bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robot-assisted rehabilitation of people with breast cancer developing upper limb lymphedema: protocol of a randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow‑up
Authors: Arippa Federico , Scribante Andrea , Rocca Barbara , Monticone Marco 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUpper limb lymphedema (ULLy) is an external (and/or internal) manifestation of lymphatic system insufficiency and deranged lymph transport for more than 3 months and frequently affects people as a consequence of breast cancer (BC). ULLy is often underestimated despite diminished motor skills, mood, and cognitive-behavioral complaints negatively condition the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons. BC can also metastasize to the jawbone, further impacting on the HRQoL. In time, the implementation of robot-assisted rehabilitation (RR) for neurological diseases has grown to improve HRQoL and pain. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a RR program in the treatment of individuals who develop an ULLy; as a further analysis, the study will assess the effectiveness of the same program in people with jawbone metastases from BC who will also develop ULLy. A randomized, parallel-group superiority-controlled trial will be conducted. 44 participants will be randomly allocated to either the experimental (receiving a RR program) or the control group (regular rehabilitation). Both groups will follow individual-based programs three times a week for 10 weeks. The main outcome measure will be the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will be a pain intensity numerical rating scale and the Cranio-Facial Pain Disability Inventory. Evaluations are before and after training and 6 months later. Findings may provide evidence on the effectiveness of a RR program on inducing improvements in the HRQoL and pain of individuals with ULLy due to BC. People with ULLy and jawbone metastases from BC are expected for similar or higher improvements as per the same comparisons above. This trial might contribute towards defining guidelines for good clinical rehabilitation routines and might be used as a basis for health authorities’ endorsements.Trial registration OSF REGISTRIES, osf-registrations-jz7ax-v1. Registered on 26 June 2023.
Efficacy of 3D screens for sustainable mosquito control: a semi-field experimental hut evaluation in northeastern Tanzania
Authors: Kathet Subam , Sudi Wema , Mwingira Victor , Tungu Patrick , Aalto Mikko , Hakala Tomi , Honkala Markku , Malima Robert , Kisinza William , Meri Seppo , Khattab Ayman 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
A three-dimensional window screen (3D-Screen) has been developed to create a window double-screen trap (3D-WDST), effectively capturing and preventing the escape of mosquitoes. A 2015 laboratory study demonstrated the 3D-Screen's efficacy, capturing 92% of mosquitoes in a double-screen setup during wind tunnel assays. To further evaluate its effectiveness, phase II experimental hut trials were conducted in Muheza, Tanzania.

Methods
Three experimental hut trials were carried out between 2016 and 2017. Trial I tested two versions of the 3D-WDST in huts with open or closed eaves, with one version using a single 3D-Screen and the other using two 3D-Screens. Trial II examined the 3D-WDST with two 3D-Screens in huts with or without baffles, while Trial III compared handmade and machine-made 3D structures. Mosquito capturing efficacy of the 3D-WDST was measured by comparing the number of mosquitoes collected in the test hut to a control hut with standard exit traps.

Results
Trial I showed that the 3D-WDST with two 3D-Screens used in huts with open eaves achieved the highest mosquito-capturing efficacy. This treatment captured 33.11% (CI 7.40–58.81) of female anophelines relative to the total collected in this hut (3D-WDST and room collections) and 27.27% (CI 4.23–50.31) of female anophelines relative to the total collected in the control hut (exit traps, room, and verandahs collections). In Trial II, the two 3D-Screens version of the 3D-WDST captured 70.32% (CI 56.87–83.77) and 51.07% (CI 21.72–80.41) of female anophelines in huts with and without baffles, respectively. Compared to the control hut, the capturing efficacy for female anophelines was 138.6% (37.23–239.9) and 42.41% (14.77–70.05) for huts with and without baffles, respectively. Trial III demonstrated similar performance between hand- and machine-made 3D structures.

Conclusions
The 3D-WDST proved effective in capturing malaria vectors under semi-field experimental hut conditions. Using 3D-Screens on both sides of the window openings was more effective than using a single-sided 3D-Screen. Additionally, both hand- and machine-made 3D structures exhibited equally effective performance, supporting the production of durable cones on an industrial scale for future large-scale studies evaluating the 3D-WDST at the community level.

Graphical Abstract
Health-related quality of life in subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: a longitudinal cohort analysis
Authors: Aye Sandar , Bouteloup Vincent , Tate Ashley , Wimo Anders , Handels Ron , Jean Delphine , Winblad Bengt , Jönsson Linus 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) is an important outcome for patients and crucial for demonstrating the value of new treatments. Health utility estimates in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are limited, especially in biomarker-confirmed populations. Besides, little is known about the longitudinal HR-QoL trajectory. This study aims to provide health utility estimates for SCD and MCI and investigate the QoL trajectory along the disease continuum.

Methods
Longitudinal data from 919 SCD and 1336 MCI patients from the MEMENTO cohort were included. SCD was defined as clinical dementia rating (CDR) = 0, and MCI as CDR = 0.5. HR-QoL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L patient-reported instrument. Linear mixed-effect models (LMM) were used to assess the longitudinal change in HR-QoL and identify predictors of these changes.

Results
Baseline health utilities were 0.84 ± 0.16 and 0.81 ± 0.18, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were 75.8 ± 14.82 and 70.26 ± 15.77 in SCD and MCI. In amyloid-confirmed cases, health utilities were 0.85 ± 0.14 and 0.86 ± 0.12 in amyloid-negative and amyloid-positive SCD, and 0.83 ± 0.17 and 0.84 ± 0.16 in amyloid-negative and amyloid-positive MCI. LMM revealed an annual decline in health utility of − 0.015 (SE = 0.006) and − 0.09 (SE = 0.04) in moderate and severe dementia (P < 0.05). There was a negative association between clinical stage and VAS where individuals with MCI, mild, moderate, and severe dementia were on average 1.695 (SE = 0.274), 4.401 (SE = 0.676), 4.999 (SE = 0.8), and 15.386 (SE = 3.142) VAS points lower than individuals with SCD (P < 0.001). Older age, female sex, higher body mass index, diabetes, cardiovascular history, depression, and functional impairment were associated with poor HR-QoL. Amyloid positivity was associated with an annual decline of − 0.011 (SE = 0.004, P < 0.05) health utility over time.

Conclusions
Health utility estimates from this study can be used in economic evaluations of interventions targeting SCD and MCI. Health utility declines over time in moderate and severe dementia, and VAS declines with advancing clinical stages. Amyloid-positive patients show a faster decline in health utility indicating the importance of considering biomarker status in HR-QoL assessments. Future research is needed to confirm the longitudinal relationship between amyloid status and HR-QoL and to examine the level at which depression and IADL contribute to HR-QoL decline in AD.
Characterisation of a novel [18F]FDG brain PET database and combination with a second database for optimising detection of focal abnormalities, using focal cortical dysplasia as an example
Authors: Jin Sameer Omer , Mérida Inés , Stavropoulos Ioannis , Elwes Robert D. C. , Lam Tanya , Guedj Eric , Girard Nadine , Costes Nicolas , Hammers Alexander 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Brain [18F]FDG PET is used clinically mainly in the presurgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery and in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders. While scans are usually interpreted visually on an individual basis, comparison against normative cohorts allows statistical assessment of abnormalities and potentially higher sensitivity for detecting abnormalities. Little work has been done on out-of-sample databases (acquired differently to the patient data). Combination of different databases would potentially allow better power and discrimination. We fully characterised an unpublished healthy control brain [18F]FDG PET database (Marseille, n = 60, ages 21–78 years) and compared it to another publicly available database (MRXFDG, n = 37, ages 23–65 years). We measured and then harmonised spatial resolution and global values. A collection of patient scans (n = 34, 13–48 years) with histologically confirmed focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) obtained on three generations of scanners was used to estimate abnormality detection rates using standard software (statistical parametric mapping, SPM12).

Results
Regional SUVs showed similar patterns, but global values and resolutions were different as expected. Detection rates for the FCDs were 50% for comparison with the Marseille database and 53% for MRXFDG. Simply combining both databases worsened the detection rate to 41%. After harmonisation of spatial resolution, using a full factorial design matrix to accommodate global differences, and leaving out controls older than 60 years, we achieved detection rates of up to 71% for both databases combined. Detection rates were similar across the three scanner types used for patients, and high for patients whose MRI had been normal (n = 10/11).

Conclusions
As expected, global and regional data characteristics are database specific. However, our work shows the value of increasing database size and suggests ways in which database differences can be overcome. This may inform analysis via traditional statistics or machine learning, and clinical implementation.
Stochastic stability of solutions for a fourth-order stochastic differential equation with constant delay
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman M. , Adewumi Adebayo O. , Ademola Adeleke T. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present sufficient conditions to ensure the stochastic asymptotic stability of the zero solution for a specific type of fourth-order stochastic differential equation (SDE) with constant delay. By reducing the fourth-order SDE to a system of first-order SDEs, we utilize a fourth-order quadratic function to derive an appropriate Lyapunov functional. This functional is then employed to establish standard criteria for the nonlinear functions present in the SDE. The stability result obtained in this study is novel and extends the existing findings on stability in fourth-order differential equations. Additionally, we provide an illustrative example to demonstrate the significance and accuracy of our main result.
Stability and control in a stochastic model of malaria population dynamics
Authors: Witbooi Peter J. , Maku Vyambwera Sibaliwe , van Schalkwyk Garth J. , Muller Grant E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article proves a stability theorem for the disease-free equilibrium of a stochastic differential equations model of malaria disease dynamics. The theorem is formulated in terms of an invariant which is similar to the basic reproduction number of a related deterministic model. Compared to the deterministic model, stability of the disease-free equilibrium holds more generally for the stochastic model. The optimal control theory is applied to the stochastic model, revealing some important new insights. Theoretical results are illustrated by way of simulations.
Comovement between commodity returns in Ghana: the role of exchange rates
Authors: Barson Zynobia , Owusu Junior Peterson , Adam Anokye Mohammed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between commodity returns in Ghana and if any, the role of exchange rate on such relationship using wavelet analysis and monthly data from September, 2007 to March, 2021. We test for the robustness of the empirical findings using multiple wavelet analysis. We find that exchange rate plays an intrinsic role in the dynamic comovement of commodity returns with strong coherence at short and medium terms. The partial wavelet coherence analysis shows that exchange rate drives commodity interdependence. This study is of relevance to other developing export-dependent countries and the Ghanaian government in making strategic trade policies and to investors that are interested in these cross-sector commodities. Governments and investors that are privy to the intrinsic role of exchange rate on its dependent commodities can benefit from this study to diversify against exchange rate fluctuations and the implicit effect of inflation.
Gene therapy-based strategies for spinal muscular atrophy—an Asia-Pacific perspective
Authors: Farrar Michelle A. , Calotes-Castillo Loudella , De Silva Ranil , Barclay Peter , Attwood Lani , Cini Julie , Ferrie Monica , Kariyawasam Didu S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOnasemnogene abeparvovec has been life-changing for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), signifying the potential and progress occurring in gene- and cell-based therapies for rare genetic diseases. Hence, it is important that clinicians gain knowledge and understanding in gene therapy-based treatment strategies for SMA. In this review, we describe the development and translation of onasemnogene abeparvovec from clinical trials to healthcare practice and share knowledge on the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Rapid and accurate SMA diagnosis, awareness, and education to safely deliver gene therapy to eligible patients and access to expertise in multidisciplinary management for neuromuscular disorders are crucial for health system readiness. Early engagement and intersectoral collaboration are required to surmount complex logistical processes and develop policy, governance, and accountability. The collection and utilisation of real-world evidence are also an important part of clinical stewardship, informing ongoing improvements to care delivery and access. Additionally, a research-enabled clinical ecosystem can expand scientific knowledge and discovery to optimise future therapies and magnify health impacts. Important ethical, equity, economic, and sustainability issues are evident, for which we must connect globally.
Baseline extracellular vesicle miRNA-30c and autophagic CTCs predict chemoradiotherapy resistance and outcomes in patients with lung cancer
Authors: de Miguel-Perez Diego , Ortega Francisco Gabriel , Tejada Rosario Guerrero , Martínez-Única Antonio , Peterson Christine B. , Russo Alessandro , Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Cardona Andres F. , Amezcua Victor , Lorente Jose Antonio , Expósito Hernández Jose , Rolfo Christian , Serrano Maria Jose 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) is the mainstay of treatment for patients diagnosed with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One significant challenge in the effectiveness of this therapy is the potential development of resistance mechanisms, where autophagy up-regulation has been proposed as a key contributing factor. However, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers to predict outcomes on these patients. Interestingly, for addressing this gap, extracellular vesicles (EVs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have emerged as potential sources of such biomarkers. In this study, we investigated EV-associated miRNAs and presence of autophagic CTCs in prospectively collected serial samples from 38 patients with stage III NSCLC undergoing cCRT. Our findings revealed that non-responders exhibited low levels of baseline EV miR-375, miR-200c, and miR-30c. In particular, EV miR-30c showed high predictive value with an area under the curve of 87.2%. Low EV miR-30c and the presence of autophagic-activated CTCs emerged as independent predictive biomarkers for shorter relapse-free survival and overall survival. Furthermore, in experimental models simulating the effects of chemo- and radiotherapy, the administration of miR-30c, either through direct transfection or encapsulation into human EVs, led to the inhibition of autophagy in these cells. This is the first report demonstrating that EV miR-30c inhibits tumor autophagy and its quantification, together with autophagic-activated CTCs, could be used as biomarkers for the stratification and monitoring of patients with NSCLC undergoing cCRT, and they may hold promising potential for guiding subsequent consolidation treatment with immunotherapy or other novel therapies based on autophagy inhibitors.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria and wheat bran on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of Broussonetia papyrifera silage
Authors: Wang Ningwei , Wang Yan , Lin Yanli , Xu Gang , Ni Kuikui , Yang Fuyu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Paper mulberry has been considered as a high-quality protein feedstuff to cope with the shortage of feed and the development of livestock. In addition, the features of high moisture and low water-soluble carbohydrate concentration in fresh paper mulberry make it difficult to ensile. Therefore, it is important to find an optimal way to improve the paper mulberry silage quality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the application of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and wheat bran (WB) on the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition and microbial community of paper mulberry silage.

Results
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and wheat bran alone or combination (LP + WB) addition on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of paper mulberry silage. After 60 days of ensiling, the employed three treatments had higher crude protein contents compared with control (P < 0.05). More importantly, WB and LP + WB treatments significantly reduced the pH value and NH3-N concentration, and increased lactic acid content (P < 0.05). Microbial analysis indicated that the bacterial community in WB and LP + WB treatments showed distinct difference with LP and control. Lactobacillus was the dominant genera in all treatments. However, at the species level, Lactobacillus farciminis became the most dominant bacteria in control and LP treatments while the dominant bacteria in WB and LP + WB were Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus farciminis. In addition, Lactobacillus brevis was positively correlated to crude protein and lactic acid and negatively correlated to pH and NH3-N. Overall, this study revealed that ensiling paper mulberry with WB or combination LP could improve silage quality through altering microbial community, which provided a practical approach for enhancing paper mulberry silage quality.

Conclusion
Wheat bran and combinations of Lactobacillus plantarum and wheat bran additions could reduce pH, NH3-N and increase LA content. The application of WB and LP + WB shifted the dominant bacteria species to Lactobacillus brevis. In summary, the addition of wheat bran and combinations of lactic acid bacteria and wheat bran were effective ways to enhance paper mulberry silage fermentation.

Graphical Abstract
Epidemiology of maxillofacial injury among adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Adeleke Adekunle I. , Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Makhunga Sizwe , Ginindza Themba G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundInjuries remain one of the leading causes of death globally. These disproportionately affect young adults and are particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Maxillofacial injuries (MI) pose significant challenges to public health systems. However, much remains unknown regarding the epidemiology and extent of the financial burden in resource-limited areas, such as SSA, further necessitating more research and support. This scoping review aims to investigate the mechanism, distribution, and financial impact of MI in adults aged ≥ 18 years in SSA.Main bodyThe scoping review was guided by the methodological frameworks of Arksey and O’Malley and Levac. An electronic literature search for English-published articles on maxillofacial injuries in adults ≥ 18 years was conducted in Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and grey literature. The PRISMA chart was used to document database searches and screening outcomes while reporting was guided by PRISMA-ScR. The data extraction process revolved around the predefined study outcomes, which encompassed the study characteristics and epidemiological parameters. The review used a narrative approach to report findings and evaluate publication quality using the STROBE checklist.The database search yielded 8246 studies, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 7317 participants were included, 79.3% of whom were males. The peak age range for incidence was between 18 and 40 years. Road traffic collision (RTC) was the leading cause of MI, 59% of which resulted from motorcycle collisions. Assault/interpersonal violence ranked as the second leading cause of MI. The mandible was MI’s most frequently affected hard tissue, followed by the midface. Factors such as alcohol/illicit drug use, poor knowledge of traffic regulations, and non-observance of these regulations were associated with MI. In our study, the cost range for mandibular fractures was $200-$468.6, borne by victims and their families.ConclusionsMaxillofacial injuries are predominantly caused by road traffic collisions and assaults in SSA. The findings can provide valuable insights into policy decisions and prevention strategies aimed at reducing injury burden. Further research is warranted to explore the psychological impact of MI, including PTSD, for tailored support and intervention.Scoping Review RegistrationThe protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework.RegistrationDOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BWVDK.
Protein content and amino acid composition in the diet of Danish vegans: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aaslyng Margit D. , Dam Astrid Bøgebjerg , Petersen Iben Lykke , Christoffersen Tenna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
A growing proportion of the population are replacing their dietary animal protein with plant protein. A particular example of this trend is the vegan diet, which excludes all food items of animal origin. However, the DIAAS score for individual plant proteins is generally lower than that of animal proteins due to an unbalanced amino acid composition and lower bioavailability. Care must therefore be taken to meet the nutritional recommendations in the daily food intake.

Methods
A three-day dietary food record was carried out by 40 Danish vegans in a cross-sectional study. The data were analysed, with particular emphasis on protein requirements and the essential amino acid composition of the diet.

Results
The protein recommendations were met on all three days by 60% of the participants. In contrast, 18% did not meet the protein recommendations on any of the three days and 7% met the recommendations on only one of the days. Lysine was the most limiting amino acid (only 50% met the recommendations every day) followed by the sulphur-containing amino acids (recommendations met by 67.5%), leucine and valine (recommendations met by 70%). Combining both the amount of protein and the intake of the essential amino acids showed that less than half of the participants met the recommendations on all three days (47.5%) and 35% did not meet the recommendations on any days or on one day only.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our study showed that many of the participants in the present study failed to meet the daily protein intake requirements, both on single days and on all three days. Furthermore, the food intake was found to have an inadequate amino acid composition and was particularly limited by the essential amino acids lysine, the sulphur-containing amino acids, and leucine and valine. This could be ascribed to the fact that only a limited number of protein sources were consumed during a day.