bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Word-selective EEG/MEG responses in the English language obtained with fast periodic visual stimulation (FPVS)
Authors: Hauk Olaf , Marchive Marion , Volfart Angelique , Schiltz Christine , Rossion Bruno , Ralph Matthew A. Lambon , Lochy Aliette 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Fast periodic visual stimulation (FPVS) allows the objective measurement of brain responses of human word discrimination (i.e., reproducible word-category-selective responses) with a high signal-to-noise ratio. This approach has been successfully employed over the last decade in a number of scalp electroencephalography (EEG) studies. Three important advances for research on word-selective brain responses were achieved in the present study: (1) we extend previous evidence of robust word-category-selective responses to the English language, (2) report results for combined EEG and MEG signals, and (3) source estimation results. English words were presented periodically (2 Hz) among different types of letter strings (10 Hz; consonant strings, non-words, pseudo-words) while recording simultaneous EEG and MEG in 25 participants who performed a simple non-linguistic colour detection task. Data were analysed in sensor and in source space. With only 4 minutes of stimulation, we observed a robust word discrimination response in each condition, even when words were embedded in sequences of word-like pseudo-words. This response was larger in non-words and largest in consonant strings. We observed left-lateralised responses in all conditions in the majority of our participants. Cluster-based permutation tests revealed that these responses were left-lateralised in sensor as well as in source space, with peaks in left posterior regions. Our results demonstrate that the FPVS approach can elicit robust English word discrimination responses in EEG and MEG within only a few minutes of recording time. Together with source estimation, this can provide novel insights into the neural basis of visual word recognition in healthy and clinical populations.
Impacts of Re-export Demand on Benin’s Economy
Authors: Medenou Aristide , Lekoyo Arouna Ogouchôni 
Published: December 2024

This article analyses the impact of re-export demand on the Beninese economy. Re-export is dominant in Benin’s trade and may represent risks to the economy’s vulnerability. The methodology uses a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. It simulates two scenarios: the first considers a one-off decline in re-export demand in the first year, while the second analyses the impact of a recurring annual shock. The results, both at the aggregate and sectoral levels, indicate that the decline in re-export demand would negatively affect real GDP, domestic and net external demand, and most industries. This article extends the existing knowledge on the re-export phenomenon by adding a dynamic analysis of its potential impact at the aggregate and sectoral levels. The results confirm that re-export is a source of vulnerability for the Beninese economy. The authorities should focus on diversifying the economy and strengthening the competitiveness of the Port of Cotonou, in order to mitigate vulnerabilities linked to re-export activities. JEL Codes: C68, F17
Audit of co-morbidity patterns and 5-year survival among patients presenting to a rapid access leg ulcer service
Authors: Ahmmad Ahmmad Alfatih , Mansoor Tayyaub , Joyce Doireann , Westby Daniel , Keohane Colum , O’Shaughnessy Marie , Walsh Stewart 
Published: December 2024

Background: While leg ulceration is common, data regarding long-term is limited. Historical data indicate that approximately 50% of leg ulcer patients die within 5 years of presentation. However, little is known regarding survival outcomes in contemporary patient populations. This retrospective study aimed to assess 5-year survival in patients attending a vascular leg ulcer clinic. Objectives: To evaluate 5-year survival among patients with leg ulcers and to analyse the effect of ulcer aetiology and patient co-morbidities on survival. Methods: Over 30 months (2016 to 2018), 119 new patients were assessed at the leg ulcer clinic and followed over 5 years. Baseline co-morbidities, ulcer type, interventions performed, and 5-year survival were recorded. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Co-morbid burden and survival were compared between venous and arterial/mixed patients. Results: Overall 5-year survival was 74%. Venous patients fared better than arterial/mixed patients (5-year mortality 16/88 vs 15/31; p < .01 log-rank test). Arterial/mixed patients had a greater burden of co-morbidities. In multivariate regression modelling, the presence of three or more co-morbidities at presentation was the only significant predictor of mortality. Conclusions: Overall, 5-year survival for leg ulcer patients has improved compared to historical data but remains static for arterial/mixed patients.
Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of new Graduate Nurses on the Push-Pull Factors of Nursing Workforce Crisis Post COVID-19
Authors: Metersky Kateryna , Al-Hamad Areej , Ruzgar Nursel Selver , Tan Valerie , Crasto Grissel , Wong Josephine Pui-Hing 
Published: December 2024

Background The aim of this study is to explore the practice experiences of new graduate nurses (NGNs) in publicly funded acute healthcare settings in the Greater Toronto Area, their perspectives on the determinants of their desire to stay or leave the nursing profession, and to identify action-oriented strategies to promote retention of NGNs. Design Qualitative, descriptive Methods Fifteen NGNs participated in focus group sessions, where a semi-structured interview guide was created to generate discussion on NGNs’ lived and professional experiences. We utilised the Social Ecological and Intersectionality frameworks to guide data analysis with an emphasis on social identities, power relationships, and the personal, interpersonal, organizational, and structural determinants of nursing retention. Results Participants contextualized their major challenges within four professional development phases: 1.) accessible nursing education and practicum placement; 2) preparedness, orientation and mentorship during entry to practice; 3) navigating transition to independent practice and multi-level structural violence; 3.1) retention strategies; and 4) perspectives on professional trajectory for NGNs. Conclusion NGNs experience major challenges throughout their nursing education and career. The study findings indicate that further research and systemic reform is essential to support, develop, and retain nursing leaders in the acute care setting. Furthermore, the findings can inform the development of evidence-based nursing curriculum reform.
Ig-M and Ig-A Enriched Ig-G Infusion as Adjuvant Therapy in the Critically ill Patients Experiencing SARS-CoV-2 Severe Infection
Authors: Corona Alberto , Simoncini Sara , Richini Giuseppe , Gatti Ivan , Santorsola Clemente , Patroni Andrea , Tomasini Giacomina , Capone Alice , Zendra Elena , Shuman Myriam 
Published: December 2024

Introduction SARS-CoV-2 in patients who need Intensive Care (ICU) is associated with a mortality rate ranging from 10 to 40%-45%, with an increase in morbidity and mortality in presence of sepsis. Methods We assumed that immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgA enriched IgG (IGAM) therapy may support SARS COV-2 sepsis-related phase improving patient outcome. We conducted a retrospective case-control study on all the patients admitted to our ICU during the three pandemic waves between February 2020 and April 2021. Upon ICU admission, patients received anticoagulants with the standard supportive treatment (ST) ± IGAM therapy. After matching for the baseline characteristics and treatments, the patients receiving IGAM therapy too (group A), were compared with those undergoing ST (group B) only. Results 85 patients were enrolled in group A, whereas 111 in group B. The mortality resulted lower in group A [37.6% versus 55.8%, OR: 0.7 (02-08), P = .01)]. A logistic regression analysis identified IGAM treatment as a survival predictor [OR: 0.35 (95%CI, 0.2-0.8)], whereas experiencing a super-infection [OR: 1.88 (95%CI, 1.5-4.9)] and a septic shock [OR: 1.92 (95%CI, 1.4-4.3)] as predictors of death. On day 7, the probability of dying was 3 times higher in patients treated with ST only. Variable life adjustment display (VLAD) was equal to 2.4 in group A, while – 2.2 group B (in terms of lives saved in relation with those expected, in according with Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) score. Conclusion The treatment based on IGAM infusion seems to give an advantage chance of survival in SARS-CoV-2 severe infection. Further prospective studies are warranted.
Enhancing Disease and Management Knowledge Among Black Americans With Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Authors: Odhiambo Lorriane A. , Stephens Peggy C. , Cheruvu Vinay K. , Zullo Melissa D. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose Lack of knowledge contributes to disparate outcomes among Americans with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study assessed the impact of an educational intervention on disease knowledge and management in Black Americans with asthma or COPD. Design Pre-post study design with 9-month follow-up. Setting Urban church community. Subjects Black American adults (N = 38) with self-reported asthma (18) and COPD (20), of which 76.3% (N = 29) completed the intervention. Intervention The Asthma COPD (ACOPD) Workshop consisted of three 1-hour classes focused on disease knowledge and management behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, and avoiding triggers) delivered in 16 sessions over six months. Measures Knowledge questionnaire. Analysis McNemar’s tests for paired proportions. Results Knowledge of disease concepts increased post-intervention, then decreased at the 9-month follow-up. There was a significant difference in the proportion of participants that provided correct answers to questions about ‘two diseases that constitute COPD’ ( P = .04), ‘main cause of COPD’ ( P = .01), 'written action plan' ( P = .04), and 'untrue statement about asthma,' ( P = .02). Conclusion The ACOPD Workshop increased knowledge of basic disease concepts, risk factors, and management. Regular delivery of educational sessions in the community can support knowledge retention and practice of healthy behaviors.
Comparison of robot-assisted vs. traditional laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: Outcomes and quality of life
Authors: Shang Yingying , Deng Huajuan , Yao Qingqing 
Published: December 2024

Background Pelvic organ prolapse is a prevalent condition affecting women of varying ages and ethnicities globally. The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is substantial, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% of parous women may experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime. Objective This retrospective evaluation aimed to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted sacral colpopexy (RASC) and traditional laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, focusing on surgical outcomes, postoperative pain, quality of life, complications, and recurrence rates. Methods A total of 138 patients treated for pelvic organ prolapse and undergoing sacral colpopexy from December 2021 to December 2023 were included in the study. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the procedure utilized: RASC or LSC. Demographic characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative pain scores, quality of life, complications, and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. Results The demographic characteristics of the study population demonstrated comparable baseline profiles for the RASC and LSC groups. RASC was associated with shorter surgery duration, lower intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative time for apical prolapse repair, and significantly lower postoperative pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively compared to LSC. Additionally, patients undergoing RASC demonstrated significantly better quality of life across various domains compared to those undergoing LSC. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of complications between the two groups. Furthermore, the RASC group demonstrated consistently lower recurrence rates at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively compared to the LSC group. Conclusion Robot-assisted sacral colpopexy offers potential advantages over traditional laparoscopic sacral colpopexy in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, with favorable surgical outcomes, reduced postoperative pain, improved quality of life, comparable complication rates, and lower recurrence rates. These findings support the consideration of RASC as a promising surgical approach for addressing pelvic organ prolapse and provide valuable insights for informing clinical decision-making and refining the approach to pelvic organ prolapse treatment.
Metformin ameliorates vanadium pentoxide or gamma irradiation-stimulated hepatotoxicity in male rats via targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis
Authors: Gerges Marian N , Abdou Fatma Y , El Gamal Doaa M , Habieb Mahmoud E 
Published: December 2024

Introduction This work aims to validate the ameliorative influence of metformin against endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-prompted apoptosis caused by vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) or gamma-irradiation (γ-irradiation) in hepatic tissues of male rats. Methods There were six groups of rats: the control, metformin (100 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), V2O5 (12.5 mg/kg body weight, i.p), V2O5 plus metformin, γ-irradiation group (acute dose 6 Gy), and γ-irradiation plus metformin; for 2 weeks. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated. Additionally, the protein expression of certain endoplasmic reticulum stress-related (ERS) biomarkers; Inositol requirement enzyme 1α (IRE1α), TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1); were estimated in hepatic tissues. Moreover, apoptosis-associated biomarkers; Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and HSP70 levels have been assessed. Furthermore, histopathological changes in hepatic tissues were observed. Results Metformin with V2O5 or γ-irradiation significantly decreased MDA, IRE1α, TRAF2, ASK1, Bax, and caspase-3 compared with V2O5 or γ-irradiated groups. Meanwhile, it significantly elevated GSH, Bcl-2, and HSP70 levels compared to exposure to V2O5 or γ-irradiation groups. Interestingly, the obtained results concur well with histological alterations. Discussion Our findings demonstrate the protective influence of metformin against ER stress-induced apoptosis through enhancing GSH and reduction of ERS and apoptosis suggesting that metformin may have positive impacts as a potential radiation protector beyond its glucose-lowering effect.
Enhancing Cultural Competence in Undergraduate Nursing Students: An Integrative Literature Review of Strategies for Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Shopo Khumoetsile Daphney , Nuuyoma Vistolina , Chihururu Leonard 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Globally, health care organizations need to provide quality, culturally congruent health care to increasingly diverse patients. Nursing education institutions must therefore produce culturally competent nursing professionals to provide safe and culturally congruent care. This review aimed to identify and outline strategies to enhance cultural competence of undergraduate nursing students. Methodology: The integrative literature review followed the five steps of Lubbe et al. searching the university Libguides, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for literature published between 2014 and 2023 that met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality was ensured through the John Hopkins Evidence-based Appraisal Tool. Results: Five themes emerged as strategies that can enhance cultural competence for nursing students: integrating cultural competence into undergraduate nursing curriculum, cultural immersion, innovative pedagogical approaches, role of nurse educators, and students’ assessment. Conclusion: Findings provide nurse educators with evidence-based information on strategies to enhance cultural competence of undergraduate nursing students at nursing education institutions.
Lexical access to unadapted English loanwords in Croatian: Evidence from Croatian speakers with different levels of proficiency in English
Authors: Bogunović Irena , Ćoso Bojana , Domijan Dražen 
Published: December 2024

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to investigate lexical access to unadapted English loanwords in Croatian speakers with different levels of English proficiency by exploring the effects of associative-semantic priming. It is expected that associative-semantic relatedness will have a facilitating effect on word recognition in all proficiency groups and in both language directions. Contrary to previous research on unadapted English loanwords, we expect that the effect of proficiency will also be significant. Methodology: To find appropriate stimuli for the main study, three preparatory studies were conducted. The main study consisted of a proficiency test, a questionnaire on language use and exposure, and two cross-language (first language [L1] and second language [L2]) priming experiments (L2–L1/L1–L2). Data and Analysis: Reaction times were analyzed by fitting linear mixed-effects model in R 3.6.1 environment for statistical computing. Findings: The results showed that associative-semantic relatedness significantly facilitates lexical access to unadapted English loanwords in both language directions and all proficiency groups. The effect of proficiency on reaction times was also significant in both experiments. Originality: Unadapted English loanwords provide a unique opportunity for the study of bilingual lexical access because of their specific nature—they occur in L1 and L2 in the same orthographic form, they often do not have adequate native equivalents, and are used by all proficiency groups. However, very little research has been done in that field. Implications: While unadapted English loanwords are common in many languages, the cognitive processing of this specific group of loanwords is still relatively understudied. Thus, the results of this study not only add to the existing knowledge on bilingual lexical access, but also provide new insight into loanword processing.
Improved Gynecomastia Surgery: Power-Assisted Liposuction With Stab-Flatten Technique Without Resection
Authors: Yan Bingwen , Hao Dongyue , Sun Liming , Cang Zhengqiang , Xiao Bofu , Chen Yongjun , Qiao Haixia , Ma Ying , Song Baoqiang , Liu Chaohua 
Published: December 2024

Background Gynecomastia, the enlargement of male breast tissue, significantly impacts both physical and psychological health. Surgical intervention is often necessary, utilizing various techniques to reduce glandular and fatty tissue. This paper introduces an innovative surgical method combining power-assisted liposuction with the stab-flatten technique to enhance precision and cosmetic results. We present our clinical experience and evaluate its effectiveness in gynecomastia treatment. Methods From June 2021 to January 2023, 128 gynecomastia patients underwent power-assisted liposuction and the stab-flatten method via a single axillary incision. We collected demographic and clinical data, including surgery duration, complications, and patient satisfaction regarding physical appearance, mental state, and social interactions. The BODY-Q questionnaire was used preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively for assessment. Results The study included 128 male patients, treating 252 breasts, with an average age of 35 years and a mean BMI of 27.7 kg/m2. Most procedures were bilateral (96.9%), with an average fat removal of 224.5 mL and a surgery duration of 147 minutes. The complication rate was low at 2.0%, with bruises in 5 breasts. The average hospital stay was 2 days. Significant improvements were noted in BODY-Q scores for appearance satisfaction and health-related quality of life, with increased appearance satisfaction and reduced appearance-related distress. Conclusion Since June 2021, the combined use of power-assisted liposuction and the stab-flatten technique has been effective in managing gynecomastia. This synergistic approach not only achieves aesthetically pleasing outcomes but also minimizes the surgical risks associated with traditional methods.
Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner sexual violence among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from the most recent DHS data 2015–2022
Authors: Tekeba Berhan , Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Zeleke Gebreeysus Abera , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is sexual violence against women by a current or former sexual partner. Sexual violence among pregnant women is higher in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which has numerous negative impacts for both the mother and the growing fetus. There is no recent and distinct information on the magnitude and factors associated with IPSV among pregnant women in SSA. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IPSV and its determinants among pregnant women in SSA. Design: A cross-sectional study design using demographic health survey data from 2015 to 2022 in 20 sub-Saharan African countries was used. Methods: The analysis was conducted using a weighted sample of 10,775 women who were pregnant during the survey period (2015–2022). A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of IPSV among pregnant women. The adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was computed to assess the strength and significance of the association between explanatory and outcome variables. Factors with a p-value of <0.05 are declared statistically significant. Result: In this study, the pooled prevalence of IPSV among pregnant women in SSA was 11.06% (95% CI: 10.48–11.67). Respondents currently working, male-headed households, presence of justified beating, respondent mother’s history of abuse, respondent having no media access, respondent having self-reported sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), partner alcohol use, and residing in East Africa had increased odds of IPSV during pregnancy. On the other hand, nulliparous respondents, respondents involved in healthcare decision-making, households with a high wealth index, and residents of West Africa had decreased odds of IPSV among pregnant women. Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant proportion (11%) of pregnant women experienced intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy in SSA. Hence, the government, policymakers, and other relevant authorities should give special attention to women’s at-risk of sexual violence, including women who live in households with justified beatings, women with STIs, working women’s, women with drunken partners, and non-autonomous women’s. Prioritization of the east African region, increasing media access, and promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community shall be done to reduce the burden of the problem.