bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A self-assessment maturity matrix to support large-scale change using collaborative networks in the New Zealand health system
Authors: Sharma Kanchan M , Jones Peter B , Cumming Jacqueline , Middleton Lesley 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
A maturity matrix can be a useful tool for organisations implementing large-system transformation (LST) initiatives in complex systems. Insights from implementation of a local LST initiative using Alliances as collaborative networks highlighted a tool was needed to help health system leaders prompt discussions on how and where to focus their change efforts.
Methods
The aim of this research was to use insights from Alliance members to develop a New Zealand (NZ)-specific maturity matrix that collaborative networks could use as a learning tool to assess and improve their readiness for large-scale change. We constructed a maturity matrix using the knowledge of senior NZ health system leaders, in a workshop setting. The maturity matrix was empirically tested and refined with three Alliance Leadership Teams (ALTs) and with feedback from the NZ Ministry of Health Māori Health Strategy and Policy team.
Results
The maturity matrix described the 10 key elements that had been found to support successful implementation of LST initiatives in the NZ health system, along with success indicators and different stages of maturity from beginning to excellence. Testing of the maturity matrix with three ALTs suggested that it functioned as a learning tool and stimulated collective thinking and reflection for ALTs. More mature ALTs focused on improvement opportunities while less mature ALTs placed emphasis on the maturity scores and the performance of individual providers. The Māori Health Strategy and Policy team commented on the importance of such a tool to increase health system leaders’ responsiveness to improving Māori health outcomes. Comparisons with similar international matrices revealed common elements with ours. A strength of our maturity matrix is that it is specific to the NZ context and is the first practical tool to implement large-scale change in the health system that incorporates principles of the Government’s treaty with Māori, the indigenous people of NZ.
Conclusions
Through a regular self-assessment process, use of the maturity matrix may create feedback loops to support deliberate learning and knowledge sharing for senior health system leaders and collaborative networks. The maturity matrix fills an important gap in the NZ health system and contributes to implementation science literature internationally.
Other
This study was approved by the Victoria University of Wellington Human Ethics Committee (Ethics Approval Number 27356). The research was supported by the Victoria University of Wellington research grant (222809) and from the University of Auckland Department of Medicine research fund (H10779).
Effects of the Combined Intervention of Exercise, Fruit, and Vitamin Supplementation on Frailty in Older Adults (EFVF): Rationale, Design, and Methods
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Lu Yan , Jin Lingling , Xie Hankun , Wang Linchi , Fan Wei , Wu Xuefei , Shen Chong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Frailty is a complex, dynamic, age-related clinical condition. Muscle strength, a critical indicator of frailty, decreases with advancing age. It is not known whether community-dwelling older adults with frailty modifiable risk factors, such as low levels of physical activity and fruit intake, might benefit from lifestyle interventions at both population and individual levels.
Methods
EFVF is a cluster-randomized trial including older individuals aged 65–80 years old with low levels of physical activity and fruit intake living in eastern China. Totally 14 villages will be randomized into 2 arms with 1:1 ratio, overall including ≥ 934 participants. Participants in the intervention arm will receive the combined intervention of physical activity, fruit, and vitamin supplementation 3 times a week for 2 months (the 1st and 6th months). Standardized health education and communication sessions will be conducted as well. Participants in the control arm will not receive any intervention. The primary outcome is the change in handgrip strength at 12 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes include handgrip strength, frailty index, lipid parameters, fasting blood glucose, and a composite of all-cause death or hospitalization for myocardial infarction, angina, or stroke. The study also includes an assessment of the cultivation of physical activity and fruit intake habits, as well as an economic evaluation.
Discussion
The study will target older adults with modifiable risk factors for frailty, to investigate whether the combined intervention might limit the decline of grip strength, frailty progression, and reduce the incidence of adverse events. If effective, it could provide a well-established and cost-effective strategy for frailty prevention in community settings.
Trial registration:
Clinical Trails.gov PRS Protocol Registration and Results System, NCT06225271, (Jan 17, 2024).
Transport behavior of pathogenic microorganisms in porous media and remediation capability of biochar: A review
Authors: Zheng Yu , Zhang Nan , Zhang Rongshe , Wang Qian , Zhao Shasha , Salah Mohomed , Wang Qiaojie , He Runchuan , Li Yuanyuan , Li Chenguang , Li Fengmin 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The reuse of reclaimed water is a cost-effective way to alleviate water resource scarcity, but the residual pathogenic microorganisms inevitably influence the safety of its reuse. The transport behavior of pathogenic microorganisms in receiving porous media varies under different environmental factors and could be harmful to the natural ecology and even human health if not well treated. Biochar is expected to be an effective, environmentally-friendly functional material to inhibit the transport of pathogenic microorganisms, with unreplaceable advantages of low price, simple preparation method, and strong adsorption capacity. In the present paper, we start from identifying the transport behavior of typical pathogenic microorganisms in porous media, including protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, and then analyzing the primary factors affecting the transport of pathogenic microorganisms from the aspects of biology, physics, and chemistry. Furthermore, the effects of types of raw materials, pyrolysis temperature, particle size, and functional modification methods on the remediation performance of biochar for the transport of pathogenic microorganisms are clearly reviewed. Finally, we aim to clarify the transport rules of pathogenic microorganisms in porous media and provide biochar-based technical means for effectively inhibiting the transport of pathogenic microorganisms, thereby improving the ecological and health safety of reclaimed water reuse.
Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitochondrial Calcium's Roles in the
Development of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Priya Helan Krishnamandiram , Jha Krishna Priya , Kumar Nitesh , Singh Sanjiv 
Published: May 2024

:
In the last decade, there has been increasing evidence connecting mitochondrial dysfunction to the
onset and advancement of atherosclerosis. Both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disruption of mitochondrial
calcium (Ca2+) regulation have garnered significant attention due to their involvement in various stages of
atherosclerosis. This abstract discusses the potential therapeutic applications of targeting mitochondrial calcium
(Ca2+) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while also providing an overview of their respective roles in
atherosclerosis. The abstract underscores the importance of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis in cellular physiology,
including functions such as energy production, cell death signaling, and maintaining redox balance. Alterations
in the mitochondria's Ca2+ handling disrupt all these procedures and speed up the development of
atherosclerosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated during mitochondrial respiration, are widely recognized
as significant contributors to the development of atherosclerosis. Through modulating the function of calcium
ion (Ca2+) transport proteins, ROS can impact the regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ handling. These oxidative
modifications lead to vascular remodeling and plaque formation by impairing endothelial function, encouraging
the recruitment of inflammatory cells, and promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation. Preclinical investigations
indicate that interventions aimed at regulating the production and elimination of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) hold promise for mitigating atherosclerosis. Targeting mitochondrial processes represents a
prospective therapeutic strategy for addressing this condition. Further research is necessary to elucidate the intricate
molecular mechanisms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis and develop effective
therapeutic strategies to decelerate disease progression.
A Preoperative Prediction Model for Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with
Gastric Cancer using a Machine Learning-based Ultrasomics Approach
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Zhong Qi , Guo Jingjing , Yu Shanshan , Li Kunhuang , Shen Qingling , Zhuo Minling , Xue EnSheng , Lin Peng , Chen Zhikui 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to develop an ultrasomics model for predicting lymph node metastasis preoperative in patients with gastric cancer (GC).

Methods:
This study enrolled GC patients who underwent preoperative ultrasound examination. Manual segmentation of the region of interest (ROI) was
performed by an experienced radiologist to extract radiomics features using the Pyradiomics software. The Z-score algorithm was used for feature
normalization, followed by the Wilcoxon test to identify the most informative features. Linear prediction models were constructed using the least
absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). The performance of the ultrasomics model was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC),
sensitivity, specificity, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:
A total of 464 GC patients (mean age: 60.4 years ±11.3 [SD]; 328 men [70.7%]) were analyzed, of whom 291 had lymph node metastasis. The
patients were randomly assigned to either the training (n=324) or test (n=140) sets, using a 7:3 ratio. An ultrasomics model that consisted of 19
radiomics features was developed using Wilcoxon and LASSO algorithms in the training set. Our ultrasomics model showed moderate
performance for lymph node metastasis prediction in both the training (AUC: 0.802, 95%CI: 0.752-0.851, P<0.001) and test sets (AUC: 0.802,
95%CI: 0.724-0.879, P<0.001). The calibration curve analysis indicated good agreement between the predicted probabilities of ultrasomics and
actual lymph node metastasis status.

Conclusion:
Our study highlights the potential of a machine learning-based ultrasomics model in predicting lymph node metastasis in GC patients, offering
implications for personalized therapy approaches
Protective Effects of Iraqi Propolis on Carbimazole-induced Reduction of Sex Hormones in Female Adult Rats
Authors: Hamad Ghabish Al-Seray Ghadeer , Sagheer Ghalib Al-Mozie'l Muhsin , Selman Abdullah Asia 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Propolis (PR) is used as a health supplement and is widely used in foods and
drinks in many parts of the world. This study aimed to know the possible reproductive toxicity effect
of the antithyroid drug carbimazole (CZ) in adult female albino rats and to evaluate the possible
protective role of Iraqi PR.

Methods:
Twenty-four adult female albino rats were randomized into four groups: control, PR, CZ,
and PR + CZ. Rats were orally treated for six weeks. Ovarian biochemical and histopathological
analyses were performed.

Results:
No change in appearance, no signs of toxicity, and no deaths of animals were reported
throughout the study period. There was a significant body weight increase only in the PR group. The
CZ group displayed a reduction in serum T3 and T4 levels and a rise in serum TSH levels compared
to the control. Also, there was a significant decrease in serum T3, T4, and TSH levels after exposure
to PR+ CZ compared to control. Exposure to 0.01mg/g body weight of CZ for six weeks results in a
significant reduction of serum LH, FSH, and estradiol (E2) in female rats. At the same time, PR alone
or with CZ was found to have no significant effect. Biochemical results were consistent with histopathological
results.

Conclusion:
Iraqi PR provides a protective effect against the reduction of serum sex hormones induced
by CZ. Further studies are required to confirm this effect. PR has no effect on CZ activity in
reducing thyroxin levels; however, PR might reduce the effects of CZ on TSH levels. Furthermore,
PR alone demonstrated an elevation in the weight gain of animals compared to the control group.
The Therapeutic Target of IBD and the Mechanism of Dipyridamole in Treating IBD Explored by Geo Gene Chips, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking
Authors: Qiu Haojie , Liu Ming , Wei Yuanyi , Li Jiale , Zhou Shi , Mo Xiaolan 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a refractory disease
with repeated attacks, and there is no accurate treatment target at present. Dipyridamole, a
phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, has been proven to be an effective treatment for IBD in a
pilot study. This study explored the therapeutic target of IBD and the pharmacological mechanism
of dipyridamole for the treatment of IBD.

Materials and Methods:
The candidate targets of dipyridamole were obtained by searching the
pharmMapper online server and Swiss Target Prediction Database. The IBD-related targets
were selected from four GEO chips and three databases, including Genecards, DisGeNET, and
TTD database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the core targets
were identified according to the topological structure. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis and
BioGPS location were performed. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify dipyridamole
and the hub targets.

Results:
We obtained 112 up-regulated genes and 157 down-regulated genes, as well as 105
composite targets of Dipyridamole-IBD. Through the PPI network analysis, we obtained the 7
hub targets, including SRC, EGFR, MAPK1, MAPK14, MAPK8, PTPN11, and LCK. The BioGPS
showed that these genes were highly expressed in the immune system, digestive system,
and endocrine system. In addition, the 7 hub targets had good intermolecular interactions with
dipyridamole. The therapeutic effect of dipyridamole on IBD may involve immune system activation
and regulation of inflammatory reactions involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix,
perinuclear region of cytoplasm, protein kinase binding, and positive regulation of programmed
cell death through cancer pathway (proteoglycans in cancer), lipid metabolism, Ras
signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation,
and other cellular and innate immune signaling pathways.

Conclusion:
This study predicted the therapeutic target of IBD and the molecular mechanism of
dipyridamole in treating IBD, providing a new direction for the treatment of IBD and a theoretical
basis for further research.
A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study of Ir (III)-Catalyzed Oxidation of Methionine by HCF (III) in an Aqueous Alkaline Medium
Authors: Garg Savita , Rajput Shakunj 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
The kinetic study of Ir (III) chloride-catalyzed oxidation of methionine
by hexacyanoferrate (abbreviated as HCF) III ions in aqueous alkaline medium
was performed spectrophotometrically at constant ionic strength of 0.5 moldm-3 and temperature
of 35±0.1°C.

Methods:
The progress of the reaction was found to be first-order rate dependence kinetics
with respect to [HCF (III)], [OH-], and [IrCl3]. The rate of reaction was found to decrease
with an increased concentration of methionine. The ionic strength of the reaction
mixture showed a positive salt effect on the reaction rate. Different activation parameters
were also evaluated by studying the reaction at four different temperatures. The stoichiometry
of the reaction showed Methionine: HCF (III) = 1:4.

Result:
The oxidation product of the reaction was found to be methionine sulphone,
which was identified by an organic solvent method and IR Spectroscopy. Further, a suitable
mechanism was proposed to explain all the experimental results.

Conclusion:
It is assumed that the reaction proceeded through complex formation between
substrate (oxidant) and iridium trichloride. A rate law was derived, which verified
the results.
CH3-S-(CH2)2-CH (NH2)-COO- + 4HCF (III)
Ir (III), H2O→	CH3-SO2-(CH2)2-CH-(NH2)-COO-
+ 4HCF (II)
Parents' Mental and Emotional Disorders and Psychosocial Problems in Children at Public Elementary School 1 Kucur
Authors: Sunarto Muhammad , Nova Renny , Rosalina Olivia Falla , Larasati Indira Febiola 
Published: May 2024

The psychosocial challenges faced by children may not always correspond with the emotional disorders exhibited by their parents. A robust support system from their social network can significantly contribute to the enhancement of their mental well-being. This study aims to investigate the relationship between parental emotional disorders and psychosocial issues in school-aged children. The research utilizes a descriptive correlational approach with a cross-sectional design, involving 165 students aged 6 to 12 from Public Elementary School 1 Kucur who are currently enrolled in school, along with one consenting parent, resulting in 330 respondents. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire-29 (SRQ-29) is used to identify parental emotional issues, while the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) assesses children's psychosocial problems. An analysis employing Somers' D Gamma was conducted to ascertain the correlation between parental mental-emotional disorders and children's psychological well-being. The findings reveal that the highest average score for parental mental-emotional disorders stands at 82.4%. In comparison, the highest average score for total difficulties in children's psychosocial issues is 58.8%, while the highest average prosocial score is 92.7%. The statistical analysis reveals no significant connection between parental emotional disorders and children's psychosocial problems on the prosocial scale (p=0.897) and total difficulties score (p=0.897). In conclusion, the findings of this research do not establish a direct link due to the numerous factors influencing children's psychosocial challenges.
Personal Character and Stigma in the Acceptance Process of Families Caring for Individuals with Mental Disorders
Authors: Priasmoro Dian Pitaloka , Dradjat Respati S. , Zuhriyah Lilik , Asri Yuni 
Published: May 2024

Mental illness necessitates long-term care, impacting both sufferers and their families due to societal stigma. This study examined the correlation between personal character and self-acceptance, stigma, and self-acceptance, and the sociodemographic factors influencing acceptance. The study used a quantitative descriptive design to analyze data from 130 individuals who were purposefully selected from a total population of 175 families with members experiencing mental disorders. The research instruments included standard questionnaires to measure personal character, extraversion, perceived stigmatization, stigma, and family adaptation acceptance. Results indicated that personal character and stigma were significantly associated with acceptance (p-value <0.05). At the same time, the distance to the health center was the most influential demographic factor (p-value <0.005, Chi-Square 170.071). In conclusion, strengthening the personal character of families is crucial to mitigate the negative impact of societal stigma. Furthermore, enhancing services provided through health centers is essential.
Teacher Educators’ Foreign Language Anxiety in Face-To-Face and Online Modes
Authors: Bicjutko Tatjana , Odiņa Indra 
Published: May 2024

The internationalisation of universities and the ensuing policies mandating English as a medium of instruction made European universities impose corresponding requirements demanding a certain level of English language proficiency from their academic staff. Similarly, university-based teacher educators became subject to specific foreign language demands. This research focuses on university-based teacher educators who have been actively taking part in enhancing their academic English. The COVID-19 pandemic made for a prompt shift from face-to-face to online learning, providing for a comparison between the two learning environments. Since affective factors, including learning anxiety, may impact the success of language acquisition, the study addresses foreign language anxiety experienced by teacher educators when acquiring English for Academic Purposes in different learning modes. The research was conducted as a survey with the data obtained through administering the adapted Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale to 80 respondents from the 7 universities working in teacher education, furthered by 4 online semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal overall low levels of anxiety, with a small increase in communication apprehension. Although there is no conclusive evidence about the decrease in anxiety in remote studies, the interview results are clearly demonstrative of the possibility of combining face-to-face and online learning modes.
A Virtual Exchange to Boost Students’ Intercultural Communication Skills in English
Authors: Alberola Colomar María Pilar , Menn Andrea 
Published: May 2024

. How can universities enhance their students’ internationalisation at home? The need to find teaching methodologies that boost students’ intercultural communication skills without travelling abroad has motivated the present study, carried out by two English lecturers from Florida Universitaria in Spain and Jade University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Research was divided into two stages: first, a deep analysis of the intercultural experiences organised in the past at both universities; and second, the implementation of virtual encounters with students from different cultures as tools to promote interculturality at the home university. This paper aims at showing the impact of those exchanges on boosting students’ intercultural communication in English. Two groups of undergraduate students, during their English classes, worked synchronously on topics related to essential aspects of intercultural communication. The main teaching objectives of the Virtual Intercultural Communication (VIC) exchange were to increase participants’ motivation for knowing other cultures, to raise their intercultural awareness, to foster their capacity to change perspectives, and to improve students’ English language skills and their digital abilities. Through the outcomes achieved, students’ self-reported feedback, and lecturers’ observation, it can be concluded that virtual exchanges are effective tools to improve students’ intercultural communication while they meet the English learning objectives.