bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Balance beam crossing times are slower after noise exposure in rats
Authors: Bartikofsky Dylan , Hertz Mikayla Jade , Bauer David S. , Altschuler Richard , King W. Michael , Stewart Courtney Elaine 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe vestibular system integrates signals related to vision, head position, gravity, motion, and body position to provide stability during motion through the environment. Disruption in any of these systems can reduce agility and lead to changes in ability to safely navigate one’s environment. Causes of vestibular decline are diverse; however, excessive noise exposure can lead to otolith organ dysfunction. Specifically, 120 decibel (dB) sound pressure level (SPL) 1.5 kHz-centered 3-octave band noise (1.5 kHz 3OBN) causes peripheral vestibular dysfunction in rats, measured by vestibular short-latency evoked potential (VsEP) and reduced calretinin-immunolabeling of calyx-only afferent terminals in the striolar region of the saccule. The present study examined the functional impact of this noise exposure condition, examining changes in motor performance after noise exposure with a balance beam crossing task.MethodsBalance beam crossing time in rats was assessed for 19 weeks before and 5 weeks after noise exposure. Balance beam crossings were scored to assess proficiency in the task. When animals were proficient, they received a single exposure to 120 dB SPL 3-octave band noise.ResultsDuring the initial training phase slower crossing times and higher scores, including multiple failures were observed. This was followed by a period of significant improvement leading to proficiency, characterized by fast and stable crossing times and consistently low scores. After noise exposure, crossing times were significantly elevated from baseline for 4-weeks. A total of 5 weeks after noise exposure, crossing times improved, and though still trending higher than baseline, they were no longer significantly different from baseline.DiscussionThese findings show that the noise-induced peripheral vestibular changes we previously observed at cellular and electro-physiological levels also have an impact at a functional level. It has been previously shown that imbalance is associated with slower walking speed in older adults and aged rats. These findings in noise-exposed rats may have implications for people who experience noisy environments and for seniors with a history of noise exposure who also experience balance disorders and may be at increased fall risk.
Breast-conserving surgery versus mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Song Yu-Chun , Huang Zhou , Fang Hui , Tang Yu , Jing Hao , Song Yong-Wen , Jin Jing , Liu Yue-Ping , Chen Bo , Tang Yuan , Qi Shu-Nan , Lu Ning-Ning , Li Ning , Li Ye-Xiong , Wang Shu-Lian 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundTo compare recurrence and survival outcomes between breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and mastectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).MethodsThe data of 730 patients who underwent NACT between 2000 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 104 (14.2%) patients received BCS and 626 (85.8%) received mastectomy. Locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastases (DM), disease-free survival (DFS), breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The impact of BCS versus mastectomy on outcomes was assessed by multivariate Cox models. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance covariates between the two groups.ResultsThe median follow-up of BCS and mastectomy groups were 86.5 and 87.4 months, respectively. There were significant differences in distribution of most baseline characteristics between two groups. Compared with those who underwent mastectomy, the patients with BCS had similar 5-year LRR, DM, and DFS rates, but had significantly higher 5-year BCSS (98.9% vs. 90.4%, P = 0.005) and OS (98.9% vs. 90.1%, P = 0.003) rates. Multivariate analysis also showed that BCS significantly improved BCSS (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.85, P = 0.025) and OS (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.79, P = 0.018). After IPTW adjustment, the LRR, DM, DFS, BCSS and OS between two groups had no significant differences.ConclusionsThe recurrence and survival outcomes are comparable with BCS and mastectomy. Thus, BCS is a safe treatment option for selected breast cancer patients after NACT.
Identification of high-risk patients for referral through machine learning assisting the decision making to manage minor ailments in community pharmacies
Authors: Amador-Fernández Noelia , Benrimoj Shalom I. , García-Cárdenas Victoria , Gastelurrutia Miguel Ángel , Graham Emma L. , Palomo-Llinares Rubén , Sánchez-Tormo Julia , Baixauli Fernández Vicente J. , Pérez Hoyos Elena , Plaza Zamora Javier , Colomer Molina Vicente , Fuertes González Ricardo , García Agudo Óscar , Martínez-Martínez Fernando 
Published: July 2023

Background: Data analysis techniques such as machine learning have been used for assisting in triage and the diagnosis of health problems. Nevertheless, it has not been used yet to assist community pharmacists with services such as the Minor Ailment Services These services have been implemented to reduce the burden of primary care consultations in general medical practitioners (GPs) and to allow a better utilization of community pharmacists’ skills. However, there is a need to refer high-risk patients to GPs.Aim: To develop a predictive model for high-risk patients that need referral assisting community pharmacists’ triage through a minor ailment service.Method: An ongoing pragmatic type 3 effectiveness-implementation hybrid study was undertaken at a national level in Spanish community pharmacies since October 2020. Pharmacists recruited patients presenting with minor ailments and followed them 10 days after the consultation. The main outcome measured was appropriate medical referral (in accordance with previously co-designed protocols). Nine machine learning models were tested (three statistical, three black box and three tree models) to assist pharmacists in the detection of high-risk individuals in need of referral.Results: Over 14′000 patients were included in the study. Most patients were female (68.1%). With no previous treatment for the specific minor ailment (68.0%) presented. A percentage of patients had referral criteria (13.8%) however, not all of these patients were referred by the pharmacist to the GP (8.5%). The pharmacists were using their clinical expertise not to refer these patients. The primary prediction model was the radial support vector machine (RSVM) with an accuracy of 0.934 (CI95 = [0.926,0.942]), Cohen’s kappa of 0.630, recall equal to 0.975 and an area under the curve of 0.897. Twenty variables (out of 61 evaluated) were included in the model. radial support vector machine could predict 95.2% of the true negatives and 74.8% of the true positives. When evaluating the performance for the 25 patient’s profiles most frequent in the study, the model was considered appropriate for 56% of them.Conclusion: A RSVM model was obtained to assist in the differentiation of patients that can be managed in community pharmacy from those who are at risk and should be evaluated by GPs. This tool potentially increases patients’ safety by increasing pharmacists’ ability to differentiate minor ailments from other medical conditions.
A large arteriovenous fistula steals a considerable part of systemic blood flow during veno-arterial extracorporeal circulation support in a porcine model
Authors: Valerianova A. , Mlcek M. , Kittnar O. , Grus T. , Tejkl L. , Lejsek V. , Malik J. 
Published: July 2023

Background: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is one of the most frequently used mechanical circulatory support devices. Distribution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow depends (similarly as the cardiac output distribution) on regional vascular resistance. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), used frequently as hemodialysis access, represent a low-resistant circuit which steals part of the systemic perfusion. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of a large Arteriovenous fistulas significantly changes organ perfusion during a partial and a full Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.Methods: The protocol was performed on domestic female pigs held under general anesthesia. Cannulas for Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were inserted into femoral artery and vein. The Arteriovenous fistulas was created using another two high-diameter extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulas inserted in the contralateral femoral artery and vein. Catheters, flow probes, flow wires and other sensors were placed for continuous monitoring of haemodynamics and organ perfusion. A stepwise increase in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow was considered under beating heart and ventricular fibrillation (VF) with closed and opened Arteriovenous fistulas.Results: Opening of a large Arteriovenous fistulas (blood flow ranging from 1.1 to 2.2 L/min) resulted in decrease of effective systemic blood flow by 17%–30% (p &lt; 0.01 for all steps). This led to a significant decrease of carotid artery flow (ranging from 13% to 25% after Arteriovenous fistulas opening) following VF and under partial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Cerebral tissue oxygenation measured by near infrared spectroscopy also decreased significantly in all steps. These changes occurred even with maintained perfusion pressure. Changes in coronary artery flow were driven by changes in the native cardiac output.Conclusion: A large arteriovenous fistula can completely counteract Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support unless maximal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow is applied. Cerebral blood flow and oxygenation are mainly compromised by the effect of the Arteriovenous fistulas. These effects could influence brain function in patients with Arteriovenous fistulas on Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Application of the steady-state intestinal perfusion system in measuring intestinal fluid absorption and bicarbonate secretion in vivo
Authors: Fan Wenjuan , Tan Qinghai 
Published: July 2023

Background: The steady-state intestinal perfusion system represents a tool used in measuring intestinal fluid absorption and bicarbonate secretion in vivo; however, detailed procedures and parameters were not elucidated fully.Aim: We focused on the methods of the steady-state intestinal perfusion system comprehensively including the blood pressure, hematocrit, blood gas, and heart rate of mouse.Methods: Anesthetized, tracheally intubated, and artificially ventilated mice were used for this system. The blood pressure, hematocrit, blood gas, heart rate, and rate of fluid absorption and HCO3- secretion of the small intestine and colon at different time points were evaluated.Results: Blood pressure, hematocrit, blood gas, and heart rate became stable at the 30 min time point after completion of surgery and could be maintained for 2 h. Rates of fluid absorption and bicarbonate secretion were also kept stable during the period of steady state of mice. Rates of fluid absorption and bicarbonate secretion were different among the jejunum, ileum, proximal, and mid-distal colon.Conclusion: The steady-state intestinal perfusion system is a reliable system for measuring intestinal fluid absorption and bicarbonate secretion in vivo.
“To be, or not be… satisfied in NPOs”: a serial multiple mediation and clustering analysis of paid staff and volunteers' profiles
Authors: López-Cabrera Rocío , Medina Francisco J. , Euwema Martin , Arenas Alicia 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionNon-profit organizations (NPOs) are a complex working context whose main characteristic resides in the dichotomy between paid staff and volunteers. Despite its benefits for goal achievement, this circumstance can be also a challenge, for both groups' interaction, for their comprehension of their own role and to HR management. The aim of this study was to explore factors that may contribute to promote job satisfaction among NPOs' members.MethodsCombining two different data analyses, serial multiple mediation analyses and cluster analyses, first we analyze whether there are differences between paid staff and volunteers in perceived intrapersonal conflict and performance and its effect on job satisfaction, and second, we analyze whether there is an additional profiles distribution that reflects more adequately the reality of NPOs, despite the formal roles that coexist in these organizations (paid staff and volunteers).ResultsResults confirm that paid staff and volunteers differ on their perceived job satisfaction level, with volunteers being more satisfied. This relationship is serially mediated by role conflict, role ambiguity, and performance. Another characteristic of the NPOs is that the dichotomy between paid staff and volunteers does not capture well the reality of the labor relations between members of both groups and the organization. To explore this phenomenon, we perform a cluster analysis based on paid staff and volunteers' perceptions. Cluster analyses demonstrate the existence of three rather homogenous profiles.DiscussionAdditionally, practical implications for HR management in NPOs and future research lines to understand this organizational context dynamics are also discussed.
Spanish and cross-cultural validation of the mind excessively wandering scale
Authors: Morillas-Romero Alfonso , De la Torre-Luque Alejandro , Mowlem Florence D. , Asherson Philip 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionOver the last decade, excessive spontaneous mind wandering (MW) has been consistently associated with emotional disorders. The main aims of the present study were (1) to re-examine the factor structure of the Mind Excessively Wandering Scale (MEWS); (2) to validate the Spanish version of the MEWS; and (3) to conduct a cross-cultural validation of the MEWS in Spanish and UK samples.MethodsA forward/backward translation to Spanish was conducted. Data of 391 Spanish and 713 British non-clinical individuals were analysed.ResultsA revised 10-item version of the MEWS (MEWS-v2.0) demonstrated to be a valid instrument to assess MW. A 2-correlated factor structure properly captured the MEWS-v2.0 variance, accounting for two specific but interrelated dimensions (Uncontrolled thoughts and Mental Overactivity).DiscussionThe Spanish MEWS-v2.0 showed adequate internal consistency and construct validity, as well as appropriate convergent/divergent validity. Cross-cultural analyses showed that MEWS-v2.0 captured the same construct in both UK and Spanish samples. In conclusion, both Spanish and English MEWS-v2.0 demonstrated to be reliable measures to capture spontaneous MW phenomenon in non-clinical adult populations.
An open-source tool for improving on-farm yield forecasting systems
Authors: Tomasella Javier , Martins Minella A. , Shrestha Nirman 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe increased frequency of extreme climate events, many of them of rapid onset, observed in many world regions, demands the development of a crop forecasting system for hazard preparedness based on both intraseasonal and extended climate prediction. This paper presents a Fortran version of the Crop Productivity Model AquaCrop that assesses climate and soil fertility effects on yield gap, which is crucial in crop forecasting systemsMethodsFirstly, the Fortran version model - AQF outputs were compared to the latest version of AquaCrop v 6.1. The computational performance of both versions was then compared using a 100-year hypothetical experiment. Then, field experiments combining fertility and water stress on productivity were used to assess AQF model simulation. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of this software in a crop operational forecast system.ResultsResults revealed that the Fortran version showed statistically similar results to the original version (r2 &gt; 0.93 and RMSEn &lt; 11%, except in one experiment) and better computational efficiency. Field data indicated that AQF simulations are in close agreement with observation.ConclusionAQF offers a version of the AquaCrop developed for time-consuming applications, such as crop forecast systems and climate change simulations over large areas and explores mitigation and adaptation actions in the face of adverse effects of future climate change.
Evaluation of the effects of the recommended oral dose of diflubenzuron on bovine sperm and oocyte quality using CASA and OPU-IVEP
Authors: Xavier Marcelo Cunha , Martins Leticia Prates , Moura Rodrigo Martins , Morais Divino Fabio , Barbosa Joao Vitor Lima , Figueiredo Ricardo Alamino , Peixer Mauricio Antonio Silva , Andrade Rosangela Vieira de , Viana Joao Henrique Moreira 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate potential effects of diflubenzuron on the production and quality of gametes, and on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) outcomes, in cattle.MethodsTwo experiments were performed, the first to evaluate effects on semen, and the second on cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) and on IVEP. Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) bulls (n = 14) or heifers (n = 16) were allocated into control (CG) or treatment (DIF) groups. All groups received a mineral mix supplement added (DIF) or not (CG) with diflubenzuron (30 mg/head/day), during 8 weeks. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected throughout the experimental period. Every other week, bulls were subjected to semen collection and heifers to transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration sessions. Semen underwent physical and morphological evaluation, and samples were stored for further computer-assisted sperm analysis. The COC recovered were evaluated according to morphology and those classified as viable were sent to an IVEP laboratory.ResultsDiflubenzuron had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on average body weight or in any blood hematological or biochemical endpoints, regardless of gender. In experiment 1, there was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) between DIF and CG groups for sperm concentration, morphology, or kinetics. In experiment 2, there was also no effect of diflubenzuron on the number of total, viable, or grade I oocytes, as well as on cleavage or blastocyst rates (P &gt; 0.05).DiscussionIn summary, the oral administration of diflubenzuron, within the recommended dose, has no short-term negative effects on sperm production and quality or on oocyte yield and developmental potential in vitro, in cattle.
Providing “Free” Access to Dialysis and Transplant to the Disfranchised. A Sustainable Model for Low and Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs)
Authors: Zafar Mirza Naqi , Rizvi Syed Adibul Hasan 
Published: July 2023

Pakistan is a low-middle income country where incidence of End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) is 100–150 per million population (pmp). Paucity and high costs of renal replacement therapy (RRT) renders the majority disfranchised, since the dialysis rate is 15 pmp and the transplant rate is 4–5 pmp. In view of this, our center started an integrated dialysis and transplant program where all treatment is provided “Free of Cost” to all patients, with lifelong follow-up and medications. The model is based on the concept of community-government partnership funded by both partners. The annual contribution in 2021 was $37.4 million. &gt;1,500 patients were dialyzed daily, and 6–8 received transplants weekly. Of the 6,553 transplants performed between 1985–2021, 988 (15%) were children. Overall, the 1 and 5-year graft survival rate was 97% and 88%. The donor clinic has 3,786 donors in regular yearly follow-up for up to 30–35 years where ESKD prevalence is 0.29%. Access to dialysis was increased by establishing six satellite centers reducing patient time and travel costs. Cost reductions by dialyzer reuse and generic drugs resulted in an annual saving of $5.8 m. This sustainable model has overcome the inherent socio-economic, logistic, cultural, and gender biases in RRT in LMICs. It has provided RRT with equity to the disfranchised in Pakistan and can be replicated in other LMICs with community-government support.
Desempeño docente en la calidad educativa
Authors: Ccoto Tacusi Teófilo Fortunato 
Published: July 2023

Uno de los desafíos de todo sistema educativo es lograr la calidad educativa; en este escenario, el desempeño docente cobra mucha importancia relacionándose directamente con la calidad de los aprendizajes. El presente estudio tiene como finalidad analizar el desempeño docente y la calidad educativa, para ello, se desarrolló una revisión bibliográfica. Para efecto de la búsqueda se consultaron como libros, tesis, artículos de revistas indizadas, paginas oficiales, entre otros, también se consultó a través de las plataformas Scielo, Redalyc, Scopus, Dialnet, Google Académico, entre otros, considerando los descriptores: “Desempeño docente” y “calidad educativa”. De la información analizada se concluye que el desempeño docente es uno de los factores clave que contribuyen en la calidad educativa, está asociada a la idoneidad profesional del docente, capacidad de generar espacios para la construcción de conocimientos, asimismo de la formación y especialización permanente para responder eficazmente a la demanda educativa de una sociedad que cambia de manera permanente.
Importancia del uso de las herramientas digitales en la inclusión educativa
Authors: Concha Abarca John , Quispe Choque María Elena , Quispe Choque Marcelina 
Published: July 2023

Las instituciones deben analizar las aplicaciones digitales que mejor se adapten a las materias de enseñanza; además las tecnologías de la información han sido un apoyo fundamental para el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje de los docentes. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el uso de las herramientas digitales en la inclusión educativa mediante una revisión sistemática. La metodología se realizó mediante un análisis sistemático considerando 50 artículos académicos. Los resultados se muestran las agrupaciones de estudio: a) desafíos y efectos de las TIC en la inclusión b) herramientas digitales y el aprendizaje c) concepción de las herramientas digitales y la inclusión d) las TIC en la atención de la diversidad. Se concluye que la aplicación de las herramientas de los TIC ha contribuido en gran medida a mejorar la comprensión de la educación inclusiva, promoviendo una visión holística en el conocimiento tecnológico.
Las habilidades sociales en la vida universitaria
Authors: Quispe Avalos Angélica María , Ortega Murga Oscar Jesús , Navarro Bertha 
Published: July 2023

En el nivel de educación superior, se busca asegurar un correcto proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, donde los estudiantes universitarios puedan hacer frente a las diversas situaciones de la vida. En vista de que forman parte de una sociedad que está en constante cambio, necesitan potencializar las habilidades sociales las cuales son determinantes para el éxito y el desarrollo integral de la vida universitaria. En tal sentido, el artículo tuvo como propósito identificar las habilidades sociales en la vida universitaria reconociendo su importancia y característica. El método aplicado para recolectar información fue la revisión sistemática de la literatura de fuentes entre el 2020 y el 2021, de donde se analizaron 16 artículos académicos obtenidos de las bases de datos como Scopus y Scielo. Se tuvo como conclusión que las habilidades sociales son fundamentales en el entorno universitario, porque permite estar preparados para los retos del mundo, tanto laboral como personal.