bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acts 8.9–25 and Witchcraft Manipulations in Nigerian Christianity
Authors: Ukeachusim Chidinma Precious 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In Nigeria, witchcraft is operated under the banner of indigenous religions, Islam, and Christianity. It is a biblical theological concern for witchcraft to be practiced under the banner of Christianity. This article aims to exegetically explore, interpret, and apply the context of Acts 8.9–25 to the syncretic practices of some acclaimed plenipotentiaries of God, and some lay Christians in Nigeria who synchronize their Christian faith with witchery as Simon attempted to do in the first century era. Redaction-critical method is used to unveil the theological motif and implications of the manipulative practices of Simon as a superficial follower of Jesus in Acts 8.9–25, and the subtle ways witchcraft manipulation are being blended with Christianity in Nigeria. This study argues that Christians identifying with witchery is a rebellious sin that requires them to repent or perish as Peter instructed Simon.
The Armenian Collection Tōnapatchaṛ
Authors: Ohanjanyan Anna , Harutyunyan Garnik , Beyleryan Hovhannes 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Tōnapatchaṛ (Տօնապատճառ, literally “the causes of feast days,” or “commentaries on feast days”) is a collection that has no equivalent in other ecclesiastical traditions. It survived in many copies that might be grouped into the Kamrjadzor and the Haghpat school recension branches. The Tōnapatchaṛ has long been considered a mere commentary on the Lectionary of the Armenian Church – an exegetical work for didactic purposes only. By indexing the historical development of these recensions and their enrichment between the seventh and fourteenth centuries, the present article argues that despite its exegetical character, the Tōnapatchaṛ served polemical purposes, focusing on the calendar differences between the non-Chalcedonian Armenian and Chalcedonian Byzantine Churches. The article further discusses the intensification of the polemical function of the Haghpat school recensions in the twelfth-thirteenth centuries due to the unity attempts between the Byzantine and Armenian Churches initiated by the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos (1143–1180) and the Armenian Catholicos Nersēs Shnorhali (the Gracious, 1166–1173), which generated theological debates concerning the Dominical feasts and their exact days of celebration.
Indo-Muslim Interactions in the Mojaddedi Tradition: Observations on ʿAndalib’s Nāla-ye ʿAndalib
Authors: Khodamoradi† Soraya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Sufism in South Asia has enjoyed a rich heritage of interactions with Indian cultures, religions, and learned traditions. Sufis have continuously exchanged ideas and practices with adherents of Indian religions, as well as reactionary trends opposing such discourse. The reformist Sufi Mojaddediyya (“Renewal”) movement, founded by Ahmad Serhendi (1564–1624), with its call for a return to a pure Islam, is a remarkable example of such anti-hybridization dynamics. “Pure” refers, among other meanings, to a kind of Islam that is stripped of religious innovation (bedʿa), including non-Muslim traditions, beliefs, and social and moral norms adopted by Muslims. By means of textual and intertextual analysis, this article tries to shed light on the position of the Mojaddedi “pure Mohammadi way (tariqa Mohammadiyya khālesa)” towards Indo-Persian and Indo-Muslim interactions. For this purpose, we shall examine closely the Nāla-ye ʿAndalib (The Nightingale’s Lament), the Persian masterpiece by the founder of this path, Mohammad Nāser ʿAndalib (1693/4–1759).
Replacement of fish meal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) in diet of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): growth, flesh quality and transcriptome
Authors: Zheng J.Y. , Gan Z.R. , Huang T.Y. , Xiao Y. , Xu W.Y. , Li X.Q. , Leng X.J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study evaluated the impacts of replacing fish meal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) on the growth performance, flesh quality and transcriptome of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, BSF was used to replace 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of dietary FM (BSF0, BSF20, BSF40, BSF60, BSF80 and BSF100). Thus, six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared, and then fed to juvenile Pacific white shrimp (1.70 ± 0.10 g) for 60 days. In growth performance, the BSF20 group showed the similar FCR and WGR to the control group (), and the other four BSF groups presented significantly lower WGR and higher FCR than the BSF0 group (). The flesh chewiness and the contents of crude lipid, collagen and total amino acid in flesh were significantly decreased (), and flesh cooking loss, thawing loss was significantly increased when the replaced FM was ≥40% (). When the replaced FM reached 60%, the flesh hardness, heat-insoluble collagen content, shear force, body surface redness and the ratio of n-3/n-6 fatty acids were significantly lower (), while n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and total free amino acid content in flesh were significantly higher than those of the BSF0 group (). Hepopancreatic samples were used for transcriptomic analysis, and a total of 1,456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the BSF groups and BSF0 group, which were mainly involved in growth-promoting, energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity key pathways and genes, including the cathepsin L, folate synthesis pathway, redox-related genes and glutathione metabolism pathway. In conclusion, in a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, BSF could successfully replace 20% of dietary FM, and higher FM replacement (≥40%) decreased the growth performance and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp.
Health data science course for clinicians: Time to bridge the skills gap?
Authors: Naderi Hafiz , Yang Yu-Hsuen , Munroe Patricia B , Petersen Steffen E , Westwood Mark , Aung Nay 
Published: October 2024

Background Data science skills are highly relevant for clinicians working in an era of big data in healthcare. However, these skills are not routinely taught, representing a growing unmet educational need. This education report presents a structured short course that was run to teach clinicians data science and the lessons learnt. Methods A 1-day introductory course was conducted within a tertiary hospital in London. It consisted of lectures followed by facilitated pair programming exercises in R, an object-oriented programming language. Feedback was collated and participant responses were graded using a Likert scale. Results The course was attended by 20 participants. The majority of participants (69%) were in higher speciality cardiology training. While more than half of the participants (56%) received prior training in statistics either through formal taught programmes (e.g., a Master’s degree) or online courses, the participants reported several barriers to expanding their skills in data science due to limited programming skills, lack of dedicated time, training opportunities and awareness. After the short course, there was a significant increase in participants’ self-rated confidence in using R for data analysis (mean response; before the course: 1.69 ± 1.0, after the course: 3.2 ± 0.9, p = .0005) and awareness of the capabilities of R (mean response; before the course: 2.1 ± 0.9, after the course: 3.6 ± 0.7, p = .0001, on a 5-point Likert scale). Conclusion This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that a structured short course can effectively introduce data science skills to clinicians and supports future educational initiatives to integrate data science teaching into medical education.
Composite endpoints in COVID-19 randomized controlled trials: a systematic review
Authors: Martins Pedro Nascimento , Lourenço Mateus Henrique Toledo , Mota Gabriel Paz Souza , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Peçanha Antonio Ana Carolina , Diaz-Quijano Fredi Alexander 
Published: October 2024

Background/Aims This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ordinal, binary, and numerical composite endpoints among coronavirus disease 2019 trials and the potential bias attributable to their use. Methods We systematically reviewed the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and bias associated with using composite endpoints in coronavirus disease 2019 randomized clinical trials. We compared the effect measure (relative risk) of composite outcomes and that of its most critical component (i.e. death) by estimating the Bias Attributable to Composite Outcomes index [ln(relative risk for the composite outcome)/ln(relative risk for death)]. Results Composite endpoints accounted for 152 out of 417 primary endpoints in coronavirus disease 2019 randomized trials, being more frequent among studies published in high-impact journals. Ordinal endpoints were the most common (54% of all composites), followed by binary or time-to-event (34%), numerical (11%), and hierarchical (1%). Composites predominated among trials enrolling patients with severe disease when compared to trials with a mild or moderate case mix (odds ratio = 1.72). Adaptations of the seven-point World Health Organization scale occurred in 40% of the ordinal primary endpoints, which frequently underwent dichotomization for the statistical analyses. Mortality accounted for a median of 24% (interquartile range: 6%–48%) of all events when included in the composite. The median point estimate of the Bias Attributable to Composite Outcomes index was 0.3 (interquartile range: −0.1 to 0.7), being significantly lower than 1 in 5 of 24 comparisons. Discussion Composite endpoints were used in a significant proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 trials, especially those involving severely ill patients. This is likely due to the higher anticipated rates of competing events, such as death, in such studies. Ordinal composites were common but often not fully appreciated, reducing the potential gains in information and statistical efficiency. For studies with binary composites, death was the most frequent component, and, unexpectedly, composite outcome estimates were often closer to the null when compared to those for mortality death. Numerical composites were less common, and only two trials used hierarchical endpoints. These newer approaches may offer advantages over traditional binary and ordinal composites; however, their potential benefits warrant further scrutiny. Conclusion Composite endpoints accounted for more than a third of coronavirus disease 2019 trials’ primary endpoints; their use was more common among studies that included patients with severe disease and their point effect estimates tended to underestimate those for mortality.
Effects of self-management education integrated nursing on cancer patients with PICC placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Wenmiao , Hu Guiju , Zou Tao , Wu Qiuling , Liu Fang , Zhang Jun 
Published: October 2024

Background: Chemotherapy plays an important role in cancer treatment. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is an important vascular access device used in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: This review entailed an evaluation of the effects of self-management education on the occurrence of complications in patients with PICC placement. Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP database and Chinese Biomedical Literature database were searched for randomised controlled trials on the effects of self-management education on patients with PICC placement. Meta-analysis was performed on the studies meeting the inclusion criteria using RevMan5.4 software. Results: A total of 12 quantitative studies were included in the meta-analysis and the results showed that self-management education reduced the incidence of total catheter-related complications (95% CI (0.17, 0.32), p < 0.00001); catheter dislodgement (95% CI (0.07, 0.40), p < 0.0001); catheter-associated infections (95% CI (0.11,0.41), p < 0.00001); catheter obstruction (95% CI (0.14,0.53), p = 0.0002); phlebitis (95% CI (0.11,0.47), p < 0.0001) and thrombosis (95% CI (0.07,0.57), p < 0.0001) in patients with PICC placement. Conclusion: Available research evidence suggests that self-management education is effective in reducing PICC catheter-related complications in patients with PICC placement. However, more high-quality studies need to be included for analysis.
Nomogram to Assess the Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis After Posterior Lumbar Fusion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Jinlong , Xue Lu , Wang Limin , Jiao Guangjun , Chen Yunzhen 
Published: October 2024

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objectives Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication following lumbar spine surgery, which can lead to adverse consequences such as venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. This study aimed to investigate whether predictors of DVT can improve clinical interventions. Methods The study included patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion between 2012 and 2022. In the training cohort, stepwise logistic regression, based on the Akaike information criterion minimum, was used to identify variables for constructing the nomogram. The nomogram was evaluated and validated using calibration curves, Brier scores, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, C-index, decision curve analyses (DCAs), clinical impact curves (CICs), and risk stratification analyses. Results A total of 9216 patients were enrolled after screening. The nomogram included seven variables: cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, body mass index, age, pedicular screw quantity, D-dimer, and hypertension. Calibration plots demonstrated favorable agreement between predicted and observed probabilities. The C-index indicated satisfactory discriminatory ability of the nomogram (0.772 for the training cohort and 0.792 for the validation cohort). Additionally, the DCA and CIC revealed that the nomogram could provide clinical benefits for patients. Conclusions This study successfully developed and validated a nomogram that can assess the risk of DVT following posterior lumbar fusion. The nomogram will assist surgeons in making informed clinical decisions.
Association of Self-Reported Improvement After 4 Weeks and Outcomes After 52 Weeks Among Adolescents With Patellofemoral Pain and Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Authors: Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Thorborg Kristian , Andreucci Alessandro , Riel Henrik 
Published: October 2024

Background: Short-term, self-reported changes in symptom severity for musculoskeletal pain disorders may be more strongly associated with long-term prognoses than baseline patient characteristics, because such changes describe a trajectory and not a state. Purpose: To investigate whether short-term improvement in self-reported symptom severity is associated with long-term recovery among adolescents with nontraumatic knee pain (patellofemoral pain [PFP] or Osgood-Schlatter disease [OSD]). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors evaluated data from 2 prospective clinical trials that included adolescents aged 10 to 14 years with either PFP (n = 151) or OSD (n = 51). Both groups underwent a self-management rehabilitation program including activity modification, education, and exercise. The primary outcome was a 7-point global rating of change (GROC) scale (from “much improved” to “much worse”); participants were considered to have improved symptoms if they reported being “much improved” or “improved.” Outcomes were collected after 4 and 52 weeks. To investigate whether participants who improved according to GROC scores after 4 weeks were more likely to improve after 52 weeks compared with those who had not improved after 4 weeks, the authors calculated the relative risk (RR) of being improved. Results: Among participants with PFP, reporting an improvement after 4 weeks increased the likelihood of an improvement after 52 weeks (RR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06-1.50; P = .008); among those with OSD, reporting an improvement after 4 weeks did not increase the likelihood of an improvement after 52 weeks (RR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.88-1.28; P = .545). Among participants with PFP who did not improve after 4 weeks, 73% reported improvement after 52 weeks, whereas among participants with OSD who did not improve after 4 weeks, 89% reported improvement after 52 weeks. Conclusion: Self-reported improvement after 4 weeks of treatment was associated with better outcomes after 52 weeks among adolescents with PFP. This association was present only among adolescents with PFP, as almost all adolescents with OSD improved after 52 weeks, regardless of short-term results. Importantly, even among adolescents reporting no improvement after 4 weeks, a large proportion reported improvement after 52 weeks. This highlights the importance of following the rehabilitation program regardless of the short-term response.
Impact of protein kinase CK2 downregulation and inhibition on oncomir clusters 17 ~ 92 and 106b ~ 25 in prostate, breast, and head and neck cancers
Authors: Kren Betsy T. , Henzler Christine M. , Ahmed Khalil , Trembley Janeen H. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Protein kinase CK2 is a ubiquitous and highly conserved protein Ser/Thr kinase with diverse cell functions. CK2 is upregulated in various cancers and affects numerous aspects of their underlying pathobiology. The important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) referred to as oncomirs is also recognized in various cancers. Elevation of both CK2 and altered miRNA expression in cancers raised the question whether there was a connection between CK2 function and oncomirs in cancer.

Methods
PCR array analysis was used to examine the effects of CK2 siRNA-mediated downregulation on miRNA levels in C4-2 prostate cancer cells. We employed prostate cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells as well as a prostate cancer xenograft orthotopic tumor model to examine the effects of CK2 siRNA-mediated downregulation or chemical inhibition on oncomir cluster miR-17 ~ 92 and miR-106b ~ 25 constituent miRNAs by quantitative reverse-transcriptase stem-loop PCR. Pri-miRNAs were measured in cancer cell lines by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. Protein levels were assessed by western blot. PC3-LN4 prostate cancer orthotopic xenograft tumors and blood were collected from nude mice following repeated treatments with tenfibgen ligand nanocapsules containing RNAi-CK2 or RNAi-Control cargoes.

Results
PCR array analysis demonstrated effect on a subset of miRNAs following CK2 downregulation; we focused our investigation on CK2 regulation of miR-17 ~ 92 and 106b ~ 25 oncomir clusters. Chemical inhibition or molecular downregulation of CK2 greatly reduced expression of miR-17 ~ 92 and 106b ~ 25 in prostate, breast and head and neck cancer cells in vitro. CK2α and CK2α´ protein levels were significantly correlated with many of the miR-17 ~ 92 and some of the miR-106b ~ 25 constituent members in prostate cancer cells. Decreased pri-miRNA levels for the miR-17 ~ 92 gene cluster transcript were observed for 5 of 6 cancer cell lines tested following CK2 downregulation. Nanocapsule-mediated delivery of RNAi-CK2 reduced CK2 protein expression in orthotopic prostate xenograft tumors and decreased intra-tumoral and serum levels of the oncomirs.

Conclusions
Targeting CK2 for the development of new cancer therapies is under active investigation in many laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. Our data suggest a new role for CK2 in cell signaling and survival in multiple cancer types through maintenance of miR-17 ~ 92 and 106b ~ 25 biogenesis.
Impact of community-based precision functional training on older adults’ walking and cognitive abilities in rural Taiwan: a pre–posttest study
Authors: Kuo Fang-Lin , Liao Zih-Yong , Liao Pei-Chun , Wang Hsiu-Hua 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Functional training is essential for maintaining the independence of older adults, especially in rural areas with limited resources. In this study, we assess the short-term and long-term impacts of the Precision Functional Training (PFT) program on mobility outcomes, specifically walking performance, and cognitive ability in community-dwelling older adults. The unique feature of this training program was its countywide, community-based, and tailored approach, designed to strengthen the functional abilities of older adults living in rural areas.

Methods
158 older adults aged 65 years and above were assessed in this one-group pre–posttest study conducted in 11 community care stations in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Participants had two follow-ups, with data collection on mobility and cognition. The 12-week PFT program, led by certified trainers, integrated aerobic, strength, and cognitive elements. Primary outcomes, including changes in gait, falls, and cognition, were analyzed using linear mixed effects and logit models.

Results
Strengthening mobility is critical to slowing functional decline in older adults. The PFT program led to significant improvements in cognitive function and several gait parameters compared with the baseline. Participants with limited mobility showed enhanced activities of daily living 1-month post-training, but these gains did not persist at the 1-year mark. No significant differences were observed in fall occurrence and knee extension strength.

Conclusions
The training did not have a long-term effect; thus, more frequent practice may be necessary. Risk assessment and community-based interventions, particularly for older adults with a higher risk of falls, are recommended. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the PFT program’s effectiveness in preserving mobility.