bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outputs from a model of co-research with older care-experienced people in Sweden to advance eldercare services
Authors: Wallcook Sarah , Dohrn Ing-Mari , Dahlkvist Ulla , Domeij Yvonne , Green Kerstin , Isaksson Gigi , Goliath Ida 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Within the contemporary policy turn towards co-production and co-research in Sweden, older people, practitioners and researchers alike have expressed uncertainty about how to undertake co-research. Moreover, scepticism persists about the merits and contributions of co-research and co-production to research and service development. In this paper, we aim to describe a co-research model developed with older care-experienced lay co-researchers and explore the utility of our model’s outcomes to social care research and practice.

Method
In a Participatory Action Research project, we established a team of three co-researchers by professional experience and eight lay co-researchers by lived experience who were over age 75. Our team undertook a complete study cycle from inception and funding through to knowledge exchange and dissemination. Our process lasted one year and comprised three phases: the group alone establishing collective knowledge, testing knowledge in peer interviews with acquaintances, exchanging knowledge in events with multi-sector actors. We generated and analysed data concurrently in fortnightly workshops and round-table meetings using procedures inspired by framework analysis to produce themes illustrated by vignettes.

Findings
We highlight our co-research model’s utility to social research, policy and practice under three themes. Expressly, how our approach (1) reaches and engages older people who are isolated at home, (2) generates out-of-the box thinking and innovative solutions for service development and research, (3) recognizes and benefits from older people’s authentic experience and knowledge. We critically reflect upon these three themes and the conditions that lead towards or away from the adoption of key co-research principles.

Conclusions
Public services and research and development units working in the interests of older people can take inspiration from our co-research model when seeking to meet the challenges brought by new reforms towards closer community involvement. Despite messiness in the process, integrating and embedding principled co-research and co-production can bring clarity and structure to the issues that matter most to older people, and draw organisations closer to the communities they serve.
Relevance of optic nerve B-mode sonography in multiple sclerosis diagnosis and follow-up
Authors: Orabi Marwa , Abou Hagar Ahmed , Ashour Yossri , Al-shatouri Mohammad , Ahmed Samar , Abd El-Razek Reda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAmong young people, multiple sclerosis (MS) accounts for the majority of non-traumatic neurological impairments. Almost all MS patients develop optic neuritis as the illness progresses. In MS, the optic nerve (ON) is vulnerable to demyelinating injury and is considered “eloquent” in comparison with the brain. Thus, it serves as a clinical model for MS. Since the eye is a suitable target for ultrasonography due to its high-water content, non-invasive trans-orbital sonography (TOS) can determine the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of ON ultrasonography as a simple, low-cost method for diagnosing and following up MS patients, facilitating their treatment plan. It correlates the findings of ONSD using TOS and visual-evoked potential (VEP), the number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) black holes, and other clinically significant parameters in 30 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients versus 30 controls.ResultsWe examined a total of 120 eyes. The ONSD values at 3 mm, 5 mm, and myelination index were significantly lower in the patients (4.7 ± 0.3, 5.5 ± 0.3, and 0.86 ± 0.03, respectively) versus the controls (5.6 ± 0.3, 6.2 ± 0.4, and 0.90 ± 0.03, respectively) (p < 0.001 in each). The mean P 100 latency was significantly delayed in the patients (125.5 ± 6.1 ms) than the controls (100.2 ± 3.3 ms), (p < 0.001). The mean VEP amplitude was significantly lower in the patients (4.9 ± 0.7 μV) than the controls (6.8 ± 0.8 μV) (p < 0.001). There was a highly significant positive correlation between the ONSD and P 100 amplitude, and highly significant negative correlations between the ONSD and disease duration, number of optic neuritis attacks, EDSS, MRI black holes number, and P 100 latency.ConclusionsTrans-orbital sonography is a practical and easily accessible approach for assessing ON atrophy in MS. It can measure axonal loss and brain atrophy indirectly and is a reliable paraclinical diagnostic tool, suggesting that ONSD could be a biomarker of disease activity.
Predictive biomarkers in endometrial carcinomas: a review of their relevance in daily anatomic pathology
Authors: Nagel Janaína , Paschoalini Rafael Bispo , Barreto Patrícia Sodré Dias , Credidio Caroline Haydn , Paulino Eduardo , Del Pilar Estevez-Diz Maria 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEndometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in high-income countries, with its incidence and mortality rising globally, particularly in countries undergoing rapid socioeconomic transitions. Over the past decade, the management of EC has shifted towards molecular classification and biomarker-driven therapies. This shift began in 2013 with the discovery of the 4 prognostic and molecular EC subgroups by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Following the TCGA discovery, the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifiers for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) and the TransPORTEC initiative have provided 4 pragmatic molecular classifiers by combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) and surrogate immunohistochemical markers to TCGA’s categorization: Mismatch Repair Deficient (MMRd); p53-abnormal (p53abn); No Specific Molecular Profile (NSMP); and POLE-mutant (POLEmut). These subgroups not only provide insights into the biological behavior of EC but also have strong clinical relevance and prognostic implications. In line with these advancements, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed molecular classification in 2020, advocating for its integration into EC pathology reports. In 2023, the Federation of International Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) proposed a new staging system that integrates histological parameters and molecular profiles into routine pathology practice. The use of complete molecular classification surrogates in all EC cases, whenever resources permit, is intended to promote prognostic risk-group stratification, data collection, Lynch Syndrome (LS) screening, and potentially influence adjuvant and systemic treatment decisions, as well as predict the efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI). Consequently, the evolving landscape of predictive biomarkers in EC has gained importance in daily oncology practice, profoundly changing the role of pathologists. Pathologists are now crucial in interpreting molecular information and participating as members of multidisciplinary teams in therapeutic decisions. This review article aims to emphasize the importance of molecular classification in EC and encourage pathologists to become familiar with the use of predictive biomarkers in their daily anatomical pathology practice.
Characteristic spatial and frequency distribution of mutations in SCN1A
Authors: Zhang Mengwen , Guo Jing , Li Bin , Liu Kang , Zhao Jiayuan , Zhang Jiayuan , Lin Xuqing , Tang Bin , Wang Jie , Liao Weiping , He Na 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
SCN1A is the most well-recognized and commonly mutated gene related to epilepsy. This study analyzed the characteristic spatial and frequency distributions of SCN1A mutations, aiming to provide important insight into the mutagenesis etiopathology of SCN1A-associated epilepsy.

Methods
Epilepsy-associated SCN1A variants were retrieved from the SCN1A mutation database, the HGMD database, and literature reviews. The base substitutions, mutation frequencies in CpG dinucleotides, and spatial distributions of mutations in terms of exons and structural domains were analyzed.

Results
A total of 2621 SCN1A variants were identified in 5106 unrelated cases. The most common type was missense mutation, followed by frameshift mutations and splice site mutations. Among the missense mutations, transitions within CpG dinucleotides were much more recurrently identified than transitions within non-CpG dinucleotides, and the most common type was the G > A transition. Among the nonsense mutations, the most predominant type of single-base substitution was the C > T transition, among which 75.3% (235/312) were within CpG sites. The most common “hotspot” codons for missense mutations were codons 101, 946, and 1783; while for nonsense mutations it was codon 712. One-base deletion or insertion was the most common type of frameshift mutation, causing protein truncation. The three most common frameshift mutations were c.5536_5539delAAAC, c.4554dupA, and c.5010_5013delGTTT. Splice mutations were the most frequently identified in exon 4 with a hotspot site c.602 + 1G > A. The spatial distribution of missense mutations showed that exons 22 and 4 had the highest mutation density (111 and 84 mutations per 100 bp, respectively), and exon 12 had the lowest mutation density, with 4 mutations per 100 bp. Further distribution analysis of the protein domains revealed that missense mutations were more common in the pore region and voltage sensor (231 mutations per 100 amino acids, respectively), and the protein truncation mutations were distributed evenly among the domains.

Conclusions
SCN1A mutations tend to cluster at distinct sites, depending on the characteristic CpG dinucleotides, exons, and functional domains. Higher mutation density in particular regions, such as exon 22 and exon 4, offers promising targets for therapeutic genetic interventions.
The contribution of tropical long-term studies to mycology
Authors: Stallman Jeffery K. , Haelewaters Danny , Koch Bach Rachel A. , Brann Mia , Fatemi Samira , Gomez-Zapata Paula , Husbands Dillon R. , Jumbam Blaise , Kaishian Patricia J. , Moffitt Ariana , Catherine Aime M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFungi are arguably the most diverse eukaryotic kingdom of organisms in terms of number of estimated species, trophic and life history strategies, and their functions in ecosystems. However, our knowledge of fungi is limited due to a distributional bias; the vast majority of available data on fungi have been compiled from non-tropical regions. Far less is known about fungi from tropical regions, with the bulk of these data being temporally limited surveys for fungal species diversity. Long-term studies (LTS), or repeated sampling from the same region over extended periods, are necessary to fully capture the extent of species diversity in a region, but LTS of fungi from tropical regions are almost non-existent. In this paper, we discuss the contributions of LTS of fungi in tropical regions to alpha diversity, ecological and functional diversity, biogeography, hypothesis testing, and conservation—with an emphasis on an ongoing tropical LTS in the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana. We show how these contributions refine our understanding of Fungi. We also show that public data repositories such as NCBI, IUCN, and iNaturalist contain less information on tropical fungi compared to non-tropical fungi, and that these discrepancies are more pronounced in fungi than in plants and animals.
Analyzing students’ systems thinking in-situ through screencasts in the context of computational modeling: a case study
Authors: Bowers Jonathan , Eidin Emil 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn our interconnected world, Systems Thinking (ST) is increasingly being recognized as a key learning goal for science education to help students make sense of complex phenomena. To support students in mastering ST, educators are advocating for using computational modeling programs. However, studies suggest that students often have challenges with using ST in the context of computational modeling. While previous studies have suggested that students have challenges modeling change over time through collector and flow structures and representing iterative processes through feedback loops, most of these studies investigated student ST through pre and post tests or through interviews. As such there is a gap in the literature regarding how student ST approaches develop and change throughout a computational modeling unit. In this case study, we aimed to determine which aspects of ST students found challenging during a computational modeling unit, how their approaches to ST changed over time, and how the learning environment was supporting students with ST. Building on prior frameworks, we developed a seven-category analysis tool that enabled us to use a mixture of student discourse, writing, and screen actions to categorize seven ST behaviors in real time. Through using this semi-quantitative tool and subsequent narrative analysis, we found evidence for all seven behavior categories, but not all categories were equally represented. Meanwhile our results suggest that opportunities for students to engage in discourse with both their peers and their teacher supported them with ST. Overall, this study demonstrates how student discourse and student writing can be important evidence of ST and serve as a potential factor to evaluate ST application as part of students’ learning progression. The case study also provides evidence for the positive impact that the implementation of a social constructivist approach has in the context of constructing computational system models.
Transrectal ultrasound-guided intraprostatic injection therapy for treatment of chronic prostatitis in a Ugandan population
Authors: Kawooya Michael G. , Malumba Richard , Kaakyo Mary , Steven Kasule , Ssebaggala Frank , Dabanja Henry 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Globally, the clinical understanding of prostatitis has been obscured mainly due non-specificity of clinical features, no uniform diagnostic criteria and its protracted treatment course. Conventional treatment of chronic prostatitis by oral or parenteral routes of drug administration remains a challenge basically because of the poor ability of drugs to penetrate prostate epithelium; the alternative of direct prostate injection has not been thoroughly studied in an African population. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided intraprostatic injection of a cocktail of antibiotics, antifungal and long-acting steroids on alleviating symptoms attributed to chronic prostatitis in Ugandan patients.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of records among patients who were referred with symptoms attributed to chronic prostatitis at the Radiology Department of Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI). Patients were treated using TRUS-guided intraprostatic injection of a cocktail of antibiotics, antifungal agents and long-acting steroids.

Results
At baseline, we found that out of the 131 patients, 90 had pain or burning during urination in the last week to seeking care and 89 had symptoms, which had kept them away from doing the kinds of things they would usually do. Additionally, 85 of the total number of patients felt terrible about their symptoms. Post intervention, after 1 year following completion of intraprostatic injection therapy (IPIT), we found that most patients had mild residual symptoms which were largely; mild pain and burning at urination. None of the patients had symptoms, which kept them away from doing the kind of things they would usually do. Furthermore, 62 patients felt delighted about their quality of life, whereas prior to treatment, none was delighted. Eighty-five patients had felt terrible about their quality of life prior to the IPIT, but post therapy, no patient felt terrible.

Conclusion
Transrectal ultrasound-guided intraprostatic injection therapy of a drug cocktail composed of antibiotics, antifungal agents, long-acting steroids and lidocaine for treatment of patients presenting with symptoms attributed to chronic prostatitis and refractory to conventional oral therapy has shown a good response in this study.
Correlation-based polarity-check algorithm for instrument transformers
Authors: Mahmoud R. A. , Elwakil E. S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA polarity identification is very important for operation of transformers, measurement and protection equipment, where it is useful in analyzing of transformer connections and operation as well as testing of protective systems. Moreover, it’s essential in assessment of power systems performance during both normal and abnormal operation. Ensuring the correct polarity of the primary and secondary windings in voltage and current transformers is of paramount importance for various measurement and protection schemes in power networks. This paper proposes a digital polarity detector and tester using correlation coefficients and nine polarity indices calculated for instrument transformer signals. In order to test the performance of the proposed polarity tester algorithm, MATLAB code is imported to the LABVIEW model, and the numerical data obtained from the synchronous generator terminals via instrument transformers are interfaced with the computer through the Data Acquisition Card (DAC). The experimental system consists of a motor-generator set supplying a three-phase inductive load with instrument transformers connected to measure each phase voltage and current. The obtained results for various operating conditions and different types of abnormal conditions prove that the suggested algorithm is accurate, reliable and applicable to smart grids and substation automation systems. It can be considered as an integrated system incorporated with digital fault recorders, relays and meters.
Kidney Hyperfiltration and Mitochondrial Changes Are Associated With eGFR Decline in Young People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pham Uyen N , Pryke Alison , Baskerville Tracey , Griffin Alison , Whiddett Rani O , Fotheringham Amelia K , Sullivan Mitchell A , Nisbet Janelle , Phillips Liza , Francis Ross S , Davis Elizabeth , Jones Timothy W , Cameron Fergus , Couper Jennifer , Benitez-Aguirre Paul , Craig Maria , Johnson David W , Dalton R Neil , Marcovecchio M Loredana , Cotterill Andrew , Barrett Helen L , Donaghue Kim C , Forbes Josephine M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To examine the relationship between kidney hyperfiltration during adolescence and subsequent changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) in a young cohort of participants with type 1 diabetes. Additionally, to explore urinary mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA ratio (mtDNA:nDNA) as a marker of metabolic stress and its association with early changes in kidney function.

Methods
Eighty adolescents were studied at baseline (mean [SD] age 14.2 [1.5] years; mean diabetes duration 6.7 [3.0] years) and at follow-up 9.2 (1.3) years later. Blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, eGFR, UACR, and heart rate variability were assessed at each visit. Urinary mtDNA:nDNA was measured by quantitative PCR.

Results
Overall, 4.2% of participants had diabetic kidney disease at follow-up. Hyperfiltration at baseline (&gt;135 mL/min/1.73 m2) was seen in 31% of adolescents and was associated with a decline in eGFR at follow-up when adjusted for sex, diabetes duration, and HbA1c (hyperfiltration −1.46 [3.07] mL/min/1.73 m2/year vs non-hyperfiltration −0.51 [2.48] mL/min/1.73 m2/year, P = .02). Participants with hyperfiltration also had higher odds of undergoing rapid eGFR decline (&gt;3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) compared to those without hyperfiltration (odds ratio 14.11 [95% CI 2.30-86.60], P = .004). Baseline urinary mtDNA:nDNA was significantly associated with both greater annual rate of eGFR decline and rapid eGFR decline in univariable but not multivariable modeling.

Conclusion
Hyperfiltration during adolescence is significantly associated with greater reduction in eGFR and higher risk of rapid eGFR decline after ∼9 years, following transition into young adulthood in type 1 diabetes. Urinary mtDNA:nDNA measured during adolescence may be a novel predictor of early changes in kidney function.
Modulation of SNARE-dependent exocytosis in astrocytes improves neuropathology in Huntington's disease
Authors: King Annesha C. , Payne Emily , Stephens Emily , Fowler Jahmel A. , Wood Tara E. , Rodriguez Efrain , Gray Michelle 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Prior studies revealed an increase in extracellular glutamate levels after evoking astrocytic SNARE-dependent exocytosis from cultured primary astrocytes from mutant huntingtin (mHTT)-expressing BACHD mice compared to control astrocytes, suggesting alterations in astrocytic SNARE-dependent exocytosis in HD. We used BACHD and dominant-negative (dn)SNARE mice to decrease SNARE-dependent exocytosis from astrocytes to determine whether reducing SNARE-dependent exocytosis from astrocytes could rescue neuropathological changes in vivo. We observed significant protection against striatal atrophy and no significant rescue of cortical atrophy in BACHD/dnSNARE mice compared to BACHD mice. Amino acid transporters are important for modulating the levels of extracellular neurotransmitters. BACHD mice had no change in GLT1 expression, decreased striatal GAT1 expression and increased levels of GAT3. There was no change in GAT1 after reducing astrocytic SNARE-dependent exocytosis, and increased GAT3 expression in BACHD mice was normalized in BACHD/dnSNARE mice. Thus, modulation of astrocytic SNARE-dependent exocytosis in BACHD mice is protective against striatal atrophy and modulates GABA transporter expression.
On the label-free analysis of white blood cells by holographic quantitative phase imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Giugliano Giusy , Pirone Daniele , Behal Jaromir , Wang Zhe , Cerbone Vincenza , Mugnano Martina , Licitra Fabrizio , Montella Annalaura , Scalia Giulia , Capasso Mario , Iolascon Achille , Mari Silvia , Ferranti Francesca , Bianco Vittorio , Maffettone Pier Luca , Memmolo Pasquale , Miccio Lisa , Ferraro Pietro 
Published: November 2024

This study presents an innovative methodology to analyze a blood sample from a healthy donor, providing a quantitative characterization of white blood cells (WBCs). It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of holographic quantitative phase imaging (QPI) flow cytometry (FC) in examining phase-contrast maps at the cellular level, thereby enabling the identification and classification of granulocyte types. Additionally, we demonstrate that an unsupervised method can differentiate granulocyte sub-types, i.e., neutrophils and eosinophils. The results instill strong confidence in the potential future use of QPI FC for liquid biopsies and/or for assessing the heterogeneity of WBCs and, more broadly, to facilitate label-free blood tests.