bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil‐Transmitted Helminths in Kindergarten Children: Prevalence, Intensity and Associated Factors in Bule Hora Town
Authors: Dedecha Wako , Gemechu Tibeso , Husen Oliyad , Jarso Habtemu , Bati Lenco 
Published: September 2024

Background: Soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a common problem in Ethiopia. This parasite affects the physical and mental development of children, causing malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia. However, there are inadequate studies that demonstrate the extent of STHs and associated factors among kindergarten children in South Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of STH infection among kindergarten students in Bule Hora town.Methods: An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 235 kindergarten children in Bule Hora town from January to February 2023. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on associated factors. EpiData and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors.Results: In the present study, the prevalence of STH was 28.5% (95% CI: 22.7%–34.3%). A. lumbricoides 26 (11.1%) was the most common parasite identified. The arithmetic mean (+SD) of the egg counts for each species of STHs was as follows: A. Lumbricoides 1886.9 (+2103.2), T. Trichiura 299.2 (+305.8), and hookworms 756.1 (+739.4). Factors that showed significant association in the current study were hand washing after the toilet (AOR: 2.992, 95% CI: 1.299–6.891,), fingernail trimming (AOR: 3.646, 95% CI: 1.704–7.798,), and shoe wearing habit (AOR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.170–3.924,).Conclusion: STH infection is a health problem among kindergarten children in Bule Hora town. Comprehensive health education on the value of hygienic habits, improved sanitation, and routine deworming of kindergarten children should be included in prevention and control efforts.
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines among Female Breast Cancer Survivors in the United States
Authors: Wojcik Kaitlyn M. , Wilson Oliver W.A. , Shiels Meredith S. , Sheppard Vanessa B. , Jayasekera Jinani 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cancer survivors show low physical activity participation rates in the United States. However, there are limited national-level data on disparities in the prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines among women with and without breast cancer. We aimed to evaluate national-level trends in meeting physical activity guidelines across demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of breast cancer survivors and women without cancer.

Methods:
Data for women ≥35 years of age with and without breast cancer were obtained from the 2004 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey. We used National Health Interview Survey sample weights to generate national-level prevalence estimates and calculate absolute and relative indices of disparity for breast cancer survivors and women without cancer meeting aerobic (150 minutes/week) and muscle-strengthening guidelines (2 sessions/week) stratified by demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity) and socioeconomic (e.g., homeownership) characteristics.

Results:
We included 5,845 breast cancer survivors and 160,162 women without cancer. The weighted percentage of breast cancer survivors meeting aerobic guidelines was 37.7% compared with 40.9% of women without cancer. Fewer women met muscle-strengthening guidelines. There were lower proportions of women who were younger (&lt;50-years), were non-Hispanic Black, were Hispanic, worked 35+ hours/week, or rented their home among breast cancer survivors meeting aerobic guidelines compared with women without cancer meeting aerobic guidelines.

Conclusions:
Breast cancer survivors were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared with women without cancer. Demographic and socioeconomic disparities may exist among breast cancer survivors and women without cancer meeting physical activity guidelines.

Impact:
Targeted interventions may be necessary to address low physical activity participation among breast cancer survivors.
MEK Inhibitors Lead to PDGFR Pathway Upregulation and Sensitize Tumors to RAF Dimer Inhibitors in NF1-Deficient Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
Authors: Miranda-Román Miguel A. , Lee Cindy J. , Fishinevich Eve , Ran Leili , Patel Amish J. , Yan Juan , Khudoynazarova Makhzuna N. , Warda Sarah , Pachai Mohini R. , Chen Yu , Chi Ping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a highly aggressive subtype of soft-tissue sarcoma with a high propensity to metastasize and extremely limited treatment options. Loss of the RAS-GAP NF1 leads to sustained RAF/MEK/ERK signaling in MPNST. However, single-agent MEK inhibitors (MEKi) have failed to elicit a sustained inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway in MPNST.

Experimental Design:
We used pharmacological, biochemical, and genetic perturbations of the receptor tyrosine kinase and MAPK signaling pathway regulators to investigate the mechanisms of MEKi resistance and evaluated combination therapeutic strategies in various preclinical MPNST models in vitro and in vivo.

Results:
Here, we report that MEKi treatment resistance in MPNST involves two adaptive pathways: direct transcriptional upregulation of the receptor tyrosine kinase PDGFRβ and MEKi-induced increase in RAF dimer formation and activation of downstream signaling. Although the pharmacologic combination of a MEKi with a PDGFRβ-specific inhibitor was more effective than treatment with the MEKi alone, the combination of the MEKi and RAF dimer inhibitors led to a robust inhibition of MAPK pathway signaling. This combination treatment was effective in vitro and in vivo, as demonstrated by the significant increase in drug synergism and its high effectiveness in decreasing MPNST viability.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the combination of MEKis and PDGFR and/or RAF dimer inhibitors can overcome MEKi resistance and may serve as a novel targeted therapeutic strategy for patients with NF1-deficient MPNST, which in turn could impact future clinical investigations for this patient population.
Periprocedural Assessment of Paravalvular Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Using Diastolic Delta and Videodensitometry
Authors: Rooijakkers Maxim J. P. , Elkoumy Ahmed , Stens Niels A. , van Wely Marleen H. , Versteeg Geert A. A. , Tsai Tsung‐Ying , Rodwell Laura , Heijmen Robin H. , Serruys Patrick W. , Soliman Osama , van Royen Niels 
Published: September 2024

Background
Paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) is a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, posing an increased risk of heart failure and mortality. Accurate intraprocedural quantification of PVR is challenging. Both hemodynamic indices and videodensitometry can be used for intraprocedural assessment of PVR. We compared the predictive value of the isolated versus combined use of the hemodynamic index diastolic delta (DD) and videodensitometry for the incidence of relevant PVR 1 month after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Methods and Results

In this prospective cohort study, patients underwent periprocedural PVR assessment by DD and videodensitometry (using left ventricular outflow tract—aortic regurgitation [LVOT‐AR]). Cardiac magnetic resonance served as reference modality for PVR assessment. Relevant PVR was defined as cardiac magnetic resonance–regurgitant fraction >20%. Fifty‐one patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age was 80.6±5.2 years and 45.1% of patients were men. Mean LVOT‐AR and cardiac magnetic resonance–regurgitant fraction were 8.2%±7.8% and 11.7%±9.6%, respectively. The correlation between DD and LVOT‐AR was weak (
r
=−0.36). DD and LVOT‐AR showed a comparable accuracy to predict relevant PVR (area under the curve 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.95 versus area area under the time–density curve 0.80, 95% CI: 0.62–0.99). The combination of DD and LVOT‐AR improved the prediction of relevant PVR (area under the time–density curve, 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–0.99), and resulted in an increased concordance (86.3%) and positive predictive value (75%) compared with DD alone (76.5% and 40%, respectively), or LVOT‐AR alone (82.3% and 50%, respectively).

Conclusions
DD and videodensitometry are both accurate and feasible modalities for the assessment of PVR after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The synergistic use of both techniques increases the predictive value for relevant PVR after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04281771.
Make or Break: The Influence of Expected Challenges and Rewards on the Motivation and Experience Associated with Cognitive Effort Exertion
Authors: Zhang Yue , Leng Xiamin , Shenhav Amitai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Challenging goals can induce harder work but also greater stress, in turn potentially undermining goal achievement. We sought to examine how mental effort and subjective experiences thereof interact as a function of the challenge level and the size of the incentives at stake. Participants performed a task that rewarded individual units of effort investment (correctly performed Stroop trials) but only if they met a threshold number of correct trials within a fixed time interval (challenge level). We varied this challenge level (Study 1, n = 40) and the rewards at stake (Study 2, n = 79) and measured variability in task performance and self-reported affect across task intervals. Greater challenge and higher rewards facilitated greater effort investment but also induced greater stress, whereas higher rewards (and lower challenge) simultaneously induced greater positive affect. Within intervals, we observed an initial speed up then slowdown in performance, which could reflect dynamic reconfiguration of control. Collectively, these findings further our understanding of the influence of task demands and incentives on mental effort exertion and well-being.
Rooted in Society?
Authors: Makulilo Alexander , Mehler Andreas , Haji Mohamed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In 2010, Zanzibar, a sub-state within the United Republic of Tanzania, became a unique case of power sharing in Africa. The country conducted a referendum before establishing a government of national unity and entrenched it in Zanzibar’s Constitution of 1984. The aim was to make the power-sharing system durable and rooted in society to achieve peace and development. Nevertheless, a political system must be accepted, practised and routinised to be rooted in society. Usually, peace settlements involve elites, who negotiate, sign and occasionally benefit from the pact—and Zanzibar is not an exception. What is missing in peace negotiations is the broad-based participation of the citizens. Based on a survey and expert interviews, this article examines how power sharing in Zanzibar has nevertheless become rooted in society over time.
Political Socialization of Igorot Millennials and Zoomers and Their Views about the Marcoses
Authors: Tatcho Orville B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This qualitative study seeks to understand the political views of select Igorot millennials and Generation Z participants (zoomers) about the Marcoses, the dominant political family in Philippine politics today. Through eighteen (18) purposively sampled interviews with Igorot millennials and zoomers, and political socialization as a framework, this article (1) explains the factors that shape and influence the political socialization of the participants, (2) discusses the role of social media as an agent of political socialization, and (3) examines the political views of the participants about the Marcoses, particularly the reasons they cited for the perceived popularity of the political family. This article concludes with recommendations to enhance the political learning of Igorot millennials and zoomers, as well as some conceptual and practical implications for political socialization as a process.
Metaphysical Desire
Authors: Evink Eddo , Kruiter Kevin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article revisits the debate on the ‘religious and ethical readings’ of Derrida that was instigated by Martin Hägglund’s Radical Atheism. The impasse in this debate can be overcome in a new reading of Derrida’s work that combines the strong elements of the opposing interpretations. At the same time, this new and critical reading exposes an implicit metaphysical desire, a desire without desire, in Derrida’s work, the presuppositions and consequences of which are not well understood in all the other interpretations. This desire turns out to be an excessive desire, which should be balanced with a more contextual approach.
Estimation of Urban Greenhouse Gas Fluxes from Mole Fraction Measurements Using Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory
Authors: Kenion Helen C. , Davis Kenneth J. , Miles Natasha L. , Monteiro Vanessa C. , Richardson Scott J. , Horne Jason P. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine whether urban greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes can be quantified from tower-based mole fraction measurements using Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST). Tower-based GHG mole fraction networks are used in many cities to quantify whole-city GHG emissions. Local-scale, micrometeorological flux estimates would complement whole-city estimates from atmospheric inversions. CO2 mole fraction and eddy-covariance flux data at an urban site in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 2020 through January 2022 are analyzed. Using MOST flux–variance and flux–gradient relationships, CO2 fluxes were calculated using these mole fraction data and compared to the eddy-covariance fluxes. MOST-based fluxes were calculated using varying measurement heights and methods of estimating stability. The MOST flux–variance relationship method showed good temporal correlation with eddy-covariance fluxes at this site but overestimated flux magnitudes. Fluxes calculated using flux–gradient relationships showed lower temporal correlation with eddy-covariance fluxes but closer magnitudes to eddy-covariance fluxes. Measurement heights closer to ground level produce more precise flux estimates for both MOST-based methods. For flux–gradient methods, flux estimates are more accurate and precise when low-altitude measurements are combined with a large vertical separation between measurement heights. When stability estimates based on eddy-covariance flux measurements are replaced with stability estimates based on the weather station or net radiation data, the MOST-based fluxes still capture the temporal patterns measured via eddy covariance. Based on these results, MOST can be used to estimate the temporal patterns in local GHG fluxes at mole fraction tower sites, complementing the small number of eddy-covariance flux measurements available in urban settings.
PEG treatment is unsuitable to study root related traits as it alters root anatomy in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Töpfer Veronic , Melzer Michael , Snowdon Rod J. , Stahl Andreas , Matros Andrea , Wehner Gwendolin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The frequency and severity of abiotic stress events, especially drought, are increasing due to climate change. The plant root is the most important organ for water uptake and the first to be affected by water limitation. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to include root traits in studies on drought stress tolerance. However, phenotyping under field conditions remains a challenging task. In this study, plants were grown in a hydroponic system with polyethylene glycol as an osmotic stressor and in sand pots to examine the root system of eleven spring barley genotypes. The root anatomy of two genotypes with different response to drought was investigated microscopically.

Results
Root diameter increased significantly (p < 0.05) under polyethylene glycol treatment by 54% but decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 12% under drought stress in sand pots. Polyethylene glycol treatment increased root tip diameter (51%) and reduced diameter of the elongation zone (14%) compared to the control. Under drought stress, shoot mass of plants grown in sand pots showed a higher correlation (r = 0.30) with the shoot mass under field condition than polyethylene glycol treated plants (r = -0.22).

Conclusion
These results indicate that barley roots take up polyethylene glycol by the root tip and polyethylene glycol prevents further water uptake. Polyethylene glycol-triggered osmotic stress is therefore unsuitable for investigating root morphology traits in barley. Root architecture of roots grown in sand pots is more comparable to roots grown under field conditions.
Is this really Empowerment? Enhancing our understanding of empowerment in patient and public involvement within clinical research
Authors: Schilling Imke , Gerhardus Ansgar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
There has been a growing push to involve patients in clinical research, shifting from conducting research on, about, or for them to conducting it with them. Two arguments advocate for this approach, known as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI): to improve research quality, appropriateness, relevance, and credibility by including patients’ diverse perspectives, and to use PPI to empower patients and democratize research for more equity in research and healthcare. However, while empowerment is a core objective, it is often not clear what is meant by empowerment in the context of PPI in clinical research. This vacancy can lead to insecurities for both patients and researchers and a disconnect between the rhetoric of empowerment in PPI and the reality of its practice in clinical trials. Thus, clarifying the understanding of empowerment within PPI in clinical research is essential to ensure that involvement does not become tokenistic and depletes patients’ capacity to advocate for their rights and needs.

Methods
We explored the historical roots of empowerment, primarily emerging from mid-20th century social movements like feminism and civil rights and reflected the conceptual roots of empowerment from diverse fields to better understand the (potential) role of empowerment in PPI in clinical research including its possibilities and limitations.

Results
Common themes of empowerment in PPI and other fields are participation, challenging power structures, valuing diverse perspectives, and promoting collaboration. On the other hand, themes such as contextual differences in the empowerment objectives, the relationship between empowerment and scientific demands, research expertise, and power asymmetries mark a clear distinction from empowerment in other fields.

Conclusion
PPI offers potential for patient empowerment in clinical trials, even when its primary goal may be research quality. Elements like participation, sharing opinions, and active engagement can contribute to patient empowerment. Nonetheless, some expectations tied to empowerment might not be met within the constraints of clinical research. To empower patients, stakeholders must be explicit about what empowerment means in their research, engage in transparent communication about its realistic scope, and continuously reflect on how empowerment can be fostered and sustained within the research process.
The relationship between HbA1c and the activities of daily living in complex chronic patients with and without intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zheng Ying , Zhan Chenju , Liu Qixi , Chen Chengsheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Associations between HbA1c and adverse outcomes in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke have been confirmed. It is still unclear whether HbA1c is related to the activities of daily living (ADL) score in complex chronic patients (CCP) with and without intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Aim
The associations between HbA1c and ADL (Barthel score) in CCP with ICH and without ICH were evaluated, respectively.

Methods
We have analyzed data from a previous cohort study involving in 3594 CCPs without a ICH history at baseline, who were followed up for 5 years to assess ICH episode.

Results
One hundred sixty-one ICH case were detected in a total of 3594 patients during the period of follow up for 5 years. Our nonlinear analysis suggested positive trends on the association between HBA1c and Barthel score in ICH and non-ICH patients, respectively. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that elevated HbA1c was positively associated with a higher Barthel score among all study population (β = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.59; P < 0.0001) with adjusted age and sex. Among non-ICH patients, increased HbA1c was still positively associated with an increased Barthel score (β = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.58; P < 0.001). However, HbA1c appeared to have no any relationship with Barthel score in ICH patients (β = 1.87, 95% CI: -0.07, 3.82; P = 0.0613) after adjustment for age and sex. By additionally using sensitivity analysis, we still observed that the strong relationship was still existed in non-ICH patients (β = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.24; P < 0.001) but not in ICH patients (β = 1.88, 95% CI: -0.10, 3.86; P = 0.0649).

Conclusion
We observed for the first time that elevated HbA1c is associated with better ADL in CCPs without ICH but not in those with ICH. This interesting discovery contradicts the traditional adverse effects of elevated HbA1c.
Cascade testing in mitochondrial diseases: a cross-sectional retrospective study
Authors: Haque Sameen , Crawley Karen , Schofield Deborah , Shrestha Rupendra , Sue Carolyn M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Cascade testing can offer improved surveillance and timely introduction of clinical management for the at-risk biological relatives. Data on cascade testing and costs in mitochondrial diseases are lacking. To address this gap, we performed a cross-sectional retrospective study to provide a framework for cascade testing in mitochondrial diseases, to estimate the eligibility versus real-time uptake of cascade testing and to evaluate the cost of the genetic diagnosis of index cases and the cost of predictive cascade testing.

Methods
Data was collected through retrospective chart review. The variant inheritance pattern guided the identification of eligible first-degree relatives: (i) Males with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) single nucleotide variants (SNVs) – siblings and mothers. (ii) Females with mtDNA SNVs – siblings, mothers and offspring. (iii) Autosomal Dominant (AD) nuclear DNA (nDNA) variants – siblings, offspring and both parents. (iv) Autosomal Recessive (AR) nDNA variants – siblings.

Results
We recruited 99 participants from the Adult Mitochondrial Disease Clinic in Sydney. The uptake of cascade testing was 55.2% in the mtDNA group, 55.8% in the AD nDNA group and 0% in AR nDNA group. Of the relatives in mtDNA group who underwent cascade testing, 65.4% were symptomatic, 20.5% were oligosymptomatic and 14.1% were asymptomatic. The mean cost of cascade testing for eligible first-degree relatives (mtDNA group: $694.7; AD nDNA group: $899.1) was lower than the corresponding index case (mtDNA group: $4578.4; AD nDNA group: $5715.1) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The demand for cascade testing in mitochondrial diseases varies according to the genotype and inheritance pattern. The real-time uptake of cascade testing can be influenced by multiple factors. Early diagnosis of at-risk biological relatives of index cases through cascade testing, confirms the diagnosis in those who are symptomatic and facilitates implementation of surveillance strategies and clinical care at an early stage of the disease.