bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The integration of migration into municipal sustainable development planning in the city of UMhlathuze
Authors: Sibiya Lindokuhle D. , Moyo Inocent 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Migration, as a global phenomenon, affects municipalities not only in South Africa but across the globe, therefore, it must be factored into municipal policy, planning, and budget processes. Sustainable Development Goal target 10.7.2 aims at facilitating orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies at global, national, regional, and local levels. Applying the concept of institutional liberalism to understand inclusive and democratic institutional planning, this paper explores and reports the integration of migration into municipal development planning in the City of uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Following a case study qualitative approach, 20 municipal officials were interviewed, municipal documents were extensively reviewed to collect data and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that despite an increasing number of foreign migrants in the municipality, migration is not integrated into municipal development planning. Given that migration is directly linked to at least 11 of the 17 SDGs, this paper argues that the SDGs cannot be domesticated and achieved at the local government level if migrants are excluded in development planning processes.
Improved detection of magnetic interactions in proteins
based on long-lived coherences
Authors: Sadet Aude , Ianc Octavian , Teleanu Florin , Ciumeică Andrei , Lupulescu Adonis , Vasos Paul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Living systems rely on molecular building blocks with low structural symmetry. Therefore, the constituent amino-acids and nucleotides yield short-lived nuclear magnetic responses to electromagnetic radiation. Magnetic signals are at the basis of molecular imaging, structure determination and interaction studies in the liquid state. Interactions between magnetic nuclei can only be detected provided the lifetimes of spin order are sufficient. In J-coupled pairs of nuclei, long-lived coherences (LLC’s) can be excited between states with different spin-permutation symmetry. In solution state, as the molecular weight of analytes increases, coherences with long lifetimes are needed to yield advantageous through-space magnetisation transfers. In protein Lysozyme, weighing 14.3 kDa, we sustained coherences with lifetimes twice as long as those of classical magnetisation for the aliphatic protons of glycine residues. We found that, in this protein of significant molecular weight, LLC’s yield substantial through-space magnetisation transfers: in agreement with theory, spin-order transfer stemming from LLC’s overcame transfers from classical coherences by factors 2-3. Furthermore, the permutation symmetry of LLC-based transfers allowed mapping the positions of interacting atoms in the protein structure with respect to the molecular plane of glycine residues in a stereospecific manner. These findings can extend the scope of liquid-state high-resolution spectroscopy in the analysis of biomolecular complexes of high molecular weight.
DNA methylation is associated with oxidative stress and genomic deregulation in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sen Subhrojit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Retrotransposons may undergo aberrant methylation leading to genomic deregulation in diabetes mellitus. The present study evaluated the methylation of retrotransposons namely Alu, B1, and LINE-1 elements in glucose-induced endothelial cells (ECs) and T1DM. The correlation between methylation of these retrotransposons and oxidative stress was investigated. Additionally, methylation of FN1, VEGFa, and EDN1 genes was analyzed. Hot start PCR of the bisulfite converted DNA isolated from the ECs and kidneys for the methylation of retrotransposons was analyzed. Quantification of methylated DNA in ECs was performed by ELISA. The methylation of the FN1, VEGFa, and EDN1 genes was examined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the superoxide anion, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), 8-Hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and NF-kappaB p(65). Hypermethylation of Alu and LINE-1 elements occurred in the high glucose- induced ECs. B1 hypermethylation was observed in the kidneys of T1DM mice. Hyperglycemia resulted in LINE-1 hypermethylation in the kidneys of T1DM mice. Hypermethylation of the FN1, VEGFa and EDN1 genes occurred in the high glucose-induced ECs and diabetic kidneys. Hypermethylation of the retrotransposons, oxidative stress and NF-kappaB p(65) were inhibited by 5-Aza-Dc and ginseng treatment. This study illustrated that retrotransposon hypermethylation and oxidative stress were evident in the glucose-induced ECs and T1DM along with hypermethylation of the FN1, VEGFa and EDN1 genes. The study also demonstrated the association between hypermethylation of these retrotransposons and oxidative stress in diabetes.
Comprehensiveness and Instructional Quality of YouTube Videos on Clinical Record-Keeping Training in Medical Education
Authors: Emekli Emre , Kıyak Yavuz Selim 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
Clinical record-keeping is recognized as a core competency in medical education. This study aimed to evaluate comprehensiveness and instructional quality of videos available on the YouTube platform for teaching clinical record-keeping.
Material and Method:
YouTube was searched by using relevant keywords. Based on eligibility criteria, 59 videos were included in the study. Videos were assessed for country of origin, video length, number of likes, dislikes, comments, daily views, like ratio, and video power index. Tools to measure the quality of clinical notes, which are QNOTE and RED Checklist …, have been used to assess comprehensiveness of the videos. Instructional quality was assessed using the instructional video quality checklist (IVQC).
Results
The comprehensiveness score was 60.4 ± 17.89 (out of 100), while instructional quality score was 11.19 ± 3.61 (out of 27). IVQC scores were significantly higher in the university/professional organizations and academics compared to the others (p < 0,001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in comprehensiveness scores (p = 0,131).
Conclusion
YouTube videos missing important rate of components of clinical record-keeping. Moreover, the instructional quality of the videos falls below half of the expected levels. These problems still persist in the videos uploaded by universities/professional organizations and academics. Therefore, YouTube videos should be used cautiously for clinical record-keeping training by medical students and medical educators.
WITHDRAWN: The association between adult penile length and IQ: evidences from 139 countries
Authors: Wang Cuntong , Wangding Yihe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective This study investigates the global correlation between adult penile length and Intelligence Quotient (IQ).Methodology: The study utilizes data from 115,387 males aged 18–65 across 139 countries, examining penile size and IQ measurements. After adjusting for variables including GDP per capita, educational spending, daily maximum temperature, and BMI, we performed partial correlation and regression analyses on penile length and IQ, along with an interethnic comparison.Results A statistically significant negative correlation was found between flaccid penile length and IQ (P < 0.001), indicating higher IQs in individuals with shorter penile lengths, and notable ethnic differences were observed (P < 0.001).Conclusions The inverse relationship between flaccid penile length and IQ could be linked to genetic, evolutionary, or environmental factors, offering insights into the penile size-IQ connection.
Effects of antibiotics on secondary metabolism and oxidative stress in oilseed rape seeds
Authors: Li Ke , zhao Mengting , zhou Shanshan , niu Lili , zhao Lu , Xu Dongmei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cruciferae brassica oilseed rape is the third largest oilseed crop in the world and the first in China, as well as a fertilizer-dependent crop. With the increased application of organic fertilizers from livestock manure in agricultural production in recent years, the resulting antibiotic pollution and its ecological health effects have attracted widespread attention. In this study, typical tetracycline and sulfonamide antibiotics tetracycline (TC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) were used to investigate the effects of antibiotics on rapeseed quality and oxidative stress at the level of secondary metabolism on the basis of examining the effects of the two drugs on the growth of soil-cultivated rapeseed seedlings. The results showed that both plant height and biomass of rapeseed seedlings were significantly suppressed and ROS were significantly induced in rapeseed by exposure to high concentrations (2.5 mg/kg) of TC and SMZ. Carotenoids, tocopherols and SOD enzymes were involved in the oxidative stress response to scavenge free radicals in rapeseed, but phenolic acids and flavonoids contents were decreased, which reduced the quality of the seeds to some extent.
Application of novel algorithm on a retrospective series to implement the molecular classification for endometrial cancer.
Authors: Arcieri Martina , Occhiali Tommaso , Giorgiutti Cristina , Tius Veronica , Pregnolato Sara , Mariuzzi Laura , Orsaria Maria , Andreetta Claudia , Titone Francesca , Damante Giuseppe , D'Elia Angela Valentina , Biasioli Anna , Martina Monica Della , Fanfani Francesco , Ercoli Alfredo , Driul Lorenza , Scambia Giovanni , Vizzielli Giuseppe , Restaino Stefano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background The study aimed to validate the Betella algorithm, focusing on molecular analyses exclusively for endometrial cancer patients, where molecular classification alters risk assessment based on ESGO/ESTRO/ESP 2020 guidelines.
Methods Conducted between March 2021 and March 2023, the retrospective research involved endometrial cancer patients undergoing surgery and comprehensive molecular analyses. These included p53 and mismatch repair proteins immunohistochemistry, as well as DNA sequencing for POLE exonuclease domain. We applied the Betella alghoritm to our population and evaluated the proportion of patients in which the molecular analysis changed the risk class attribution.
Results Among 102 patients, 97% obtained complete molecular analyses. The cohort exhibited varying molecular classifications: 10.1% as POLE ultra-mutated, 30.3% as mismatch repair deficient, 11.1% as p53 abnormal, and 48.5% as non-specified molecular classification. Multiple classifiers were present in 3% of cases. Integrating molecular classification into risk group calculation led to risk group migration in 11.1% of patients: 7 moved to lower risk classes due to POLE mutations, while 4 shifted to higher risk due to p53 alterations. Applying Betella algorithm, we can spare the POLE sequencing in 65 cases (65.7%) and p53 immunochemistry in 17 cases (17.2%).
Conclusion The application of this new proposed algorithm appears safe for the patients while rationalizing resources that could be otherwise allocated, making it not only useful for low resources settings, but for all settings in general.
Epigenome-Wide Association Studies in Cases and Controls With High and Low Genetic Risk for Schizophrenia
Authors: Höffler Kira , Stavrum Anne-Kristin , O`Connell Kevin , Weibell Melissa , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole , Melle Ingrid , Hellard Stephanie Le , Spíndola Letícia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous genetic variants associated with SCZ, yet genetic risk does not fully predict the disorder. Some individuals with a high genetic risk do not develop SCZ, whereas others with lower genetic risk do. This discrepancy suggests that non-genetic factors, potentially mediated by epigenetic modifications, play a role in SCZ etiology. Our study aimed to identify DNA methylation differences between SCZ patients and healthy controls within high and low genetic risk groups for SCZ, thereby reducing genetic risk heterogeneity and focusing on non-genetic influences. In our cohort of 491 SCZ patients and 765 controls, we selected those in the highest and lowest 30% of the SCZ polygenic risk score (SCZ-PRS) distribution. We then conducted targeted epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) in these specific high and low genetic risk groups. This analysis identified two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the high genetic risk group, annotated to PF4 and ZNF727, and two DMRs in the low genetic risk group, mapped to EMILIN1 and HLA-DPB2 (comb-p seed p = 0.001, Šidák-corrected p < 0.05). Additionally, our findings suggest that a general case-control EWAS, adjusted for SCZ-PRS, might miss epigenetic markers unique to either the high or low genetic risk groups. In conclusion, performing EWASs on PRS-stratified groups can identify novel DNA methylation signatures associated with disease status.
SWELE Programme for improving mental wellbeing in children and adolescents with special educational needs: protocol of a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Lee Regina Lai Tong , Chien Wai-Tong , Chong Connie Yuen-Yu , Chau Wai-Ho , Choi Kai-Chow , Chan Sally Wai-Chi , Brown Michael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Unstructured play has also been found effective on promoting positive emotions and emotional competence among early adolescents. Unstructured Outdoor Play coupled with Mindfulness-based Interventions via SWELE programme can foster the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents with SEN during COVID-19 pandemic. Currently there is a lack of the unstructured play-based programme in the special schools in Hong Kong. Thus, the aim of the SWELE Programme is to raise the public’s awareness how unstructured play with mindfulness interventions on ‘Supporting Wellness in E-Child Learning Environments’ (SWELE) programme combining unstructured outdoor play with mindfulness-based activities to promote mental health in SEN children and adolescents (students), in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method/design: This 16-week programme focuses on Supporting Wellness in E-Child Learning Environments (SWELE) programme by combining unstructured outdoor play with mindfulness-based interventions to promote mental health in special education needs (SEN) students (ages 6-19), in the context of the post COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed method design with a quantitative measure using a pre- and post-tests quasi-experiment behavioural observational method without a control group to evaluate the effectiveness of a SWELE Programme on SEN students’ mental wellbeing; and with a qualitative design to conduct 6-8 focus group interviews (schoolteachers, parents, SEN students, school nurses) in six special groups (two groups from each special school) to explore the SEN students’ experiences in participating the SWELE programme.
Discussion: With the outlined predefined analysis, we will assess the impact of a 16-week unstructured outdoor play programme on the emotional, anxiety, playful behaviour and mental health of children and adolescents with SEN in the special schools in Hong Kong.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT06112483. Registered on 31 October 2023.
Co-ingestion of cereals and legumes during infant complementary feeding: starch and protein in vitro digestion
Authors: Rodriguez Marianela D. , León Alberto E. , Bustos Mariela C. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study explores the impact of co-ingesting cereals and legumes on starch and protein during simulated infant in vitro digestion. Various legumes (chickpeas, lentils, peas) were added to cereals (durum wheat, brown rice, white maize), and their effects on starch and protein hydrolysis were analyzed. Substituting 50% of cereal with legumes increased proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Infant food with legumes exhibited smoother pasting properties. Legumes in cereal purées led to varying starch hydrolysis trends, with the lowest values in durum wheat with chickpea and all cereal blends with peas. Resistant starch levels exceeding 50% were found in infant food samples. Digested protein hydrolysis increased with legumes in durum wheat, except for peas. Brown rice mixtures decreased significantly compared to the control with chickpeas (61%) and peas (42%), while lentil blends increased by 46%. Legumes generally did not significantly affect starch bioavailability, even with α-amylase inhibitors. Lentil-cereal purées could enhance infant food nutritional value.
Preclinical characterisation of gallium-68 labeled ferrichrome siderophore stereoisomers for PET imaging applications.
Authors: Krasulova Kristyna , Neuzilova Barbora , Bendova Katerina Dvorakova , Novy Zbynek , Popper Miroslav , Hajduch Marian , Petrik Milos 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Siderophores are small iron-binding molecules produced by microorganisms to facilitate iron acquisition from the environment. Radiolabelled siderophores offer a promising solution for infection imaging, as they can specifically target the pathophysiological mechanisms of pathogens. Gallium-68 can replace the iron in siderophores, enabling molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). Stereospecific interactions play a crucial role in the recognition of receptors, transporters, and iron utilisation. Furthermore, these interactions have an impact on the host environment, affecting pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. This study examines the influence of siderophore stereoisomerism on imaging properties, with a focus on ferrirubin (FR) and ferrirhodin (FRH), two cis-trans isomeric siderophores of the ferrichrome type.
Results: Tested siderophores were labelled with gallium-68 with high radiochemical purity. The resulting complexes differed in their in vitro characteristics. [68Ga]Ga-FRH showed less hydrophilic properties and higher protein binding values than [68Ga]Ga-FR. The stability studies confirmed the high radiochemical stability of both [68Ga]Ga-siderophores in all examined media. Both siderophores were found to be taken up by S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa with similar efficacy. The biodistribution tested in normal mice showed rapid renal clearance with low blood pool retention and fast clearance from examined organs for [68Ga]Ga-FR, whereas [68Ga]Ga-FRH showed moderate retention in blood, resulting in slower pharmacokinetics. PET/CT imaging of mice injected with [68Ga]Ga-FR and [68Ga]Ga-FRH confirmed findings from ex vivo biodistribution studies. In a mouse model of S. aureus myositis, both radiolabeled siderophores showed radiotracer accumulation at the site of infection.
Conclusions: The 68Ga-complexes of stereoisomers ferrirubin and ferrirhodin revealed different pharmacokinetic profiles. In vitro uptake was not affected by isomerism. Both compounds had uptake with the same bacterial culture with similar efficacy. PET/CT imaging showed that the [68Ga]Ga-complexes accumulate at the site of S. aureus infection, highlighting the potential of [68Ga]Ga-FR as a promising tool for infection imaging. In contrast, retention of the radioactivity in the blood was observed for [68Ga]Ga-FRH. In conclusion, the stereoisomerism of potential radiotracers should be considered, as even minor structural differences can influence their pharmacokinetics and, consequently, the results of PET imaging.
Cachexia Index is a Prognostic Indicator in Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: Mimura Yoshihisa , Naiki Taku , Sugiyama Yosuke , Tasaki Yoshihiko , Odagiri Kunihiro , Etani Toshiki , Nagai Takashi , Iida Moeko , Kimura Yuka , Ito Nanami , Hotta Yuji , Yasui Takahiro , Furukawa-Hibi Yoko 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The objective of our study was to assess the cachexia index (CXI) as a prognostic indicator for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) chemotherapy.
Methods
This study included 55 patients with mUC who underwent GC chemotherapy between 2008 and 2022 as first-line chemotherapy. The CXI at the start of chemotherapy was determined as follows: CXI = (serum albumin × skeletal muscle mass index)/(neutrophil count/lymphocyte count). Patients were categorized into two groups based on a median CXI value (CXI high and CXI low). We used Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models to assess the association between the CXI and overall survival (OS).
Results
At the start of GC chemotherapy, significant differences were not found in patients' characteristics. The median OS was significantly shorter in the CXI low group (9.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.1–12.6]) than in the CXI high group (22.0 months [95% CI, 15.4–NA], P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that low CXI was a predictor of a poor prognosis (P < 0.05, hazard ratio 2.446, 95% CI 1.087–5.501).
Conclusion
CXI might be useful as a prognostic indicator for patients with mUC undergoing first-line GC chemotherapy.
Examining the user experience of artificial intelligence tools in academic writing: The perceptions lecturers practices
Authors: Shofiah Nurul , Putera Zulmy Faqihuddin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In academic writing, AI technology has emerged as an innovative solution capable of enhancing the efficiency and quality of students' writing. This study seeks to explore the perspectives of lecturers, who are increasingly interested in and reliant on AI technology to augment the quality of their academic compositions. Furthermore, this study aims to comprehend lecturer' perceptions regarding using artificial intelligence tools in academic writing and how AI technology impacts learning. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research encompasses perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards usage, intention to use behaviour, and actual usage. The study's respondents consist of 10 instructors from three universities in Malang City, Indonesia. First, the research findings indicate that using artificial intelligence tools yields various advantages for lecturer, including grammar checks, plagiarism detection, sentence improvement suggestions, and analyses of content relevance and structural coherence. Second, Instructors positively welcome using AI technology as a supplementary tool to support the learning and research processes; however, concerns about its potential over-dependence might diminish College student abilities to think creatively and critically. The outcomes of this research are expected to inform the development of future interventions aimed at maximizing the benefits of AI technology in education.
Bio-inspired multimodal learning with organic neuromorphic electronics for behavioral conditioning in robotics
Authors: de Burgt Yoeri van , Krauhausen Imke , Griggs Sophie , McCulloch Iain , Toonder Jaap , Gkoupidenis Paschalis 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Biological systems interact directly with the environment and learn by receiving multimodal feedback via sensory stimuli that shape the formation of internal neuronal representations. Drawing inspiration from biological concepts such as exploration and sensory processing that eventually lead to behavioral conditioning, we present a robotic system handling objects through multimodal learning. A small-scale organic neuromorphic circuit locally integrates and adaptively processes multimodal sensory stimuli, enabling the robot to interact intelligently with its surroundings. The real-time handling of sensory stimuli via low-voltage organic neuromorphic devices with synaptic functionality forms multimodal associative connections that lead to behavioral conditioning, and thus the robot learns to avoid potentially dangerous objects. This work demonstrates that adaptive neuro-inspired circuitry with multifunctional organic materials, can accommodate locally efficient bio-inspired learning for advancing intelligent robotics.