bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic education of patients with coronary heart disease: Impact of digital platform monitoring in preventing major cardiovascular events in Tunisia: Study protocol
Authors: Ghali Hela , El Hraiech Aymen , Ben Souda Hend , Karray Majdi , Pavy Bruno , Zedini Chekib 
Published: April 2024

Background
Faced with the increase in the number of chronic diseases with the aging of the population, and with the observation of the insufficiency of therapeutic control, a new need has emerged, that of having a patient as a partner in care.

Methods
This study is a randomized controlled trial. Patients with coronary heart disease will be recruited from one clinical site and randomly assigned into two groups: the intervention group and the control group. All participants will be followed up for a total of one year (with three-time points for data collection). Patients who are assigned to the intervention group will receive therapeutic education at first. The digital platform will then allow healthcare providers to accompany them outside the hospital walls. The primary outcome is the incidence of major cardiovascular events within one year of discharge. Main secondary outcomes include changes in health behaviors, medication adherence, and quality of life score. The digital platform is a multi-professional telemonitoring platform that allows care teams to accompany the patient outside the hospital walls. It allows the collection and transmits information from the patient’s home to the therapeutic education team. All data will be secured at a certified host. The patient application provides data on compliance, adherence to physical activity (number of steps taken per day), adequate diet (weight gain, food consumed during the meal, compliance with low-salt or salt-free diet, diabetic diet), smoking cessation, as well as medication adherence. Access to educational tools (digital media) is provided to all initial program participants. These tools will be updated annually by the rehabilitation team on the recommendations. The platform also offers the possibility of organizing an individual or group remote educational session (videoconference modules allowing group and individual sessions), a secure integrated caregiver-patient messaging system. The control group will receive the usual controls at the hospital.

Discussion
To offer a complete solution of care to our patients, we have thought of setting up a digital platform that aims to monitor the patient and strengthen their abilities to manage their condition daily. This pilot experience could be generalized to several services and disciplines. It could be used in several research works.

Trial registration
Trial registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202307694422939). URL: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=24247.
Effects of Cucurbita Moschata squash (Butternut) seed paste in improving zinc and iron status in children attending Early Childhood Development centres in Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Motadi Selekane Ananias , Mbhenyane Xikombiso Gertrude , Zuma Mthokozisi Kwazi , Freeland Graves Jeanne H. 
Published: April 2024

Cucurbita moschata (Butternut squash) seeds are a rich source of nutrition containing nutrients including iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. The aim of this study was to determine if Cucurbita Moschata squash seed paste improves zinc and iron status, anthropometric status, and dietary intake in preschool children. A pretest-posttest control group trial using cluster randomisation was conducted over 6 months. Four preschools were randomly assigned to receive 100 g of intervention or 100 g of a placebo as the control to enhance iron and zinc status. A total of 276 preschool children were recruited from eight government registered Early Childhood Development centres in Limpopo province, South Africa. The control group consumed Cucurbita moschata flesh twice-weekly, while the intervention group consumed Cucurbita moschata seed paste twice-weekly during a six-month period. Iron (serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, ferritin) and zinc (serum zinc) status and anthropometric indices such as weight, height and mid upper arm circumference for children were evaluated at baseline and the endpoint. Iron and zinc-rich food consumption was measured using a 24-hour dietary recall and food record during the study, and dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire which was conducted at the beginning and endpoint. The intervention group significantly improved in the mean serum iron 0.23 μg/dL (95% CI: 0.11;0.33); ferritin 0.21μg/dL (95% CI: 0.13;0.39), transferrin saturation 0.33% (0.23;0.74) and zinc 0.16 μmol/dl (95% CI: 0.13;0.25) at the end of the study. In addition, the intervention group exhibited greater mean weight for age of 0.13 z-score (95% CI: 0.28; 0.34) and weight for height of 0.04 z-score (95% CI: 0.12,0.05), as well as the consumption of iron (p < 0,001), zinc (p < 0,001), and vitamin C (p < 0.001). At the end of the trial, fiber (p < 0.001), riboflavin (p = 0.001), vitamin B6 (p < 0.001), and vitamin B12 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the control group. Thus, the inclusion of intervention in the diet of children in an impoverished area of South Africa improved the iron and zinc status of these children. This supplement could be a cost effective and sustainable approach to improve nutrient status in rural South Africa.
Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202308740458863).
Remote olfactory assessment using the NIH Toolbox Odor Identification test and the brain health registry
Authors: Jaén Cristina , Maute Christopher , Mackin Scott , Camacho Monica R. , Truran Diana , Nosheny Rachel , Weiner Michael W. , Dalton Pamela 
Published: April 2024

Background
Early identification of deficits in our ability to perceive odors is important as many normal (i.e., aging) and pathological (i.e., sinusitis, viral, neurodegeneration) processes can result in diminished olfactory function. To realistically enable population-level measurements of olfaction, validated olfaction tests must be capable of being administered outside the research laboratory and clinical setting.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of remotely testing olfactory performance using a test that was developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health as part of a ready-to-use, non-proprietary set of measurements useful for epidemiologic studies (NIH Toolbox Odor ID Test).

Materials and methods
Eligible participants older than 39 years and active (within 6 months) in the Brain Health Registry (BHR), an online cognitive assessment platform which connects participants with researchers, were recruited for this study. Interested participants were mailed the NIH Toolbox Odor ID Test along with instructions on accessing a website to record their responses. Data obtained from subjects who performed the test at home was compared to the normative data collected when the NIH Toolbox Odor ID Test was administered by a tester in a research setting and validated against the Smell Identification Test. The age-range and composition of the population ensured we had the ability to observe both age-related decline and gender-related deficits in olfactory ability, as shown in the experimental setting.

Results
We observed that age-associated olfactory decline and gender-associated performance was comparable to performance on the administered test. Self-administration of this test showed the age-related loss in olfactory acuity, F(4, 1156)=14.564, p<.0001 as well as higher accuracy for women compared to men after controlling for participants’ age, F(1, 1160) = 22.953, p <.0001. The effect size calculated as Hedge’s g, was 0.41.

Conclusion
These results indicate that the NIH Toolbox Odor ID Test is an appropriate instrument for self-administered assessment of olfactory performance. The ability to self-administer an inexpensive olfactory test increases its utility for inclusion in longitudinal epidemiological studies and when in-person testing is not feasible.
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli in mid-Norway: A prospective, case control study
Authors: Haugan Ingvild , Husby Marit Gudrun , Skjøtskift Bjørg , Aamnes Mostue Dorothea , Brun Andreas , Olsen Lene Christin , Simpson Melanie Rae , Lange Heidi , Afset Jan Egil 
Published: April 2024

Background
The use of molecular methods has led to increased detection of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) in faecal samples. Studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the clinical relevance of this finding. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of EAEC in faecal samples from patients with diarrhoea and healthy controls and describe characteristics of EAEC positive persons.

Methods
From March 1st, 2017 to February 28th, 2019, we investigated all consecutive faecal samples from patients with diarrhoea received at the laboratory and collected faecal samples from randomly invited healthy controls from mid-Norway. Real-time multiplex PCR was used for detection of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens. We registered sex, age, urban versus non-urban residency, and travel history for all participants. Statistical analyses were performed with Pearson chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results
We identified EAEC in 440 of 9487 (4.6%) patients with diarrhoea and 8 of 375 (2.2%) healthy controls. The EAEC prevalence was 19.1% among those with diarrhoea and recent foreign travel and 2.2% in those without travel history independent of diarrhoea. Concomitant pathogens were detected in 64.3% of EAEC-positive patients with diarrhoea. The median age was 28.5 in those with EAEC-positive diarrhoea and 38 in those with EAEC-negative diarrhoea (p <0.01). In patients with diarrhoea, travel was reported in 72% of those with EAEC and concomitant pathogens, and 54% and 12% in those with only EAEC and no EAEC, respectively (p <0.01).

Conclusions
EAEC was a common detection, particularly in patients with diarrhoea and recent international travel, and was found together with other intestinal pathogens in the majority of cases. Our results suggest that domestically acquired EAEC is not associated with diarrhoea. Patients with EAEC-positive diarrhoea and concomitant pathogens were young and often reported recent travel history compared to other patients with diarrhoea.
Impact of Body Composition on Esophagogastric Junction Opening Measures: Discordant FLIP and Manometric Findings Are More Common With Increased Body Mass Index
Authors: Flanagan Ryan , Muftah Mayssan , Hiramoto Brent , Cai Jennifer X. , Chan Walter W. 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Increased intra-abdominal pressure in patients with elevated body mass index (BMI) may affect measurements of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening.

METHODS:
Findings from adult patients who underwent both impedance planimetry with functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) were compared by BMI.

RESULTS:
Among patients with no EGJ outflow obstruction on HRM, abnormal EGJ classifications on FLIP were more common among those with elevated than normal BMI (61.1% vs 31.6%, P = 0.037).

DISCUSSION:
Discordant results between FLIP and HRM on EGJ opening are more common in patients with elevated BMI. Body composition may impact EGJ function and measures on current testing modalities.
Good Governance in International Relations: Integrity Management and Locality in Nasrafa Painting Fabric
Authors: Susiatiningsih Rr. Hermini Susiatiningsih , Faizal Alfian Muhammad 
Published: April 2024

In the era of globalization, product internationalization is crucial for a company to reach the global market. The success of local businesses in reaching international markets needs to be supported by the involvement and collaboration of various actors. This research offers a unique insight into painted fabrics, an innovation of batik cloth as an original identity and cultural heritage of Solo (Central Java), which is a relatively new commodity that potentially penetrates international market. This study aims to examine and analyze the efforts of Nasrafais painting in Jebres Solo to penetrate the global market by exercising good governance and fostering collaborative relationships among various actors in multitrack diplomacy. As one of the producers of painting fabric, Nasrafa has implemented local values and, as a result, earns prestigious national awards and grows foreign buyers. This research used the qualitative method, collecting primary data through interviews and discussing the collaborative effort between government, local business, and society in international relations, especially in the application of Good Governance. The results showed that the success of the export business was driven by massive, structured support from the government, corporations, and local citizens. An optimal, collaborative system can help establish the right conditions for industries to build domestic and international cooperation. This system is reflected in the production of Nasrafa painting fabric, indicating that the implementation of good governance can support multi-track diplomacy to accelerate the development and cooperation among actors in developing countries.
La construction identitaire et le principe d’altérité. La Pologne comme l’Autre dans le discours de la presse écrite quotidienne en France
Authors: Biardzka Elżbieta , Paskart Patrycja 
Published: April 2024

This study aims to show how the principle of otherness emerges in the discourse of the national written press in France. We consider that in the media, the Other is Poland, whose social meaning, stored in the collective memory, embraces the extremely negative traits of difference and threat. The judgment of otherness relates to four components of this meaning. Firstly, Poland is perceived as an object whose location is indefinite and undecided. Secondly, it is strange due to its excessive, aggressive and dangerous Catholicism. Thirdly, it harms France and the common European project. Finally, it constitutes an eco- nomic threat.
Stimulating thyrotropin receptor antibodies in early pregnancy
Authors: Uldall-Torp Nanna Maria , Andersen Lærke , Kim Hannah Jaekyung , Bruun Niels Henrik , Karmisholt Jesper , Andersen Stig , Andersen Stine Linding 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies (TRAb) are used to diagnose Graves’ hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. Bioassays provide a measure of thyrotropin-receptor stimulatory antibodies (TSI) specifically. The objective was to measure TSI in pregnant women for establishment of a pregnancy-specific cut-off and comparison with immunoassay measurements of TRAb.

Methods
The retrospective Danish study was performed within the North Denmark Region Pregnancy Cohort (2011–2015) that includes stored biobank samples from early pregnancy (median week 10) with immunoassay measurements of thyroid function parameters and TRAb. TSI were measured in the same samples using the Turbo TSI bioassay (Quidel/Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics) with a recommended cut-off of 0.0241 IU/L in non-pregnant adults. A pregnancy-specific TSI cut-off (95-percentile) was established using Regression on Order Statistics.

Results
The established TSI cut-off was 0.0418 IU/L (95 % CI: 0.0417–0.0419). Among women with early pregnancy hyperthyroidism (n=438), 43 women (9.8 %) were TSI positive using the established cut-off, and these women had lower TSH (median 0.008 mIU/L) compared to women with TSI levels below 0.0241 (median TSH 0.040 mIU/L) or in the range from 0.0241 to 0.0418 (median TSH 0.033 mIU/L). Among the 438 women with early pregnancy hyperthyroidism, 22 women were positive for TSI and TRAb, 388 were negative for both, and 28 women were positive for either TSI or TRAb.

Conclusions
This is the first study on TSI measurements in a large cohort of early pregnant women. A pregnancy-specific cut-off for TSI was established and agreement in the classification with immunoassay measurements of TRAb was seen in 94 % of cases.
Synthesis and characterization of ethylenediamine-modified F-44 phenolic epoxy fiber
Authors: Wu Juan , Jiao Mingli , Wang Hao , Li Keke , Yang Muen , Li Pengyu , Yang Kai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
F-44 phenolic epoxy fibers were produced through high-temperature dry spinning utilizing F-44 phenolic epoxy resin as the base material, combined with n-butanol and ethylenediamine (EDA) as the curing agent. The fibers were subsequently analyzed for their structural, thermal stability, microstructural, and mechanical properties using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-infrared imaging, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and fiber strength testing. The limitations of phenolic resins, including high brittleness, poor toughness, and low elongation at break, restrict their potential applications, necessitating modifications to broaden their utility. Research findings indicate that modifying EDA induces a ring-opening reaction of epoxy groups, thereby enhancing the resin’s structure and improving the thermal stability and mechanical properties of fibers. The thermal stability and mechanical strength of the fibers were optimized at an EDA concentration of 2.0 wt% and curing time of 30 min, resulting in a tensile strength of 105 MPa and an elongation at break of 27.6 %.
The effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on quality of life in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Nikakis Jacqueline , Tale Ermin , Malkov Denis , Arora Uddampreet S. , Keys Jordan , Li To Shan , Yao Sheldon C. , Cohen Todd J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been demonstrated to have an effect on the autonomic nervous system, which may have antiarrhythmic effects. The effects of OMT in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have not previously been reported. This study investigated the impact of OMT on quality of life (QOL) in this patient population.

Objectives
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of OMT on QOL in CIED patients.

Methods
Subjects with CIEDs were recruited into a double-blind randomized controlled institutional review board (IRB)-approved clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04004741) and randomized to OMT or light touch (control) groups. Subjects received a one-time intervention, performed by board-certified neuromusculoskeletal medicine (NMM) and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) physicians. The OMT protocol utilized techniques including myofascial release, rib raising, facilitated positional release (FPR), and osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine. Subjects’ QOL was assessed immediately preceding intervention and one-month postintervention utilizing the Research ANd Development (RAND) 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36, eight parameters). Groups were compared utilizing unpaired t tests; α=0.05.

Results
Forty-two subjects were enrolled, with four lost to follow-up, which resulted in 19 OMT and 19 control subjects for analysis. Of the eight QOL parameters, two showed significant improvement with OMT: role limitations due to physical health (p=0.001) and pain (p=0.003).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the potential for QOL improvement in CIED patients. Specifically, subjects in the OMT group reported an improvement in activities of daily living as well as a decrease in overall pain, including pain interfering with work. Additional research is necessary to further understand the physiologic effects of OMT, including its effects on arrhythmias, in CIED patients.
Leaving one’s mark: self-authorized commemorative practices in a rural semiotic landscape
Authors: Reershemius Gertrud K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study introduces the concept of “self-authorized commemorative practices” to the analysis of semiotic landscapes. It aims to draw attention to commemorative practices by which individuals assert their presence within the semiotic landscape, beyond the influence of powerful authorities that typically determine the visible commemorative aspects of public space. The multimodal practices employed include the use of language, images and artefacts, and their emplacement in the semiotic landscapes. The study is based on two complete photographic inventories of all signage in public space in a rural community in northwest Germany, taken over a ten-year period, in addition to more than twenty years of participant observation. The findings reveal layers of self-authorized commemorative practices, often concealed in plain sight but discernible to the trained eye, interwoven with the local narratives associated with the semiotic landscape. Individuals, through their own means, leave lasting marks that commemorate their existence, achievements, deceased loved ones, or social traditions. These self-authorized practices contribute to the rich tapestry of the semiotic landscape, challenging and expanding our understanding of commemoration beyond the influence of traditional authorities.
The influence of forest vegetation on the physical properties of chernozems in the steppe zone of Ukraine
Authors: Gorban V. A. , Bilova N. A. , Poleva J. L. , Huslystyi A. O. , Kotovych O. V. , Hunko S. O. 
Published: April 2024

Targeted changes in the physical properties of soils, including through afforestation, are an important component of land use practices that are aimed at obtaining sustainable crop yields, which is especially important for potentially highly fertile chernozem soils. The physical properties of ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation (used as a control) and plantings of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L., as well as chernozem luvosol under natural forest vegetation, were studied in the field, as well as in laboratory conditions using soil samples taken from 12 areas established within Dnipropetrovsk region (Ukraine). As a result of the study, it was established that the studied ordinary chernozems and luvic chernozems are classified as silty loam according to their granulometric composition. The growth of acacia and oak plantations led to an increase in sand content and a decrease in silt content, and the growth of natural forest vegetation contributed to an increase in sand and silt content and a decrease in clay content in black soils. The influence of forest vegetation on chernozems led in the 0–20 cm layer to an increase in the content of aggregates of fractions > 2 mm and water-resistant aggregates of fractions > 0.5 mm and a decrease in the content of aggregates of fractions < 1 mm and water-resistant aggregates of fractions < 0.5 mm compared to chernozems under steppe vegetation. The growth of forest vegetation caused a decrease in the density and density of the solid phase, and an increase in the total porosity of chernozems in the layers of 0–20 and 20–40 cm. The influence of forest vegetation on ordinary chernozems and luvic chernozems contributed to an increase in the content of available water for plants and an increase in their water permeability compared to ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation. Ordinary chernozems under acacia and oak plantations are characterized by increased electrical resistivity, and luvic chernozems under natural forest vegetation are characterized by reduced electrical resistivity compared to ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation. The growth of forest vegetation contributed to a decrease in the dielectric constant of chernozems. The influence of natural forest vegetation leads to more pronounced changes in the physical properties of chernozems compared to the influence of acacia and oak plantings.