bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing the rising trend of high‐risk pulmonary embolism mortality: Clinical and research priorities
Authors: Casey Scott D. , Stubblefield William B. , Luijten Dieuwke , Klok Frederikus A. , Westafer Lauren M. , Vinson David R. , Kabrhel Christopher 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDeaths from high‐risk pulmonary embolism (PE) appear to have increased in the US over the last decade. Modifiable risks contributing to this worrisome trend present opportunities for physicians, researchers, and healthcare policymakers to improve care.MethodsWe sought to contextualize contemporary, high‐risk PE epidemiology and examine clinical trials, quality improvement opportunities, and healthcare policy initiatives directed at reducing mortality.ResultsWe observed significant and modifiable excess mortality due to high‐risk PE. We identified several opportunities to improve care including: (1) rapid translation of forthcoming data on reperfusion strategies into clinical practice; (2) improved risk stratification tools; (3) quality improvement initiatives to address presumptive anticoagulation practice gaps; and (3) adoption of health policy initiatives to establish pulmonary embolism response teams and address the social determinants of health.ConclusionAddressing knowledge and practice gaps in intermediate and high‐risk PE management must be prioritized and informed by forthcoming high‐quality data. Implementation efforts are needed to improve acute PE management and resolve treatment disparities.
Protein profiling of conjunctival impression cytology samples of aniridia subjects
Authors: Stachon Tanja , Fecher‐Trost Claudia , Latta Lorenz , Yapar Dalya , Fries Fabian N. , Meyer Markus R. , Käsmann‐Kellner Barbara , Seitz Berthold , Szentmáry Nóra 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeCongenital aniridia is a rare disease, which is in most cases related to PAX6 haploinsufficiency. Aniridia associated keratopathy (AAK) also belongs to ocular signs of congenital aniridia. In AAK, there is corneal epithelial thinning, corneal inflammation, vascularization and scarring. In advanced stage AAK, typically, conjunctival epithelial cells slowly replace the corneal epithelium. Based on previous results we hypothesize that alterations of the conjunctival cells in congenital aniridia may also support the corneal conjunctivalization process. The aim of this study was to identify deregulated proteins in conjunctival impression cytology samples of congenital aniridia subjects.MethodsConjunctival impression cytology samples of eight patients with congenital aniridia [age 34.5 ± 9.9 (17–51) years, 50% female] and eight healthy subjects [age 34.1 ± 11.9 (15–54) years, 50% female] were collected and analysed using mass spectrometry. Proteomic profiles were analysed in terms of molecular functions, biological processes, cellular components and pathway enrichment using the protein annotation of the evolutionary relationship (PANTHER) classification system.ResultsIn total, 3323 proteins could be verified and there were 127 deregulated proteins (p < 0.01) in congenital aniridia. From the 127 deregulated proteins (DEPs), 82 altered biological processes, 63 deregulated cellular components, 27 significantly altered molecular functions and 31 enriched signalling pathways were identified. Pathological alteration of the biological processes and molecular functions of retinol binding and retinoic acid biosynthesis, as well as lipid metabolism and apoptosis related pathways could be demonstrated.ConclusionsProtein profile of conjunctival impression cytology samples of aniridia subjects identifies alterations of retinol binding, retinoic acid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism and apoptosis related pathways. Whether these changes are directly related to PAX6 haploinsufficiency, must be investigated in further studies. These new findings offer the possibility to identify potential new drug targets.
The association of social capital and mental well‐being among older residents living in public housing in Macau Special Administrative Region (S.A.R.) – A qualitative case study of Seac Pai Van
Authors: He Michelle Sok I , Lam Agnes Iok Fong , Wong Paul Wai Ching 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMacau is a rapidly aging city, with 13.8% of the population aged over 65. Social capital has been identified as a crucial protective factor for negative mental health outcomes, yet its relationship with mental health among older adults in Macau remains unclear. This study thematically analyzed the narratives of 19 in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews of Cantonese‐speaking elderly aged 60 or above residing in the Seac Pai Van public housing project, the largest public housing project in Macau. This study aimed to collect information on how social networks and social participation impact their mental well‐being that may shed light on the promotion of resident mental health in future public housing developments. Results revealed shallow social capital in the community and a high prevalence of loneliness among senior residents who resided in the studied estate. The study also shed light on the participants' thoughts on death, including suicidal ideation, and how they are shaped by their mental health situation and environment. The findings highlight the need to revisit the current mental health policy in Macau and address the urban and architectural design and social organization in new communities, empowering communities to build a friendly environment.
Interruptions, interventions, and innovations in social services during COVID‐19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Paul Krittebas , Das Tulshi Kumar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic affected almost all sectors including the social services in Bangladesh. The authorities struggled to provide services to the pandemic‐affected people who suddenly lost their jobs, falling into a state of poverty. This study aims to investigate interruptions, interventions, and innovations in government social services because of social policy responses during COVID‐19 considering different theoretical models of institutionalism. Following the qualitative method, the study conducted in‐depth interviews with 39 representatives of social service agencies that delivered services in the Sylhet district during the pandemic. The study finds that COVID‐19 interrupted social service programs leading to interventions and innovations based on the new situation that emerged. It reveals innovations like launching virtual service, introducing a hotline number for help seekers, creating WhatsApp and Messenger groups among the service providers, emphasizing community engagement, etc. in social services which seem to go along with the punctuated equilibrium model or the first‐order change that integrates new policies or innovations within the traditional institutional framework to deal better with the problems caused by COVID‐19. However, these initiatives were insufficient since pressing issues like mental health and domestic violence that substantially increased during COVID‐19 failed to draw the attention of the authorities.
Ventral adhesive area in the limbs of walking cuttlefish (paintpot cuttlefish, Ascarosepion tullbergi): An adaptation for stable aquatic locomotion
Authors: Omura Ayano , Takano Haruka , Tomita Taketeru , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Oka Shin‐ichiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWalking is a locomotion mode in which animals move over the ground using their appendages. Walking is observed in both terrestrial and aquatic animals, but the morphology and diversity of appendages in the latter group have been less extensively studied. The present paper reports on the “adhesive areas,” which may represent morphological and physiological adaptations for stable aquatic walking, in the paintpot cuttlefish, Ascarosepion tullbergi. This animal employs arm IV as a forelimb and an ambulatory flap as a hindlimb for walking, resulting in a gait‐like manner of movement. The structure of the adhesive area is exclusively located on the ventral skin surface of arm IV and the ambulatory flap, which are in contact with the ground during walking. The “adhesive areas” are characterized by a dense population of adhesive mucus‐secreting cells and the development of numerous wrinkles on the surface. These features may enhance the gripping and sticking capacity of the ground‐contact area, thus improving walking stability. The use of adhesive areas for walking is a unique feature of A. tullbergi, as other cuttlefish with adhesive areas primarily use them for attaching to substrata in strong currents. Our results contribute to the understanding of the locomotion strategy of cuttlefish.
Developmental trajectories of school‐beginners' ability self‐concept, intrinsic value and performance in mathematics
Authors: Niemivirta Markku , Tapola Anna , Tuominen Heta , Viljaranta Jaana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough research clearly demonstrates the importance of motivation in mathematics learning, relatively little is known about the developmental dynamics between different facets of mathematics motivation and performance, especially in the early years of schooling.AimsIn a longitudinal setting, we examined (1) how children's ability self‐concept and intrinsic value in mathematics change over time during their first 3 years in school, (2) how those changes relate to each other and (3) how they connect with mathematics performance.SampleThe participants were 285 Finnish school‐beginners (52.7% girls).MethodsLatent growth curve modelling was used to examine the developmental trajectories of children's ability self‐concept and intrinsic value, and how those trajectories predicted later mathematics achievement (both mathematics test performance and teacher‐rated grades), while controlling for previous mathematics performance and gender.ResultsThe results showed significant decreases in children's ability self‐concept and intrinsic value, but also significant individual differences in the trajectories. The strong dependency between the levels and changes in self‐concept and intrinsic value led us to specify a factor‐of‐curves latent growth curve model, thus merging the trajectories of ability self‐concept and intrinsic value into one common model. Subsequent results showed prior mathematics performance to predict change in children's mathematics motivation, and both the level and change in mathematics motivation to predict third‐grade performance and teacher‐rated grade.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence for a developmental link between children's ability self‐concept, intrinsic value and achievement. Achievement seems to enhance mathematics motivation, and positive motivation appears to support the further development of mathematics skills.
White Americans' blame attributions and empathy towards Black victims of police violence: How pejorative stereotypes ‘engulf the field’
Authors: Johnson James , Lecci Len , Dovidio John F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe examined the dynamics of minority‐directed police violence by considering how our White participants' empathy for Black victims may be influenced by critical intragroup differences related to racial stereotyping. Although the role of stereotyping in reactions to Black Americans accused of crime is well‐established, we explore the influence of pejorative Black stereotypes on reactions to Black victims of police violence. Specifically, we investigated the roles of individual differences in the endorsement of the Black criminal stereotype among White observers and manipulated the crime‐unrelated stereotypicality (i.e. stereotypical, counterstereotypical) of Black victims of police violence. White US MTurk participants read about a White policeman shooting a Black man (Study 1, n = 140) or sexually assaulting a Black woman (Study 2, n = 166). Across both studies, strong stereotype endorsers reported relatively low empathy for stereotypical victims, mediated by greater blame towards those victims. This finding demonstrates the relevance of heretofore untested motivated reasoning processes in the outgroup empathy deficits literature. Weak stereotype endorsers showed relatively high empathy and low victim blame regardless of Black victim stereotypicality, indicating limited sensitivity to outgroup member suffering is not inevitable. We consider the practical implications of the findings for policing and for citizenship education.
Completion total mesorectal excision after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and local excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Coco Claudio , Delrio Paolo , Rega Daniela , Amodio Luca Emanuele , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Spolverato Gaya , Belluco Claudio , Lauretta Andrea , Poggioli Gilberto , Rocco Giuseppe , Bianco Francesco , Marsanic Patrizia , Sica Giuseppe , Tondolo Vincenzo , Rizzo Gianluca ,   the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology Colorectal Cancer Network (SICO CCN) group
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimLocal excision (LE) in selected cases after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT) for locally advanced rectal cancer in clinically complete or major responders has been recently reported as an alternative to standard radical resection. Completion total mesorectal excision (cTME) is generally performed when high‐risk pathological features are found in LE surgical specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of residual tumour and lymph node metastases after cTME in patients previously treated by RCT + LE. The secondary aims were to quantify the rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality and to evaluate the long‐term oncological outcome of this group of patients.MethodsAll patients treated from 2007 to 2020 by LE for locally advanced rectal cancer with a clinically complete or major response to RCT who had a subsequent cTME for high‐risk pathological factors (ypT >1 and/or TRG >2 and/or positive margins) were included in this multicentre retrospective study. Pathological data, postoperative short‐term morbidity (classified according to Clavien–Dindo) and mortality and oncological long‐term outcome after cTME were recorded in a database. Statistical analysis was performed using Wizard for iOS version 1.9.31.ResultsA total of 47 patients were included in the study. The rate of R0 resection was 95.7%, and a sphincter‐saving procedure was performed in 37 patients (78.7%), with a protective stoma rate of 78.4%. In 28 cases (59.6%), it was possible to perform a minimally invasive approach. A residual tumour (pT and/or pN) on cTME specimens was found in 21 cases (44.7%). The rate of lymph node metastases was 12.8%. The overall short‐term (within 30 days) postoperative morbidity was 34%, but grade >2 postoperative complications occurred in only nine patients (19.1%), with a reoperation rate of 6.4%. No short‐term postoperative deaths occurred. At a median follow‐up of 57 months (range: 21–174), the long‐term stoma‐free rate was 70.2%, and the actuarial 5‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and local control (LC) were 86.7%, 88.9% and 95.7%, respectively.ConclusionWhen patients exhibit high‐risk pathological factors after RCT + LE, cTME should be suggested due to the high risk of residual tumour or lymph node involvement (44.7%). The results after cTME in terms of the rate of R0 resection, sphincter‐saving procedure, postoperative morbidity and mortality and long‐term oncological outcome seem to be acceptable and do not represent a contraindication to use LE as a first‐step treatment in patients with major or complete clinical response after RCT.
Variation in outcome measurement and reporting in studies of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Brown Kilian G. M. , Pisaniello Jade , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Solomon Michael J. , Sutton Paul A. , Hatcher Sophie , Steffens Daniel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThere is increasing research interest in pelvic exenteration for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer. Heterogeneity in outcome reporting can prevent meaningful interpretation and valid synthesis of pooled data and meta‐analyses. The aim of this study was to assess homogeneity in outcome measures in the current pelvic exenteration literature.MethodMEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched from 1990 to 25 April 2023 to identify studies reporting outcomes of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer. All reported outcomes were extracted, merged with those of similar meaning and assigned a domain.ResultsOf 4137 abstracts screened, 156 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2765 outcomes were reported, of which 17% were accompanied by a definition. There were 1157 unique outcomes, merged into 84 standardized outcomes and assigned one of seven domains. The most reported domains were complications (147 studies, 94%), survival (127, 81%) and surgical outcomes (123, 79%). Resection margins were reported in 122 studies (78%): the definition of a clear resection margin was not provided in 45 studies (37%), it was unclear in 11 studies (9%) and not specified beyond microscopically ‘clear’ or ‘negative’ in 31 (28%). Measurements of 2, 1, 0.5 mm and any healthy tissue were all used to define R0 margins.ConclusionThere is significant heterogeneity in outcome measurement and reporting in the current pelvic exenteration literature, raising concerns about the validity of comparative or collaborative studies between centres and meta‐analyses. Coordinated international collaboration is required to define core outcome sets and benchmarks.
MicroRNA‐21 and MicroRNA‐125b expression in skin tissue and serum as predictive biomarkers for psoriasis
Authors: Saadawy Sara F. , El‐Ghareeb Mohamed I. , Talaat Aliaa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground/objectivePsoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, and hyperproliferative skin disease. We have investigated the role of miR‐21 and miR‐125b in the development of psoriasis and atopic eczema and their relation with the severity of the diseases.MethodsParticipants included 40 psoriasis patients, 40 healthy controls, and 40 atopic eczema patients as a positive control group. In addition, analysis of mRNA expression of miR‐125b and miR‐21 was carried out utilizing quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in serum samples and skin tissue.ResultsOur results have demonstrated that miR‐21 was significantly overexpressed in the psoriatic and atopic eczema skin tissue and serum samples compared to controls, whereas miR‐125b was significantly down‐expressed in psoriatic and atopic eczema skin tissues and serum samples. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score and miR‐21 among the studied groups in both serum and tissue samples. In contrast, there was a statistically significant negative association between the miR‐125b and PASI score. On the other hand, there was no significant relation between the extent of body surface area (BSA), intensity, and subjective symptoms using visual analog scale (VAS) of atopic eczema disease and miRNA‐21 and miRNA‐125b in both tissue and serum.ConclusionIn conclusion, miR‐21 gene expression was significantly increased in psoriatic and atopic eczema skin samples and serum samples, whereas miR‐125b was statistically lowered in psoriatic and atopic eczema patient samples. The miR‐21 and miR‐125b expression level has a possible predictive value as a marker for psoriasis severity but not for atopic eczema severity.
A review on proteolytic fermentation of dietary protein using lactic acid bacteria for the development of novel proteolytically fermented foods
Authors: Ter Zhi Yin , Chang Lee Sin , Babji Abdul Salam , Zaini Nurul Aqilah Mohd , Fazry Shazrul , Sarbini Shahrul Razid , Peterbauer Clemens Karl , Lim Seng Joe 
Published: December 2023

SummaryBioactive peptides generated from food proteins have gained much interest as functional foods. Recently, the application of lactic acid fermentation has developed rapidly thanks to the discovery of probiotic functions in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Aside from converting a fermentable carbohydrate into lactic acid, many strains of LAB were found to possess proteolytic activity, which is essential for many fermentation processes. The protease enzymes produced from the proteolytic fermentation breakdown proteins in food and generate a variety of high‐value products which are discussed in this review. These substances give rise to the production of functional food that exerts diverse health benefits including antioxidant, antihypertension, antihyperglycaemic, antiinflammation, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. The effects of proteolytic fermentation on the physicochemical and functional properties, biological activities, and sensory attributes of foods are elaborated in this review article. The application of proteolytic fermentation in various food industries, mainly the dairy industry, meat industry, bakery industry, and brewing industry, improved the technological, nutritional, biological, and sensory characteristics, as well as increased the shelf life of food. Ultimately, this review summarises in‐depth knowledge of proteolytic fermentation by LAB and generates additional interest in the development of novel proteolytically fermented products.
Developing cross‐cultural competence of students through short‐term international mobility programme
Authors: Sylwia Przytuła , Barzykowski Krystian , Tracz‐Krupa Katarzyna , Cassar Vincent , Said Emanuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the era of higher education institutions' internationalisation, international student mobility is viewed as a crucial educational tool for enhancing the cross‐cultural competence of learners. This paper aims to present research findings on the development of cross‐cultural competence (skills, knowledge, and attitudes) among students participating in a short‐term international mobility programme. The study involved 45 students from five European universities located in Kosovo, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, and Malta. We utilised three scales in our methodology: the Cross‐Cultural Adaptability Inventory, the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire, and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, along with data from a structured diary. Our findings indicate that students who took part in this programme expanded their knowledge through various trainings and workshops during each study visit abroad. Students not only gained new knowledge and specific skills (e.g., conflict management, negotiation skills), and behaviours (e.g., tolerance, openness, trust), but they also improved previously acquired competencies, such as professional and linguistic ones (English fluency). This study contributes to the scientific understanding of cross‐cultural competence development and may also be valuable in designing intercultural training and mobility programmes for students.