bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Academic verb knowledge of DHH college students and their hearing peers
Authors: Berent Gerald P , Kelly Ronald R , Rizzo Susan P , Chen Zhong , Schueler-Choukairi Tanya , Persky Kimberly , Schmitz Kathryn L , Van Horn Stanley 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study addressed the critical gap in research on the academic English vocabulary knowledge of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students at the college level, with a specific focus on academic English verbs. An English vocabulary test was developed to assess knowledge of academic verbs at three distinct corpus-defined lexical frequency ranges. The test was administered to the DHH students along with two comparison groups of college peers—students of English as an Additional Language (EAL)1 and hearing native-English-speaking students. Results revealed near-ceiling performance by hearing native speakers but significant vocabulary challenges in the DHH and EAL learner groups, who exhibited parallel lexical knowledge. Learner group performance increased as verb frequency range increased and as overall English proficiency level increased. The findings demonstrate that lexical frequency effects guide English verb acquisition in the targeted populations.2
Burden of bradycardia and barriers to accessing bradycardia therapy in underserved countries
Authors: Egas Diego , Rodriguez Francisco , Jaswal Aparna , Jeilan Mohamed , Milasinovic Goran , Al Fagih Ahmed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Bradycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, poses significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. While it is a concern world-wide, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face substantial barriers in accessing appropriate bradycardia therapy. This article aims to explore the global aetiology and incidence of bradycardia, compare the prevalence and management of the condition in high-income countries versus LMICs, identify the key reasons behind the disparities in access to bradycardia therapy in LMICs, and emphasize the urgent need to address these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare on a global scale.
Type 2 diabetes in the Democratic Republic of Congo: an urgent need for a management framework
Authors: Fina Lubaki Jean-Pierre , Omole Olufemi Babatunde , Francis Joel Msafiri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Glycaemic control is of one the main goals for managing type 2 diabetes. In sub-Saharan Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, studies have reported alarming poor control rates. Patients with poor glycaemic control are exposed to complications leading to high cost of care and deteriorated quality of life. In recent studies by our group, we have demonstrated that poor glycaemic control is high and driven by proximal (individual) and distal (structural) factors in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Financial constraints impacted many aspects of care at multiple levels from the Government to persons living with diabetes. Financial constraints prevented good preparation, organization and access to diabetes care. Difficulties in implementing lifestyle changes, lack of health literacy and limited healthcare support were also contributing to poor glycaemic control. Through a Delphi study, a group of experts reached a consensus on five potential strategies for improving glycaemic control in the Democratic Republic of Congo as follows: changing the healthcare system for better diabetes care extended to other noncommunicable diseases, ensuring consistent financing of the healthcare, augmenting the awareness of diabetes among the general population and the persons living with diabetes, easing the adoption of lifestyle modifications and reducing the burden of undiagnosed diabetes. This paper reflects on the urgent need for an improved management framework for diabetes care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Specifically, the Government needs to increase the investment in the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases including diabetes.
Nondaily growth increments in the commercial species, Octopus berrima, and the importance of age validation
Authors: Durante Erica D , Grammer Gretchen L , Martino Jasmin C , Payne Justin L , Doubleday Zoë A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Age data are crucial for understanding and managing target species in commercial and recreational fisheries. Octopus catches are increasing worldwide, yet ageing methods are still in their infancy. Octopus age is estimated by counting growth increments in stylets and beaks. These increments have been validated as daily in some species or assumed to be daily in other species. Here, we conducted an age validation study on both the stylets and beaks of a commercial octopus species (Octopus berrima). Subsequently, we compared and assessed the readability of growth increments in beaks and stylets of wild-caught O. berrima. We found that increment periodicity was nondaily for both structures, with increment periodicity also varying between structures (0.75 increments per day for stylets and 0.53 increments per day for beak). This study highlights the importance of validating increment periodicity for different octopus species and for both stylets and beaks to obtain accurate age and growth data. Without accurate age data, a species may be incorrectly managed with the potential for negative effects on the sustainability of wild populations.
Effect of examining lymph nodes count on mortality risk in resected T1 non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Zeng Jun , Liu Qi , Chang Ruiming , Chen Yufan , Yu Zhongjie , Yi Bin , Gao Yang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to estimate the effect of the examined lymph node count (ELNC) on the cancer-related mortality risk and non-cancer-related mortality risk in patients with resected T1 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS
Patients diagnosed as primary T1 NSCLC between 2000 and 2017 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the ELNC cutoff value, which was calculated based on overall survival outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to equalize the differences in baseline characteristics between groups.

RESULTS
A total of 38 242 resected T1 NSCLC patients were extracted from the database with the ELNC cutoff value of 8. After propensity score matching, 27 676 patients were included in this study. Examining ≥8 ELNC was associated with a more accurate assessment of lymph node (LN) metastasis and significantly improving the prognosis. These trends remained consistent in subgroup analysis by histology type. In competing risk mode, examining ≥8 LNs could significantly reduce the risk of death from lung cancer, risk of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and risk of death from cardiac diseases. In the subgroup analysis, these trends were consistent.

CONCLUSIONS
Given the mortality risk associated with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiac diseases, at least 8 LNs should be examined in surgery for T1 NSCLC.
Rape Myths in the European Court of Human Rights’ Non-Refoulement Case Law on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Roels Lore 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The criminal justice and the refugee/human rights systems operate within different procedural and substantive frameworks. However, analysis of the European Court of Human Rights’ case law reveals a significant parallel between the two, namely judges’ acceptance of ‘rape myths’ in making their decisions. Criminal justice scholarship has defined rape myths as stereotyped and false beliefs about rape (including about victims and perpetrators). This article translates the concept to the refugee/human rights context and extends it to other forms of sexual or gender-based violence (SGBV) as well. It identifies four specific SGBV myths in the court’s non-refoulement case law: non-reporting of SGBV in the country of origin equals non-exhaustion of local remedies or protection (institutional scope: section 4.1); the existence of a private (male) support network suffices to protect an applicant from SGBV (interpersonal scope: section 4.2); resourceful applicants do not need protection against SGBV (personal scope: section 4.3); and any vagueness, incompleteness, or inconsistency in SGBV disclosures indicates a false or exaggerated story (narrative scope: section 4.4). These types of reasoning not only lack evidence-based grounds, but also demonstrate a striking lack of understanding of the nature of SGBV and the protection needs of its survivors/victims. In theory, SGBV has been recognized as a form of ill-treatment deserving protection from refoulement. In practice, however, access to this protection is hindered by a tendency to use SGBV myths in (credibility) assessments of applicants who fear ill-treatment on the basis of SGBV. While the exact meaning of gender-sensitive non-refoulement assessments remains undefined, it cannot entail the practices of SGBV myth acceptance uncovered in this article.
Preparing for Mpox Resurgence: Surveillance Lessons From Outbreaks in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Sachdeva Herveen , Shahin Rita , Ota Sylvia , Isabel Sandra , Mangat Chand S , Stuart Rebecca , Padhi Shovita , Chris Allison , Mishra Sharmistha , Tan Darrell H S , Braukmann Tom W , Eshaghi AliReza , Mejia Edgard M , Hizon Nikho A , Finkelstein Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
With many global jurisdictions, Toronto, Canada, experienced an mpox outbreak in spring/summer 2022. Cases declined following implementation of a large vaccination campaign. A surge in early 2023 led to speculation that asymptomatic and/or undetected local transmission was occurring in the city.

Methods
Mpox cases and positive laboratory results are reported to Toronto Public Health. Epidemic curves and descriptive risk factor summaries for the 2022 and 2023 outbreaks were generated. First- and second-dose vaccination was monitored. Mpox virus wastewater surveillance and whole genome sequencing were conducted to generate hypotheses about the source of the 2023 resurgence.

Results
An overall 515 cases were reported in spring/summer 2022 and 17 in the 2022–2023 resurgence. Wastewater data correlated with the timing of cases. Whole genome sequencing showed that 2022–2023 cases were distinct from 2022 cases and closer to sequences from another country, suggesting a new importation as a source. At the start of the resurgence, approximately 16% of first-dose vaccine recipients had completed their second dose.

Conclusions
This investigation demonstrates the importance of ongoing surveillance and preparedness for mpox outbreaks. Undetected local transmission was not a likely source of the 2022–2023 resurgence. Ongoing preexposure vaccine promotion remains important to mitigate disease burden.
RSV Neutralizing Antibodies in Dried Blood
Authors: Terstappen Jonne , Delemarre Eveline M , Versnel Anouk , White Joleen T , Derrien-Colemyn Alexandrine , Ruckwardt Tracy J , Bont Louis J , Mazur Natalie I 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The key correlate of protection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is virus neutralization, measured via sera obtained through venipuncture. Dried blood obtained with a finger prick can simplify acquisition, processing, storage, and transport in trials and thereby reduce costs. In this study, we validate an assay to measure RSV neutralization in dried capillary blood.

Methods
Functional antibodies were compared between matched serum and dried blood samples from a phase 1 trial with RSM01, an investigational anti-RSV prefusion F mAb. Hep-2 cells were infected with a serial dilution of sample-virus mixture by using RSV-A2-mKate to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration. Stability of dried blood was evaluated over time and during temperature stress.

Results
Functional antibodies in dried blood were highly correlated with serum (R2 = 0.98, P &lt; .0001). The precision of the assay for dried blood was similar to serum. The function of mAb remained stable for 9 months at room temperature and frozen dried blood samples.

Conclusions
We demonstrated the feasibility of measuring RSV neutralization using dried blood as a patient-centered solution that may replace serology testing in trials against RSV or other viruses, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT05118386 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Ceftriaxone Efficacy for Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease in the Hollow Fiber and Translation to Sustained Sputum Culture Conversion in Patients
Authors: Deshpande Devyani , Magombedze Gesham , Boorgula Gunavanthi D , Chapagain Moti , Srivastava Shashikant , Gumbo Tawanda 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Only 35.6%–50.8% of patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease achieve sustained sputum culture conversion (SSCC) on treatment with the azithromycin-ethambutol-rifabutin standard of care (SOC). We tested the efficacy of ceftriaxone, a β-lactam with a lung-to-serum penetration ratio of 12.18-fold.

Methods
We mimicked lung concentration-time profiles of 7 ceftriaxone once-daily doses for 28 days in the hollow fiber system model of intracellular MAC (HFS-MAC). Monte Carlo experiments were used for dose selection. We also compared once-daily ceftriaxone monotherapy to 3-drug SOC against 5 MAC clinical isolates in HFS-MAC using γ (kill) slopes, and translated to SSCC rates.

Results
Ceftriaxone killed 1.02–3.82 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, at optimal dose of 2 g once-daily. Ceftriaxone killed all 5 strains below day 0 versus 2 of 5 for SOC. The median γ (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.49 (.47–.52) log10 CFU/mL/day for ceftriaxone and 0.38 (.34–.43) log10 CFU/mL/day for SOC. In patients, the SOC was predicted to achieve SSCC rates (CI) of 39.3% (36%–42%) at 6 months. The SOC SSCC was 50% at 8.18 (3.64–27.66) months versus 3.58 (2.20–7.23) months for ceftriaxone, shortening time to SSCC 2.35-fold.

Conclusions
Ceftriaxone is a promising agent for creation of short-course chemotherapy.
Berberine–fluconazole microparticle-based combination therapy to treat candidiasis infections
Authors: Simões Gobbi Ludmila Pini , Costa Eliana Harue Endo , Fernandez Carla Maria Mariano , Lorenzetti Fabiana Bruschi , Fonseca Dyenefer Pereira , Gomes Anderson Valdiney , Baldoqui Debora Cristina , Fernandes Cleverton de Souza , Ueda-Nakamura Tânia , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Lima Marli Miriam de Souza , Filho Benedito Prado Dias 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aim
This study aims to incorporate alginate microparticles containing berberine and fluconazole into two different types of pharmaceutical formulations, to subsequently evaluate the antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Methods and Results
Alginate microparticles containing BBR (berberine) and FLU (fluconazole) were produced by the spray-drying technique, characterized and incorporated in two pharmaceutical formulations, a vaginal cream and artificial saliva. Broth microdilution, checkerboard, time–kill curve, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to determine the antifungal effects of BBR and FLU against C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of free BBR were 125 μg ml−1. Synergism between BBR and FLU was demonstrated by a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.0762. The time–kill curve for the combination BBR + FLU showed a more pronounced decrease in fungal growth in comparison to free drugs, and an antibiofilm effect of BBR occurred in the formation and preformed biofilm.

Conclusion
Alginate microparticles containing BBR and FLU were obtained and incorporated in a vaginal cream and artificial saliva. Both formulations showed good stability, antifungal effects, and organoleptic characteristics, which suggest that BBR–FLU microparticles in formulations have potential as antifungal therapy.
Utility of N-Bromosuccinimide–Water Combination as a Green Reagents for a Validated Indirect Spectrophotometric Determination of Some Antihypertensive Drugs: An Application to Their Monitoring in Marketed Tablets and Capsules
Authors: Helmy Marwa I , Nessim Christine K 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Analytical tests were conducted to investigate the use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as an important, safe analytical reagent for the spectrophotometric detection of therapeutically significant dihydropyridine-based calcium antagonists (DHP), namely nifedipine (NIF) and amlodipine (AML), which have been demonstrated to possess antioxidant activity in vivo and to reduce the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Following the reaction of DHP and NBS in acidic media, the excess NBS was evaluated for the first time by its interaction with P-aminophenol (PAP), which produced a violet-colored product that was detected at 556 nm.

Objective
The analytical method was performed and validated since different variables disturbing the reaction (concentration of reagent, type and concentration of the selected acid, reaction time and the diluting solvents) were carefully studied and optimized.

Methods
The stoichiometry of the applied reaction was determined by Job’s method of continuous variation. Monitoring of these drug dosage forms’ content uniformity is a first tool or evidence for their efficacy and safety after their administration.

Results
Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range 1.25–11.0 µg/mL for NIF and 1.25–10.0 µg/mL for AML. The calculated limit of detection (LODs) and limit of quantification (LOQs) for NIF and AML were 0.220, 0.155 µg/mL and 0.519, 0.735 µg/mL, respectively. The precision of the applied method was satisfactory; the RSDs did not exceed 2%. Two greenness assessment tools, the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical Greenness Metric for Sample Preparation (AGREEprep) were used for measuring the environmental friendliness of the recommended method.

Conclusion
The micro-determinations of content uniformity for NIF and AML in their pharmaceutical dosage forms were extremely comparable with those from official and validated procedures.

Highlights
A validated indirect spectrophotometric method for accurate quantification of some 1,4-dihydropyridine drugs using NBS with the aid of PAP. Monitoring of NIF and AML dosage forms’ content uniformity as a first tool or evidence for their efficacy and safety after their administration. Greenness evaluation tools, GAPI and AGREEprep, for measuring the environmental friendliness of the recommended method.
Effects of the central melanocortin system on feed intake, metabolic hormones and insulin action in the sheep
Authors: Ehrhardt Richard A , Giesy Sarah L , Hileman Stanley M , Houseknecht Karen L , Boisclair Yves R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Voluntary feed intake is insufficient to meet the nutrient demands associated with late pregnancy in prolific ewes and early lactation in high-yielding dairy cows. Under these conditions, peripheral signals such as growth hormone and ceramides trigger adaptations aimed at preserving metabolic well-being. Recent work in rodents has shown that the central nervous system–melanocortin (CNS-MC) system, consisting of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and agouti-related peptide (AGRP) acting respectively as agonist and antagonist on central MC receptors, contributes to the regulation of some of the same adaptations. To assess the effects of the CNC-MC on peripheral adaptations in ruminants, ewes were implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula in the third ventricle and infused over days with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), the α-MSH analog melanotan-I (MTI), or AGRP. Infusion of MTI at 0.03 nmol/h reduced intake, expressed as a fold of maintenance energy requirement (M), from 1.8 to 1.1 M (P &lt; 0.0001), whereas AGRP at 0.3 nmol/h increased intake from 1.8 to 2.0 M (P &lt; 0.01); these doses were used in all subsequent experiments. To assess the effect of MTI on plasma variables, sheep were fed ad libitum and infused with aCSF or MTI or pair-fed to MTI-treated sheep and infused with aCSF (aCSFPF). Feed intake of the MTI and aCSFPF groups was 40% lower than the aCSF group (P &lt; 0.0001). MTI increased plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine in an intake-independent manner (P &lt; 0.05 or less) but was devoid of effects on plasma glucose, insulin, and cortisol. None of these variables were altered by AGRP infusion in sheep fed at a fixed intake of 1.6 M. To assess the effect of CNS-MC activation on insulin action, ewes were infused with aCSF or MTI over the last 3 d of a 14-d period when energy intake was limited to 0.3 M and studied under basal conditions and during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. MTI had no effect on plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or glucose entry rate under basal conditions but blunted the ability of insulin to inhibit endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (P &lt; 0.0001). Finally, MTI tended to reduce plasma leptin in sheep fed at 0.3 M (P &lt; 0.08), and this effect became significant at 0.6 M (P &lt; 0.05); MTI had no effect on plasma adiponectin irrespective of feeding level. These data suggest a role for the CNC-MC in regulating metabolic efficiency and peripheral insulin action.
Long-term monitoring and analysis of Brood X cicada activity by distributed fiber optic sensing technology
Authors: Ozharar Sarper , Ware Jessica L , Tian Yue , Ding Yangmin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Brood X is the largest of the 15 broods of periodical cicadas, and individuals from this brood emerged across the Eastern United States in spring 2021. Using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology, the activity of Brood X cicadas was monitored in their natural environment in Princeton, NJ. Critical information regarding their acoustic signatures and activity level is collected and analyzed using standard outdoor-grade telecommunication fiber cables. We believe these results have the potential to be a quantitative baseline for regional Brood X activity and pave the way for more detailed monitoring of insect populations to combat global insect decline. We also show that it is possible to transform readily available fiber optic networks into environmental sensors with no additional installation costs. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use case of a distributed fiber optic sensing system for entomological sciences and environmental studies.
H3K27-altered diffuse midline gliomas with MAPK pathway alterations: Prognostic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Gestrich Catherine , Grieco Kristina , Lidov Hart G , Baird Lissa C , Fehnel Katie P , Yeo Kee Kiat , Meredith David M , Alexandrescu Sanda 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Large-scale sequencing led to the identification of driver molecular alterations such as FGFR1 and BRAF in occasional diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) H3K27-mutant but their significance has not been completely explored. We evaluated these associations in our institutional cohorts. We searched our archives for H3K2M7-mutant gliomas and analyzed the co-occurring genetic alterations. The demographics, clinical information, and pathology were reviewed. Oncoplots and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated with the maftools R package. We identified 81 patients (age range 2–68, median 26), of which 79 (97%) were DMGs, and 2 were glioneuronal tumors. The 2 glioneuronal tumors (1 with BRAF fusion and 1 BRAF-V600E-mutant) were removed from the outcome analysis. Four cases had BRAF V600E mutation, 12 had FGFR1 hotspot mutations, and one each had KRAS and NRAS pathogenic mutations. The most common correlating anatomic location was the brainstem for the BRAF group and thalamus for the FGFR1group. Follow-up ranged from 0 to 78 months, average 20.4 months. The overall survival in FGFR1- and BRAF V600E-mutant DMGs was not statistically improved when compared with those that were wildtype. However, the possibility of targeted therapy argues for comprehensive sequencing of H3K27-altered gliomas.