bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β3AR-Dependent Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Generation Limits Chronic Postischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Cannavo Alessandro , Jun Seungho , Rengo Giuseppe , Marzano Federica , Agrimi Jacopo , Liccardo Daniela , Elia Andrea , Keceli Gizem , Altobelli Giovanna G. , Marcucci Lorenzo , Megighian Aram , Gao Erhe , Feng Ning , Kammers Kai , Ferrara Nicola , Finos Livio , Koch Walter J. , Paolocci Nazareno 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Loss of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB (tropomyosin kinase receptor B) signaling accounts for brain and cardiac disorders. In neurons, β-adrenergic receptor stimulation enhances local BDNF expression. It is unclear if this occurs in a pathophysiological relevant manner in the heart, especially in the β-adrenergic receptor-desensitized postischemic myocardium. Nor is it fully understood whether and how TrkB agonists counter chronic postischemic left ventricle (LV) decompensation, a significant unmet clinical milestone.

Methods:
We conducted in vitro studies using neonatal rat and adult murine cardiomyocytes, SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, and umbilical vein endothelial cells. We assessed myocardial ischemia (MI) impact in wild type, β3AR knockout, or myocyte-selective BDNF knockout (myoBDNF KO) mice in vivo (via coronary ligation [MI]) or in isolated hearts with global ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).

Results:
In wild type hearts, BDNF levels rose early after MI (<24 hours), plummeting at 4 weeks when LV dysfunction, adrenergic denervation, and impaired angiogenesis ensued. The TrkB agonist, LM22A-4, countered all these adverse effects. Compared with wild type, isolated myoBDNF KO hearts displayed worse infarct size/LV dysfunction after I/R injury and modest benefits from LM22A-4. In vitro, LM22A-4 promoted neurite outgrowth and neovascularization, boosting myocyte function, effects reproduced by 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a chemically unrelated TrkB agonist. Superfusing myocytes with the β3AR-agonist, BRL-37344, increased myocyte BDNF content, while β3AR signaling underscored BDNF generation/protection in post-MI hearts. Accordingly, the β1AR blocker, metoprolol, via upregulated β3ARs, improved chronic post-MI LV dysfunction, enriching the myocardium with BDNF. Last, BRL-37344-imparted benefits were nearly abolished in isolated I/R injured myoBDNF KO hearts.

Conclusions:
BDNF loss underscores chronic postischemic heart failure. TrkB agonists can improve ischemic LV dysfunction via replenished myocardial BDNF content. Direct cardiac β3AR stimulation, or β-blockers (via upregulated β3AR), is another BDNF-based means to fend off chronic postischemic heart failure.
Targeting Endothelial ENO1 (Alpha-Enolase) -PI3K-Akt-mTOR Axis Alleviates Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Shi Yuqing , Liu Jie , Zhang Ruoyang , Zhang Muzhi , Cui Han , Wang Lei , Cui Ye , Wang Wei , Sun Ying , Wang Chen 
Published: March 2023

Background:
It has been shown that glycolytic protein ENO1 (alpha-enolase) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension through acting smooth muscle cells; however, the roles of ENO1-caused endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunctions in Group 3 pulmonary hypertension remain unexplored.

Methods:
PCR array and RNA sequencing were used to screen and decipher the differential gene expression by hypoxia-treated human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Techniques of small-interfering RNA, specific inhibitor and plasmids carrying gene of ENO1, interventions with specific inhibitor and AAV-ENO1 delivery were employed to explore the role of ENO1 in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Assays for cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and adhesion were employed to analyze cell behaviors, while seahorse analysis was used to measure mitochondrial function of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Results:
PCR array data showed that ENO1 expression increased in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia, as well as in lung tissues from patients with chronic obstructive lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension and murine model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Inhibition of ENO1 restored the hypoxia-induced endothelial dysfunction, including excessive proliferation, angiogenesis, and adhesion, while overexpression of ENO1 promotes these disorders of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. RNA-seq showed that ENO1 targets mitochondrion-related genes and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which were validated in vitro and in vivo. Mice treated with ENO1 inhibitor exhibited ameliorated pulmonary hypertension and improved right ventricular failure induced by hypoxia. A reversal effect was observed in mice exposed to hypoxia and inhaled adeno-associated virus overexpressing ENO1.

Conclusions:
These results indicate that hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is associated with an increased level of ENO1 and that targeting ENO1 might reduce experimental hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by improving endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction via PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway.
Bridging Uncompromising Borders: Ethnicity, Party Politics and Democracy in Africa
Authors: Fanso Verkijika G. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Since the 1960s when the majority of African countries acceded to independence, the continent is still without its own political formula that can reconcile and accommodate the claims of ethnic identity on the one hand, and party politics, democracy and patriotism on the other. This is because the majority of the continent is made up of a conglomeration of ethnic groups and cultural traditions that lay primary claim to the loyalty, sense of belonging and identity of their peoples. Africa needs a political model rooted in traditional reality that can check and curb rivalries among communities based on ethnic and party lines. The old traditions of governance can provide such a political formula for democratically choosing leaders and organizing governance that overrides the influence of ethnicity and political parties; a formula based on societal interests and concerns and promoted by non-governmental organizations, trade unions and professional associations.
Parental engagement in child sexual abuse prevention education in Hong Kong
Authors: Xu Wen , Cheung Monit 
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study examined three dimensions of parental engagement in Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) prevention education (knowledge, attitudes and practices) to determine whether increased knowledge and attitudes favouring CSA education led to increases in parental behaviours while controlling for multiple factors. Design: A random, digitally selected sample of 508 Hong Kong parents with at least one child in primary school answered a 47-question telephone survey designed by social workers and educators at a local community agency. Method: Parental knowledge and attitudes were measured by scales, scored from 5 to 25 each. Three variables measured parental practices: sex-related topics discussed with the referenced child, CSA-prevention learning methods and a weighted score of CSA-prevention discussions. Univariate tests and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyse the data. Results: A two-way MANCOVA indicated that attitudes were significantly associated with all the parental practices measured, while knowledge was correlated only with the covered sex-related topics. Parental gender and child gender revealed statistically significant differences in the results. Conclusion: To encourage parental engagement in CSA prevention, educators can empower parents to take on the roles of supporters, planners, implementers and collaborators to deliver sexual health education. Praxis-oriented topics such as ‘how to talk to children’ in a standardised CSA curriculum may improve parental participation and increase their motivation to become peer trainers.
How a Principal Investigator Supervises a Student Research Group: An Autoethnographic Longitudinal Examination
Authors: Burt Brian A. , Stone Blayne D. , Hemmings Yasja , Kleba Jon , Glasco-Boyd Dariana , Washington Brandon 
Published: March 2023

Background: Research groups are social locations where teaching and learning merge among students and a principal investigator (PI). When joining, some students are able to contribute to groundbreaking research that addresses complex problems, under the direction of their PI. However, there are accounts of students having a wide range of negative experiences, often at the hands of the PI. Despite the important roles that PIs play in the supervision of students, there is no standardized or required training for researchers holding these roles. As a result, some may replicate the practices they experienced—both positive and problematic. More knowledge is needed regarding group supervision for those in PI roles. Purpose: This autoethnographic longitudinal study explores students’ experiences with and perceptions of PI supervision. The findings from this study offer insights into the design of group practices for current PIs and emerging researchers interested in serving as group PIs. Research Design: To better understand the culture of our own research group, and thus students’ experiences with and perceptions of the PI’s role in supervision, this study included 23 student group members in 12 focus group interviews over four years. Basic qualitative analysis techniques were used to document, identify, and examine our group’s nuanced cultural practices and norms. Findings: Findings reveal balanced perspectives on four PI practices: (1) communicating clearly and validating group members works best in person; (2) providing transparency and reducing uncertainty is desired; (3) inclusive group composition is created through intentional recruitment practices; and (4) group size and member transitions need to be managed to maintain stability. Taken together, student group members believed these PI practices to be both beneficial and challenging to the group’s learning, cohesion, and productivity. The findings also show that group members’ desires and expectations may at times be in conflict. Conclusions: Being a PI offers a unique opportunity to develop new approaches that benefit a group’s research and the learning of all of its members. Learning from students’ experiences with and perceptions of their PI in this study, we hope that current and future group PIs will consider how they compose practices for their groups and support student members through research. Creating new approaches to group supervision may create healthier models for current and future researchers to implement in their own research practices.
Moral courage of master’s students of nursing during COVID-19
Authors: Huang Mingtao , Dong Wenhong , Zhao Qianqian , Mo Nan 
Published: March 2023

Background Moral courage is a recognized virtue. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the master’s students of nursing (MSNs) in China have shown tenacious moral courage. Objective This study elaborates on the moral courage of Chinese MSNs through their experiences of volunteering during the pandemic. Research Design Descriptive qualitative, interview-based. Participants and Research Context Participants were nursing postgraduate students who participated in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic selected by purposeful sampling. The sample size was determined by data saturation, which was reached with 10 participants. Data were analyzed using a deductive method of content analysis. Because of the isolation policy, telephone interviews were adopted. Ethical considerations After obtaining the approval of the ethical institution of the author’s school (No. 138, 30 August 2021), verbal consent was obtained before the interview with the participants. All data were processed anonymously and confidentially. In addition, we recruited participants through MSNs’ counselors, and obtained their phone numbers with their permission. Results Data analysis resulted in 15 subcategories that were subsequently grouped into 3 major categories including proceed without hesitation, the outcome of practicing moral courage, and develop and maintain moral courage. Conclusion This qualitative study is based on the special background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the MSNs in China have shown tenacious moral courage in the work of epidemic prevention and control. Five factors led them to take action without hesitation, and six possible outcomes followed. Lastly, this study provides some suggestions for nurses and nursing students to enhance their moral courage. To better develop and support moral courage in the future, it is necessary to use different methods and multidisciplinary approaches to study moral courage.
Cross-Sectional Study for Investigation of the Association Between Modifiable Risk Factors and Gastrointestinal Cancers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Boi-Dsane Naa Adzoa Adzeley , Amarh Vincent , Tsatsu Sandra Enyonam , Bachelle Sarah Vuunipuo , Bediako-Bowan Antoinette Afua Asiedua , Koney Nii Koney-kwaku , Dzudzor Bartholomew 
Published: March 2023

Background Malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract are among the principal threats to global public health. In Ghana, these cancers are responsible for a significant number of hospitalizations and mortalities at major health facilities across the country. The increasing incidence of these malignancies necessitates an investigation of the association between lifestyle (modifiable risk factors) and these disorders. Main Objective To determine the association between lifestyle and gastrointestinal cancers of patients attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Study Design This was a cross-sectional prospective study where demographic data were obtained from consenting patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer at the oncology and surgical clinics of the KBTH. Diagnostic investigations, gastrointestinal cancer phenotype, year of diagnosis and treatment(s) received were also obtained from the participants. Information on smoking status, alcohol consumption, sources of dietary proteins, daily intake of water, and frequency of fruit intake were also obtained from the participants. Odds ratio and P-values were determined to ascertain whether there might be a significant association between gastrointestinal cancers and specified lifestyle. Results Colorectal cancers were the most prevalent form of gastrointestinal cancers among the participants. Alcohol consumption or smoking habits were not significantly associated with onset of gastrointestinal cancers among the study participants. There was a significant association but weak correlation between red meat consumption and the colorectal cancer. Conclusion This study shows consumption of red meat to be a modifiable risk factor that is associated with lower gastrointestinal cancers in the study participants. Further longitudinal studies using large number of participants is needed for confirming the observations from this current study.
Improving palbociclib adherence among women with metastatic breast cancer using a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform: A pilot study
Authors: Sadigh Gelareh , Meisel Jane L , Byers Kristina , Robles Andrew , Serrano Leslie , Jung Olivia S , Coleman Debrua , Yeager Katherine A , Graetz Ilana 
Published: March 2023

Objective To pilot test a mobile health intervention using a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform that integrates a connected electronic adherence monitoring smartbox and an early warning system of non-adherence with bidirectional automated texting feature and provider alerts. Methods In total, 29 adult women with hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and a prescription for palbociclib were asked to complete a survey and participate in a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform intervention, including use of a smartbox for real-time adherence monitoring, which triggered text message reminders for any missed or extra dose, and referrals to (a) participant's oncology provider after three missed doses or an episode of over-adherence, or (b) a financial navigation program for any cost-related missed dose. Use of smartbox, number of referrals, palbociclib adherence, CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform usability measured by System Usability Scale, and changes in symptom burden and quality of life were assessed. Results Mean age was 57.6 and 69% were white. The smartbox was used by 72.4% of participants, with palbociclib adherence rate of 95.8%±7.6%. One participant was referred to oncology provider due to missed doses and one was referred to financial navigation. At baseline, 33.3% reported at least one adherence barrier including inconvenience to get prescription filled, forgetfulness, cost, and side effects. There were no changes in self-reported adherence, symptom burden or quality of life over 3 months. CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform usability score was 61.9 ± 14.2. Conclusion The CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform interventions is feasible, resulting in a high palbociclib adherence rate without any decline in overtime. Future efforts should focus on improving usability.
Videoconferencing interventions and COPD patient outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Bowman Meghan , Jalink Matthew , Sharpe Isobel , Srivastava Siddhartha , Wijeratne Don Thiwanka 
Published: March 2023

Introduction Videoconferencing circumvents various physical and financial barriers associated with in-person care. Given this technology's potential benefits and timely nature, we conducted a systematic review to understand how videoconferencing for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) follow-up care affects patient-related outcomes. Methods We included primary research evaluating the use of bidirectional videoconferencing for COPD patient follow-up. The outcomes of interest were resource utilization, mortality, lifestyle factors, patient satisfaction, barriers, and feasibility. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL databases for articles published from January 1, 2010, to August 2, 2021. Relevant information was extracted and presented descriptively and common themes and patterns were identified. The risk of bias for each study was assessed using design-specific validated tools. Results We included 39 studies of 18,194 patients (22 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 5 mixed methods). The included studies were grouped by type of intervention; 18 studies explored videoconferencing for exercise, 19 explored videoconferencing for clinical assessment/monitoring, and 2 examined videoconferencing for education. Generally, videoconferencing was associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. There were mixed results in terms of its effects on resource utilization and lifestyle-related factors. Additionally, 12 studies were at high risk of bias, indicating that these results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions The videoconferencing interventions resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction, despite facing technological issues. Overall, more research is needed to better understand the effects of videoconferencing interventions on resource utilization and other patient outcomes, quantifying their advantages over in-person care.
Obesity diagnoses in children and adolescents in Norway by immigrant background
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte K.R. , Shah Sara M.B. , Labberton Angela S. , Bergh Ingunn H. , Qureshi Samera , Surén Pål 
Published: March 2023

Aim: Relatively few obese children and adolescents receive specialist treatment. Our aim was to assess associations between risk of receiving an obesity diagnosis in secondary/tertiary health services by socio-economic position and immigrant background in order ultimately to improve equity in health services. Methods: The study population comprised Norwegian-born children aged 2–18 years between 2008 and 2018 ( N=1,414,623), identified via the Medical Birth Registry. Cox regressions were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) of an obesity diagnosis from secondary/tertiary health services (Norwegian Patient Registry) by parental education and household income and by immigrant background. Results: Higher parental education and household income were associated with a lower hazard of obesity diagnosis regardless of Norwegian versus immigrant background. Compared to having a Norwegian background, having a Latin American (HR=4.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.18–5.34), African (HR=1.54; 95% CI 1.34–1.76) and Asian (HR=1.60; 95% CI 1.48–1.74) background was associated with higher hazard of obesity diagnosis. Adjusted for parental education and household income, corresponding HRs were 3.28 (95% CI 2.95–3.65) for Latin America, 0.95 (95% CI 0.90–1.01) for Africa and 1.08 (95% CI 1.04–1.11) for Asia. Within Asia, those with a background from Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq and Iran had higher hazards than those with a Norwegian background, while those with a background from Vietnam had lower hazards, even after adjusting for parental education and household income. Conclusions: To ensure more equitable treatment, more knowledge is warranted about health-service access and referral patterns, and underlying population prevalence rates, for obese children and adolescents with different immigrant backgrounds.
Endovascular reconstruction of the inferior vena cava in a patient presenting with deep venous thrombosis with concomitant inferior vena cava hypoplasia and aneurysmal dilatation of the iliac veins
Authors: Barry Ian Patrick , Tosenovsky Patrik 
Published: March 2023

Introduction Congenital malformations of the inferior vena cava are rare and remain an under recognised cause of spontaneous deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The purpose of this case report is to highlight the rare occurrence of a concomitant iliac vein aneurysm and the feasibility of endovascular reconstruction in the presence of extensive iliocaval thrombus burden, especially in cases where other treatment modalities have been unsuccessful. Report This is the report of a 25-year-old male who presented with acute onset left lower limb pain/swelling secondary to extensive iliocaval DVT. This was due to multiple abnormalities of the venous system including hypoplasia of the IVC with aneurysmal dilatation of the iliac veins. He failed an initial management strategy of anticoagulation and thrombolysis but subsequently underwent endovascular reconstruction of the iliocaval system via venoplasty and stenting. Complete symptom resolution and venous patency, including resolution of venous aneurysmal disease, were maintained at twelve-month follow-up. Discussion Reduction of the iliac vein diameter so early after successful reconstruction suggests that the iliac venous aneurysm was secondary to significant venous hypertension, and that if the obstruction causing it is treated, the vein can return to a normal vessel diameter.