bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of variants in AGTR1, ACE, MTHFR genes with microalbuminuria and risk factors for the onset of diabetic nephropathy in adolescents with type 1 diabetes in the population of Serbia
Authors: Kovacevic Smiljka , Zdravkovic Vera , Blagojevic Jelena , Djordjevic Stefan , Miolski Jelena , Gasic Vladimir , Jelovac Marina , Ugrin Milena , Pavlovic Sonja , Jesic Maja 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Genetic studies may provide valuable information about patients who are at high risk of developing diabetes nephropathy. Before the appearance of albuminuria, there are genetic mutations that can predispose the development of kidney disease.

Material and methods
The study included 130 adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of microalbuminuria. This study was performed to examine clinical and laboratory differences between adolescents with type 1 diabetes with and without microalbuminuria and the distribution of the ACE, AGTR1, and MTHFR gene polymorphisms.

Results
The mean microalbuminuria in the first group 6.41±7.35 significantly differs from the second group 0.82±0.48 (p<0.001). HbA1c, 24-hour proteinuria, and day-time systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the MA group (p<0.05). Smaller systolic blood pressure percentage nocturnal decline was observed in the microalbuminuric group (p 0.030). The frequencies of the ACE DD, ID, and II genotypes were 12.5%, 50.0%, and 37.5%, respectively, among T1D patients with MA, and 19.3%, 56.1%, 24.6%, in the control group without MA (P = .510). The frequencies of the AGTR1 AA, AC, and CC genotypes were 62.5%, 25.0%, and 12.5% among TID patients with MA, and 49.1%, 43.9%, 8.0%, in the group without MA (p 0.326). The frequencies of the MTHFR CC, CT and TT genotypes were 37.5%, 50.0%, 12.5% among TID patients with MA, and 37.7%, 45.6%, 16.7% in the group without MA (p 0.901).

Conclusion
Our data suggest that common variants in the AGTR1, ACE, and MTHFR genes are not strongly associated with diabetic nephropathy in our patients with type 1 diabetes.
Agenda-setting in the clinical encounter: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Sierpe Ailyn , Yen Renata W. , Stevens Gabrielle , Van Citters Aricca D. , Elwyn Glyn , Saunders Catherine H. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Agenda-setting is a collaborative communication strategy used by a clinician before or at the start of a clinical encounter to work together with the patient to “elicit, propose, and organize” topics to be discussed during the encounter. While clinical visit agenda-setting has been acknowledged as an important element of patient-centered communication, the effectiveness of agenda-setting interventions in improving healthcare outcomes is unclear. To our knowledge, no systematic review has examined clinical visit agenda-setting interventions.

Methods and analysis
The primary aim of the systematic review will be to assess the effects of agenda-setting interventions on outcomes relating to the clinical encounter itself, patients, and clinicians, as well as any other study-specified outcomes. Our secondary aims will be to examine the characteristics and delivery attributes of agenda-setting interventions, as well as how agenda-setting has been operationalized and measured. We will search selected databases (APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE via PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) and gray literature from inception until date of search. All studies comparing a clinical visit agenda-setting intervention with either usual care or another agenda-setting intervention will be included. Two independent reviewers will complete article screening and data extraction, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. We will assess all studies’ methodological quality and the quality of their evidence using standardized criteria. If a sufficient number of studies report the same outcomes, we will pool their results and perform a meta-analysis of those outcomes. We will also synthesize all results qualitatively, regardless of whether we are able to complete a meta-analysis.

PROSPERO registration number
CRD42023468045
HIV self-testing: A highly acceptable and feasible strategy for reconnecting street adolescents with HIV screening and prevention services in Togo (The STADOS study)
Authors: Sadio Arnold Junior , Kouanfack Harold Régis , Konu Rodion Yao , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi Adjidossi , Azialey Gagnon Kwami , Gounon Herbert Kokou , Tchankoni Martin Kouame , Amenyah-Ehlan Amivi Phyllis , Dagnra Anoumou Claver , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
HIV self-testing is a complementary screening strategy that could facilitate access to HIV care services for street adolescents. The objectives of this study were to assess the acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing and their associated factors, to estimate HIV prevalence among street adolescents in Togo, and to describe the sexual behavior of this population.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2021 and May 2022 in Lomé and Kara (Togolese cities with the highest number of street adolescents). Street adolescents aged 13–19 years were included. An oral HIV self-test (OraQuick®) was used. Acceptability was defined as the proportion of adolescents who completed the test, and feasibility was defined as the proportion of adolescents who reported a test with a valid result. An HIV serological test was performed for all participants. A weighted logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with the acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing.

Results
A total of 432 street adolescents (12.3% female) with a median age of 15 years, interquartile range (IQR) [14–17], were included in this study. Of the 231 sexually active adolescents, only 30.3% (n = 70) reported having used a condom during their last sexual intercourse. HIV self-test was offered to a sub-sample of 294 street adolescents. Acceptability was 96.6% (284/294), (95%CI = [93.8–98.3]) and feasibility 98.9% (281/284), (95%CI = [97.0–100.0]). Being 16 years of age or older (aOR = 28.84; p<0.001) was associated with HIV self-test acceptability. Reporting drug abuse (aOR = 0.47; p = 0.020) was negatively associated to acceptability. Having an educational level at least equivalent to secondary school was associated to HIV self-testing feasibility (aOR = 3.92; p = 0.040). Self-test results were correctly interpreted by 98.6% of street adolescents. HIV prevalence was estimated at 0.9% (95%CI [0.4–2.4]).

Conclusion
HIV self-testing is acceptable and feasible among street adolescents, a population at high risk of HIV infection in Togo. The provision of HIV self-testing kits, coupled with condom distribution, represents an opportunity to improve access to HIV care services.
The War of Resistance Against Japan in PRC’s School Textbooks (1949–1982)
Authors: Yang Chan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of the War of Resistance Against Japan in the school history textbooks of the People’s Republic of China from 1949 to 1982, prior to the 1982 Textbook Incident. It starts by outlining the core narrative of the War of Resistance as depicted in these textbooks over the given period. Subsequently, the paper analyzes the shifts and continuities in this narrative over the designated period. Subsequently, it concludes that the Chinese Communist Party regime exhibited a preference for portraying the war as a tragically heroic struggle led by the party. Furthermore, it argues that both the War of Resistance itself and its tragic elements played significant roles in the regime’s endeavors in nation-building prior to 1982.
Strategies to verify equimolar peptide release in mass spectrometry-based protein quantification exemplified for apolipoprotein(a)
Authors: van der Burgt Yuri E.M. , Romijn Fred P.H.T.M. , Treep Maxim M. , Ruhaak L. Renee , Cobbaert Christa M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Quantitative protein mass spectrometry (MS) is ideally suited for precision diagnostics and for reference standardization of protein analytes. At the Leiden Apolipoprotein Reference Laboratory we apply MS strategies to obtain detailed insight into the protein-to-peptide conversion in order to verify that quantifier peptides are not partly concealed in miscleaved protein backbone.

Methods
Apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) was digested in a non-optimal manner to enhance the number of miscleaved peptides that were identified by high resolution liquid chromatography tandem-MS measurements. The protein-to-peptide conversion was carefully mapped with specific attention for miscleaved peptides that contain an apo(a) quantifier peptide. Four different isotopologues of each apo(a)-quantifier peptide were applied to evaluate linearity of internal peptide standards during measurement of specific real-life samples.

Results
Two apo(a) quantifier peptides that were concealed in two different miscleaved peptides were included into a multiple reaction monitoring list in our targeted MS-based apo(a) quantifications to alert for potential protein digestion discrepancies. The presence of miscleaved peptides could be ruled out when applying our candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for apo(a) quantification.

Conclusions
These data further corroborate the validity of our apo(a) candidate RMP as higher order method for certification of commercial Lp(a) tests that is endorsed by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. MS-based molecular detection and quantification of heterogeneous apo(a) proteoforms will allow manufacturers’ transitioning from confounded lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] mass levels into accurate molar apo(a) levels.
Tensile strength of friction stir additive manufactured laminated AA 6061/TiC/GS composites
Authors: Maurya Manish , Maurya Ambrish , Kumar Sudhir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
With the fast progress of industrial manufacturing, friction stir additive manufacturing has fascinated wide-ranging consideration in the industry due to high material consumption rate. Friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM), a newly developed solid-phase additive manufacturing technique was employed to fabricate AA6061/TiC/GS composite. The process parameters like tool rotational speed, transverse speed, tool tilt angle and type of tools used in friction stir additive manufacturing were analyzed. Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array and ANOVA method was used to find the optimum process parameters for the tensile strength. Development characteristics of stirred zone, recrystallization and mixing of reinforced particles will significantly improve the mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. Microstructural investigation and fractography was done by using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Corrosion, wear behavior and elemental analysis through EDS was also performed for the fabricated material. The maximum tensile strength of 385.74 MPa was attained under optimal parameters of the tool rotational speed 1,200 rpm, transverse speed 55 mm min−1, and tool tilt angle of 1° for scrolled tapered octagonal tool pin. The findings of the linear regression model showed a minor variance between model and experimental values. Prominent results of the experiment were compared by few other researcher’s findings working in similar area.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3/AZ61 Mg alloy surface composite developed using friction stir processing and groove reinforcement filling processes
Authors: Ashokkumar Mohankumar , Sonar Tushar , Thirugnanasambandam Arunkumar , Vignesh Packkirisamy , Ivanov Mikhail 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this work, the alumina (Al2O3) particles-reinforced AZ61 magnesium (Mg) alloy surface composite was fabricated using friction stir processing (FSP) and groove reinforcement filling methods. The Mg alloy surface composites were developed with and without the addition of Al2O3 reinforcing particles, and their mechanical performance was compared with each other and with unprocessed base metal (BM). The Al2O3 powder was compressed into a groove of 4.5 mm depth that had been created in AZ61 Mg alloy plates. The volume fraction of Al2O3 powder was increased to 5, 10, and 15 vol.% depending on the width of the groove. Results disclosed that the problem of cluster formation of reinforcing Al2O3 particles was minimized by performing FSP in five number of passes. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness of AZ61 Mg alloy were enhanced by 6.07 % and 22.23 % when it was subjected to FSP. This is primarily correlated to the significant refining of grains due to the severe plastic deformation associated with FSP. The 15 vol.%-FSPed Al2O3/AZ61 Mg alloy surface composite showed a higher UTS of 630 MPa and hardness of 300 HV. This is due to the integration of a greater quantity of Al2O3 particles with substantial grain refining.
Features of Proteus mirabilis clinical isolates and genetic relations inside the group
Authors: Yaseen H. S. , Thweni Q. N. , Jassim Z. M. 
Published: October 2024

Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium causing urinary tract infections and exhibiting multidrug resistance, poses challenges in treatment and infection control. Molecular typing methods aid in understanding genetic diversity and relationships among isolates. Repetitive Intergenic Consensus ERIC-PCR and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) are considered some of the rapid and simple genetic tests. The aim of the current study was to determine the differential ability of RAPD and ERIC-PCR in biotyping P. mirabilis isolated from clinical samples. This study was conducted in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq, between 2023 and 2024. A total of 189 samples were collected from wounds, burns, stools, and urine from patients hospitalized in several hospitals in the city of Diwaniyah (Iraq). From these samples, twenty isolates of P. mirabilis were isolated and initially diagnosed using biochemical tests. Then the diagnosis was confirmed using the VITEK system 2. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics was assessed using the VITEK system 2, then an examination of the bacteria’s ability to produce biofilm was performed, following which the genomic DNA was extracted from the bacteria, and the ERIC and RAPD tests were performed. The differential ability of RAPD and ERIC-PCR was evaluated based on the Simpson's Index of Diversity (SID). The results revealed high multidrug resistance prevalence (55%) while a smaller number of isolates displayed resistance to either one (15%) or two (25%) antibiotic classes. There was only one susceptible isolate (5%). Biofilm-forming capabilities showed negative biofilm formation (30%), weakened positive (25%), moderate positive (30%), finally strong positive was exhibited in 3 isolates (15%). ERIC-PCR demonstrated high differentiation ability between bacterial isolates in the current study compared to RAPD-PCR. Notably, significant associations were found between biofilm formation categories with ERIC-PCR clusters, and between sample sources with ERIC-PCR clusters. This highlights ERIC-PCR's potential for epidemiological investigations and infection control of P. mirabilis.
Molecular identification of some virulence genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from different clinical cases
Authors: Alnaqeeb S. T. , Gergees S. G. 
Published: October 2024

The aim of this work was to acquire a better understanding of the molecular epidemiological aspects of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Iraq, which is critical for the prevention and management of K. pneumoniae infection and transmission. Two genes involved in antibiotic resistance, blaTEM and blaSHV, were detected. Results showed that 100% of the isolates exhibited both blaTEM and blaSHV, which suggests that both genes are carried on the same plasmid due to the fact that they were presented in all isolates. The presence of wzi, a gene required for capsular polysaccharide, and rmpA, a capsule synthesis accelerator, was detected in all Klebsiella isolates, indicating the importance of both genes in antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae and demonstrating that all Klebsiella strains under study are polysaccharide producers and thus may be strong biofilm producers. This study reveals that the clinical isolates randomly selected were highly pathogenic which is considered a threat to health providers in Iraq.
Church music degree programmes at the University of Catholic Church Music and Music Education (HfKM) Regensburg (Germany). The history of an unusual university
Authors: Hönerlage Christoph 
Published: October 2024

The Regensburg University of Catholic Church Music and Music Education (HfKM), founded in 1874 as the Regensburg School of Church Music by Franz Xaver Haberl, is the world’s oldest Catholic institution for church music. With international significance from its inception, the institution was officially affiliated with the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra in Rome in 1962. In 1973, it was transformed into an academy and, in 2001, the HfKM was formally established. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's programs in Church Music, Gregorian Chant, and New Sacred Music, emphasizing both artistic and pedagogical training. The curriculum prepares students not only for liturgical and pastoral responsibilities but also for broader cultural roles. Students gain expertise in areas such as Gregorian chant, choir conducting, and organ performance. HfKM maintains close ties with the church, combining artistic training with liturgical practice. This comprehensive education equips students for significant roles in both church and society, ensuring church music’s contribution to religious and cultural life.
Reverse myocardial remodeling according to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation receiving dapagliflozin
Authors: Saipudinova K. M. , Uskach T. M. , Sharia M. A. , Ustyuzhanin D. V. , Tereshchenko S. N. 
Published: October 2024

Aim. To determine the effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac remodeling parameters and left ventricular mass according to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods. The study included 60 patients with HF and AF receiving triple therapy for heart failure for at least 3 months, which were divided into two groups. Patients in the first group (1) were prescribed dapagliflozin, while patients in the second group (2) formed the comparison group. The study analyzed the following cardiac remodeling parameters and left ventricular (LV) mass measured using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 6 months.Results. Dapagliflozin led to a significant increase in LVEF from 29±6 (27-31) to 37±9 (33-40)% (p<0,001), and a decrease in the volumetric and linear dimensions of the LV and left atrium as follows: end-diastolic dimension from 70 (64-73) to 63 (60-70) mm (p<0,001), end-systolic dimension from 55±7 (52-58) to 50±7 (47-52) mm (p<0,003), end-diastolic volume from 239±50 (220-258) to 207±43 ml/m2 (191-223) (p<0,001), end-systolic volume from 170±40 (155-185) to 140±33 ml/m2 (p<0,001), left atrium from 48±5 (46-49) to 44±6 (42-46) mm (p<0,001), and a decrease in LV mass from 156,5 (130-180) to 109 (98-145) g (p=0,001).Conclusion. In patients with HF with reduced LVEF and AF, dapagli­flozin therapy promotes reverse myocardial remodeling processes and increases cardiac contractility.
Typical profile of a patient with atrial fibrillation in the Russian population based on medical registries. A systematic review
Authors: Stepina E. V. , Martsevich S. Yu. , Lukyanov M. M. , Navasardyan A. R. , Merkusheva L. I. , Okshina E. Yu. , Drapkina O. M. 
Published: October 2024

Aim. To compare clinical and anamnestic characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) included in three large international stu­dies assessing the efficacy and safety of therapy with direct oral anti­coagu­lants, with the profile of a typical Russian patient with AF in clinical practi­ce, established by medical registries in the Russian Federation (RF).Material and methods. A systematic review of scientific publications was con­ducted. The search was conducted in the E-library and Google Scholar databases. Publications from 8 registries of patients with AF, con­ducted in the Russian Federation from 2012 to 2023, were found, which present the clinical and anamnestic characteristics of patients. All studies included in the analysis meet the generally accepted require­ments for medical registries. The systematic review protocol was pre­viously recorded in the PROSPERO electronic database (CRD42024512425).Results. A Russian patient with AF is a patient with a large number of cardiovascular pathologies and a high risk of thromboembolic events. According to the analysis, Russian patient with AF has an average age of ~70 years. Most patients have a diagnosis of hypertension, heart failure, while from one third to half of patients have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. From 20 to 30% of patients have a history of myocardial infarction and every fifth patient has type 2 diabetes.Conclusion. In all countries around the world, including the Russian Fe­deration, for many years, medical registries have been one of the main sources of information on the characteristics of patients with AF and the disease course. They can supplement the available data from randomized clinical trials with real-world data. Comparison of clinical and anamnestic characteristics of patients in randomized clinical trials of direct oral anticoagulants with characteristics of patients in the Russian registries shows that patients included in the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K An­tagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fib­rillation (ROCKET AF trial) were most similar to Russian patients with AF.
Audit of compliance to recommended antibiotics prescription guidelines in the management of community-acquired pneumonia in a children's outpatient clinic, in Portharcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Onubogu Uchenna C. , Amaewhule Obuoma U. , Amadi Ijeoma N. , Leechi-Okere Chineye C. 
Published: October 2024

Background: The Paediatric Association of Nigeria produced a guideline for managing and diagnosing community-acquired pneumonia. This study aims to assess compliance with the recommended antibiotics prescriptions.
Methods: A prospective review of the folders of children who presented with cough symptoms in the children's general outpatient clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Their biodata, clinical examination findings, prior antibiotics exposure, and consult outcome were retrieved and analyzed.
Results: A total 253 children with a median age of 3 years were studied from June to September 2022. No pneumonia was seen in 128 (50.6%), while 93 (36.8%) had various severity of Pneumonia. Antibiotics had been taken by 55 (21.7%) of the children before presentation. Antibiotics were prescribed in 210 (83.0%) of all the consultations for symptoms of cough. The antibiotic prescription rate for children with No pneumonia was 108 (84.4%), Pneumonia was 77 (88.5%) and severe pneumonia was 5 (83.3%). Cephalosporins were the most common type of antibiotics prescribed for Pneumonia and severe pneumonia at a rate of 52.6% and 57.1% respectively. The overall compliance rate with the PAN recommendations for antibiotic treatment guidelines was 42.5%. Children with No pneumonia significantly had higher odds of being managed with prescriptions that were not in line with the recommendation (OR;25.4, 95% CI:12.2,52.7, p<0.05). The highest type of Noncompliance was prescribing antibiotics where it was not indicated 109 (85.8%).
Conclusions: Compliance with PAN recommendations for antibiotics treatment in community-acquired pneumonia is suboptimal. While the production of guidelines is excellent in standardizing health care, more work is needed to ensure these guidelines are utilized.