bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adopting Embryos
Authors: Berkman John 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
For over twenty-five years, the relatively rare but now growing practice of embryo adoption has engendered what at first glance appears to be an outsized moral debate amongst Catholic ethicists. In embryo adoption, a woman undergoes embryo transfer. A previously frozen human embryo is transferred to her uterus, and then she gestates it to delivery. A number of competing moral descriptions of the practice have been proposed and defended: rescue, adoption, surrogacy, or infidelity. One reason this question has received such extensive moral analysis (or “casuistry”) is that Catholic ethicists early on recognized that the question could not be readily resolved using existing moral categories within that tradition. In other words, a conclusive moral evaluation of the practice would entail a development of moral doctrine. The alternative moral descriptions constitute competing paradigms through which to see and evaluate the practice. This chapter provides a moral analysis of these competing paradigms, and suggests possible new directions.
Contraception
Authors: Fletcher David B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The moral acceptability of the use of contraceptives is highly contested by some religious communities, but evangelicals have no official position on the matter. They typically endorse the idea that marriages should be “fruitful” and bear children, as well as the “pro-life” position that is highly protective of human embryos. The attitudes of evangelical laypersons and clergy seem to have moved with the rest of the society toward acceptance of the use of contraception, but strong opposition has emerged. Evangelical views of the moral acceptability of contraception vary significantly, from virtual endorsement even for single persons to a ban for even married couples. Their attitudes toward contraception are entwined with their understanding of the details of various methods, and in particular whether embryos might be destroyed. In addition, evangelicals endorse a strictly conservative position about the permissibility of sexual relations, and are concerned not to lend support to what they deem inappropriate sexual relationships.
Zambia and Its Peoples
Authors: Phiri Bizeck Jube 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The chapter examines and discusses the history of the peoples of Zambia and their contribution to the socio-economic development of the country from the colonial period to the present time. The themes examined are issues of ethnicity, regionalism, and religion. They are examined from the perspective of contributions or impediments to unifying the country and how they were handled to ensure continued unity and political, social, and economic development. Thus, in all the three republics, party politics, economic development, and security were deliberately designed to sustain national unity. This was particularly the case during the twenty-seven-year rule, from 1964 to 1991, of the United National Independence Party. Because well over half of the Zambian population now lives in urban areas following the rural–urban migration, particularly after independence when colonial restrictions on movement were removed, ethnic integration is very strong. This chapter interrogates the impact of high urbanization on the socio-economic and political environment of the rural areas. This discussion also focuses on the impact of ethnicity on politics and economic development in Zambia.
Group Decision-Making in Agent-Based Models of Organizations
Authors: Carneiro João , Alves Patrícia , Marreiros Goreti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the field of computer science and artificial intelligence, dialogue games play a crucial role in enabling interactions among autonomous software agents. However, implementing these games in practical scenarios often involves dealing with complex challenges beyond the model’s explicit definitions, especially when striving for humanlike group interactions during in-person meetings. In our study, we introduce the Multi-Agent System for Group Decision-Making (MAS4GDM), a user-friendly multiagent system framework. MAS4GDM simplifies the implementation of dialogue games, specifically focusing on group decision-making scenarios where agents interact like humans in face-to-face discussions. By wrapping the JADE framework and abstracting intricate implementation details, MAS4GDM empowers developers and researchers, streamlining the incorporation of Prolog programs into agents. Our evaluation using a widely recognized deliberation dialogue model demonstrates that MAS4GDM maintains dialogue integrity, enhances code readability, facilitates error detection, and yields valuable outputs. This framework acts as a shield, enabling developers to navigate complexities that might otherwise impede the successful deployment of applications, ultimately bridging the gap between sophisticated dialogue models and practical, user-friendly implementation.
12‐HETE/GPR31 induces endothelial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Chen Shuli , Qin Xinran , Sun Yu , Ma Zhenlin , Niu Chen , Xu Yi , Lu Lina , Zou Haidong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract12‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HETE), a major metabolite of arachidonic acid, is converted by 12/15‐lipoxygenase and implicated in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Our previous study demonstrated a positive correlation between 12‐HETE and the prevalence of DR. However, reasons for the increased production of 12‐HETE are unclear, and the underlying mechanisms through which 12‐HETE promotes DR are unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the correlation between 12‐HETE and DR onset, investigate potential mechanisms through which 12‐HETE promotes DR, and seek explanations for the increased production of 12‐HETE in diabetes. We conducted a prospective cohort study, which revealed that higher serum 12‐HETE levels could induce DR. Additionally, G protein‐coupled receptor 31 (GPR31), a high‐affinity receptor for 12‐HETE, was expressed in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). 12‐HETE/GPR31‐mediated HRMEC inflammation occurred via the p38 MAPK pathway. 12‐HETE levels were significantly higher in the retina of mice with high‐fat diet (HFD)‐ and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes than in those with only STZ‐induced diabetes and healthy controls. They were positively correlated with the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the retina, indicating that HFD could induce increased 12‐HETE synthesis in patients with diabetes in addition to hyperglycemia. Conclusively, 12‐HETE is a potential risk factor for DR. The 12‐HETE/GPR31 axis plays a crucial role in HRMEC dysfunction and could be a novel target for DR prevention and control. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to provide comprehensive insights into the complex underlying mechanisms of 12‐HETE in DR.
Preliminary Validation of Measures of Experienced, Perceived, and Internalized Stigma Among Adults Who Are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing in the United States and Ghana
Authors: Stelmach Rachel D. , Stockton Melissa A. , Kraemer John D. , Nyarko Marco S. , Troutman Adams Elizabeth , Boafo Neal , Owusu Nana Akua V. , Saalim Khalida , Alberg Joni , Tang Bowen , Musa Lawrence G. , Wu Ching-Heng , Gyamera Emma , Nyblade Laura 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
In this article, we examine the psychometric performance of 3 scales measuring experienced, perceived, and internalized d/Deaf or hard of hearing (d/DHH) stigma among adult (18 and older) populations of individuals who are d/DHH, including those who have been d/DHH since before they developed language (lifelong) and those who became d/DHH after they developed language (acquired) in the United States and Ghana.

Design:
The preliminary validation study took place in the Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana and across the United States. In the United States, all data were collected online via self-administered surveys in English. In Ghana, trained interviewers who are d/DHH and fluent in Ghanaian Sign Language conducted interviews with participants who are lifelong d/DHH using a video survey. Ghanaian participants with acquired d/DHH status were surveyed by trained hearing interviewers. We calculated polychoric correlation matrices between the measures to remove redundant and unrelated items and used exploratory factor analysis to create the final scales. We also tested the association between the factor scores and a simple summing method for calculating the scale.

Results:
The study sample included people who have been d/DHH since before they developed language (Ghana: n = 171, United States n = 100) and people who became d/DHH after they developed language (Ghana: n = 174, United States: n = 219). The final experienced, perceived, and internalized scales included six, seven, and five items, respectively. All three scales performed well as unidimensional measures across all four samples. Across the four samples, the experienced, perceived, and internalized stigma scales yielded ordinal αs ranging from 0.725 to 0.947, 0.856 to 0.935, and 0.856 to 0.935, respectively. It would be acceptable to operationalize all stigma scales as sum-of-item scores.

Conclusions:
The scales performed well and appear to provide a valid means of measuring different types of stigma among diverse groups of people who are d/DHH. Future work should refine and validate these scales in additional contexts.
Riding the gene therapy wave: challenges and opportunities for rare disease patients and clinicians
Authors: Alexander Matthew S. , Robin Nathaniel H. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
A growing number of gene therapies are getting FDA-approved for pediatric rare disorders to treat once incurable diseases. Opportunities for preventing lifetime illness and improving quality of life for these patients is now becoming a reality. Challenges exist in navigating the complexities of determining which patients will benefit from these new gene therapies and how to effectively deliver them as a standard of care.

Recent findings
Gene therapies have been approved for pediatric hematological, neuromuscular, cancer, and other disorders that have improved the quality of life for rare disease patients. FDA approval of these drugs has been on a case-by-case basis leading towards gaps in drug approval, physician and patient knowledge of new gene therapies, and ultimate delivery of these drugs. Identifying patients that would benefit from these drugs and other coordination of care issues have arisen with each unique gene therapy product. These gene therapies have unique requirements and patient indications that require a knowledgeable group of physicians and hospital administrators to incorporate their use as a standard of care. With more gene therapies on the near horizon for FDA approval, multidisciplinary teams may improve patient access to these drugs by streamlining approaches towards adapting gene therapies into clinical use.

Summary
The rapid increase in the number of FDA-approved gene therapies has not only created a number of challenges but also opportunities to improve the lives of pediatric patients with rare disorders. The adaptability of physicians, hospitals, and governmental regulatory boards is essential for delivering these new gene therapies safely and efficiently to these rare disease patients. Challenges still remain as to future requirements for additional gene therapy dosing and how to best manage financial burdens placed on the patient and providing institution.
Ethical issues in organ procurement: donation after normothermic regional perfusion in liver transplantation
Authors: Nguyen Brian M. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
With ongoing organ shortages, new perfusion technologies are being embraced to help fill the unmet requirement. Improvement in utilization of donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors has the potential to greatly expand the pool of usable liver allografts. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) has been shown to increase usage of DCD donors and improve recipient outcomes. Yet, there remains heterogeneity in its usage worldwide.

Recent findings
Results from the first US multicenter study show improved biliary outcomes with NRP, consistent with prior data from Europe. Internationally, there are wide variations in DCD and NRP usage, highlighting the opportunities for improvement and increased utilization. The ethics of this technique continue to be considered.

Summary
NRP is a sound technique that can improve utilization for DCD donors, thereby increasing organ supply. Its usage is increasing worldwide. New data continue to show the benefit of this procurement strategy. NRP agrees with the principles of ethics.
CellKine clinical trial: first report from a phase 1 trial of allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in subjects with painful lumbar facet joint arthropathy
Authors: Yan Dan , Zubair Abba C. , Osborne Michael D. , Pagan-Rosado Robert , Stone Jeffrey A. , Lehman Vance T. , Durand Nisha C. , Kubrova Eva , Wang Zhen , Witter Drew M. , Baer Meghan M. , Ponce Gabriela C. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Qu Wenchun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Lumbar facet joint arthropathy (LFJA) is a major cause of low back pain (LBP), with current treatments offering limited long-term benefits. Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) show promise due to their immunomodulatory and trophic effects, potentially addressing underlying degenerative processes in LFJA.

Objectives:
This initial report describes the outcomes of the first treated patient in an ongoing mutidisciplinary phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety and feasibility of intra-articular allogeneic BM-MSCs for painful LFJA.

Methods:
Following enrollment in our IRB-approved protocol, symptomatic LFJA was confirmed through double blocks on L4 and L5 medial branches. Two 1-mL syringes, each containing 10 million BM-MSCs, were prepared in the cGMP facility and administered bilaterally to the patient’s L4-L5 lumbar facet joints. The patient underwent standardized follow-ups, including clinical examinations and functional and imaging assessments for 2 years, utilizing patient-reported outcomes measurement information system—computer adaptive tests (PROMIS CATs), visual analogue scale, Oswestry disability index, work functional status and opioid pain medication use, and MR imaging Fenton–Czervionke score.

Results:
The patient tolerated the procedure well, with no drug-related adverse events during the study period. Pain, spine function, and work functional status improved at multiple follow-ups. This patient also reported improvements in mental and social health, along with a notable improvement in the grade of facet synovitis observed at the one-year follow-up MRI evaluation.

Conclusions:
This case report suggests the safety and feasibility of administering intra-articular allogeneic BM-MSCs, offering therapeutic benefits for pain management and functional activities.
Prevention and management of allergic-like reactions to iodine contrast media: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Liping Liu , Yanni Wu , Xuejie Bai , Zhou Chunlan , Xueting Du 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
With the wide application of iodine contrast media (ICM), the occurrence of allergic-like reactions to iodine contrast media (ALR-ICM) has increased. Strategies for the prevention and management of ALR-ICM need to be identified to provide quality care to patients undergoing enhanced computed tomography.

Aim:
The overarching aim of this project was to improve the prevention and management of ALR-ICM at a medical imaging center of a nearly 5,000-bed tertiary hospital in China.

Methods:
This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit, feedback, and re-audit strategy. A baseline audit was conducted to measure current practices against recommended best practices. Feedback from the audit was used to identify barriers and design strategies to improve practice. A follow-up audit was conducted to measure changes in compliance with best practices.

Results:
The results revealed a positive change in compliance with best practices. More than 60% compliance with the four audit criteria was observed. The overall ALR-ICM rate decreased from 0.56% to 0.19%, while emergency equipment management dramatically increased from 37.50% to 100%. The smallest improvement was observed for pre-procedure prophylactic treatment of high-risk patients (27.66%).

Conclusions:
Most audit criteria showed moderate improvements in compliance with best practices. Further testing of this program in more hospitals is needed.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A269
Rapid emergence of UV stabilizer Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS) in the illicit fentanyl supply across the United States in July-August 2024: Results from drug and drug paraphernalia testing
Authors: Shover Chelsea L. , Godvin Morgan E. , Appley Meghan , Pyfrom Elise M. , Montero Castrillo Fernando , Hochstatter Karli , Nadel Talia , Garg Neil , Koncsol Adam , Friedman Joseph R. , Molina Caitlin A. , Romero Ruby , Harshberger Brendan , Spoliansky Jordan , Laurel Sarah , Jalayer Elham , Ruelas Juan , Gonzales John , Snakeoil Soma , Guerra Sonya , Arellano Oscar , Winstead Candace , Rybak Margaret , Champney Joanna , Waninger Brent , Sisco Edward 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundChanges to the US drug supply historically unfold slowly with predictable patterns of geographic diffusion. Here we draw on drug checking results from around the United States to report a rapid shift in the illicit drug supply with important implications for public health. Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, or “BTMPS” is a hindered amine light stabilizer with various industrial applications. Animal studies indicate multiple kinds of adverse health effects.MethodsDrug samples collected by community-based drug checking programs in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, along with drug residue samples from other jurisdictions in California, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, were submitted to the National Institute on Standards and Technology. Samples were qualitatively tested with Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry, with reflex to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) for confirmatory testing. Quantitation – percent by mass – was performed using LCMS. At both sites where drug samples were collected, participants were asked to respond to a survey that included questions about what the substance was sold as and any unexpected effects.ResultsBetween June 1, 2024 and August 31, 2024, a total of 178 samples sold as fentanyl were tested. Of these, 43 (24%) contained BTMPS, with the proportion per month rising from 0% in June to more than a third in August. An additional 23 residue samples from sites doing residue testing contained BTMPS. Fentanyl samples with BTMPS also contained many other compounds, including local anesthetics and alpha-2 agonists. Average fentanyl purity was significantly lower in samples with BTMPS compared to samples without.ConclusionsThe introduction of an industrial chemical to the illicit drug supply at this speed and scale is unprecedented and concerning. Further research is urgently needed to determine why it is present in the fentanyl supply and characterize effects on human health.
DIFFERENTIAL REGULATION OF GENES IN ENTORHINAL CORTEX AND HIPPOCAMPUS IN LATE ONSET AD
Authors: Biswas Moumita , Basu Soumalee 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAmyloidogenic processing of APP mediated by increased BACE1 activity resulting in Aβ production and accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau cause neuronal degeneration in AD. Pathological changes occur early in the EC and the hippocampus, much before neurodegeneration sets in. Here, using 500 and 303 differentially expressed genes from the EC and hippocampus respectively, we observed impairment of several cellular functions owing to either disrupted transcription or post-translational regulation, through functional enrichment, PPI network, miRNA and convergent functional genomic analysis. In EC, functional enrichment analysis highlighted several processes of which the Oncostatin-M-mediated pathway is related in the disease pathogenesis by increasing BACE1 transcription through STAT3 activation. Hub genes, BRD4 and PIN1, involved in Aβ and tau pathology are downregulated probably through the concerted action of hsa-miR-3613-3p and hsa-miR-4674, upregulated miRNAs in AD. In the hippocampus, upregulated FXR1 and downregulated RTN3 being involved in post-transcriptional processing of BACE1, result in increased Aβ production. For the disruption observed in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, neurotransmitter synthesis and Aβ clearance, YWHAH, a downregulated hub gene is instrumental. Regulation of YWHAH expression is probably mediated at the post-transcriptional level through hsa-miR-455-3p and hsa-miR-4674, known to be heavily upregulated in AD. In both the regions, similar pattern of disrupted cellular pathways emerge, although the key players, differ. Whereas dysfunctional proteasomal degradation is mediated by SKP1-CUL1 in EC, it is CUL3 mediated in hippocampus. Thus, similar disease pathology develops through dysregulation of pathways that are evidently different in EC and hippocampus implying failure of therapeutics based on single target.
Trajectory-guided dimensionality reduction for multi-sample single-cell RNA-seq data reveals biologically relevant sample-level heterogeneity
Authors: Zhuang Haotian , Gai Xin , Zhang Anru R , Hou Wenpin , Ji Zhicheng , Shi Pixu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data with multiple biological samples remains a pressing challenge. We presentMUSTARD, a trajectory-guided dimension reduction method for multi-sample multi-condition scRNA-seq data. This all-in-one decomposition reveals major gene expression variation patterns along the trajectory and across multiple samples simultaneously, providing opportunities to discover sample endotypes along with associated genes and gene modules. In data-driven simulation,MUSTARDachieves high accuracy in distinguishing sample-level group differences that existing methods fail to capture.MUSTARDalso demonstrates a robust ability to capture gene markers and pathways associated with phenotypes of interest across multiple real-world case studies.