bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial–temporal characterization of droughts in Angola
Authors: Mateus Nelson P. A. , Marengo José A. , Cunha Ana P. M.A. , Diogo Anacleto Marito , António Jaime Fernando 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study presents a scientific study conducted in Angola, focusing on the impact and characteristics of drought events in the country. The research endeavours to assess the primary climatic conditions linked to drought events within Angola, including an investigation into their spatiotemporal patterns. To achieve this, an evaluation of drought events’ frequency, duration and intensity has been carried out employing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Furthermore, the extent of affected regions has been determined using the Integrated Drought Index (IDI). For this, the frequency, duration and intensity of drought events are evaluated using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The assessment of the affected areas was carried out using the Integrated Drought Index (IDI). The results showed that Angola was repeatedly affected by drought events. The longest drought events were identified in the South and Center regions of the country. In the South region, the longest drought occurred from 1992 to 1997, totaling 83 consecutive months of drought in the region, in the Center the longest event occurred during the years 1994 to 1997, and in the North region between 2003 and 2005, totaling 46 and 23 months, respectively. The climatic conditions evaluated for the drought events studied (1989/1990, 1994/1995, 2014/2015 and 2018/2019) showed that most drought events in the country are associated with the variation of sea surface temperatures in the South Atlantic Ocean. The analysis of the drought category showed that during the years analysed, about 29.7% of the territorial extension of Angola were affected by drought events in the severe to exceptional category.
Recent advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus using new drug therapies
Authors: Chong Keong , Chang Jack Keng‐Jui , Chuang Lee‐Ming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSeveral recent advances provide multiple health benefits to individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pharmacological therapy is governed by person‐centered factors, including comorbidities and treatment goals. Adults with T2DM who have an established/high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and/or chronic kidney disease, require a treatment regimen that includes agents that are proven to reduce cardiorenal risk. Weight management plays a key role in reducing glucose for patients with T2DM. A glucose‐reduction treatment regimen must consider weight management. Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of heart failure, cardiovascular and renal events. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists allow better control of glycemia, promote weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Newer Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP‐1 dual agonist, which activate GIP and GLP‐1 receptors improve glycemic control and promote greater weight loss than GLP‐1 receptor agonists. Several novel drugs are in the clinical development phase. This review pertains to recent advances in pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes.
Cluster Analysis to Identify Clinical Subtypes of Ménière's Disease
Authors: Phillips John , Murdin Louisa , Khondoker Mizanur , Grant Kelly , Shepstone Lee , Sims Erika , Rea Peter , Harcourt Jonny 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo identify distinct clinical subtypes of Ménière's disease by analyzing data acquired from a UK registry of patients who have been diagnosed with Ménière's disease.Study DesignObservational study.MethodsPatients with Ménière's disease were identified at secondary/tertiary care clinics. Cluster analysis was performed by grouping participants sharing similar characteristics and risk factors into groups based on a defined measure of similarity.ResultsA total of 411 participants were recruited into this study. Two main clusters were identified: participants diagnosed with ear infections (OR = 0.30, p < 0.014, 95% CI: 0.11–0.78) were more likely to be allocated in Cluster 1 (C1). Participants reporting tinnitus in both ears (OR = 11.89, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 4.08–34.64), low pitched tinnitus (OR = 21.09, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 7.47–59.54), and those reporting stress as a trigger for vertigo attacks (OR = 14.94, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 4.54–49.10) were significantly more likely to be in Cluster 2 (C2). Also, participants diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (OR = 13.14, <0.001, 95% CI: 4.35–39.74), autoimmune disease (OR = 5.97, p < 0.007, 95% CI: 1.62–22.03), depression (OR = 4.72, p < 0.056, 95% CI: 0.96–23.24), migraines (OR = 3.13, p < 0.008, 95% CI: 1.34–7.26), drug allergy (OR = 3.25, p < 0.029, 95% CI: 1.13–9.34), and hay fever (OR = 3.12, p < 0.009, 95% CI: 1.33–7.34) were significantly more likely to be clustered in C2.ConclusionsThis study supports the hypothesis that Ménière's disease is a heterogeneous condition with subgroups that may be identifiable by clinical features. Two main clusters were identified with differing putative etiological factors.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:3286–3292, 2024
A scoping review of Rasch analysis and item response theory in otolaryngology: Implications and future possibilities
Authors: Liu David T. , Mueller Christian A. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveItem response theory (IRT) is a methodological approach to studying the psychometric performance of outcome measures. This study aims to determine and summarize the use of IRT in otolaryngological scientific literature.MethodsA systematic search of the Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed for original English‐language published studies indexed up to January 28, 2023, per the following search strategy: (“item response theory” OR “irt” OR “rasch” OR “latent trait theory” OR “modern mental test theory”) AND (“ent” OR “otorhinolaryngology” OR “ear” OR “nose” OR “throat” OR “otology” OR “audiology” OR “rhinology” OR “laryngology” OR “neurotology” OR “facial plastic surgery”).ResultsFifty‐five studies were included in this review. IRT was used across all subspecialties in otolaryngology, and most studies utilizing IRT methodology were published within the last decade. Most studies analyzed polytomous response data, and the most commonly used IRT models were the partial credit and the rating scale model. There was considerable heterogeneity in reporting the main assumptions and results of IRT.ConclusionIRT is increasingly being used in the otolaryngological scientific literature. In the otolaryngology literature, IRT is most frequently used in the study of patient‐reported outcome measures and many different IRT‐based methods have been used. Future IRT‐based outcome studies, using standardized reporting guidelines, might improve otolaryngology‐outcome research sustainably by improving response rates and reducing patient response burden.Level of evidence2.
Long‐term atmospheric corrosion rates of Zn55Al‐coated steel
Authors: Thierry Dominique , Persson Dan , LeBozec Nathalie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHot‐dip Zn55Al‐coated steel samples have been exposed for up to 6 years at 11 different weathering sites, including marine, marine‐industrial, acid‐rain and dry atmospheres. From the mass loss measurements, Zn55Al metallic coating showed globally long‐term good corrosion resistance in all weathering conditions compared with hot‐dip Zn‐0.2Al‐coated steel (Z). Yet, weaker performance was observed on Zn55Al in high SO2 polluted atmosphere, particularly when combined with seawater aerosols. This is explained by a more acidic surface condition linked to high SO2. Although the extent of corrosion in this phase was different at the different sites, the final corrosion products formed after 6 years were rather similar at all sites. This consists of hydrous aluminium sulphate or hydrous aluminium hydroxy sulphate and, probably also a smaller amount of sulphate‐containing zinc corrosion products or Al/Zn products.
Constructing Highly Emissive Covalent Organic Frameworks for Fe3+ Ion Detection via Wall Function
Authors: Xing Ce , Zhang Yuwei , Wei Dongxue , Zhi Yongfeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a new type of crystalline porous polymers that possess pre‐designed skeletons, uniform nanopores, and ordered π structure. These attributes make them well‐suited for the design of light‐emitting materials. However, the majority of COFs exhibits poor luminescence due to aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ), resulting from the strong interaction between adjacent layers. To break the limitation, the building units with three methoxy groups on the walls are used to construct TM‐OMe‐EBTHz‐COF, which suppresses the ACQ effects to improve light‐emitting activity of COF. The TM‐OMe‐EBTHz‐COF exhibits a notable emission of yellow‐green luminescence in the solid state, with a remarkably high absolute quantum yield of 21.1%. The methoxy groups and hydrazine linkage form three coordination sites, contributing to excellent performance in metal ions sensing. The TM‐OMe‐EBTHz‐COF demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity to Fe3+ ion. Importantly, the low detection limit is below 150 nanomolar, ranking it among the best‐performing Fe3+ sensor systems.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment with lentiviral vector containing mini‐dystrophin gene in vivo
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhu Yanghui , Liu Taiqing , Zhou Lingyan , Fu Yunhai , Zhao Jinhua , Li Yinqi , Zheng Yeteng , Yang Xiaodong , Di Xiangjie , Yang Yang , He Zhiyao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable X‐linked recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Many researchers aim to restore truncated dystrophin via viral vectors. However, the low packaging capacity and immunogenicity of vectors have hampered their clinical application. Herein, we constructed four lentiviral vectors with truncated and sequence‐optimized dystrophin genes driven by muscle‐specific promoters. The four lentiviral vectors stably expressed mini‐dystrophin in C2C12 muscle cells in vitro. To estimate the treatment effect in vivo, we transferred the lentiviral vectors into neonatal C57BL/10ScSn‐Dmdmdx mice through local injection. The levels of modified dystrophin expression increased, and their distribution was also restored in treated mice. At the same time, they exhibited the restoration of pull force and a decrease in the number of mononuclear cells. The remissions lasted 3–6 months in vivo. Moreover, no integration sites of vectors were distributed into the oncogenes. In summary, this study preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility and safety of lentiviral vectors with mini‐dystrophin for DMD gene therapy and provided a new strategy to restore truncated dystrophin.
Automatic generation of functional peptides with desired bioactivity and membrane permeability using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Fukunaga Itsuki , Matsukiyo Yuki , Kaitoh Kazuma , Yamanishi Yoshihiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPeptides are potentially useful modalities of drugs; however, cell membrane permeability is an obstacle in peptide drug discovery. The identification of bioactive peptides for a therapeutic target is also challenging because of the huge amino acid sequence patterns of peptides. In this study, we propose a novel computational method, PEptide generation system using Neural network Trained on Amino acid sequence data and Gaussian process‐based optimizatiON (PENTAGON), to automatically generate new peptides with desired bioactivity and cell membrane permeability. In the algorithm, we mapped peptide amino acid sequences onto the latent space constructed using a variational autoencoder and searched for peptides with desired bioactivity and cell membrane permeability using Bayesian optimization. We used our proposed method to generate peptides with cell membrane permeability and bioactivity for each of the nine therapeutic targets, such as the estrogen receptor (ER). Our proposed method outperformed a previously developed peptide generator in terms of similarity to known active peptide sequences and the length of generated peptide sequences.
A case study of charitable investment impact assessment
Authors: Lynam Kerstin B. , Smith Howard L. , Wolff Sarah M. , Piland Neill F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Pablove Foundation has been raising resources since 2008 to fight childhood cancer by investing in underfunded, cutting‐edge pediatric cancer research, and a participatory arts program that improves the lives of children being treated for cancer. Given numerous challenges in determining investment impact, the Foundation created key metrics such as the quality of grant recipients' contributions to the research literature, and the amount of subsequent cancer‐related research funding generated. Evaluating the effect of the Foundation's participatory art program has been difficult given the pandemic‐driven shift from in‐person sessions to virtual classes. Nonetheless, standard client survey feedback suggests that the virtual classes are not only functioning quite well, but also that accessibility is enhanced. It is clear that imaginative thinking is as important in assessment as it is in implementing medical research funding and arts programming. Practical implications of these findings for evaluation/assessment efforts by other foundations, nonprofit organizations, and development staff are examined.
Achieving the educational mission: Are Connecticut school nurses valued?
Authors: Batten Janene 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSchool nurses are indispensable for students' educational success. They are often the only healthcare professional a child will see who can care for immediate health needs, coordinate care for students' chronic health conditions, and promote healthy behaviors. This qualitative study is the first to investigate the experiences that influence the inclusion of Connecticut school nurses as valued and essential partners in K‐12 education. Interviews with 14 Connecticut school nurses uncovered how they perceive their community values their role and practice in furthering the educational mission. The analysis revealed that although school nurses believe they bring value to students by providing equitable healthcare and wellness education access, they identified four organizational structural gaps in being seen as valued critical partners in the educational setting. They feel dispensable, their workload expectations are overwhelming, they feel undervalued as equal professionals, and they need more access to adequate professional development. This study has significant implications for K‐12 education leaders because school nurses are vital partners in the educational mission. They bridge healthcare and education, ensuring students can optimally learn. Recommendations for how leaders can empower school nurses are included.
Shared decision‐making with older adults with cancer: Adaptation of a model through literature review and expert opinion
Authors: Gans Emma A. , Pieterse Arwen H. , Klapwijk Maartje S. , van Stiphout Feikje , van Steenbergen Irma J. , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , de Groot Janke F. , van Munster Barbara C. , van den Bos Frederiek 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo provide a literature overview of characteristics of Shared Decision Making (SDM) with specific importance to the older adult population with cancer and to tailor an existing model of SDM in patients with cancer to the needs of older adults.MethodsA systematic search of several databases was conducted. Eligible studies described factors influencing SDM concerning cancer treatment with adults aged 65 years or above, with any type of cancer. We included qualitative or mixed‐methods studies. Themes were identified and discussed in an expert panel, including a patient‐representative, until consensus was reached on an adjusted model.ResultsOverall 29 studies were included and nine themes were identified from the literature. The themes related to the importance of goal setting, need for tailored information provision, the role of significant others, uncertainty of evidence, the importance of time during and outside of consultations, the possible ill‐informed preconceptions that health care professionals (HCPs) might have about older adults and the specific competencies they need to engage in the SDM process with older adults. No new themes emerged from discussion with expert panel. This study presents a visual model of SDM with older patients with cancer based on the identified themes.ConclusionsOur model shows key elements that are specific to SDM with older adults. Further research needs to focus on how to educate HCPs on the competencies needed to engage in SDM with older patients, and how to implement the model into everyday practice.
Unveiling new patterns: A surgical deep learning model for intestinal obstruction management
Authors: Tatar Ozan Can , Akay Mustafa Alper , Tatar Elif , Metin Semih 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSwift and accurate decision‐making is pivotal in managing intestinal obstructions. This study aims to integrate deep learning and surgical expertise to enhance decision‐making in intestinal obstruction cases.MethodsWe developed a deep learning model based on the YOLOv8 framework, trained on a dataset of 700 images categorised into operated and non‐operated groups, with surgical outcomes as ground truth. The model's performance was evaluated through standard metrics.ResultsAt a confidence threshold of 0.5, the model demonstrated sensitivity of 83.33%, specificity of 78.26%, precision of 81.7%, recall of 75.1%, and mAP@0.5 of 0.831.ConclusionsThe model exhibited promising outcomes in distinguishing operative and nonoperative management cases. The fusion of deep learning with surgical expertise enriches decision‐making in intestinal obstruction management. The proposed model can assist surgeons in intricate scenarios such as intestinal obstruction management and promotes the synergy between technology and clinical acumen for advancing patient care.
Under pressure: How do science teachers use capital to achieve agency during turbulent times?
Authors: Diaz‐Clark Elizabeth D. , Otto Josie L. , Wright Diane S. , Lin Hunter Danielle E. , Sample McMeeking Laura B. , Weinberg Andrea E. , Balgopal Meena M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDisruptions to education systems (e.g., the COVID‐19 pandemic) evoke a range of responses from teachers. Teachers are required to learn new skills, attend to students' social emotional needs, modify their instructional approaches, and discover innovative ways to engage their students in science, technology, and engineering courses, all while managing their own professional and personal needs. Although teachers of all disciplines adjust their instructional and curricular approaches in response to disruptions, the impetus for this study was to explore the unique challenges of science teachers during the COVID‐19 pandemic that affected their sense of agency (sense of control). To understand how science teachers acquired, used, and invested in capital (i.e., available resources with the potential to meet identified challenges) to achieve professional agency, we studied 113 science teachers in 2020−2021 when they experienced disruptions associated with the pandemic. An analysis of open‐ended responses from 60 teachers indicates that teachers who achieved agency shared four attributes. They (i) demonstrated an awareness of needed capital, (ii) acquired capital, (iii) used capital, and (iv) dedicated effort toward capital‐building for future use. Our findings inform science teacher educators and schools that are committed to mitigating science teacher attrition by understanding how teachers respond to personal and professional stresses.
A Case of IgA Pemphigus with Acantholysis in Oral Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Yamanishi Ayumi , Ono Noriko , Tsunoda Asako , Asahina Yasuhiko , Fusumae Takayuki , Yamagami Jun , Sakai Noriyasu , Ishii Norito , Amagai Masayuki , Takahashi Hayato 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
IgA pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous disease caused by anti-keratinocyte cell surface IgA autoantibodies. Mucous membrane involvement is rare in IgA pemphigus. We report a case of IgA pemphigus with oral mucosal lesions, in which acantholysis was pathologically confirmed. A 31-year-old woman presented with skin erythema with small pustules and oral mucosal erosions. Histopathological examination of the erosions on her oral mucosa and papules on her back revealed acantholysis and intraepidermal infiltration of neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence tests showed intercellular deposition of IgA, but not IgG, mainly in the lower, but not entire, layer of the epidermis. C3 was linearly present in the basement membrane zone (BMZ), but not in the intercellular space. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that both anti-desmoglein (Dsg) 3 IgA and IgG were positive. Neither IgA nor IgG against desmocollin 1–3 were detected. This case was clinically and histologically compatible with IgA pemphigus, but immunologically anti-BMZ autoimmunity was additionally observed. IgA pemphigus is classified into two major types: subcorneal pustular dermatosis type and intraepidermal neutrophilic dermatosis type. This case was not typical in terms of rarely observed oral lesions and predominant deposition of IgA in the lower layer of the epidermis. Instead, this case could be considered a rare subtype of IgA pemphigus, IgA-pemphigus vulgaris. Oral lesions in IgA pemphigus may be clinical clue of having anti-Dsg3 IgA that cannot be routinely examined.
Sn Whiskers from Ti2SnC Max Phase: Bridging Dual‐Functionality in Electromagnetic Attenuation
Authors: Hu Feiyue , Tang Haifeng , Wu Fushuo , Ding Pei , Zhang Peigen , Sun Wenwen , Cai Longzhu , Fan Bingbing , Zhang Rui , Sun ZhengMing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the ever‐evolving landscape of complex electromagnetic (EM) environments, the demand for EM‐attenuating materials with multiple functionalities has grown. 1D metals, known for their high conductivity and ability to form networks that facilitate electron migration, stand out as promising candidates for EM attenuation. Presently, they find primary use in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, but achieving a dual‐purpose application for EMI shielding and microwave absorption (MA) remains a challenge. In this context, Sn whiskers derived from the Ti2SnC MAX phase exhibit exceptional EMI shielding and MA properties. A minimum reflection loss of −44.82 dB is achievable at lower loading ratios, while higher loading ratios yield efficient EMI shielding effectiveness of 42.78 dB. These qualities result from a delicate balance between impedance matching and EM energy attenuation via adjustable conductive networks; and the enhanced interfacial polarization effect at the cylindrical heterogeneous interface between Sn and SnO2, visually characterized through off‐axis electron holography, also contributes to the impressive performance. Considering the compositional diversity of MAX phases and the scalable fabrication approach with environmental friendliness, this study provides a valuable pathway to multifunctional EM attenuating materials based on 1D metals.