bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“We will die having sex” – gender, health and cultural influences on sexual practices among older people in South Africa
Authors: Nyirenda M. , Sukazi S. , Buthelezi C. , Hanass-Hancock J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

As the global population aging accelerates, especially in low-middle-income countries, an increase in age-related and sexual health challenges can be expected. However, for various reasons including a focus on reproductive ages, ageist stereotypes, taboos and stigma and limited resources, sexuality as broadly defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in older adults is often neglected. This study used qualitative methods to explore the attitudes and perceptions of sexuality and sexual behaviour among older adults aged 50 years and above. Focus group discussions with 37 South African men and women (aged 50-78) were thematically analysed using an ethnographic and phenomenological naturalistic paradigm. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: the importance of sexuality and frequency of sexual activity, gendered perspectives on sexual activity, health state as a barrier to sexual activity, and cultural influences on sexuality and behaviour. Study highlights the significant role cultural norms and beliefs can play in old-age sexuality, with distinct gender differences in sexual practices. Health conditions, including chronic illnesses, disabilities, frailty and HIV status can act as barriers to sexual activities among older adults. Understanding these barriers and facilitators of sexuality in older adults is crucial in addressing sexual health concerns and challenges faced by older adults. Overall, the study contributes valuable insight into the often-neglected topic of sexuality in older adults, and the complexity of factors influencing sexual behaviours in ageing populations. There is a need for a holistic approach and further research to bring this subject matter to the attention of policy and programme makers. The scarcity of data and evidence on sexuality and sexual health needs of older adults in low-and-middle-income countries hinders the development of policies and targeted interventions to address the specific sexual health needs of older adults.
The risk factors for colorectal cancer liver metastasis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nie Mengke , Qiao Yiqian , Wang Bin , Wang Tianjun , Ma Xiaowei , Zhi Jie , Jia Yitao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Objective: To investigate the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis (CRLM) and the risk factors in mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
methods: Mice in the AD group (APP/PS1 models of AD) and the control (CON) group (wild-type C57BL/6J mice) were injected with MC38 cells to establish CRLM models. After the experiment, the tumor nodules on liver surface were counted, and the liver weight, volume were measured. 16S rDNA sequencing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Pearson’s analysis and immunohistochemical technique were showed to investigate the impact of AD on CRLM and its possible mechanism.
Results: Compared to the CON group, the AD group exhibited a increase in the number of tumor nodules on the liver surface, with consistent findings in both liver weight and volume measurements correlating with the metastatic count. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing revealed distinct alterations in the intestinal microbiota of the AD group. Furthermore, relative to the CON group, the AD group exhibited notably elevated levels of NGF expression in both the colon and liver. Additionally, discernibly elevated concentrations of VEGF and CXCL12 were observed in both serum and liver tissues of the AD group compared to the CON group. The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicated positive correlations between intestinal NGF levels and both hepatic CXCL12 and VEGF levels. The AD group had smaller number of hepatic KCs than that in the CON group.
Conclusions: AD accelerates CRLM. The mechanism may be caused by gut flora affecting hepatic KCs, thus linking the brain-gut-liver axis.
Designing an immersive virtual reality environment for hand rehabilitation purposes: A preliminary study
Authors: Tastan Yahya , Başpınar Ulvi , Hamurcu Ahmet , Bal Abdullah , Okay Burcu Bulut , Bakır Barkın , Demiroğlu Murat , Topuz Vedat , Erguzel Türker Tekin , Acar Gonul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of immersive virtual reality environments and gamification on the classification of imaginary motor (MI) signals and the associated increase in energy in the motor cortex region for neurorehabilitation purposes. Two immersive virtual environments, indoor and outdoor, were selected, each with gamified and non-gamified scenarios. Event-Related Desynchronization (ERD) data underwent analyses to determine if there were significant differences in ERD levels between distinct age groups and whether Fully Immersive Virtual Reality (FIVR) environments induced notable energy increases.
The initial analysis found no significant energy changes between age groups under constant environmental conditions. In the second analysis, FIVR environments did not lead to a statistically significant increase in cortical energy for the 21–24 age group (Group I). However, a notable difference in cortical energy increase was identified between gamified and non-gamified environments within the 32–43 age group (Group II).
The study also explored the impact of environmental factors on MI signal classification using four deep learning algorithms. The Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) classifier exhibited the highest performance, with an average accuracy of 86.83%. Signals recorded indoors showed higher average classification performance, with a significant difference observed among age groups. Group I participants performed better in non-gamified environments (88.8%), while Group II achieved high performance indoors, especially in the gamified scenario (93.6%). Overall, the research underscores the potential of immersive virtual environments and gamification in enhancing MI signal classification and cortical energy increase, with age and environmental factors influencing the outcomes.
Commercial reverse osmosis point-of-use systems in Egypt failed to purify tap water
Authors: Gad Mahmoud , Marouf Mohamed A. , Abogabal Amr , Hu Anyi , Nabet Noura 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

This study addresses the heightened global reliance on point-of-use (PoU) systems driven by water quality concerns, ageing infrastructure, and urbanization. While widely used in Egypt, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation of these systems. We assessed 10 reverse osmosis point-of-use systems, examining physicochemical, bacteriological, and protozoological aspects of tap water (inlets) and filtered water (outlets), adhering to standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. Results showed significant reductions in total dissolved solids across most systems, with a decrease from 210 ± 23.6 mg/L in tap water to 21 ± 2.8 mg/L in filtered water for PoU-10. Ammonia nitrogen levels in tap water decreased from 0.05 ± 0.04 to 2.28 ± 1.47 mg/L to 0.02 ± 0.04 to 0.69 ± 0.64 mg/L in filtered water. Despite this, bacterial indicators showed no significant changes, with some systems even increasing coliform levels. Protozoological analysis identified prevalent Acanthamoeba (42.5%), less frequent Naegleria (2.5%), Vermamoeba vermiformis (5%), and potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes. Elevated bacterial indicators in filtered water of point-of-use systems, combined with essential mineral removal, indicate non-compliance with water quality standards, posing a public health concern. Further research on the long-term health implications of these filtration systems is essential.
Evaluation of water quality and trophic status in relation to seasonal water mixing in a highland Lake Ardibo, Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Adem , Mengistou Seyoum , Fetahi Tadesse 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the spatio-temporal variability of various physical and chemical parameters of water quality and to determine the trophic state of Lake Ardibo. Water samples were collected from October 2020 to September 2021 at three sampling stations in four different seasons. A total of 14 physico-chemical parameters, such as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity, turbidity, alkalinity, Secchi-depth, nitrate, ammonia, silicon dioxide, soluble reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, chloride, and fluoride were measured using standard methods. The results demonstrated that temporal variation existed throughout the study period. Except for turbidity, the water quality of the lake varied significantly within the four seasons (ANOVA, p &lt; 0.05). DO levels decreased significantly during the dry season following water mixing events. Chlorophyll-a measurements showed significant seasonal differences ranging from 0.58 μg L−1 in the main-rainy season to 8.44 μg L−1 in the post-rainy period, indicating moderate algal biomass production. The overall category of Lake Ardibo was found to be under a mesotrophic state with medium biological productivity. A holistic lake basin approach management is suggested to maintain water quality and ecological processes and to improve the lake ecosystem services.
Metal-phenolic network as precursor complex coating for forward osmosis membrane with enhanced antifouling property
Authors: Sun Yan , Xie Xiaoyang , Ma Xiangdong , Feng Qianying , Xu Changhao , Shen Jiaqi , Gu Yuxin , Zhao Chuanliang , He JiaoJie 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

In this study, a multi-functional layer was developed based on the commercially available cellulose triacetate (CTA) forward osmosis (FO) membrane to improve its antifouling property. Tannic acid/ferric ion (TA/Fe3+) complexes were firstly coated as a precursor layer on the membrane surface via self-assembly. Afterwards, the tannic acid/diethylenetriamine (TA/DETA) hydrophilic functional layer was further coated, following Ag/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) anti-bacterial layer was formed in situ through the reducibility of TA to obtain TA/Fe3+-TA/DETA-Ag/PVP-modified membrane. The optimized precursor layer was acquired by adjusting the buffer solution pH to 8, TA/Fe3+ ratio to 4 and the number of self-assembled layers to 5. The permeability testing results illustrated that the functional layer had an insignificant effect on the membrane transport parameters. The TA/Fe3+-TA/DETA-Ag/PVP-modified membrane simultaneously exhibited excellent physical and chemical stability. The coated membrane also demonstrated enhanced anti-bacterial properties, achieving 98.63 and 97.30% inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Furthermore, the dynamic fouling experiment showed a 12% higher water flux decrease for the TA/Fe3+-TA/DETA-Ag/PVP CTA membrane compared to the nascent CTA membrane, which proved its excellent antifouling performance. This work provides a feasible strategy to heighten the antifouling property of the CTA FO membrane.
Addressing Data Absenteeism and Technology Chauvinism in the Use of Gamified Wearable Gloves Among Older Adults: Moderated Usability Study
Authors: Lee Edmund W J , Tan Warrick W , Pham Ben Tan Phat , Kawaja Ariffin , Theng Yin-Leng 
Published: April 2024

Background
Digital health technologies have the potential to improve health outcomes for older adults, especially for those recovering from stroke. However, there are challenges to developing these technologies, such as data absenteeism (where older adults’ views are often underrepresented in research and development) and technology chauvinism (the belief that sophisticated technology alone is the panacea to addressing health problems), which hinder their effectiveness.

Objective
In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by developing a wearable glove integrated with culturally relevant exergames to motivate older adults to exercise and, for those recovering from stroke, to adhere to rehabilitation.

Methods
We conducted a moderated usability study with 19 older adults, of which 11 (58%) had a history of stroke. Our participants engaged in a 30-minute gameplay session with the wearable glove integrated with exergames, followed by a quantitative survey and an in-depth interview. We used descriptive analysis to compare responses to the System Usability Scale between those who had a history of stroke and those who did not. In addition, we analyzed the qualitative interviews using a bottom-up thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the motivations and barriers regarding the use of wearable gloves for rehabilitation and exercise.

Results
Our study generated several key insights. First, making the exergames exciting and challenging could improve exercise and rehabilitation motivation, but it could also have a boomerang effect, where participants may become demotivated if the games were very challenging. Second, the comfort and ease of use of the wearable gloves were important for older adults, regardless of their stroke history. Third, for older adults with a history of stroke, the functionality and purpose of the wearable glove were important in helping them with specific exercise movements.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the importance of providing contextual support for the effective use of digital technologies, particularly for older adults recovering from stroke. In addition to technology and usability factors, other contextual factors such as gamification and social support (from occupational therapists or caregivers) should be considered to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing health problems. To overcome data absenteeism and technology chauvinism, it is important to develop digital health technologies that are tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Our study provides valuable insights for the development of digital health technologies that can motivate older adults recovering from stroke to exercise and adhere to rehabilitation.
Real-World Registry on the Pharmacotherapy of Multiple Myeloma and Associated Renal and Pulmonary Impairments in the Greater Gulf Region: Protocol for a Retrospective Real-World Data Study
Authors: Nourallah Abdulnaser , Alshehri Abdulrahman , Alhejazi Ayman , Usman Binyam , ElGohary Ghada , Malhan Hafiz , Motabi Ibraheem , Al Farsi Khalil , Alshuaibi Mohammed , Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Ghonema Rasha , Taha Ruba Yasin , Abouzeid Tarek , Ahmed Wesam , Diab Mohanad , Alhuraiji Ahmad , Rabea Magdy , Chouikrat Mohamed Zahir 
Published: April 2024

Background
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second-most common cancer among hematological malignancies. Patients with active disease may experience several comorbidities, including renal insufficiency and asthma, which may lead to treatment failure. The treatment of relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM) has been associated with multiple factors, causing a decline in progression-free survival as well as overall survival with subsequent lines of therapy. Data about the characteristics of this group of patients in the Greater Gulf region are lacking.

Objective
The primary objective of this study is to describe the disease characteristics and various treatment approaches or regimens used in the management of patients with RRMM in the Greater Gulf region.

Methods
We will conduct a regional, retrospective study collecting real-world and epidemiological data on patients with MM in countries of the Greater Gulf region. Medical records will be used to obtain the required data. Around 150 to 170 patients’ records are planned to be retrospectively reviewed over 6 months without any cross-sectional or prospective intervention. Cases will be collected from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Descriptive as well as analytical statistics will be performed on the extracted data. The calculated sample size will allow us to estimate the percentages of RRMM cases with acceptable precision while complying with the challenges in light of data scarcity. We will obtain a comprehensive description of the demographic profile of patients with MM; treatment outcomes; the proportion of patients with MM with renal impairment and asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or both at the time of diagnosis and any subsequent point; and data related to treatment lines, regimens, and MM-associated morbidities.

Results
Patient medical records were reviewed between June 2022 and January 2023 for eligibility and data extraction. A total of 148 patients were eligible for study inclusion, of whom 64.2% (n=95) were male and 35.8% (n=53) were female. The study is currently in its final stages of data analysis. The final manuscript is expected to be published in 2024.

Conclusions
Although MM is a predominant hematological disease, data on its prevalence and patients’ characteristics in the Greater Gulf region are scarce. Therefore, this study will give us real-world insights into disease characteristics and various management approaches of patients with MM in the Greater Gulf region.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/49861
Nonfungible Tokens—Differentiated Crypto Assets in Need of Accounting and Attestation Guidelines; Analysis and Implications
Authors: Kinory Ethan , Stein Smith Sean 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Even as recent headlines announce the risks of crypto assets, institutional and governmental adoption continues. Undeterred by short-term price declines and liquidation of speculative instruments, blockchain-based instruments and applications continue to receive billions in investment across the globe. And yet, accounting and attestation standards have failed to keep pace with this growth. This paper focuses specifically on the development of one type of crypto asset—nonfungible tokens (NFTs)—and the relevant accounting and auditing concerns. The first section reviews the nature of NFTs, differentiating them from other existing crypto assets. The second section examines factors that must be considered for the audit and attestation of NFTs. This paper raises questions that both the academician and practitioner must contend with as these crypto assets continue to be adopted.
ADAM-technológiájú 3D-s fémnyomtatás
Authors: Hegedűs Ernő 
Published: April 2024

A tanulmány bemutatja az ADAM-technológiájú 3D-s fémnyomtatást. Kitér a magas olvadáspontú fémek nyomtathatóságára, az ADAM 3D-s nyomtatás lehetőségeire, illetve e fémek megjelenésének a haditechnika fejlődésére gyakorolt hatására. Kitér a zárt belső szerkezetek, cellák előállításának lehetőségére és előnyeire. Ismerteti az UAV-k sárkány és hajtómű-rendszereinek, illetve egyes könnyűjárművek fémszerkezeti elemeinek gyárthatósági előnyeit ADAM-technológiájú 3D-s nyomtatással.
Pedagogical conditions for the use of a computer game educational complex for instrumental support of a speech therapist activity
Authors: Рудинский И.Д. , Лутовинова А.М. 
Published: April 2024

В статье описаны педагогические условия, формулирование и выполнение которых способствует созданию и результативному применению комплексов компьютерных игр логопедического назначения в профессиональной деятельности педагога-логопеда.
The article describes the pedagogical conditions, the formulation and implementation of which contributes to the creation and effective use of computer game complexes for speech therapy purposes in the professional activity of a speech therapist.
Mapping the future of antimicrobial use data collection in US animal agriculture: insights from FDA-funded pilot studies
Authors: Huebner Katherine L. , Nevius Anna , Chamberlain Julia , Bright-Ponte Susan J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Antimicrobial use (AMU) contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, necessitating antimicrobial stewardship actions across all sectors using a One Health approach to preserve antimicrobial effectiveness. This overview delves into 2 FDA-funded projects focused on collecting and analyzing AMU data in major food-producing animal species (cattle, swine, turkeys, and chickens). Initiated in 2016, the projects aimed to establish baseline AMU information and pilot methodologies. This article describes the methodologies used by grantees for data collected from 2016 to 2021, emphasizing the diverse data sources and metrics utilized. Instead of summarizing the trends, it provides a list of publications generated from the grants. Factors contributing to successful data collection included early interaction and trust building between the producers/data holders and researchers. Shared challenges include limitations stemming from convenience sampling, variable industry participation, and lack of data covering all segments of a particular commodity (eg, data on breeding or young animals were lacking). Future collaborative efforts are needed to enhance data standardization, contextualization, representativeness, and reporting of national-scale AMU data going forward. Addressing these challenges and data gaps is essential for effective monitoring of AMU in veterinary settings and animal agriculture, in alignment with national strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Understanding the Detrimental Effects of Heavy Metal Pollution in Shrimp Farming and Treatment Methods – A Review
Authors: Derrick Asare , Yohana Mpwaga Alatwinusa , Yudong Zheng , Gongyu Li , Tan Beiping , Zhang Shuang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
High levels of heavy metals in the environment pose a significant risk to the aquatic ecosystem and its organisms. The non-biodegradable nature and lengthy persistence of heavy metals in the environment lead to toxicity in shrimp. Using aquatic animals as bio-indicators of metal contamination provides valuable data on acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic species and environmental quality. This review aims to provide insights into the sources, impacts, diseases and mitigation strategies related to heavy metal pollution in shrimp farming and the dangers to humans. Shrimp growth and development at each stage exhibit distinct responses to toxicity, which can vary depending on the species, types of metals, their mechanisms of action, as well as the concentration of heavy metals and duration of exposure. While several heavy metals are considered essential nutrient elements that enhance shrimp growth and feed efficiency, exceeding the maximum tolerable limit threatens shrimp health, human consumers, and ecological systems’ stability. Shrimp species subjected to lethal toxic metal concentrations experience significant effects on accumulation in histopathology. Heavy metal toxicity has been linked to high mortality rates, malformation rates, oxidative stress, moulting issues, and decreased reproduction with increasing concentrations in shrimp. Various methods have been reported for removing heavy metal ions from aquatic environments, including filtration, adsorbents, removal efficacy, operating conditions, and the pros and cons of each technique. Therefore, this review provides an overview of how heavy metals can affect shrimp physiology and dangers to consumers. It aims to increase awareness about the importance of preventing and regulating their contamination in aquatic environments.