bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of zinc supplementation on the metabolic factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rezaei Seyed Mohammad Amin , Mohammadi Farzaneh , Eftekhari Mohammad Hassan , Ejtehadi Fardad , Ghaem Haleh , Mohammadipoor Nazanin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic factors including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and elevated inflammatory factors. Zinc (Zn) supplementation has been investigated as a potential adjunctive therapy in managing NAFLD outcomes.

Methods
In this randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 50 overweight or obese participants with NAFLD were randomized into 2 groups of 25 and received either 30 mg of daily Zn or a placebo for 8 weeks. Both groups were invited to follow a balanced energy-restricted diet and physical activity recommendations.

Results
Based on the between-group comparison, Zn supplementation caused a significant increase in the Zn level (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in weight (P = 0.004), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.002), waist circumference (P = 0.010), aspartate transaminase (AST) (P = 0.033), total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.045), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.014), but it had no significant effect on alanine transaminase (ALT), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
The results of the present study indicated that 8-week supplementation of 30 mg daily Zn may increase the Zn serum level and decline anthropometric parameters, AST, TC, and LDL-C in NAFLD patients, so further research is suggested in the future.

Trial registration
The trial was retrospectively registered at IRCT.ir as IRCT20191015045113N1 (December/8/2019).
Psychometric properties of dyadic data from the Marital Quality Scale of Indonesian Javanese couples
Authors: Nurhayati Siti Rohmah , Setiawati Farida Agus , Amelia Rizki Nor , Fridani Lara 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Researchers have demonstrated that various measurement concepts and dimensions depend on context and timing.

Objectives
The current study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Javanese couples’ marital quality scale based on validity and reliability

Methods
In total 840 participants or 420 marital dyad from Java, Indonesia, were involved in this study. The psychometrics properties scale was analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and discriminant analysis, and composite reliability.

Results
The exploratory factor analysis found relationship quality to consist of support, physical proximity, warmth, communication, acceptance and respect, role sharing, and responsibility factors. Well-being quality consists of happiness, harmony, and problem-solving. The fit of the measurement model was obtained using confirmatory factor analysis. The fit model was also found in the husband’s and wife’s groups, with no differences between them. The high correlations between wife-husband factors also proved the validity based on convergent and discriminant evidence. The reliability coefficient was high for each dimension and construct.

Discussion
This analysis shows that the marital quality scale developed has information on psychometric properties that can be useful for researchers and the practicians using the marital quality instrument of Javanese couples in particular.
Rift valley fever outbreak in Sembabule District, Uganda, December 2020
Authors: Aceng Freda Loy , Kayiwa Joshua , Elyanu Peter , Ojwang Joseph , Nyakarahuka Luke , Balinandi Stephen , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne , Wejuli Alfred , Harris Julie Rebecca , Opolot John 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that can cause severe haemorrhagic fevers in humans and high mortality rates and abortions in livestock. On 10 December 2020, the Uganda Ministry of Health was notified of the death of a 25-year-old male who tested RVF-positive by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. We investigated to determine the scope of the outbreak, identify exposure factors, and institute control measures.

Methods
A suspected case was acute-onset fever (or axillary temperature > 37.5 °C) and ≥ 2 of: headache, muscle or joint pain, unexpected bleeding, and any gastroenteritis symptom in a resident of Sembabule District from 1 November to 31 December 2020. A confirmed case was the detection of RVF virus nucleic acid by RT-PCR or serum IgM antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A suspected animal case was livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) with any history of abortion. A confirmed animal case was the detection of anti-RVF IgM antibodies by ELISA. We took blood samples from herdsmen who worked with the index case for RVF testing and conducted interviews to understand more about exposures and clinical characteristics. We reviewed medical records and conducted an active community search to identify additional suspects. Blood samples from animals on the index case’s farm and two neighbouring farms were taken for RVF testing.

Results
The index case regularly drank raw cow milk. None of the seven herdsmen who worked with him nor his brother’s wife had symptoms; however, a blood sample from one herdsman was positive for anti-RVF-specific IgM and IgG. Neither the index case nor the additional confirmed case-patient slaughtered or butchered any sick/dead animals nor handled abortus; however, some of the other herdsmen did report high-risk exposures to animal body fluids and drinking raw milk. Among 55 animal samples collected (2 males and 53 females), 29 (53%) were positive for anti-RVF-IgG.

Conclusions
Two human RVF cases occurred in Sembabule District during December 2020, likely caused by close interaction between infected cattle and humans. A district-wide animal serosurvey, animal vaccination, and community education on infection prevention practices campaign could inform RVF exposures and reduce disease burden.
Antenatal diagnosis of thoracopagus and thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins: case series
Authors: Charan Bheru Dan , Gangwal Ashish , Jain Savyasachi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Conjoined twin pregnancy is a rare variety, which occurs due to incomplete separation of the embryonic plate after 13 days. Each type of this entity is linked to distinct levels of organ sharing, structural abnormalities, complications, and difficulties concerning the potential for separation. So a comprehensive multidisciplinary prenatal assessment of conjoined twins is crucial for providing accurate parental counseling, effectively managing the pregnancy, and formulating an appropriate delivery strategy. The purpose of our study was to early diagnosis of conjoined twins using ultrasound, describing the various types of conjoined twins and the role of recent advances like 3D ultrasound in aiding their management.

Case presentation
Here, we are describing the case series of four conjoined twins, which were diagnosed antenatally by using ultrasound between the period of January 2019 and December 2019. Four cases of conjoined twins (two thoracopagus and two thoraco-omphalopagus) were accurately diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound. After detailed counseling of the parents regarding the risks and benefits of this complicated pregnancy and obtaining written consent, all four cases were terminated. Ultrasound plays a vital role in the early diagnosis and management of conjoined twins. Also, 3D ultrasound and MRI help in better characterization of fused body parts and connection between vital organs, thus it aids in the management.

Conclusions
It is important to detect these cases early as termination of pregnancy is less risky in the early stages as compared to the late stages for proper management.
Does climate risk disclosure shape conservatism? The role of earnings quality in the Egyptian context
Authors: Ismail Tariq H. , Obiedallah Yousra R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe objectives of this study are to (i) examine the relationship between accounting conservatism and climate-related risk disclosure (CRRD) in the context of Egypt, and (ii) look into the moderating role of earnings quality (EQ) in such a relationship. To operationalize CRRD reported by Egyptian firms listed in the SP/EGX ESG index across the years from 2018 to 2022, the study uses a manual content analysis as a base for analysis and employs two (OLS) regression models to test the study’ hypotheses. EQ is measured using the cross-sectional modified Jones model, while accounting conservatism is gauged using the C-Score. Additionally, endogeneity checks in robustness tests are performed using system GMM. The findings show no impact of CRRD on the conservative accounting practices of Egyptian firms. However, there is a sizable adverse effect when EQ is used to moderate this association. This finding is consistent with the notion that firms report high levels of climate impacts and have fewer information asymmetry issues. This paper extends disclosure indexes by highlighting the frequent keywords of CRRD used in the annual narrative reports of Egyptian firms. Hence, this study is among the first to explore the moderation impact of EQ on the relationship between CRRD and accounting conservatism in the Egyptian setting.
Vectorial adaptive optics
Authors: He Chao , Antonello Jacopo , Booth Martin J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAdaptive optics normally concerns the feedback correction of phase aberrations. Such correction has been of benefit in various optical systems, with applications ranging in scale from astronomical telescopes to super-resolution microscopes. Here we extend this powerful tool into the vectorial domain, encompassing higher-dimensional feedback correction of both polarisation and phase. This technique is termed vectorial adaptive optics (V-AO). We show that V-AO can be implemented using sensor feedback, indirectly using sensorless AO, or in hybrid form combining aspects of both. We validate improvements in both vector field state and the focal quality of an optical system, through correction for commonplace vectorial aberration sources, ranging from objective lenses to biological samples. This technique pushes the boundaries of traditional scalar beam shaping by providing feedback control of extra vectorial degrees of freedom. This paves the way for next generation AO functionality by manipulating the complex vectorial field.
Evaluating the Utility and Privacy of Synthetic Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Data Sets
Authors: El Kababji Samer , Mitsakakis Nicholas , Fang Xi , Beltran-Bless Ana-Alicia , Pond Greg , Vandermeer Lisa , Radhakrishnan Dhenuka , Mosquera Lucy , Paterson Alexander , Shepherd Lois , Chen Bingshu , Barlow William E. , Gralow Julie , Savard Marie-France , Clemons Mark , El Emam Khaled 
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE There is strong interest from patients, researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, medical journal editors, funders of research, and regulators in sharing clinical trial data for secondary analysis. However, data access remains a challenge because of concerns about patient privacy. It has been argued that synthetic data generation (SDG) is an effective way to address these privacy concerns. There is a dearth of evidence supporting this on oncology clinical trial data sets, and on the utility of privacy-preserving synthetic data. The objective of the proposed study is to validate the utility and privacy risks of synthetic clinical trial data sets across multiple SDG techniques. METHODS We synthesized data sets from eight breast cancer clinical trial data sets using three types of generative models: sequential synthesis, conditional generative adversarial network, and variational autoencoder. Synthetic data utility was evaluated by replicating the published analyses on the synthetic data and assessing concordance of effect estimates and CIs between real and synthetic data. Privacy was evaluated by measuring attribution disclosure risk and membership disclosure risk. RESULTS Utility was highest using the sequential synthesis method where all results were replicable and the CI overlap most similar or higher for seven of eight data sets. Both types of privacy risks were low across all three types of generative models. DISCUSSION Synthetic data using sequential synthesis methods can act as a proxy for real clinical trial data sets, and simultaneously have low privacy risks. This type of generative model can be one way to enable broader sharing of clinical trial data.
Inhibition of Cyclophilin A-Metalloproteinase-9 Pathway Alleviates the Development of Neuropathic Pain by Promoting Repair of the Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Chenchen , Yang Xuli , Ni Kun , Jiang Li , Xu Li , Liu Qi , Xu Xuan , Gu Xiaoping , Liu Yue , Ma Zhengliang 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:
Dysfunction of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) contributes to the occurrence and development of neuropathic pain (NP). Previous studies revealed that the activation of cyclophilin A (CypA)-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) signaling pathway can disrupt the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and aggravate neuroinflammatory responses. However, the roles of CypA-MMP9 signaling pathway on BSCB in NP have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CypA on the structure and function of the BSCB and pain behaviors in mice with NP.

METHODS:
We first created the mouse chronic constriction injury (CCI) model, and they were then intraperitoneally injected with the CypA inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) or vehicle. Pain behaviors, the structure and function of the BSCB, the involvement of the CypA-MMP9 signaling pathway, microglia activation, and expression levels of proinflammatory factors in mice were examined.

RESULTS:
CCI mice presented mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, impaired permeability of the BSCB, downregulated tight junction proteins, activated CypA-MMP9 signaling pathway, microglia activation, and upregulated proinflammatory factors, which were significantly alleviated by inhibition of CypA.

CONCLUSIONS:
Collectively, the CypA-MMP9 signaling pathway is responsible for CCI-induced NP in mice by impairing the structure and function of the BSCB, and activating microglia and inflammatory responses.
A Qualitative Study of the Work Systems and Culture Around End-of-Day Intraoperative Anesthesia Handoffs in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Samost-Williams Aubrey , Bernstein Samantha L. , Thomas A. Taylor , Piersa Anastasia P. , Hawkins Jessica E. , Pian-Smith May C. M. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:
Intraoperative handoffs have been implicated as a contributing factor in many perioperative adverse events. Despite conflicting data around their impact on perioperative outcomes, they remain a vulnerable point in the perioperative system with significant attention focused on improving them. This study aimed to understand the processes in place surrounding the point of information transfer in intraoperative handoffs.

METHODS:
We used semistructured interviews with anesthesia clinicians to understand the processes and systems surrounding intraoperative handoffs. Interview data were coded deductively using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model as a framework, with subthemes developed inductively.

RESULTS:
Clinicians do a significant amount of work before and after the point of information transfer to ensure a smooth handoff and safe patient care. Despite not having standardization of handoffs, most clinicians have a typical handoff organization and largely agree on content that should be included. However, there is variability based on clinician and patient characteristics, including clinician discipline and patient acuity. These handoffs are additionally impacted by the overall culture in the operating room, including the teamwork and hierarchies present among the surgical and anesthesia teams. Finally, the broader operating room logistics, including scheduling practices for surgical cases and anesthesia teams, impact the quality of intraoperative handoffs and the ability of clinicians to prepare for these handoffs.

CONCLUSIONS:
Handoffs involve processes beyond the point of information transfer and are embedded in the systems and culture of the operating rooms. These considerations are important when seeking to improve the quality of intraoperative handoffs.
Living life with an electric touch
Authors: Caputi Angel Ariel 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
The electric organ discharges (EODs) produced by weakly electric fish have long been a source of scientific intrigue and inspiration. The study of these species has contributed to our understanding of the organization of fixed action patterns, as well as enriching general imaging theory by unveiling the dual impact of an agent's actions on the environment and its own sensory system during the imaging process. This Centenary Review firstly compares how weakly electric fish generate species- and sex-specific stereotyped electric fields by considering: (1) peripheral mechanisms, including the geometry, channel repertoire and innervation of the electrogenic units; (2) the organization of the electric organs (EOs); and (3) neural coordination mechanisms. Secondly, the Review discusses the threefold function of the fish-centered electric fields: (1) to generate electric signals that encode the material, geometry and distance of nearby objects, serving as a short-range sensory modality or ‘electric touch’; (2) to mark emitter identity and location; and (3) to convey social messages encoded in stereotypical modulations of the electric field that might be considered as species-specific communication symbols. Finally, this Review considers a range of potential research directions that are likely to be productive in the future.
Intracellular negative feedback mechanisms in blubber and muscle moderate acute stress responses in fasting seals
Authors: Avalos Jessica G. , Piotrowski Elizabeth R. , Northey Allison D. , Crocker Daniel E. , Khudyakov Jane I. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Animals may limit the cost of stress responses during key life history stages such as breeding and molting by reducing tissue sensitivity to energy-mobilizing stress hormones (e.g. cortisol). We measured expression of genes encoding glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1), GR inhibitor (FKBP5) and cortisol-inactivating enzyme (HSD11B2) in blubber and muscle of northern elephant seals before and after stress axis stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) early and late in a fasting period associated with molting. ACTH elevated cortisol levels for &gt;24 h and increased FKBP5 and HSD11B2 expression while downregulating NR3C1 expression in blubber and muscle, suggesting robust intracellular negative feedback in peripheral tissues. This feedback was maintained over prolonged fasting, despite differences in baseline cortisol and gene expression levels between early and late molt, suggesting that fasting-adapted animals use multiple tissue-specific, intracellular negative feedback mechanisms to modulate downstream impacts of acute stress responses during key life history stages.
NOTAS PRELIMINARES SOBRE O ENALTECIMENTO DO PATRIMÔNIO HISTÓRICO BAIANO POR INTELECTUAIS VINCULADOS AO INSTITUTO GEOGRÁFICO E HISTÓRICO DA BAHIA (1910-1940)
Authors: Carmo Sura Souza , Cezarinho Filipe Arnaldo 
Published: November 2023

O artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um estudo preliminar da proeminência dos intelectuais vinculados ao Instituto Geográfico e Histórico da Bahia na promoção e preservação do patrimônio histórico baiano. Por meio de publicações saudosistas e de enaltecimento do antigo poder político econômico baiano é possível vislumbrar como o patrimônio foi utilizado para fortalecer um discurso que buscava inserir novamente a Bahia no cenário político nacional em um período de estagnação econômica e desprestígio no meio político. É possível caracterizar os intelectuais que valorizaram o patrimônio baiano como vinculados a elite agrária, ocupantes de cargos públicos no governo do estado ou na igreja, ou seja, membros de uma elite econômica, política e religiosa em decadência nas primeiras décadas da república. A metodologia utilizada foi a análise qualitativa de publicações de intelectuais baianos vinculados a agremiação no período analisado. Dessa forma, a valorização do patrimônio pelos intelectuais do IGHB, mais do que uma preocupação com os vestígios materiais do passado, foi uma forma de manter em destaque uma opulência senhorial do período colonial que estava se tronando apenas uma memória entre a elite local.
Palavras-chave: Patrimônio; Representação; Bahia; Intelectuais.
Patients with knee osteoarthritis have altered gait and gaze patterns compared to age-matched controls: A pilot study
Authors: Le Rossignol Scott , Fraser Ewen , Grant Andrea , Doma Kenji , Wilkinson Matthew , Morse Levi , McEwen Peter , Hazratwala Kaushik , Connor Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Although knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) sufferers are at an increased risk of falls, possibly due to impaired gait function, the associated gaze behaviour in patients with KOA are largely unknown. Thus, we compared gait and gaze behaviours characteristics between KOA patients and asymptomatic age-matched controls.

Results
For Timed Up and Go (TUG) and stair climb tasks, the KOA group demonstrated longer periods of gaze fixations with less frequency of fixations compared to the control group. Conversely, for the Timed up and Go Agility (TUGA) test shorter fixation and frequency patterns were observed. The KOA group presented a shorter final stride length prior to the initiation of the first step in the Stair climb assessment. In addition, for the 30m walk and dual task assessments, the average step length was significantly shorter in the KOA group compared to controls.

Conclusion
Overall, we found altered gait and gaze behaviours are evident in KOA patients which could relate to their increased falls risk.
Systems that support hearing families with deaf children: A scoping review
Authors: Terry Julia , Rance Jaynie 
Published: November 2023

Background
Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who have limited knowledge about deafness and require comprehensive support and information to support and communicate with their deaf child. However, little is known about the systems that support hearing families with deaf children. We performed a scoping review to provide an overview of current literature on the topic.

Methods
The protocol of the scoping review was prepared using the PRISMA statement guidelines for scoping reviews. Relevant search terms were used to identify eligible studies following discussion with the study’s steering group. Databases searched were CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest Central and ASSIA, as well as grey literature from relevant journals and online sources. Included were studies published from 2000 to 2021 and available in English.

Results
A search of databases identified 1274 articles. After excluding duplicates, screening titles and abstracts and full texts, 65 papers matched the identified inclusion criteria. Results included 1 RCT, 7 comparative studies, 6 literature reviews, 4 PhD theses, and 47 further empirical studies.

Conclusion
There is limited quality evidence on what supports hearing parents with deaf children. It is evident that further studies are needed to ensure comprehensive support is accessible and effective for hearing parents of deaf children.