bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural adaptation strategies under Morales’s administration: The Case of a Guarni Community in the Bolivian Chaco
Authors: Martín Galán Vanesa 
Published: April 2024

In Bolivia, the Morales administration promoted agricultural projects in Guarani communities with the purpose of enhancing climate resilience and strengthening the communities’ production capacities and systems. Though aligned with the government’s broader goal of decolonizing Indigenous realities, this objective proved questionable in the light of the government’s neoextractivist development model. Scholars have shown that the enhancement of climate resilience in Bolivia faces significant difficulties due to socio-structural barriers. A study of one local project based on ethnographic fieldwork between 2015 and 2016 in a Guarani community reveals that the limits of the decolonial horizon of radical pluridiversity in the MAS political project are key to understanding some of those difficulties. Rooted in the One World World paradigm (the dominant narrative of reality), the project reenacted a socio-ecological order that constrained Indigenous ways of life and agriculture and, therefore, the foundations on which Guaraní climate resilience has historically rested. En Bolivia, el gobierno de Morales promovió proyectos agrícolas en comunidades guaraníes con el propósito de mejorar la resiliencia climática y fortalecer las capacidades y sistemas de producción de las comunidades, lo que estaba alineado con el objetivo más amplio del gobierno de descolonizar las realidades indígenas. Sin embargo, la descolonización y emancipación de los proyectos de vida indígena han sido cuestionadas a la luz del modelo de desarrollo neoextractivista del gobierno. Se ha demostrado que la mejora de la resiliencia climática enfrenta dificultades significativas debido a barreras socio-estructurales. El estudio de un proyecto local basado en el trabajo de campo etnográfico realizado entre 2015 y 2016 en una comunidad guaraní revela que los límites del horizonte decolonial de la pluridiversidad radical, en el proyecto político del MAS son clave para entender algunas de esas dificultades. Enraizado en el paradigma del Mundo Único (narrative dominante sobre la realidad), el proyecto recreó un orden socio-ecológico que limita las formas de vida y las agriculturas indígenas y, por lo tanto, los cimientos sobre los que históricamente se ha basado su resiliencia climática.
A comparative study on prophylactic efficacy of cinnarizine and amitriptyline in childhood migraine: a randomized double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Olfat Mehrnaz , Hosseinpour Sareh , Masoumi Safdar , Gogia Rastogi Reena , Vance Hastriter Eric , Lewis Kara Stuart , Little Robert , T Karnik Kavitha , Hickman Carolyn , Heidari Morteza , Shervin Badv Reza , Mohammadi Mahmoud , Zamani Gholam Reza , Mohammadpour Masoud , Ashrafi Mahmoud Reza , Tavasoli Ali Reza 
Published: April 2024

Background Pediatric migraine prophylaxis is indicated when headaches are frequent and/or disabling. We aimed to conduct a study to compare the efficacy of cinnarizine and amitriptyline in pediatric migraine prophylaxis. Methods In a randomized, double-blind trial, patients aged 4–17 years with migraine who were eligible for prophylaxis enrolled. The primary outcome was a reduction response rate of ≥50% with p < 0.005 with respect to headache characteristics. The secondary outcome was migraine disability assessment. We evaluated patients every four weeks for three months: T1: week 4, T2: week 8 and T3: week 12. The safety profile was also assessed. Results Thirty patients were randomly assigned to each group. However, 43 patients completed the trial. Headache frequency decreased in amitriptyline group more effectively in T1 ( p = 0.004). Amitriptyline was more successful in reducing the headache duration in all three periods ( p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in severity improvement and reducing disability score between the two groups ( p > 0.005). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions Both medications are effective in ameliorating migraine headaches and related disabilities. However, amitriptyline appears be a preferable option over cinnarizine, given its faster onset of action, efficacy in reducing headache duration and longer-lasting effects. Trial Registration: The study was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the code IRCT-20191112045413N1.
Availability monitoring and improvement method for in-service nuclear power plants based on high-precision prediction of availability
Authors: Shi Jinyuan 
Published: April 2024

A high-precision availability prediction, availability monitoring, and availability improvement method for in-service nuclear power plants has been proposed. The calculation formula for availability characteristic quantities and categories of planned maintenance for nuclear power plants are introduced. For nuclear power plants that have been in operation for less than 5 years, an availability prediction method based on statistical data is adopted to predict the equivalent availability factor of nuclear power plants. For nuclear power plants with operation years greater than or equal to 5 years, an availability prediction method based on power function and polynomial is adopted to predict the equivalent availability factor of nuclear power plants, and an accuracy verification method of availability prediction for nuclear power plants is provided. Based on availability prediction values and qualification criteria for availability monitoring, the availability monitoring of nuclear power plants is carried out. The optimization for numbers of planned maintenance days and newly added unplanned maintenance days based on different planned maintenance years promote the availability improvement of nuclear power plants. The relative error of availability prediction for an 1000 MW nuclear power plant and application example of optimized maintenance measures for different planned maintenance years are provided. The results show that the availability prediction method based on power function has high prediction accuracy and conforms to the availability trend of nuclear power plants. Based on the high-precision prediction results of availability, optimizing the number of planned maintenance days for different planned maintenance years can promote the availability improvement of in-service nuclear power plants.
Dynamic Cognitive Load Assessment in Virtual Reality
Authors: Elkin Rachel L. , Beaubien Jeff M. , Damaghi Nathaniel , Chang Todd P. , Kessler David O. 
Published: April 2024

Background Recent advances in non-invasive physiologic monitoring leverage machine learning to provide unobtrusive, real-time assessments of a learner’s cognitive load (CL) as they engage in specific tasks. However, the performance characteristics of these novel composite physiologic CL measures are incompletely understood. Objectives We aimed to 1) explore the feasibility of measuring CL in real time using physiologically-derived inputs; 2) evaluate the performance characteristics of a novel composite CL measure during simulated virtual reality resuscitations; and 3) understand how this measure compares to traditional, self-reported measures of CL. Methods Novice (PGY1-2 pediatric residents) and expert (pediatric emergency medicine fellows and attendings) participants completed four virtual reality simulations as team leader. The scenario content (status epilepticus versus anaphylaxis) and level of distraction (high versus low) were manipulated. Cognitive load was measured in all participants using electroencephalography and electrocardiography data (“real-time CL”) as well as through self-report (NASA-TLX). Scenario performance also was measured. Results Complete data were available for 6 experts and 6 novices. Experts generally had lower CL than novices on both measures. Both measures localized the most significant differences between groups to the anaphylaxis scenarios (real-time CL [low-distraction] Cohen’s d -1.33 [95% CI -.2.56, -0.03] and self-reported CL [high-distraction] Cohen’s d -1.41 [95% CI -2.67, -0.10]). No consistent differences were seen with respect to level of distraction. Performance was similar between the two groups, though both exhibited fewer errors over time (F(3,48) = 5.75, p = .002). Conclusion It is feasible to unobtrusively measure cognitive load in real time during virtual reality simulations. There was convergence between the two CL measures: in both, experts had lower CL than novices, with the most significant effect size differences in the more challenging anaphylaxis scenarios.
Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Sexual and Gender Minority Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale Among Sexual Minority Men and Women
Authors: Solberg Marvin A. , Kurzer Julie A. M. J. 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known determinants of negative health outcomes. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals have higher ACE scores than non-SGM individuals. The SGM-ACE scale was developed to better assess this population but is not yet validated in SGM subgroups. AIMS: This study aims to validate the sexual and gender minority adverse childhood experiences (SGM-ACE) scale among sexual minority men (SMM) and sexual minority women (SMW), while testing measurement invariance across both groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey included 530 sexual minority adults (265 men, 265 women) in the United States. Cronbach’s alpha established internal consistency reliability. Validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the SGM-ACE’s theoretical structure and Pearson’s correlations for concurrent validity with substance use outcomes (alcohol, cannabis, and drugs). Multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) determined measurement invariance between SMM and SMW. RESULTS: The CFA of the original model exhibited good fit. Fit was improved after removing the institutionalization item, chi-square ( χ2) = 14.26, degrees of freedom ( df) = 9, p = 0.113, minimum discrepancy (CMIN/ df) = 1.59, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.03, 90% confidence interval (CI): (0.00–0.06), and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.02. Internal consistency reliability was established (α = 0.78). SGM-ACE exhibited weak, yet significant relationships with each substance use outcome. Multigroup SEM indicated measurement invariance between SMM and SMW. CONCLUSION: This study provides psychometric validation of the SGM-ACE, establishing measurement invariance between SMM and SMW. Future research should explore its utility in diverse SGM minority subgroups.
Efficacy of drug-coated balloon catheters for patients with short-term recurrent dysfunction of arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Shintaku Sadanori , Kawanishi Hideki , Banshodani Masataka , Moriishi Misaki , Takahashi Naoko , Tsuchiya Shinichiro 
Published: April 2024

Background: In this study, we aimed at clarifying the usefulness of drug-coated balloon catheters (DCBs) for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) that repeatedly undergo restenosis over a short period and to examine the factors that influence the patency period after DCB use. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted using IN.PACT AV in 29 cases of AVFs with repeated restenosis within approximately 3 months, and temporary patency before and after DCB use in the same patients was compared. For target participants, the flow volume, resistive index (RI), and vascular diameter of the brachial artery were measured using an ultrasound diagnostic device. Stenosis diameter, reference vessel diameter, and stenosis length of the lesion were measured before and after DCB dilatation using digital subtraction angiography. Results: Before DCB angioplasty, the postintervention primary patency at 3 months was 66%, and the average interval was 92 ± 21 days (mean ± standard deviation). After DCB angioplasty, the postintervention primary patency rates at 3 and 6 months were 92% and 36%, respectively. The postintervention primary patency was significantly higher after than before DCB angioplasty ( p < 0.0001). A sub-analysis was performed on 25 patients who were followed up for 4 months or more after DCB. The RI values before and after dilatation with DCB significantly differed between the patency group 4 or more months after DCB and the patency group less than 4 months after DCB. Conclusion: For AVFs that require frequent PTA over a short period of time, DCB improved the patency rate 3 months after PTA, but the improvement effect at 6 months was limited. The effect of DCB on prolonging the patency rate of AVFs that require frequent PTA over a short period of time may be correlated with the RI value before and after PTA.
Navigating Taxpayers Attitude: Exploring Support for Urban Sanitation Surcharge in Kumasi
Authors: Appiah-Effah Eugene , Duku Godwin Armstrong , Boakye Kingsley , Oduro Charles , Nyarko Kwabena Biritwum 
Published: April 2024

Background: Urban sanitation challenges persist in Ghana, prompting Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to explore innovative funding mechanisms such as surcharges to fund sanitation services. This study assesses property owners’ attitudes toward the imposition of sanitation surcharge for pro-poor sanitation improvement in the Kumasi Metropolis. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 property owners in the Kumasi metropolis. Structured questionnaires were utilized to solicit information from respondents using multi-stage sampling techniques. Results: Findings indicated that 36.1% of respondents were willing to pay the sanitation surcharge, while 63.9% opposed its implementation in the Metropolis. Property ownership and support for a sanitation surcharge were associated with higher odds of willingness to pay. Participants paying property rates had decreased odds of supporting the sanitation surcharge. Factors associated with pro-poor spending support included age (61-80 years) [AOR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.60-3.82] and willingness to pay sanitation surcharge [AOR = 11.07, 95%CI = 6.63-18.49]. Protective factors against supporting pro-poor spending included residing in medium-class communities [AOR = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.08-0.81], perceiving improvement in sanitation status [AOR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.21-0.81) and having a home toilet facility (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.36-0.95). Conclusion: The study revealed a nuanced landscape where concerns about fund utilization, perceived tax burdens, and trust in local institutions significantly shape public sentiment. To enhance public acceptance and participation, policymakers should prioritize transparent communication to build trust and convey the effective utilization of funds from the sanitation surcharge.
‘I wasn’t on the front line per se, but I was part of health care’: Contributions and experiences of ancillary staff in care homes in England during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Luijnenburg Olivia , Samsi Kritika , Kessler Ian , Norrie Caroline , Martineau Stephen , Manthorpe Jill 
Published: April 2024

Objectives Ancillary staff – cleaning, catering, housekeeping and laundry workers – play a crucial role in care homes, by promoting infection control, food preparation and hygiene, and contributing to the care home environment. This study sought to understand the experiences of ancillary staff working in English care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will inform policy makers, employers, care home managers and others, both in England and overseas, as how to best support the ancillary workforce. Methods Between March and August 2021, video and telephone interviews were conducted with those working or living in care homes in England. Participants comprised ancillary staff ( n = 38), care home managers ( n = 8), care home residents’ family members and friends ( n = 7), human resource managers ( n = 5) and care home residents ( n = 5). Results Ancillary staff often had increased responsibilities and contributed to pandemic efforts by changing working practices, routines and job roles with the aim of supporting residents and other staff. Teamwork, underpinned by strong leadership, helped ancillary staff feel supported. Conclusions Ancillary staff should be better recognised as being central to care home care. They are essential workers helping to keep residents safe and well.
Timing of surgery in peripheral nerve injury of the upper extremity
Authors: Felici Nicola , Alban Alice 
Published: April 2024

Peripheral nerve injuries present a complex clinical challenge, requiring a nuanced approach in surgical management. The consequences of injury vary, with sometimes severe disability, and a risk of lifelong pain for the individual. For late management, the choice of surgical techniques available range from neurolysis and nerve grafting to tendon and nerve transfers. The choice of technique utilized demands an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, patient demographics and the time elapsed since injury for optimized outcomes. This paper focuses on injuries to the radial, median and ulnar nerves, outlining the authors’ approach to these injuries. Level of evidence: IV
Does lidocaine reduce pain intensity during corticosteroid injection? A double-blind randomized controlled equivalence trial
Authors: Teunis Teun , Sayegh George E. , Fatehi Amir , Ring David , Vagner Gregg , Reichel Lee 
Published: April 2024

Of the strategies considered to limit the discomfort of corticosteroid injection, one is to inject without lidocaine to reduce the total volume and avoid acidity. In a Bayesian trial, adults receiving corticosteroid injections were randomized to receive 0.5 mL of triamcinolone with or without 0.5 mL of lidocaine. Serial analysis was performed until a 95% probability of presence or absence of a 1.0-point difference in pain intensity on the 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale was reached. Injections with lidocaine were associated with a median of 2.4-point lower pain intensity during injection with a 95% probability of at least a 1-point reduction. The 95% probability was confirmed in 90% of the repeated analysis (36/40). Lidocaine is associated with lower immediate pain intensity during corticosteroid injection for hand and wrist conditions. Level of evidence: I
The Interplay Between Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress in Chondrocyte Catabolism
Authors: Kim Yu Jung , Han Jin , Han Seungwoo 
Published: April 2024

Objective Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play pivotal roles in disrupting the homeostasis of chondrocytes by producing catalytic proteases and enhancing chondrocyte senescence, consequently contributing to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Despite their close interaction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that ER stress and oxidative stress reciprocally modulate each other to promote cartilage degradation. Methods Primary chondrocytes were obtained from the articular cartilage of 5-day-old C57BL/6J mice by excising distal femur and proximal tibia. Tunicamycin was applied to induce ER stress in primary chondrocytes. Surgical OA was induced in 12-week-old male C57BL/6J mice by destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM). Results Tunicamycin-induced ER stress led to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and catalytic proteases, including MMP13 and Adamts5, in primary chondrocytes, and it was primarily dependent on the NADPH oxidase (NOX) system. ER stress directly increased the expression of NOX2, NOX3, NOX4, and p22phox. Specifically, the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway is involved in the expression of NOX4 and p22phox, the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) pathway in NOX2 and NOX3 expression, and the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) pathway influences NOX3 expression in chondrocytes. Conversely, inhibiting NOX function significantly reduced both ER stress sensor–related signaling and chondrocyte catabolism, thereby decelerating the progression of surgically induced OA in vivo. Conclusions Our findings highlight the positive feedback loop between ER stress and oxidative stress in OA pathogenesis, suggesting that targeting NOX isoforms is a promising therapeutic strategy for OA.
BMSC-Derived Exosomes Attenuate Rat Osteoarthritis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization through PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Beibei , Shen Enpu , Wu Zhiwen , Qi Hui , Wu Cheng’ai , Liu Danping , Jiang Xu 
Published: April 2024

Objective Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) may modulate the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages during osteoarthritis (OA). However, the underlying mechanisms of BMSC-Exos in this process still need to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the role of BMSC-Exos in the polarization of macrophages in vitro and the OA rats in vivo. Methods The effects of BMSC-Exos on RAW264.7 cells were determined, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the protein expression of Akt, PINK1, and Parkin. We prepared an OA model by resecting the anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and safranin O-fast green staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses, and the examination of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were performed to assess changes in cartilage and synovium. Results BMSC-Exos inhibited mitochondrial membrane damage, ROS production, and the protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin. Akt phosphorylation was downregulated under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction but significantly recovered after treatment with BMSC-Exos. BMSC-Exos alleviated cartilage damage, inhibited M1 polarization, and promoted M2 polarization in the synovium in OA rats. The expression of PINK1 and Parkin in the synovium and the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum decreased, but the level of IL-10 increased when BMSC-Exos were used in OA rats. Conclusion BMSC-Exos ameliorate OA development by regulating synovial macrophage polarization, and one of the underlying mechanisms may be through inhibiting PINK1/Parkin signaling.