bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International education hubs: A comparative study of China's Greater Bay Area and established hubs
Authors: Liu Liu , Coates Hamish 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study explores development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as it aspires to become a leading international education hub, set against the backdrop of established hubs in Malaysia, Qatar and the San Francisco Bay Area. Through a comparative analysis grounded in an adapted George Keller framework, the research investigates the internal and external dynamics influencing the internationalization strategies of these regions. The findings highlight the critical role of leveraging unique regional identities, navigating global trends alongside local adaptations and prioritizing collaboration over competition. Interviews with experts within the GBA provide formative insights into the necessary steps for advancing its internationalization, including the need for a unified regional strategy, addressing systemic and policy barriers and fostering a unique cultural identity. The study contributes to both theoretical and policy discourses on higher education internationalization by offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and analysing strategic development in emerging education hubs. It underscores the importance of adaptive strategies that are responsive to global educational trends, rooted in local strengths and geared towards fostering collaborative, innovative ecosystems. The GBA's journey towards internationalization exemplifies the challenges and opportunities faced by new entrants in the global education arena, providing valuable lessons for other regions with similar aspirations.
Triglyceride‐glucose index and clinical outcomes in sepsis: A retrospective cohort study of MIMIC‐IV
Authors: Cao Yan , He Liudang , Su Yingjie , Luo Ju , Ding Ning 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough accumulating researches were done for investigating the relationship between triglyceride‐glucose index (TyG index) and different diseases, none of the researches have been made in sepsis yet. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between TyG index and clinical outcomes in sepsis based on a large critical care public database. Sepsis patients in Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC‐IV) Database were included. The exposure was TyG index, which was calculated by the equation: ln (TG (mg/dL) × FBG (mg/dL)/2). The outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and 1‐year mortality. The relationship between TyG index and outcomes was performed by Cox regression analysis. Smooth fitting curves were constructed by using generalized additive model. Kaplan–Meier analyses for cumulative hazard of 1‐year mortality in different groups were done. 1103 sepsis patients were included with a median TyG index of 9.78. The mortalities of in‐hospital and 1‐year were 37.53% (n = 414) and 42.25% (n = 466), respectively. After adjusting confounders, there was a significantly negative relationship between TyG index and mortalities of in‐hospital and 1‐year. With the per unit increment in TyG index, the risk of in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality both decreased by 21% (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66–0.94, p = 0.0086 and HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66–0.94, p = 0.0080, respectively). A negative relationship between TyG index and clinical outcomes in sepsis was found.
Analysis of neutrophil extracellular trap‐related genes in Crohn's disease based on bioinformatics
Authors: Chen Libin , Ai Feiyan , Wu Xing , Yu Wentao , Jin Xintong , Ma Jian , Xiang Bo , Shen Shourong , Li Xiayu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCrohn's disease (CD) presents with diverse clinical phenotypes due to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Its global incidence is on the rise. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks released by neutrophils that capture microbicidal proteins and oxidases targeting pathogens. Research has shown that NETs are implicated in the pathogenesis of several immune‐mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel disease. The goal of this study was to identify a panel of NET‐related genes to construct a diagnostic and therapeutic model for CD. Through analysis of the GEO database, we identified 1950 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CD. Gene enrichment and immune cell infiltration analyses indicate that neutrophil infiltrates and chemokine‐related pathways are predominantly involved in CD, with other immune cells such as CD4 and M1 macrophages also playing a role in disease progression. Utilizing weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, we identified six hub genes (SPP1, SOCS3, TIMP1, IRF1, CXCL2 and CD274). To validate the accuracy of our model, we performed external validation with statistical differences(p < 0.05). Additionally, immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated higher protein expression of the hub genes in colonic tissues from CD patients compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). In summary, we identified six effective hub genes associated with NETs as potential diagnostic markers for CD. These markers not only offer targets for future research but also hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for CD.
Gait performance in older adults across the cognitive spectrum: Results from the GAIT cohort
Authors: Ali Pauline , Renaud Pauline , Montero‐Odasso Manuel , Gautier Jennifer , Dinomais Mickaël , Annweiler Cédric 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundGait performance can provide valuable insights into cognitive functioning in older adult and may be used to screen for cognitive impairment. However, the optimal test condition and spatiotemporal parameter for accuracy have not yet been determined. This study aims to determine the gait measure with the highest accuracy identifying cognitive decline.MethodsA total of 711 participants were recruited, including 332 cognitively healthy individuals, 264 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 115 with dementia, with a mean age of 72 years (interquartile range 69–76), and 43% (n = 307) of women. The participants underwent gait assessment in three different conditions, including a single task and dual tasks of counting backward by ones and naming animals.ResultsGait performance was deteriorated as cognitive impairment progressed. The gait test performed during naming animals condition was the most accurate in differentiating between cognitive groups. Specifically, the naming animals gait speed was more accurate in discriminating control participants from those with cognitive impairment (area under the curve [AUC] = 76.9% for MCI and 99.7% for people with dementia with control group as reference). The coefficient of stride length variability while naming animals was the most effective parameter in discriminating between MCI and dementia groups (AUC = 96.7%).ConclusionsThe naming animals dual‐task gait test can be a valuable assessment for screening cognitive impairment in older adults, regardless of their cognitive abilities. The test is useful in clinical settings for subjects with a range of cognitive profiles.
Characterization of the circulating markers of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system in telmisartan‐ or enalapril‐treated dogs with proteinuric chronic kidney disease
Authors: Murdoch Joanna E. , Lourenço Bianca N. , Berghaus Roy D. , Ames Marisa K. , Hammond Hillary K. , Coleman Amanda E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundEffects of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors enalapril and telmisartan on circulating RAAS in dogs with proteinuric chronic kidney disease (pCKD) are undescribed.ObjectivesTo characterize the RAAS in untreated dogs with pCKD compared to healthy, life‐stage‐ and sex‐matched controls, and in dogs with pCKD after 30 days of treatment with enalapril or telmisartan.AnimalsDogs with pCKD (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 20).MethodsRetrospective study of banked samples and previously collected data. Day 0 serum equilibrium concentrations of angiotensin I, II, III, IV, 1‐5, and 1‐7, and aldosterone, and urinary aldosterone‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) from pCKD dogs were compared to values on day 30 of treatment with enalapril (0.5 mg/kg PO q12) or telmisartan (1 mg/kg PO q24h) and to those of healthy dogs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models.ResultsCompared with healthy dogs, pCKD dogs had significantly higher Ang I, III, 1‐5, and 1‐7 concentrations, and UACR. Relative to pretreatment values, day 30 Ang II concentrations were significantly increased and decreased in telmisartan‐ and enalapril‐treated pCKD dogs, respectively (both P < .001). Mean (95% confidence interval) percentage change from pretreatment value in serum Ang 1‐7 concentration was significantly greater in telmisartan‐ (753% [489%‐1134%]) versus enalapril‐treated (149% [69%‐268%]) dogs (P < .001). Serum aldosterone decreased with treatment (P = .02 for enalapril, P < .001 for telmisartan), with no difference between groups at day 30.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCirculating RAAS activity is higher in dogs with pCKD. Compared with enalapril, treatment with telmisartan caused significantly greater increases in the presumed beneficial peptide Ang 1‐7.
Critical care nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards using ventilator waveform monitoring to detect patient–ventilator asynchrony: A cross‐sectional online survey
Authors: Mohamed Farida Khalil Ibrahim , Ghoneam Mohamed Adel , Abdelaliem Sally Mohammed Farghaly , Abdelgawad Mohamed Ezzelregal 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatient–ventilator asynchrony (PVA) is a condition that commonly affects patients who are mechanically ventilated. PVA happens when the patient's own breathing effort and the ventilator preset settings are out of sync. Ventilator waveform monitoring is viewed as a difficult undertaking, even for experienced practitioners, despite being a non‐invasive and reliable tool for diagnosing PVA.AimTo assess the knowledge levels and attitudes of critical care nurses (CCNs) regarding the use of ventilator waveform monitoring to detect PVA.Study DesignA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted in three intensive care units (ICUs) in Alexandria, Egypt. The questionnaire consisted of four parts to evaluate CCNs’ level of knowledge and attitude regarding ventilator waveform monitoring and assess their ability to detect PVA.ResultsOf the 137 CCNs approached, 101 CCNs completed the survey, resulting in a 73.7% response rate. Most nurses (88.1%) demonstrated poor knowledge levels and negative attitudes (93.1%) towards using waveform monitoring to detect PVA. A significant relationship was found between nurses' knowledge of ventilator waveform monitoring and their participation in previous training programmes on mechanical ventilation (MV; p = .031). Additionally, nurses' attitudes towards ventilator waveform monitoring were significantly associated with their level of education (p = .002) and attendance in previous courses on waveform analysis (p = .020).ConclusionsA majority of CCNs have poor knowledge and negative attitudes regarding ventilator waveform monitoring. Previous training in MV and attendance courses on ventilator waveform analysis showed a significant correlation between nurses' level of knowledge and attitudes regarding ventilator waveform monitoring.Relevance to Clinical PracticeAssessment of CCNs’ knowledge and attitudes regarding ventilator waveform monitoring for detecting patient–ventilator asynchrony (PVA) informs the development of future educational programmes, ultimately aiding in the delivery of prompt and high‐quality care.
Genomic insights into the modifications of spike morphology traits during wheat breeding
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Yu Rui , Shen Liping , Sun Mengjing , Peng Yanchun , Zeng Qingdong , Shen Kuocheng , Yu Xuchang , Wu He , Ye Botao , Wang Ziying , Sun Zhiweng , Liu Danning , Sun Xiaohui , Zhang Zhiliang , Dong Jiayu , Dong Jing , Han Dejun , He Zhonghu , Hao Yuanfeng , Wu Jianhui , Guo Zifeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOver the past century, environmental changes have significantly impacted wheat spike morphology, crucial for adaptation and grain yield. However, the changes in wheat spike modifications during this period remain largely unknown. This study examines 16 spike morphology traits in 830 accessions released from 1900 to 2020. It finds that spike weight, grain number per spike (GN), and thousand kernel weight have significantly increased, while spike length has no significant change. The increase in fertile spikelets is due to fewer degenerated spikelets, resulting in a higher GN. Genome‐wide association studies identified 49,994 significant SNPs, grouped into 293 genomic regions. The accumulation of favorable alleles in these genomic regions indicates the genetic basis for modification in spike morphology traits. Genetic network analysis of these genomic regions reveals the genetic basis for phenotypic correlations among spike morphology traits. The haplotypes of the identified genomic regions display obvious geographical differentiation in global accessions and environmental adaptation over the past 120 years. In summary, we reveal the genetic basis of adaptive evolution and the interactions of spike morphology, offering valuable resources for the genetic improvement of spike morphology to enhance environmental adaptation.
Cardiovascular Risk in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Hamamoto Fernando Kazuaki , do Carmo Franco Maria , Jardim Maria Fernanda Silva , de Camargo Maria Fernanda Carvalho , Nogueira Paulo C. Koch 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe survival of pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has improved in recent decades due to advances in dialysis and transplantation. However, cardiovascular disease (CVD) emerges as the main cause of mortality in patients with CKD.ObjectivesTo estimate cardiovascular risk in children with CKD at least 1 year after kidney transplantation. In addition, the possible association of cardiovascular risk with classic biochemical markers and potential new markers of this outcome was investigated.MethodsAn observational ambidirectional (retrospective capture of risk factors and prospective study of outcomes) research including 75 patients who underwent renal transplant between 2003 and 2013 with postoperative follow‐up of at least 1 year was conducted. The outcome variables adopted were the LV mass Z‐score and the presence of coronary calcification on computed tomography using calcium Agatston score.ResultOnly one patient had an elevated calcium score, and three children (4%) had an LV mass Z‐score ≥ 2.0. After multivariable analysis, only gender, serum triglyceride, and serum renalase concentration remained significantly associated with LV mass.ConclusionThe low incidence of cardiovascular changes in the population studied confirms the benefit of transplantation for the cardiovascular health of children. Nevertheless, long‐term follow‐up of these patients is recommended, given the limited duration of kidney function provided by transplantation and the high likelihood of further dialysis and kidney transplants being required in these children.
How collective punishment harm intergroup relations through ingroup homogeneity, perceived fairness, and counter‐collective action: A registered report
Authors: Uysal Mete Sefa , Çoksan Sami , Kessler Thomas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn collective punishment, a group as a whole receives negative consequences because of the actions of a few. We argue that collective punishments lead to ingroup cohesiveness and adverse intergroup relations by instigating a punishment‐revenge cycle. In four experimental studies conducted in Turkey and Germany (N = 2059), we demonstrated that collective punishment increased ingroup homogeneity, negative outgroup attitudes, and counter‐collective action intention, while it decreased perceived outgroup fairness. However, the impact on perceived fairness and negative outgroup attitudes was consistent regardless of whether all group members or only perpetrators were punished. This reveals that punishment itself influences the perception towards the punishing outgroup, regardless of the legitimacy and the target of punishment. Overall, willingness for retaliation was boosted by collective punishment; therefore, collective punishment not only fails to silence conflicts but, on the contrary, exacerbates them by fueling the urge for revenge.
Morphometric Evaluation of the Ampullae of the Oviducts in Prepubertal Gilts Treated With Chorionic Gonadotropins
Authors: Brito Camila R. C. , Hoyos‐Marulanda Veronica , Cruz Luis A. X. , Gasperin Bernardo G. , Vieira Arnaldo D. , Mondadori Rafael G. , Lucia Thomaz 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis study assessed morphometric traits of the ampulla of the oviducts in prepubertal gilts treated with chorionic gonadotropins. With the day of slaughter as D0, gilts were assigned to four treatments (n = 8 each): control (untreated), eCG (200 IU eCG on D3), eCG+hCG (1200 IU eCG on D6 plus 500 IU hCG on D3), and eCG+hCG+AI (the previous treatment plus artificial insemination on D1). Blood and ampullae samples were collected at slaughter. Serum progesterone concentrations were higher for gilts treated with hCG than for those in the eCG and control treatments (p < 0.001), but estradiol concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05). The epithelium, muscle and lumen areas and the inner and larger ampullae diameters did not differ across treatments (p > 0.05). Therefore, treatment with chorionic gonadotropins did not alter the ampullae morphometry of prepubertal gilts.
Blood donor questionnaires and infectious disease screening in Latin American countries
Authors: Marrero‐Rivera Gisela , García‐Otálora Michel‐Andrés , Gonzalez Carlos , Pérez‐Carrillo José , Rojas Paolo , Castellanos Paula , Granados Melissa , Herrera Guillermo , Montemayor Celina , Bakhtary Sara 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBlood donor questionnaires are tools used to screen prospective blood donors to determine their eligibility. There are limited data regarding blood donor questionnaires and infectious disease screening of the blood supply in Latin American countries. This study aimed to survey donor centres in Latin American countries to learn more about blood donor screening and infection assessment.Materials and MethodsAn international team of transfusion medicine professionals including medical directors and supervisors who work or collaborate with Latin American donor centres, called ‘Comité de Investigación en Medicina Transfusional’, designed a survey (16 questions) to characterize blood donor eligibility in Latin America.ResultsEighty‐two institutions from 14 Latin American countries responded to the survey. Most donor centres (66%; 54 of 82) had a donor deferral percentage between 5% and 25%, and the most common causes of deferrals were low haemoglobin and high‐risk behaviour. Most donors in blood centres were directed family donors compared with voluntary donors. Infection evaluation included mostly serologic assessment (81%; 30 of 37) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Treponema pallidum and Trypanosoma cruzi rather than nucleic acid tests (5%; 2 of 37).ConclusionHeterogeneity exists in donor selection and infectious disease screening in Latin American countries. This survey provides valuable information to understand Latin American blood centre practices.
Optimizing the Sewing Position of Flexible Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters on a Three-Dimensional Deforming Heart: An Integrated Approach Using Finite Element Analysis, Deep Learning, and Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Lai Qi , Zhang Yangyang , Lu Bingwei , Zhang Weisheng , Lü Chaofeng , Zhang He 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters (FPEHs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their potential applications in the field of biomedicine, such as powering implantable devices. Despite observations in numerous in vivo experiments that the electrical output of FPEHs varies considerably with sewing positions during energy harvesting from heartbeats, optimal sewing positions have not been thoroughly investigated. In this article, an approach that integrates finite element analysis (FEA), long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning method, and theoretical modeling was proposed to investigate the impact of the sewing position on the harvest performance of the FPEH, utilizing real three-dimensional heart deformation data as the end-to-end displacement load for the FPEH. The results reveal that the sewing positions have a significant influence on the electric output performance of the FPEH. The optimal sewing position was identified near the posterior interventricular groove on the upper part of the left ventricle, with a corresponding optimal resistance value of 8 MΩ and an output power of 122.9 nW. Additionally, five suggested sewing positions across different regions of the heart's surface were provided for clinical application. The methodology that integrates FEA, deep learning approach, and theoretical modeling in this article can be extended to determine the optimal position for the flexible devices patching on other irregular and deforming surfaces.
Modeling the Dynamic Response of a Light-Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber/Baffle/Spring-Coupled System
Authors: Dai Zheng , Yang Fan , Wu Hao , Li Kai , Yu Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A self-oscillating system can harness energy from the external environment to sustain its continuous motion, making it highly suitable for applications in soft robotics, military industry, energy, and other fields. This article introduces a system composed of a light-responsive liquid crystal elastomer fiber, a baffle, and a spring, capable of achieving self-oscillation under stable lighting conditions. Considering the established dynamic model of light-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), a nonlinear dynamic model is introduced and used as the basis for exploring its dynamic characteristics. Numerical computations reveal that the coupled system exhibits two distinct motion states: self-oscillation and static states. The behavior of the system is sustained through the interaction of light energy and damping dissipation. Furthermore, a detailed investigation is conducted on the key system parameters affecting the frequency and amplitude of self-oscillation. In contrast to the complexity of current self-oscillating systems, this particular self-oscillating system features simplicity in structure, ease of manufacture, and strong adaptability. These advantages are expected to provide broader design possibilities for micro-machines and mechanical production processes.
Design of Facile Dielectric Elastomer-Based Bending Module for Soft Robotics Applications
Authors: Song Kaidong , Wu Yi , Zhai Yingnan , Yin Jun , Qian Jin , Huang Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Dielectric elastomer (DE)-based soft actuators have been actively studied in the field of soft actuation technology based on their unique properties such as high energy density, large actuation strain, inherent compliance, lightweight, silent operation, and faster response when compared with other actuators. A dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) bending module based on dielectric elastomer minimum energy structures (DEMES) is proposed by adopting a bi-material system consisting of a DE membrane attached to a flexible acrylic frame with a hollow in the middle. Its bending performance can be satisfactorily predicted analytically and numerically, which helps design the DEA bending module better. For a typical DEA bending module with a DE membrane of 20 mm × 20 mm (width and length) and an acrylic frame with a hollow of 4 mm × 60 mm (width and length), 30.23° actuation angle and 53.96° actuation angle can be achieved with a single module and two serially assembled modules, respectively, under an 8 kV excitation voltage. The hollow design on the acrylic frame avoids the contact problem between the electrode-coated DE layer and the stiff frame sheet. A soft rotatable gripper and a biomimetic crawling robot are designed and fabricated for demonstration.