bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An enhanced and rapid method for von Willebrand factor multimer analysis for mechanical circulatory device testing
Authors: Smith Amanda G. , McNamee Antony P. , Chan Chris H. H. , Headrick John , Simmonds Michael J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundVon Willebrand factor (VWF) is a critical glycoprotein in hemostasis and is an important factor in diagnosing bleeding disorders. Albeit the analysis of VWF is often compromised by inconsistent methodologies and challenges quantifying multimeric size. Current VWF multimer analysis methods are costly, time‐consuming, and often inconsistent; thus, demanding skilled professionals. This study aimed to streamline and optimize the VWF multimer analysis technique, making it more efficient and reproducible, particularly for identifying or predicting mechanical circulatory support (MCS) induced bleeding disorders.MethodsBlood samples from healthy volunteers were exposed to high shear forces via a Medtronic HeartWare ventricular assist device. VWF multimers were analyzed using vertical‐gel agarose electrophoresis and Western blotting. Differences in VWF distribution were determined using densitometry, and two methods of densitometric analysis were compared: proprietary software against open‐source software.ResultsUsing the developed method: (i) protocol duration was accelerated from three days (in classical methods) to ~ eight hours; (ii) the resolution of the high molecular weight (HMW) VWF multimers were substantially improved; and (iii) densitometric analysis tools were validated. Additionally, the densitometry analysis using two software types showed a strong correlation between results, with the proprietary software reporting slightly higher HMW VWF percentages.ConclusionThis methodology is recommended for affordable, accurate, and reproducible VWF multimer evaluations during MCS use and testing. Further research comparing this method with semi‐automated methods would provide additional insight and improve inter‐laboratory comparisons.
Behavioural differences and similarities between dog breeds: proposing an ecologically valid approach for canine behavioural research
Authors: Pongrácz Péter , Dobos Petra 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThe behaviour of dogs holds great relevance for not only scientists from fundamental and applied research areas, but also due to the widespread roles of dogs in our societies as companions and working animals; their behaviour is also an important factor in animal and human welfare. A large proportion of dogs currently under human supervision belong to one of roughly 400 recognised breeds. Dog breeds can be characterised by distinctive, predictable and reproducible features, including some of their behavioural traits. To the scientist, the comparative analysis of the behaviour of dog breeds provides an opportunity for investigating an array of intriguing phenomena within an easily accessible model organism created from natural and human‐driven evolutionary processes. There are many ways to design and conduct breed‐related behavioural investigations, but such endeavours should always be based around biologically relevant research questions and lead to ecologically valid conclusions. In this review, we surveyed recent research efforts that included dog behaviour‐related comparisons and applied a critical evaluation according to their methods of breed choice and the subsequent research design. Our aim was to assess whether these two fundamentally important components of experimental design provide a solid basis to reach valid conclusions. Based on 97 publications that fulfilled our selection criteria, we identified three primary methods used by researchers to select breeds for their investigations: (i) convenience sampling; (ii) hypothesis‐driven, ancestry‐based sampling; and (iii) hypothesis‐driven, functional sampling. By using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) evaluation system, we highlight each of these techniques' merits and shortcomings. We identify when particular methods may be inherently unable to produce biologically meaningful results due to a mismatch between breed choice and the initial research goals. We hope that our evaluation will help researchers adopt best practices in experimental design regarding future dog breed comparisons.
Patient perspective on adapting to bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Maalouf Michael F. , Wang Anna , Robitaille Stephan , Liberman A. Sender , Fiore Julio F. , Feldman Liane S. , Lee Lawrence 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimBowel dysfunction continues to be a clinically significant consequence of rectal cancer surgery, affecting quality of life. Rectal cancer patients value self‐empowerment and adaptation to change to improve their quality of life in the context of bowel dysfunction. There are limited qualitative data addressing patients' perspectives on adapting to bowel dysfunction. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients’ perspectives on adapting to bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.MethodAdult patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery with sphincter preservation at a single colorectal referral centre from July 2017 to July 2020 were included. Patients were excluded if they had surgery <1 year since recruitment, received a permanent stoma or developed recurrence or metastasis. Semistructured interviews were held by phone and transcribed verbatim. Bowel dysfunction was assessed via the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Thematic analysis was used to identify adaptations which patients found helpful for improving bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.ResultsA total of 54 patient interviews were included. The distribution of patients with no, minor and major LARS was 39%, 22% and 39%, respectively. Four main themes were conceived from the analysis: implementing lifestyle changes, fostering supportive relationships and self‐compassion, communication and access to resources, and adapting to social and cultural challenges. Associated subthemes were identified, namely forward planning, self‐compassion and addressing social stigma.ConclusionPatients' valuable perspective on adapting to bowel dysfunction involve subtle themes which expand the existing literature. These themes inform a patient‐centred approach, which may improve outcomes and quality of care for rectal cancer patients.
Bad Bridget—An unexplored aspect of the Irish migration story
Authors: Millar Victoria 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper examines how museums can address and raise awareness of histories of incarceration through a case study—the Bad Bridget exhibition, which opened at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in April 2022. Originating as an academic research project (2015–2019) led by Dr Leanne McCormick (Ulster University) and Dr Elaine Farrell (Queen's University Belfast), it tells the stories of women who left Ireland for North America between 1838 and 1918 and ended up in trouble with the authorities for one reason or another. A unique mix of sights, sounds, and smells, further enhanced by first‐person narration, is used within the exhibition to encourage visitors to emotionally engage with the experiences of these women. For much of the nineteenth century, Irish‐born migrants were the biggest group in American prisons, and there were disproportionate numbers of Irish girls and women in the justice system, court, and prison (Farrell & McCormick, ‘Bad Bridgets’: The criminal and deviant Irish women convicted in America. Irish Times, 2019). Bad Bridget has provided us with a platform to reveal this previously unexplored aspect of the Irish migration story at the museum, contrary to the “American Dream.”
A parent‐administered sensorimotor intervention for oral feeding in infants born preterm: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Fucile Sandra , Snider Laurie , O'Brien Karel , Smith Lorraine , Dow Kimberly 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of a parent‐administered sensorimotor intervention (PASI) program on developmental outcomes of infants born preterm during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodA randomized clinical study was conducted with 94 infants (mean gestational age 31 weeks [SD 2.2 weeks]; 1658 g [SD 478 g]; 49 males, 45 females) initially enrolled and randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. Infants in the experimental group received a PASI, consisting of tactile input to oral structures, trunk/limbs, and non‐nutritive sucking for 15 minutes, once a day, for 10 days. Infants in the control group received standard care. Outcomes included attainment of complete oral feeds, occurrence of direct breastfeeding at hospital discharge, and motor function assessed using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP).ResultsA total of 80 infants completed the study. Infants in the experimental group achieved complete oral feeds sooner (11.9 [SD 4.3] vs 15.3 [SD 6.5] days, p = 0.013), and a greater number of them received direct breastfeeds (22 vs 12, p = 0.010) than controls. Infants in both groups had equivalent motor functions scores on the TIMP (46.9 [SD 4.8], 46.8 [SD 8.4], p = 0.961).InterpretationA PASI program may enhance an infant's oral feeding skills. These findings provide evidence to advocate for the institution of PASI in NICUs.
Wnt/beta‐catenin modulation: A promising frontier in chronic kidney disease management
Authors: Saxena Shubhangi , Dagar Neha , Shelke Vishwadeep , Puri Bhupendra , Gaikwad Anil Bhanudas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundBeing amongst the leading factors of death and distress, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has affected around 850 million people globally. The Wnt/β‐catenin axis is vital for maintaining kidney homeostasis, from nephron generation to overall management. The β‐catenin growth factor is typically not expressed in the adult kidney; however, its expression is found to increase under stress and injury conditions. It is categorised as canonical and non‐canonical based on β‐catenin availability, which mounts promising targets for ameliorating CKD. Hence, modulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling for CKD management is of utmost relevance.ObjectivesThe primary aim of this review is to highlight the significance of targeting Wnt/β‐catenin signalling for CKD management.MethodsThe literature review regarding the role of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and therapies modulating it in CKD was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar.ResultsThe current review summarises the pharmacological therapies modulating the Wnt/β‐catenin axis in CKD, building upon promising preclinical studies to establish a foundation for clinical studies in the future.ConclusionWnt/β‐catenin signalling is the evolution's most conserved pathway, which plays a pivotal role in CKD progression. Therapies modulating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling have emerged as effective means for alleviating CKD.
Numerical Modeling of Recovery of Moisture from the Unsaturated Zone: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amitabha , Akber Adnan , Bhandary Harish 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNumerical modeling of the recovery of moisture by injecting warm air in the unsaturated zone in a 100 m × 100 m plot of agricultural land in Kuwait, a country located in an arid environment, was conducted to provide “proof of concept” of the technique. If technically and economically feasible, it will be a potential additional source of water that could be exploited for farming activities and other uses. The COMSOL software was used to develop the model and, based on the results of the scenario runs, the effects of different hydraulic and operational parameters, including that of well spacing, on moisture recovery were assessed. In general, the results suggested that the recovery should increase with the increase in the hydraulic conductivity of the unsaturated zone, the amount of heat input, and the pressure differential between the unsaturated zone and the well head. Within the period examined (0 to 11 days), the recovery decreases with the increase in the soil moisture content, possibly due to the fall in relative permeability to moisture‐rich air with the increased water contents in the pore spaces, although the effects may change over a longer period as water contents decrease with moisture recovery. The moisture recovery from the unsaturated zone through the injection of warm air appears to be a feasible proposition from this study that should be demonstrated through a pilot scale experiment in the field.
Effect of peeling and packaging methods on volatile compounds in pepper (Piper nigrum L.) during storage
Authors: Yu Peiyao , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Bing , Shen Dezhan , Zhao Zhenhua , Wei Lijiao , Guo Xinbo 
Published: August 2024

SummaryPepper is valued for its flavour and medicinal properties, but there is a lack of comparative studies on the quality of white pepper under different storage conditions, as well as on the dynamic changes of volatiles during storage. To investigate the effects of peeling and packaging on pepper flavour and reveal the dynamic changes of volatiles, this study utilised HS‐SPME‐GC–MS to analyse the volatiles of white pepper under different peeling and packaging conditions. A total of 22 volatiles were detected, with α‐copaene, α‐terpineol, and δ‐amorphene being predominant to the volatile distinctions, while α‐copaene, α‐terpineol, and γ‐terpinene were predominant to the flavour distinctions. Mechanically peeled pepper stored in conventional packaging for 90 d or in vacuum packaging for 180 d could both uphold great quality. The flavour of manually peeled pepper stored in conventional packaging for 180 d resembled that stored in vacuum condition for 360 d.
Disease Burden of RSV Infections and Bronchiolitis in Young Children (< 5 Years) in Primary Care and Emergency Departments: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Heemskerk Susanne , van Heuvel Lotte , Asey Tamana , Bangert Mathieu , Kramer Rolf , Paget John , van Summeren Jojanneke 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute respiratory infections in young children. Limited data are available on RSV disease burden in primary care and emergency departments (EDs). This review synthesizes the evidence on population‐based incidence rates of RSV infections in young children (< 5 years) in primary care and EDs. A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed and Embase. Studies reporting yearly population‐based RSV incidence rates in primary care and EDs were included. A total of 4244 records were screened and 32 studies were included, conducted between 1993 and 2019. Studies were mainly performed in high‐income countries (n = 27), with 15 studies in North America and 10 studies in Europe. There was significant variability in study methodology and setting among studies, resulting in considerable variability in reported incidence rates. Incidence rates were higher in primary care—ranging from 0.8 to 330 (median = 109) per 1000 population—compared to EDs (7.5–144.0, median = 48). The highest incidence rates were reported in infants. Additionally, incidence rates were higher in high‐income countries and in studies using laboratory‐confirmed RSV cases compared to studies using bronchiolitis ICD‐codes (non–laboratory confirmed). Our study found that a substantial number of children under 5 years of age attend primary care settings and EDs, every year for RSV infections. Due to the considerable heterogeneity in study methodology, it was impossible to draw definitive conclusions regarding factors explaining differences in reported incidence rates. Additionally, more studies in low‐ and middle‐income countries are recommended.
Student nurses experiences of moral distress: A concept analysis
Authors: Rebecca Timmins 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo understand how pre‐registration student nurses experience moral distress and refine the concept in this population.BackgroundThe experience of moral distress has positive and negative effects for health professionals and negatively impacts on patient care. Moral distress is a fluid concept which permits the experience to be varied among different populations. Despite empirical research, a concept analysis has not been performed in the student nurse population.Data SourcesElectronic databases were searched via Ebsco Host Complete and included Cinahl, Medline, APA Psych in March 2024. Search terms included ‘Moral Distress’ AND ‘Student’, ‘Moral Distress’ and ‘Baccalaureate.’ Search limits included articles between 2014 and 2024, English Language. Twenty‐five papers were included in the review and consisted of eight quantitative studies, 11 qualitative studies, three mixed methods studies and three literature/systematic reviews.MethodsAn integrated mixed research synthesis (Sandelowski, Voils, Barroso 2006) was conducted and organized into Walker, Avant's (2005) framework of antecedents, attributes and consequences. Braun and Clarkes (2006) thematic analysis was then used to generate themes from the literature.ResultsAntecedents emerged as students having moral sensitivity, they recognize unethical circumstances. Attributes identified roots of moral distress. These roots include poor patient care, harm to the patient and unsafe care. Students experience of morally reprehensible events is exacerbated by the disempowerment they experience as being ‘just a student’. Student nurses who do not exhibit moral courage and do not oppose immoral practices do so due to internal constraints which transpire as fear of conflict, withdrawal of learning opportunities, and fear of disruption to learning. This is influenced by their registered nurse supervisor relationship. Consequences of moral distress identify negative feelings, coping mechanisms and positive effects.ConclusionThe attributes of moral distress in the student nurse population have distinctive features which should be considered by nurse educators and in empirical research.Patient or Public ContributionNone, as this is a concept analysis that contributes to theory development and is not empirical research.
Identification of prostate cancer bone metastasis related genes and potential therapy targets by bioinformatics and in vitro experiments
Authors: Jiang Haiyang , Liu Mingcheng , Deng Yingfei , Zhang Chongjian , Dai Longguo , Zhu Bingyu , Ou Yitian , Zhu Yong , Hu Chen , Yang Libo , Li Jun , Bai Yu , Yang Delin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe aetiology of bone metastasis in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. This study aims to identify hub genes involved in this process. We utilized machine learning, GO, KEGG, GSEA, Single‐cell analysis, ROC methods to identify hub genes for bone metastasis in PCa using the TCGA and GEO databases. Potential drugs targeting these genes were identified. We validated these results using 16 specimens from patients with PCa and analysed the relationship between the hub genes and clinical features. The impact of APOC1 on PCa was assessed through in vitro experiments. Seven hub genes with AUC values of 0.727–0.926 were identified. APOC1, CFH, NUSAP1 and LGALS1 were highly expressed in bone metastasis tissues, while NR4A2, ADRB2 and ZNF331 exhibited an opposite trend. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed these results. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was significantly enriched by the identified genes. Aflatoxin B1, benzo(a)pyrene, cyclosporine were identified as potential drugs. APOC1 expression was correlated with clinical features of PCa metastasis. Silencing APOC1 significantly inhibited PCa cell proliferation, clonality, and migration in vitro. This study identified 7 hub genes that potentially facilitate bone metastasis in PCa through mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. APOC1 emerged as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic marker for PCa with bone metastasis.
p27 specifically decreases in squamous carcinoma, and mediates NNK‐induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Peng Minggang , Meng Hao , Wang Jingjing , Guo Mengxin , Li Tengda , Qian Xiaohui , Chen Ruifan , Jin Honglei , Huang Chuanshu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths, with cigarette smoking being the most critical factor, linked to nearly 90% of lung cancer cases. NNK, a highly carcinogenic nitrosamine found in tobacco, is implicated in the lung cancer‐causing effects of cigarette smoke. Although NNK is known to mutate or activate certain oncogenes, its potential interaction with p27 in modulating these carcinogenic effects is currently unexplored. Recent studies have identified specific downregulation of p27 in human squamous cell carcinoma, in contrast to adenocarcinoma. Additionally, exposure to NNK significantly suppresses p27 expression in human bronchial epithelial cells. Subsequent studies indicates that the downregulation of p27 is pivotal in NNK‐induced cell transformation. Mechanistic investigations have shown that reduced p27 expression leads to increased level of ITCH, which facilitates the degradation of Jun B protein. This degradation in turn, augments miR‐494 expression and its direct regulation of JAK1 mRNA stability and protein expression, ultimately activating STAT3 and driving cell transformation. In summary, our findings reveal that: (1) the downregulation of p27 increases Jun B expression by upregulating Jun B E3 ligase ITCH, which then boosts miR‐494 transcription; (2) Elevated miR‐494 directly binds to 3′‐UTR of JAK1 mRNA, enhancing its stability and protein expression; and (3) The JAK1/STAT3 pathway is a downstream effector of p27, mediating the oncogenic effect of NNK in lung cancer. These findings provide significant insight into understanding the participation of mechanisms underlying p27 inhibition of NNK induced lung squamous cell carcinogenic effect.
Relationship between perceived social support and stoma self‐efficacy in permanent colostomy patients: A correlational study
Authors: Aker Fatma Zehra , Karazeybek Ebru 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimIn the context of adjusting to life with a permanent colostomy, this study explored how perceived social support from family, friends and others influences patients' self‐efficacy in managing their stoma and engaging with their social lives.MethodsThe study employed a descriptive, correlational design to investigate the relationship between social support and self‐efficacy in 94 colostomy patients between April 2021 and August 2022. Participants completed the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and stoma self‐efficacy scale (SSES). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and one‐way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post‐hoc test examined group differences. Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between age, social support and self‐efficacy, while multiple linear regression identified factors independently associated with self‐efficacy level.ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 56.9 ± 14.34 years, and 37.2% had been suffering from stoma complications for a duration ranging from 13 months to 5 years. The mean total score on the MSPSS was 64.3 ± 13.5, whereas the mean total score on the SSES stood at 71.22 ± 20.21. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.419, p < 0.001) was observed between the total scores from the MSPSS and SSES. The increase in the total score on the MSPSS was a significant predictor (β = 0.293, p = 0.001) of the level of stoma self‐efficacy, explaining 48.9% of the variance.ConclusionStronger perceived social support was linked to higher stoma self‐efficacy in permanent colostomy patients.