bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mandatory Use of Only Persian in Iranian Schools
Authors: Azizi Abdullah , Azizi Nematollah , Romano David , Sajadi Seyedeh Asra , Bagh Ali Amini 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper explores teachers’ experiences of using only Persian language in Iranian schools and its consequences. To do this qualitative method and phenomelogical approach was employed. Participants included all teachers of K-12 across Sanandaj and fifteen experienced teachers (8 male and 7 female) were selected via purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was conducted to gather data. Using the Braun & Clarke (2012) framework, thematic analysis was applied for analyzing the data. Despite teachers emphasizing the significance of the mother tongue in various aspects such as Cultural Identity, Sense of Belonging and Communication Knowledge and Skills, they perceive that the educational system enforces a monolingual policy (Persian) through Educational Centralization, Cultural Assimilation, and A Policy of Denying or Neglecting Linguistic Rights. They also highlighted potential consequences of this policy, including Students’ Identity and Cultural Crisis, Intensifying Cultural Duality and Hindered Learning. These findings prompt policymakers to consider language minorities in educational planning.
The acoustic presence and migration timing of subarctic baleen whales in the Bering Strait in relation to environmental factors
Authors: Escajeda Erica D. , Stafford Kathleen M. , Woodgate Rebecca A. , Laidre Kristin L. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Subarctic baleen whales, including humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), migrate through the Bering Strait every summer to feed in the rich marine ecosystem of the Chukchi Sea. When and where the whales are found in the region likely reflects fluctuating environmental conditions. Using recordings collected between 2009–2018 from a hydrophone ~ 35 km north of the strait, we identified whale calls during the open-water season (May–December), examined the timing of migration, and investigated potential drivers of whale presence. The acoustic presence of fin and humpback whales varied across the years, with a peak for all three species in October through November. We observed the highest proportion of recordings with humpback whale calls for the peak months of October–November in 2009, 2017, and 2018 (66–80% of recordings); the highest proportion of recordings with fin whale calls in 2015, 2017, and 2018 (75–79% of recordings); and the highest proportion of recordings with gray whale calls in 2013 and 2015 (46 and 51% of recordings, respectively). Fin whales departed the Bering Strait ~ 3 days later per year over the study period (p = 0.02). Both fin and humpback whales delayed their southward migration in years with warmer fall water temperatures (Pearson r ≥ 0.71, p < 0.03). Our models identified day of the year, water temperatures, and the lagged presence of a thermal front the previous month as drivers of the acoustic presence of all three species during the open-water season.
Diagnostic role of computerised tomography in mandibular invasion among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Singh Lokendra , Singhal Pawan , Bansal Anjali , Tak Dhirendra , Saharan Ravi , Rawat Anshu , Singh Amreen , Anand Mehak , Bairwa Neeraj Kumar , Nirwan Siddharth , Singh Kailash , Sharma Anjani Kumar , Yadav Rajeev 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Oral cavity malignancy can result from surface epithelium, salivary glands, or submucosal soft tissue. Common symptoms include non-healing ulcers, slurred speech, dysphagia, and neck mass. Pain in the mandible may indicate cortical invasion, while resection increases morbidity and quality of life. Various researches have been focused on the accuracy of clinical examination and imaging technique in predicting tumor invasion of the mandible in oral malignancy.
Methods: A cross sectional observational study was set out to review preoperative clinical and radiological assessment; and post operative histopathological finding of mandibular resection specimen in clinically evaluated and diagnosed cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (scc) with mandibular invasion.
Results: 43 individuals of oral cavity scc with mandibular involvement were examined. 12 out of 28 mandibular resections had bone invasion, with numerous tumor entry sites being the most frequent mechanism of invasion, according to post-operative HPE. The positive predictive value (PPV) of contrast enhanced computerised tomography (CECT) scans was 42.8%, as 28 individuals had invasions revealed, sensitivity is almost 100%, specificity is 48.3.
Conclusions: There is an urgent necessity to review the usefulness of radiology in the treatment of mandibulectomy. Combination of clinical and radiological examination increases sensitivity and specificity.
Trial registration: registered retrospectively
Characteristics of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in an underserved minority population - Does OSA affect postoperative weight loss?
Authors: Jog Abhishrut , Mosquera Jorge , Piedra Luis Rodriguez , Singh Ajit , Fan David , Grbach Vincent , Lvovsky Dmitry 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Obese patients are at increased risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Bariatric surgery is an important therapeutic measure in obese patients for management of weight and management of comorbidities. There is a scarcity of data on OSA, in inner city Hispanic and Black patients who undergo bariatric surgery. Differences between patients with and without OSA have not been assessed in this population. The study aims to answer these questions.
On the Conversational Persuasiveness of Large Language Models: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Salvi Francesco , Ribeiro Manoel Horta , Gallotti Riccardo , West Robert 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Can large language models (LLMs) create tailor-made, convincing arguments to promote false or misleading narratives online? Early work has found that LLMs can generate content perceived on par with, or even more persuasive than, human-written messages. However, there is still limited evidence regarding LLMs' persuasive capabilities in direct conversations with humans—the scenario these models are usually deployed at. In this pre-registered study, we analyze the power of AI-driven persuasion in a controlled, harmless setting. To this end, we created a web-based platform where human participants engaged in short, multi-round debates with either human or LLM opponents. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions in a two-by-two factorial design: (1) the conversation partner was either another human or an LLM; (2) the conversation partner either had or did not have access to basic sociodemographic information about their opponent (and thus arguments could be personalized). We find that 64.4% of the time, personalized LLM debaters were more persuasive than humans, given that they were not equally persuasive (81.2% relative increase in the odds of higher post-debate agreement; p < 0.01; N=900). Without personalization, GPT-4 still outperformed humans, but the effect was lower and not statistically significant (p=0.30). Further, our analysis suggests that LLMs use different strategies from human debaters: their texts are harder to read and have more markers associated with logical and analytical reasoning. Overall, our results suggest that concerns around LLM-based persuasion are meaningful and have important implications for social media governance and the design of new online environments.
Prediction of Long-term Carbon Absorption by Applying Regeneration Scenarios for the Forests in South Korea
Authors: Kwon Soon Gil , Kim Junbeum , Hwang Yong Woo , Lata Jean-Christophe 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

As global warming has become a critical environmental issue, carbon neutrality is required to respond to rapidly changing environmental policies in response to climate change. Forests, the core of carbon absorption sources, are important to achieve carbon neutrality in South Korea; thus, forest management, particularly afforestation, is emerging as an essential factor. Several forest-related studies have been conducted to improve carbon absorption; however, only a few have focused on direct afforestation studies from a long-term perspective. South Korea successfully implemented intensive greening projects in the 1960s and 1970s. However, intensive afforestation is currently causing a severe problem of age-class imbalance, and the carbon absorption rate of forests is expected to decrease sharply in the future, indicating the importance of forest management. This study applied regeneration scenarios to overcome this challenge. The cumulative carbon absorption value for 90 years, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2109, was set as the baseline. Various changes were made following the circular economy trend for the species and age classes distributed throughout the country, resulting in multiple outcomes of the regeneration scenarios. Comparing the results of this study with the statistics reported by the Ministry of Environment’s Greenhouse Gas Information Center, the difference in the maximum absorption sources confirmed that forest absorption sources, which had been reported to be 6.26% in 2019, could increase up to 8.74% by 2109. In conclusion, forest management is a crucial carbon-neutral strategy that needs to be implemented at the national level. Formulating a detailed plan after determining the long-term direction of forests is important. A more systematic approach should be used for planning and implementing afforestation in the future.
Structural Characterization of Horizontal Visibility Network Based on Time Series of Emergency Disease Visits
Authors: Zhang Linyuan , Zhou Man , Liu Yuqi , Xiong Kezhao , Zhang Li , Wu Chao , Lang Hongjuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The conversion of time series into visualized networks is one of the most important tools for comprehending data patterns and trends. Here, we initially translated hospital emergency data into complex networks through horizontal visualization techniques. Subsequently, we carefully analyzed the topologies of the network structures corresponding to each category of disease by applying the structural statistics approach of network science. Our investigation unveiled that networks constructed by this method exhibit larger clustering coefficients and shorter average shortest paths of the networks, leading to a stronger small-world effect. Moreover, we observed that the average degree of the networks is notably higher for the respiratory diseases, which may be caused by the heightened contagious diseases in the respiratory diseases. Further, by calculating the maximum eigenvalue of the network Laplace matrix, we found that the maximum eigenvalue of the respiratory diseases are generally higher than other categories of diseases. This provides a crucial analytical tool for the proactive prevention of certain specific diseases and more effective response strategies during emergency triage protocols.
Macrophage STING signaling promotes fibrosis in benign airway stenosis via IL6-STAT3 axis
Authors: Shi Hui , Chen YiLin , Yang ChengCheng , Miao YuShan , Shi DongChen , Li Xiang , Zhang YiFei , Xu ChengFei , Dong Yu-Chao , Han Chaofeng , Bai Chong , Sen Tian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Benign airway stenosis (BAS) caused by tracheal intubation resuscitation measures is a difficult complication to ignore in the management of critically ill patients. However, the pathogenesis of this disease, which is characterized histologically by tracheal fibrosis, remains poorly understood. It has been shown that post-injury inflammatory processes play a key role in tissue fibrosis. However, we remain unclear about the relationship between inflammation induced by mechanical injury and BAS after tracheal intubation. Here, we found STING expression was increased in trachea after injury and inhibition or deletion of STING can alleviate tracheal fibrosis in BAS mice. Then, we reveal that released tracheal epithelial cell DNA resulting from mechanical injury activates macrophage STING. Further, macrophages with activated cGAS-STING pathway promote fibroblast fibrosis in the trachea via the IL6-STAT3 axis. We determined that the cGAS-STING pathway in macrophages is critical in causing tracheal fibrosis and ultimately benign airway stenosis. Our results provide a key cornerstone for future treatment of benign airway stenosis caused by mechanical injury.
Peripheral immunity affects Alzheimer’s disease by influencing blood-brain barrier function
Authors: Hou Jia-Hui , Jiang De-Ming , Chu Min , Wu Li-Yong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between peripheral immunity and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been increasingly recognized, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to investigate whether peripheral immunity affects AD by influencing blood-brain barrier (BBB) function.
Methods
Multiple linear regression models were employed to explore the association between peripheral immune biomarkers [neutrophils percent (NEU%), lymphocytes percent (LYM%), and neutrophils / lymphocytes (NLR)] and AD biomarkers (including AD pathology, cerebral atrophy degree, and cognitive function). Subsequently, multiple linear regression models were performed to investigate the association between BBB-related biomarkers [chemotactic factor-3 (CCL26), CD40 and matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP10)] and AD biomarkers. Finally, causal mediation analysis with 10,000 bootstrapped iterations was conducted to investigate the functions of BBB-related biomarkers in mediating the associations peripheral immune biomarkers with AD pathology, cerebral atrophy degree, as well as cognitive function.
Results
A total of 543 participants (38.7% female, mean age of 74.8 years) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were involved. NEU%, LYM%, NLR, and CCL26 were significantly associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) β-amyloid-42 (Aβ-42), phosphorylated-tau (P-tau), total tau (T-tau)/Aβ-42 and P-tau/Aβ-42, the associations of NEU% with AD pathology were mediated by CCL26 (proportion: 18% ~ 24%; p < 0.05). NEU%, LYM%, NLR, CCL26, CD40 and MMP10 were significantly associated with whole brain, hippocampal volume, middle temporal lobe (MTL) volume, and entorhinal cortex (EC) thickness, the associations of peripheral immune biomarkers with cerebral atrophy degree were mediated by BBB-related biomarkers (proportion: 7% ~ 17%; p < 0.05). NEU%, LYM%, NLR, CCL26, CD40 and MMP10 were significantly associated with global cognition, executive function, memory function, immediate recall, and delayed recall, the associations of peripheral immune biomarkers with cognitive function were mediated by BBB-related biomarkers (proportion: 9% ~ 24%; p < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study suggests that both peripheral immune and BBB-related biomarkers are associated with AD pathology deposition, cerebral atrophy degree and cognitive function, and peripheral immunity may influence AD through influencing BBB function, providing a more robust and comprehensive evidence chain for the potential role of inflammation in AD.
When Clinicians Group Together: A Systematic Scoping Review of Clustering in Patient-Sharing Networks
Authors: Denham Alina , Dadgostar Porooshat , Qin Qiuyuan , Yilmaz Sule , Nooraie Reza Yousefi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
. Improvements in patient safety and quality of care can be achieved by improvements in clinicians’ teamwork, coordination and communication. Growing research examines the structure and dynamics of clinician networks using social network analysis. Such networks can have clusters of healthcare professionals within them, but systematized knowledge on these clusters is lacking. Our goal was to review the evidence on determinants and characteristics of healthcare professional clustering in patient-sharing networks and their associations with patient outcomes.
Methods.
We searched for English-language peer-reviewed studies published up until January 4, 2021 using PubMed and EMBASE and an existing scoping review on patient-sharing by DuGoff et al (2018). We performed a systematic scoping review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed title and abstract screening and full-text screening to identify studies that used social network analysis to examine relationships between patient-sharing network clusters and health outcomes. From the twelve eligible studies, we extracted study information such as study design and setting, population, patient-sharing definition, network measures, clustering definition, health outcomes, and reported associations.
Results.
The studies varied considerably in definitions and measures of patient-sharing relations, definitions and structural measures of network clusters, settings, study population, and health outcomes. The general patterns indicate that busier physician networks (i.e., networks with more connections among physicians) are associated with worse health outcomes and better-connected physician networks are associated with better health outcomes.
Conclusion.
The majority of existing studies are exploratory. Rigorous theoretical grounding, interventional studies, and mixed-methods studies would help to strengthen patient-sharing research and advance our understanding of how patient-sharing clustering affects patient outcomes.
Teenage pregnancy proportion, and comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes with adult pregnancy at a General Hospital in Northern Uganda
Authors: Lapat Jolly Joe , Pebolo Pebalo Francis , Akera Peter , Ochola Emmanuel , Bongomin Felix 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Teenage pregnancy is a global health concern associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In Uganda, while teenage pregnancy rates are high, knowledge about their specific risks compared to those of adult pregnancy remains limited.
Objective
We determined the proportion of pregnant teenagers and compared the maternal and neonatal outcomes between pregnant teenagers and pregnant adults at a general hospital in northern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a comparative, retrospective cohort study involving chart reviews of deliveries at the maternity ward of Anaka General Hospital, Nwoya, Uganda between July 2020 and June 2023. We performed systematic random sampling to include patient charts. All the data were analyzed using STATA software 17 SE. Binary logistic regression was performed to compare adverse pregnancy outcomes between teenage mothers and adult mothers.
Results
Over the 3-year period, 27.6% (n = 1,842) of the 6,662 deliveries were by teenage mothers. The outcomes of 457 teenage and 457 adult mothers were compared. Compared to adult mothers, teenage mothers had a significantly lower prevalence of HIV (2.2% versus 6.1%, p = 0.003). Teenage mothers had higher odds of having an episiotomy performed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.48–12.90, p < 0.001), low birth weight (aOR = 4.66, 95% CI: 2.66–6.37, p < 0.001) or perineal tear (aOR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.69–4.02, p < 0.001). However, adult mothers had greater odds of developing pre-eclampsia (aOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.59–11.1, p = 0.004).
Conclusions
In this study, approximately 1 in every 4 deliveries were by teenage mothers, with increased risks of maternal and neonatal complications, except for pre-eclampsia which was more common among adult mothers. Therefore, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions and comprehensive education programs aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and providing adequate antenatal care and support for teenage mothers.
Potential natural hydrosol blend TGLON suppresses the proliferation of five cancer cell lines and also ameliorates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mouse model
Authors: Huang Wei-Hsiang , Chang Mei-Lin , Lin Ching-Che , Wang Chih-Peng , Tsai Feng-Jie , Lin Chih-Chien 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous studies on natural substances for tumor cell inhibition have predominantly concentrated on efficacy, often overlooking safety concerns. This research utilizes "The Greatest Love of Nature (TGLON), a proprietary blend of plant hydrosols, to investigate its potential inhibitory effects on a variety of cancer cell lines while ensuring its relative safety to normal lung cells (MRC-5). Furthermore, initial animal studies have demonstrated that TGLON can mitigate the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis without acute oral toxicity, underscoring its potential utility as a nutritional supplement.
Methods: TGLON, a hydrosol blend developed with specific proportions, underwent initial validation for its constituent composition and safety profile. The blend capacity to inhibit five different tumor cell types and alleviate pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated using cell viability assays and controlled animal experiments.
Results: Dosages were determined to be safe at dilutions greater than 80-fold. At this concentration, TGLON exhibited inhibitory effects on 40.7% of lung cancer cells, 84% of liver cancer cells, 49.8% of breast cancer cells, 38% of stomach cancer cells, and inhibited 52% of leukemic lymphoblasts at a 200-fold dilution. Oral administration of TGLON was found to be safe and effective in reducing Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in animal models.
Conclusions:Under conditions deemed relatively safe, TGLON demonstrates bioactive properties, such as inhibiting five distinct types of human tumor cells and alleviating pulmonary fibrosis in animal models. These findings highlight its substantial potential as a nutritional supplement for improving overall patient health.
­­Backbone NMR resonance assignments for the VP1u N-terminal receptor-binding domain of the human parvovirus pathogen B19
Authors: Nogueira Maria Luiza Caldas , Lakshmanan Renuk , Rivière Gwladys , Mietzsch Mario , Bennett Antonette , McKenna Robert , Long Joanna R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human pathogen that is the causative agent of several diseases in infants and adults. Due to a lack of antivirals against this virus, treatment options are limited. The minor capsid protein of B19V has a unique N terminus, named VP1u, which is essential for infection. The VP1u encodes a receptor binding domain (RBD), necessary for host cell entry, and a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) domain, crucial for endosomal escape during cellular trafficking. Both domains are indispensable for infection, making the RBD a plausible drug target for inhibitors against B19V, as it is located on the exterior surface of the virus. To date, no experimental structural information has been available for the VP1u component for any Parvovirus. Here we report the backbone NMR resonance assignments for the RBD of B19V and demonstrate it forms a stable structure. The backbone chemical shifts are in good agreement with a structure predicted by AlphaFold, validating that the RBD contains three helices connected by tight turns. This RBD construct can now be used for further NMR studies, including assignment of full-length VP1u, determination of protein-protein interaction interfaces, and development of B19 antivirals specific to the RBD domain.
Database: BMRB submission code: 52440