bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting gestational diabetes mellitus by first trimester HbA1c: a retrospective study in women with moderate to severe obesity
Authors: Balani Jyoti , Hyer Steve , Johnson Antoinette , Shehata Hassan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the utility of first trimester HbA1c in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in obese women with Grade II–III obesity. HbA1c was measured during the first trimester in 160 obese women. A 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed between 24–28 weeks gestation and GDM diagnosed by WHO criteria.The prevalence of GDM was 24%. An HbA1c of ≤28mmol/mol had 100% negative predictive value for GDM. An HbA1c of ≥33mmol/mol had a 69.2% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity for GDM. At higher HbA1c cut‐offs, the odds ratio (OR) for developing GDM increased; at a threshold of ≥39mmol/mol, the OR for GDM was 10.1 (95% CI 2.5–40.5).Women with a first trimester HbA1c of ≤28mmol/mol are at very low risk of developing GDM and may not require an OGTT at 28 weeks, while those with HbA1c ≥39mmol/mol may benefit from early glucose monitoring in pregnancy. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Health literacy, self‐management and glycaemic control in persons living with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nugent Tiffany Lori , Galea Anne Marie , Sammut Roberta 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Aims. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between health literacy and diabetes self‐management and control among adults living with type 2 diabetes.Methods. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 381 participants from diabetes clinics. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire and the Diabetes Self‐Management Questionnaire‐Revised were used to collect data. HbA1c levels provided a measure of blood glucose control. Multiple regression and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to identify the predictors of health literacy and its relationship with diabetes self‐management and HbA1c.Results. Nearly half (47%; n=179) the participants had inadequate health literacy; 40% (n=154) had sufficient health literacy. The most significant predictors of health literacy were educational level, household monthly net income and family history of diabetes. Medication taking was the strongest aspect of self‐management. Only 27% of participants had good glycaemic control; 26% had poor glycaemic control. Health literacy was significantly positively related to diabetes self‐management and negatively related to HbA1c levels.Conclusions. Health literacy is important in encouraging self‐management and maintaining good diabetes control. All health care professionals coming in contact with persons living with diabetes should assess health literacy to identify those at risk of experiencing challenges with self‐management and glycaemic control. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
The effect of menstrual hormonal fluctuations on the glycaemic control in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Milionis Charalampos , Ilias Ioannis , Venaki Evangelia , Koukkou Eftychia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Information on physiological processes that affect insulin action and glycaemia is of paramount importance in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus because optimal blood glucose control can prevent or decelerate microvascular complications. In insulin‐deficient premenopausal women, sensitivity to exogenous insulin seems to be lower during ovulation and in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase. This difference directly affects glucose management. The risk for hyperglycaemia is oftentimes higher in the second half of the catamenial cycle, while hypoglycaemic events may occur more often in the follicular phase. Ovarian steroids (oestradiol and progesterone) are probable modulating factors in insulin action. Rising oestradiol during midcycle and high progesterone in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle may contribute to insulin resistance. The underlying physiological mechanisms are largely unknown. It is possible that progesterone enhances gluconeogenesis in the liver and oestradiol binds to insulin and its receptor, thereby increasing resistance to insulin. These actions remain to be clarified. Additional factors related to the catamenial cycle may also facilitate variability in insulin sensitivity. The presence of glycaemic changes during the menstrual cycle is not consistent among premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes. The variability of blood glucose throughout the menstrual cycle should be considered when adjusting insulin dosage in susceptible subjects. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Managing diabetes and dementia, a challenging duo: a scoping review
Authors: Sharkey Florence , Coates Vivien 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This paper aims to describe experiences and challenges when managing diabetes along with dementia from the perspectives of those living with these conditions, their informal carers and health care professionals.The scoping review included studies published within the last 10 years (2012–2022) from EBSCO Research Databases: CINAHL, Health Business, Soc Index, ERIC, Medline, Information Science & Technology Abstracts and a review of reference lists. Three hundred and fifty‐six papers were identified of which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria that focused on the experiences of managing the comorbidities of diabetes and dementia.Six papers focused on the implications of those individuals diagnosed with both conditions, four on implications for their informal carers (unpaid), two included both the individuals and their informal carers. There was one study that reported experiences of health care professionals. Individuals faced extraordinary challenges managing both conditions to perform activities of self‐care such as taking medications, monitoring glucose levels, healthy eating, exercising and attending appointments. Informal carers reported that caring for both conditions was burdensome, sometimes overwhelming and they wanted more support from family and patients’ health care providers.This scoping review revealed that many individuals and their informal carers were struggling with the impact of these comorbid conditions. Challenges such as lack of information and support were evident but there were few examples of solutions to improve diabetes management in those with dementia. To provide holistic care we need to integrate knowledge and skills from the areas of diabetes, mental health and social care. There is very little information relating to the experiences of health care professionals who work with those living with these conditions. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Redesigning methionyl‐tRNA synthetase for β‐methionine activity with adaptive landscape flattening and experiments
Authors: Opuu Vaitea , Nigro Giuliano , Lazennec‐Schurdevin Christine , Mechulam Yves , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Simonson Thomas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAmino acids (AAs) with a noncanonical backbone would be a valuable tool for protein engineering, enabling new structural motifs and building blocks. To incorporate them into an expanded genetic code, the first, key step is to obtain an appropriate aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase. Currently, directed evolution is not available to optimize AAs with noncanonical backbones, since an appropriate selective pressure has not been discovered. Computational protein design (CPD) is an alternative. We used a new CPD method to redesign MetRS and increase its activity towards β‐Met, which has an extra backbone methylene. The new method considered a few active site positions for design and used a Monte Carlo exploration of the corresponding sequence space. During the exploration, a bias energy was adaptively learned, such that the free energy landscape of the apo enzyme was flattened. Enzyme variants could then be sampled, in the presence of the ligand and the bias energy, according to their β‐Met binding affinities. Eighteen predicted variants were chosen for experimental testing; 10 exhibited detectable activity for β‐Met adenylation. Top predicted hits were characterized experimentally in detail. Dissociation constants, catalytic rates, and Michaelis constants for both α‐Met and β‐Met were measured. The best mutant retained a preference for α‐Met over β‐Met; however, the preference was reduced, compared to the wildtype, by a factor of 29. For this mutant, high resolution crystal structures were obtained in complex with both α‐Met and β‐Met, indicating that the predicted, active conformation of β‐Met in the active site was retained.
Progress in radiotherapy for small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Fujun , Zhao Huan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSmall‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumor that is prone to spread extensively. Compared to non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), SCLC treatment progresses slowly. Although SCLC is highly sensitive to chemotherapy during the initial treatment, most patients still experience resistance and recurrence after receiving chemotherapy. A meta‐analysis demonstrated that thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) improves overall survival in SCLC. The results of the CALGB and CONVERT trials provide evidence for the efficacy of once‐daily high‐dose TRT. TRT at 60 Gy administered twice daily significantly improved survival without increasing toxicity. The long‐standing debate over the optimal timing of radiotherapy has not been fully resolved. SBRT has excellent local control rates and is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with stage I or II SCLC. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is used to reduce treatment‐related neurotoxicity to the extent that there has been a recent discussion on whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring can replace PCI. Radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy significantly improves the survival rate of patients with NSCLC; however, its clinical effectiveness has not been systematically explored in patients with SCLC. Therefore, we summarize the evolving therapeutic strategies, (TRT for limited stage‐SCLC and consolidative TRT for extensive stage‐SCLC) and improved radiotherapy techniques (role of SBRT in stage I or II node‐negative SCLC, progress of PCI, and stereotactic radiosurgery), and discuss the possibilities and prospects of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for SCLC.
Type‐I‐error rate inflation in mixed models for repeated measures caused by ambiguous or incomplete model specifications
Authors: Häckl Sebastian , Koch Armin , Lasch Florian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPre‐specification of the primary analysis model is a pre‐requisite to control the family‐wise type‐I‐error rate (T1E) at the intended level in confirmatory clinical trials. However, mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) have been shown to be poorly specified in study protocols. The magnitude of a resulting T1E rate inflation is still unknown. This investigation aims to quantify the magnitude of the T1E rate inflation depending on the type and number of unspecified model items as well as different trial characteristics. We simulated a randomized, double‐blind, parallel group, phase III clinical trial under the assumption that there is no treatment effect at any time point. The simulated data was analysed using different clusters, each including several MMRMs that are compatible with the imprecise pre‐specification of the MMRM. T1E rates for each cluster were estimated. A significant T1E rate inflation could be shown for ambiguous model specifications with a maximum T1E rate of 7.6% [7.1%; 8.1%]. The results show that the magnitude of the T1E rate inflation depends on the type and number of unspecified model items as well as the sample size and allocation ratio. The imprecise specification of nuisance parameters may not lead to a significant T1E rate inflation. However, the results of this simulation study rather underestimate the true T1E rate inflation. In conclusion, imprecise MMRM specifications may lead to a substantial inflation of the T1E rate and can damage the ability to generate confirmatory evidence in pivotal clinical trials.
Dynamic output feedback model predictive control for asynchronous Markovian jump systems under try‐once‐discard protocol
Authors: Niu Yin , Song Yan , Zhang Bin , Ma Jiangtao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the dynamic output feedback robust model predictive control (RMPC) problem for a class of discrete‐time asynchronous Markovian jump systems (MJSs) subject to polytopic parameter uncertainties and hard constraints on states and inputs. A hidden Markov model is employed to describe the asynchronous phenomenon between the detected modes and the system modes. For the purpose of improving the network utilization as well as reducing the transmission burden and avoiding data collisions, the try‐once‐discard (TOD) protocol is deployed in the shared communication network between sensor nodes and the controller node. Considering the difficulty of obtaining the system state in the practice, the dynamic output‐feedback control in the framework of RMPC is adopted, and the worst‐case optimization problem over the infinite moving horizon is formulated for the performance analysis and control synthesis. By means of the Lyapunov‐like function approach, free weighting matrices and inequality techniques such as the ‐procedure are introduced to deal with the non‐convexity caused by couplings between decisive variables and the negative influence resulting from the data orchestration is mitigated. Based on the delicate establishments, a certain upper bound of the objective function is employed to construct an auxiliary optimization problem with solvability to find the desired controllers, and sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the MJSs under the proposed RMPC‐based controllers are mean‐square stable. Finally, an illustrative example is used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods.
Multi‐Pleated Alkalized Ti3C2Tx MXene‐Based Sandwich‐Like Structure Composite Nanofibers for High‐Performance Sodium/Lithium Storage
Authors: Shi Chu , Long Zhiwen , Wu Caiqin , Dai Han , Li Zhengchun , Qiao Hui , Liu Ke , Fan Qi Hua , Wang Keliang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe volume expansion of CoFe2O4 anode poses a significant challenge in the commercial application of lithium/sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). However, metal–organic‐frameworks (MOF) offer superior construction of heterostructures with refined interfacial interactions and lower ion diffusion barriers in Li/Na storage. In this study, the CoFe2O4@carbon nanofibers derived from MOF are produced through electrospinning, in situ growth followed by calcination, which are then confined within an MXene‐confined MOF‐derived porous CoFe2O4@carbon composite architecture under alkali treatment. The CoFe2O4 nanofibers anchor on the alkalized MXene that is decorated with the NaOH solution to form a multi‐pleated structure. The sandwich‐like structure of the composite effectively alleviates the volume expansion and shortens the Li/Na‐ion diffusion path, which displays high capacity and outstanding rate performance as anode materials for LIBs/SIBs. As a consequence, the obtained CoFe2O4@carbon@alkalized MXene composite anode shows satisfied rate performance at current density of 10 A g−1 for LIBs (318 mAh·g−1) and 5 A g−1 for SIBs (149 mAh g−1). The excellent cycling performance is further demonstrated at a high current density, where it maintains a discharge capacity of 807 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 400 cycles for LIBs and 130 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 even after 1000 cycles for SIBs.
The siphonotretide brachiopod Schizambon from the Early Ordovician of South China: ontogeny and affinity
Authors: Jahangir Hadi , Zhang Zhiliang , Popov Leonid E. , Holmer Lars E. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Zhan Renbin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSchizambon is one of the earliest and most distinctive genera in the Order Siphonotretida. However, current knowledge of siphonotretide phylogeny and early evolution requires understanding of their earliest ontogeny. In this study, the new species Schizambon tongziensis from the Tungtzu Formation at Honghuayuan section in Guizhou Province, South China is described; it is also the first record of Schizambon in South China. The new well‐preserved specimens shed light on the ontogeny, palaeobiogeographical distribution, phylogeny and early evolution of siphonotretide brachiopods. Characters of metamorphic shells on both valves, outlined by distinct halos, show that Schizambon had a planktotrophic ‘paterinide‐type’ larva, typical of many early Palaeozoic brachiopods. Based on the newly obtained data it is inferred that the free‐swimming larva of Schizambon settled directly on the ventral side of the body, and this type of ontogeny is probably true for other siphonotretides. The divergence of Schizambon from the main siphonotretide lineage probably happened prior to the Guzhangian Age, well before the occurrence of major biodiversification within the order.
The implementation of English across the curriculum: An exploratory study of how South African educators teach writing in History lessons
Authors: Mpofu Nhlanhla 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn 2013, as a strategy to enhance academic performance, the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) published several English Across the Curriculum (EAC) manuals to guide in‐service teachers who did not have prior knowledge of how to integrate the teaching of content subjects with language learning. The DBE introduced the EAC strategy as a mandatory tool for strengthening the use of English as a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) to address language as a barrier factor to academic success both in primary and high schools. However, in 2017, the DBE published a report showing that most content teachers were not using the EAC strategy. In view of the alarmingly poor academic performance in mostly public schools, the question in many people's minds has always been whether content teachers are using the EAC strategy. To understand this phenomenon, I conducted a qualitative study focused on four purposively selected Grade 8 Social Science educators teaching History (Grade 8 is an entry level to South African secondary schools). I collected data using non‐participant classroom observations and semi‐structured interviews, while inductive thematic analysis was used as an approach to analyse the data. The findings indicate that to teach writing in History, the participants used strategy‐focused instruction which includes vocabulary development and clustering activities as well as writing frames that encompass sentences and paragraphs. Importantly, the research adds to our knowledge of teaching of English to speakers of other languages in multilingual contexts when mandated by governments to change without appropriate support. The study highlights how this situation leads to deeper reflection where educators must encounter professional conflict and dilemmas to bring coherence to their teaching knowledge and experience.
Evidential role of municipal solid waste and liquid effluent on environment and public health
Authors: Ali Md. Rayhan , Mahmud Shahin , Islam Md. Tarikul , Nur‐E‐Alam Md. , Molla Md. Tarek , Mohiuddin Ramisa Binti , Talukder Kaisar Ali , Napis Suhaimi , Chowdhury Kamal , Mohiuddin A. K. M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCities in Bangladesh produce large amounts of solid waste (SW) through various human activities which severely pollutes our native environment. As a result, SW pollutes the three basic environmental elements (air, water, and soil) by increasing pathogenic microbial load, which might be hazardous to public health directly or indirectly. In this study, we conducted 30 samples (i.e., soil, water, and air) collected from areas where municipal solid wastes are dumped (Tangail Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh). All the samples were analyzed to assess bacteriological quality for presumptive viable and coliform count using different agar media. We performed serial dilution 10−3–10−10 times for soil and water samples, and the diluted samples were spread on Mac‐Conkey agar and nutrient agar plates. For the air sample, the sterile media containing petri‐dish was placed adjacent to the dumpsite of the municipal waste and kept for an hour. Then all the samples were incubated at 37°C overnight for total viable count (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC). Biochemical tests and PCR were performed for the identification of these microorganisms. The antibiogram study was performed to reveal their (identified bacteria) susceptibility against clinically used antibiotics according to the standard disk diffusion technique. The highest bacterial loads were found in the air: TVC 3.273 × 103 and TCC 1.059 × 103 CFU/plate; tube‐well water: TVC 8.609 × 103, and TCC 8.317 × 103 CFU/mL; in surface water: TVC 6.24 × 1013 CFU/mL and TCC 2.2 × 1012 CFU/mL; in soil: TVC 2.88 × 1011 and TCC 1.02 × 1011 CFU/g, respectively. Microbes from SW can be transmitted through air, dust particles, or flies, and here we found an average of 1120 microbes spread over 63.61 cm2 area per hour. Eight bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., E. coli, Proteus spp., V. cholera, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Vibrio spp.) were identified by the biochemical test. Among them, E. coli and Shigella spp. were further ensured by PCR targeting bfpA and ipaH genes. Antibiotic susceptibility test results showed that E. coli isolates were highly resistant to erythromycin (80%); Shigella spp. were resistant to nalidixic acid (90%), whereas Salmonella spp. was found resistant to kanamycin (90%). Vibrio spp. were also resistant to azithromycin (80%) and erythromycin (80%), which should be a great concern for us. A semi‐structured survey revealed that 63% of respondents suffered from different clinical conditions (intestinal diseases) due to SW pollution. So, steps should be taken to improve the proper management and disposal of solid waste and liquid effluent to save our environment and public health.
Cross‐sectional evaluation of a large‐scale antimicrobial stewardship trial in Australian companion animal practices
Authors: Richards Suzanna , Bailey Kirsten E. , Scarborough Ri , Gilkerson James R. , Browning Glenn F. , Hur Brian , Ierardo Jessica , Awad Magdoline , Chay Rachel , Hardefeldt Laura Y. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) are critically important for improving the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary practice.MethodsOne of three ASPs was implemented in 135 Australian general veterinary practices in 2018–2020. The ASP interventions and the perceived impact they had on antimicrobial prescribing were assessed by the veterinarians working in these veterinary practices. An online survey was distributed to all 520 veterinarians working in the trial practices and 267 responses were analysed.ResultsMost veterinarians (174/267, 65%) thought they had an ASP at their clinic and most respondents who said that they were aware that they had an ASP at their clinic indicated that they had changed the way they prescribed antimicrobials because of the trial (125/170, 74%). Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, the traffic light system for indicating antimicrobial importance, delayed prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship champions were reported to have had the biggest impact.LimitationsAll practices in the trial belong to a single corporate group, which may impact the external validity of these results when applied to general small animal practice.ConclusionAntimicrobial stewardship has a positive impact on antimicrobial prescribing in veterinary medicine and future interventions should focus on the implementation of the effective interventions identified in this study.