bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accommodating patients with obesity in ambulatory care: A clinical environment checklist
Authors: Boland Wesley , Li Wendy S. , Dilly Christen K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with obesity face unique challenges when visiting healthcare providers, including inadequate equipment. These negative care experiences, often exacerbated by weight stigma, frequently lead to mistrust and reluctance to seek future care. Currently, few instruments exist to ensure that an ambulatory clinic is welcoming to patients with obesity. The following clinical environment checklist was created with an aim to identify weaknesses in accommodating individuals of size.MethodsA checklist of equipment considered ideal for the care of patients with obesity was developed through a comprehensive review of the literature and feedback from office staff. Eight ambulatory clinics within an urban Midwest setting were assessed, focusing on their accommodations for patients with obesity. Feedback from clinic staff was incorporated to further refine the checklist.ResultsCommon equipment deficiencies included extra‐large blood pressure cuffs, wheelchair‐accessible scales, 2XL gowns, and adequate seat dimensions in the waiting area. Healthcare workers reported moral distress for their patients when unable to provide proper care due to these limitations. Newly constructed clinics exhibited better‐equipped facilities for patients with obesity.ConclusionsMany clinics lack proper equipment to accommodate patients with obesity, resulting in negative care experiences. This clinical environment checklist can identify problem areas and provide solutions to create more welcoming environments, encouraging future care‐seeking behaviors.
Parental smoking and respiratory outcomes in young childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Žarković Maša , Sommer Grit , Nigg Carina , Sláma Tomáš , Schneider Christine , Ansari Marc , von der Weid Nicolas , Schindera Christina , Kuehni Claudia E 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPassive exposure to cigarette smoke has negative effects on respiratory health. Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk for respiratory disease due to treatment regimens that may harm the respiratory system. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of parental smoking among CCS and investigate its association with respiratory outcomes.ProcedureAs part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, between 2007 and 2022, we sent questionnaires to parents of children aged ≤16 years who had survived ≥5 years after a cancer diagnosis. Parents reported on their children's respiratory outcomes including recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (otitis media and sinusitis), asthma, and lower respiratory symptoms (chronic cough persisting >3 months, current and exercise wheeze), and on parental smoking. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate associations between parental smoking and respiratory outcomes.ResultsOur study included 1037 CCS (response rate 66%). Median age at study was 12 years (interquartile range 10–14 years). Eighteen percent of mothers and 23% of fathers reported current smoking. CCS exposed to smoking mothers were more likely to have recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.1–3.7) and lower respiratory symptoms (OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.7). We found no association with paternal smoking.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of CCS in Switzerland have parents who smoke. Exposure to maternal smoking was associated with higher prevalence of upper and lower respiratory problems. Healthcare providers can support families by addressing caregiver smoking behaviors and providing referrals to smoking cessation programs.
Prenatal Phenotype of Alkuraya‐Kučinskas Syndrome: A Novel Case and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rice Stephanie M. , Varotsis Dante F. , Wodoslawsky Sascha , Critchlow Elizabeth , Liu Ruby , McLaren Rodney A. , Makhamreh Mona M. , Firman Brandy , Berger Seth I. , Al‐Kouatly Huda B. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAlkuraya‐Kučinskas syndrome (AKS) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder resulting from mutations in the BLTP1 gene, formerly known as KIAA1109. Primary manifestations include brain malformations, arthrogryposis, and clubfeet. Cardiac, renal, and ophthalmologic abnormalities may also be observed, while nonimmune hydrops is rare. We present a case of two novel BLTP1 canonical splice‐site variants in a fetus with multiple congenital anomalies, including hydrops, a kinked brainstem, and joint contractures. A systematic literature review was conducted to describe the prenatal phenotype of AKS, which was inspired by our case. Our systematic literature review of the prenatal phenotype in 19 cases, including our additional case, demonstrated joint contractures in 90% (18/20), ventriculomegaly in 60% (12/20), brainstem dysgenesis in 50% (10/20), cerebellar hypoplasia in 50% (10/20), parenchymal thinning with lissencephalic aspect in 60% (12/20), and facial dysmorphism in 70% (14/20) of reported AKS cases. In addition to our case, hydrops was reported in two other families. AKS should be considered in fetal presentations with characteristic features, especially brainstem kinking and joint contractures. Exome sequencing, including coverage of canonical intronic splice‐site variants, can clarify the diagnosis.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03911531
Where are the ethical guidelines? Examining the governance of digital technologies and AI in Nigeria
Authors: Alakitan Muhammed , Makinde Ebenezer 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Nigerian government, under the administrations of Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) and Bola Tinubu (2023–2027), has made continued attempts to harness the opportunities of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost economic growth and development. However, these technologies have also raised ethical and security concerns within their production and usage, requiring regulatory policies from the government. Within this context, this study examines the space for ethical guidelines and data protection in the Nigerian government's approach to digital technologies and AI. Through a review of digital technology policy documents, we show that the Buhari government prioritized policy‐driven approaches to digital technologies. On the other hand, Tinubu's administration has started with a policy‐and‐research approach that involves both the public and private sectors. However, despite these differences, this study argues that neither administration has paid much attention to the ethical guidelines of data, digital technologies, and AI. This study contributes to the global discourse on digital technology's social impacts, particularly in regions like Africa.
Structuring different manifestations of misinformation for better policy development using a decision tree‐based approach
Authors: Hägle Olivia , Escher Stephan , Heil Reinhard , Jahnel Jutta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe spread of false and misleading information in digital communication spaces has enormous potential for harm in democratic societies, but has so far been insufficiently addressed by policy makers. This problem has been exacerbated by recent technological developments such as deepfakes. But deepfakes, fake news, and disinformation are only manifestations of misinformation. It is therefore essential to establish a clear definition to develop an appropriate policy. Since misinformation is a hydra whose countless heads cannot be cut off by a single heroine, we conclude that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to appropriately “regulate” the different dimensions of misinformation. Therefore, we develop a decision tree that allows us to structure the problem of misinformation. Since deepfakes are particularly well suited to characterize the various manifestations of misinformation, we use them as an application example to illustrate our decision‐tree‐based approach. Based on this systematization, it will be possible to identify the capabilities and limitations of strategies from different disciplines and to develop a bundle of measures to address the various manifestations of misinformation. The basic principles of this bundle of measures will already be outlined here.
SAVE YOUR INTERNET! The persuasion work of YouTube in the controversy over EU's digital market directive
Authors: Riise Madelen , Åm Heidrun , Spilker Hendrik S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe introduction of EU's Digital Market Directive, especially the so‐called Article 13, caused a lot of controversy. A varied assembly of actors protested, including Internet activists, academics, NGO's such as Wikipedia, and owners of platforms for user generated content. They feared regulations would stifle the distribution of user generated content. Much of the protests revolved around the hashtag #saveyourinternet. In this article, we study the active role YouTube took in mobilizing protests to regulatory changes. Drawing on Platform Studies and Actor‐Network Theory, we aim at eliciting Big Tech's overt and covert strategies when they face new legal regulations effecting the rules of the market in which they operate. We problematize how YouTube enacts sources of power in the network society. Indeed, the most important driver of the #saveyourinternet campaign owned the network in which it spread. The article is a contribution to the on‐going discussion of Big Tech's influence on democratic decision‐making.
Validation of a laser visual feedback and core stability exercise programme to improve lateropulsion reduction and pushing intensity in stroke patients with pusher syndrome: A Delphi study
Authors: Barrios‐Franquesa Ana M. , Bagur‐Calafat Caritat , Girabent‐Farrés Montserrat , Varela‐Vásquez Luz Adriana , Medina‐Rincón Almudena 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe patient with pusher syndrome (PS) is characterized by showing postural control alterations due to a lack of perception of his own body in the space. It appears when the patient actively pushes with his unaffected limbs towards the injured side, reacting with resistance to passive straightening towards the midline. Between 10% and 50% of strokes present PS. Nowadays, there is no clearly defined treatment for PS.ObjectiveTo design and validate an exercise program using visual feedback and specific core stability exercises (FeViCoS) for the treatment of patients with PS.MethodsValidation was conducted by expert consensus using the Delphi method. Thirteen neurorehabilitation experts participated in the process. An online questionnaire with 18 Likert‐type questions was used to evaluate the designed program. Consensus was considered reached if there was convergence between the quartile 1 and 3 values (RIQ = Q1‐Q3) or if the relative interquartile range (RIR) was less than 20%. The degree of agreement between experts was measured by calculating the Fleiss' kappa coefficient.ResultsA total of 2 rounds were required to achieve 97.44% consensus with 100% participation. The RIR was less than or equal to 20% for all questions. The Fleiss' kappa index (0.831) showed that the degree of agreement between experts was excellent.ConclusionNeurorehabilitation experts considered FeViCoS valid for the therapeutic approach to patients with PS. Expert consensus suggests a novel strategy in physical therapy clinical practice to improve balance and postural orientation in patients with subacute stroke and PS.
Structural Insight Into the Function of DnaB Helicase in Bacterial DNA Replication
Authors: Zhang Zhiming , Chen Jiang , Yao Maochun , Wang Ganggang 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn bacteria, chromosome replication is achieved by the coordinations of more than a dozen replisome enzymes. Replication initiation protein DnaA melts DNA duplex at replication origin (oriC) and forms a replication bubble, followed by loading of helicase DnaB with the help of loader protein DnaC. Then the DnaB helicase unwinds the dsDNA and supports the priming of DnaG and the polymerizing of DNA polymerase. The DnaB helicase functions as a platform coupling unwinding, priming, and polymerizing events. The multiple roles of DnaB helicase are underlined by its distinctive architecture and dynamics conformations. In this review, we will discuss the assembling of DnaB hexamer and the conformational changes upon binding of various partners, DnaB in states of closed dilated (CD), closed constricted (CC), closed helical (CH), and open helical (OH) are discussed. These multiple interfaces among DnaB and partners are potential targets for inhibitors design and novel peptide antibiotics development.
Patterns of herbicide resistance in Raphanus raphanistrum revealed by comprehensive testing and statistical analysis
Authors: Busi Roberto , Flower Ken , Goggin Danica , Onofri Andrea 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDRaphanus raphanistrum causes $40 million total revenue losses annually in Western Australia partly due to its historically‐documented ability to evolve herbicide resistance to multiple modes of action. In this study, 376 field‐sampled populations of R. raphanistrum were tested for resistance to 21 herbicides applied at the recommended label rate. Eight treatments were herbicide mixtures with two, three or four modes of action.RESULTSA total of 7199 individual resistance tests were conducted across 4 years by screening approximately 104 000 individual seeds and seedlings. The mean survival of individuals within a population for all standalone herbicides was 9%, whereas survival was significantly decreased to 3.5% with a herbicide mixture. Some herbicides such as triasulfuron (herbicide Group 2), 2,4‐D (Group 4) or diflufenican (Group 12) were highly impacted by resistance, with frequencies of resistant populations being > 50%. Conversely, there was negligible resistance to glyphosate (Group 9) or protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors (tiafenacil, saflufenacil + trifludimoxazin, fomesafen: Group 14), and pre‐emergence herbicides (i.e., atrazine or mesotrione: Groups 5 and 27, respectively) remained largely effective. Binary, ternary or quaternary mixtures of Groups 4, 6, 12 and 27 herbicides reduced the frequency of high‐level resistant populations to 7.1%, 3.8% or 0%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe cost‐effective control of R. raphanistrum remains a challenge due to herbicide resistance. Raphanus raphanistrum management relies heavily on herbicide uses not yet compromised by resistance, such as pre‐emergence herbicides (atrazine, fomesafen, mesotrione), glyphosate, and mixtures of two, three or four modes of action including bromoxynil, diflufenican, MCPA, picolinafen, pyrasulfotole and topramezone. Strategies that integrate effective herbicide use patterns, novel modes of action and efficiently‐mechanized non‐chemical weed control options (i.e., seed destructors) can completely constrain the selection of herbicide resistance in this highly adaptable species. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Baseline sensitivity and physiological characteristics of natural product hinokitiol against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Zhang Mengwei , Ren Xingyu , Li Yuying , Wang Yaqiang , Li Yi , Ma Zhiqing , Wang Yong , Feng Juntao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSclerotinia sclerotiorum, a pathogenic fungus of oilseed rape, poses a severe threat to the oilseed rapeseed industry. In this study, we evaluated the potential of the natural compound hinokitiol against S. sclerotiorum by determining its biological activity and physiological characteristics.RESULTSOur results showed that hinokitiol strongly inhibited the hyphae expansion of S. sclerotiorum, and its effective concentration of hyphae growing inhibition by 50% (EC50) against 103 S. sclerotiorum strains varied from 0.36 to 3.45 μg/mL, with an average of 1.23 μg/mL. Hinokitiol possessed better protective efficacy than therapeutic effects, and it exhibited no cross‐resistance between carbendazim. After treatment with hinokitiol, many vesicular protrusions developed on the mycelium with rough surface and thickened cell wall. Moreover, the cell membrane permeability and glycerol content increased, while the oxalic acid declined after hinokitiol treatment. In addition, hinokitiol induced membrane lipid peroxidation and improved the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in S. sclerotiorum. Importantly, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that cell wall and ROS synthesis‐related genes were significantly up‐regulated after hinokitiol treatment.CONCLUSIONThis study revealed that hinokitiol has good biological activity against S. sclerotiorum and could be considered as an alternative bio‐fungicide for the resistance management in controlling sclerotinia stem rot infected by S. sclerotiorum. These investigations provided new insights into understanding the toxic action of hinokitiol against pathogenic fungi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessing the Effects of Inline Steam Treatment on the Geometric Characteristics of the Thermoformed Plastic‐Coated Fibre‐Based Products
Authors: Afshariantorghabeh Sanaz , Kärki Timo , Leminen Ville 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThermoforming of fibre‐based materials faces challenges due to their restrictive three‐dimensional formability and lack of compatibility between material properties and traditional thermoforming methods. Treatment techniques present an intriguing area of research to address the gap between material characteristics and process requirements. Therefore, this study examined the influence of inline steam treatment on the thermoforming of plastic‐coated fibre‐based materials with different product geometries. Three plastic‐coated paperboards were subjected to thermoforming, with and without steaming, and their thermoformability was assessed based on the maximum depth and draft angle of the samples. Following 7 s of steaming, the materials exhibited a moisture content 2–4 percentage points higher than that of the original setup, yielding a greater curling rate in the produced samples across different geometries. The curling rate was influenced by the tensile stiffness of the materials and was correlated with the size of the flat‐edge area in the studied geometries. Furthermore, findings revealed varying rates at which steaming affected different geometries. Steaming substantially enhanced the achieved depth for geometries where the material was incapable of reaching the mould without moisturization, particularly observed for smaller geometrical shapes. This improvement was linked to steaming, which enhanced pliability, facilitated material penetration, and increased the final depth. However, in geometries where the material could reach the mould without moisturization, steaming expanded the contact area but could also result in a greater spring‐back rate and reduced depth, potentially owing to the loss of elastic modulus by moisturization. Nevertheless, the rate of spring‐back did not consistently increase with steaming and could be influenced by various material‐related factors, including the properties, composition, preparation methods, and postforming drying. Despite depth changes, steaming consistently improved the obtained draft angles, indicating that the materials were drawn more efficiently to the sidewalls across all instances studied. Thus, this study underscored the importance of choosing appropriate materials and moulds for hydrothermal moisturization treatments in the thermoforming process.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for proximal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in patients ineligible for pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Issard Justin , Fadel Elie , Dolidon Samuel , Gerardin Benoit , Fabre Dominique , Mitilian Delphine , Mercier Olaf , Jevnikar Mitja , Jais Xavier , Humbert Marc , Brenot Philippe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBalloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) to treat chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is generally reserved for distal obstruction precluding pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) but can be used in patients with proximal disease who are at high surgical risk or refuse surgery. This single‐center retrospective study compared BPA efficacy in patients with proximal versus distal CTEPH. Of the 478 patients, 36 had proximal disease, follow‐up was 11.6 months and mean number of BPA 6. After BPA, PVR, and mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased significantly in the proximal and distal groups (from 6.5 to 4.0 WU and 39 to 31 mmHg and from 7.6 to 3.8 WU and 44 to 31 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). NYHA class also improved significantly in both groups, from 3 to 2, whereas the 6‐min walk distance, cardiac output, and serum NT pro‐BNP showed significant improvements only in the distal group. Thus, when PEA for CTEPH is technically feasible but not performed due to severe comorbidities or patient refusal, BPA can produce significant hemodynamic improvements, albeit less marked than in patients with distal disease. Better patient selection to BPA might improve outcomes in patients with proximal disease who are ineligible for PEA.
The impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation on extreme winter weather over the contiguous United States
Authors: Foskey Stephen R. , Sakaeda Naoko , Basara Jeffrey , Furtado Jason C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDespite its substantial impacts on human society, winter weather is difficult to predict on subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) timescales. To improve its predictability at longer timescales, this study examines whether the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) has a significant impact on the frequency of extreme winter weather (i.e., heavy accumulations of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain) over the contiguous United States. We find an increased frequency of extreme winter weather in the Ohio Valley and Mid‐Atlantic regions when MJO enhanced convection is over Africa and the western Indian Ocean, due to imposed lower 850‐hPa temperatures associated with MJO teleconnections. More frequent subfreezing temperatures lead to an increased likelihood of frozen precipitation compared with liquid, increasing the frequency of extreme winter weather. The MJO also increases the frequency of winter weather in the Central Great Plains region of the United States when MJO enhanced convection is over the eastern Indian Ocean and the Maritime Continent. Rather than through effects on temperature, the likely mechanism of increased winter weather over this region is enhanced synoptic forcing that increases overall precipitation. These effects can be seen up to 15 days in advance, suggesting the utility of using the MJO in S2S forecasting of extreme winter weather.
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus—Pathophysiology and Treatment in the Era of Gene‐Targeted Therapies
Authors: Chokwassanasakulkit Trairong , McMillan Nigel A. J. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTMerkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a significant contributor to the development of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer with high recurrence and a low survival rate. In fact, it is the deadliest skin cancer. The precise routes of transmission for MCPyV‐positive MCC remain unclear, but several factors may trigger its development. Conventional treatments for MCC are not highly effective, especially in patients with metastasis, with a clear need for new treatment options. Gene‐targeted therapies hold great promise for the treatment of MCC, including the use of siRNA and CRISPR/Cas (C/Cas) but critically none have yet been translated into clinical trials. Validating this approach is the fact that several siRNA products are already FDA licenced, while C/Cas has entered clinical trial, albeit for conditions other than MCC. There are many challenges that must be overcome to move from preclinical research to the clinic. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of MCC, with a particular focus on MCPyV‐positive MCC, and the status of gene‐targeted therapies. Additionally, we discuss the major obstacles that impede MCC research and explore future prospects.