bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation dilemmas: Lessons learned in improving intervention outcomes and sustainability in Latin American communities
Authors: Zambrana Ruth Enid , Lovato Kristina , Burgos Nilsa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA significant number of studies on program evaluations in Latin America have limited, if any, information on procedures, impact, and sustainability. Scholarly work emphasizes how evaluation designs must be deeply cognizant of socioeconomic, ecological, and resource contexts to be effective. The purpose of this article is to bring together research findings from three types of knowledge centered on evaluation processes and practices for working within Latin American countries. A scan of the empirical literature, expert interviews, and a case study are triangulated to assess the barriers and impacts of program evaluations in economically disadvantaged Latin American countries. We conclude by describing long‐standing principles and guidelines for evaluation procedures to promote community engagement and human capital development in all evaluation collaborations. Lessons learned reinforce the tenets of culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) procedures as critical to reproduce interventions that improve the lives of communities. Equity, contextual knowledge, and equal partnership are driving forces in centering social problems and developing human capital and the betterment of community conditions in our partnering countries.
On the scientific credibility of paleoanthropology
Authors: Villmoare Brian , Kimbel William 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSmith and Smith and Wood proposed that the human fossil record offers special challenges for causal hypotheses because “unique” adaptations resist the comparative method. We challenge their notions of “uniqueness” and offer a refutation of the idea that there is something epistemologically special about human prehistoric data. Although paleontological data may be sparse, there is nothing inherent about this information that prevents its use in the inductive or deductive process, nor in the generation and testing of scientific hypotheses. The imprecision of the fossil record is well‐understood, and such imprecision is often factored into hypotheses and methods. While we acknowledge some oversteps within the discipline, we also note that the history of paleoanthropology is clearly one of progress, with ideas tested and resolution added as data (fossils) are uncovered and new technologies applied, much like in sciences as diverse as astronomy, molecular genetics, and geology.
Adverse effects of methylphenidate for apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease (ADMET2 trial)
Authors: Zeng Lijuan , Perin Jamie , Gross Alden L. , Shade David , Lanctôt Krista L. , Lerner Alan J. , Mintzer Jacobo E. , Brawman‐Mintzer Olga , Padala Prasad R. , van Dyck Christopher H. , Porsteinsson Anton P. , Craft Suzanne , Levey Allan , Herrmann Nathan , Rosenberg Paul B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo examine clinically important adverse events (AEs) associated with methylphenidate (MPH) treatment of apathy in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) versus placebo, including weight loss, vital signs, falls, and insomnia.MethodsThe Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (ADMET2) trial was a multicenter randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of MPH to treat apathy in individuals with apathy and AD. Participants in ADMET2 had vital signs and weight measured at monthly visits through 6 months. AEs, including insomnia, falls, and cardiovascular events, were reported at every visit by participants and families using a symptom checklist.ResultsThe study included 98 participants in the MPH group and 101 in the placebo group. Participants in the MPH group experienced greater weight loss on average than the placebo through the 6‐month follow‐up, with a difference in change between MPH and placebo of 2.8 lb (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.7, 4.9 lb). No treatment group differences in change during the trial were found in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More participants in the MPH group reported falls during the follow‐up, 10 versus 6 in MPH and placebo groups, respectively. No differences in post‐baseline insomnia were observed between the treatment groups. No participants reported instances of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, or cardiomyopathy throughout the study period.ConclusionsMPH use in AD patients for treating apathy is relatively safe, particularly notable given the many medical comorbidities in this population. There was a statistically significant but modest weight loss associated with MPH use, and clinicians are thus advised to monitor weight during MPH treatment.
Hypermethylation of GSTM5 and its effect on oxidation in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Wang Chi , Yu Yafei , Chang Qing , Dong Tengteng , Wang Liye , Li Mianyang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundHypermethylation of glutathione‐S‐transferase 5 (GSTM5) and its effect on oxidation in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were investigated.MethodsGSTM5 methylation was detected in bone marrow (BM) samples from MDS patients, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, and control individuals using methylation‐specific PCR and MassARRAY analysis. Bisulfite sequencing PCR was performed to verify methylation levels, while mRNA levels were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Correlations between GSTM5 methylation and clinical parameters were analyzed. The MDS cell line, SKM‐1, was treated with decitabine, buthionine sulfoximine, or overexpression of GSTM5, and the glutathione level and cell viability were detected.ResultsThe MassARRAY analysis revealed significant differences in GSTM5 methylation levels between the MDS and control groups. GSTM5 methylation levels were significantly increased in the high‐risk subgroup and showed a significant association with MDS progression to AML (hazard ratio = 3.6). Levels of GSTM5 mRNA were significantly decreased in the MDS group, exhibiting a negative correlation with the GSTM5 gene methylation level. Normal BM HS‐5 cells exhibited significantly lower levels of GSTM5 methylation than SKM‐1 cells. Overexpression of GSTM5 in SKM‐1 cells or treatment with buthionine sulfoximine or decitabine resulted in inhibition of proliferation and significantly decreased glutathione levels.ConclusionsGSTM5 plays an anti‐oxidative role in MDS and the tumor suppressor effect of GSTM5 may be mediated by reducing glutathione levels. GSTM5 hypermethylation and low levels of GSTM5 expression may be prognostic markers for MDS.
AKT1 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Metastasis by Directly Phosphorylating Hexokinases
Authors: Yu Yuan , Wang Shuqing , Wang Yaqi , Zhang Qianyi , Zhao Lina , Wang Yang , Wu Jinghua , Han Liyuan , Wang Junli , Guo Jimin , Xue Jiarui , Dong Fenglin , Zhang Jing Hua , Zhang Liu , Liu Yan , Shi Guogang , Zhang Xiaojun , Li Yufeng , Li Jingwu 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe importance of protein kinase B (AKT) in tumorigenesis and development is well established, but its potential regulation of metabolic reprogramming via phosphorylation of the hexokinase (HK) isozymes remains unclear. There are two HK family members (HK1/2) and three AKT family members (AKT1/2/3), with varied distribution of AKTs exhibiting distinct functions in different tissues and cell types. Although AKT is known to phosphorylate HK2 at threonine 473, AKT‐mediated phosphorylation of HK1 has not been reported. We examined direct binding and phosphorylation of HK1/2 by AKT1 and identified the phosphorylation modification sites using coimmunoprecipitation, glutathione pull‐down, western blotting, and in vitro kinase assays. Regulation of HK activity through phosphorylation by AKT1 was also examined. Uptake of 2‐[1,2‐3H]‐deoxyglucose and production of lactate were investigated to determine whether AKT1 regulates glucose metabolism by phosphorylating HK1/2. Functional assays, immunohistochemistry, and tumor experiments in mice were performed to investigate whether AKT1‐mediated regulation of tumor development is dependent on its kinase activity and/or the involvement of HK1/2. AKT interacted with and phosphorylated HK1 and HK2. Serine phosphorylation significantly increased AKT kinase activity, thereby enhancing glycolysis. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation of HK1 at serine 178 (S178) by AKT significantly decreased the Km and enhanced the Vmax by interfering with the formation of HK1 dimers. Mutations in the AKT phosphorylation sites of HK1 or HK2 significantly abrogated the stimulatory characteristics of AKT on glycolysis, tumorigenesis, and cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and metastasis. HK1‐S178 phosphorylation levels were significantly correlated with the occurrence and metastasis of different types of clinical tumors. We conclude that AKT not only regulates tumor glucose metabolism by directly phosphorylating HK1 and HK2, but also plays important roles in tumor progression, proliferation, and migration.
A novel interplay between PRC2 and miR‐3189 regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) via modulating COL6A2 in glioblastoma
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Vinchure Omkar Suhas , Yadav Garima , Sarkar Chitra , Kulshreshtha Ritu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecent studies have shed light on disrupted collagen signaling in Gliomas, yet the regulatory landscape remains largely unexplored. This study enquired into the role of polycomb repressive complex‐2 (PRC2)‐mediated H3K27me3 modification, a key epigenetic factor in glioma. Using in‐house data, we identified miRNAs downregulated in glioblastoma (GBM) with the potential to regulate Collagen VI family genes. Notably, miR‐3189 emerged as a prime PRC2 target. Its expression was significantly downregulated in Indian GBM patients as well as other glioma cohorts. Mechanistic insights, involving Luciferase assays, mutagenesis, and Western blot analysis, confirmed direct targeting of Collagen VI member COL6A2 by miR‐3189‐3p. Functional assays demonstrated that miR‐3189‐3p restrained GBM malignancy by inhibiting proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, COL6A2 overexpressed in GBM patients, countered miR‐3189, and promoted the malignant phenotype. Gene set enrichment analysis highlighted EMT enrichment in GBM patients with elevated COL6A2 expression, carrying prognostic implications. This study uncovers intricate interactions between two epigenetic regulators—H3K27me3 and miR‐3189—working synergistically to modulate Collagen VI gene; thus, influencing the malignancy of GBM. Targeting this H3K27me3|miR‐3189‐3p|COL6A2 axis presents a potential therapeutic avenue against GBM.
Short‐term mortality prediction in acute pulmonary embolism: Radiomics values of skeletal muscle and intramuscular adipose tissue
Authors: Shahzadi Iram , Zwanenburg Alex , Frohwein Lynn Johann , Schramm Dominik , Meyer Hans Jonas , Hinnerichs Mattes , Moenninghoff Christoph , Niehoff Julius Henning , Kroeger Jan Robert , Borggrefe Jan , Surov Alexey 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a potentially life‐threatening disorder, emphasizing the importance of accurate risk stratification and survival prognosis. The exploration of imaging biomarkers that can reflect patient survival holds the potential to further enhance the stratification of APE patients, enabling personalized treatment and early intervention. Therefore, in this study, we develop computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) radiomic signatures for the prognosis of 7‐ and 30‐day all‐cause mortality in patients with APE.MethodsDiagnostic CTPA images from 829 patients with APE were collected. Two hundred thirty‐four features from each skeletal muscle (SM), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and both tissues combined (SM + IMAT) were calculated at the level of thoracic vertebra 12. Radiomic signatures were derived using 10 times repeated three‐fold cross‐validation on the training data for SM, IMAT and SM + IMAT for predicting 7‐ and 30‐day mortality independently. The performance of the radiomic signatures was then evaluated on held‐out test data and compared with the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score, a well‐established biomarker for risk stratification in APE. Predictive accuracy was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe radiomic signatures based on IMAT and a combination of SM and IMAT (SM + IMAT) achieved moderate performance for the prediction of 30‐day mortality on test data (IMAT: AUC = 0.68, 95% CI [0.57–0.78], sensitivity = 0.57, specificity = 0.73; SM + IMAT: AUC = 0.70, 95% CI [0.60–0.79], sensitivity = 0.74, specificity = 0.54). Radiomic signatures developed for predicting 7‐day all‐cause mortality showed overall low performance. The clinical signature, that is, sPESI, achieved slightly better performance in terms of AUC on test data compared with the radiomic signatures for the prediction of both 7‐ and 30‐day mortality on the test data (7 days: AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.67–0.79], sensitivity = 0.92, specificity = 0.16; 30 days: AUC = 0.74, 95% CI [0.66–0.82], sensitivity = 0.97, specificity = 0.16).ConclusionsWe developed and tested radiomic signatures for predicting 7‐ and 30‐day all‐cause mortality in APE using a multicentric retrospective dataset. The present multicentre work shows that radiomics parameters extracted from SM and IMAT can predict 30‐day all‐cause mortality in patients with APE.
Experimental investigation and thermomechanical performance evaluation of supercritical water oxidation of n‐dodecane/tributyl phosphate
Authors: Mi Zhaoxia , Wang Shuzhong , Sun Shenghan , Li Yanhui , Zhang Fan , Duan Yuanwang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDNuclear energy has brought immense benefits while also generating a large amount of wastewater that urgently needs to be processed. Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) technology serves as an efficient method for wastewater treatment. In this study, a SCWO experiment was carried out with organic solvent of 30% tributyl phosphate (TBP) and 70% n‐dodecane. This study investigated the operating parameters and the effects of enhanced oxidation techniques on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency. An organic solvent SCWO process was developed, and its energy and exergy efficiencies were assessed using Aspen Plus.RESULTSThe COD removal was about 96.18% at the experimental parameters of 500 °C, 10 min, 25 MPa, oxidation coefficient of 1.5 and material concentration of 4 wt%. COD removal increased by 3.09% with the addition of CeO2. Finally, the overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the SCWO system were found to be 58.8% and 9.1% respectively by Aspen Plus.CONCLUSIONIt was found that the reaction temperature had the greatest effect on the COD removal rate compared with other reaction parameters. The decomposition of organic solvents can be divided into two stages, fast and slow, and the addition of alkali and catalyst can effectively promote the decomposition of waste organic solvents. The experiments showed that SCWO is feasible for the treatment of n‐dodecane/TBP. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Electrical impedance detects early stages of bone healing: An in vivo explanatory study of tibial fractures in rabbits
Authors: Frost Markus Winther , Tirta Maria , Rahbek Ole , Rytoft Laura Amalie , Ding Ming , Shen Ming , Duch Kirsten , Kold Søren 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeHealing after bone fracture is assessed by clinical examination and frequent radiographs, which expose patients to radiation and lack standardisation. This study aimed to explore electrical impedance patterns during bone healing using electrical impedance spectroscopy in 18 rabbits subjected to tibial fracture stabilised with an external fixator.MethodsImpedance was measured daily across the fracture site at a frequency range of 5 Hz to 1 MHz. Biweekly radiographs were analysed using modified anterior‐posterior (AP) radiographic union score of the tibia (RUST). The animals were divided into three groups with different follow‐up times: 1, 3 and 6 weeks for micro‐computer tomography and mechanical testing.ResultsA decreasing trend in impedance was observed over time for all rabbits at lower frequencies. Impedance closest to 5 Hz showed a statistically significant decrease over time, with greatest decrease occurring during the first 7 postoperative days. At 5 Hz, a statistically significant correlation was found between impedance and the modified AP RUST score and between impedance and bone volume fraction.ConclusionsThis study showed that the electrical impedance can be measured in vivo at a distance from the fracture site with a consistent change in impedance over time and revealed significant correlation between increasing radiographic union score and decreasing impedance.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
Item‐reduced Forgotten Joint Score provides adequate psychometric properties in ACLR patients
Authors: Kekki Carolina , Wörner Tobias , Stålman Anders , von Essen Christoffer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate content validity, test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness and floor/ceiling effects of Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) for assessing functions in activities of daily living (ADL) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and perform an item reduction of FJS.MethodsSwedish‐speaking ACLR patients in one surgical clinic were eligible. Content validity was evaluated through patient responses and patient and expert clinician relevance ratings, omitting items with low relevance. Principal component factor analysis, Cronbach's ⍺, paired t test, correlations between FJS and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Cohen's d effect sizes (ESs) and standardized response mean (SRM) were used to evaluate internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness. Floor/ceiling effects were calculated. FJS was expected to reveal one dominant factor, a Cronbach's ⍺ between 0.70 and 0.95, correlations >0.50 to all KOOS subscores, highest for ADL, moderate ES and SRM, floor/ceiling effects <15%.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐six participants (103 for assessing internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness and floor/ceiling effects; 73 for assessing test–retest reliability and content validity) were included. Item reduction yielded a nine‐item FJS (FJS‐9). FJS‐12 and FJS‐9 demonstrated sufficient content validity (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5–3.1, respectively, 2.9–3.3). FJS‐9 was found unidimensional, and FJS‐12 was multidimensional. Cronbach's ⍺ was 0.94 for FJS, and the intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.90. FJS showed significant correlations >0.65 to all KOOS subscales, moderate ES and SRM > 0.50. No floor/ceiling effects were found.ConclusionFJS‐9 demonstrated adequate validity for the evaluation of joint awareness in ACLR patients and can be a valuable tool to assess ADL and joint awareness.Level of EidenceLevel III.
Burnout among the podiatry profession: A survey of podiatrists in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Clarke Mia , Frecklington Mike , Stewart Sarah 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionBurnout and occupational stress have not yet been explored within the Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) podiatry workforce despite research suggesting an increased risk among this population. This study aimed to: (i) determine the prevalence and severity of burnout risk and occupational stress among AoNZ podiatrists; (ii) determine the factors associated with burnout risk and occupational stress among AoNZ podiatrists; and (iii) examine the relationship between burnout risk and occupational stress.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey study was undertaken involving registered podiatrists practicing in AoNZ. Personal and professional demographic characteristics were captured. Participants also completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (assessing three domains of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment) and the Workplace Stress Scale as measures of burnout risk and occupational stress, respectively. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analyses and correlation analyses were performed to address the research aims.ResultsResponses from 112 AoNZ podiatrists were included in the analyses. High levels of emotional exhaustion were identified in 43.8% of practitioners and were associated with physical activity status, sector of work, working in isolation and work hours (R2 = 0.304, F (8, N = 110) = 5.519, p < 0.001). High levels of depersonalisation were seen in 13.4% of practitioners and were associated with patient caseload and work hours, (R2 = 0.183, F (4, N = 108) = 5.770, p < 0.001). Low levels of personal accomplishment were observed in 8.9% of practitioners and associated with ethnicity, physical activity status and patient caseload, (R2 = 0.152, F (5, N = 106) = 3.577, p < 0.005). A total of 27.7% of practitioners exhibited an overall moderate to high risk of developing burnout. Over a fifth of practitioners exhibited stress at severe or dangerous levels. Stress levels were significantly associated with physical activity status, sector of work and management responsibility, (R2 = 0.282, F (5, N = 47) = 3.218, p = 0.15). A strong positive relationship was found between emotional exhaustion and stress (rho = 0.59, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings reflect a moderate to severe risk of developing burnout within the workforce, with high workloads and collegial isolation constituting the primary modifiable factors driving burnout development. To maintain retention and well‐being within the workforce, mitigation strategies must be implemented to address this issue.
Interleukin‐17A educated hepatic stellate cells promote hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence through fibroblast activation protein expression
Authors: Ni Jun‐Sheng , Fu Si‐Yuan , Wang Zong‐Yan , Ding Wen‐Bin , Huang Jian , Guo Xing‐Gang , Gu Fang‐Ming 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLiver cancer is typified by a complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, where an array of cytokines and stromal cells orchestrate a milieu that significantly influences tumorigenesis. Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A), a pivotal pro‐inflammatory cytokine predominantly secreted by Th17 cells, is known to play a substantial role in the etiology and progression of liver cancer. However, the precise mechanism by which IL‐17A engages with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to facilitate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be fully elucidated. This investigation seeks to unravel the interplay between IL‐17A and HSCs in the context of HCC.MethodsAn HCC model was established in male Sprague–Dawley rats using diethylnitrosamine to explore the roles of IL‐17A and HSCs in HCC pathogenesis. In vivo overexpression of Il17a was achieved using adeno‐associated virus. A suite of molecular techniques, including RT‐qPCR, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, Western blotting, cell counting kit‐8 assays and colony formation assays, was employed for in vitro analyses.ResultsThe study findings indicate that IL‐17A is a key mediator in HCC promotion, primarily through the activation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). This pro‐tumorigenic influence appears to be mediated by HSCs, rather than through a direct effect on HPCs. Notably, IL‐17A‐induced expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in HSCs emerged as a critical factor in HCC progression. Silencing Fap in IL‐17A‐stimulated HSCs was observed to reverse the HCC‐promoting effects of HSCs.ConclusionsThe collective evidence from this study implicates the IL‐17A/FAP signaling axis within HSCs as a contributor to HCC development by enhancing HPC activation. These findings bolster the potential of IL‐17A as a diagnostic and preventative target for HCC, offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention.