bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting Functional Scientific Literacy in Tanzania: A Critique of Current Basic Education Policy
Authors: Kinyota Mjege 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Functional Scientific Literacy (FSL) is widely acknowledged for its contribution to benefiting a society by ensuring every citizen understands something about science. But there is a debate throughout Tanzania and beyond which concerns curriculum policy, in the interest of affording citizens freedom of choice; e.g. in Tanzania students who do not choose a science stream are permitted to excise themselves from science education entirely by dropping Physics and Chemistry two years before completing their basic education. I argue that such a curriculum policy carries tremendous implications for the country, undermining the declared national ideal of promoting social and technological development for all. Further, the policy is not coherent: why should Physics and Chemistry be dropped while Biology and Mathematics are retained? How might FSL learning experiences be reorganised to recoup the potential value that are lost as a result of dropping some of these subjects?
Mapokezi ya Nomino za Kiswahili katika Ngeli za Nomino za Gᴉrᴉmi
Authors: Stephano Rehema 
Published: November 2023

Ikisiri
Lengo la makala hii ni kuonesha jinsi nomino za Kiswahili zinavyokopwa ili kukidhi mawasiliano katika Gᴉrᴉmi. Nomino (majina) ni miongoni mwa maneno yanayokopwa kutokana na umuhimu wake mkubwa katika lugha na mawasiliano kwa ujumla. Umuhimu huo ni kutambulisha watu, vitu, hali na mahali. Gᴉrᴉmi, kutokana na utangamano wake na Kiswahili, kinakopa na kutohoa nomino tofauti kwa lengo la kukidhi mawasiliano kulingana na wakati na mazingira ya kiuchumi, kisiasa, kiutamaduni na kijamii yanayoikabili lugha hiyo. Uchambuzi matini na usaili vimeonesha kwamba nomino za Kiswahili zinazokopwa na kupokelewa katika Gᴉrᴉmi ni za ngeli nane ambazo ni MU-/WA-; MU-/MI-; JI-, Ø-/MA-; KI-/VI-; N-/N-; U-/N-; U-/MA-; na KU-, ambapo maumbo ya umoja na wingi, pamoja na sauti huchakatwa kulingana na mfumo lugha wa Gᴉrᴉmi. Hata hivyo, maana ya nomino inayokopwa hubaki ileile kama ilivyo katika lugha iliyokopesha. Kwa hiyo, inapendekezwa uchambuzi wowote wa mapokezi ya maneno uende sambamba na mfumo wa lugha inayokopa.
Lack of reproducibility of resting-state functional MRI findings in migraine with aura
Authors: Hougaard Anders , Gaist David , Garde Ellen , Iversen Pernille , Madsen Camilla G. , Kyvik Kirsten O. , Ashina Messoud , Siebner Hartwig R. , Madsen Kristoffer H. 
Published: November 2023

Background Several studies have applied resting-state functional MRI to examine whether functional brain connectivity is altered in migraine with aura patients. These studies had multiple limitations, including small sample sizes, and reported conflicting results. Here, we performed a large, cross-sectional brain imaging study to reproduce previous findings. Methods We recruited women aged 30–60 years from the nationwide Danish Twin Registry. Resting-state functional MRI of women with migraine with aura, their co-twins, and unrelated migraine-free twins was performed at a single centre. We carried out an extensive series of brain connectivity data analyses. Patients were compared to migraine-free controls and to co-twins. Results Comparisons were based on data from 160 patients, 30 co-twins, and 136 controls. Patients were similar to controls with regard to age, and several lifestyle characteristics. We replicated clear effects of age on resting-state networks. In contrast, we failed to detect any differences, and to replicate previously reported differences, in functional connectivity between migraine patients with aura and non-migraine controls or their co-twins in any of the analyses. Conclusion Given the large sample size and the unbiased population-based design of our study, we conclude that women with migraine with aura have normal resting-state brain connectivity outside of migraine attacks.
Depressive Symptoms are Associated With C-Reactive Protein in Older Adults With Obesity
Authors: Heisey Henry D. , Qualls Clifford , Villareal Dennis T. , Segoviano-Escobar Martha Belen , Nava Maria Liza Duremdes , Gatchel Jennifer R. , Kunik Mark E. 
Published: November 2023

Objectives To test the hypothesis that depressive symptoms vary with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), among older adults with obesity. Methods This was a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline data from two related lifestyle intervention trials. The study sample comprises 148 consecutively recruited, community-dwelling older adults (age >=65 years) without severe psychiatric illness and with body mass index >=30 kg/m2. Logarithmically transformed GDS was analyzed as the dependent variable. Independent variables included log-transformed hs-CRP and covariates: sex, age, and concurrent use of antidepressant medication at baseline. An additional analysis was performed using binary conversion of the GDS scores, wherein a cutoff score of 5 was considered positive for depressive symptoms. Results Sample mean GDS score was 2.7 (SD 3.0, range 0 – 14). A significant multivariate model of GDS scores (R2 = .089, F = 3.5, P = .010) revealed log-transformed hs-CRP ( P = .017) and male sex ( P = .012) as associated with depressive symptoms. Supplemental analysis demonstrated associations between depressive symptoms and log-transformed hs-CRP (OR 2.17, P = .001) and between depressive symptoms and male sex (OR 3.78, P = .013). Univariate logistic regression found hs-CRP to be associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions In older adults with obese BMI, male sex and higher hs-CRP are associated with depression, even in a group with relatively minimal depressive symptoms. Hs-CRP may offer clinical utility as a biomarker for depression among older adults with obese BMI, even among those with non-severe psychiatric symptomatology.
Profile of Antimicrobial Consumption in Patients Assisted by a Palliative Care Team During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Correa Tulio L , Quitete Matheus AC , do Nascimento Clara RS , Carbone Rafaela P , de Carvalho Ricardo T , Rocha Juraci A 
Published: November 2023

Background This study aimed to evaluate the profile of antimicrobial consumption in patients assisted by a palliative care (PC) team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted in a quaternary hospital. Patients assisted by the PC team in 2020 were selected. The clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as the outcomes, were assessed using electronic records. Results A total of 181 patients were included in the study, of whom 93.4% had used antimicrobials and 24.3% had had COVID-19. COVID-19 patients were more likely to receive at least one course of antimicrobial therapy. Patients who received polytherapy in the first course of treatment were more likely to die and to be still receiving antimicrobials at death. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay, new hospitalization in 12 months, nor the time to death among patients who received monotherapy or polytherapy during the first course of antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions There was a large amount of PC patients receiving antimicrobial therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were more likely to receive antimicrobial therapy.
Investigating the role of bilingualism and gender on theory of mind using mouse-tracking and self-report
Authors: Xia Rowena J. , Haas Brian W. 
Published: November 2023

Aims and Objectives: Although there exists empirical support for the idea that bilingualism is associated with improved social cognition, the presence and the structure of this link remains inconclusive. There is currently a need to clarify the specific contexts in which these benefits may tend to emerge. Methodology: We sought to advance the field of bilingualism by examining the link between bilingualism and a specific form of social cognition, theory of mind. We measured theory of mind processing in a sample of adult bilinguals and monolinguals and measured patterns of decision-making using several different methods; task performance (accuracy and reaction time), implicit decision-making patterns (mouse-tracking), and self-report. We collected mouse-tracking data during two different tasks (false belief and cognitive–affective theory of mind) and self-report was measured using the perspective-taking (PT) subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Data and Analysis: For each behavioral task, we compared reaction time, accuracy, and both mouse-tracking metrics between language groups. For self-report, we compared PT scores between language groups. We also tested for interactive effects of gender and language group on each dependent variable. Findings: Across all participants, bilingualism was not associated with any statistically significant improvements in theory of mind. However, we did observe that gender interacted with language group to affect maximal deviation values (mouse-tracking) during the false belief task and self-reported PT scores. Bilingualism tended to confer some improvements in self-reported theory of mind (PT subscale of IRI) in men, but not women. Originality: It is currently unknown if bilingualism is associated with improved theory of mind processing when measured using several different types of tasks and using mouse-tracking. Significance/Implications: These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence elucidating the complex relationship that exists between multiple language acquisition and social cognition.
Comparison of health-related quality of life measures in asthma-COPD overlap
Authors: Liu Meishan , Yang Xuwen , Wang Ying , Lu Yong , Liang Lirong , Zhang Hong , Huang Kewu 
Published: November 2023

Objective The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) are used to assess the health status of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respectively. However, whether these questionnaires are appropriate in patients with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the AQLQ and CAT in subjects with ACO. Methods Subjects were enrolled from two previously described observational studies in Beijing, China. ACO was defined by a consensus definition from a roundtable discussion. All subjects completed the AQLQ, CAT, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), pulmonary function tests, and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)-5. Cross-sectional construct validity was evaluated by correlating the AQLQ and CAT with SGRQ score and other measures of asthma and COPD severity. Results 147 subjects with ACO were recruited. There were floor effects on non-respiratory components of the CAT, and ceiling effects on emotion domains of the AQLQ. Both questionnaires were significantly correlated with ACQ-5 score but were not correlated with FEV1% predicted or FVC% predicted. The AQLQ and CAT were strongly correlated with SGRQ score (r = −0.657 and r = 0.623, respectively). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the AQLQ (standardized β-coefficient = −0.449, p < .001) had a stronger association with SGRQ score compared with CAT (standardized β-coefficient = 0.211, p = .023). Discussion The AQLQ and CAT were both valid for assessing the health-related quality of life in subjects with ACO, but the AQLQ performed better than CAT.
High on-treatment platelet reactivity in peripheral arterial disease: A systematic review
Authors: Goncalves Lauren N , van Velze Veerle , Klok Frederikus A , Gal Pim , Vos Rimke C , Hamming Jaap F , van der Bogt Koen E A 
Published: November 2023

Objectives To highlight current evidence pertaining to the measurement methods and prevalence of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) in patients with PAD, as well as to evaluate the relationship between HTPR and recurrent adverse cardiovascular and limb events in PAD patients. Methods A systematic review of English-language literature on HTPR in patients with PAD. An electronic literature search of PubMed and Medline was performed in May 2021. Results A total of 29 studies with a total number of 11,201 patients with PAD were identified. HTPR during clopidogrel treatment ranges from 9.8 to 77%, and during aspirin treatment ranges from 4.1 to 50% of PAD patients. HTPR was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The need for limb revascularisation was higher in patients with HTPR during clopidogrel use. Similarly, HTPR during aspirin use in the PAD population was predictive of adverse cardiovascular events (HR 3.73; 95% CI, 1.43–9.81; p = .007). A wide range of techniques were applied to measure platelet resistance, without consensus on cut-off values. Furthermore, differing patient populations, a variety of antiplatelet regimens, and differing clinical endpoints highlight the high degree of heterogeneity in the studies included in this review. Conclusion No consensus on technique or cut-off values for HTPR testing has been reached. Patients with HTPR are potentially at a greater risk of adverse limb-related and cardiovascular events than patients sensitive to antiplatelet therapy illustrating the need for clinical implementation of HTPR testing. Future research must aim for consistent methodology. Adaptation of antiplatelet therapy based on HTPR results requires further exploration.
Analysis of the effect of cytomegalovirus infection in clinical outcomes and prolonged duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding in intensive care unit patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Shen Hsiao-Chin , Feng Jia-Yih , Sun Chuan-Yen , Huang Jhong-Ru , Chen Yuh-Min , Chen Wei-Chih , Yang Kuang-Yao 
Published: November 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global outbreak disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can occur in critical COVID-19 patients and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics and outcome of CMV infection in critical COVID-19 patients. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. Methods: From May to September 2021, SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 patients with intensive care unit (ICU) admission were enrolled. CMV infection was confirmed by PCR. Baseline characteristics, critical illness data and clinical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results: Seventy-two RT–PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients with ICU admission were included during the study period and 48 (66.7%) patients required mechanical ventilation (MV). Overall, in-hospital mortality was 19.4%. Twenty-one (29.2%) patients developed CMV infection. Patients with CMV infection had a higher likelihood of diabetes, higher lactate dehydrogenase and lactate levels, and higher proportions of MV, anticoagulant, and steroid use. Patients with CMV infection were associated with longer duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding, longer ICU and hospital stay, and fewer ventilator-free days. The independent risk factor for development of CMV infection was a higher accumulative steroid dose. Conclusion: CMV infection adversely impacted the outcomes of critical COVID-19 patients, resulting in longer ICU stays, longer mechanical ventilation uses and prolonged shedding of SARS-CoV-2.
Promoting Renewable Energy Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa: How Capital Flight Crowds Out the Favorable Effect of Foreign Aid
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Eita Joel Hinaunye 
Published: November 2023

The study assesses the effect of capital flight in the nexus between foreign aid and renewable energy consumption in 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa using data for the period 1996 to 2018. The empirical technique employed is interactive quantile regressions, and the following findings are established. Foreign aid increases renewable energy consumption, while capital flight dampens the favorable effect of foreign aid on renewable energy consumption. The underlying significance and corresponding mitigating effect are exclusively relevant to the bottom (i.e., 10th) quantile of the conditional distribution of renewable energy consumption. The findings are robust to simultaneity and unobserved heterogeneity. Policy implications are discussed. JEL Classification: H10; Q20; Q30; O11; O55
Extended Window Thrombolytics for Ischemic Stroke: A Telestroke versus In-person Experience
Authors: Murray Nick M. , Johnson Paul , McKasson Marilyn , Martinez Julie , Chatwin Stephen , Püttgen Adrian 
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose Telestroke evaluation of patients with acute ischemic stroke is supported by American Heart and Stroke Association Guidelines. However, there is no data on outcomes or safety of administering IV thrombolytic stroke therapy using extended window criteria (>4.5 h since onset of symptoms with a hyperacute MRI diffusion T2/FLAIR mismatch) via telestroke. Here, we report adverse events and outcomes of extended-window thrombolysis by telestroke vs in-person care. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort review from 2020 to 2022 of prospectively collected multinstitutional databases from a large, not-for-profit health system with both in-person stroke and telestroke care. The primary outcome was frequency of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Secondary outcomes were favorable functional outcome at hospital discharge (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, 0-3) and discharge disposition. Results A total of 33 patients were treated with extended-window thrombolysis (n = 20 in-person, n = 13 telestroke). The median NIH stroke scale was 6, and time since last known normal was similar (median [95% CI]: in-person 13 h [11-15 h] vs telestroke 12 h [9-16 h], P = .33). The sICH frequency was low and occurred in one patient (4.8% in-person vs 0% by telestroke). Favorable outcome at discharge was not different between in-person and telestroke care (median mRS [95% CI]: 2 [1-3] vs 1 [0-2], OR .0 [.0-1.8], P = .27), and discharge deposition was also similar. Conclusions In patients eligible for extended window acute stroke treatment with thrombolytics, there was no difference in adverse events between telestroke and in-person care.
Contraceptive use and associated factors among women of reproductive age on antiretroviral therapy in Awabel Woreda health centers, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Amsalu Menichil , worku Kalkidan , Ayalew Mulugeta , Alamneh Alehegn Aderaw 
Published: November 2023

Background: The family planning options for reproductive-age women who are in antiretroviral therapy should consider different types of contraceptive methods including condom use. There is a high unmet need and unplanned pregnancies in Ethiopia among HIV-positive women. Attention was not given towards contraceptive use for HIV women in Ethiopia including the study area. The study aimed to assess contraceptive use and associated factors among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) on Antiretroviral therapy in Awabel Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 572 women of reproductive age who were receiving HIV care and treatment. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire, entered by Epidata3.1 and exported to IBM SPSS for statistics version 20 for analysis.Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with contraceptive use and the presence of significant association was declared at p-value <0.05 and 95% confidence level. Result: A total of 526 out of 572 women have responded, with a response rate of 91.9%. Two-thirds (66.5% (95% CI: 63.5, 69.5)) of the study participants were using contraceptive methods at the time of the survey. Women living in areas (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.72), and those who disclosed their HIV status to their partner (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.95) were more likely to use contraceptives. While Women (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.69) and their partners (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.97) who had desire to have a child were less likely to use contraceptives. Conclusions: The prevalence of contraceptive use among reproductive-age women who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was lower than a systematic review done in Ethiopia and higher than the national target. Intervention targeting on implementation of contraceptive methods, and counseling about contraceptives to address their question of fertility desire and knowledge were recommended.
Longer Screws Decrease the Risk of Radiographic Pseudarthrosis Following Elective Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Chanbour Hani , Bendfeldt Gabriel A. , Johnson Graham W. , Peterson Keyan , Ahluwalia Ranbir , Younus Iyan , Longo Michael , Abtahi Amir M. , Stephens Byron F. , Zuckerman Scott L. 
Published: November 2023

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objectives In patients undergoing elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), we sought to determine the impact of screw length on: (1) radiographic pseudarthrosis, (2) pseudarthrosis requiring reoperation, and (3) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods A single-institution, retrospective cohort study was undertaken from 2010-21. The primary independent variables were: screw length (mm), screw length divided by the anterior-posterior vertebral body diameter (VB%), and the presence of any screw with VB% < 75% vs all screws with VB% ≥ 75%. Multivariable logistic regression controlled for age, BMI, gender, smoking, American Society of Anesthesiology grade, number of levels fused, and whether a corpectomy was performed. Results Of 406 patients undergoing ACDF, levels fused were: 1-level (39.4%), 2-level (42.9%), 3-level (16.7%), and 4-level (1.0%). Mean screw length was 14.3 ± 2.3 mm, and mean VB% was 74.4 ± 11.2. A total of 293 (72.1%) had at least one screw with VB% < 75%, 113 (27.8%) had all screws with VB% ≥ 75%, and 141 (34.7%) patients had radiographic pseudarthrosis at 1-year. Patients who had any screw with VB% < 75% had a higher rate of radiographic pseudarthrosis compared to those had all screws with VB% ≥ 75% (39.6% vs 22.1%, P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that a higher VB% (OR = .97, 95%CI = .95-.99, P = .035) and having all screws with VB% ≥ 75% (OR = .51, 95%CI = .27-.95, P = .037) significantly decreased the odds of pseudarthrosis at 1-year, with no difference in reoperation or PROMs (all P > .05). Conclusion Longer screws taking up ≥75% of the vertebral body protected against radiographic pseudarthrosis at 1-year. Maximizing screw length in ACDF is an easily modifiable factor directly under the surgeon’s control that may mitigate the risk of pseudarthrosis.
A pathway activity-based proteomic classifier stratifies prostate tumors into two subtypes
Authors: Sun Rui , Tan Lingling , Ding Xuan , A Jun , Xue Zhangzhi , Cai Xue , Li Sainan , Guo Tiannan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in males worldwide. The risk stratification of PCa is mainly based on morphological examination. Here we analyzed the proteome of 667 tumor samples from 487 Chinese PCa patients and characterized 9576 protein groups by PulseDIA mass spectrometry. Then we developed a pathway activity-based classifier concerning 13 proteins from seven pathways, and dichotomized the PCa patients into two subtypes, namely PPS1 and PPS2. PPS1 is featured with enhanced innate immunity, while PPS2 with suppressed innate immunity. This classifier exhibited a correlation with PCa progression in our cohort and was further validated by two published transcriptome datasets. Notably, PPS2 was significantly correlated with poor biochemical recurrence (BCR)/metastasis-free survival (log-rank P-value < 0.05). The PPS2 was also featured with cell proliferation activation. Together, our study presents a novel pathway activity-based stratification scheme for PCa.