bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scoping review of the ethical regulations for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementia research in Africa
Authors: Yakubu Aminu , Adedeji Isaac , Jegede Ayodele , Mendoza‐Cervantes Diana , Adebamowo Clement 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe conducted a scoping review to ascertain the landscape of ethics regulations for AD/ADRD research in Africa using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. We sourced regulations from the International Compilation of Human Research Standards. We included regulations from 14 countries published between 1997 and 2020. Provisions in the regulations applicable to research in AD/ADRD were part of broader sub‐provisions for research such as with persons under legal disability. Regulations mostly required the appointment of Legally Authorised Representatives, as a major protection for persons with AD/ADRD. Provisions supporting capacity assessment and advance directives were only provided in regulations from five and two countries respectively. No regulation cited the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a foundational instrument for its provisions. In conclusion, regulations specifically applicable to research among AD/ADRD or other cognitively impaired persons in Africa are scarce and provisions in existing regulations mostly lack specificity for practical implementation.
Glycaemic outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes over 34 weeks with the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System
Authors: Davis Georgia M. , Peters Anne L. , Bode Bruce W. , Carlson Anders L. , Dumais Bonnie , Vienneau Todd E. , Huyett Lauren M. , Ly Trang T. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimsThe aim was to evaluate the effect of extended use of the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System in adults with type 2 diabetes and suboptimal glycaemic control.Materials and MethodsFollowing an 8‐week single‐arm, multicentre, outpatient trial of AID in adults with type 2 diabetes and baseline HbA1c ≥ 8% (≥ 64 mmol/mol), participants were given the opportunity to continue use of the AID system in a 26‐week (~6 month) extension phase. The primary safety endpoints were percentage of time with sensor glucose ≥ 250 mg/dL and < 54 mg/dL. Additional glycaemic measures, including percentage of time in range (TIR) (70–180 mg/dL) and HbA1c, were evaluated. The use of non‐insulin anti‐hyperglycaemic medications was permitted throughout the entire study.ResultsDuring the initial 8‐week study, participants (N = 22) achieved a decrease in percentage of time ≥ 250 mg/dL from 27.4% ± 21.0% to 10.5% ± 8.8% (p < 0.0001), which further decreased to 9.7% ± 9.2% during the extension phase (p = 0.0002 vs. standard therapy). Percentage of time < 54 mg/dL remained low from standard therapy through extension (median [interquartile range] 0.00% [0.00%, 0.06%] vs. 0.02% [0.00%, 0.05%], p > 0.05). HbA1c decreased by 1.6% ± 1.2% (15.5 ± 13.1 mmol/mol, p < 0.0001) and TIR increased by 22.4% ± 19.2% (p < 0.0001) from standard therapy through extension with no significant change in body mass index and without an observed increase in total daily insulin requirements.ConclusionsThese longer‐term findings of Omnipod 5 AID System use demonstrate the potential value of AID in helping people with type 2 diabetes reach glycaemic targets.
An MBA capstone that's out of this world: Commercializing NASA patents
Authors: McAlindon Peter , Loughry Misty L. , Ford Robert C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCapstone classes can help MBA programs achieve student learning goals and meet accreditation standards. However, such programs often fail to build the skills they are intended to develop. Technology transfer projects can be an effective way to build these skills while creating a positive economic impact. This article describes Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College's MBA program's integrative capstone experience that partners with NASA to allow student teams to commercialize unused or underutilized NASA patents to develop new products and create business startups using a 4Ps model. First, students examine Patents for intellectual property that could be transferred to new applications with commercial potential. Next, they develop a knowledge network of Partners who could assist them to commercialize the technology. Then, students identify Prospects for the proposed commercial use of the technology. Finally, they Package a newly developed, market‐ready product with strategy, financial, sales and marketing plans, and pitch these to angel investors who might fund the startup and assist them in starting the business. This article details the 20 steps in the 4Ps model and discusses student outcomes, as well as the business focus of the 29 teams that have completed the course since 2012. Benefits, challenges, and advice for delivering the 4Ps model are discussed.
Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries: 5‐Year Experience From a Single Center
Authors: Savly Oung , Pereira Sujith S. , Ladin Ponn 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTComplete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common cause of cyanosis in the first week of life. Prenatal diagnosis helps with counseling, planning delivery, and postnatal management for resource‐rich health services. In a resource‐limited setting, postnatal diagnosis is the norm. This work examines cases of complete TGA in one center in Cambodia without prenatal testing. Twenty‐four cases were studied over 5 years. Complex TGA was frequently seen. The majority had normal coronary anatomy and arterial switch operation (ASO) was performed in most cases with a favorable outcome.
Impact of Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Cytokines on Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wang Ji‐Gan , Dou Hui‐Hong , Liang Qiong‐You 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTImmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder, and recent research suggests that gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines may play a significant role in its pathogenesis. However, the specific effects of these factors on ITP and their relationships remain unclear. We conducted a two‐step, two‐sample Mendelian randomization study using an inverse variance‐weighted approach to investigate the causal role of the gut microbiota in ITP and the mediating effect of inflammatory cytokines on their association. The results showed that among the 473 gut microbiota species, 11 were positively associated and 12 were negatively associated with the risk of ITP. Among the 91 screened inflammatory cytokines, five (CXCL10, CXCL5, IL‐12RA, TRAIL, and VEGF‐A) were found to have a causal relationship with ITP. Mediation analysis revealed that the gut microbiota UBA1066 promoted the occurrence of ITP through CXCL10 mediation, with a mediation effect of 0.118932 (95% CI: 0.049471–0.188393) accounting for 9.95% of the total effect. Gut microbiota Treponema promoted ITP through VEGF‐A mediation, with a mediation effect of 0.045873 (95% CI: 0.01456–0.07718) accounting for 4.28% of the total effect. Gut microbiota Haloplasma promoted the occurrence of ITP via CXCL5. The mediating effect of CXCL5 was 0.038409 (95% CI = 0.00107718–0.07575082), with a mediating ratio of 16.79%. This study revealed a causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and ITP risk, highlighting three inflammatory cytokines as potential causal mediators of this relationship. These findings provide potential targets and biomarkers for the prevention and treatment of ITP with significant clinical implications.
Overall Survival and Treatment Patterns Among Patients With Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Sweden: A Nationwide Population‐based Study
Authors: Cherif Honar , Cai Qian , Crivera Concetta , Leon Ann , Rahman Iffat , Leval Amy , Noel Wim , Kjellander Christian 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesWarm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is a rare autoantibody‐mediated disorder, and first‐line treatment primarily relies on corticosteroids. This study assessed overall survival (OS) and treatment patterns of wAIHA in Sweden.MethodsAdults with ≥ 1 primary diagnosis code for wAIHA (or AIHA plus oral corticosteroids (OCS)/immunosuppressants as sensitivity analyses) between 2011 and 2022 were identified from five Swedish national registers and linked through each patient's unique identity number. Kaplan–Meier curves with log‐rank tests and Cox regressions were performed to assess OS for patients with primary versus secondary wAIHA and patients with wAIHA and long‐term versus short‐term (≥ 3 vs. < 3 months) OCS users.ResultsThe main analysis included 292 patients; 1791 patients were included in the sensitivity analysis. At a median 3.7‐year follow‐up, a median OS in primary wAIHA was not reached versus 6.0 years for secondary wAIHA (log‐rank test: p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference in risk of death between long‐term and short‐term OCS users; however, in the sensitivity analysis, long‐term OCS users showed significantly higher risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.180, 1.781; p < 0.001) versus short‐term OCS users.ConclusionSecondary wAIHA or long‐term OCS use was associated with lower OS, underscoring the disease burden and unmet need for efficacious wAIHA treatments.
Economic and societal burden of myasthenia gravis in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden: A population‐based registry study
Authors: Piehl Fredrik , Vissing John , Mehtälä Juha , Berggren Fredrik , Lindberg‐Schager Ingrid , Pitsi Didier , Tsitlakidis Evangelos , Vesikansa Aino , Väänänen Riina‐Minna , Ylisaukko‐oja Tero , Atula Sari 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeHealth care resource utilization (HCRU) and the economic burden of myasthenia gravis (MG) are significant, but existing studies rarely include comprehensive nationwide data. We examined HCRU and direct and indirect costs associated with MG overall and by disease severity in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.MethodsData were collected retrospectively from nationwide health and social care registries. All individuals ≥18 years of age with ≥2 International Classification of Diseases diagnoses of MG between 2000 and 2020 were included. HCRU, direct (inpatient and outpatient contacts, medication) and indirect costs (early retirement, sick leave, death), and associated factors were calculated.ResultsThe full study cohort comprised 8622 people with MG (pwMG). Mean annual numbers of all‐cause secondary health care contacts for pwMG were 3.4 (SD = 8.3), 7.0 (SD = 12.3), and 2.9 (SD = 3.9), with mean annual total costs of €12,185, €9036, and €5997 per person in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, respectively. Inpatient periods, involving 77%–89% of study participants in the three countries, contributed most to direct costs, whereas the majority of indirect costs resulted from early retirement in Denmark and Finland, and sick leave periods in Sweden. Mean annual total costs were highest with very severe MG (€19,570–€33,495 per person across the three countries). Female sex and comorbidities, such as mental and behavioral disorders and severe infections, were also associated with higher total costs.ConclusionsThis population‐based study shows a high level of HCRU and a significant direct and indirect economic burden of MG across three Nordic countries, especially for severe forms of MG.
Longitudinal evaluation of retinal neuroaxonal loss in epilepsy using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Stauner Livia , Bao Han , Delazer Luisa , Kirsch Isabel , Christmann Tara , Noachtar Soheyl , Havla Joachim , Lauseker Michael , Kaufmann Elisabeth 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivePeople with epilepsy (PwE) suffer from progressive brain atrophy, which is reflected as neuroaxonal loss on the retinal level. This study aims to provide initial insight into the longitudinal dynamics of the retinal neuroaxonal loss and possible driving factors.MethodsPwE and healthy controls (HC; 18–55 years of age) underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography at baseline and 7.0 ± 1.5 and 6.7 ± 1.0 months later, respectively. The change in retinal thickness/volume and annualized percentage change (APC) were calculated for the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), the macular RNFL (mRNFL), the ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIP), the inner nuclear layer, and the total macular volume (TMV). Group comparisons and multiple linear models with stepwise backward selection were performed to evaluate associations with demographic and clinical parameters.ResultsPwE (n = 44, 21 females, mean age = 35.6 ± 10.9 years) revealed a significant decrease in the pRNFL, mRNFL, GCIP, and TMV thickness or volume in the study interval. When compared to HC (n = 56, 37 females, mean age = 32.7 ± 8.3 years), the APC of the pRNFL (−.98 ± 3.13%/year) and the GCIP (−1.24 ± 2.56%/year) were significantly more pronounced in PwE (p = .01 and p = .046, respectively). Of note, atrophy of the mRNFL was significantly influenced by the number of antiseizure medications (ASMs; p = .047) and increasing age of PwE (p = .03). Contradictory results, however, were revealed for the impact of seizures.SignificanceIn epilepsy, progression of retinal neuroaxonal loss was already detectable at short‐term follow‐up. PwE who receive a high number of ASMs seem to be at risk for accelerated neuroaxonal loss, stressing the importance of well‐considered and effective antiseizure therapy.
Competitive Fracture Mechanism and Microstructure‐Related Life Assessment of GH4169 Superalloy in High and Very High Cycle Fatigue Regimes
Authors: Lashari Muhammad Imran , Li Cheng , Mahmood Asif , Li Wei 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHigh and very high cycle fatigue tests were performed to examine the microstructure and fracture mechanism of GH4169 superalloy in combination with techniques including electron‐backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Fractographic analysis revealed that surface failures are induced by surface flaws, whereas internal failures are caused by pores, facets, and inclusions. The three‐dimensional observation shows that fracture surfaces exhibit an irregular texture due to crystallographic mismatch of grains and plastic deformation at the crack tip. Based on EBSD analysis, Euler angles exhibited a complex geometry of grain orientation at the crack tip area, hindering crack propagation as evidenced by lower values of the Schmid factor and misorientation at the crack tip. Furthermore, the threshold values of small and long cracks decrease, whereas the transformation sizes from small to long crack growth increase from surface to internal failure. Finally, a novel microstructure defect‐based life prediction model is established, and the predicted results demonstrate a close resemblance to experimental outcomes.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of asymmetric stem cell division in tissue homeostasis
Authors: Bolkent Sema 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe asymmetric cell division determines cell diversity and distinct sibling cell fates by mechanisms linked to mitosis. Many adult stem cells divide asymmetrically to balance self‐renewal and differentiation. The process of asymmetric cell division involves an axis of polarity and, second, the localization of cell fate determinants at the cell poles. Asymmetric division of stem cells is achieved by intrinsic and extrinsic fate determinants such as signaling molecules, epigenetics factors, molecules regulating gene expression, and polarized organelles. At least some stem cells perform asymmetric and symmetric cell divisions during development. Asymmetric division ensures that the number of stem cells remains constant throughout life. The asymmetric division of stem cells plays an important role in biological events such as embryogenesis, tissue regeneration and carcinogenesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the regulation of asymmetric stem cell division in model organisms.
Exploring EFL learners’ need satisfaction, need frustration, and their motivational change in a blended English learning environment
Authors: Du Chenxi , Yang Yingli 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite increasing scholarly attention on L2 motivational changes, little is known about learners’ L2 motivational changes in a blended English learning environment and their relationship with need satisfaction and need frustration. Drawing on self‐determination theory, this study investigated how a blended English learning environment satisfied and frustrated 15 EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners’ basic needs and the relationship between basic needs and motivational changes. Data were collected via questionnaire responses, semi‐structured interviews, and learning records. Thematic analysis revealed that learners exhibited five profiles of motivational changes, with “remaining autonomously motivated” and “changing from controlled to autonomous motivation” as two major types. In addition, the learners’ need satisfaction and need frustration exerted both independent and joint impacts on motivational changes. The joint effect exhibited variation between learners depending on need categories and need strength. Theoretically, the study extends self‐determination theory by adding the need for novelty to the original tripartite taxonomy of basic needs. In addition, the study provides empirical evidence for the debate on the independent and interaction effects regarding the roles of need satisfaction and need frustration. Pedagogical implications are proposed regarding the design of blended English courses.
Combination therapy of negative pressure wound therapy and antibiotic‐loaded bone cement for accelerating diabetic foot ulcer healing: A prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhong Meifang , Guo Jiawei , Qahar Mulan , Huang Guangtao , Wu Jun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and antibiotic‐loaded bone cement (ALBC) are commonly used treatments for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). However, the combined efficacy of these two modalities remains unclear. This clinical study aimed to assess the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of NPWT&ALBC in the management of DFUs. A total of 28 patients were recruited, 16 of whom served as controls and received only NPWT, whilst 12 received NPWT&ALBC. Both groups underwent wound repair surgery following the treatments. Blood samples were obtained to detect infections and inflammation. Wound tissue samples were also collected before and after the intervention to observe changes in inflammation, vascular structure and collagen through tissue staining. Compared with the NPWT group, the NPWT&ALBC group exhibited a superior wound bed, which was characterised by reduced inflammation infiltration and enhanced collagen expression. Immunostaining revealed a decrease in IL‐6 levels and an increase in α‐SMA, CD68, CD206 and collagen I expression. Western blot analysis demonstrated that NPWT&ALBC led to a decrease in inflammation levels and an increase in vascularization and collagen content. NPWT&ALBC therapy tends to form a wound bed with increased vascularization and M2 macrophage polarisation, which may contribute to DFUs wound healing.
Taxonomic diversity, distribution, and ecology of the freshwater fishes of the Zambezian Lowveld Ecoregion in southern Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Ntokoane Tholoana , Vreven Emmanuel J. W. M. N. , Bragança Pedro H. N. , Kadye Wilbert T. , Chakona Albert 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Zambezian Lowveld Ecoregion (ZLE) is one of the 22 freshwater ecoregions covering southern Africa. This ecoregion covers ~520,418 km2 and extends from south of the Zambezi Delta in the north to the uMngeni River basin in the south. This study aimed to compile a comprehensive synthesis of the available information on the diversity and distribution of freshwater fishes in this ecoregion based on natural history collection holdings by reviewing the published scientific literature. In total, 105 native species belonging to 39 genera and 17 families were recorded from the ZLE. An important proportion, 20 (19%), of the species are considered to be narrow‐range endemics. Nevertheless, the majority of them (81%) are considered to have broad geographic ranges, with some even extending into adjacent ecoregions. However, recent and ongoing studies indicate that the current taxonomy often underestimates the species diversity and therefore overestimates the distribution ranges of the latter group of freshwater fishes concerned. The present synthesis brings to the fore existing knowledge gaps in species diversity and distribution ranges of freshwater fishes of this ecoregion and highlights the need for the use of integrative approaches to address the prevailing taxonomic conflicts.
Low‐Temperature Domestic Deep‐Frying of Soybean‐Cake Tempe in Vegetable Cooking Oils: How Many Times Are Stable to Use?
Authors: Murwani Retno , Kurniati Yoni Anggun Endah , Ambariyanto Ambariyanto , Sinskey Anthony J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTTempe has gained global popularity, with local vegetable oils commonly used for frying. This study evaluates the cooking temperature and stability of five vegetable oils (olive [Oo], palm [Po], canola [Cnlo], sunflower [Sfo], and coconut [Cco]) for deep‐frying Tempe, using acid and peroxide values (AV and PV), antiradical activity, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. AV, PV, and linolenic acid (LNA) were referenced to international standards for vegetable oil (0.6 mg KOH/g, 10 mEq of oxygen/kg oil, and 2% for AV, PV, LNA respectively). The initial oil temperature was 130°C ± 1°C, with final temperatures between 145.7°C ± 6.8°C at the lowest and 156.8°C ± 13.0°C at the highest, well below existing studies (≥170°C–250°C). Based on AV and PV, Oo, Po, and Cco were stable up to the fourth, fifth, and eighth frying repeat (FR). The PV of Cnlo (10.2 mEq of oxygen/kg oil) and Sfo (15.5 mEq of oxygen/kg oil) exceeded the maximum limit after one use. The Fresh Cnlo LNA (7.35%) was higher than the limit, while the rest of the oils remained lower and stable until the seventh FR. Po exhibited the highest average antiradical activity (85.42% ± 4.63%), followed by Oo (31.01% ± 10.26%), Sfo (27.96% ± 9.67%), Cnlo (21.85% ± 5.71%), and Cco (14.40% ± 3.46%). Cco had the highest saturated fatty acids (SFA), Oo had the highest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and Sfo had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). No significant SFA, MUFA, or PUFA changes were observed up to the seventh FR. Trans‐fatty acids C18:1n 9T and C18:2n 6T were undetected in fresh and used oil, indicating a unique character in low‐temperature deep‐frying in domestic settings. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of low‐temperature deep‐frying of Tempe. It suggests that Oo, Po, Cnlo, Sfo, and Cco were stable to deep‐fried Tempe for four, five, zero, one, and eight FR, respectively. Deep‐frying Tempe at lower temperatures and for a shorter duration may enhance its health benefits and help retain its flavor.”