bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motivators for family carers of persons with dementia in Kenya
Authors: Musyimi Christine W. , Muyela Levi A. , Ndetei David M. , Thakya Diana , Mutiso Victoria N. , Mutunga Elizabeth , Evans‐Lacko Sara , Farina Nicolas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe number of people with dementia is on the rise in Kenya and across Africa. Although family carers act as the main providers of dementia care in Kenya, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding why family members care for someone with dementia. This study explores perceived drivers of care for people with dementia in a rural Kenyan context.MethodsParticipants were recruited in Makueni County, Kenya. Primary data were derived from a focus group discussion (FGD) and five individual interviews with family carers of people with dementia. To complement interpretation, triangulation occurred through using data from FGDs with healthcare workers and members of the general public. All audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic analysis performed using NVIVO 12.ResultsUsing the Positioning Theory, we sought to generate information pertaining to motivation for becoming a family carer. Five themes emerged from the analysis and included: (i) self‐fulfillment, (ii) familial obligation, (iii) cultural and religious beliefs, (iv) reciprocity, and (v) societal pressures. These themes described the nature of care given to people with dementia, based on what the participants perceived as compelling and/or motivating factors.ConclusionsOur findings describe the unique motivators of family carers for people with dementia in Kenya. The ability to find meaning in the caregiving experience could contribute to development of effective support systems, interventions and policies for dementia carers with the aim of improving the overall quality of dementia care in Kenya.
Hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia in Bangladesh: Evaluating role of physical activity from cross‐sectional STEPS 2018 survey
Authors: Biswas Raaj Kishore , Chowdhury Srizan , Hossain Sorif , Chowdhury Promit Barua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe objective of this study was to assess current condition of three noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)‐diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia and vulnerable cohorts among adults in Bangladesh.MethodsThe STEPwise Approach to the NCD Risk Factor Surveillance survey of 2018 was analyzed to evaluate the association between NCDs and sociodemographic factors, levels of physical activity, and behavioral measurements. Complex survey weight‐adjusted logistic models were fitted.ResultsFrom 6875 samples, prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were 27.3%, 9.8%, and 30.2%, respectively. The prevalence of the three NCDs were higher among older respondents. Low occupational activity with obese‐BMI status people was more prone to NCDs. Lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was observed in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh, whereas lesser diabetes in Khulna region. Likelihood of NCDs were higher among highly educated, urban residents with low physical activity. Lesser physical activity, and lack of weight maintenance were found to be key factors in higher rates of NCDs in Bangladesh.ConclusionGreater education and less strenuous profession led to a higher chance of NCDs. Overall, physical activity and maintenance of weight seem to be factors driving higher rates of NCDs in Bangladesh. As a preventive measure against NCDs, an active lifestyle is to be encouraged, particularly to the most vulnerable cohort.
Nowcasting Norwegian household consumption with debit card transaction data
Authors: Aastveit Knut Are , Fastbø Tuva Marie , Granziera Eleonora , Paulsen Kenneth Sæterhagen , Torstensen Kjersti Næss 
Published: July 2024

SummaryWe use a novel data set covering all domestic debit card transactions in physical terminals by Norwegian households, to nowcast quarterly Norwegian household consumption. These card payments data are not subject to revisions and are available weekly without delays, providing a valuable early indicator of household spending. To account for mixed‐frequency data, we estimate various quantile mixed‐data sampling (QMIDAS) regressions using predictors sampled at monthly and weekly frequency. We evaluate both point and density forecasting performance over the sample 2011Q4–2019Q4. Our results show that MIDAS regressions with debit card transactions data improve both point and density forecast accuracy over competitive standard benchmark models that use alternative high‐frequency predictors. Finally, we illustrate the benefits of using the card payments data by obtaining a timely and relatively accurate nowcast of 2020Q1, a quarter characterized by heightened uncertainty due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. We further show how debit card data have been useful in nowcasting consumption during the four subsequent quarters.
Spray‐pyrolysis synthesis of CuMnO2 with the potential for photoelectrocatalysis
Authors: Martinez Benjamin , Kuo Chun‐Hong , Chiang Ming‐Hsi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAmidst the global endeavor toward sustainable energy sources, photocatalysis appears as a promising gateway toward the production of solar fuels, in particular hydrogen. Hydrogen is currently a crucial reagent for vital industries such as petrol desulfurization, iron reduction and ammonia production, so the decarbonization of its production is a major challenge. CuMnO2 (CMO), a p‐type semiconductor, has been shown to enhance the efficiency of catalysts such as TiO2 for the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting reaction. However, since pure CMO thin films have never been reported, its potential and limitations remain elusive. We used spray pyrolysis as a low‐cost synthesis technique to simplify and accelerate the synthesis of CMO thin films directly on FTO substrates. CMO prepared in this manner exhibits activity toward photoeletrocatalytic water splitting and O2 reduction. The activity has been found to be highly dependent on synthesis conditions, especially on the ratio and volume of precursors.
Exposure–Response Modeling in Adults and Adolescents With Schizophrenia to Support the Extrapolation of Brexpiprazole Efficacy to Adolescents
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi , Rich Benjamin , Gobburu Jogarao V. , Larsen Frank , Raoufinia Arash 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn order to accelerate drug development and avoid unnecessary drug trials in vulnerable pediatric populations, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a general advice letter to sponsors permitting the effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults to be extrapolated to adolescents. Extrapolation is based on the evidence‐based assumptions that (1) disease characteristics and (2) response to therapy, are similar in adults and adolescents. Whereas the FDA validated the extrapolation approach using data from multiple drug development programs, aripiprazole data are the most relevant to confirm the validity of the extrapolation approach for brexpiprazole, since aripiprazole and brexpiprazole both modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling in the brain. The aims of this analysis were (1) to quantitatively assess the aripiprazole exposure (average steady‐state concentration)–response (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score change from baseline) similarity between adults and adolescents with schizophrenia, (2) to extend the aripiprazole exposure–response modeling to brexpiprazole using adult data, and (3) to use the brexpiprazole model to predict schizophrenia symptom response in adolescents. Disease–drug–dropout models were developed using patient‐level data from clinical studies of aripiprazole (1007 adults, 294 adolescents) and brexpiprazole (1235 adults) in schizophrenia. The aripiprazole model demonstrated similar exposure–response between adults and adolescents with schizophrenia, validating the extrapolation approach. Extrapolation of the brexpiprazole adult exposure–response model to adolescents predicted the efficacy of brexpiprazole in adolescents aged 13‐17 years with schizophrenia.
Labetalol Dosing in Pregnancy: PBPK/PD and CYP2C19 Polymorphisms
Authors: Liu Xiaomei I. , Green Dionna J. , van den Anker John , Calderon Joaquin , Ahmadzia Homa , Burckart Gilbert J. , Dallmann André 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs detailed information on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of labetalol in pregnant people are lacking, the aims of this study were: (1) to build a physiologically based PK (PBPK) model of labetalol in non‐pregnant individuals that incorporates different CYP2C19 genotypes (specifically, *1/*1, *1/*2 or *3, *2/*2, and *17/*17); (2) to translate this model to the second and third trimester of pregnancy; and (3) to combine the model with a previously published direct pharmacodynamic (PD) model to predict the blood pressure lowering effect of labetalol in the third trimester. Clinical data for model evaluation was obtained from the scientific literature. In non‐pregnant populations, the mean ratios of simulated versus observed peak concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), and exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve, AUC) were 0.94, 0.82, and 1.16, respectively. The pregnancy PBPK model captured the observed PK adequately, but clearance was slightly underestimated with mean ratios of simulated versus observed Cmax, Tmax, and AUC of 1.28, 1.30, and 1.39, respectively. The results suggested that pregnant people with CYP2C19 *2/*2 alleles have similar labetalol exposure and trough levels compared to non‐pregnant controls, whereas those with other alleles were found to have increased exposure and trough concentrations. Importantly, the pregnancy PBPK/PD model predicted that, despite increased exposure in some genotypes, the blood pressure lowering effect was broadly comparable across all genotypes. In view of the large inter‐individual variability and the potentially increasing blood pressure during pregnancy, patients may need to be closely monitored for achieving optimal therapeutic effects and avoiding adverse events.
Anterior cruciate ligament—Return to sport after injury scale brief version after ACL reconstruction: Persian translation, cross‐cultural adaptation and validation
Authors: Eshraghi Nasim , Mirghaderi Peyman , Omid Reza , Sajadi Mohamad , Pashapour‐Yeganeh Amirreza , Hosseini‐Dolama Reza , Rahimzadeh Payman , Moharrami Alireza , Rakhshan Amir , Javad Mortazavi S. M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the short anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury (ACL‐RSI) (Persian) version's cultural adaption and validity.MethodsTo assess test–retest reliability, 102 participants were filled out the short ACL‐RSI(Per) scale 6 months or more after ACLR surgery. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), construct validity (Pearson's r) and sensitivity (floor/ceiling effect) were determined. In addition, patient completed other relevant measures such as Lysholm scores, the hospital for special surgery ACL satisfaction survey (HSS ACL‐SS), the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and patient's satisfaction, the Tegner activity score (TAS), the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) and the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS).ResultsThe short ACL‐RSI(Per) scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.923). Significant correlations between short ACL‐RSI(Per) and other scales supported validity. There was a statistically significant connection between the short ACL‐RSI(Per) and the following outcomes: HSS ACL‐SS (r = 0.698, p < 0.001), VAS pain (r = 0.356, p < 0.001), CKRS (r = 0.644, p < 0.001), TAS (r = 0414, p < 0.001), Lysholm score (r = 0.467, p < 0.001) and SANE score (r = 0.536; p < 0.001). In addition to a satisfactory ceiling impact (15%), a sizeable floor effect (16.7%) was also seen.ConclusionThe short ACL‐RSI(Per) scale is a reliable and valid tool for assessing psychological readiness for return to sport after ACL reconstruction in Persian.Level of EvidenceIII.
A single gene determines allorecognition in hydrozoan jellyfish Cladonema radiatum inbred lines
Authors: Tang Crystal , Tamura‐Nakano Miwa , Kobayakawa Kenta , Ozawa Takuto , Onojima Takao , Kajitani Rei , Itoh Takehiko , Tachibana Kazunori 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAllorecognition—the ability of an organism to discriminate between self and nonself—is crucial to colonial marine animals to avoid invasion by other individuals in the same habitat. The cnidarian hydroid Hydractinia has long been a major research model in studying invertebrate allorecognition, establishing a rich knowledge foundation. In this study, we introduce a new cnidarian model Cladonema radiatum (C. radiatum). C. radiatum is a hydroid jellyfish which also forms polyp colonies interconnected with stolons. Allorecognition responses—fusion or regression of stolons—are observed when stolons encounter each other. By transmission electron microscopy, we observe rapid tissue remodeling contributing to gastrovascular system connection in fusion. Meanwhile, rejection responses are regulated by reconstruction of the chitinous exoskeleton perisarc, and induction of necrotic and autophagic cellular responses at cells in contact with the opponent. Genetic analysis identifies allorecognition genes: six Alr genes located on the putative allorecognition complex and four immunoglobulin superfamily genes on a separate genome region. C. radiatum allorecognition genes show notable conservation with the Hydractinia Alr family. Remarkedly, stolon encounter assays of inbred lines reveal that genotypes of Alr1 solely determine allorecognition outcomes in C. radiatum.
Therapeutic effect of Momordica charantia on cardiomyopathy in a diabetic maternal rat model
Authors: Elnahas Shaimaa M. , Mansour Hend Abd El‐Halim , El‐Sawi Mamdouh R. , Abou‐El‐Naga Amoura M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMyocardial structural and functional abnormalities are hallmarks of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a chronic consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Maternal DM affects and increases the risk of heart defects in diabetic mothers compared with nondiabetic mothers. Momordica charantia exhibits antidiabetic effects due to various bioactive compounds that are phytochemicals, a broad group that includes phenolic compounds, alkaloids, proteins, steroids, inorganic compounds, and lipids. Pregnant maternal rats were split into four groups: control (C), M. charantia‐treated (MC), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (DM), and diabetic (MC + DM) groups. Diabetes mothers had increased serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Cardiac biomarkers such as cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase‐myocardial band (CK‐MB), and lactate dehydrogenase were increased. Hormone levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estrogen decreased significantly. Inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) were elevated in diabetic mothers. Oxidative stress markers indicated increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, while antioxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were decreased in maternal heart tissue. The levels of apoptotic markers such as tumor suppressor 53 (P53) and cysteine aspartic protease‐3 (caspase‐3) were significantly greater in diabetic maternal heart tissue. Histopathological analysis revealed heart tissue abnormalities in diabetic maternal rats. M. charantia extract improved maternal diabetes‐induced changes in inflammation, antioxidant levels, and heart tissue structure.
Significance of acupuncture treatment for medical staff with low back pain: A case report
Authors: Masuda Takuya , Egawa Kenichiro , Takeshita Yu , Tanaka Koitchiro 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 24‐year‐old female nurse with a 4‐month history of low back pain (LBP) was treated with acupuncture because of difficulty to her working. At the first presentation, the numerical rating scale (NRS) value was 7. After 2 weeks, the NRS value improved to 2–3, and she could bend over better, including when working night shifts. After 4 months, the NRS value remained at 1–2 so her relocating or leaving of absence from the ICU department was avoided. Acupuncture treatment for medical staff with LBP could relieve their pain and improve decreased clinical performance in hospitals or clinics.
Fungal community and toxigenic taxa in chestnut fruits in postharvest conditioning process and storage
Authors: Bastianelli Giorgia , Morales‐Rodriguez Carmen , Thomidis Thomas , Vannini Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDChestnut fruit quality is affected by fungal contamination. The study of the patterns of contamination in the postharvest is crucial to individuate the critical phases and propose solutions. To understand how fungal colonization varies on fruits, the composition of mycobiota was investigated in postharvest handling and in between tissues (shell and kernel).RESULTSFungal sequences were clustered into 308 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Biodiversity was higher in shell than kernel tissues. Results evidenced the risk of new contamination in specific phases such as the ‘cold bath’ and storage. Genera known as mycotoxin producers were detected in all phases. Specifically, 47 OTUs belonging to Penicillium, eight to Fusarium and two to Aspergillus genera were identified. While Fusarium spp. was sensitive to ‘warm bath’ phase, Penicillium spp. was largely insensitive and accumulated in storage conditions. Surprisingly, Aspergillus spp. was poorly represented. Aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins and T‐2/HT‐2 detection was performed for shell and kernel, and process phases. Higher contamination was observed on shell than in kernel samples. While aflatoxins were within the European Union (EU) limits for dry fruits, Ochratoxin exceeded the EU limits. The present study represents the first report of fumonisins and T‐2/HT‐2 detection in chestnuts.CONCLUSIONFungal contamination taxa is high in chestnut fruits following postharvest handling and storage. A parametrization of process phases such as the ‘warm bath’ is functional to reduce the risk for some taxa. For other spoilage and mycotoxigenic genera strict sanitation procedures of equipment and water must be individuated and implemented to reduce their impact. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Functional Status Predicts Delay to Radiation in Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mangan Andrew R. , Cotton Kenzo M. , Gardner James Reed , Shay Aryan , Farsi Soroush , Ross Noah B. , King Deanne , Sunde Jumin , Vural Emre , Moreno Mauricio Alejandro 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveEvaluate the effect of functional status and patient factors on delays in treatment with adjuvant therapy.MethodsRetrospective chart review (2020–2022) was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. Data were collected between January 2020 and October 2022, and 63 patients underwent free flap reconstructive surgery of the head and neck due to the presence of cancer and received adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). The main outcomes measured were Area Deprivation Index (ADI), Beale scores, distance to radiation center, functional status, patient demographics, gender, and length from surgery to initiation of RT.ResultsOf the 63 patients who were reviewed, the average age was 65.5 years old and 63.8% were male. The average ADI state score was 5.6 and the national percentile of 77.1. The average Beale score was 3.7. The average distance traveled was 101.1 miles. Thirty‐five patients were living independently, 16 were living in assisted living or received home care, and 15 were dependent or lived in a nursing home. Mann–Whitney U analysis revealed a significant association of increasing levels of dependence to delays in treatment compared to on‐time treatment (p = 0.002). The odds of treatment delay were increased almost 10‐fold for every additional increase in dependency level (OR = 9.87, 95% CI = 1.42–68.83).Conclusions and RelevanceDegree of dependent functional status correlates with delays in postoperative adjuvant RT in patients undergoing free tissue transfer for head and neck cancer. Preoperative risk stratification allows for physicians to address barriers to adjuvant therapy prior to delay.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:4979–4984, 2024
Strain‐dependent and host genotype–dependent priority effects in gut microbiome assembly affect host fitness in Daphnia
Authors: Gurung Aditi , Mukherjee Shinjini , Declercq Maj , Souffreau Caroline , De Meester Luc 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe arrival order of species can strongly influence the early assembly of ecological communities. Such events, known as priority effects, are documented in various ecological settings, but remain understudied within the context of the gut microbiome. Given the fundamental link between the gut microbiome and host health, exploring the potential role of priority effects in shaping the assembly and development of microbial communities within the gut becomes imperative. Using the freshwater planktonic crustacean Daphnia magna as a model system, we manipulated the immigration order of three bacterial strain pairs in two germ‐free genotypes and quantified gut microbiome composition and host fitness at two time points, namely day 8 and day 12. Priority effects were observed; however, their presence, amplitude, and direction (suppressive or facilitative) were found to be contingent on the identity of bacterial strain and host genotype. These findings were accompanied by notable differences in Daphnia life history traits across inoculation order treatments, shedding light on the tangible consequences of priority effects triggered by the sequence of bacterial strain arrival in the gut environment, for host fitness. Our results thus highlight the complex nature of priority effects in gut community assembly, their strain/genotype specificity, and their potential impact on the host.