bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Una lectura urbanocentrista del contexto sociocultural y la discapacidad: ¿ruralidades discapacitantes?
Authors: Martínez Hernández Norma Patricia , Cortés Carreño José Cruz Jorge 
Published: December 2023

Hoy en día, las personas con discapacidad (PCD) enfrentan obstáculos físicos, sociales, económicos, políticos y culturales que imperan en el entorno y que determinan su inclusión y exclusión en la sociedad, pese a contar con un marco jurídico que enmarca sus derechos. Un marco que se concibe como una especie de fetichización, pero que todavía no ha logrado satisfacer sus requerimientos reales. Además, de que difícilmente considera las voces y vivencias de las personas que presentan una limitante física, mental o sensorial, y que, por ello, enfrentan prácticas sociales de exclusión, discriminación, estigmatización y opresión.
Por ello, el objetivo de este artículo es analizar las prácticas socioculturales que determinan la discapacidad de una persona al momento de confrontarse con la cotidianidad, primordialmente en contextos que no se ajustan a lo que instituye el marco jurídico mexicano al respecto, por ejemplo, en el Medio Rural. Se realizaron algunas entrevistas a personas con discapacidad. Se empleó la hermenéutica para el análisis de la legislación. Se encontró que tanto en los gobiernos, como en la sociedad y las propias PCD, existen diversas concepciones sobre la discapacidad, y que existe un desconocimiento generalizado acerca de la legislación y las experiencias de PCD por lo que se acentúa su exclusión y opresión.
Effects of chamber shapes on maneuverability and control property of endoscope-support soft actuators
Authors: Lu Yuxi , Zhou Zhongchao , Tortos Vinocour Pablo Enrique , Kokubu Shota , Igarashi Tatsuo , Yu Wenwei 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) offers targeted surgical access with reduced invasiveness; however, the maneuverability challenges of traditional instruments in this domain underscore the need for innovative solutions. Soft actuators activated by fluids or gases present a promising strategy for augmenting endoscopic capabilities, thereby enhancing the surgical precision in MIS. This study aimed to explore the intricate dynamics of the interactions between soft actuators and endoscopes, with an emphasis on the pivotal role of cross-sectional chamber shapes. While previous studies have touched on the influence of chamber shapes on bending properties, we provide a comprehensive exploration. We explore how these shapes modulate friction forces, which in turn influence the interactions governing bending, response, and stiffness adjustability, all of which are essential for enhancing endoscope maneuverability in MIS contexts.Methods: A novel bilateral symmetrical air chamber design was adopted to investigate various chamber shapes. We employed finite element analysis (FEA) simulations followed by prototype testing to evaluate the interactions driven by these chamber shapes and to discern their impact on actuator properties. Recognizing the pivotal role of friction in these interactions, we conducted dedicated friction experiments. These experiments further deepened our understanding of the relationship between chamber shape and friction, and how this synergy influences the properties of the actuator.Results: Our findings showed that actuators with wider chambers generate larger friction forces, thereby enhancing the interaction and improving the bending, response, and stiffness adjustability. Additionally, the soft actuator significantly improved the maneuverability and bending radius of the endoscope, demonstrating enhanced navigation capabilities in complex environments.Discussion: The shape of a cross-sectional chamber plays a pivotal role in designing soft actuators for MIS applications. Our research emphasizes the importance of this design component, offering key insights for the development of endoscope-supporting soft actuators that can effectively handle intricate actuator-endoscope interactions, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes.
Is stroke knowledge retained? Four-year longitudinal data of FAST Heroes campaign
Authors: Baskini Maria , Tsakpounidou Kalliopi , Van der Merwe Jan , Keramydas Christos , Proestopoulos Maria , Proios Hariklia 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionEducational stroke programs seem to increase awareness about stroke management. However, there is a speculation that actual stroke knowledge post mass campaign implementation remains poor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate stroke knowledge retention four years post Fast Heroes program implementation, an interactive stroke educational program, in school-aged children without any follow up during this time.MethodsSeventy-eight (n = 47 had attended the program four years ago and n = 31 had never attended the program) school-aged children completed the age-adjusted online preparedness questionnaire during class four years post program implementation. The variables used to measure campaign effectiveness were knowledge of: i) stroke symptoms described in the FAST acronym (Face-Arm-Speech), ii) appropriate course of action (i.e., calling an ambulance), and iii) the European emergency number (i.e., 112).ResultsIn all questions, children that had attended the program had 14–81% greater chances to answer correctly.DiscussionThere is still knowledge gain even four years post program implementation with no follow up during that time. The design of the campaign (i.e., 5-week duration, age-appropriate exercises, cartoon animations, song and dance elements, sentimentally driven activities and 3-layer education dissemination) facilitates long-term knowledge retention and may have led to the knowledge gains observed. Broad implementation potentially as part of the annual curriculum in schools can impact community stroke knowledge and should be considered.
Thrombopoietin-receptor agonists for adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia: a narrative review and an approach for managing patients fasting intermittently
Authors: Yassin Mohamed A. , Al-Rasheed Mona , Al-Khaboori Murtadha , Marashi Mahmoud , Osman Hani , Wali Yasser , Al Kindi Salam , Alsayegh Faisal , Provan Drew 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThrombopoietin-receptor agonist (TPO-RAs) currently represent the state of art for treating immune thrombocytopenia. Their different molecular structures contribute to the difference in their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current TPO-RAs approved for primary immune thrombocytopenia (romiplostim, eltrombopag, avatrombopag) and the effect of intermittent fasting in adult patients receiving TPO-RAs.Areas coveredLiterature was searched with no limits on date or language, using various combinations of keywords. Data on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of TPO-RAs and the effect of intermittent fasting were summarized.Expert opinionSwitching between TPO-RAs is a useful strategy to tackle some associated limitations. Romiplostim and avatrombopag have an advantage over eltrombopag as they do not require any dietary restrictions. In cases where romiplostim and avatrombopag are unavailable, patients should be educated on the appropriate administration, possible interactions, and dietary restrictions before initiating eltrombopag.
Pompe disease in China: clinical and molecular characteristics
Authors: Li Jing , Shi Xiaohe , Wang Bo , Hsi David H. , Zhu Xiaoli , Ta Shengjun , Wang Jing , Lei Changhui , Hu Rui , Huang Junzhe , Zhao Xueli , Liu Liwen 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPompe disease (PD) is a rare, progressive, and autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the acid α-glucosidase gene. The clinical course and molecular mechanism of this disease in China have not been well defined.MethodsIn this single-center cohort study, we investigated a total of 15 Chinese patients with Pompe disease to better understand the clinical manifestations, echocardiographic imaging and genetic characteristics in this population.ResultsThe median age of 15 patients at symptom onset was 5.07 months (1–24 months). The median age at diagnosis was 19.53 months (range: 3 to 109 months, n = 15). Average diagnostic delay was 13.46 months. None of the patients had received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Fifteen patients died at a median age of 24.80 months due to cardiorespiratory failure (range 3–120 months). Myasthenia symptoms and severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were universally present (15/15 = 100%). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography was significantly lower in these patients. After adjusting for gender, body surface area (BSA), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), E/e'ratio, maximum left ventricular wall thickness (MLVWT), left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT)gradient, GLS was independently correlated with survival time (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.702, 95% confidence Interval (CI): 0.532–0.925, P = 0.012). In our cohort, we identified 4 novel GAA mutation: c.2102T &gt; C (p.L701P), c.2006C &gt; T (p.P669l), c.766T &gt; A (p.Y256N), c.2405G &gt; T (p.G802V). 12 patients were compound heterozygotes, and 4 homozygotes.ConclusionsOur study provides a comprehensive examination of PD clinical course and mutations of the GAA gene for patients in China. We showed clinical utility of echocardiography in quantifying heart involvement in patients with suspected PD. GLS can provide prognostic information for mortality prediction. We reported four novel mutations in the GAA gene for the first time. Our findings may improve early recognition of PD characteristics in Chinese patients.
Causal relationship between COVID-19 and myocarditis or pericarditis risk: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Guihong , Chen Tao , Zhang Xin , Hu Binbin , Shi Huashan 
Published: December 2023

Background &amp; aimsCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is strongly associated with myocarditis or pericarditis risk in observational studies, however, there are still studies that do not support the above conclusion. Whether the observed association reflects causation needs to be confirmed. We performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the causal relationship of COVID-19, which was divided into three groups, namely severe COVID-19, hospitalized COVID-19, and COVID-19 infection, measured by myocarditis or pericarditis.MethodsWe extracted summary genome-wide association statistics for the severe COVID-19 (case: 13,769, control: 1,072,442), hospitalized COVID-19 (case: 32,519, control: 2,062,805), COVID-19 infection (case: 122,616, control: 2,475,240), myocarditis (case 1,521, control 191,924), and pericarditis (case 979, control 286,109) among individuals of European ancestry. Independent genetic variants that exhibited a significant association with each phenotype at the genome-wide level of significance were utilized as instrumental variables. Estimation of the causal effect was mainly performed using the random effects inverse-variance weighted method (IVW). Additionally, other tests such as MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, Cochran's Q-test, “Leave-one-out”, and funnel plots were conducted to assess the extent of pleiotropy and heterogeneity.ResultsNon-associations in the IVW and sensitivity analyses were observed for COVID-19 with myocarditis or pericarditis. Severe COVID-19 was not associated with myocarditis [odds ratio (OR), 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89–1.12; P = 0.99], pericarditis (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.78–1.04, P = 0.17). Similar results can be observed in hospitalized COVID-19, and COVID-19 infection. At the same time, null associations were observed for myocarditis or pericarditis with COVID-19 traits in the reverse direction. The main results are kept stable in the sensitivity analysis.ConclusionThere is no evidence that COVID-19 is independently and causally associated with myocarditis or pericarditis.
Are ambulatory blood pressure parameters associated more with central adiposity than with total adiposity? Results of the ELSA-Brasil study
Authors: Souza Ângela Maria Natal de , Griep Rosane Harter , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda , Fonseca Maria de Jesus Mendes da , Juvanhol Leidjaira Lopes 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundWorldwide obesity has a high prevalence, as well as carries a high risk of several chronic diseases, including hypertension. Studies of the association between obesity and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) are scarce and most use only body mass index (BMI) as indicator of adiposity. Thus, we aimed to examine for associations between total and central adiposity and ambulatory BP parameters (BP means and variability, nocturnal dipping and morning surge) among participants in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).MethodsThis cross-sectional study (2012–2014) used a subsample of participants (n = 812) of ELSA-Brasil who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring to assess systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP, respectively) over 24-hour periods and sub-periods. Indicators for total adiposity were BMI and body fat (BF) and, for central adiposity, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR). Associations were tested using crude and adjusted gamma and logistic regression.ResultsOverweight (BMI) and abdominal obesity (WC and WHR) associated positively with mean 24-hour (Coef = 2.71, 3.09 and 4.00, respectively), waking (Coef = 2.87, 3.26 and 4.16, respectively), and sleeping (Coef = 2.30, 2.74 and 3.50, respectively) SBP; mean DBP associated with high WHR in these three periods (Coef = 2.00, 2.10 and 1.68, respectively) and with WC in the waking period (Coef = 1.44). Overweight and abdominal obesity (WC and WHR) were positively associated with SBP variability over 24 h (Coef = 0.53, 0.45 and 0.49, respectively) and in sleep (Coef = 0.80, 0.74 and 0.59, respectively), and with DBP variability in 24 h (Coef = 0.64, 0.73 and 0.58, respectively), wakefulness (Coef = 0.50, 0.52 and 0.52, respectively) and sleep (Coef = 0.53, 0.45 and 0.49); excess BF associated positively with DBP variability over 24 h (Coef = 0.43) and in wakefulness (Coef = 0.38). Lastly, high WHR and excess BF were associated with higher odds of extreme dipping (OR = 1.03 for both), while high WC and WHR associated with higher odds of exacerbated diastolic morning surge (OR = 3.18 and 3.66, respectively).ConclusionIndicators of adiposity were associated with the BP means and variability, nocturnal dipping and morning surge, with more substantial results for indicators of central adiposity that the others.
Standardized in vitro bleeding tests in a non-coated novel hybrid prosthesis for frozen elephant trunk demonstrates minimal oozing during full heparinization, supported by clinical data
Authors: Jakob Heinz , Leins Timo , Avci-Adali Meltem , Schlensak Christian , Wendt Daniel , Mehta Yatin , Thielmann Matthias , Görlinger Klaus , Song Suk-Won , Tsagakis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionRecent reports have questioned the blood impermeability of the novel frozen elephant trunk (FET) device E-vita Open NEO© (EO-NEO). Therefore, standardized in vitro bleeding tests using porcine heparinized blood were performed, as well as stress testing on the blood tightness of the collar suture line, to investigate this observation.Material and methodsEO-NEO prostheses were examined in vitro for blood permeability in three test series. Initially, antegrade perfusion with heparinized porcine blood [activated clotting time (ACT) of 500 s, with a 60 min duration] was performed, followed by ante/retrograde testing via the EO-NEO side port. Testing of the collar suture line under a tension of 10 Newton (N) within a suspension device (blood pressure 120 mmHg, ACT of 560 s, 1 min duration) was carried out with the suture material force fiber white (FFWs) yarn, using standard fixation (5 stitches/cm), FFWh yarn in hemostatic fixation (15 stitches/cm), and flow weave yarn (FWYh).ResultsBlood permeability testing of EO-NEO through the prosthetic lumen or via the side port demonstrated minor leakage without statistical difference between the standard and hemostatic suture lines or suture materials used, or positioning on the crimped or tapered portion (p &gt; 0.05). The specific collar anastomosis testing demonstrated leakage volumes of 140 ml/min for FFWs vs. 16 ml/min for FFWh (p = 0.02), vs. 9 ml/min with the FWYh (p = 0.01).ConclusionDifferent blood leakage tests showed minimal oozing and no difference in blood loss through the fabric and different collar suture lines, but unphysiological pressurized retrograde perfusion of the collar region showed significantly less leakage using FWYh and FFWh, prompting production modification of EO-NEO. Clinical results confirmed low blood loss using this novel FET device.
Examining racial and gender biases in teaching evaluations of instructors by students on an online platform in the UAE
Authors: Lamba Nishtha , Kishore Sameer , Khokhlova Olga 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionStudent evaluations of teachers (SETs) carry significance for academics' career progression, but evidence suggests that these are influenced by students' expectations and biases. Previous research has shown that female lecturers are viewed less favorably compared to male lecturers. Racial bias has also been observed in higher education. For example, few studies administered in the U.S. found that African American lecturers received lower ratings than White lecturers. Current research investigates whether biases based on instructors' gender (male, female) and race (White and South Asian) influence university students' perception of instructors in an online teaching environment in the UAE.MethodsUsing a between group design, 318 participants viewed one of the four videos (male-South Asian, female-South Asian, male-White, female-White) of a virtual instructor teaching social psychology and then responded to teaching evaluation questions.ResultsFactorial ANOVAs were administered. Biases showcased consistent preference for male and South Asian lecturers. Male lecturers were perceived to be treating students with more respect, speaking in a more appropriate manner, displaying more enthusiasm for the subject, and more approachable than female lecturers. South Asian lecturers were perceived to be more sensitive toward students' feelings, displaying more enthusiasm for the subject, and more approachable than White lecturers. Overall, students expressed wanting to study more from male and South Asian lecturers compared to female and White lecturers.DiscussionBiases emerged in interpersonal variables, such as approachability, sensitivity, enthusiasm for subject, and respect, and not in the domains of knowledge, presentation skills, and stimulating thinking. Findings reinforce that relying on teaching evaluations may not be accurate, and highlight how certain unconscious biases could impact professional growth of academics.
Psychometric properties of the Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale in Peruvian university students: internal structure and association with the dark triad
Authors: Lingán-Huamán Susana K. , Dominguez-Lara Sergio , Serpa-Barrientos Antonio 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionHuman morality is an important topic because the fact that human beings can determine if a behavior is correct or incorrect, good or bad, shows that they are endowed with moral conscience, but In the Peruvian context, there are no valid and reliable scales to measure moral disengage trend. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale in Peruvian university students.MethodThe number of university students who participated in the study was 591 (women = 71.7%; Mage = 21.5; SDage = 3.60), and the data analysis was carried out under a factor analysis approach.ResultsThe results showed a unidimensional structure in both men and women. As for the invariance results according to sex, there is favorable evidence of configural and weak invariance; however, there is no evidence of strong invariance. Furthermore, the reliability of the construct (coefficient ω) and its scores (coefficient α) reached acceptable dimensions in each group and positive associations with the dark triad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism).DiscussionThe Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale is a unidimensional measurement that shows acceptable psychometric evidence in men and women separately. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Primary biliary cirrhosis and osteoporosis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Diqian , Li Guobi , Bai Wenzhe , Teng Jiawen , Yan Bing , Han Cong 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundObservational studies have identified a heightened risk of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, conclusive evidence establishing a causal relationship between the two, and a clear mechanism explaining this association, remains elusive.MethodsWe conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between PBC and osteoporosis. This analysis utilized five MR methods: inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode. Sensitivity analyses were performed, employing various models and testing methods, to assess the impact of heterogeneity and pleiotropy on the results and to confirm their robustness.ResultsA causal relationship between PBC and osteoporosis risk was established through IVW analysis (OR: 1.049, 95%CI: 1.017–1.082, P=0.002). Three other MR analyses corroborated these findings. Conversely, osteoporosis was not found to causally affect PBC risk, as evidenced by IVW analysis (OR: 0.941, 95%CI: 0.783–1.129, P=0.511). Across all MR analyses, no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected among the instrumental variables (IVs). Furthermore, the leave-one-out analysis indicated that no single SNP disproportionately influenced the results, affirming the reliability of the bidirectional MR findings.ConclusionThis study establishes a positive causal relationship between PBC and the risk of osteoporosis, while no definitive causal link was found from osteoporosis to PBC. These findings offer new insights and guidance for managing bone health in PBC patients.
Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reveals the heterogeneity of IL-10 producing regulatory B cells in lupus-prone mice
Authors: Daamen Andrea R. , Alajoleen Razan M. , Grammer Amrie C. , Luo Xin M. , Lipsky Peter E. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionB cells can have both pathogenic and protective roles in autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Deficiencies in the number or immunosuppressive function of IL-10 producing regulatory B cells (Bregs) can cause exacerbated autoimmune inflammation. However, the exact role of Bregs in lupus pathogenesis has not been elucidated.MethodsWe carried out gene expression analysis by scRNA-seq to characterize differences in splenic Breg subsets and molecular profiles through stages of disease progression in lupus-prone mice. Transcriptome-based changes in Bregs from mice with active disease were confirmed by phenotypic analysis.ResultsWe found that a loss of marginal zone (MZ) lineage Bregs, an increase in plasmablast/plasma cell (PB-PC) lineage Bregs, and overall increases in inflammatory gene signatures were characteristic of active disease as compared to Bregs from the pre-disease stage. However, the frequencies of both MZ Bregs and PB-PCs expressing IL-10 were significantly decreased in active-disease mice.ConclusionOverall, we have identified changes to the repertoire and transcriptional landscape of Breg subsets associated with active disease that provide insights into the role of Bregs in lupus pathogenesis. These results could inform the design of Breg-targeted therapies and interventions to restore Breg suppressive function in autoimmunity.