, agreements, or following a royal action, confirming the temporary nature of the dependent status of these prisoners working under the palace’s authority.
An approach to nonparametric inference on the causal dose–response function
Authors: Hudson Aaron , Geng Elvin H. , Odeny Thomas A. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Petersen Maya L. , van der Laan Mark J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The causal dose–response curve is commonly selected as the statistical parameter of interest in studies where the goal is to understand the effect of a continuous exposure on an outcome. Most of the available methodology for statistical inference on the dose-response function in the continuous exposure setting requires strong parametric assumptions on the probability distribution. Such parametric assumptions are typically untenable in practice and lead to invalid inference. It is often preferable to instead use nonparametric methods for inference, which only make mild assumptions about the data-generating mechanism. We propose a nonparametric test of the null hypothesis that the dose-response function is equal to a constant function. We argue that when the null hypothesis holds, the dose-response function has zero variance. Thus, one can test the null hypothesis by assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to claim that the variance is positive. We construct a novel estimator for the variance of the dose-response function, for which we can fully characterize the null limiting distribution and thus perform well-calibrated tests of the null hypothesis. We also present an approach for constructing simultaneous confidence bands for the dose-response function by inverting our proposed hypothesis test. We assess the validity of our proposal in a simulation study. In a data example, we study, in a population of patients who have initiated treatment for HIV, how the distance required to travel to an HIV clinic affects retention in care.
Vernonia amygdalina aqueous leaf extract modulates metformin pharmacokinetics, inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Akowuah Gabriel Akyirem , Sabbagh Bassel Al , Palanirajan Vijayaraj Kumar , Chew Yik-ling , Chin Jin Han , Ahmad Mariam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives

Vernonia amygdalina Del. leaves are used in traditional Southeast Asia and Africa medicinal practices. Metformin is used for diabetes management. This study investigated the effect of a single dose of aqueous leaf extract of V. amygdalina on metformin pharmacokinetics in diabetic rats.

Methods
Diabetic rats were randomly assigned to four groups, with six rats in each group. Group 1 was administered distilled water. Group 2 was administered V. amygdalina aqueous leaf extract alone. Group 3 was administered metformin alone. Group 4 was co-administered V. amygdalina extract plus metformin. Blood was collected at predetermined intervals, and plasma metformin levels were measured with liquid chromatography. The area under the curve (AUC0-t), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), half-life (t1/2), and clearance (CL), were calculated based on noncompartment analysis. The effect of the extract on CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and UGT activities was determined using a Fluorometric Screening Kit.

Results
The combined treatment altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin. The Tmax increased from 90±0.18 min to 180±0.13 min and the Cmax, increased from 0.91±0.32 μg/mL to 2.153±0.28 μg/mL. Additionally, the AUC(0-t) increased from 118.25±1.37 μg min mL−1 to 301.006±1.96 μg min mL−1 and the t1/2 increased from 34.69±0.61 min to 101.321±0.55 min. However, the CL rate was decreased. The extract inhibited CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzyme activities.

Conclusions
The alteration of pharmacokinetic parameters by the extract suggests potential herb-drug interactions.