bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding Professional Advocacy: A Mixed Method Approach to Explore Professional Nurse Advocacy and Professional Midwifery Advocacy in one NHS Trust
Authors: Engward Hilary , Goldspink Sally , Abdulmohdi Naim , Alexander Marie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background:
In the UK, specific Professional Nurse Advocates (PNA) and Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMA) centres nurses and midwives as integral to quality improvement in practice (QiP), workforce retention and transformation. However, little is known about the potential impact the PNA/PMA role might have on the daily practice of nurses and midwives, quality in practice, professional wellbeing, and retention. This project, funded by one large NHS Trust in the UK, seeks to explore, and understand the impact (if any) of the PNA/PMA role in relation to nurse/midwife involvement in QiP, professional wellbeing, and the retention of nurses/midwives in that Trust. The focus is on the key issues of the lived experience of current PNA’s/PMA’s; the wider nursing/midwifery workforce perspective of the use (or no use of) of the PNA/PNA role; the link (if any) on quality improvement in practice (QiP); and the workforce impact (if any) on nurse/midwife professional wellbeing and nurse/midwife retention in the organisation.
Methods:
This study is mixed method and multistage design: Workstream 1 identifies the organisational context statistics of QiP, wellbeing and retention to understand difference (if any) before and after the implementation of the PNA/PMA role. Workstream 2 explores the experience of being a PNA/PMA using semi-structured interviews (n 15). Workstream 3 is twofold: Part i surveys the nurse and midwifery staff (n = 450) awareness/access/understanding of the PNA/PMA role. Part ii includes two focus groups (n = 20) to detail the experiences of those who have actively consulted with a PNA/PMA, the other for those who have not yet consulted with PNA/PMA. Workstream 4 collates collected evidence to co-design, with PNAs/PMAs, nurses and midwives, recommendations for local policy, practice, and the implementation of the PNA/PMA role across the organisation.
Discussion:
The integrated findings will inform the future organisational implementation of the PMA/ PNA role, strategies to develop the PNA/PMA role in relation to QiP, staff wellbeing, retention and sustainable approaches for increasing the number of PNA/PMA’s. The evidence will inform local and national implementation policy across diverse NHS services and future development of the professional advocacy role for allied health professionals.
Trial registration
NA
Improvement in functional motor scores in patients with non-ambulatory spinal muscle atrophy during Nusinersen treatment in South Korea: A Single center study
Authors: Yoon Jin A , Jeong Yuju , Lee Jiae , Lee Dong Jun , Lee Kyung Nam , Shin Yong Beom 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We analyzed the changes in various motor function and fatigue scores over a four-year period in patients with non-ambulatory spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) during Nusinersen treatment. Patients underwent Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) or Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) before treatment, and approximately every 4 months thereafter. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) or Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia – Adult Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP ATEND), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and Motor Function MeasureMFM) were performed based on baseline functional status. Narrative interviews were conducted to explore post-treatment physical improvement regarding activities of daily living (ADLs) and fatigue after ADLs. Based on HFMSE results, 9 patients achieved minimum clinically important differences. Average rates of change (slopes) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for all assessment tools were in a positive direction. CHOP-INTEND showed the most prominent improvement in children and adolescents followed by HFMSE. Improvements in CHOP-ATEND were most noticeable in adults. Improvement were accompanied by changes in ADLs as observed in the narrative interviews. It is necessary to consider various functional aspects to determine the effectiveness of Nusinersen therapy. The objective assessment of the therapeutic effect of Nusinersen in non-ambulatory SMA requires consideration of functional aspects and the related ADLs.
A rare case of intragastric Metastasis After Liver Transplantation for Liver Cancer
Authors: Li Hao , Shi BaoJie , Zhong JianFa , Wang GuiMei , Wang Jie , An WenBin , Qian Yunyun , Su ZhaoJie , Peng ZhiHai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A 13-year-old boy was admitted to Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University due to HBV-related liver cancer. Intrahepatic metastasis was considered to occur by CT scan. A gastroscope revealed esophagogastric variceal bleeding, and later, the patient underwent a successful liver transplantation. Fourteen months posttransplant, chest CT indicated lung metastasis, and the patient underwent thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer. Twenty-one months posttransplant, gastroscopy revealed a gastric fundus tumor growing into the gastric cavity. Proximal gastrectomy was performed, and pathology indicated moderately to poorly differentiated carcinoma without invasion of serosa, suggesting the first study to report HCC metastasis to the stomach lumen without invasion of serosa after LT. Currently, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of the patient has dropped below normal.
New Protein Variants Resulting from RNA Editing May Lead to Proteotoxic Stress
Authors: Ben-Aroya Shay , Avram-Shperling Adi , Ben-David Amit , Eidelman Michelle , Kopel Eli , Gabay Orshay , Kadoch Galit David , Rosenthal Joshua , Levanon Erez , Eisenberg Eli 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Maintaining protein homeostasis is critical for cellular function, as disruptions can result in accumulation of misfolded proteins associated with various diseases. RNA editing, particularly deamination by base-editing enzymes like ADAR, can modify the transcriptome, potentially influencing amino acid sequences and protein diversity. We hypothesize that irregular RNA editing, leading to a more complex proteome, may generate defective proteins, triggering cellular toxicity. Using an editing-naïve yeast system expressing a robust ADAR enzyme, we demonstrated that extensive RNA editing results in non-synonymous protein changes, correlated with increased protein ubiquitination and reliance on quality control pathways. This suggests that extensive editing in yeast produces abnormal proteins prone to misfolding and degradation. While mouse and human genomes are well-adapted to the ADAR enzymes, introduction of base editors into human cells is found to increase activity in proteotoxic-stress-related pathways due to off-target editing. Signs of proteotoxic stress are also observed in human samples exhibiting elevated activity of endogenous ADARs. These findings emphasize the detrimental impact of dysregulated RNA editing on protein balance and suggest a potential role for aberrant editing in disease onset and progression.
Effects of Biochar Amended Composts on Selected Enzyme Activities in Soils
Authors: Zaid Faraj , Al-Awwal Nasruddeen , Yang John , Anderson Stephen H. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
An understanding of how agricultural practices affect soil quality is critical for farmers to make better management decisions and produce food efficiently and sustainably. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the importance of biochar amendments on soil enzyme activities. The study examined biochar's effects on soil enzyme activities such as β-glucosidase, acid- and alkaline-phosphatase, arylsulfatase, dehydrogenases, arylamidase, cellulase, and urease. Six treatments (compost, biochar, compost + biochar, biochar + compost tea, fescue, and control) were established and the soil samples were collected three years post treatments. Results showed that soil pH, organic matter, and CEC were critical factors associated with soil enzyme activities. Compost and biochar amendment significantly enhanced soil enzyme activities, and the amount of nitrogen applied significantly affected enzyme activity. The study demonstrated that the compost and biochar treatment would improve soil physiochemical and biological properties, hence, enhancing soil health.
Neolithic humans and dogs - transient reservoirs for Yersinia pestis
Authors: Krause-Kyora Ben , Susat Julian , Haller-Caskie Magdalena , Bonczarowska Joanna , Silva Nicolas Antonio da , Schierhold Kerstin , Rind Michael , Schmölcke Ulrich , Kirleis Wiebke , Rinne Christoph , Müller Johannes , Nebel Almut 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) has been infecting humans since the Late Neolithic (LN). Whether those early infections were isolated zoonoses or initiators of a prehistoric Eurasia-wide pandemic remains unclear. We report the results of a pathogen screening on 133 LN human remains from the necropolis at Warburg (Germany, 5300 − 4900 cal BP). We identify two new Y. pestis genomes from two individuals buried in different gallery graves. Our analyses show that the two Warburg genomes belong to distinct strains and reflect independent infection events. All LN Y. pestis genomes known today (n = 4) are basal in the phylogeny and represent separate lineages that probably originated in different animal hosts. The LN in northwestern Europe is characterized by an opening of the landscape. This change coincided with the use of more dogs, which might have increased the probability of Y. pestis transmission from rodents/birds to humans. To test this hypothesis, we screen publicly available ancient DNA datasets from canines. We confirm the presence of Y. pestis in an LN dog, supporting the scenario of zoonoses. We show that dogs acted as a transient reservoir and may therefore have been a possible Y. pestis vector in the Neolithic.
Investigation of the biomechanical properties of the aorta in diabetic glycaemic variability rats
Authors: Gao Juan , Zhou Xiujuan , Xu Guiping , Zhou Lei , Xie Chunguang , Xie Hongyan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite substantial advancements in comprehending the mechanisms underlying arterial vascular damage induced by diabetes, the vascular biomechanical properties influenced by glycemic variability during these processes remain largely elusive. Spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus Go-to-Kakizaki (GK) rats were subjected to an eight-week high-fat diet, while glucose and insulin injections were administered at staggered peaks to simulate the glycemic variability model of diabetes. The mechanical properties of the abdominal aortas were evaluated through uniaxial mechanical tensile tests. Subsequently, metabolism-related indicators including fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), serum biochemical parameters, glucose tolerance test (GTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were assessed to evaluate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Finally, histological analysis was conducted to assess aortic and renal injury. Diabetic glycemic variability impaired the mechanical properties of blood vessels by exhibiting brittle failure characteristics through decreased tensile strength and attenuated tensile modulus of the aorta. Additionally, diabetic glycemic variability significantly increased susceptibility to develop hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorders in GK rats fed a high-fat diet. Abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose directly led to specific changes in renal microvessels before major arterial complications occurred.
Synergistic Action of Vitamin D3 and A Protects Motor Activity by Regulating Reactive Astrocytes, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Dopaminergic Activity in the Corticobasal Loop of a Mice Model of Extrapyramidal Syndrome
Authors: Sirajo Mujittapha U. , Maigari Yahya K. , Sunusi Abdulrashid , Jibril Adam N , Lawal Isa Usman , Ibrahim Badamasi M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Extrapyramidal syndromes (EPS) represent neurological side effects of antipsychotic medications, characterized by motor disturbances. While previous studies have indicated the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D and A against EPS, the underlying mechanisms of this protection remain unclear.Methods: Twenty-four adult male mice were categorized into four groups: positive and negative control groups, one receiving a dopamine antagonist, and the other receiving both a dopamine antagonist and vitamins D and A. Sections of the corticobasal loop, specifically the motor cortex (M1) and basal nuclei (CPu), were prepared for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and stained with Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) to visualize active astrocytes. ELISA assays for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-13, and dopamine levels were performed on homogenized brain sections.Results: The EPS group exhibited a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 levels in M1 and CPu. Treatment with dopamine agonists and vitamin D/A resulted in significant reductions in IL-6 levels. Only the Vitamin D/A group showed a significant decline in TNF-α. The EPS group recorded significant decreases in IL-4 and IL-13, with IL-13 significantly elevated in the dopamine agonist and Vitamin D/A groups. IL-4 was notably increased in the Vitamin D/A groups. Dopamine concentration significantly declined in the EPS group, with improvements observed in the groups treated with dopamine agonists, vitamin D, and A. Reactive astrocytes were significantly expressed in the M1 and CPu of the EPS group but poorly expressed in other regions.Conclusions: EPS is linked to astrocyte activation, an upsurge in pro-inflammatory cytokines, a decline in anti-inflammatory cytokines, and dopamine in the corticobasal loop. Administration of vitamin D3 and A was found to exert its effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and repressing anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with astrocyte activation.
Laparoscopic Anatomical Right Hepatectomy Using a Four-Incision Anterior Approach: Technical Details and Surgical Outcomes (with Video)
Authors: Liu Cong , Liu Haoling , Qi Le , Parra Maria A. , Bai Qingquan , Zou Jiashu , Cao Qian , Shen Xianbo , Yang Haiyan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic hepatectomy, characterized by its complexity, poses distinct challenges compared to other laparoscopic procedures. However, with the continuous advancements in laparoscopic techniques, many surgeons have enhanced the feasibility and safety of this approach for carefully selected patients. The purpose of this study is to offer a comprehensive account of the technical aspects and surgical outcomes associated with laparoscopic anatomical right hepatectomy, specifically utilizing a four-incision anterior approach.
Patients and Methods:
A total of 9 patients with primary liver cancer located in the right lobe underwent laparoscopic anatomical right hepatectomy using a four-incision anterior approach. Detailed information regarding the surgical procedure and incision locations was provided. Postoperative outcomes and operative techniques were retrospectively evaluated. Between September 2018 and September 2020, nine laparoscopic right anterior hepatectomies using a four-incision approach were performed on patients with primary liver cancer. The surgical procedure involved several maneuvers, including blocking the Glissonean pedicle, ligation of the right hepatic artery, right branch of the portal vein and the right hepatic duct, removal of the liver parenchyma along the ischemic line and determination of the liver section based on four anatomical landmarks: the right anterior Glissonian pedicle, middle hepatic vein, root of the right hepatic vein, and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. These landmarks facilitated identification of vessels requiring ligation, resulting in reduced bleeding. The article provides clear visualization of these anatomical landmarks following right hepatectomy.
Results:
All patients in this study underwent laparoscopic anatomical right hepatectomy using a four-incision anterior approach for the treatment of liver cancer. The average duration of the operation was 354 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 250 ml. Importantly, there were no incidents of bile leakage observed post-surgery.
Conclusion:
Proper patient positioning and precise incision placement are crucial factors for ensuring the success of the laparoscopic right anterior hepatectomy procedure. The separation of the extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle at the liver hilum to determine the hepatic resection ischemia line, as well as the identification of liver sections using four anatomical landmarks, are essential steps in the liver resection process. Additional techniques, such as adjusting the patient's posture during the operation, utilizing suction operated by the surgeon's left hand and an ultrasonic scalpel in the right hand, and suturing bleeding vessels, contribute to the safe completion of the procedure. Furthermore, maintaining a low central venous pressure (CVP) can be beneficial in reducing intraoperative bleeding.
Facilitating Test-Driven Development via Domain-Specific Languages in Computational Science Software Engineering
Authors: Gundlach Sven , Jung Reiner , Hasselbring Wilhelm 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Research software plays a critical role in computational science. Therefore, the software should be of high quality. Producing such software involves efforts not only in initial development, but also during maintenance. One concept for improving the quality of software and reducing maintenance efforts is Test-Driven Development (TDD), which involves implementing tests, e.g., unit tests, as a specification for development. The effects are high test coverage and better overall software quality, but also additional effort in implementing tests. By separation of concerns, such additional efforts can be facilitated through the use of tailored notations such as domain-specific languages (DSLs). DSLs provide different levels of abstraction, for example, to separate the definition of tests from other concerns in software development. Not only does this incentivize research software engineers (RSEs) to write tests, but it also helps reduce the time required to write tests. The DSL TDD-DSL addresses this to facilitate the implementation of TDD using the Fortran Unit Testing Framework (UTF) pFUnit 4.0. TDD-DSL is focused on unit test definition and source code integration. It is implemented in Python for system under tests (SUTs) written in Fortran 90 or later. To reduce the effort of defining tests, TDD-DSL separates the test definition from the implementation and setup. Especially the latter can cause additional effort in practice, which can be mitigated by using code generators provided with the DSL tooling. The DSL allows describing test conditions as assertions and test cases as collections of assertions. TDD-DSL provides content assist within code editors for the underlying UTF, reducing the effort required in its deployment. It also supports parsing the SUT to expand the content assist with source code information and high-level error messaging for the test description. The content assist includes publicly available variables, types, functions and routines. TDD-DSL further supports the definition of unit values such as SI units to help Scientific Modelers check unit values in the software at runtime. For this purpose, the DSL tooling enables the generation of code templates for new implementations in the source code according to the defined tests. To simplify extending the DSL and improve overall maintainability, the DSL tooling employs the language server protocol (LSP) and also public available tools such as the ANTLR4 grammar. Using LSP also enables a multi-editor support to integrate the DSL tooling into different editors and IDEs. In this paper we report on the design and implementation of the DSL and its tooling as well as the evaluation with Scientific Modelers and RSEs.
Check dams overtopping scenarios from catastrophic landslides in mountains’ headwaters: case study in Kobe City, Japan
Authors: Gomez Christopher 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As a Mw 8.0 Nankai Trough Earthquake is predicted with an 80% probability of occurrence within the next 30 years, the efficiency of check dams in the mountains above Kobe City is a crucial question when considering co-seismic landslide disaster risk management. In the present contribution the author aimed to define which subsection of the Sumiyoshigawa watershed may be more prone to generate impacts in downstream Kobe City from catastrophic landslides in the headwaters. For this purpose, the present state of the check dams network was analysed from the 2018 LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data, taking into account the progressive infilling of the structures. As a result, the capacity of the dams in 2018 has dropped by about 1/10 of the original designed capacity, arguably because of the 2014 and 2018 heavy rainfall events. Despite of this evolution however, landslides > 20,000 m3 starting from only one of the tributary can fill all the dams and flow downstream. From this data, it is possible to prioritize dam curation programs, especially because of population ageing and shrinking is reducing both the manpower and the funds available to maintain the check dams.
HybOff: A Hybrid Offloading Approach to Improve Load Balancing in Fog Networks
Authors: Sulimani Hamza , Sulimani Rahaf , Ramezani Fahimeh , Naderpour Mohsen , Huo Huan , Jan Tony , Prasad Mukesh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Load balancing is crucial in distributed systems like fog computing, where efficiency is paramount. Offloading with different approaches is the key to balancing the load in distributed environments. Static offloading (SOS) falls short in heterogeneous networks, necessitating dynamic offloading to reduce latency in time-sensitive tasks. However, prevalent dynamic offloading (DOS) solutions often come with hidden costs that impact sensitive applications, including decision time, networks congested and distance offloading. This paper introduces the Hybrid Offloading (HybOff) algorithm, which substantially enhances load balancing and resource utilization in fog networks, addressing issues in both static and dynamic approaches while leveraging clustering theory. Its goal is to create a uncomplicated low-cost offloading approach that enhances IoT application performance by eliminating the consequences of hidden costs regardless of network size. Experimental results using the iFogSim simulation tool show that HybOff significantly reduces offloading messages, distance, and decision-offloading consequences. It improves load balancing by 97%, surpassing SOS (64%) and DOS (88%). Additionally, it increases system utilization by an average of 50% and enhances system performance 1.6 times and 1.4 times more than SOS and DOS, respectively. In summary, HybOff substantially contributes to load balancing and offloading research in fog computing.