bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of equity in Ecuadorian higher education policy documents
Authors: Parra‐Gavilánez Lorena Fernanda 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEquity is considered a key element to ensure universal access to high‐quality education and equal treatment in the higher education system. This study investigates the construction of equity in Ecuadorian higher education through two sets of policy documents—higher education and language policies, both relevant in considering the direction and structure of the higher education sector. The coherence or deficiencies in the construction of equity are important for this concept to be exercised and properly enacted. To this end, five national policy documents related to higher education were selected to be analyzed through a critical discourse analysis lens to determine whether the policy documents are framed with a limited or more expansive interpretation in relation to theoretical elements of equity. Critical discourse analysis was chosen as the main analysis tool since it permits the identification and critical examination of similarities and differences in two or more sets of documents. The study identifies autonomy, identity, and equality as prevalent elements of equity in the general laws regulating higher education and the national educational plan, whereas the language policy documents are more focused on competitiveness and aspects of globalization. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of coherence in policy documents to achieve more equitable practices.
Healthcare interactions prior to first hospital admission with alcohol‐related liver disease
Authors: Lewis Heather , Parker Richard , Ul‐Haq Zia , Lucas Amanda , Cohen Carole , Vergis Nikhil , Thursz Mark 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsTo examine the healthcare contacts of patients in the year before an index admission to hospital with alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD) to identify where opportunities for earlier identification of alcohol use disorders (AUD) and ArLD and intervention may occur.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using the regional database encompassing NHS organisations across North West London (344 general practitioner [GP] practices, 4 acute hospital trusts and 2 mental health and community health trusts). Patients who had an index admission with ArLD were identified through healthcare coding and compared with a control cohort. Healthcare contacts, blood tests and AUD testing in the year preceding admission were measured.ResultsThe ArLD cohort had 1494 participants with an index hospital admission with ArLD. The control cohort included 4462 participants. In the year preceding an index admission with ArLD, 91% of participants had at least one contact with primary care with an average of 2.97 (SD 2.45) contacts; 80% (n = 1199/1494) attended ED, 68% attended an outpatient clinic, and 42% (n = 628/1494) had at least one inpatient admission. Only 9% of the ArLD (137/1494) had formal testing for AUD. Abnormal bilirubin and platelets were more common in the ArLD than the control cohort 25% (138/560) and 28% (231/837), respectively, v 1% (12/1228) and 1% (20/1784).ConclusionsPrior to an index admission with ArLD patients have numerous interactions with all healthcare settings, indicating missed opportunities for early identification and treatment.
Drug‐refractory epilepsy as presenting feature of Niemann–Pick disease
Authors: Desai Vedang , Parihar Jasmine , Elavarasi Arunmozhimaran , Das Animesh , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Vibha Deepti , Gaikwad Shailesh , Tripathi Manjari 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNiemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lipid storage disorder having varied neurological, psychiatric, and visceral manifestations. Twenty‐seven‐year‐old female presented to the hospital with recurrent episodes of seizures for the last one and half year. She had delayed motor and language milestones and was scholastically poor in school. On examination, vertical saccades were slow with downgaze restriction. Higher mental function examination revealed predominant impairment of frontal and temporal lobe functions. She also had intermittent oromandibular dyskinesis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed nil cells with protein 28 mg/dL and glucose 54 mg/dL. MRI brain showed diffuse supratentorial cerebral atrophy with atrophy of corpus callosum and multiple subcortical and periventricular T2/FLAIR hyperintensities. A clinical suspicion of NPC was considered and genetic analysis showed homozygous mutation of the NPC‐2 gene on Exon 3. So, our case was unique in terms of drug‐refractory epilepsy was the presenting feature that led to the diagnosis of NPC.
The effects of solar radiation on daily and seasonal stem increment of canopy trees in European temperate old‐growth forests
Authors: Kašpar Jakub , Krůček Martin , Král Kamil 
Published: May 2024

Summary

It is well established that solar irradiance greatly influences tree metabolism and growth through photosynthesis, but its effects acting through individual climate metrics have not yet been well quantified. Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems.

To describe the effects of solar irradiance on tree growth, we installed 110 automatic dendrometers in two old‐growth mountain forest reserves in Central Europe, performed detailed terrestrial and aerial laser scanning to obtain precise tree profiles, and used these to simulate the sum of solar irradiance received by each tree on a daily basis. Generalized linear mixed‐effect models were applied to simulate the probability of growth and the growth intensity over seven growing seasons.

Our results demonstrated various contrasting effects of solar irradiance on the growth of canopy trees. On the one hand, the highest daily growth rates corresponded with the highest solar irradiance potentials (i.e. the longest photoperiod). Intense solar irradiance significantly decreased tree growth, through an increase in the vapor pressure deficit. These effects were consistent for all species but had different magnitude.

Tree growth is the most effective on long rainy/cloudy days with low solar irradiance.
States of affairs and our connection with the good
Authors: Tucker Miles 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAbstractionists claim that the only bearers of intrinsic value are abstract, necessarily existing states of affairs. I argue that abstractionism cannot succeed. Though we can model concrete goods such as lives, projects, and outcomes with abstract states, conflating models of goods with the goods themselves has surprising and unattractive consequences. I suggest that concrete states of affairs or facts are the only bearers of intrinsic value. I show how this proposal can overcome the concerns lodged against abstractionism and, in the process, reconnect us with the good.
Development of a score model to predict long‐term prognosis after community‐onset pneumonia in older patients
Authors: Takazono Takahiro , Namie Hotaka , Nagayoshi Yohsuke , Imamura Yoshifumi , Ito Yuya , Sumiyoshi Makoto , Ashizawa Nobuyuki , Yoshida Masataka , Takeda Kazuaki , Iwanaga Naoki , Ide Shotaro , Harada Yosuke , Hosogaya Naoki , Takemoto Shinnosuke , Fukuda Yuichi , Yamamoto Kazuko , Miyazaki Taiga , Sakamoto Noriho , Obase Yasushi , Sawai Toyomitsu , Higashiyama Yasuhito , Hashiguchi Kohji , Funakoshi Satoshi , Suyama Naofumi , Tanaka Hikaru , Yanagihara Katsunori , Izumikawa Koichi , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe identification of factors associated with long‐term prognosis after community‐onset pneumonia in elderly patients should be considered when initiating advance care planning (ACP). We aimed to identify these factors and develop a prediction score model.MethodsPatients aged 65 years and older, who were hospitalized for pneumonia at nine collaborating institutions, were included. The prognosis of patients 180 days after the completion of antimicrobial treatment for pneumonia was prospectively collected.ResultsThe total number of analysable cases was 399, excluding 7 outliers and 42 cases with missing data or unknown prognosis. These cases were randomly divided in an 8:2 ratio for score development and testing. The median age was 82 years, and there were 68 (17%) deaths. A multivariate analysis showed that significant factors were performance status (PS) ≥2 (Odds ratio [OR], 11.78), hypoalbuminemia ≤2.5 g/dL (OR, 5.28) and dementia (OR, 3.15), while age and detection of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria were not associated with prognosis. A scoring model was then developed with PS ≥2, Alb ≤2.5, and dementia providing scores of 2, 1 and 1 each, respectively, for a total of 4. The area under the curve was 0.8504, and the sensitivity and specificity were 94.6% and 61.7% at the cutoff of 2, respectively. In the test cases, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% and 63.1%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 2.ConclusionPatients meeting this score should be considered near the end of life, and the initiation of ACP practices should be considered.
Successful Application of a Hemoperfusion Machine in Separated System CRRT: Evaluating Effectiveness and Safety in Critically Ill Patients With AKI in Resource‐Limited Settings
Authors: Phongphithakchai Atthaphong , Sirisuksan Thiti , Konwai Sirihatai , Praditau‐krit Suntornwit , Boonsrirat Ussanee 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIt is imperative to note that integrated system continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) necessitates a sophisticated and costly apparatus, potentially limiting its availability within resource‐limited settings. The introduction of a separated system for continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH), characterized by uncomplicated setup procedures with a hemoperfusion machine, holds promise as a feasible alternative to CRRT for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsWe aimed to retrospectively analyze the effectiveness and safety of separated CRRT applied from a hemoperfusion machine in critically ill patients with AKI during the January 2015 to December 2021 period. We also examine the in‐hospital mortality rate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to uncover the factors that affect mortality.ResultsWe included a total of 129 critically ill patients who received separated system CRRT. The SOFA score at CRRT initiation was 12.6 ± 3.8. The fluid accumulation at the day of CRRT initiation was 3900 mL (622–8172 mL) All patients received pre‐ and postdilution CVVH. The mean prescribed CRRT dose was 22.4 ± 3.1 mL/kg/h. We found no serious complications including circuit explosion and air embolism. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 68.9%. High SOFA score and positive fluid accumulation at CRRT initiation serve as predictors of survival.ConclusionsSeparated system CRRT using a hemoperfusion machine provides a simplified system to operate and is proven to be effective and safe in real‐life practice, especially in resource‐limited areas.
Effect of international travel sanctions on global tourist arrivals
Authors: Chi Pei‐Yu , Yang Yiwen , Lin Chin‐Ho 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTravel sanctions are a strategic diplomatic tool that are generally preferred by sanctioning countries to other invasive actions because they can reduce or avoid casualties and losses and achieve policy goals. The present study investigates the relationship between travel sanctions and the number of international tourist arrivals by employing a gravity model from 1995 to 2015. The empirical results reveal that imposing international travel sanctions leads to a decrease in the number of tourist arrivals. Moreover, sanctions between developed countries have more influential effects than those between developing countries.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among gender and sexual minorities: Adults ages 18–24 show highest rates of past month suicidal thoughts
Authors: Manges M. E. , Bryan C. , Bryan A. , Bauder C. R. , Wastler H. M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionSexual and gender minority (SGM) people are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors relative to their cisgender heterosexual peers. However, most research in this area has focused on youth, limiting our understanding of suicide risk among SGM adults.MethodsTo address this gap in the literature, the present study examined suicidal thoughts and behaviors among SGM adults across different age groups using a sample of 10,620 US adults.ResultsConsistent with the literature on youth, SGM adults showed higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than cisgender heterosexual adults. When examining prevalence rates across various age groups, young adults (18–24) showed greater lifetime and past month suicidal thoughts and behaviors relative to adults ages 45+. Adults ages 18–24 also showed greater past month suicidal ideation than adults ages 25–44; however, there were no group differences in lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviors and past month suicidal behavior between adults ages 18–24 and 25–44.ConclusionsAlthough suicidal thoughts and behaviors are most common among young SGM adults, other age groups do still show concerning rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, suggesting that this risk might extend to later years of life. Additional resources for SGM adults that are not only tailored toward youth and young adults are warranted.
Novel insights into rosacea's role in cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization approach
Authors: Luo Mao , Wei Bin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic inflammation has been shown to promote cancer progression. Rosacea is indeed a long‐term inflammatory skin condition and had been reported to link with increased risk for several types of malignancies, but evidence for causality is lacking.ObjectivesTo systematically estimate the causal relationship between rosacea and several types of cancer, including cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), actinic keratosis (AK), thyroid cancer, breast cancer, glioma and hepatic cancer, as well as explore the potential underlying pathogenesis.MethodsWe conducted a bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study to probe the potential causal relationships between rosacea and several types of cancer. Instrumental variables were established using genome‐wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with rosacea and cancers. The assessment of causality was carried out through multiple methods, and the robustness of the results was evaluated via sensitivity analyses.ResultsThere was no significant indication of causal effects of rosacea on CMM (pivw = 0.71), cSCC (pivw = 0.45), BCC (pivw = 0.90), AK (pivw = 0.73), thyroid cancer (pivw = 0.59), glioma (pivw = 0.15), and hepatic cancer (pivw = 0.07), but the genetic risk of rosacea was associated with an increased susceptibility to human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)‐negative malignant neoplasm of breast (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.18; pivw = 0.01). TANK (TRAF family member associated nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) activator) was identified as a common protective gene for both rosacea (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.99; pivw = 0.048) and HER‐negative malignant neoplasm of the breast (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75–0.98; pivw = 0.032), which was primarily enriched in the negative regulation of NF‐κB signal transduction and may contribute to the genetic links between rosacea and this subtype of breast cancer.ConclusionsOur findings provide suggestive evidence for causal links between rosacea and HER‐negative malignant neoplasm of the breast risk.
Successful definitive radiation treatment of refractory canine oral papillomatosis
Authors: Szczepanek Anett , Bertran Judith , Shiomitsu Keijiro , Thorsen Lily , Gutti Jishnu Rao , Santoro Domenico , Takada Marilia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis case report describes a three‐year‐old male intact border collie diagnosed with canine papillomavirus type 1 (CPV‐1+) oral papillomas resistant to standard‐of‐care. With time, he developed lesions consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Malignant tumors were incompletely excised and treated with definitive external beam radiation therapy (45 Gy, 3 Gy × 15 daily). The remaining oral cavity received 27 Gy (1.8 Gy x 15 daily) to treat the disseminated oral papillomatosis. A temporary treatment delay of 2 weeks was instituted due to grade 3 mucositis. The patient remained in complete remission after 10 months from radiotherapy. No tumor recurrences were noted by the owners after >1 year from treatment.
Unsteady Interaction Between Purge Flow and Secondary Flow in High-Lift Low-Pressure Turbine
Authors: Qu Xiao , Wu Meng , Zhang Yanfeng , Lu Xingen , Li Liunan , Jiang Yuyan , Zhu Junqiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The coupling effect between the complex vortex system and the rim purge flow in the endwall region of a high-lift low-pressure turbine (LPT) will significantly influence the evolution of secondary flow and the corresponding losses. This article focused on the unsteady interaction mechanism between the rim purge flow and the secondary flow inside the high-lift LPT under the periodic wake passing. The large eddy simulation (LES) method was used to reveal the influence mechanism of rim purge flow, rotor–stator cavity interaction, and unsteady wakes on the secondary flow. Detailed experimental measurement was carried out for the flow field of high-lift LPT under the influences of static purge flow. The results showed that the rim purge flow significantly increased the overturning and underturning downstream of the endwall region, resulting in aggravating secondary loss. The rotating-rim increased the difference of the circumferential velocity between the mainstream and the purge flow, aggravating the Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) instability, inducing the K–H vortex structure with stronger energy amplitude, and further increasing the endwall flow loss. The incoming wakes weakened the energy amplitude of the K–H vortex at the rim purge outlet, and thinned the thickness of the low-energy fluid at the blade leading edge. In addition, the interaction between the wakes and the secondary vortices further suppressed the development of the secondary flow. Nevertheless, the incoming wakes caused additional mixing losses and made a negative impact on the overall aerodynamic performance of the high-lift LPT.
Analysis of the Bifurcating Duct of an Inlet Particle Separator in Transonic Flow Conditions
Authors: Castaldi Marco , Mayo Ignacio , Demolis Jacques , Eulitz Frank 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
To increase the reliability of turboprop and turboshaft engines in extreme operating conditions, filtering protections such as inlet particle separators (IPSs) can be installed at the intake. The flow inside an IPS is highly 3D and unsteady, with fluctuations especially pronounced when transonic conditions are reached. Locally, shocks can occur, increasing the pressure losses. In this paper, we aim at providing the transonic analysis of an industrial IPS designed for aerodynamic lab testing. As a first step, we define the threshold beyond which sonic conditions are reached in the boundary cross sections of the IPS, in terms of inlet total pressure and Reynolds number, by means of a 1D semi-empirical model. Second, we select a critical configuration, very close to these conditions, and we perform CFD simulations to analyze the locations and evolution of the transonic flow inside the IPS. Different models are presented, i.e., steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes, detached eddy simulation, and large eddy simulation, characterized by three levels of resolution (based on the grid size). The results show the evolution of some transonic shocks: the steady-state model is only providing information on averaged quantities, while the time-resolved simulations offer a more precise overview in the time domain (velocity and Mach number fluctuations). The analysis in the frequency domain reveals the frequencies of the transonic fluctuations, which can negatively affect the IPS. Finally, we discuss three alternative designs to effectively improve the operating range and mitigate the risks related to the transonic instabilities, comparing the differences in separation efficiency with respect to the baseline case. The results prove that the optimal design choice is given by the trade-off between operating range, pressure losses, and separation efficiency.
Unraveling the gut microbiota of Mexican pinnipeds: the dominance of life histories over phylogeny
Authors: Pacheco-Sandoval A. , Schramm Y. , Heckel G. , Giffard-Mena I. , Lago-Lestón A. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Studying how phylogeny influences the composition and functions of microbiotas within animal hosts is essential for gaining insights into the connection between genetics, ecology, and health in the animal kingdom. However, due to limited comprehensive studies, this influence remains unclear for many wild mammals, including Mexican pinnipeds. We employed 16S rRNA gene deep-sequencing to investigate the impact of phylogeny on the gut microbiota of four pinniped species inhabiting Mexican shores: the Pacific harbor seal (
Phoca vitulina richardii
), the northern elephant seal (
Mirounga angustirostris
), the California sea lion (
Zalophus californianus
), and the Guadalupe fur seal (
Arctocephalus philippii townsendi
). Our results indicated that factors such as diets and shared life histories exerted more influence on microbiota composition than phylogeny alone. Notably, otariid species sharing similar life histories displayed greater microbiota similarity than phocids, which have distinct life histories and fewer microbiota similarities. Furthermore, harbor seals have more microbial similarities with the two otariid species than with elephant seals. Of particular concern, we observed a higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g.,
Photobacterium damselae
and
Clostridium perfringens
) in harbor seals and Guadalupe fur seals compared to other pinnipeds. This finding could pose health threats to these species and nearby human populations.

IMPORTANCE
Pinnipeds in Mexico host microbial communities that remain understudied. While several factors can influence microbiota composition, the role of phylogenetic relationships among these pinnipeds remains unclear due to limited knowledge of the microbiota in certain species. This study aimed to fill this gap by characterizing the composition and function of the gut microbiota in the four pinniped species that occur in Mexico. Our analysis reveals that shared diets and life histories contribute to similarities in the composition of gut microbial communities. This study also highlights the potential differences in the metabolic capabilities and adaptations within the gut microbiota of pinnipeds. Understanding how phylogeny impacts microbial communities enhances our insights into the evolutionary dynamics of marine mammals.