bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture Serum Protects against Blood-brain Barrier Damage
after Ischemic Stroke by Regulating Pericytes in vitro
Authors: Zhang Hanrui , Lyv Hequn , Feng Yaoting , Peng Yongjun 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Electroacupuncture (EA) exerts a protective role in Blood-Brain Barrier
(BBB) damage after ischemic stroke, but whether this effect involves the regulation of the pericytes
in vitro is unclear.

Methods:
The in vitro BBB models were established with brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs)
and pericytes, and the co-cultured cells were randomly divided into three groups: the control
group, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) group and EA group. OGD/R
was performed to simulate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in vitro. EA serum was prepared by EA
treatment at the “Renzhong” (GV26) and “Baihui” (GV20) acupoints in middle cerebral artery occlusion/
reperfusion rats. Furthermore, the characteristics of BMECs and pericytes were identified
with immunological staining. The cell morphology of the BBB model was observed using an inverted
microscope. The function of BBB was measured with transendothelial electrical resistance
(TEER) and sodium fluorescein, and the viability, apoptosis, and migration of pericytes were detected
by cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, and Transwell migration assay.

Results:
BMECs were positive staining for Factor-VIII, and pericytes were positive staining for
the α-SMA and NG2. EA serum improved cell morphology of the BBB model, increased TEER
and decreased sodium fluorescein in OGD/R condition. Besides, EA serum alleviated pericytes
apoptosis rate and migration number, and enhanced pericytes viability rate in OGD/R condition.

Conclusion:
EA serum protects against BBB damage induced by OGD/R in vitro, and this protection
might be achieved by attenuating pericytes apoptosis and migration, as well as enhancing pericytes
viability. The findings provided new evidence for EA as a medical therapy for ischemic
stroke.
COVID-19 and Gender Effects on Dental Students' Preclinical Performance
Authors: Alkadi Lubna , Farook Fathima Fazrina , Alghilan Maryam A. , Alfadley Abdulmohsen , Jamleh Ahmed 
Published: November 2024

Introduction/Objective
Gender differences in academic performance exhibit global variations, with females often outperforming males at school levels, though university results are mixed. In dentistry, these trends are shaped by cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, alongside cultural and environmental factors. The COVID-19 pandemic's shift to online learning necessitates exploring the role of gender in dental academic achievements. This cross-sectional observational study examines the impact of gender differences on the academic performance of second-year dental students in preclinical restorative courses over five academic years before and during the pandemic.

Methods
Scores of 415 second-year dental students were analyzed and compared across four specific preclinical restorative courses: fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics, operative dentistry, and endodontics, spanning from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021 academic years.

Results
The analysis revealed significant differences in the mean overall scores across all courses. Students achieved higher overall grades during the pandemic than before it, yet no clear association was found linking gender with the pandemic's effect on academic performance.

Conclusion
These insights reveal the complex dynamics of academic performance considering gender and the changing educational setting in the wake of the pandemic.
Exploring the Impact of the Multimodal CAPABLE eHealth Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Melanoma Undergoing Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition: Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Fraterman Itske , Sacchi Lucia , Mallo Henk , Tibollo Valentina , Glaser Savannah Lucia Catherina , Medlock Stephanie , Cornet Ronald , Gabetta Matteo , Hisko Vitali , Khadakou Vadzim , Barkan Ella , Del Campo Laura , Glasspool David , Kogan Alexandra , Lanzola Giordano , Leizer Roy , Ottaviano Manuel , Peleg Mor , Śniatała Konrad , Lisowska Aneta , Wilk Szymon , Parimbelli Enea , Quaglini Silvana , Rizzo Mimma , Locati Laura Deborah , Boekhout Annelies , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V , Wilgenhof Sofie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with melanoma receiving immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors often experience immune-related adverse events, cancer-related fatigue, and emotional distress, affecting health-related quality of life () and clinical outcome to immunotherapy. eHealth tools can aid patients with cancer in addressing issues, such as adverse events and psychosocial well-being, from various perspectives.

Objective
This study aimed to explore the effect of the Cancer Patients Better Life Experience (CAPABLE) system, accessed through a mobile app, on HRQoL compared with a matched historical control group receiving standard care. CAPABLE is an extensively tested eHealth app, including educational material, remote symptom monitoring, and well-being interventions.

Methods
This prospective pilot study compared an exploratory cohort that received the CAPABLE smartphone app and a multisensory smartwatch for 6 months (intervention) to a 2:1 individually matched historical prospective control group. HRQoL data were measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) after start of treatment. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to compare HRQoL between the 2 groups over time.

Results
From the 59 eligible patients for the CAPABLE intervention, 31 (53%) signed informed consent to participate. Baseline HRQoL was on average 10 points higher in the intervention group compared with controls, although equally matched on baseline and clinical characteristics. When correcting for sex, age, disease stage, and baseline scores, an adjusted difference in fatigue of −5.09 (95% CI −15.20 to 5.02, P=.32) at month 3 was found. No significant nor clinically relevant adjusted differences on other HRQoL domains over time were found. However, information satisfaction was significantly higher in the CAPABLE group (β=8.71, 95% CI 1.54‐15.88, P=.02).

Conclusions
The intervention showed a limited effect on HRQoL, although there was a small improvement in fatigue at 3 months, as well as information satisfaction. When aiming at personalized patient and survivorship care, further optimization and prospective investigation of eHealth tools is warranted.
The Digital Divide and Cognitive Disparities Among Older Adults: Community-Based Cohort Study in China
Authors: Li Yumeng , Liu Chen , Sun Jiaqing , Zhang Junying , Li Xin , Zhang Zhanjun 
Published: November 2024

Background
The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) further deepens disparities in resource access, particularly among the aging population. However, the relationship between these factors and their resulting impact on cognitive abilities remains uncertain.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the potential impact of the digital divide on individuals’ cognitive function and its association with the development and reversion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods
This cohort study used data from Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation (BABRI) study applying a multistage cluster sampling design between 2008 and 2020. The digital divide was quantified by the frequency of using ICTs. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), mixed linear models, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to model the association of digital divide and multidomain cognition.

Results
Among the 10098 participants, nearly half (n=4941, 48.9%) faced the digital divide, which was associated with a worse performance in processing speed (F10096=10.67; P<.001; effect size r=0.42), rather than memory, executive function, and language. The model indicated that individuals’ physical and mental health, combined with their educational and occupational prestige, influenced the resources they attained, which ultimately caused the digital divide. Moreover, longitudinal data revealed that older adults who successfully crossed the digital divide during the tracking process and those who had already done so prior to tracking showed significantly slower rates of decline in processing speed (B=–1.98, P<.05; B=–2.62, P<.01) and general cognitive function (B=3.50, P<.001; B=3.13, P<.01). Additionally, overcoming the digital divide was also associated with a lower risk of developing MCI (hazard ratio [HR] 0.5, 95% CI 0.34-0.74; HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29-0.62) and a greater probability of reversion from MCI to normal cognition (HR 6, 95% CI 3.77-9.56; HR 9.22, 95% CI 5.63-15.11).

Conclusions
Overcoming the digital divide was significantly associated with improved cognitive function, a slower aging rate in cognitive performance, a reduced risk of developing MCI, and a higher likelihood of reverting from MCI to normal cognition.
política e o controle dos gastos tributários à luz da Constituição Federal e da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal
Authors: Leite Castelo Samuel , Duarte Moraes Castelo Aline , Aderaldo Castelo Neto Placido 
Published: November 2024

A política de gastos tributários do Governo do Estado do Ceará movimentou o montante de R$ 1.106 bilhões de reais em 2019 e R$ 1. 204 bilhões de reais em 2020. Estas importâncias estão baseadas na estimativa constante na Lei Orçamentária Anual - LOA, sendo que, em 2019, o importe efetivamente renunciado foi de R$ 1.227 bilhões de reais. Estes valores se referem exclusivamente às renúncias realizadas no âmbito do Fundo de Desenvolvimento Industrial - FDI, porém, não foram evidenciadas outras desistências praticadas. Assim, o objetivo deste ensaio é avaliar a política de gastos tributários no âmbito do Estado do Ceará. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se num levantamento exploratório por meio de pesquisas acerca da legislação aplicável e nos sistemas corporativos do Governo cearense, objetivando coletar informações atinentes à composição e à operacionalização dos dispêndios tributários concedidos e praticados pelo Governo estadual. As técnicas de análise de dados utilizadas para a conduta metodológica foram a análise descritiva dos indicadores orçamentários e contábeis e o exame documental dos instrumentos de planejamento e de legislação correlata, bem como dos demonstrativos contábeis. Os resultados expressam a necessidade de se definir um sistema de referência tributária sobre as renúncias de receitas, de se efetivar o controle dos gastos tributários de caráter geral e não geral, de melhorar os procedimentos sobre previsão, mensuração, controle, efetividade e e transparência das renúncias de receitas. Por fim, o Governo deverá planejar, gerir e controlar estes recursos, porquanto ostentam materialidade e grande relevância, especialmente se confrontados com os dedicados a educação, saúde e segurança.
Imaging Human Pancreatic Endocrinogenesis During Early Prenatal Life
Authors: Villalba Adrian , Gitton Yorick , Aiello Virginie , Toupin Maryne , Mazaud-Guittot Séverine , Chédotal Alain , Scharfmann Raphaël 
Published: November 2024

Murine pancreatic endocrinogenesis has been extensively studied, but human data remain scarce due to limited sample availability. Here, we first built a large collection of human embryonic and fetal pancreases covering the first trimester of pregnancy to explore human endocrinogenesis. Using an experimental pipeline combining in toto staining, tissue clearing, and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, we show that insulin-, glucagon-, and somatostatin-positive cells appear simultaneously at Carnegie stage (CS) 16. This contrasts with rodents, in which glucagon-positive cells appear first, followed by insulin-positive and, finally, somatostatin-positive cells and highlights interspecies differences. We also detected bihormonal endocrine cells in 7 of 9 human pancreases between CS16 and CS18, which were no longer detected at later stages. We observed that cell distribution within human fetal islets resembles adult mouse islets, with a core of β-cells surrounded by α- and δ-cells, differing from a more complex arrangement in adult human islets. This, in connection with the small size of human fetal islets when compared with adult islets, suggests that adult human islets may form by fusion of preexisting islets, in contrast to the mouse fission model. Together, our study provides a detailed and comprehensive description of the spatiotemporal dynamics of human pancreatic endocrinogenesis.

Article Highlights
Data on human pancreas development are limited and derived from two-dimensional staining. We overcome this using in toto staining, tissue clearing, and light-sheet imaging. We sought to understand when and where endocrine cells first emerge and how they cluster. First, endocrine cell types appear simultaneously, and early pancreases contain bihormonal cells. There are morphometric differences between fetal and adult islets. We propose a mechanism of adult islet formation by fusion: a new base to reconstitute in vitro islet neogenesis.
Effect of Paclobutrazol on Biochemical and Yield Attributes of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Panda Sumanta , Mondal Subhasis , Ali Osman , Challam Dawan Arkini 
Published: November 2024

The experiment was carried out during the rabi (winter) season ( 2nd week of November to last week of Feburary) of 2019 and 2020 at the District Seed Farm, ‘AB’ block, Kalyani at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal to study the effect of paclobutrazol on the biochemical and yield attributes of chickpeas with yield. The experiment was laid down in a randomized block design having six treatments of a formulation of paclobutrazol 40% (0, 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 ml ha-1) with each replicated four times and the experimental material for the study consisted of chickpea variety was JAKI 92-18. Results revealed that Paclobutrazol caused to decline in the leaf chlorophyll content and enhanced the accumulation of storage carbohydrates particularly starch in the leaf. Leaf soluble sugar content was lowest in the control (2.86) and all the treatments were significantly higher than the control in this respect. It caused to enhance the seed yield by enhancing the number of seeds plants-1 and improving the harvest index. The highest yield was obtained in paclobutrazol 35 ml ha-1 (2008 kg ha-1); other treatments with substantially higher yields than control were paclobutrazol 45 ml ha-1 (1783 kg ha-1), and paclobutrazol 25 ml ha-1 (1692 kg ha-1). Hence, foliar application of Paclobutrazol @ 35 ml l-1 may be most effective in augmenting the yield attributes and yield of chickpea during rabi season.
Preparation, characterization, and thermal decomposition catalytic activity of novel combustion rate catalysts
Authors: Yao Yajing , Hu Shuangqi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The study successfully synthesized a combustion catalyst consisting of copper atoms anchored onto a carbon black support. The 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20), 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7), cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine, and ammonium perchlorate energetic materials were studied and analyzed using high-temperature pyrolysis process and catalytic oxidation thermal decomposition kinetics analysis. The research results indicate that the addition of the catalyst CB@Cu significantly reduces the activation energy during the pyrolysis process of energetic materials, leading to an earlier decomposition temperature and a significant catalytic effect. After adding catalyst CB@Cu, the endothermic peaks of the three energetic materials shifted toward lower temperatures, but the magnitude of the movement was relatively small. The maximum thermal decomposition temperature has been reduced by 3–5°C compared to that before the addition of the catalyst. At lower temperatures, the catalyst has a better catalytic effect on the energetic materials. The catalyst indicates the formation of electron transfer and the presence of metal Cu ligands, increasing the number of active sites with energetic materials, making the heat release of energetic materials more concentrated and increasing the degree of thermal decomposition.
Business Plan for the Creation of an Eco-Recreational Park in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
Authors: Ortiz Iván Hernández , Velázquez Juan Gabriel Figueroa , Barrios Alejandra Vega , Hernández Ruth Josefina Alcántara , Islas Arlen Cerón , Fuentes Leticia Vázquez 
Published: November 2024

Objective: Propose a business plan for the creation of an eco-recreational park in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, specifically located in Cerro del Lobo for the recovery of the forest, containing the deforestation process, as well as the creation of an ecological park. That provides education and awareness of ecological environmental values to the residents and visitors of the region.

Theoretical Framework: As a theoretical reference from the literature, various models and methodologies for the creation of a business plan were consulted, as well as the opinion of experts, including that of a university professor specialized in the subject of business plans. Likewise, primary and secondary sources were consulted to analyze the general characteristics of the region and serve as a guide for the development of the proposed plan.

Method: The study adopted for this research is a combination of methodologies proposed for the creation of a business plan and includes the complete process of a general structure, concisely writing each of its parts and proposing instruments that would be useful in the execution of the plan. As well as the different procedures for implementation, the data was collected through documentary research and in-depth interviews with experts in the field.

Results and Discussion: The correct implementation of the proposed business plan based on the physical and biological characteristics of Cerro de Lobo and the species that inhabit it, such as its flora and fauna. They allowed the construction of an eco-recreational park that promotes an ecological culture and raises awareness among the inhabitants of the municipality of Pachuca and surrounding places about environmental and ecological values; In addition to this, the recovery of the forest is sought, investing in a reforestation process, which is why the park is currently operating. With this project, benefits are achieved for citizens and the environment.

Research Implications: The findings of this research have significant implications for both the government in power, the residents of the area, as well as visitors to the park. It is important to adopt flexible implementation strategies and take advantage of advanced technologies inherent to improve processes and facilitate decision making by adapting to changing weather conditions and dynamic market conditions.

Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering new insights into the proposal and implementation of a business plan for the creation of eco-tourism parks, through the tuning of methodologies. The practical implications derived from this study serve as a valuable resource for government institutions seeking to increase operational efficiency and strategic effectiveness in an increasingly complex panorama that cannot leave aside the care of the environment and the search for benefits for citizens.
Applying a Delphi Method to Assess the Sustainability in SMEs: an Approach of Triple Bottom Line
Authors: Vasconcelos Alicia Flores , González Igor Antonio Rivera , Fernández Mario Aguilar , Santiago Alejandro Zacarías , Romage Guerlin Romage 
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to build, with the opinion of experts, a weighting of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development model that should prevail in Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, when prioritizing their sustainable objectives.

Theoretical Framework: The Triple Bottom Line, TBL, considers economic, environmental and social aspects equally in companies, and in the case of SMEs this research considers that the three aspects should have an equivalent value in any attempt at sustainability assessment.

Method: The Delphi method was applied to a semi-random sample of 9 experts in economic, environmental and social areas, who assigned importance weights to different sustainability indicators based on the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, GRI, for the economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Results and Discussion: The findings reveal a positive inclination towards equity in the TBL dimensions, with approximate weightings relative to each other, 32% in the economic dimension, 36% in the environmental dimension, and 32% in the social dimension.

Research Implications: Expert perspectives are discussed from an interdisciplinary approach, providing insight into academic opinions regarding sustainability assessment.

Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by proposing a weighting of the values ​​of each indicator of the GRI Standard through a consultation with experts using a Delphi Method, with an interdisciplinary approach to address the problem of sustainability.
Vegetation Density Mapping of Urban Solid Waste Landfill Coverage Using Vegetation Indexes Obtained with UAV
Authors: Bruch Alexandre Felipe , Camargo Karina Retzlaff , Carneiro Marciano , Castro Gabriel Fragali de , Klumb Vinicius , Monte Talison Luis de Britto , Borges Isabel Cordeiro 
Published: November 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to map the vegetation cover of a municipal solid waste landfill using high-resolution vegetation index images obtained with UAV, as a tool for geotechnical monitoring.

Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework describes the state of the art of vegetation indexes, starting from the first proposal of NVDI by Rouse et al. (1973), through to the NDWI by McFeeters (1996). Additionally, it presents the method of representing radiometric variables, considering that these indexes operate based on the ratio between spectral bands, which are displayed within intervals ranging from -1 to +1.

Method: The study used a UAV equipped with MAPIR multispectral camera to capture images of the landfill. NDVI and NDWI indexes were applied to assess vegetation health and coverage. Field control points determined with GNSS-RTK, along with protogrametry software, ensured mapping accuracy, creating high-resolution orhomosaics for monitoring and determining vegetation indexes.

Results and Discussion: The results indicate variation in vegetation cover, revealing areas of exposed soil ang vegetation at different stages of vigor, from senescence to full growth. The NDVI and NDWI indexes highlighted regions with water stress and soil exposure, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method in environmental and geotechnical monitoring.

Conclusions: It is concluded that the use of UAVs and vegetation indexes are effective for monitoring vegetation health and landfill stability, enanbling the identification of erosion areas and the need for vegetation cover restoration.