bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors in Singapore and Their Associations With Patients’ Characteristics and Health Literacy
Authors: Koh Yen Sin , AshaRani P. V. , Devi Fiona , Roystonn Kumarasan , Wang Peizhi , Abdin Edimansyah , Sum Chee Fang , Lee Eng Sing , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily 
Published: September 2024

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-management behaviors (eg, healthy eating, being active, medication taking, glucose monitoring, feet check), sociodemographic factors, disease-related characteristics, and health literacy among patients with type 2 diabetes in Singapore. Methods Data were analyzed from a nationwide survey conducted between 2019 and 2020 (n = 387). Self-management behaviors were assessed using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension questionnaire, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a diabetes care questionnaire. A linear regression model was generated to examine the association of healthy eating with the variables of interest (sociodemographic factors, disease-related characteristics, and health literacy), and logistic regression models were generated to investigate the significant correlates of the remaining self-care behaviors. Results Regression models showed that the 5 self-care behaviors have different correlates. Nonetheless, compared to individuals aged 50 to 64 years, those aged 65 years and above were less likely to be active, adhere to their medication prescription, and check their feet. Individuals with a higher number of diabetes-related complications were less likely to be sufficiently active but more likely to monitor their glucose level and check their feet. Moreover, individuals with poor health literacy were more likely to eat healthily and be sufficiently active. Conclusions Programs related to self-care behaviors can be tailored to specific demographics to improve their uptake in the population. Furthermore, encouraging comprehensive self-care behaviors in those aged 65 years and above is crucial for effective diabetes management.
Streptomyces avermitilis MICNEMA2022: a new biorational strain for producing abamectin as an integrated nematode management agent
Authors: Radwan Wafaa H. , Abdelhafez Ahmed A. M. , Mahgoub Ahmed E. , Zayed Mona S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Abamectin (ABA) is considered a powerful insecticidal and anthelmintic agent. It is an intracellular product of Streptomyces avermitilis; is synthesized through complicated pathways and can then be extracted from mycelial by methanol extraction. ABA serves as a biological control substance against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. This investigation is intended to reach a new strain of S. avermitilis capable of producing ABA effectively.

Results
Among the sixty actinobacterial isolates, Streptomyces St.53 isolate was chosen for its superior nematicidal effectiveness. The mycelial-methanol extract of isolate St.53 exhibited a maximum in vitro mortality of 100% in one day. In the greenhouse experiment, the mycelial-methanol extract demonstrated, for the second-stage juveniles (J2s), 75.69% nematode reduction and 0.84 reproduction rate (Rr) while for the second-stage juveniles (J2s), the culture suspension demonstrated 75.38% nematode reduction and 0.80 reproduction rate (Rr). Molecular identification for St.53 was performed using 16 S rRNA gene analysis and recorded in NCBI Genbank as S. avermitilis MICNEMA2022 with accession number (OP108264.1). LC-MS was utilized to detect and identify abamectin in extracts while HPLC analysis was carried out for quantitative determination. Both abamectin B1a and abamectin B1b were produced and detected at retention times of 4.572 and 3.890 min respectively.

Conclusion
Streptomyces avermitilis MICNEMA2022 proved to be an effective source for producing abamectin as a biorational agent for integrated nematode management.
Primary care team characteristics associated with video use: a retrospective national study at the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Der-Martirosian Claudia , Yoo Caroline K. , Steers W. Neil , Hou Cynthia G. , Chu Karen , Ferguson Jacqueline , Carter Maia , Heyworth Leonie , Leung Lucinda B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objective
To examine primary care (PC) team members’ characteristics associated with video use at the Veterans Health Administration (VA).

Methods
VA electronic data were used to identify PC team characteristics associated with any video-based PC visit, during the three-year study period (3/15/2019-3/15/2022). Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models on repeated yearly observations were used, adjusting for patient- and healthcare system-level characteristics, and study year. We included five PC team categories: 1.PC providers (PCP), which includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, 2.Nurses (RN/LVN/LPN/other nurses), 3.Mental health (MH) specialists, 4.Social workers (SW), and 5.Clinical pharmacists (PharmD).

Population
54,494 PC care team members nationwide (61,728,154 PC visits; 4,916,960 patients), including 14,422 PCPs, 30,273 nurses, 2,721 MH specialists, 4,065 SWs, and 3,013 PharmDs.

Results
The mean age was 46.1(SD = 11.3) years; 77.1% were women. Percent of video use among PC team members varied from 24 to 84%. In fully adjusted models, older clinicians were more likely to use video compared to the youngest age group (18–29 years old) (example: 50–59 age group: OR = 1.12,95%CI:1.07–1.18). Women were more likely to use video (OR = 1.18, 95%CI:1.14–1.22) compared to men. MH specialists (OR = 7.87,95%CI:7.32–8.46), PharmDs (OR = 1.16,95%CI:1.09–1.25), and SWs (OR = 1.51,95%CI:1.41–1.61) were more likely, whereas nurses (OR = 0.65,95%CI:0.62–0.67) were less likely to use video compared to PCPs.

Conclusions
This study highlights more video use among MH specialists, SWs, and PharmDs, and less video use among nurses compared to PCPs. Older and women clinicians, regardless of their role, used more video. This study helps to inform the care coordination of video-based delivery among interdisciplinary PC team members.
Unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy via translaminar approach for highly upward-migrated lumbar disc herniation: a technical note and preliminary treatment outcomes
Authors: Chen Wein-Chin , Wang Wei-Ting , Pao Jwo-Luen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Study Design
A technical note and retrospective case series.

Objective
Highly upward-migrated lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is challenging due to its problematic access and incomplete removal. The most used interlaminar approach may cause extensive bony destruction. We developed a novel translaminar approach using the unilateral portal endoscopic (UBE) technique, emphasizing effective neural decompression, and preserving the facet joint’s integrity.

Methods
This retrospective study included six patients receiving UBE translaminar discectomy for highly upward-migrated LDHs from May 2019 to June 2021. The migrated disc was removed through a small keyhole on the lamina of the cranial vertebra. The treatment results were evaluated by operation time, hospital stays, complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and modified MacNab criteria.

Results
The mean pre-operative VAS for back pain (5.0 ± 4.9), VAS for leg pain (9.2 ± 1.0), JOA score (10.7 ± 6.6), and ODI (75.7 ± 25.3) were significantly improved to 0.3 ± 0.5, 1.2 ± 1.5, 27.3 ± 1.8, 5.0 ± 11.3 respectively at the final follow-up. Five patients had excellent, and one patient had good outcomes according to the Modified MacNab criteria. The hospital stay was 2.7 ± 0.5 days. No complication was recorded. The MRI follow-up showed complete disc removal, except for one patient with an asymptomatic residual disc.

Conclusions
UBE translaminar discectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for highly upward-migrated LDH with satisfactory treatment outcomes and nearly 100% facet joint preservation.
Genetic profiling and diagnostic strategies for patients with ectodermal dysplasias in Korea
Authors: Kim Man Jin , Lee Jee-Soo , Chae Seung Won , Cho Sung Im , Moon Jangsup , Ko Jung Min , Chae Jong-Hee , Seong Moon-Woo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a rare genetic disorder that affects structures derived from the ectodermal germ layer.

Results
In this study, we analyzed the genetic profiles of 27 Korean patients with ED. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 23 patients, and targeted panel sequencing was conducted on the remaining 4 patients. Among the patients in the cohort, 74.1% (20/27) tested positive for ED. Of these positive cases, EDA and EDAR mutations were found in 80% (16/20). Notably, 23.1% (3/13) of EDA-positive cases exhibited copy number variations. Among the 23 patients who underwent WES, we conducted a virtual panel analysis of eight well-known genes, resulting in diagnoses for 56.5% (13/23) of the cases. Additionally, further analysis of approximately 5,000 OMIM genes identified four more cases, increasing the overall positivity rate by approximately 17%. These findings underscore the potential of WES for improving the diagnostic yield of ED. Remarkably, 94.1% of the patients manifesting the complete triad of ED symptoms (hair/skin/dental) displayed detectable EDA/EDAR mutations. In contrast, none of the 7 patients without these three symptoms exhibited EDA/EDAR mutations.

Conclusions
When conducting molecular diagnostics for ED, opting for targeted sequencing of EDA/EDAR mutations is advisable for cases with classical symptoms, while WES is deemed an effective strategy for cases in which these symptoms are absent.
Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of chemically characterized propolis originating from different geographic regions and vitamin D co-supplementation against human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Ali Eman , Helmy Maged W. , Radwan Eman H. , Abdul Aziz Karoline K. , El-Wahed Aida A. Abd , El-Samad Lamia M. , El Wakil Abeer 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOvarian cancer is the second most common and lethal gynecologic malignancy. Among natural product-based therapy, the honeybee products, particularly propolis, serve a valuable source contributing directly to human nutrition and health.In the present study, we determined the chemical composition of different types of propolis originating from Egypt, Germany and France using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The compounds identified belong to different metabolite classes, including flavonoids, cinnamic acid, chalcones, terpenoids, phenolic lipids, stilbenes, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, vitamins, coumarins, polyprenylated benzophenone, benzoic acids, fatty acid methyl ester, and coumaric acid, and their derivatives. The most active extract is from France then Egypt and Germany.Afterwards, we treated the human ovarian cancer cells, OVCAR4, with different concentrations (1–400 μg/mL) of variable propolis types supplemented or not with vitamin D (0.0015–0.15 μg/mL) in order to evaluate the efficacy and the cytotoxic activities of our local P as compared to other types collected from different geographic regions. Importantly, the combinatorial treatment of OVCAR4 cancer cells with propolis and vitamin D in the same concentration ranges resulted in enhanced cell viability inhibition. Furthermore, such co-supplementation with vitamin D inhibits predominately the proliferative activity of cell population with the French propolis type as manifested by Ki67 expression, while it reduces considerably its expression, particularly with the German type, followed by the Egyptian one.Nowadays, scientists are interested by natural products which have risen to the forefront of drug discovery. Chemically characterized propolis showing cell viability inhibition and antiproliferative potential seems a valuable extract for further consideration as anti-carcinogenic agent.
Graphical abstract
A silent strain: the unseen burden of acute respiratory infections in children
Authors: Boracchini Riccardo , Canova Benedetta , Ferrara Pietro , Cantarutti Luigi , Giaquinto Carlo , Di Chiara Costanza , Cantarutti Anna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe significant impact of acute respiratory tract infections on healthcare systems is well-documented, given their contribution to emergency department admissions, hospitalizations, and increased use of antibiotics and other medications. However, further research is needed to understand the burden of acute respiratory tract infections in pediatric community care to develop effective public health interventions and improve child health outcomes. Real-world data were retrieved from Pedianet, an Italian network of over 200 family pediatricians. Acute respiratory tract infection visits were identified and analysed using an infection-duration algorithm to extract individual cases. The number of follow-up visits per 100 cases was calculated to assess the burden on the Italian National Health Service. Comparisons were made overall and stratified by type of acute respiratory tract infections and epidemiological season. A total of 1,402,953 acute respiratory infections-related visits were recorded, with an overall rate of 12 visits per 100 cases. Upper respiratory tract infections had an average of 9 visits per 100 cases. Lower respiratory tract infections exhibited a higher burden, with 29 visits per 100 cases. Pneumonia showed a declining trend in the pre-pandemic era (62 to 48 visits) but rebounded in the post-COVID-19 years (32 to 42 visits). This study underscores the importance of monitoring and managing acute respiratory infections, especially lower respiratory tract infections, in pediatric care.
Using online methods to recruit participants into mental health clinical trials: considerations and recommendations from the RE-MIND study
Authors: Iflaifel Mais , Hall Charlotte L. , Green Heidi R. , Willis Andrew , Rennick-Egglestone Stefan , Juszczak Edmund , Townsend Mark , Martin Jennifer , Sprange Kirsty 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Ensuring diversity in clinical trials can be a challenge, which may be exacerbated when recruiting vulnerable populations, such as participants with mental health illness. As recruitment continues to be the major cause of trial delays, researchers are turning to online recruitment strategies, e.g. social media, to reach a wider population and reduce recruitment time and costs. There is mixed evidence for the use of online recruitment strategies; therefore, the REcruitment in Mental health trials: broadening the ‘net’, opportunities for INclusivity through online methoDs (RE-MIND) study aimed to identify evidence and provide guidance for use of online strategies in recruitment to mental health trials, with a focus on whether online strategies can enhance inclusivity. This commentary, as part of the RE-MIND study, focusses on providing recommendations for recruitment strategy selection in future research with the aim to improve trial efficiency.
A mixed-methods approach was employed involving three work packages: (I) an evidence review of a cohort of 97 recently published randomised controlled trials/feasibility or pilot studies in mental health to assess the impact of online versus offline recruitment; (II) a qualitative study investigating the experiences of n = 23 key stakeholders on use of an online recruitment approach in mental health clinical trials; (III) combining the results of WP1 and WP2 to produce recommendations on the use of an online recruitment strategy in mental health clinical trials. The findings from WP1 and 2 have been published elsewhere; this commentary represents the results of the third work package.

Conclusion
For external validity, clinical trial participants should reflect the populations that will ultimately receive the interventions being tested, if proven effective. To guide researchers on their options for inclusive recruitment strategies, we have developed a list of considerations and practical recommendations on how to maximise the use of online recruitment methods.
The microglial P2Y6 receptor as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Dundee Jacob M. , Brown Guy C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic neuroinflammation in the brain, which can result in microglial phagocytosis of live synapses and neurons that may contribute to cognitive deficits and neuronal loss. The microglial P2Y6 receptor (P2Y6R) is a G-protein coupled receptor, which stimulates microglial phagocytosis when activated by extracellular uridine diphosphate, released by stressed neurons. Knockout or inhibition of P2Y6R can prevent neuronal loss in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, neuroinflammation and aging, and prevent cognitive deficits in models of AD, epilepsy and aging. This review summarises the known roles of P2Y6R in the physiology and pathology of the brain, and its potential as a therapeutic target to prevent neurodegeneration and other brain pathologies.
Enhancing efficiency in a-Si:H/μc-Si micromorph tandem solar cells through advanced light-trapping techniques using ARC, TRJ, and DBR
Authors: Khosroabadi Saeed , Eghbali Ramisa , Shokouhmand Anis 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, the performance of a-Si:H/μc-Si:H tandem solar cells was comprehensively assessed through two-dimensional numerical simulations. Our work involved optimizing the layer thicknesses and exploring advanced light-trapping techniques to enhance photogenerated current in both sub-cells. To reduce surface reflections on the top cell, we proposed a two-layer antireflection coating, composed of SiO2/Si3N4. Additionally, we implemented a 1D photonic crystal as a broadband back reflector within the solar cell. In order to balance the current density between the sub-cells and prevent carrier accumulation at the interface, we introduced a tunnel recombination junction (TRJ). This TRJ consisted of n-μc-Si:H/p-μc-Si:H layers with a thickness of 10 nm. Under global AM 1.5G conditions, our proposed cell structure exhibited impressive electrical characteristics, including an open-circuit voltage of 1.38 V, a short-circuit current density of 12.51 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 80.82%. These attributes culminated in a remarkable total area conversion efficiency of 14%.
Ethical framework and inclusivity: research mechanics of difficult-to-reach migrants in civil military context
Authors: Ullah A. K. M. Ahsan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the midst of humanitarian crises, understanding and helping hard-to-reach migrant communities, is a major challenge for researchers. This article addresses the ethical framework and dimensions of inclusivity associated with researching such populations in civilian-military setting. With the overarching aim of improving methodological discourse, this study seeks to understand the mechanisms involved in working with crisis-affected migrants who are often marginalised and geographically isolated. The significance of this research lies in its multi-layered approach to understanding the ethical considerations and inclusivity that are essential to conducting research in crisis situations. By examining existing theories in the field, including participatory research methods, ethnographic studies and community-based research frameworks, this study critically evaluates their applicability in the context of crisis-affected migrant communities. This research contributes to methodological approaches by proposing innovative strategies that emphasise ethical integrity, cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. It argues for the development of collaborative and culturally sensitive research practises that enable migrant communities to actively participate in the research process and ensure that their voices are heard, and their perspectives accurately represented. This study contributes to existing knowledge by illuminating the complexities of researching hard-to-reach migrant communities in civil military setting. This study provides researchers and practitioners with the necessary tools and perspectives required for engaging with crisis-affected migrant communities in a manner that is both ethical, respectful, and impactful.
The role of transthoracic echocardiography in evaluating right ventricular parameters in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Abdelalim Mohamed Ahmed Fouad , Khalil Mohamed A. , Sharshr Ragia Samir , Abdelzaher Ayman Hassan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardiac symptoms are a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disorder with lately achieved recognition as a systemic illness according to established standards. The research’s objective was aimed at investigating the transthoracic echocardiography role in assessing right ventricular (RV) dysfunction among individuals diagnosed with COPD, as well as to examine the potential correlation between blood pro B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations + and this diagnostic procedure.

Methods
Arterial blood gasses, spirometry, echocardiography, and serum pro BNP were done for 80 COPD patients and 20 healthy smokers, and some echocardiographic parameters were correlated with degree of airflow limitation.

Results
77.5% of COPD cases exhibited pulmonary hypertension (PHTN), and on classifying our COPD patients, it was found that 65% of patients in group II had PHTN and 90% of patients in group III had PHTN. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), right ventricular mid diameter (RVMD), right ventricular basal diameter (RVBD), right ventricular longitudinal diameter (RVLD), right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) above pulmonary and aortic valve, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) along with RVEF exhibited a significant variance among all groups. A negative correlation was observed among forced expiratory volume (FEV) 1% and (RVMD as well as RVBD) and between Pro BNP and (TAPSE and RVEF).

Conclusions
PHTN was found in 77.5% of COPD patients and is negatively correlated with FEV1%. Serum pro BNP level exhibits a negative correlation with FEV1% in stable COPD patients.
A hierarchical frequency stability control strategy for distributed energy resources based on ADMM
Authors: Lan Guofeng , Xiao Jun , Zhao Wen , Li Wei , Zhao Yankai , Liu Yuchao , Yan Licheng , Zhao Lijie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWith the large-scale distributed energy resources (DERs) interfaced by power electronic converters connected to the power grid, the traditional synchronous generation is gradually replaced, and the inertia and primary frequency regulation capability of the power system is weakened, which seriously threatens the frequency security of the power grid. In view of the above problems, a hierarchical control strategy by coordinating the distributed wind turbine (WT) and photovoltaic (PV) is presented to improve the transient frequency (TF) and steady-state frequency (SSF). For the system control level, the optimal frequency regulation coefficients of multiple WTs and PVs clustering systems are determined by the optimal control principle with minimum frequency regulation energy, while considering the constraints of TF and SSF. For the WT/PV control level, the frequency regulation coefficients of WTs and PVs are solved by the model predictive controller (MPC) and alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), with the minimum control cost of WT and PV. It achieves the optimal allocation of frequency regulation power and improves the computing efficiency. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is tested in the modified IEEE 10-machine 39-bus system.