bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The every woman study™ low- and middle-income countries edition protocol: A multi-country observational study to assess opportunities and challenges to improving survival and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer
Authors: Reid Frances , Adams Tracey , Adel Rafe Sadnan , Andrade Carlos E. , Bajwa Anmol , Bambury Ian G. , Benhima Nada , Bolatbekova Raikhan , Leon David Cantu-De , Charlton Phaedra , Chirinos Carlos Chávez , Cohen Robin , Eiken Mary , Estrada Erick Estuardo , Kaidarova Dilyara , Lau Iren , MacKay Clara , Makondi Precious Takondwa , Mukhopadhyay Asima , Mustapha Aisha , Noll Florencia , Origa Martin , Pariyar Jitendra , Pervin Shahana , Phan Ngoc T. H. , Refky Basel , Shaffi Afrin F. , Strömsholm Eva-Maria , Woo Yin Ling , Yoon Sook-Yee , Zakirova Nargiza , Chidebe Runcie C. W. , Funston Garth , Soerjomataram Isabelle 
Published: May 2024

Background
Ovarian cancer is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat effectively with five-year survival rates below 50%. Previous patient experience research in high-income countries highlighted common challenges and opportunities to improve survival and quality of life for women affected by ovarian cancer. However, no comparable data exist for low-and middle-income countries, where 70% of women with the disease live. This study aims to address this evidence gap.

Methods
This is an observational multi-country study set in low- and middle-income countries. We aim to recruit over 2000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer across multiple hospitals in 24 countries in Asia, Africa and South America. Country sample sizes have been calculated (n = 70–96 participants /country), taking account of varying national five-year disease prevalence rates. Women within five years of their diagnosis, who are in contact with participating hospitals, are invited to take part in the study. A questionnaire has been adapted from a tool previously used in high-income countries. It comprises 57 multiple choice and two open-ended questions designed to collect information on demographics, women’s knowledge of ovarian cancer, route to diagnosis, access to treatments, surgery and genetic testing, support needs, the impact of the disease on women and their families, and their priorities for action. The questionnaire has been designed in English, translated into local languages and tested according to local ethics requirements. Questionnaires will be administered by a trained member of the clinical team.

Conclusion
This study will inform further research, advocacy, and action in low- and middle-income countries based on tailored approaches to the national, regional and global challenges and opportunities. In addition, participating countries can choose to repeat the study to track progress and the protocol can be adapted for other countries and other diseases.
Perceived exertion can be lower when exercising in field versus indoors
Authors: Olsson Karin Sofia Elisabeth , Ceci Ruggero , Wahlgren Lina , Rosdahl Hans , Schantz Peter 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Studies indicate that the rated perceived exertion (RPE) during physical exercise can be lower in field environments than indoors. The environmental conditions of those studies are explored. Furthermore, we study if the same phenomenon is valid when cycling indoors versus in cycle commuting environments with high levels of stimuli from both traffic and suburban-urban elements.

Methods
Twenty commuter cyclists underwent measurements of heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V˙O2) and RPE assessments for breathing and legs, respectively, while cycling in both laboratory and field conditions. A validated mobile metabolic system was used in the field to measure V˙O2. Three submaximal cycle ergometer workloads in the laboratory were used to establish linear regression equations between RPE and % of HR reserve (%HRR) and %V˙O2max, separately. Based on these equations, RPE from the laboratory was predicted and compared with RPE levels at the participants’ individual cycle commutes at equal intensities. The same approach was used to predict field intensities and for comparisons with corresponding measured intensities at equal RPE levels.

Results
The predicted RPE levels based on the laboratory cycling were significantly higher than the RPE levels in cycle commuting at equal intensities (67% of HRR; 65% of V˙O2max). For breathing, the mean RPE levels were; 14.0–14.2 in the laboratory and 12.6 in the field. The corresponding levels for legs were; 14.0–14.2 and 11.5. The range of predicted field intensities in terms of %HRR and %V˙O2max was 46–56%, which corresponded to median differences of 19–30% compared to the measured intensities in field at equal RPE.

Conclusion
The cycle commuters perceived a lower exertion during their cycle commutes compared to ergometer cycling in a laboratory at equal exercise intensities. This may be due to a higher degree of external stimuli in field, although influences from other possible causes cannot be ruled out.
Protocol for a seamless phase 2A-phase 2B randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of benfotiamine in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease (BenfoTeam)
Authors: Feldman Howard H. , Luchsinger José A. , Léger Gabriel C. , Taylor Curtis , Jacobs Diane M. , Salmon David P. , Edland Steven D. , Messer Karen , Revta Carolyn , Flowers Sarah A. , Jones Kerry S. , Koulman Albert , Yarasheski Kevin E. , Verghese Philip B. , Venkatesh Venky , Zetterberg Henrik , Durant January , Lupo Jody-Lynn , Gibson Gary E. ,   for the ADCS BenfoTeam Study Group
Published: May 2024

Background
Benfotiamine provides an important novel therapeutic direction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with possible additive or synergistic effects to amyloid targeting therapeutic approaches.

Objective
To conduct a seamless phase 2A-2B proof of concept trial investigating tolerability, safety, and efficacy of benfotiamine, a prodrug of thiamine, as a first-in-class small molecule oral treatment for early AD.

Methods
This is the protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 72-week clinical trial of benfotiamine in 406 participants with early AD. Phase 2A determines the highest safe and well-tolerated dose of benfotiamine to be carried forward to phase 2B. During phase 2A, real-time monitoring of pre-defined safety stopping criteria in the first approximately 150 enrollees will help determine which dose (600 mg or 1200 mg) will be carried forward into phase 2B. The phase 2A primary analysis will test whether the rate of tolerability events (TEs) is unacceptably high in the high-dose arm compared to placebo. The primary safety endpoint in phase 2A is the rate of TEs compared between active and placebo arms, at each dose. The completion of phase 2A will seamlessly transition to phase 2B without pausing or stopping the trial. Phase 2B will assess efficacy and longer-term safety of benfotiamine in a larger group of participants through 72 weeks of treatment, at the selected dose. The co-primary efficacy endpoints in phase 2B are CDR-Sum of Boxes and ADAS-Cog13. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability measures; pharmacokinetic measures of thiamine and its esters, erythrocyte transketolase activity as blood markers of efficacy of drug delivery; ADCS-ADL-MCI; and MoCA.

Conclusion
The BenfoTeam trial utilizes an innovative seamless phase 2A-2B design to achieve proof of concept. It includes an adaptive dose decision rule, thus optimizing exposure to the highest and best-tolerated dose.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06223360, registered on January 25, 2024. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06223360.
Correlation between novel inflammatory markers and carotid atherosclerosis: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Liao Man , Liu Lihua , Bai Lijuan , Wang Ruiyun , Liu Yun , Zhang Liting , Han Jing , Li Yunqiao , Qi Benling 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveCarotid atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is a major cause of ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and novel inflammatory markers, including platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet to neutrophil ratio (PNR), neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), in order to find the best inflammatory predictor of carotid atherosclerosis.MethodWe included 10015 patients who underwent routine physical examinations at the physical examination center of our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019, among whom 1910 were diagnosed with carotid atherosclerosis. The relationship between novel inflammatory markers and carotid atherosclerosis was analyzed by logistic regression, and the effectiveness of each factor in predicting carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC).ResultThe level of PLR, LMR and PNR in the carotid atherosclerosis group were lower than those in the non-carotid atherosclerosis group, while NLR, NLPR, SII, SIRI and AISI in the carotid atherosclerosis group were significantly higher than those in the non-carotid atherosclerosis group. Logistic regression analysis showed that PLR, NLR, LMR, PNR, NLPR, SII, SIRI, AISI were all correlated with carotid atherosclerosis. The AUC value of NLPR was the highest, which was 0.67, the cut-off value was 0.78, the sensitivity was 65.8%, and the specificity was 57.3%. The prevalence rate of carotid atherosclerosis was 12.4% below the cut-off, 26.6% higher than the cut-off, and the prevalence rate increased by 114.5%.ConclusionNew inflammatory markers were significantly correlated with carotid atherosclerosis, among which NLPR was the optimum inflammatory marker to predict the risk of carotid atherosclerosis.
“I am afraid of being treated badly if I show it”: A cross-sectional study of healthcare accessibility and Autism Health Passports among UK Autistic adults
Authors: Grant Aimee , Turner Sarah , Shaw Sebastian C. K. , Williams Kathryn , Morgan Hayley , Ellis Rebecca , Brown Amy 
Published: May 2024

Background
Autistic people are more likely to experience stigma, communication barriers and anxiety during healthcare. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are a communication tool that aim to provide information about healthcare needs in a standardised way. They are recommended in research and policy to improve healthcare quality.

Aim
To explore views and experiences of AHPs among Autistic people from the UK who have been pregnant.

Methods
We developed an online survey using a combination of open and closed questions focused on healthcare impairments and views and experiences of AHPs. Data were anlaysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and content analysis.

Findings
Of 193 Autistic respondents (54% diagnosed, 22% undergoing diagnosis and 24% self-identifying), over 80% reported anxiety and masking during healthcare always or most of the time. Some significant differences were identified in healthcare (in)accessibility by diagnostic status. Only 4% of participants knew a lot about AHPs, with 1.5% of participants using one at least half of the time. Almost three quarters of respondents had not previously seen an AHP. Open text responses indicated that the biggest barrier to using an AHP was a belief that health professionals would discriminate against Autistic patients. Additional barriers included staff lack of familiarity with AHPs and respondents expecting a negative response to producing an AHP.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that AHPs are not reducing health inequalities for Autistic adults who have been pregnant. Alternative solutions are needed to reduce health inequalities for Autistic people.
Major depression disorder and heart failure: A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Quan , Fan Zongjing , Cui Jie , Wu Yang 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo determine whether a bidirectional causal relationship exists between major depressive disorder (MDD) and heart failure (HF).MethodsOur two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study consisted of two parts. In the first part, we conducted a forward MR analysis where MDD was considered as the exposure and HF as the outcome. In the second part, a reverse MR analysis was performed, treating HF as the exposure and MDD as the outcome. Summary data on MDD and HF were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS database.ResultsBased on the results of the MR-Egger regression intercept test, there was no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy in this study. Furthermore, the IVW results consistently suggested estimates of causal effect values. The findings revealed that individuals with MDD had a 16.9% increased risk of HF compared to those without MDD (OR = 1.169, 95%CI: 1.044–1.308,P= 0.007). However, there was no evidence to support that HF would increase the risk of MDD (OR = 1.012, 95%CI: 0.932–1.099,P= 0.773). Heterogeneity in SNPs of MDD and HF was observed through the heterogeneity test and funnel plot. Additionally, the leave-one-out method did not identify any instances where a single SNP was biased toward or dependent on causation.ConclusionOur study provides evidence supporting a one-way causal relationship between MDD and HF. Specifically, MDD increases the risk of developing HF. However, our findings did not provide any evidence suggesting that HF increases the risk of developing MDD.
Discussion on the relationship between gut microbiota and glioma through Mendelian randomization test based on the brain gut axis
Authors: Cui Chenzhi , Yang Tianke , Wang ShengYu , Jia Zhuqiang , Zhao Lin , Han Xin , Sun Xiaohong , Zong Junwei , Wang Shouyu , Chen Dong 
Published: May 2024

Background
In the realm of Gut-Brain axis research, existing evidence points to a complex bidirectional regulatory mechanism between gut microbiota and the brain. However, the question of whether a causal relationship exists between gut microbiota and specific types of brain tumors, such as gliomas, remains unresolved. To address this gap, we employed publicly available Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and MIOBEN databases, conducting an in-depth analysis using Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (MR).

Method
We carried out two sets of MR analyses. The preliminary analysis included fewer instrumental variables due to a high genome-wide statistical significance threshold (5×10−8). To enable a more comprehensive and detailed analysis, we adjusted the significance threshold to 1×10−5. We performed linkage disequilibrium analysis (R2 <0.001, clumping distance = 10,000kb) and detailed screening of palindromic SNPs, followed by MR analysis and validation through sensitivity analysis.

Results
Our findings reveal a causal relationship between gut microbiota and gliomas. Further confirmation via Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW) identified eight specific microbial communities related to gliomas. Notably, the Peptostreptococcaceae and Olsenella communities appear to have a protective effect, reducing glioma risk.

Conclusion
This study not only confirms the causal link between gut microbiota and gliomas but also suggests a new avenue for future glioma treatment.
Sodium nitroprusside restored lipopolysaccharide‐induced learning and memory impairment in male rats via attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Hosseini Zeinab , Beheshti Farimah , Hosseini Kakhki Faezeh Sadat , Hosseini Mahmoud , Anaeigoudari Akbar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInflammation and oxidative stress upset memory. We explored influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on memory deficits resulted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Groups include control, LPS, LPS + SNP 1 mg/kg, LPS + SNP 2 mg/kg, and LPS + SNP 3 mg/kg. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests and biochemical measurements were carried out.In Morris water maze, LPS prolonged time and distance for finding the platform. In probe trial, it diminished time spent and traveled distance in the target zone. Injection of 2 and 3 mg/kg of SNP overturned the effect of LPS. In passive avoidance task, LPS postponed entrance into darkroom and reduced time spent in light room and incremented time spent in darkroom in 3, 24, and 72 h after electrical shock. All three doses of SNP restored the effects of LPS. Biochemical experiments confirmed that LPS elevated interleukin‐6 and malondialdehyde concentration and declined total thiol content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hippocampus and cortex tissues. SNP particularly at a 3 mg/kg dose ameliorated LPS effects on these parameters.SNP attenuated memory disabilities resulting from LPS through modifying inflammation and boosting antioxidant defense.
Israel, Hamas, Palästina – Ein Thema für zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen in Deutschland
Authors: Ernst-Pörksen Michael 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Israel im Krieg. Krieg in Palästina. Mord und Vernichtung, Geiselnahme und Abriegelung. Eine deutsche Öffentlichkeit schaut zu, ihr engagierter Teil will, muss etwas tun, aber was? Eingreifen, ja, aber wo hinein? Und wie, wenn Betroffene hierzulande (Familienangehörige, Freunde und Freundinnen) ihrem Schmerz Ausdruck verschaffen wollen, müssen, aber nur bedingt können und dürfen? Michael Ernst-Pörksen bietet keine Lösungen an, aber spricht sich dafür aus, dass die organisierte Zivilgesellschaft sich dieser Themen annimmt und einen offenen, respektvollen und inklusiven Diskurs befördert, in dem alle „Seiten“ zu Wort kommen und widersprechenden Positionen Raum gegeben wird, auch wenn es im Ergebnis nicht immer gelingen kann, Gemeinsamkeiten zu formulieren. Der Artikel greift dabei auch beispielhaft inhaltliche Aspekte eines solchen Diskurses auf.
Markt, Macht und Affekt
Authors: Fickel Thomas , Anderl Felix 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Warum schließen sich so viele Bauern den Protesten an? Im Folgenden wollen wir uns der Beantwortung dieser Frage mit einem theoretischen Modell nähern. Hierfür schlagen wir eine politische Landkarte der deutschen Landwirtschaft vor, die sich zwischen vier Paradigmen aufspannt: Produktivismus, Multifunktionalismus, Nationaler Protektionismus und Marktliberalismus. Anschließend ordnen wir jenen Paradigmen spezifische Interessen zu und zeigen, wie diese sich zueinander (nicht) in Beziehung setzen lassen. Diese Interessen clustern wir anhand von fünf Idealtypen aus der Forschung zu „farming styles“: Yield Optimiser, Traditionalists, Innovators, Support Optimiser und Idealists. Anschließend zeigen wir, welche dieser Interessen von welchen bäuerlichen Gruppen repräsentiert werden und welche von den aktuellen Protesten wahrscheinlich angesprochen werden. Darauf aufbauend diskutieren wir die Gründe, warum sich ein wesentlicher Teil der deutschen Bäuer:innen von Gruppen mobilisieren lässt, die ihren Interessen widersprechen, von anderen aber nicht. Dafür führen wir die Machtverteilung, das Gelegenheitsfenster und eine Affektschranke als zentrale analytische Konzepte ein. Mit dieser Erklärung bringen wir Ansätze kritischer Agrarforschung und politischer Ökologie mit jenen der Protest- und Bewegungsforschung zusammen und theoretisieren somit die ideologische Ausrichtung und Mobilisierungskraft der Landwirtschaftsproteste, die sich nur über ein Zusammendenken von ökonomischen Faktoren, ausdifferenzierten Interessens- und Einstellungsprofilen, Machtungleichheiten und affektiven Dynamiken verstehen lassen.
Das „Festival du Desert“ als kulturelle Praktik der Politischen Mediation in Mali
Authors: Diallo Souleymane 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
In den letzten Jahrzehnten haben Kunst und künstlerische Darbietungen in der Forschung über soziale Bewegungen in Afrika eine neue Bedeutung erlangt. Auf diesem Forschungsfeld wird die politische Bedeutung von Kunst und populären künstlerischen Darbietungen bei der Suche nach einem Konsens in „Post“-Konflikt-Gesellschaften untersucht. Auf dieser Grundlage werden im vorliegenden Artikel die Musik und die musikalische Praxis im Norden Malis analysiert. Der Fokus liegt hier auf dem Zusammenhang zwischen Friedensästhetik und kulturellen Aufführungsereignissen. Dabei werden außerdem Elemente der musikalischen Praxis identifiziert, die veranschaulichen, wie die Macht der Musik zu Konfliktlösungen beiträgt. Die hier angewandte Methode stellt die musikalischen Praktiken des Festival du Desert in den 1990er und frühen 2000er Jahren im nördlichen Mali weniger als „Tradition“ dar, sondern mehr als eine Form der sozialen Bewegung und kulturellen Methode der Konfliktlösung in Westafrika. Die ethnografische Analyse dieses Festivals bietet eine historische Perspektive auf die Zivilgesellschaft und soziale Bewegungen in Afrika.
Crowdsourced Monitoring von Wahlen in Afrika
Authors: Kersting Norbert , Shayo Deodatus Patrick 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Crowdsourcing durch die Zivilgesellschaft hat in den letzten Jahren erheblich an Zugkraft gewonnen und sich auch als effektives Instrument zum Monitoring der Integrität von Wahlen in jungen und sich entwickelnden Demokratien erwiesen. Von Crowdsourcing im modernen digitalen Zeitalter wird zunehmend erwartet, dass es nicht nur die Beziehungen zwischen Politikern und Wählern verändert, sondern auch die Zivilgesellschaft einbindet und befähigt, bei der Überwachung von Wahlen durch neue elektronische Mittel von unten mitzuwirken, indem sie partizipative Räume (invented space) nutzt. Angesichts seiner wachsenden Bedeutung in Theorie und Praxis kann Crowdmonitoring, wenn es erfolgreich umgesetzt wird, dazu beitragen, unerlaubte Handlungen in Wahlprozessen zu erfassen und einzudämmen. Die Rolle, die zivilgesellschaftliche Wahlbeobachtungsorganisationen beim Einsatz von Crowdsourcing zur Förderung der Integrität von Wahlen spielen, muss noch ermittelt werden. Aus diesem Grund ist die Beteiligung der Bevölkerung über Online-Plattformen für die Überwachung und den Austausch von Berichten zur Integrität von Wahlen nahezu in Echtzeit ein wesentliches Element für eine moderne Demokratie. Dieser Artikel versucht, einen Überblick über die Zivilgesellschaft bei der Schaffung von partizipativen Räumen für das Crowdmonitoring von Wahlen und die Herausforderungen bei der Einführung des Crowdmonitoring von Wahlen zu geben. Der Artikel dient als Vorlage für zivilgesellschaftliche Wahlbeobachtungsorganisationen und andere Akteure, um fundierte Entscheidungen bei der Entwicklung von Crowdsourcing-Methoden für die Wahlbeobachtung über digitale Plattformen zu treffen.
Eggshell waste transformation to calcium chloride anhydride as food-grade additive and eggshell membranes as enzyme immobilization carrier
Authors: Strelec Ivica , Peranović Katarina , Ostojčić Marta , Aladić Krunoslav , Pavlović Hrvoje , Djerdj Igor , Tatar Dalibor , Maravić Nikola , Skoko Željko , Budžaki Sandra 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In continuation of our efforts to fully utilize eggshell waste (ESW), here we report the possibility of ESW transformation to calcium chloride (CaCl2) anhydride of food-grade additive purity and eggshell membranes (ESMs) as potential enzyme immobilization carriers. ESW chemical transformation by 5% (w/v) hydrochloric acid to CaCl2 solution and ESM completely devoid of the remnants of ESW calcium carbonate was performed in the constructed 15 L batch reactor during 4 h at room temperature, followed by separation of ESM from CaCl2 solution by filtration. ESW-derived CaCl2 solution containing the excess hydrochloric acid was neutralized by adding calcium hydroxide, concentrated to approximately 1/8th of volume, and spray dried. Separated ESM was washed with water and acetone, dried, and ground to a size of less than 0.5 mm. The ESW transformation process produced 102.42 ± 3.31 g of CaCl2 anhydrous and 2.48 ± 0.28 g of ESM per 100 g of ESW dry matter. ESW-derived CaCl2 fulfilled all criteria for food-grade additive, while obtained ESM showed their suitability for Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilization by adsorption.