bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nordic Walking in Water on Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: PLOYDANG TAWATCHAI , KHOVIDHUNKIT WEERAPAN , TANAKA HIROFUMI , SUKSOM DAROONWAN 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Aquatic Nordic walking (ANW) is a novel whole-body low-impact exercise that can be practiced by a variety of older adults with chronic conditions. However, its efficacy on several aspects of health is largely unknown.

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effects of regular ANW on glycemic control and vascular function in older adults with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment.

Methods
Thirty-three older adults with type 2 diabetes age 60–75 yr were randomly allocated to nonexercising control (n = 17) or ANW (n = 17) groups. Nordic walking was performed in a pool at water temperature of 34°C–36°C, three times per week for 12 wk.

Results
Measures of functional physical fitness including chair stand, timed up and go, chair sit and reach, reach and back scratch, and 6-min walk test scores were all improved after ANW (all P < 0.05). Plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased (all P < 0.05) in ANW. Vascular reactivity as assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation increased, and arterial stiffness as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased in ANW (all P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index decreased with ANW under normocapnia condition (P < 0.05). Cerebrovascular conductance increased with ANW under hypercapnia condition. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score increased in the ANW group (P < 0.001). Changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were positively associated with corresponding changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (r = 0.540, P = 0.031).

Conclusions
Nordic walking in water was a safe and effective innovative exercise modality to improve glycemic control, vascular function, physical fitness, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Using responsive feedback from routine monitoring data to guide course corrections for a family planning intervention in Nigeria
Authors: Meekers Dominique , Olutola Olaniyi , Abu Turk Lynn 
Published: May 2023

Background: This paper aims to promote the use of interrupted time series analyses of routine data as a responsive feedback tool to improve public health programs on an ongoing basis. This methodology is demonstrated by measuring the effect of a radio campaign to promote a family planning call center in Nigeria on the demand for family planning information and explains how the results were used to adapt the program. Methods: We used a single group interrupted time series design (ITS) as a responsive feedback mechanism to determine whether the radio campaign influenced use of the Honey&Banana call center. ITS is ideal when a control group is not available and assumes that an interruption of the trend in the outcome measure occurs after the intervention starts. ITS uses the pre-intervention trend to predict what would have happened if the intervention were absent. Results: After conducting ITS analyses, the results show that the number of calls requesting family planning information increased throughout the campaign period, with a gain of about 500 additional calls per month, and then decreased after the campaign ended. However, the number of calls gained from the campaign was substantially lower than anticipated. Conclusions: While end-of-project impact evaluations are necessary, there should be regular feedback system to provide program implementers with information about the status of the project, such as failures, successes, and areas of improvements. This would allow implementers to make necessary adjustments as needed throughout the intervention period. The finding that the radio campaign was not living up to expectations helped program implementers to end the campaign prematurely and re-allocate resources to a more promising activity. Our research shows that basic ITS analysis of routine data can be a useful tool for receiving regular feedback to guide programming improvements.
Amnesty, Amnesia, and Remembrance: Self-Reflections on a 23-Year-Old Justification
Authors: Klug Heinz 
Published: May 2023

Reflecting on an essay originally written in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process, this chapter begins with the text of that original 1998 essay, marked as “justification”, which is then followed by a present-day reflection on that justification. The goal is to explore and understand the author’s ambivalence towards the TRC and why for them, “sorry” as a speech act is inadequate. The chapter argues that apology must be tied to accountability, even if that is limited to truth telling and acknowledgement. Sorry, from this perspective, would be so much more meaningful if matched with deeds that make reparations, even if small, for the harm done.
Protocol for a scoping review study on the prevalence and public health consequences of non-medical use (NMU) of tramadol in Africa
Authors: Sabi Boun Saidou , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Yaya Sanni 
Published: May 2023

Background
Tramadol is one of the most prescribed painkillers in the world. It is a synthetic opioid that is an excellent alternative to morphine and its derivatives in African countries. It is an essential drug due to its low cost and constant availability. However, the health consequences of tramadol use due to illicit trafficking, like those caused by fentanyl and methadone in North America, are poorly documented. This scoping review aims to understand the nature and extent of the use and health consequences of the Non-Medical Use (NMU) of tramadol in Africa to guide future research.

Methods
Due to the perceived lack of African literature on the subject, our search strategy is based on the simultaneous use of the keywords "tramadol" and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), such as "Drug abuse," "illicit drugs," or "Prescription Drug Misuse," combined with the term "Africa" and Boolean operators (and, or not) to form our search equations. Two researchers will independently select studies from literature searched in several databases such as Medline, Embase, the Scopus database, Web of Science, the African Journals online database, and for grey literature Google Scholar without any time restriction. All research, in various formats, conducted in Africa, will be included in our study on the prevalence of use in different African population groups or on evidence of addiction, intoxication, seizures and mortality related to NMU of tramadol.

Results
Through this study, we aim to map consumers and identify risk factors, health consequences, and prevalence of the NMU of tramadol in African countries.

Discussion
We are conducting the first scoping review study to investigate the prevalence and consequences of NMU of tramadol in Africa. Upon completion, our findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences and workshops. However, since health is not limited to the lack of disease, our study is likely incomplete without incorporating the studies of the social impact of NMU of tramadol.

Systematic review registration
Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/ykt25/.
Comparison of the safety between propylthiouracil and methimazole with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yue , Li Qianqian , Xu Yang , Chen Yixin , Men Yanyan 
Published: May 2023

Objective
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety of the anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs) propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI) in the treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.

Method
From inception until June 2, 2022, all available studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, Embase, Scopus, and CNKI.

Result
Thirteen articles satisfying the inclusion criteria were examined. Our meta-analysis indicated that pregnant women treated with MMI had a higher risk of congenital anomalies than those treated with PTU (OR 0.80, 95%CI 0.69–0.92, P = 0.002, I2 = 41.9%). Shifting between MMI and PTU during pregnancy did not reduce the risk of birth defects compared to PTU alone (OR 1.18, CI 1.00 to 1.40, P = 0.061, I2 = 0.0%). There were no statistically significant differences in hepatotoxicity (OR 1.54, 95%CI 0.77–3.09, P = 0.221, I2 = 0.0%) or miscarriage (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.72–1.11, P = 0.310, I2 = 0.0%) between PTU and MMI exposure.

Conclusion
The study confirmed propylthiouracil is a safer alternative to methimazole for treating hyperthyroidism in pregnant women, and it is appropriate to treat maternal thyroid disease with PTU during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, it is not clear whether switching between propylthiouracil and methimazole is a better option than treating PTU alone during pregnancy. Further studies on this matter may be needed to develop new evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of pregnant women with hyperthyroidism.
Last Stand of the Louisiana Shrimpers
Authors: Lirette Emma Christopher 
Published: May 2023

In recent years, shrimpers on the Louisiana coast have faced a historically dire shrimp season, with the price of shrimp barely high enough to justify trawling. Yet, many of them wouldn’t consider leaving shrimping behind, despite having transferrable skills that could land them jobs in the oil and gas industry. Since 2001, shrimpers have faced increasing challenges to their trade: an influx of shrimp from southeast Asia, several traumatic hurricane seasons, and the largest oil spill at sea in American history.
In Last Stand of the Louisiana Shrimpers, author Emma Christopher Lirette traces how Louisiana Gulf Coast shrimpers negotiate land and blood, sea and freedom, and economic security and networks of control. This book explores what ties shrimpers to their boats and nets. Despite feeling trapped by finances and circumstances, they have created a world in which they have agency.
Lirette provides a richly textured view of the shrimpers of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, calling upon ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, interdisciplinary scholarship, and critical theory. With evocative, lyrical prose, she argues that in persisting to trawl in places that increasingly restrict their way of life, shrimpers build fragile, quietly defiant worlds, adapting to a constantly changing environment. In these flickering worlds, shrimpers reimagine what it means to work and what it means to make a living.
Flickers of Black and White
Authors: Jeffries Dru 
Published: May 2023

This chapter analyzes and compares the diegetic and symbolic roles of cinema as a motif across both HBO’s Watchmen and DC’s Doomsday Clock. HBO’s Watchmen inserts cinema into the origins of the superhero genre; instead of dating the emergence of the American superhero to Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1 (1938), it stretches further back to silent films, both real and fictional. As such, the series identifies a historical association between the superhero genre and white supremacy, the downstream effects of which are still felt in superhero cinema today. As a contrast, Doomsday Clock draws an association between superheroes and the postwar film noir cycle. The postwar crisis of white American masculinity associated with noir results in a radically different articulation of racial politics compared to HBO’s Watchmen, and one that effectively reproduces the very issues of representation critiqued in the latter.
Trust in the Journey
Authors: Peterson Mark C. E. , Yogerst Chris 
Published: May 2023

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey will help to analyze the series narrative by testing the mythological arc found in Angela Abar/Sister Night (Regina King) and her family’s history in law enforcement/crime fighting. Watchmen provides a separation (from her family and their struggle), initiation (through law enforcement), and return (to her grandfather’s struggle by leaving law enforcement and turning to a “mask”) found in Campbell’s examination of world mythologies. In addition, tests (7th cavalry attack, her mentor’s death), allies (Agent Blake, Wade/Looking Glass), and enemies (Senator Wolk/cyclops, Lady Trieu, and memory/nostalgia) track with Campbell’s journey while making some important deviations, which include the failure of heroism. This essay will show how Watchmen, like many other superhero narratives, serves as contemporary and relevant American mythology.
“This Extraordinary Being”
Authors: Monk-Payton Brandy 
Published: May 2023

Chapter 13, “‘This Extraordinary Being’: Alternative Archives of Black Life in HBO’s Watchmen,” examines the limited series and argues that it brings into view an alternative archive of African American life. Watchmen creates such an archive through an emphasis on fabulation that attempts to compensate, in both televisual form and content, for loss associated with anti-Black trauma. The chapter examines the logics of reparations at play through the show’s narrative and stylistic engagement with race, history, and memory. It also emphasizes how the limited series is distinct from the comic and film in the attention paid to representations of blackness and black womanhood.
Markhamia lutea leaves aqueous and ethanolic extract with curative anti-inflammatory activity attenuates paclitaxel toxicity in rat’s intestine
Authors: Ngoufack Azanze Elvira , Mbiantcha Marius , Madjo Kouam Yacine Karelle , Yousseu Nana Willaim , Fagni Njoya Zenab Linda , Adjouzem Carine Flore , Matah Marthe Vanessa Mba , Ateufack Gilbert 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives

Markhamia lutea (M. lutea, Bignoniaceae) is mainly found in tropical/neotropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. The plant’s leaves, stems or roots are used to treat anaemia, bloody diarrhoea, parasitic and microbial infections. This study evaluates anti-inflammatory properties (in vitro) of Markhamia lutea and their curative effects on paclitaxel-induced intestinal toxicity (in vivo).

Methods
The anti-inflammatory potential of Markhamia lutea was tested over cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes (cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase). While in vivo, intestinal toxicity was induced for 10 days by oral administration of paclitaxel (3 mg/kg, 0.05 mL). Animals in each group were further treated with aqueous (300 mg/kg) and ethanolic (300 mg/kg) leaves extracts of Markhamia lutea during 7 days and clinical symptoms were recorded, hematological, biochemical and histological analysis were subsequently performed.

Results

In vitro, aqueous (250 μg/mL) and ethanolic (250 μg/mL) extracts of Markhamia lutea inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 1 (56.67 % and 69.38 %), cyclooxygenase 2 (50.67 % and 62.81 %) and 5-lipoxygenase (77.33 % and 86.00 %). These extracts inhibited the production of intracellular ROS, extracellular ROS and cell proliferation with maximum IC50 of 30.83 μg/mL, 38.67 μg/mL and 19.05 μg/mL respectively for the aqueous extract, then 25.46 μg/mL, 27.64 μg/mL and 7.34 μg/mL respectively for the ethanolic extract. The extracts also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) and stimulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). In vivo, after administration of paclitaxel, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea significantly reduced the weight loss, the diarrheal stools and the mass/length intestines ratio of the treated animals compared to the animals of the negative control group. Biochemically, the extracts lead to a significant drop in serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels, followed by a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase. In addition to bringing the haematological parameters back to normal values after disturbance by paclitaxel, the extracts caused tissue regeneration in the treated animals.

Conclusions

In vitro, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea showed anti-inflammatory properties (inhibition of COX1, COX2, 5-LOX activities, inhibition of ROS production and cell proliferation); in vivo, the same extracts showed curative properties against intestinal toxicity caused by paclitaxel.
A call for public funding of invasive and non-invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Maya Idit , Sukenik-Halevy Rivka , Basel-Salmon Lina , Sagi-Dain Lena 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
For decades, prenatal screening and genetic testing strategies were limited, requiring less complex decisions. Recently, however, several new advanced technologies were introduced, including chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), bringing about the need to choose the most appropriate testing for each pregnancy. A worrisome issue is that opposed to the wide implementation and debates over public funding of NIPS, currently invasive testing is still recommended only in selected pregnancies with increased risk for chromosomal aberrations (according to screening tests or sonographic anomalies). This current decision-making regarding public funding for invasive and screening testing might compromise informed consent and patient’s autonomy. In this manuscript, we compare several characteristics of CMA vs. NIPS, namely: the accuracy and the diagnostic scope, the risks for miscarriage and for clinically uncertain findings, the timing for testing, and pretest counselling. We argue that it must be recognized that one size might not fit all, and suggest that both options should be presented to all couples through early genetic counseling, with public funding for the specific selected test.
Replicating physical motion with Minkowskian isorefractive spacetime crystals
Authors: Prudêncio Filipa R. , Silveirinha Mário G. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Here, we show that isorefractive spacetime crystals with a travelling-wave modulation may mimic rigorously the response of moving material systems. Unlike generic spacetime crystals, which are characterized by a bi-anisotropic coupling in the co-moving frame, isorefractive crystals exhibit an observer-independent response, resulting in isotropic constitutive relations devoid of any bianisotropy. We show how to take advantage of this property in the calculation of the band diagrams of isorefractive spacetime crystals in the laboratory frame and in the study of the synthetic Fresnel drag. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of considering either a Galilean or a Lorentz transformation in the homogenization of spacetime crystals, showing that the effective response is independent of the considered transformation.
Structural properties of alumina surfaces and their roles in the synthesis of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs)
Authors: Altarawneh Mohammednoor , Assaf Niveen W. , Hussain Hamed M. , Dlugogorski Bogdan Z. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Alumina oxides have been widely utilised as independent catalysts or as support materials for other catalysts. From an environmental perspective, alumina nanoclusters dispersed on surfaces of particulate matter PM12, generated from various combustion processes, play a critical role in the synthesis of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). Of particular importance are phenoxy-type EPFRs that often act as building blocks for the formation of notorious pollutants. Herein, we present a systematic review of the literature pertinent to structural features of alumina surfaces at the nano-scale and their well-established role in the synthesis of EPFRs. Central to the capacity of alumina surfaces in mediating the formation of EPFRs are their active Lewis acid–base sites. The nature of these sites is very sensitive to hydration scenarios. As evident in electroparamagnetic resonance measurements, more than one category of EPFR forms on alumina surfaces. This generally entails the co-existence of various surface terminations, varying degrees of hydrations, and distinct underlying reaction pathways. The mechanisms for the formation of EPFRs over alumina surfaces involve interactions with terminal OH groups followed by creating genuine chemical bonds with Al3+ sites. Higher concentrations of EPFRs were often detected on alumina surfaces, in reference to other transition metal oxides. We envisage that future studies may focus on the generation of EPFRs from potential precursors other than phenols and catechol, such as brominated species and substituted thiophenols.
TDAG51 promotes transcription factor FoxO1 activity during LPS‐induced inflammatory responses
Authors: Park Eui‐Soon , Jeon Hyoeun , Lee Nari , Yu Jiyeon , Park Hye‐Won , Satoh Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Furuyama Tatsuo , Lee Chul‐Ho , Choi Jong‐Soon , Rho Jaerang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTight regulation of Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐mediated inflammatory responses is important for innate immunity. Here, we show that T‐cell death‐associated gene 51 (TDAG51/PHLDA1) is a novel regulator of the transcription factor FoxO1, regulating inflammatory mediator production in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory response. TDAG51 induction by LPS stimulation was mediated by the TLR2/4 signaling pathway in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs). LPS‐induced inflammatory mediator production was significantly decreased in TDAG51‐deficient BMMs. In TDAG51‐deficient mice, LPS‐ or pathogenic Escherichia coli infection‐induced lethal shock was reduced by decreasing serum proinflammatory cytokine levels. The recruitment of 14‐3‐3ζ to FoxO1 was competitively inhibited by the TDAG51‐FoxO1 interaction, leading to blockade of FoxO1 cytoplasmic translocation and thereby strengthening FoxO1 nuclear accumulation. TDAG51/FoxO1 double‐deficient BMMs showed significantly reduced inflammatory mediator production compared with TDAG51‐ or FoxO1‐deficient BMMs. TDAG51/FoxO1 double deficiency protected mice against LPS‐ or pathogenic E. coli infection‐induced lethal shock by weakening the systemic inflammatory response. Thus, these results indicate that TDAG51 acts as a regulator of the transcription factor FoxO1, leading to strengthened FoxO1 activity in the LPS‐induced inflammatory response.
An 11-Year Review of Lactobacillus Bacteremia at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Hefter Yosefa , Powell Lauren , Tabulov Christine E. , Sadler Eleanor D. , Campos Joseph , Hanisch Benjamin 
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES
To inform clinical decisions on the use of probiotics in a pediatric inpatient setting, we sought to determine the number of cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia as well as associated patient characteristics in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital over an 11-year period.

METHODS
Cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia among admitted patients were identified through positive blood culture reports. The clinical chart for each case was reviewed for presenting symptoms and risk factors such as probiotic use, presence of a central venous catheter, immunocompromised state, impaired intestinal function, and age below 3 months. Concurrent total inpatient probiotic administration was assessed.

RESULTS
Over an 11-year period, 8 cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia were identified among 127 845 hospital admissions. All cases were associated with systemic signs of infection. Lactobacillus bacteremia patients most frequently had underlying impaired intestinal function and a central venous catheter. Three cases had a history of probiotic use. The peak number of annual cases did not coincide with the peak number of inpatients who received probiotics.

CONCLUSIONS
Lactobacillus bacteremia is uncommon and did not correlate with doses of probiotics-administered in the hospital. However, certain populations may be at higher risk and require extra consideration in clinical decision-making regarding use of probiotics.