bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of challenges and opportunities for wildlife conservation in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia
Authors: Legese Kabeta , Bekele Afework 
Published: October 2023

Background and Research Aims Biodiversity loss is a recent global crisis largely due to intense anthropogenic pressures. A study was conducted in Wenchi highlands in the late 2020 and early 2021 to explore the major challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Methods Data were collected using semi–structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and direct observations from four relatively accessible highland villages. The questionnaires were administered to 395 randomly selected household farmers based on their accessibility, presence of natural forest remnants and proximity to an iconic Lake Wenchi. Results The types of natural resource utilizations (χ2=87.94, df=4, P < 0.05) and the attitudes of the local community varied among the respondents (χ2=110.92, df=2, P < 0.05). The majority of the respondents used the natural resources as sources of firewood (70.19%) and for cattle grazing (63.51%). Most of the community members (56.47%) had a positive attitude towards biodiversity conservation. Only 12.14% had no idea about biodiversity conservation. The study also identified land-use changes, exotic plantations, soil erosion, illegal land grabbing, and burning of ericaceous belts as the major conservation challenges in the area. The severity level of conservation threats also varied significantly (χ2=243.519, df=6, P < 0.05). Overgrazing, firewood collection and land-use changes were the most serious biodiversity challenges. A unique topographic beauty, rich floras and faunas, recent global and regional recognitions, positive outlooks of the local people, and ecotourism development projects in the area were the main possible conservation opportunities. Conclusion Anthropogenic activities severely threatened Wenchi montane forests and wildlife therein. Potential conservation opportunities in the area, however, opens up the door for future conservation actions. Implications for conservation Wenchi highlands face severe conservation threats and need urgent conservation priorities and actions.
Chondral Injury Associated With ACL Injury: Assessing Progressive Chondral Degeneration With Morphologic and Quantitative MRI Techniques
Authors: Davidson Emily J. , Figgie Caroline , Nguyen Joseph , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila , Potter Hollis G. , Koff Matthew F. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are associated with a risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis due to chondral damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques provide excellent visualization and assessment of cartilage and can detect subtle and early chondral damage. This is often preceding clinical and radiographic post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Hypothesis: Morphologic and quantitative MRI techniques can assess early and progressive degenerative chondral changes after acute ACL injury. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Sixty-five participants with acute unilateral ACL injuries underwent bilateral knee MRI scans within 1 month of injury. Fifty-seven participants presented at 6 months, while 54 were evaluated at 12 months. MRI morphologic evaluation using a modified Noyes score assessed cartilage signal alteration, chondral damage, and subchondral bone status. Quantitative T1ρ and T2 mapping at standardized anatomic locations in both knees was assessed. Participant-reported outcomes at follow-up time points were recorded. Results: Baseline Noyes scores of MRI detectable cartilage damage were highest in the injured knee lateral tibial plateau (mean 2.5, standard error (SE) 0.20, P < 0.01), followed by lateral femoral condyle (mean 2.1, SE 0.18, P < 0.01), which progressed after 1 year. Longitudinal prolongation at 12 months in the injured knees was significant for T1ρ affecting the medial and lateral femoral condyles ( P < 0.01) and trochlea ( P < 0.01), whereas T2 values were prolonged for medial and lateral femoral condyles ( P < 0.01) and trochlea ( P < 0.01). The contralateral noninjured knees also demonstrated T1ρ and T2 prolongation in the medial and lateral compartment chondral subdivisions. Progressive chondral damage occurred despite improved patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: After ACL injury, initial and sustained chondral damage predominantly affects the lateral tibiofemoral compartment, but longitudinal chondral degeneration also occurred in other compartments of the injured and contralateral knee. Clinical Relevance: Early identification of chondral degeneration post-ACL injury using morphological and quantitative MRI techniques could enable interventions to be implemented early to prevent or delay PTOA.
Effectiveness of early care information transfer among home-dwelling frail elderly patients in Japan: A cluster randomized trial
Authors: Ozaki Makiko , Matsumura Shinji , Bito Seiji 
Published: October 2023

Introduction Challenges are often observed during care transitions from home to hospital among frail elderly individuals who tend to be treated by different providers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of early care information transfer on the quality of care transitions among home-dwelling elderly patients in Japan who needed acute hospitalization. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial with a clinic as a clustering unit was conducted with patients aged 65 years and older who had home-visit care and then needed to be hospitalized for acute care. The main outcomes were the quality of care transition perceived by the patient, measured by a self-administered questionnaire, and patient satisfaction, measured by the Hospital Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Multilevel regression analysis was used to adjust for clustering and covariates. Results Among 177 patients (78 patients in the intervention group vs. 99 patients in the control group) from 17 clinics (8 vs. 9 clinics) who were admitted to hospitals during the study period, 112 patients with main outcomes were included in the analysis (45 patients vs. 67 patients). Quality of care transition was not statistically significantly different between groups (understanding of home care situations: 58.8 vs. 58.2, p = 0.88; preference on where to be cared for: 58.1 vs. 59.6, p = 0.67; goal for discharge: 71.9 vs. 70.9, p = 0.79; care coordination: 66.3 vs. 63.8, p = 0.56). Discussion Early care referral in care transition did not show effectiveness in the quality of care transition and patient satisfaction. Studies on information-sharing in the care transition from home to hospitals are needed.
A digital patient-reported outcome (electronic patient-reported outcome) system for patients with severe psychiatric disorders: User-centered development study and study protocol of a multicenter-controlled trial
Authors: Wiegmann Caspar , Quinlivan Esther , Michnevich Twyla , Pittrich Andreas , Ivanova Petja , Rohrbach Alissa Maresa , Kaminski Jakob 
Published: October 2023

Background The effective treatment of patients with severe psychiatric disorders primarily relies on subjective reporting of symptoms and side-effects. This information is crucial for a clinician's decision regarding medication adjustment. Treatment adjustment usually happens at a low frequency (∼4–8 weeks). In between points of care, patients are left alone with their symptoms and side-effects. This leads to uncertainty regarding the treatment, non-adherence, possible relapse, and rehospitalization. Objectives We aim to design a flexible electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) system, which allows patients with severe psychiatric disorders to: (a) record their symptoms using an app; (b) share the data with the clinical team at points of care; and (c) utilize the data to support therapy decisions. Methods In this article, we describe the development process which included the following steps: (a) formation of a co-design team; (b) stakeholder interviews with patients, practitioners, and digital health experts to access needs, requirements, and barriers; (c) prototype conceptualization and design; (d) user acceptance testing and refinement; and (e) finalization of the system for testing in a pilottrial. Results We included input from patients with lived experience of psychiatric disorders, clinical team members, software engineers, and researchers. A prototype system was refined, and iterative changes were made before finalization during a series of operational meetings. The system allows patients to digitally self-report their symptoms and provides longitudinal ePRO symptom data for export into the electronic health record. Conclusions Routine ePRO collection has the potential to improve outcomes and hereby also reduce health service costs. We have successfully developed a trial-ready ePRO system for severe psychiatric disorders. The findings were incorporated in the planning of a feasibility pilot trial. Assuming feasibility will be established, the system might be subjected to a certification process evaluation of safety and efficacy including a randomized controlled trial.
Factors Influencing the Professional Development of Engineering Students Under the “Plan for Educating and Training Outstanding Engineers”
Authors: Tang (唐旭亭) Xuting , Guo (郭卉) Hui 
Published: October 2023

Purpose This study investigates the role of the engineering education environment created by the implementation of the “Plan for Educating and Training Outstanding Engineers” (PETOE) on the professional capability development of engineering students from the perspective of students’ experience. Design/Approach/Methods This study uses data from the National Engineering Student Survey and multiple regression analysis to explore the role of institutional resources and support, teaching reforms, and interpersonal interaction on the professional development of engineering students. Findings The opportunities for on-campus practical activities provided by the institution, content of the teachers’ teaching, teaching methods, comprehensive coursework assessment, and interpersonal interactions contributed to the development of students’ engineering competencies, with limited contributions from research-based teaching methods. Internship opportunities and international exchange environments were negatively associated with the development of engineering skills in an “unexpected” manner. Originality/Value Focusing on students’ experiences of engineering education reform, this study comprehensively evaluates the implementation of the reform measures adopted under PETOE. Furthermore, it assesses how corresponding changes in the general educational environment relate to students’ professional capability development. Thus, this study addresses an important research gap in educational reform—the lack of domestic empirical studies in China.
Effects of Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors on Investigation Time of Lung Cancer Patients in Denmark: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Iachina Maria , Anru Pavithra Laxsen , Jakobsen Erik 
Published: October 2023

Background Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. The significance of the individual socio-economic position on the delay in lung cancer diagnosis has not been properly investigated. The purpose of this nationwide population-based study is to examine the association between position and the length of the primary investigation for lung cancer. Materials and Methods This register study was based on all lung cancer patients in Denmark who were diagnosed in 2012 to 2017, in total 28,431 patients. We used a multivariate logistic regression model and multivariate zero-inflated negative binomial model to estimate the effect of education level, family income, difficulty of transport, and cohabitation status on the length of the primary investigation. Results We found that the patients’ income, difficulty of transport, and cohabitation status were associated with the length of the primary investigation. The chance of carrying out the investigation process within 24 days is higher for patients with a high income (adjusted OR = 0.86 with 95% CI (0.81; 0.91)), lower for patients with troublesome transport (adjusted OR = 0.67 with 95% CI (0.61; 0.72)), and lower for patients living alone (adjusted OR = 0.93 with 95% CI (0.88; 0.99)). Conclusion Several socio-economic factors are associated with the length of the primary lung cancer investigation. To ensure that all patients receive the most appropriate health care and to avoid extra investigation time, clinicians may pay extra attention to patients who are less fortunate due to low income, troublesome transport to the hospital, or living alone.
Surgical Setting in Achilles Tendon Repair: How Does It Relate to Costs and Complications?
Authors: Bronheim Rachel S. , Shu Henry T. , Jami Meghana , Hsu Nigel N. , Aiyer Amiethab A. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Primary Achilles tendon repair (ATR) can be performed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) or hospitals. We compared costs and complication rates of ATR performed in these settings. Methods: We retrospectively queried the electronic medical record of our academic health system and identified 97 adults who underwent primary ATR from 2015 to 2021. Variables were compared between patients treated at ASCs vs those treated in hospitals. We compared continuous variables with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and categorical variables with χ2 tests. We used an α of 0.05. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine associations between surgical setting and costs. Linear regression was performed between each charge subtype and total cost to identify which charge subtypes were most associated with total cost. Results: Patients who underwent ATR in hospitals had a higher rate of unanticipated postoperative hospital admission (13%) than those treated in ASCs (0%) ( P = .01). We found no differences with regard to postoperative complications, emergency department visits, readmission, rerupture, reoperation/revision, or death. Patients treated in hospitals had a higher mean (±SD) implant cost ($664 ± $810) than those treated in ASCs ($175 ± $585) ( P < .01). We found no differences between settings with regard to total cost, supply costs, operating room charges, or anesthesia charges. Higher implant cost was associated with hospital setting (odds ratio = 16 [95% CI: 1.7-157]) and body mass index > 25 (odds ratio = 1.2 [95% CI: 1.0-1.5]). Operating room costs were strongly correlated with total costs ( R2 = .94). Conclusion: The overall cost and complication rate of ATRs were not significantly different between ASCs and hospitals. ATRs performed in hospitals had higher implant costs and higher rates of postoperative admission than those performed in ASCs. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
A Tai Chi Class Collaboratively Developed for Persons With Interstitial and Other Lung Diseases: An Ethnographic Investigation
Authors: Kilgore Karen , Leinfelder Jesse , Campbell Joan , Wayne Peter M. , Hallowell Robert W. , Barakat Aliaa 
Published: October 2023

Background Participating in physical activity (PA) can be challenging for persons with chronic and significant lung disease due to the multifaceted disruptive effects of their symptoms and variable disease course. Objectives Our study investigates a novel approach to increasing PA by collaboratively and adaptively developing a Tai Chi (TC) class for and by persons with lung diseases and explores participants’ perceptions of their experiences in the co-developed TC class. Methods We initiated a collaboration between the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Collaborative and the Tai Chi Foundation to develop a TC class appropriate for persons with ILD and other lung diseases. The TC class was offered online, during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, when pulmonary patients were isolated socially. TC class sessions were held twice weekly for 12 weeks with 12 participants. Ethnographic field methods were used to collect observations and conduct interviews with teachers and students. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) for understanding factors in intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, and organizational contexts was used to explore ways in which wellness practices, particularly those involving changes in health behaviors, can be collaboratively conceived, and developed by persons with the lived experience of illness and community organizations that are sensitive to their personal and social contexts. The constant comparative method was used for data analysis. Results Our findings include the importance of (1) creating a supportive class environment, characterized by interactive and reciprocal relationships among students and teachers; (2) alternating segments of movement and meditation to avoid fatigue and breathlessness; (3) cultivating sensory awareness and body trust, resting when needed and rejoining the movements when ready; (4) increasing the capacity to meditate through deepening presence and renewing the vital connection with inner and outer sources of energy; (5) reducing, through meditative movement, the persistent anxiety, isolation, and sense of loss that accompany chronic disease diagnosis and progression. Conclusion We documented a collaboration between the TC and pulmonary communities to design a TC class for persons with chronic and significant lung disease. We employed the SEM to provide insights into how teachers, informed by their students, can use effective pedagogical skills to create core curricula with modifications appropriate for a specific population.
The bone marrow is the primary site of thrombopoiesis
Authors: Asquith Nathan L. , Carminita Estelle , Camacho Virginia , Rodriguez-Romera Antonio , Stegner David , Freire Daniela , Becker Isabelle C. , Machlus Kellie R. , Khan Abdullah O. , Italiano Joseph E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMegakaryocytes (MKs) generate thousands of platelets over their lifespan. The roles of platelets in infection and inflammation has guided an interest to the study of extramedullary thrombopoiesis and therefore MKs have been increasingly reported within the spleen and lung. However, the relative abundance of MKs in these organs compared to the bone marrow and the scale of their contribution to the platelet pool in a steady state remain controversial. We investigated the relative abundance of MKs in the adult murine bone marrow, spleen, and lung using whole-mount light-sheet and quantitative histological imaging, flow cytometry, intravital imaging, and an assessment of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) repositories. Flow cytometry revealed significantly higher numbers of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and MKs in the murine bone marrow than in spleens or perfused lungs. Two-photon intravital and light-sheet microscopy, as well as quantitative histological imaging, confirmed these findings. Moreover, ex vivo cultured MKs from the bone marrow subjected to static or microfluidic platelet production assays had a higher capacity for proplatelet formation than MKs from other organs. Analysis of previously published murine and human scRNA-seq data sets revealed that only a marginal fraction of MK-like cells can be found within the lung and most likely only marginally contribute to platelet production in the steady state.
Three-year follow-up analysis of axicabtagene ciloleucel in relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (ZUMA-5)
Authors: Neelapu Sattva S. , Chavez Julio C. , Sehgal Alison R. , Epperla Narendranath , Ulrickson Matthew , Bachy Emmanuel , Munshi Pashna N. , Casulo Carla , Maloney David G. , de Vos Sven , Reshef Ran , Leslie Lori A. , Oluwole Olalekan O. , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Khanal Rashmi , Rosenblatt Joseph , Korn Ronald , Peng Weixin , Lui Christine , Wulff Jacob , Shen Rhine , Poddar Soumya , Jung A. Scott , Miao Harry , Beygi Sara , Jacobson Caron A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy approved for relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL). Approval was supported by the phase 2, multicenter, single-arm ZUMA-5 study of axi-cel for patients with R/R indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL; N = 104), including FL and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). In the primary analysis (median follow-up, 17.5 months), the overall response rate (ORR) was 92% (complete response rate, 74%). Here, we report long-term outcomes from ZUMA-5. Eligible patients with R/R iNHL after ≥2 lines of therapy underwent leukapheresis, followed by lymphodepleting chemotherapy and axi-cel infusion (2 × 106 CAR T cells per kg). The primary end point was ORR, assessed in this analysis by investigators in all enrolled patients (intent-to-treat). After median follow-up of 41.7 months in FL (n = 127) and 31.8 months in MZL (n = 31), ORR was comparable with that of the primary analysis (FL, 94%; MZL, 77%). Median progression-free survival was 40.2 months in FL and not reached in MZL. Medians of overall survival were not reached in either disease type. Grade ≥3 adverse events of interest that occurred after the prior analyses were largely in recently treated patients. Clinical and pharmacokinetic outcomes correlated negatively with recent exposure to bendamustine and high metabolic tumor volume. After 3 years of follow-up in ZUMA-5, axi-cel demonstrated continued durable responses, with very few relapses beyond 2 years, and manageable safety in patients with R/R iNHL. The ZUMA-5 study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03105336.
B-vitamins, related vitamers, and metabolites in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease and chronic fatigue treated with high dose oral thiamine
Authors: Bager Palle , Hvas Christian Lodberg , Hansen Mette Mejlby , Ueland Per , Dahlerup Jens Frederik 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
High doses of oral thiamine improve clinical fatigue scores in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic fatigue. In this study we analysed plasma samples obtained in a randomised clinical trial and aimed compare levels of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, and their related vitamers and metabolites in patients with IBD, with or without chronic fatigue and with or without effect of high dose oral thiamine for chronic fatigue.

Methods
Blood samples from patients with fatigue were drawn prior and after thiamine exposure and only once for patients without fatigue. A wide panel of analysis were done at Bevital AS Lab.

Results
Concentration of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) was lower in patients with chronic fatigue compared to patients without fatigue (p = 0.02). Patients with chronic fatigue who reported a positive effect on fatigue after 4 weeks of high dose thiamine treatment had a statistically significantly lower level of riboflavin after thiamine treatment (p = 0.01).

Conclusion
FMN and Riboflavin were associated with chronic fatigue in patients with quiescent IBD. Levels of other B vitamins and metabolites were not significantly different between the investigated groups or related to effect of the thiamine intervention.
Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov study identifier NCT036347359. Registered 15 August 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03634735?cond=Inflammatory%20Bowel%20Diseases&intr=Thiamine&rank=1