bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does fully closed‐loop automated insulin delivery improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Amer Basma Ehab , Yaqout Yasmeen Essam , Abozaid Ahmed Mohamed , Afifi Eslam , Aboelkhier Menna M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimsThis meta‐analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of fully closed‐loop automated insulin delivery (AID) in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe systemically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central from inception until April 26, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fully closed‐loop AID versus conventional insulin therapy. The outcomes were pooled as the mean difference (MD) and risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the random effect model. Our primary outcome was the proportion of time in the target glucose range (5.6‐10 mmol/L, 3.9‐10 mmol/L, or 3.9‐8 mmol/L, depending on the study). Key secondary outcomes included the proportion of time spent in hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia.ResultsWe included seven RCTs (three crossover and four parallel design), compromising 390 patients. Our analysis showed that compared to the control group, fully closed‐loop AID increased the proportion of time spent within the target glucose range by additional 337 min per 24 h (MD = 23.39%, 95% CI [16.64%, 30.14%], p < 0.01), additional 108 min overnight (MD = 22.40%, 95% CI [12.88%, 31.91%], p < 0.01), and additional 258 min during the daytime period (MD = 26.85%, 95% CI [21.06%, 32.63%], p < 0.01). Compared to the control group, the overall time in hyperglycaemia was shortened by 326 min per 24 h (MD = −22.67%, 95% CI [−30.87%, −14.46%], p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of overall, overnight, and daytime periods spent in hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis suggests that fully closed‐loop AID may improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly for those with more challenging diabetes management. Further research is required to establish the feasibility of implementing these systems in clinical practice. [Correction added on 26 August 2023 after first online publication: Under Results, the first sentence “We included seven RCTs (three crossover and one parallel designs)” has been changed to “We included seven RCTs (three crossover and four parallel designs)”.]
Sublethal impacts of different road salts on a freshwater macrophyte: Altered productivity, acclimation, and lag effects
Authors: Coldsnow Kayla D. , Mruzek Joseph L. , Stoler Aaron B. , Relyea Rick A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are being exposed to increasing salinisation, often because of pollution from road deicing salts, which is becoming more widely acknowledged. To address this issue, municipalities are turning towards the sodium salt alternatives of CaCl2 and MgCl2, which are marketed as being safer for the environment. However, research into the actual safety of these salts on aquatic plants is lacking.

We investigated the effects of the most common road salt (NaCl) and two alternatives (MgCl2 and CaCl2) on the productivity of a common freshwater plant (i.e., Elodea canadensis) under three salt concentrations (control, 250, and 1,000 mg Cl−/L). Light‐bottle/dark‐bottle trials were performed to quantify net primary productivity, respiration, and gross primary productivity. These responses were tracked over time (1 vs. 3 weeks) to assess plant acclimation and lag effects under different levels of the three salts.

We discovered that NaCl and CaCl2 altered these measures of plant metabolism, but MgCl2 had no effects. We also observed instances of acclimation (i.e. salt effects after 1 week that disappeared after 3 weeks) and lag effects (i.e. no salt effect after 1 week, but salt effects after 3 weeks). These impacts are likely to be the results of plant responses to salt at the cell and molecular levels, including short‐ and long‐term changes in photosynthetic pigments. Therefore, the plant responses were salt‐specific, with instances of plant acclimation and lag effects.

This appears to be the first study of net primary productivity, respiration, and gross primary productivity in freshwater plants across a range of different salts, and it highlights how freshwater salinisation can have substantial effects on plant productivity. These effects will probably have an impact on the growth of macrophytes, which play key ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems.
Low handgrip strength with or without asymmetry is associated with elevated all‐cause mortality risk in older Chinese males
Authors: Cai Duanfang , Zhang Hongli , Wang Yilin 
Published: August 2023

AimThis study aimed to examine the link between handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry and mortality risk among older Chinese adults.MethodsThese analyses were conducted using data from adults aged 60 years and older from the 2011–2013 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, using baseline participant data collected in 2011. Proxy‐reported information was used to assess the mortality outcomes of the participants over a 2‐year follow‐up. The highest recorded HGS values for each hand were used to compute the HGS asymmetry ratio (non‐dominant HGS/dominant HGS) and HGS weakness (Male<26 kg, Female<16 kg). Covariate‐adjusted Cox models were employed to gauge the relationship between abnormal HGS and mortality risk.ResultsOverall, 5083 adults were enrolled in this study, of whom 50.15% (2549/5083) were male. The proportions of low HGS alone, HGS asymmetry alone, and asymmetric and low HGS were 6.43%, 30.95%, and 9.22%, respectively, in males, and 4.81%, 35.87%, and 9.55%, respectively, in females. A total of 96 and 78 deaths were recorded for male (3.77%) and female (3.08%) participants, respectively, over the 2‐year follow‐up period. Significant differences in mortality were observed between the different HGS groups for both sexes. An adjusted Cox regression analysis model confirmed that only low HGS (P = 0.047, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.949, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.008–3.768) and low HGS with asymmetry (P = 0.007, HR = 2.152, 95% CI: 1.231–3.764) were significantly associated with mortality risk in older males.ConclusionsThe results revealed that low HGS with or without asymmetry was associated with a higher risk of death over a 2‐year follow‐up interval in older Chinese males. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 692–699.
Anthropology, Ontology, and the Possibility of Post‐Mortem Repentance
Authors: Monroe Ty Paul 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAbstract: This essay considers the question of conversion unto repentance, as an act of cognition and volition, by the separated soul in the post‐mortem state. It primarily explicates and interrogates Thomas Aquinas's various attempts to rule out this possibility for the damned. Since Thomas's arguments for such impossibility feature his commitment to the radical immateriality of the human soul—and, like it, the angelic spirit—the essay highlights the ontological and moral tensions within that account. The case is thus made for the ontological, logical, and moral inconsistencies of his position, in pursuit of a more holistic anthropology across the soul's various states and a more rationally and coherent eschatology—namely, an affirmation of the irreducible mutability of the created soul on its way towards likeness to God, perhaps, if not certainly, towards universal salvation.
Scientific and technological advancements in the utilisation of by‐products from babassu oil extraction: a bibliometric review
Authors: Ferreira Poliana Sander , Freitas Suely Pereira , Almeida Eveline Lopes 
Published: August 2023

SummaryBabassu is a tropical palm native in South and Central America that produces high‐quality oil from its fruit. The babassu oil extraction results in the production of babassu coconut by‐products (BCBs) – epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and almond cake. In this study, we utilised bibliometric analysis and literature review to understand and evaluate their potential for food applications. Our analysis revealed a total of 165 studies published between 1945 and 2022 in the Web of Science database. Notably, Brazil emerged as a prominent contributor to research in this field. The babassu epicarp and endocarp were identified as lignocellulosic materials. Although they are not directly consumable, they possess the potential to serve as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds. In contrast, the babassu mesocarp primarily consists of starch, while the babassu cake exhibits a high protein content. These ingredients play pivotal roles in bakery products and plant‐based formulations, respectively. Despite these findings, our investigation uncovered a knowledge gap regarding the assessment of these fractions in the context of food science and nutrition. By addressing this research gap, we aspire to contribute to the exploration and use of the full potential of BCBs, promoting their integration into the food sector.
Garlic (Allium sativum) peel extracts and their potential as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for food applications: influence of pretreatment and extraction solvent
Authors: Hernández‐Montesinos Itzel Yoali , Carreón‐Delgado David Fernando , Ocaranza‐Sánchez Erik , Ochoa‐Velasco Carlos Enrique , Suárez‐Jacobo Ángela , Ramírez‐López Carolina 
Published: August 2023

SummaryGarlic peel extracts (GPE) are known to have excellent physiological activity, but research on the pre‐processing of garlic peel (GP) to enhance their bioactivity is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two pretreatments applied to GP, such as fermentation withLactobacillus plantarumand heat processing (10 min roasting) and two extraction solvents (70% v/v ethanol and methanol), on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and antimicrobial activity (AA) of GPE. Results showed that GPE contained appreciable quantities of TPC (50.41 ± 0.19 mgGAE/g) and TFC (47.58 ± 1.69 mgGAE/g), but were further improved by both biological and thermal pretreatments along with their AC and AA against food‐spoilage strains (Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhimurium,Staphylococcus aureus, andListeria innocua). Ethanolic extract of 48 h‐fermented GP achieved the highest TPC (140.65 ± 0.47 mgGAE/g), TFC (68.8 ± 1.80 mgQE/g), TEAC‐DPPH (288.88 ± 6.98 μmolTE/g), TEAC‐ABTS (638.39 ± 5.35 μmolTE/g), and the lowest MIC (1.25 ± 0.0 mg/mL), showing that the increase in TPC was strong‐positive correlated to AC (Pearson'sr > 0.97) and to AA (Pearson'sr > 0.90). These findings revealed an innovative approach for the valorisation of garlic residues through a bioconversion process, which enhances their potential as a source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for possible food applications.
Identification of β‐casein phenotypes (A1/A2) in the milk of the Indian Jersey crossbreed bovine using the high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometer
Authors: Singh Manish Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Rai Dinesh Chandra , Aggarwal Ankur , Malik Mohit 
Published: August 2023

SummaryFoodomics is an emerging probing method of phenotype investigation of the different milk proteins and their subtypes. The polymorphic nature of the β‐casein (β‐Cn) protein has shown fourteen different protein variants to date in bovines. The analysis of the β‐Cn genetic polymorphism from the milk of the crossbred dairy animals is crucial for the quality assurance of the consumers from the various health concerns, especially those linked with the A1 phenotype which yields β‐casomorphin‐7 on in vivo digestion. Jersey‐crossed Indian cattle have been widely utilised in dairy because of their better milk production and survival performance trait. In this investigation, an SDS‐PAGE coupled with a high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approach has been applied to identify the presence of specific phenotype of the β‐Cn protein in the milk of the 24 Indian crossbred (Jersey crossed) animals. Amino acid sequential analysis has been done using different search modules, as MS Amanda and Sequest HT showed 17 cows are producing A2 β‐Cn (Pro~67) while only seven animals yielded the A1 variant (His~67). The maximum number of Indian Jersey‐crossed animals are lactating milk having A2 β‐Cn. The A2 milk from the crossbred animals is free from the negative impact on health caused by β‐casomorphin‐7 (BCM‐7) released during digestion of the A1 phenotype. Among the molecular biology techniques, top‐down proteomics has been an intriguing technique for the identification of protein genetic polymorphic products.
Factors predicting job performance of nurses: A descriptive predictive study
Authors: Aung Po Wai Wai , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Abhicharttibutra Kulwadee , Suthakorn Weeraporn 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimThis study investigated the job performance and predictability of job demands, job resources, personal resources, work engagement, job crafting, and the transformational leadership of nurse managers on this among nurses in Myanmar.BackgroundThe ongoing crisis of nursing shortages along with heavy workloads combines to form a major challenge in Myanmar and these affected the job performance of nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsUtilizing a stratified random sample of 474 nurses from tertiary‐level general hospitals in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, a descriptive predictive analysis was carried out. The Demographic Data Sheet, Job Performance Scale, Work Engagement Scale, Job Demands Scale, Job Resources Scale, Personal Resources Scale, Job Crafting Scale, and Global Transformational Leadership Scale were utilized to collect data.ResultsThe overall level of job performance was perceived to be high, considering various factors such as job demands, personal resources, work engagement, and job crafting were found as significant predictors of nurses’ job performance, explaining 63.30% of the total variance.DiscussionThese findings make a valuable contribution toward enhancing nurses’ job performance by addressing job demands, fostering work engagement, and nurturing their job‐crafting capabilities. Self‐reporting data collection may not have accurately represented the actual level of study variable.ConclusionThis study highlighted factors that significantly affect nurses’ job performance in general hospitals in Myanmar.Implications for nursing and health policyThe findings provide important evidence for nursing administrators and policymakers wishing to develop strategies to enhance the working environment and remain active in helping the performance of nurses.
Testing the effectiveness of a polymeric membrane dressing in modulating the inflammation of intact, non‐injured, mechanically irritated skin
Authors: Dabas Mai , Kreychman Ida , Katz Tomer , Gefen Amit 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe investigated the inflammatory (IL‐1 alpha) and thermal (infrared thermography) reactions of healthy sacral skin to sustained, irritating mechanical loading. We further acquired digital photographs of the irritated skin (at the visible light domain) to assess whether infrared imaging is advantageous. For clinical context, the skin status was monitored under a polymeric membrane dressing known to modulate the inflammatory skin response. The IL‐1 alpha and infrared thermography measurements were consistent in representing the skin status after 40 min of continuous irritation. Infrared thermography overpowered conventional digital photography as a contactless optical method for image processing inputs, by revealing skin irritation trends that were undetectable through digital photography in the visual light, not even with the aid of advanced image processing. The polymeric membrane dressings were shown to offer prophylactic benefits over simple polyurethane foam in the aspects of inflammation reduction and microclimate management. We also concluded that infrared thermography is a feasible method for monitoring the skin health status and the risk for pressure ulcers, as it avoids the complexity of biological marker studies and empowers visual skin assessments or digital photography of skin, both of which were shown to be insufficient for detecting the inflammatory skin status.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence in Australia has risen over 15 years in conjunction with increased prevalence of obesity and reduction in healthy lifestyle
Authors: Vaz Karl , Kemp William , Majeed Ammar , Lubel John , Magliano Dianna J , Glenister Kristen M , Bourke Lisa , Simmons David , Roberts Stuart K 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver condition globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence of NAFLD in regional Victoria over a 15‐year period and explore the underlying factors associated with differences over time.MethodsRepeated comparative cross‐sectional studies in four towns in regional Victoria, Australia. Individuals randomly selected from households from residential address lists from local government organizations in 2001–2003 (CrossRoads I [CR1]) and 2016–2018 (CrossRoads II [CR2]) with 1040 (99%) and 704 (94%) participants from CR1 and CR2 having complete data for analysis. Primary outcome was change in prevalence estimates of NAFLD (defined by a fatty liver index ≥ 60 in the absence of excess alcohol and viral hepatitis) between 2003 and 2018.ResultsCrude prevalence of NAFLD increased from 32.7% to 38.8% (P < 0.01), while age‐standardized/sex‐standardized prevalence increased from 32.4% to 35.4% (P < 0.01). Concurrently, prevalence of obesity defined by BMI and elevated waist circumference increased 28% and 25%, respectively. Women had a greater increase in the prevalence of NAFLD than men, in parallel with increasing prevalence of obesity. Proportion of participants consuming takeaway food greater than once weekly increased significantly over time. Up to 60% of NAFLD patients require additional tests for assessment of significant fibrosis.ConclusionsCrude and age‐standardized/sex‐standardized prevalence of NAFLD have both increased significantly over the last 15 years, particularly among women, in association with a parallel rise in the prevalence of obesity.
Perceptions of society regarding the concept of nurse: A metaphorical study
Authors: Işik Burçin , Kaya Hülya , Bodur Gönül 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionMetaphors are one of the most effective linguistic tools that are used to reveal how society describes nursing and what their vision of nursing is and to understand how effective the roles and responsibilities assumed by nurses in a multidisciplinary healthcare team are in protecting and maintaining the health of individuals, families, and society.AimThe aim of this study was to reveal the perceptions of society about “nurses” through metaphors.MethodsThe study was planned with a mixed design involving qualitative and quantitative research methods. It was carried out with 810 people living in Turkey who were between the ages of 15 and 65 and voluntarily participated in the study. Each participant was asked to fill in the blanks in the sentence, “A nurse is like a/an………………because…………” The data were analyzed by using qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative (chi‐squared) data analysis methods.ResultsIt was determined that the participants produced 194 metaphors related to the concept of a “nurse.” It was observed that they frequently used metaphors of “angel,” “parent,” “doctor's assistant/right hand,” “lifesaver,” and “confidant” regarding the concept of nurse and conceptualized a nurse as “Beneficial/Helpful/Healer/Facilitator.”Conclusions and Clinical relevanceThe results showed that the awareness and perception of society toward nurses should be improved on the basis of the opportunity created by the COVID‐19 pandemic period, and the concepts should be introduced to younger generations in a wider framework under the leadership of nursing faculties.
Finance and intelligence: An overview of the literature
Authors: Eber Nicolas , Roger Patrick , Roger Tristan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDo more intelligent investors take better economic decisions than less intelligent ones? Is risk attitude, in particular risk/loss aversion, linked to cognitive ability? Does an investor's cognitive ability impact his/her patience? Is financial performance positively linked to investor's intelligence? These research questions have become highly relevant with the development of behavioral economics and behavioral finance, following the recognition that humans are not homo economicus. This paper reviews the several strands of literature devoted to answering the above questions. We first discuss the barely debated definitions and measures of intelligence/cognitive ability used in psychology, economics, and finance. We then review the results related to the (controversial) link between risk aversion and cognitive ability. We observe that the literature provides clear results for patience; individuals with a higher level of cognitive ability being more patient on average. Finally, we review the contributions linking (successfully or not) portfolio choice and financial performance to cognitive ability.
Improvement of weanling pigs immune status and metabolic condition using ultraweak light
Authors: Lee Chang Beon , Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Ha Sang Hun , Mun Jun Young , Moturi Joseph N. , Tajudeen Habeeb , Park Mi Jung , Yang Jeong Su , Lee Sang Chul , Kim Jin Soo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWeaning stress is the most common issue in swine farms, which increases mortality and morbidity. The use of artificial light is an option for modifying the immune system and metabolic pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultraweak light (Photonia) on growth performance, immune system and metabolism of weanling pigs, and the carry‐over effect on the growth performance in postweanling growing stages. A total of 30 weaned pigs with an average initial body weight of 7.06 ± 0.11 kg (age: 21 days) were allotted two treatments (Control and Photonia) with 15 replicates. The pelleted form diets were prepared for pigs in three phases including phase 1 (Days 0–14), phase 2 (Days 15–28) and phase 3 (Days 29–48). The gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F) of pigs was significantly greater in the Photonia treatment. On Day 28, a higher concentration of immunoglobin A (IgA) (p < 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.01) was observed in the Photonia pigs. On Day 48, the Photonia treatment showed a greater serum IgA (p < 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.05). The concentration of interleukin (IL)‐6 was decreased (p < 0.05) in the Photonia treatment. At Day 48, the concentrations of tumour necrotic factor‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 in serum were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs in the Photonia treatment. Metabolic pathways analysis showed that the Photonia treatment increased the d‐glutamine, d‐glutamate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and phenylalanine compared with the control treatment. In conclusion, the use of Photonia for weanling pigs is recommended due to improved G:F, immune status and activation of amino acids metabolic pathways including d‐glutamine, d‐glutamate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and phenylalanine.