bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“It takes a village to raise a child,” university teachers’ views on traditional education, modern education, and future I integration in Ethiopia
Authors: Baheretibeb Yonas , Whitehead Cynthia 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIndigenous education has recently gained prominence in international debates for its role in addressing the social, economic, and political issues faced by African states. Ethiopia, like other African countries, had its education system based primarily on the transmission of socio-professional aptitudes, religious values, skills, and intergenerational knowledge as a way to preserve the social, cultural, and religious values of the Ethiopian community. In the early 20th century, Ethiopia wholeheartedly adopted a Western higher education system in a tabula rasa approach that sought to obliterate deeply rooted cultural norms and rapidly transition the country’s traditional religious system to a secular one.MethodsThis qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of Ethiopian university teachers about the benefits and limitations of traditional education and the potential to integrate traditional and modern education in Ethiopian universities.ResultsStudy findings show that, despite agreement that “traditional” education is distinct from other educational systems, there are varying notions of what constitutes “indigenous” education. Participants also suggested that the dominant rationale for the tabula rasa approach in Ethiopian modern education was to modernise the country and embrace a global perspective on education that incorporates ideas and advances from other cultures while still being firmly entrenched in local values and educational systems.DiscussionInsights have implications for education systems in African and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in terms of developing strategies for the pluralistic approach to knowledge systems.
A study of home energy management considering carbon quota
Authors: Yucheng Ren , Li Huang , Xiaodong Cao , Yixuan Huang , Yanan Zhang 
Published: February 2024

The household energy management system (HEMS) has become an important system for energy conservation and emission reduction. In this study, home energy management considering carbon quota has been established. Firstly, the household photovoltaic output model, load model of various electrical appliances, battery load model, and charging and discharging of electric vehicles (EVs) model are established. Secondly, the carbon emission and carbon quota of household appliances and EVs are considered in these models. Thirdly, the energy optimization model of minimum the household user’s total comprehensive operation cost with the minimum total electricity consumption, carbon trading cost, battery degradation cost, and carbon quota income are proposed, taking into account constraints such as the comfort of users’ energy use time. Subsequently, the improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm is used to tackle the problem. Compared to the standard particle swarm optimization (PSO), the IPSO has significantly improved the optimization effect. By comparing the optimization results in different scenarios, the effectiveness of the strategy is verified, and the influence of different carbon trading prices on optimal energy scheduling has been analyzed. The result shows that the comprehensive consideration of carbon trading cost and total electricity cost can reduce the household carbon emissions and the total electricity cost of the household user. By increasing the carbon trading price, the user’s carbon trading income and the EV carbon quota income increase, and the overall operating cost decreases; the guidance and regulation of carbon trading price can make a valuable contribution to HEMS optimization. Compared to the original situation, the household carbon emissions are reduced by 14.58 kg, a decrease of over 21.47%, while the total comprehensive operation cost are reduced by 14.12%. Carbon quota trading can guide household users to use electricity reasonably, reducing household carbon emissions and the total cost of household electricity.
Transcriptome-wide 1-methyladenosine functional profiling of messenger RNA and long non-coding RNA in bladder cancer
Authors: Yin Jian-jian , Song Yan-liang , Guo Yu-feng , Dai Yuan-heng , Chang Qi , Wang Tao , Sun Guo-qiang , Lu Ping , Song Dong-kui , Zhang Li-rong 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Post-transcriptional RNA modifications are crucial regulators of tumor development and progression. In many biological processes, N1-methyladenosine (m1A) plays a key role. However, little is known about the links between chemical modifications of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their function in bladder cancer (BLCA).Methods: Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to profile mRNA and lncRNA m1A methylation and expression in BLCA cells, with or without stable knockdown of the m1A methyltransferase tRNA methyltransferase 61A (TRMT61A).Results: The analysis of differentially methylated gene sites identified 16,941 peaks, 6,698 mRNAs, and 10,243 lncRNAs in the two groups. Gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the differentially methylated and expressed transcripts showed that m1A-regulated transcripts were mainly related to protein binding and signaling pathways in cancer. In addition, the differentially genes were identified that were also differentially m1A-modified and identified 14 mRNAs and 19 lncRNAs. Next, these mRNAs and lncRNAs were used to construct a lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA network, which included 118 miRNAs, 15 lncRNAs, and 8 mRNAs. Finally, the m1A-modified transcripts, SCN2B and ENST00000536140, which are highly expressed in BLCA tissues, were associated with decreased overall patient survival.Discussion: This study revealed substantially different amounts and distributions of m1A in BLCA after TRMT61A knockdown and predicted cellular functions in which m1A may be involved, providing evidence that implicates m1A mRNA and lncRNA epitranscriptomic regulation in BLCA tumorigenesis and progression.
Prevalence of persistent hypertension following pregnancy complicated by hypertensive disorders in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Mukosha Moses , Hatcher Abigail , Mutale Wilbroad , Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Conklin Jamie L. , Chi Benjamin H. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy can lead to persistent hypertension (pHTN) in the months and even years following delivery. However, its prevalence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not well characterized.ObjectiveTo synthesize available evidence on the pHTN prevalence following a pregnancy complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in LMICs.Search strategyPubMed, CINAHL Plus, Global Health (EBSCOhost), and Scopus from inception through a search date of July 12, 2022, and updated on January 2, 2024.Selection criteriaCross-sectional studies and cohort studies reporting pHTN prevalence were eligible.Data collection and analysisWe conducted a narrative synthesis of data and categorized reported prevalence time points into several broader categories. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa checklist to assess the risk of bias. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022345739).ResultsWe reviewed 1,584 abstracts and identified 22 studies that reported pHTN between 2000 and 2023 from 14 LMICs. The overall prevalence of pHTN ranged between 6.9% and 62.2%, with the highest prevalence noted within African studies and the lowest in South American studies. Estimates at different follow-up periods postpartum were 6.9%–42.9% at six weeks, 34.0%–62.2% at three months, 14.8%–62.2% at six months, 12.7%–61.2% at 12 months, and 7.5%–31.8% at more than 12 months. The quality score of the selected studies ranged from 50% to 100%.ConclusionsThe extant literature reports a high prevalence of pHTN in LMICs following a pregnancy complicated by hypertensive disorders. To reduce long-term complications of pHTN, programs should emphasize early screening and linkages to long-term care for at-risk women.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=345739, PROSPERO (CRD42022345739)
Efficacy and safety of bispecific antibodies therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Ailin , Zhu Jinbing , Niu Ting 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveBispecific antibody (BsAbs) therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach with manageable toxicity and noteworthy preliminary efficacy in treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted BsAbs and non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs in the treatment of RRMM patients.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and meeting libraries were searched from inception to August 16th, 2023. The efficacy evaluation included the complete objective response rate (ORR), complete response (CR) rate, stringent CR (sCR) rate, partial response (PR) rate, and very good PR (VGPR) rate. The efficacy evaluation included any grade adverse events (AEs) and grade ≥ 3 AEs.ResultsFourteen studies with a total of 1473 RRMM patients were included. The pooled ORR of the entire cohort was 61%. The non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs group displayed a higher ORR than the BCMA-targeted BsAbs group (74% vs. 54%, P &lt; 0.01). In terms of hematological AEs, BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy exhibited higher risks of neutropenia (any grade: 48% vs. 18%, P &lt; 0.01; grade ≥ 3: 43% vs. 15%, P &lt; 0.01) and lymphopenia (any grade: 37% vs. 8%, P &lt; 0.01; grade ≥ 3: 31% vs. 8%, P = 0.07). Regarding non-hematological AEs, there were no significant differences in the risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS, any grade: 64% vs. 66%, P = 0.84; grade ≥ 3: 1% vs. 1%, P = 0.36) and infections (any grade: 47% vs. 49%, P = 0.86; grade ≥ 3: 24% vs. 20%, P = 0.06) between the two groups. However, non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy was associated with a higher risk of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS, any grade: 11% vs. 2%, P &lt; 0.01) and lower risks of fatigue (any grade: 14% vs. 30%, P &lt; 0.01) and pyrexia (any grade: 14% vs. 29%, P &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThis analysis suggest that non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy may offer a more favorable treatment response and tolerability, while BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy may be associated with diminished neurotoxic effects.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42018090768.
Feasibility study on the introduction of Micro-CT technology for the identification of Radix Bupleuri and its adulterants
Authors: Chen Kehong , Chen Gong , Zhuang Zhelong , Luo Shouhua , Liu Jiaming , Liu Guorong 
Published: February 2024

Background:Radix Bupleuri, a kind of Chinese herbal medicine with great clinical use, is often confused with its adulterants, and it is difficult to identify it without certain knowledge. The existing identification methods have their own drawbacks, so a new method is needed to realize the identification of Radix Bupleuri and its adulterants.Methods: We used Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) to perform tomography scans on Radix Bupleuri and its adulterants, performed data screening and data correction on the obtained DICOM images, and then applied 3D reconstruction, data augmentation, and ResNext deep learning model for the classification study.Results: The DICOM images after data screening, data correction, and 3D reconstruction can observe the differences in the microstructure of Radix Bupleuri and its adulterants, thus enabling effective classification and analysis. Meanwhile, the accuracy of classification using the ResNext model reached 75%.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Micro-CT technology is feasible for the authentication of Radix Bupleuri. The pre-processed and 3D reconstructed tomographic images clearly show the microstructure and the difference between Radix Bupleuri and its adulterants without damaging the internal structure of the samples. This study concludes that Micro-CT technology provides important technical support for the reliable identification of Radix Bupleuri and its adulterants, which is expected to play an important role in the quality control and clinical application of herbs.
Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression
Authors: Suhail Hamid , Peng Hongmei , Matrougui Khalid , Rhaleb Nour-Eddine 
Published: March 2024

Inflammation and cardiac fibrosis are prevalent pathophysiologic conditions associated with hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers the cells to activate unfolded protein responses (UPRs) and upregulate the ER stress chaperon, enzymes, and downstream transcription factors to restore normal ER function. The mechanisms that link ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and NF-κB activation that results in cardiac inflammation and collagen production remain elusive. N-Acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP), a natural tetrapeptide that negatively regulates inflammation and fibrosis, has been reported. Whether it can inhibit ER stress-induced collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. We aimed to study whether Ac-SDKP inhibits tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress signaling, NF-κB signaling, the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, and collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). HCFs were pre-treated with Ac-SDKP (10 nM) and then stimulated with TM (0.25 μg/mL). We found that Ac-SDKP inhibits TM-induced collagen production by attenuating ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and CHOP/NF-κB transcriptional signaling pathways. CHOP deletion by specific shRNA maintains the inhibitory effect of Ac-SDKP on NF-κB and type-1 collagen (Col-1) expression at both protein and mRNA levels. Attenuating ER stress-induced UPR sensor signaling by Ac-SDKP seems a promising therapeutic strategy to combat detrimental cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.
Deficits in proprioception and strength may contribute to the impaired postural stability among individuals with functional ankle instability
Authors: Liu Yanhao , Dong Shiyu , Wang Qi , Liu Ziyin , Song Qipeng , Shen Peixin 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The correlations of postural stability with proprioception and strength may explain the recurrent sprains among individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI). This study aimed to compare anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) postural stability, along with ankle proprioception and strength between individuals with and without FAI and investigated their correlations.Methods: Forty participants with FAI and another 40 without FAI were recruited. Their postural stability, represented by time to stabilization (TTS) in the AP (TTSAP) and ML (TTSML) directions, was calculated by the ground reaction force during jumping onto a force plate. Their ankle proprioception and strength during plantarflexion/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion were measured using a proprioception device and a strength testing system, separately.Results: Individuals with FAI had longer TTSAP (p = 0.015) and TTSML (p = 0.006), larger ankle proprioception thresholds (p = 0.000–0.001), and less strength (p = 0.001–0.017) than those without FAI. Correlations between strength and TTSAP were detected among individuals with (ankle plantarflexion, r = −0.409, p = 0.009) and without FAI (ankle plantarflexion, r = −0.348, p = 0.028; ankle dorsiflexion, r = −0.473, p = 0.002). Correlations of proprioception (ankle inversion, r = 0.327, p = 0.040; ankle eversion, r = 0.354, p = 0.025) and strength (ankle eversion, r = −0.479, p = 0.002) with TTSML were detected among individuals without FAI but not among those with FAI.Conclusion: Individuals with FAI have worse postural stability and proprioception and less strength. Their proprioception and strength decreased to a point where they could not provide sufficient functional assistance to the ML postural stability. Improvements in proprioception and strength may be keys to prevent recurrent ankle sprains among individuals with FAI.
Evaluation of daytime sleepiness and insomnia symptoms in OSA patients with a characterization of symptom-defined phenotypes and their involvement in depression comorbidity—a cross-sectional clinical study
Authors: Gabryelska Agata , Turkiewicz Szymon , Białasiewicz Piotr , Grzybowski Filip , Strzelecki Dominik , Sochal Marcin 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionRecent research highlights the significance of insomnia and sleepiness, shifting from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and sleep structure, in defining OSA phenotypes.ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize insomnia and sleepiness associated with OSA phenotypes and assess their involvement in depression symptoms (DS) in OSA.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional, clinical study included 181 participants who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and filled out questionnaires, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Beck Depression Index (BDI). They were categorized into phenotypes: insomnia–sleepiness (I + S; ESS ≥ 11; ISI ≥ 15; n = 20), sleepiness (S; ESS ≥ 11; ISI &lt; 15; n = 22), insomnia (I; ESS &lt; 11; ISI ≥ 15), and asymptomatic (A; ESS &lt; 11; ISI&lt;15; n=55).ResultsA linear regression model for the BDI score (R2 = 0.357, p &lt; 0.001) included ISI score and subjective-to-objective sleep latency ratio. The ISI score was a predictive factor for mild and moderate DS [OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.09–1.38), p &lt; 0.001 and OR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.13–1.72), p = 0.002]. The I and I + S phenotypes are characterized by higher BDI scores (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.02), longer subjective sleep latency (p = 0.008 and p = 0.04), and shorter subjective total sleep time (TST; p = 0.049 and p = 0.006) compared to A. Furthermore, the I and I + S groups had shorter subjective TST than S (p = 0.03 and p = 0.047). The I and I + S had higher BDI scores than A (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) and S (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). The I phenotype was associated with the risk of mild and moderate DS (OR = 5.61 (95% CI: 1.91–16.53), p &lt; 0.001 and OR = 9.55 (95% CI: 1.81–50.48), p = 0.008 respectively). Moreover, the I + S phenotype presented an even greater risk for mild DS (OR = 10.29 (95% CI: 2.95–35.85), p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionUsing clinical features for OSA phenotyping holds promise for finding OSA individuals with increased risk for DS occurrence.
Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Authors: Simsekoglu Nesibe , Akyuz Enes , Guven Rabia , Pasin Ozge 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundAlthough vaccination is one of the most effective means of controlling the spread of COVID-19, public concerns and indecision about vaccination still continue. Because pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are at high risk for severe outcomes in case of infections, determining their level of hesitation and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines will guide the management of the disease. This study aimed to determine pregnant and breastfeeding women’s levels of hesitation and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines as well as their related factors.MethodsThe sample of this descriptive research consisted of 103 pregnant or breastfeeding individuals who were seen at the obstetrics and gynecology outpatients clinic of a state hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The data were collected using a ‘demographic data form’, the ‘Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemic’, and the ‘Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccine Scale’. The research data were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 29.71 ± 4.75, 51% were pregnant, and 74.8% had received the COVID-19 vaccine. The mean score of the ‘Vaccination Hesitancy Scale in Pandemic’ was 30.83 ± 6.91, and the mean score for the ‘Attitude Scale toward the COVID-19 Vaccine’ was 25.50 ± 5.20. A significant difference was found between the total score of the ‘Vaccine Hesitation Scale in the Pandemic’ and the mean score of the ‘Lack of Confidence’ sub-dimension between the ‘working status’ and the ‘influenza vaccination’ status. In terms of the mean score of the ‘Risk’ sub-dimension, a significant difference was found between the ‘period of vaccination’ (p &lt; 0.05). According to the mean total score of the ‘Attitude Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Scale’, there was a significant difference between the ‘smoking’ status. There was a significant difference in the ‘Positive Attitude’ sub-dimension in terms of the ‘flu vaccination’ status. There was a significant difference in the ‘Negative Attitude’ sub-dimension in terms of the ‘chronic disease’ status. A positive correlation was found between the total scores of the scales.ConclusionIt was concluded that although the participants had a high level of hesitation toward the COVID-19 vaccine, they had a positive attitude. The results obtained will be guided in determining the strategies to be developed for these specific groups in future pandemics.
Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries in modern and contemporary dancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Yufei , Liu Hui 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundA large number of studies have found that the musculoskeletal injury of modern and contemporary dancers has a high incidence. Previous publications have indicated that there are many potential factors that are related to dancing injury; however, they have not been proven, and even some data are conflicting in different research.ResultsThe search yielded 18 prospective studies reporting on professional and pre-professional modern or contemporary dancers from companies and schools. The prevalence of modern and contemporary dancers was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74~0.90). The injury proportion of trauma, overuse, ankle and foot, lower extremity, joint and ligaments, muscle and tendons, and time-loss were 0.40, 0.26, 0.49, 0.34, 0.33, and 0.29 in the total number of injuries. There was no evidence of a significant difference in sex, age, and education program. The factors of BMI and injury history achieved statistical significance, and the p-values were less than 0.01.ConclusionBased on the results of this article, BMI and injury history may be risk factors for injury in contemporary and modern dancers. Modern and contemporary dancers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries. Lower extremity injuries are the most common in the whole body, with injuries to the foot and ankle being more frequent. The mechanism of injury is mostly overuse injury, and the injured tissues are mostly muscle tendons and joint ligaments.