bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beating Backsliding? Episodes and Outcomes of Democratic Backsliding in Indo-Pacific Asia in the Period 1950–2022
Authors: Croissant Aurel , Hengge Anna , Wintergerst Carmen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The paper presents the first comprehensive analysis of all episodes of backsliding in democratic regimes in Indo-Pacific Asia from 1950–2022. Based on the experience of this sample of cases, this paper aims to generate insights into why some Asian democracies are more resilient to this gradual decline in the quality of democratic institutions. Using Haggard and Kaufman’s framework of the “weak democracy syndrome” and the three different kinds of mechanisms of accountability that, in theory, can beat democratic backsliding, our analysis aims to show not only how but also when different accountability mechanisms succeed or fail in stopping autocratization.
The Role of Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Supplements in the Management of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses: Le rôle des habitudes alimentaires et des suppléments nutritionnels dans la prise en charge des troubles mentaux chez les enfants et les adolescents : une méta-revue de méta-analyses
Authors: Talib Maria , Rachdi Majda , Papazova Anna , Nicolis Hélène 
Published: May 2024

Objective In recent years, the relationship between nutrition and mental health has gained considerable interest. We identified, synthesized, and appraised all meta­-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting on the efficacy of dietary patterns and nutrient supplements in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Methods Systematic research in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was completed on 8 January 2024. Results Our research found 24 meta-analyses: 14 on RCTs, 8 on observational studies, and 2 combining both. Emerging evidence suggests that omega-3, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid, and Vitamin D may have adjunctive benefits in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while no evidence was found for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Observational data also indicated that prenatal folic acid supplementation (>400 μg daily) was associated with a reduced risk of ASD in offspring. In terms of dietary habits, several meta-analyses of observational data revealed that healthy dietary patterns (rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre, low in saturated fats) during the prenatal period, childhood, and adolescence were linked to a significantly reduced risk of internalizing disorders and externalizing disorders. Conversely, unhealthy dietary habits (high in sugars, saturated animal fats, and industrial foods, low in fruits, vegetables, and fibre) are associated with an elevated risk of these mental health issues. However, the number of available studies on dietary interventions for the treatment of depression, ASD, and ADHD was limited, and the results obtained were either nonsignificant or contradictory. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the need to establish clear causal relationships between dietary habits and the risk of mental illness in children and adolescents. Moreover, further investigation of the benefits observed with some nutrient supplements (such as omega-3 and vitamin D for ADHD) through larger-scale RCTs is imperative to establish more robust conclusions.
Enhancing the performance of optoelectronic potential of CuO/Al nanoplats in a PVC for medium voltage cables applications
Authors: Elbasiony AM , Ghobashy Mohamed Mohamady , Madani Mohamed , Al-Gahtany Samera Ali , Sharshir AI 
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the potential of incorporating CuO and Al nanoplates into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix to enhance the performance of medium voltage cables. The incorporation of nanoparticles into the PVC insulation material aims to improve the electrical, dielectric, and optical properties of the cable. The nanocomposite films were synthesized by dissolving PVC in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent and adding a mixture of 5 wt% CuO and Al nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of the nanoparticles into the PVC matrix. The optical properties of the PVC/AlNPs and PVC/CuONPs + AlNPs nanocomposite films were characterized, revealing a decrease in band gap energy (4.35 eV) and Urbach tail energy (0.3702 eV) for the PVC/CuONPs + AlNPs film compared to the PVC/AlNPs film (4.5 eV and 0.41816 eV, respectively). Additionally, the PVC/CuONPs + AlNPs film exhibited higher absorption coefficients and increased electron delocalization and conjugation (carbon cluster value of 62.53). The dielectric properties of the CuONPs + AlNPs nanocomposites were investigated, with the sample containing 1.5% AlNPs demonstrating the highest AC conductivity (2.029 × 10−3 S/m), dielectric constant, and dielectric loss across the frequency range. Simulations of electric field distribution revealed that the PVC/CuONPs+1.5% AlNPs nanocomposite cable exhibited a more uniform electric field distribution compared to the PVC market cable, contributing to a reduction in electrostatic tension and a relative permittivity increase from 2.25 to 2.35. The electric potential distribution along the cable radius remained similar for both cable samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of nanocomposite insulation materials in enhancing the performance of medium voltage cables, paving the way for improved reliability, longevity, and efficiency.
Incidence of port site complications in relation to timing of bevacizumab infusion
Authors: Yun Jina , Baek Grace , Indorf Amy , Duong Arianne 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor, with a serious complication of wound healing complications. The package insert currently does not have recommendations on the management of bevacizumab administration around minor procedures, including port placements. Currently, there are only two trials that have examined the optimal timing of bevacizumab after port placement. Methods This is a single-center retrospective trial aiming to evaluate the rate of wound dehiscence and other port site complications depending on the time between port placement and bevacizumab infusion. Eligible patients who have had at least one port place and have received bevacizumab for an oncologic indication were identified in a study period of 1/1/2016–3/31/2021. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of wound dehiscence in relation to the timing of bevacizumab infusion. Results A total of 243 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 116 port placements had a port site complication. For wound dehiscence, 6% was observed 0 days from port placement, 10% was observed 1 day from port placement, 0% was observed 2 days from port placement, 0% was observed 3–7 days from port placement, 3% was observed 8–14 days from port placement, and 3% was observed 15–30 days from port placement. Conclusions The results of this study show an inverse relationship between the risk of wound dehiscence and port site complication and the timing of bevacizumab infusion to port placement, with an increase in absolute risk of wound dehiscence when bevacizumab is given within 2 days of port placement.
Impact of positive airway pressure therapy on intraocular pressure in obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review
Authors: Singh Mamta , Deokar Kunal , Dutta Siddhartha , Sinha Bibhuti P , Katoch Chandan D S 
Published: May 2024

Background Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy has been reported to have variable effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) . The objective of this review is to present a qualitative assessment of available literature on impact of PAP on IOP in patients of OSA. Method: Online databases were searched for relevant articles up to September 2023. It included randomized control trial (RCT), prospective observational study, case control study, cross-sectional study, published abstract having relevant information. The comparator group consisted of OSA patients not receiving the PAP therapy or the pre-PAP IOP. Studies reporting change in IOP immediately after PAP use, at 1 month and at 1 year of PAP use were included. For quality assessment Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 and NIH study quality assessment tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group was used. Result: In this systematic review of ten clinical studies with 191 patients of OSA, use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy led to an immediate increase in IOP but it was not significantly different from non-CPAP users. One month and 1 year of CPAP use led to a significant increase in IOP from the baseline value. Conclusion The available albeit limited evidence suggests that CPAP use, particularly at higher pressures, is linked to an elevation in IOP. However, high quality evidence from well-designed RCTs is needed to confirm or refute this findings.
Burst versus continuous delivery design in digital mental health interventions: Evidence from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marciniak Marta Anna , Shanahan Lilly , Yuen Kenneth S L , Veer Ilya Milos , Walter Henrik , Tuescher Oliver , Kobylińska Dorota , Kalisch Raffael , Hermans Erno , Binder Harald , Kleim Birgit 
Published: May 2024

Objective Digital mental health interventions delivered via smartphone-based apps effectively treat various conditions; however, optimizing their efficacy while minimizing participant burden remains a key challenge. In this study, we investigated the potential benefits of a burst delivery design (i.e. interventions delivered only in pre-defined time intervals) in comparison to the continuous delivery of interventions. Methods We randomly assigned 93 participants to the continuous delivery (CD) or burst delivery (BD) group. The CD group engaged in ReApp, a mobile app that increases positive cognitive reappraisal with a consistent delivery schedule that provides five prompts per day throughout the 3-week-long study, while the BD group received five daily prompts only in the first and third weeks of the study. Results No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of adherence, mental health outcomes (specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms), level of perceived stress, and perceived helpfulness of intervention. The BD group showed a significantly decreased perceived difficulty of intervention over time. Conclusions The results suggest that the burst delivery may be as suitable for digital mental health interventions as the continuous delivery. The perceived difficulty of the intervention declined more steeply for the BD group, indicating that it improved the feasibility of the positive cognitive reappraisal intervention without hurting its efficacy. This outcome may inform the design of less burdensome interventions with improved outcomes in future research.
Handling of outcome missing data dependent on measured or unmeasured background factors in micro-randomized trial: Simulation and application study
Authors: Kondo Masahiro , Oba Koji 
Published: May 2024

Background Micro-randomized trials (MRTs) enhance the effects of mHealth by determining the optimal components, timings, and frequency of interventions. Appropriate handling of missing values is crucial in clinical research; however, it remains insufficiently explored in the context of MRTs. Our study aimed to investigate appropriate methods for missing data in simple MRTs with uniform intervention randomization and no time-dependent covariates. We focused on outcome missing data depending on the participants’ background factors. Methods We evaluated the performance of the available data analysis (AD) and the multiple imputation in generalized estimating equations (GEE) and random effects model (RE) through simulations. The scenarios were examined based on the presence of unmeasured background factors and the presence of interaction effects. We conducted the regression and propensity score methods as multiple imputation. These missing data handling methods were also applied to actual MRT data. Results Without the interaction effect, AD was biased for GEE, but there was almost no bias for RE. With the interaction effect, estimates were biased for both. For multiple imputation, regression methods estimated without bias when the imputation models were correct, but bias occurred when the models were incorrect. However, this bias was reduced by including the random effects in the imputation model. In the propensity score method, bias occurred even when the missing probability model was correct. Conclusions Without the interaction effect, AD of RE was preferable. When employing GEE or anticipating interactions, we recommend the multiple imputation, especially with regression methods, including individual-level random effects.
Design and prototype validation of a laterally mounted powered hip joint prothesis
Authors: Mroz Sarah , Baddour Natalie , Dumond Patrick , Lemaire Edward D 
Published: May 2024

Prosthetic technology has advanced with the development of powered prostheses to enhance joint function and movement in the absence of native anatomy. However, there are no powered solutions available for hip-level amputees, and most existing hip prostheses are mounted to the front of the prosthetic socket, thereby limiting range of motion. This research introduces a novel laterally mounted powered hip joint (LMPHJ) that augments user movement. The LMPHJ is mounted on the lateral side of the prosthetic socket, positioning the hip joint closer to the anatomical center of rotation while ensuring user safety and stability. The motor and electronics are located in the thigh area, maintaining a low profile while transmitting the required hip moment to the mechanical joint center of rotation. A prototype was designed and manufactured, and static testing was complete by modifying the loading conditions defined in the ISO 15032:2000 standard to failure test levels for a 100 kg person, demonstrating the joint’s ability to withstand everyday loading conditions. Functional testing was conducted using a prosthesis simulator that enabled able-bodied participants to successfully walk with the powered prosthesis on level ground. This validates the mechanical design for walking and indicates the LMPHJ is ready for evaluation in the next phase with hip disarticulation amputee participants.
Mumps vaccination and immune status among Japanese university students: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Takeuchi Jiro , Ozaki Iwata , Hata Kokichi , Nozawa Manami , Fukushima Kanami , Fukumori Norio , Imanaka Mie , Sakanishi Yuta , Shima Masayuki , Morimoto Takeshi 
Published: May 2024

Background: During the mumps outbreak in Japan in 2016, 159,031 cases were reported. In a survey conducted in 2015, mumps vaccination rates for the first dose were 30%–40%. However, the rates for two or more doses were not determined. We assessed the mumps vaccination rates and mumps infection prevalence according to vaccine doses received. Design and methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study. Students from three universities participated in 2019. Informed consent was obtained from the students and their guardians. The primary outcome was the prevalence of breakthrough mumps infection according to the number of doses of vaccine received. We collected data on past illnesses of vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination history using a questionnaire, photocopies of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook from the guardians, and virus antibody titers from the universities’ health centers. Results: This study assessed 2004 eligible students and included 593 (29.6%); of these, 250 (42.7%) had a mumps infection history. Furthermore, 264 (44.6%), 31 (5.2%), and 2 (0.3%) students received the first, second, and third doses of mumps vaccine, respectively. The mumps seropositivity prevalence was 43.2% ( n = 127), 36.7% ( n = 97), 26.7% ( n = 8), and 100% ( n = 2) for the no-, first-, second-, and third-dose groups, respectively ( p for trend = 0.09). The mumps infection prevalence rates were 69.8% ( n = 203), 11.3% ( n = 28), 3.9% ( n = 1), and 0% for the no-, first-, second-, and third-dose groups, respectively. Conclusions: Approximately 1 in 10 students who had received only one dose of mumps-containing vaccine had a breakthrough infection history.
Short report: Can autie-biographies influence non-autistic readers’ views of autism and autistic people?
Authors: Akhtar Nameera , Dinishak Janette 
Published: May 2024

Autistic testimony can be used to both broaden and constrain current theorizing about autism, and to educate lay people of the experiences of (some) autistic individuals. One way to access this testimony involves reading autistic autobiographies (autie-biographies). Dinishak and Akhtar outline several potential benefits of autie-biographies, including questioning assumptions, counteracting stereotypes, and increasing understanding of autistic experiences. As a first step in examining whether autie-biographies can produce these benefits, we coded book reviews of 52 English autie-biographies for three themes (suggestions for research/policy; changed views of autism; increased empathy/understanding) and found evidence for all three. These results suggest that reading autie-biographies may benefit non-autistic readers. Lay Abstract One potential way to gain an understanding of autistic perspectives involves reading autistic autobiographies (autie-biographies). If autie-biographies influence readers’ views about autism and autistic people, then book reviews of autie-biographies should indicate changes in the review authors’ views. In this study we examined whether book reviews of autie-biographies: 1) contained suggestions for research and/or policy; 2) suggested changes in the review author's view of autism; and/or 3) mentioned an increased understanding of autistic experiences. We found that most reviews contained one or more of these themes, suggesting that reading autie-biographies might be an effective way to influence non-autistic people’s views about autism.
Novel loading protocol combines highly efficient encapsulation of exogenous therapeutic toxin with preservation of extracellular vesicles properties, uptake and cargo activity
Authors: Zuppone Stefania , Zarovni Natasa , Noguchi Kosuke , Loria Francesca , Morasso Carlo , Lõhmus Andres , Nakase Ikuhiko , Vago Riccardo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have mostly been investigated as carriers of biological therapeutics such as proteins and RNA. Nevertheless, small-molecule drugs of natural or synthetic origin have also been loaded into EVs, resulting in an improvement of their therapeutic properties. A few methods have been employed for EV cargo loading, but poor yield and drastic modifications of vesicles remain unsolved challenges. We tested a different strategy based on temporary pH alteration through incubation of EVs with alkaline sodium carbonate, which resulted in conspicuous exogenous molecule incorporation. In-depth characterization showed that vesicle size, morphology, composition, and uptake were not affected. Our method was more efficient than gold-standard electroporation, particularly for a potential therapeutic toxin: the plant Ribosome Inactivating Protein saporin. The encapsulated saporin resulted protected from degradation, and was efficiently conveyed to receiving cancer cells and triggered cell death. EV-delivered saporin was more cytotoxic compared to the free toxin. This approach allows both the structural preservation of vesicle properties and the transfer of protected cargo in the context of drug delivery.
Graphic Abstract
Role of preoperative zinc, magnesium and budesonide gargles in Postoperative Sore Throat (POST) - a randomised control trial
Authors: Bhanwra Aakanksha , Palta Sanjeev , Saroa Richa , Saxena Puja , Bhanwra Sangeeta , Jain Aditi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Post-operative sore throat (POST) has an incidence ranging from 21 to 80%. To prevent the development of POST, several pharmacological measures have been tried. Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of preoperative zinc, magnesium and budesonide gargles in reducing the incidence and severity of POST in patients who underwent endotracheal intubation for elective surgeries.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence trial in 180 patients admitted for elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomised into three groups; group Z received 40 mg Zinc, group M received 250 mg Magnesium Sulphate and group B received 200 µg Budesonide in the form of 30 ml tasteless and colourless gargle solutions. Sore throat assessment and haemodynamic recording was done postoperatively at immediate recovery (0 h) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h post-operatively. POST was graded on a four-point scale (0–3).

Results
POST score was comparable at all recorded time points i.e. 0,2,4,6,8,12 and 24 h. Maximum incidence was seen at 8 h in group B (33.3%) and the minimum incidence was at 24 h in group Z (10%) (p > 0.05). It was found that the incidence of POST was more in the surgeries lasting longer than 2 h in all groups. This difference was found to be statistically significant in Groups M and B. The incidence of POST was found to be comparable between laparoscopic and open procedures.

Conclusion
Magnesium, zinc and budesonide have an equivocal effect in the prevention of POST at different time points. The incidence of sore throat increases significantly in surgeries lasting more than two hours if magnesium or budesonide have been used as premedicant. Duration of surgery is an independent predictor for POST.

Trial registration
CTRI/2021/05/033741 Date-24/05/2021(Clinical Trial Registry of India).
Diastolic/systolic blood pressure ratio for predicting febrile children with sepsis and progress to septic shock in the emergency department
Authors: Mu Chun-Ting , Lin Ying-Jui , Chen Chih-Ho , Hsia Shao-Hsuan , Lin Jainn-Jim , Chan Oi-Wa , Yen Chen-Wei , Chiu Chun-Che , Chang Han-Pi , Su Ya-Ting , Lee En-Pei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
Given the scarcity of studies analyzing the clinical predictors of pediatric septic cases that would progress to septic shock, this study aimed to determine strong predictors for pediatric emergency department (PED) patients with sepsis at risk for septic shock and mortality.

Methods
We conducted chart reviews of patients with ≥ 2 age-adjusted quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) criteria to recognize patients with an infectious disease in two tertiary PEDs between January 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. The age range of included patients was 1 month to 18 years. The primary outcome was development of septic shock within 48 h of PED attendance. The secondary outcome was sepsis-related 28-day mortality. Initial important variables in the PED and hemodynamics with the highest and lowest values during the first 24 h of admission were also analyzed.

Results
Overall, 417 patients were admitted because of sepsis and met the eligibility criteria for the study. Forty-nine cases progressed to septic shock within 48 h after admission and 368 were discharged without progression. General demographics, laboratory data, and hemodynamics were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Only the minimum diastolic blood pressure/systolic blood pressure ratio (D/S ratio) during the first 24 h after admission remained as an independent predictor of progression to septic shock and 28-day mortality. The best cutoff values of the D/S ratio for predicting septic shock and 28-day mortality were 0.52 and 0.47, respectively.

Conclusions
The D/S ratio is a practical bedside scoring system in the PED and had good discriminative ability in predicting the progression of septic shock and in-hospital mortality in PED patients. Further validation is essential in other settings.