bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges in decision‐making support processes regarding living kidney donation: A qualitative study
Authors: Wada Yuri , Ueno Takayoshi , Umeshita Koji , Hagiwara Kuniko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies on decision‐making of living kidney donors have indicated issues regarding donors' autonomy is inherent in decision‐making to donate their kidney. Establishing effective decision‐making support that guarantees autonomy of living kidney donor candidates is important.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the difficulties in the decision‐making support when clinical transplant coordinators advocating for the autonomy of donor candidates of living donor kidney transplantation and to identify the methods to deal with these difficulties.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.ParticipantsTen clinical transplant coordinators supporting living kidney donors.ApproachSemi‐structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The modified grounded theory approach was utilised to analyse.ResultsThree categories related to difficulties were as follows: issues inherent to the interaction between coordinators, donor candidates and their families; issues regarding the environment and institutional background in which coordinators operate; and emotional labour undertaken by coordinators in the decision‐making support process. Additionally, five categories related to methods were as follows: assessing the autonomy of donor candidates based on the coordinators nursing experience; interventions for the donor candidates and their family members based on the coordinators nursing experience; smooth coordination with medical staff; clarifying and asserting their views as coordinators; and readiness to protect the donor candidates.ConclusionThe involvement of highly experienced coordinators with excellent and assertive communication skills as well as the ability to reflect on their own practices is essential. Moreover, we may need to fundamentally review the transplant community, where power domination is inherent.
Association of adipokine levels with obesity in periodontal health and disease: A systematic review with meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Kandaswamy Eswar , Lee Chun‐Teh , Gururaj Soumya Bardvalli , Shivanaikar Sachin , Joshi Vinayak M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the levels of serum, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and salivary adipokines and their possible relationship with periodontitis and obesity. An electronic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, and EBSCOhost through February 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full text of all the studies. Studies comparing the levels of adipokines in GCF, serum, and/or saliva in subjects with obesity and periodontitis (group 1), subjects with normal weight and periodontitis (group 2), and subjects with obesity and gingival health (group 3) were included. Meta‐analyses and meta‐regression were performed on the data from included studies. Seventeen studies with study participants ranging from 30 to 120 were included with subjects in each group ranging from 10 to 40. There was a significant increase in levels of serum TNF‐α, leptin, IL‐6, and CRP between groups 1 and 2 (p < .05). In GCF, TNF‐α and resistin levels were significantly higher (p < .05) in Group 1 vs. 2. Serum level of leptin was higher for group 1 vs. 3 (p < .05). Meta‐regression analysis revealed that the obesity definition (body mass index (BMI) cut‐off value >25 or >30) was significant for serum resistin (p < .05) and GCF resistin (p < .05) between group 1 and 2. The current analysis indicates that both periodontitis and obesity can modulate the pro‐inflammatory cytokines at systemic and local levels. This bidirectional interaction of periodontitis and obesity via the inflammation pathway seems likely plausible. Further studies are required to elucidate this mechanism in more detail.
Pattern of paresis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A cohort study
Authors: Hu Nan , Zhang Lei , Shen Dongchao , Yang Xunzhe , Liu Mingsheng , Cui Liying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explored the dynamic changes of split phenomenon in multiple antagonistic muscle groups among amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.MethodsOne hundred and twenty limb‐onset ALS patients were followed up regularly with an interval of 3 months. Two clinicians collected the muscle strength of elbow extensor‐flexor, wrist flexor‐extensor, knee extensor‐flexor and ankle flexor‐extensor individually.ResultsSignificant differences in muscles strength were observed between flexors and extensors of elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle (p < 0.05). The frequency of split phenomenon of elbow extensor‐flexor was 15.1%, 13.8%, 19.1%, 17.8%, and 12.5% at the baseline, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month follow‐up points, respectively. For wrist flexor‐extensor, the frequency was 20.8%, 18.2%, 18.6%, 19.9%, and 20.4%, respectively. For knee extensor‐flexor, the frequency was 3.0%, 8.0%, 7.6%, 8.4%, and 8.9%, respectively. For ankle flexor‐extensor, the frequency was 8.8%, 9.2%, 10.9%, 15.4%, and 15.7%, respectively. For muscles with 3–4 levels of muscle strength, significant dissociation of muscle strength was common, especially among patients with a slow progression rate.ConclusionSplit phenomenon of muscle strength between antagonistic muscles was common in limb‐onset ALS patients. Muscle strength and progression rate were influence factors of the split phenomenon. As disease progressed, the split phenomenon gradually became obvious, and might then slowly disappeared due to the loss of LMNs.
Taurine dynamics in serum during the oestrous cycle in buffaloes
Authors: Joshi Mansi , Kumar Varun , Singh Dheer , Onteru Suneel Kumar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEstrus identification is one of the common issues in buffaloes because of their short estrus duration and silent estrus problem. Hence, specific biomarkers facilitating in identifying the estrus stage would be helpful to buffalo farmers and researchers. In our previous studies, taurine, a non‐protein amino acid that helps in the secretion of reproductive hormones such as GnRH, was found to be associated with postpartum anestrus in buffaloes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the level of taurine in serum during different stages of the oestrous cycle in healthy cyclic buffaloes. Blood samples were collected from healthy cyclic buffaloes (n = 4), and taurine was estimated at the estrus (0th day), proestrus (−2nd day), metestrus (3rd day) and diestrus (+10th day) stages using TLC method. The days of the oestrous cycle were determined by ultrasonography and observation of behavioural signs by trained professionals. The results revealed that taurine was consistently present in the serum. However, the highest concentration of taurine was observed at the proestrus (0.20 ± 0.03 mg/mL) stage, which was greater (p < .05) than metestrus (0.10 ± 0.05 mg/mL) and diestrus (0.13 ± 0.03 mg/mL) stages, but comparable with the estrus stage. These results were also validated in the simulated population datasets of population size 6 to 10,000. Further, ROC curve analysis for the large simulated population indicated the efficiency of taurine to distinguish proestrus from metestrus and diestrus stages at a lower cutoff value of <0.1643 mg/mL with 60% sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the present study concludes that serum taurine concentration could help in detecting proestrus stage of buffalo estrous cycle.
Dynamics of energy transition and climate actions on sustainable cities: A cross country comparison of East Asia and Pacific
Authors: Yasmeen Humaira , Zameer Hashim 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMassive energy consumption and poor regulatory framework in urban areas have created environmental slums and are a serious threat to sustainability. East Asian and Pacific economies are vulnerable to climate crises and striving for sustainability by transition to green energy and taking climate initiatives. In the past, no study has explored the effectiveness of energy transitions and climate actions in the context of East Asia and Pacific. To understand the effectiveness of these efforts, this study has been planned and executed to examine the impact of energy transition and climate actions, along with emissions from residential and commercial buildings, per capita income, and effective governance, on sustainable cities and communities in East Asia and the Pacific region. The study utilizes panel data of six high‐income countries and 11 lower‐middle and upper‐middle income countries from 2000 to 2022 for comparative empirical analysis. Empirical analysis is performed using truncated regression due to the nature of the data. The study found that energy transition, climate actions, and governance effectiveness increase the sustainability of cities and communities. However, emissions from residential buildings and per capita income adversely affect the sustainability of cities and communities. Furthermore, the dynamics of energy transition and climate change vary according to the income classifications of East Asian and Pacific countries. Energy transition and emissions showed a higher impact in HICs, while climate actions were more resilient in lower‐middle and upper‐middle income countries. These findings emphasize the transition to clean and green energy, prompt climate policy actions, and effective governance to ensure sustainability in East Asian and Pacific cities and communities.
A transconjunctival surgical technique for dacryocystotomy in dogs with foreign body‐induced dacryocystitis
Authors: Allgoewer Ingrid , Soukup Petr , Ludewig Eberhard 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to describe a simplified, less invasive dacryocystotomy technique that allows for complete inspection of the canine lacrimal sac and to retrospectively evaluate this surgical technique in a larger series of dogs. The anatomical background of the canine nasolacrimal system is described as a basis for the surgical technique.MethodsRecords of dogs from 2003 to 2023 which were diagnosed with dacryocystitis due to presumed foreign body and underwent surgical exploration and removal of foreign bodies within the lacrimal sac using this technique were reviewed. Postoperative treatment and outcome were evaluated.ResultsRecords of 48 dogs were included. A foreign body was discovered during the surgery or upon retrieval of the catheter in 85% of cases (41/48). An indwelling catheter was placed in 83% of cases (40/48) for a median of 21 days. At the last recheck, the nasolacrimal duct was patent in 87% of the cases (41/47). The median follow‐up time was 34 days (3–1255 days). The most commonly affected breeds were Golden retrievers (11) and dachshunds (8). The following complications occurred: two dogs removed or partly removed the catheter themselves (day 7, day 14), and one dog showed marked irritation at the catheter site which had to be removed by day 10.ConclusionsThe transconjunctival dacryocystotomy technique is simple and less invasive than other described techniques with a successful long‐term outcome in the majority of cases.
Global pharmaceutical care approaches to autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sape Relebogile Masekela , Shead Dorothy Agnes , Maseko Busisiwe Constance 
Published: April 2024

Objective:
The aim of this review is to map the literary evidence on pharmaceutical care approaches and trends being seen globally for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Introduction:
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition synonymous with sliding-scale behavioral, communication, learning, and social problems. Causes include genetic and environmental factors. Pharmaceuticals are prescribed to treat the behavioral patterns of ASD.

Inclusion criteria:
This review will incorporate studies that report on the pharmaceutical care approaches used to treat the signs and symptoms of ASD as well as to identify the global trends related to their use. Studies not falling under the ASD umbrella will be excluded. All primary, secondary, and gray literature will be included. No language restrictions will be applied. Studies from January 1, 1984, will be included.

Methods:
This review will be conducted in line with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A preliminary search of MEDLINE (PubMed) will be followed by searches of Emcare (Ovid), Nursing and Allied Health Premium (ProQuest), and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and extract data from selected sources. A third reviewer will adjudicate any conflicts until consensus is reached. The findings will be presented in a narrative summary with accompanying gap maps, figures, and tables.

Review registration:
Open Science Framework https://osf.io/c234m
Neural Network Modeling of a Stereolithography Printed Mesostructure
Authors: Schmitz Anne 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper addresses the scarcity of comprehensive studies on the collective impact of various parametric lattice designs on mesostructure functionality. Focusing on optimizing the energy absorption of a serpentine mesostructure made using stereolithography, this research leverages a feedforward neural network to explore the interplay between line width, number of turns, and material properties on the energy absorbed by the structure. Compression simulations using a finite element model, covering a range of configurations, provided the dataset for neural network training. The resulting network was used to probe correlations between geometric variables, material, and energy absorption. Additionally, a neural network sensitivity analysis explored the impact of hidden layers and number of neurons on the network's performance, demonstrating the network's robustness. The optimized mesostructure configuration, identified by the neural network, maximized energy absorption. Using foundational mechanics of materials concepts, the discussion explains how the geometry and material of the cellular mesostructure affect structural stiffness.
Resilience and Sustainability in the Context of Future Disruption
Authors: Fairbairn Catherine 
Published: April 2024

This literature review is focused on the resilience and sustainability discourse within New Zealand. The aim of the review was to inquire how the Espiner et al (2017) paper had been used in other literature; and also to conduct research to create a library of other relevant articles based on resilience and sustainability specific to New Zealand. As a result of climate change, sustainable futures and understanding resilience has been pushed to the forefront of hazard management. This project therefore aims to condense the research surrounding resilience and sustainability within New Zealand to a singular resource. This has created a comprehensive catalogue of all the research available from a New Zealand context that also highlights the areas that require further research. From a base point COVID and tourism is well researched within New Zealand however the value of relationships and communities doesn’t appear to be as well researched. Overall, this literature review can act as a resource to others researching the ever-pressing realities New Zealand and the world will face due to climate change.
Espiner, S., Orchiston, C., & Higham, J. (2017). Resilience and sustainability: A complementary relationship? Towards a practical conceptual model for the sustainability–resilience nexus in tourism. Journal of sustainable tourism, 25(10), 1385-1400.
Supervised by: Research Associate Professor Caroline Orchisten
Te Whatu Ora EV
Authors: Plant Bethany 
Published: April 2024

This research project looks at the implications of Te Whatu Ora Southern transitioning their 300 fleet vehicles to EVs, with the primary focus of this study being Wakari hospital. The key questions this study focuses on are: How would this transition to EVs affect the transport emissions by Te Whatu Ora Southern? What would the cost savings of this transition be? What time of day would be best for Wakari hospital to charge the vehicles and how much would they save by charging at specific times? As Te Whatu Ora Southern ranges from Oamaru to Invercargill and Queenstown, and with around 300 fleet vehicles, the problems to solve were tackled by first looking at Wakari hospital and using results from this hospital to scale to the whole fleet. This research was done by analyzing data supplied by Te Whatu Ora Southern and appropriate literature exploring EVs and emissions reduction. The main results of this research showed that by switching the fleet vehicles to EVs, the road travel emissions would decrease by 80-90%, and that it would be cheapest for Wakari Hospital to charge their vehicles from midnight to 8am, however more research would need to be done in order to implement a more detailed charging plan. The key impact of this research is carbon emission reduction and how Te Whatu Ora could scale these results for not just the southern region but the whole of New Zealand.
Supervised by: Arjan Abeynaike, Craig Cliff
Anticipating Future Technologies
Authors: Evans Jodie , Virens Abbi 
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the social dimensions of a potential green hydrogen transition in New Zealand. As an emerging technology, green hydrogen development and implementation is limited and therefore it is difficult to predict how such innovation will influence wider society. Social research is currently limited to acceptability studies which fail to capture the wider ideologies at play. Media articles offer a good opportunity to explore how the topic of green hydrogen is being introduced to the New Zealand public, helping us to understand how technical discourse is converted into conventional understanding. This research analyses contemporary media to identify the dominant narrative being presented to the public. Critiques of the dominant green hydrogen narrative show that this technology’s ‘business as usual’ approach has the potential to perpetuate contemporary energy system issues, suggesting that replacing fossil fuels is not enough to encourage social transformation. However, these critiques also suggest that there are opportunities to reimagine green hydrogen applications that better align with notions of energy justice and democracy.
Supervised by: Abbi Virens
Scholarship Project Funded by: GNS Green Hydrogen Programme NZ
The Drop for Good ‘Toolkit’
Authors: Wood Phoebe 
Published: April 2024

A reuse scheme such as Drop for Good achieves circularity within a student flatting community. This ‘how to’ guide on the running of Drop for Good exists to ensure the initiatives continued success and empower other institutions to reduce student flatting waste. The handbook provides guidance around the important relationships, messages and features of a tertiary reuse scheme. Insights from semi-structured interviews with experts in zero-waste and community engagement have informed these recommendations. Surveys conducted on Otago students and event volunteers revealed the initiative’s strengths and determined the Drop for Good ‘wish list’. The key questions of this study are: What are the possible models for a tertiary reuse scheme? How can we best engage students in the circular economy? What are the potential barriers to implementing a reuse scheme at other tertiary institutions? How can Drop for Good become more accessible to students at Otago University? Keeping materials circulating and functioning at their highest potential helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the creation and distribution of goods. The primary aim of this research is to empower other tertiary institutions to challenge students’ linear thinking and reduce waste created by student flatting.
Supervised by: Jesikah Triscott, Ray O’Brien
Nuclear factor kappa B-dependent persistence of
Salmonella
Typhi and Paratyphi in human macrophages
Authors: Stepien Taylor A. , Singletary Larissa A. , Guerra Fermin E. , Karlinsey Joyce E. , Libby Stephen J. , Jaslow Sarah L. , Gaggioli Margaret R. , Gibbs Kyle D. , Ko Dennis C. , Brehm Michael A. , Greiner Dale L. , Shultz Leonard D. , Fang Ferric C. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Salmonella
serovars Typhi and Paratyphi cause a prolonged illness known as enteric fever, whereas other serovars cause acute gastroenteritis. Mechanisms responsible for the divergent clinical manifestations of nontyphoidal and enteric fever
Salmonella
infections have remained elusive. Here, we show that
S
. Typhi and
S
. Paratyphi A can persist within human macrophages, whereas
S
. Typhimurium rapidly induces apoptotic macrophage cell death that is dependent on
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 2 (SPI2).
S
. Typhi and
S
. Paratyphi A lack 12 specific SPI2 effectors with pro-apoptotic functions, including nine that target nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB or heterologous expression of the SPI2 effectors GogA or GtgA restores apoptosis of
S
. Typhi-infected macrophages. In addition, the absence of the SPI2 effector SarA results in deficient signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation and interleukin 12 production, leading to impaired T
H
1 responses in macrophages and humanized mice. The absence of specific nontyphoidal SPI2 effectors may allow
S
. Typhi and
S
. Paratyphi A to cause chronic infections.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella enterica is a common cause of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. The serovars
Salmonella
Typhi and
Salmonella
Paratyphi A cause a distinctive systemic illness called enteric fever, whose pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Here, we show that enteric fever
Salmonella
serovars lack 12 specific virulence factors possessed by nontyphoidal
Salmonella
serovars, which allow the enteric fever serovars to persist within human macrophages. We propose that this fundamental difference in the interaction of
Salmonella
with human macrophages is responsible for the chronicity of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, suggesting that targeting the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) complex responsible for macrophage survival could facilitate the clearance of persistent bacterial infections.