bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of knowledge assessment scales on sarcopenia and fall for Chinese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Li Lingqi , Sun Xuemei , Gao Yinyan , Chen Yancong , Qin Lang , Lin Yali , Song Jinlu , Zhang Zixuan , Wang Betty H , Feng Hui , Tan Hongzhuan , Chen Qiong , Peng Linlin , Zhang Xuewei , Wu Irene XY 
Published: May 2023

AimThis study aimed to develop and validate sarcopenia and fall knowledge assessment scales for community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsA five‐phase, systematic and standardized process was used. Phase 1: item pools were constructed based on the Symptom Interpretation Model. Phase 2: the Delphi expert consultation was carried out for items selection and revision. Phase 3: a pilot survey was carried out to further select and revise the items. Phase 4: older adults were surveyed to finalize the items. Phase 5: older adults were surveyed to test the psychometric properties of the two developed scales, including construct validity, reliability and acceptability.ResultsBoth scales comprise three dimensions (symptom, risk factor and management strategy), with 10 items for the sarcopenia knowledge assessment scale and 14 items for the fall knowledge assessment scale. They had acceptable construct validity, with all indicators meeting their specific criteria. Their reliability was acceptable, with the Cronbach's α coefficients being 0.82 for both scales, the value of spilt‐half reliability being 0.86 for the sarcopenia knowledge assessment scale and 0.85 for the fall knowledge assessment scale. Their acceptability was good, with both scales having a completion rate of 94.35% and an average completion time of 5 min.DiscussionTwo Chinese knowledge assessment scales with acceptable validity, reliability and acceptability have been developed, which will facilitate the assessment of the knowledge on sarcopenia and fall among community‐dwelling older adults, especially for large‐scale surveys. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 430–436.
Expression of chronic pain genes in apical periodontitis tissues
Authors: Francio Jordano , das Neves Glaucia T. , Souza Leticia C. , Carneiro Everdan , Silva Renato M. , Letra Ariadne 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimTo evaluate the expression of genes involved in chronic pain conditions in apical periodontitis (AP) tissues.MethodologyAn electronic search was performed in Scopus and MEDLINE (via PubMed) databases to identify articles (n = 173) related to genes involved in chronic pain conditions. Full‐text reviews of the selected articles allowed the prioritization of 16 genes to be investigated with regards to their expression in AP tissues. Periapical lesions (n = 42) were collected during surgical endodontic procedures and processed for mRNA extraction and investigation of target genes via RT–qPCR. Healthy periodontal ligament tissues obtained from third molar extractions were used as controls. Relative levels of target gene expression in AP and control tissues were normalized to GAPDH expression and compared using the 2−ΔΔCt method. Data analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test with a statistical significance threshold set at p < .05.ResultsmRNA expression levels of MMP9, TIMP1, TNFA, CAMK4 and COMT were significantly increased in AP tissue samples compared with controls (p < .05). Positive correlations were observed between the expression of TIMP1 with COMT and CAMK4, TNFA with TIMP1 and CAMK4, COMT with CAMK4.ConclusionsThis study confirms the upregulation of MMP9, TIMP1, TNFA in AP tissues and reports for the first time, the expression of CAMK4 and COMT as suggestive of their involvement in AP pathogenesis.
Labour market integration of newcomers to Canada: The perspectives of newcomers in a smaller urban centre
Authors: Ghadi Needal , Gyan Charles , Kikulwe Daniel , Massing Christine , Giesbrecht Crystal J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn Canada, newcomers are often faced with many challenges when integrating into the labour market. This study examined the labour market integration experiences of newcomers in Regina, Saskatchewan. Data were collected using a structured survey which was made available in several languages. A total of 305 (n = 305) newcomers participated in this study. It was found that length of stay in Regina, level of education, having children and lack of access to transportation had a strong relationship with newcomers' labour market integration (p < 0.01). Specific barriers that were found to affect newcomers included language, access to a vehicle, lack of Canadian work experience and Canadian credentials. These challenges have substantial implications for the well‐being of newcomers and their contribution to the Canadian economy. It is recommended that resettlement agencies develop informed strategies and programmes that target these barriers to enhance the economic integration of newcomers in smaller cities in Canada.
Exploring blockchain for disaster prevention and relief: A comprehensive framework based on industry case studies
Authors: Treiblmaier Horst , Rejeb Abderahman 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBlockchain technology has been suggested as a groundbreaking solution for disaster prevention and relief. However, there is a dearth of both practical applications and systematic academic research into how those existing blockchain solutions actually help to prevent disasters and/or alleviate their negative impacts. The purpose of this paper was to extend previous research by investigating existing blockchain solutions using a rigorous multiple case study approach. Based on stakeholder theory, a structured framework is developed that examines the roles of key stakeholders in disaster situations, illustrates organizations' motivations to deploy blockchain technology, identifies various use cases, lists the relevant blockchain properties, and highlights contingency factors for successful implementations. The findings demonstrate that blockchain applications can improve both disaster prevention as well as disaster relief efforts by streamlining information flows and augmenting the capabilities of core stakeholders. Furthermore, numerous propositions can be derived from the framework that can be used as starting points for further in‐depth investigations. This study familiarizes practitioners with blockchain's potential for disaster management and provides academics with a theory‐based foundation for future research.
Exosome and epithelial–mesenchymal transition: A complex secret of cancer progression
Authors: Dhar Rajib , Devi Arikketh , Gorai Sukhamoy , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis short communication will enlighten the readers about the exosome and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) related to several complicated events. It also highlighted the therapeutic potential of exosomes against EMT. Exosome toxicology, exosome heterogeneity, and a single exosome profiling approach are also covered in this article. In the future, exosomes could help us get closer to cancer vaccine and precision oncology.
Reciprocal associations between parental feeding practices and child eating behaviours from toddlerhood to early childhood: bivariate latent change analysis in the Gemini cohort
Authors: Kininmonth Alice R. , Herle Moritz , Haycraft Emma , Farrow Clare , Tommerup Kristiane , Croker Helen , Pickard Abigail , Edwards Katie , Blissett Jacqueline , Llewellyn Clare 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundParental feeding practices (PFPs) are a key component of a child's food environment. Parent–child feeding relationships are hypothesised to be bidirectional; however, to date, few large prospective studies have examined this, instead focussing on unidirectional relationships. As such, the direction of relationships between PFPs and children's eating behaviours remains unclear.MethodsData were from Gemini, a population‐based sample of children born in England and Wales in 2007. Children's eating behaviours and PFPs were measured at 15/16 months and 5 years using validated psychometric measures (n = 1,858 children). Bivariate Latent Change Score Modelling was used to examine the nature of relationships between PFPs and children's eating behaviours at 15/16 months and 5 years. Models were adjusted to account for clustering of twins within families and for sex of the child, socioeconomic status, gestational age and age of the child at measurement time points.ResultsA reciprocal relationship was observed between instrumental feeding and emotional overeating, with greater instrumental feeding predicting greater increases in emotional overeating (β = .09; 0.03–0.15; p = .004) and vice versa (β = .09; 0.03–0.15; p = .005). Reciprocity was also observed between encouragement to eat nutritious foods and children's enjoyment of food, with greater encouragement predicting greater increases in enjoyment of food (β = .08; 0.02–0.13; p = .006) and vice versa (β = .07; 0.02–0.11; p = .003). Parent–child associations and child–parent associations were also observed.ConclusionThese findings are consistent with the hypothesis that certain feeding practices are used as a ‘natural’ response to a child expressing a greater interest in and enthusiasm for food, but at the same time, such practices impact the development of eating behaviours by nurturing and encouraging the expression of higher emotional overeating and greater enjoyment of food in preschool years. The findings provide important insights into the PFPs and eating behaviour traits that could be targeted as part of a tailored feeding intervention to support parents of children during the preschool formative years.
Air pollution and global healthcare use for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Fadadu R. P. , Chee E. , Jung A. , Chen J. Y. , Abuabara K. , Wei M. L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIncreasing air pollution is common around the world, but the impacts of outdoor air pollution exposure on atopic dermatitis (AD) are unclear. We synthesized the current global epidemiologic evidence for air pollution exposure and associated medical visits for AD among adults and children. This review followed PRISMA guidelines, and searches were conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. The searches yielded 390 studies, and after screening, 18 studies around the world assessing at least 5,197,643 medical visits for AD in total were included for the final analysis. We found that exposure to particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) [(10/11) of studies], particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM10) (11/13), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (12/14) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) (10/13) was positively associated with AD visits. Results were equivocal for ozone [(4/8) of studies reported positive association] and limited for carbon monoxide [(1/4) of studies reported positive association]. When stratifying results by patient age, patient sex and season, we found that the associations with particulate matter, NO2 and O3 may be affected by temperature. Exposure to selected air pollutants is associated with AD visits, and increasingly poor worldwide air quality may increase global healthcare use for AD.
The indirect effect of cognitive reserve on the relationship between age and cognition in pathological ageing: A cross‐sectional retrospective study in an unselected and consecutively enrolled sample
Authors: Giaquinto Francesco , Tosi Giorgia , Abbatantuono Chiara , Pepe Ilaria , Iaia Marika , Macchitella Luigi , Rizzi Ezia , De Caro Maria Fara , Romano Daniele , Taurisano Paolo , Angelelli Paola 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCognitive reserve (CR) allows individuals to maintain cognitive functionality even in the presence of pathologies. The compensation hypothesis suggests that CR plays an indirect role between age and cognitive decline, contrasting the negative effect of ageing on cognition. We test this hypothesis in an unselected and consecutively enrolled sample of memory clinic attendees (n = 134) who completed the CR Index questionnaire and three neuropsychological tests assessing global cognition (MMSE, FAB, CDT). Participants were divided into two groups based on standard diagnostic criteria (DSM‐5): those who were cognitively impaired (n = 92) and those who were preserved (n = 42). A principal component analysis was used to extract a composite measure of global cognitive functioning from the three neuropsychological tests, and mediation analysis was used to examine the relationship between CR, age and global cognitive functioning in the two groups. Results revealed that: (i) age had a significant direct negative effect on the global cognitive score in both groups; (ii) the three socio‐behavioural proxies of CR together suppress the direct negative relationship between age and global cognitive score in cognitively impaired patients but not in cognitively preserved participants. This study confirms the association between CR, age and cognition and allows us to validate its role in a population with cognitive impairment and extend findings to a low‐to‐middle educated population. These results hold important implications for public health and wellness promotion, emphasising the beneficial role of maintaining healthy and active physical, cognitive and social lifestyles.
Handheld microfocused ultrasound device for facial lifting: A preliminary study of ULTIGHT
Authors: Kim Yongheon , Yu Hyunseon , An Sunghwan , Ha Donghoon , Jung Byungjo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveAlthough focused ultrasound modalities have achieved positive clinical results in noninvasive skin rejuvenation, they presented various side effects and particularly severe pain during treatment. This study introduces a microfocused ultrasound (MFU) device, ULTIGHT, to overcome the severe pain issue, providing quasi‐facial lifting.Materials and MethodsTransducer surface was imaged with a scanning electron microscope. The energies of four treatment cartridges were measured using an ultrasound power meter. In vitro experiments were performed to quantitatively evaluate the MFU thermal zones (MFUTZs) and treatment line (TL) of 10 MFUTZs. Ex vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the MFUTZs and temperature rise in tissue. Clinical trials using eight volunteers were performed to qualitatively evaluate facial lifting.ResultsThe MFU transducer clearly showed a smooth and no air gap surface. ULTIGHT produced 10 discrete MFUTZs in a TL of length 10 mm. In ex vivo tissue, discrete linear MFUTZs were clearly observed at lower number of TLs; however, they started to aggregate at higher number of TLs. The temperature rise was linearly increased as a function of the number of treatments. A single MFUTZ resulted in a temperature rise of 3°C–10°C that could cause hyperthermia for body temperature. In the clinical trials, the volunteers showed quasi‐facial lifting right after treatment on the lower facial region.ConclusionsULTIGHT provides relatively low energy, which may be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on clinical applications. Additionally, it has the advantage of being pain‐free even without anesthetic during treatment, providing quasi‐facial lifting right after treatment.
Cardiorespiratory dysautonomia in post‐COVID‐19 condition: Manifestations, mechanisms and management
Authors: Fedorowski Artur , Olsén Monika Fagevik , Nikesjö Frida , Janson Christer , Bruchfeld Judith , Lerm Maria , Hedman Kristofer 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA significant proportion of COVID‐19 patients experience debilitating symptoms for months after the acute infection. According to recent estimates, approximately 1 out of 10 COVID‐19 convalescents reports persistent health issues more than 3 months after initial recovery. This ‘post‐COVID‐19 condition’ may include a large variety of symptoms from almost all domains and organs, and for some patients it may mean prolonged sick‐leave, homestay and strongly limited activities of daily life. In this narrative review, we focus on the symptoms and signs of post‐COVID‐19 condition in adults – particularly those associated with cardiovascular and respiratory systems, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or airway disorders – and explore the evidence for chronic autonomic dysfunction as a potential underlying mechanism. The most plausible hypotheses regarding cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the wide spectrum of observed symptoms – such as lingering viruses, persistent inflammation, impairment in oxygen sensing systems and circulating antibodies directed to blood pressure regulatory components – are discussed. In addition, an overview of currently available pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatment options is presented.
Patterns of predation by the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx throughout its range: ecological and conservation implications
Authors: Khorozyan Igor , Heurich Marco 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Predation on ungulates exposes large predators to conflicts with farmers and hunters if they kill livestock and shared game species. Therefore, it is crucial to know the drivers of predation on large prey, understand how they differ from predation on smaller prey and reveal general large‐scale patterns.

We tested three hypotheses in the global Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx population: 1) consumption of ungulates and hares increases with their densities, 2) effects of predictors on ungulate and hare predation differ between continents, latitudes, longitudes and landscapes, 3) effects of predictors are generally applicable regardless of study materials (scats, carcasses and intestinal tracts).

We collected information from 70 publications, including data from 174 study cases (107 from Europe and 67 from Asia) and 114 sites in 30 countries, mainly Russia (73 cases and 46 sites). Linear regression of logit‐transformed data and logistic regression were used to test the hypotheses.

We found that ungulates made up more than half of the lynx diet in areas containing at least 570 individual ungulates/100 km2 and/or located south of 56°N. Predominance of ungulates in the diet could be related to the higher availability of the main medium‐sized ungulate prey species, and to the presence of (mixed) broadleaf deciduous forests with open spaces providing optimal hunting conditions. No significant effects on hare consumption by lynx were revealed, possibly because of a small sample size of hare density data from lynx habitats, fluctuations and instability of hares as a food resource, declines of some hare populations and separation in habitat use by lynx and hares.

We conclude that the Eurasian lynx is an adaptable predator, not a lagomorph specialist; throughout its range, the lynx takes ungulates according to their availability. The use of practical nonlethal interventions is important to limit the availability of domestic ungulates (livestock and game) for predation by lynx, and to promote human‐lynx coexistence.
SOX18 meditates the resistance of Bmi1‐expressing cells to cetuximab in HNSCC
Authors: Zhang Caihua , Chen Zhi , Gao Nailin , Xiong Gan , Chen Peng , Li Hui , Chen Demeng , He Qianting , Peng Liang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of malignancy in the head and neck region worldwide. The therapeutic strategies for HNSCC remain unsatisfying and limited. Here, we found a population of resistant Bmi1‐expressing cells in the presence of cetuximab treatment and reported a novel role of SRY‐box transcription factor 18 (SOX18), a member of the SOX family, in promoting HNSCC resistance to cetuximab. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Sox18 in Bmi1‐positive cells and to search for better therapeutic targets.MethodsWe successfully obtained Bmi1CreER, RosatdTomato, and RosaDTA mice and identified Bmi1‐expressing cells through lineage tracing. SOX18 expression in HNSCC and normal tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, colocalization of Sox18, and Bmi1‐expressing cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence, and SOX18 expression in SCC9 cell lines was quantified by western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR. The investigation of the mechanism of SOX18‐mediated cetuximab resistance in Bmi1‐positive cells was based on the analysis of single‐cell RNA‐seq data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Western blotting was performed to verify the results obtained from the single‐cell RNA‐seq analysis.ResultsIn our study, we demonstrated that Bmi1‐expressing cells were resistant to cetuximab treatment and that depletion of Bmi1‐expressing cells improved cetuximab efficacy in HNSCC. We then discovered that Sox18 mediated the stem cell‐like properties of Bmi1‐expressing cells and promoted cellular cetuximab resistance through an oxidative phosphorylation pathway. There was a significant downregulation of key genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in Sox18 knockout cell lines.ConclusionsTaken together, the findings of our study suggest that Sox18 mediates the resistance of Bmi1‐expressing cells to cetuximab in HNSCC via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway.
Christianity in (South) Sudan: Historical backgrounds, contemporary contestations, and future directions
Authors: Tounsel Christopher 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChristianity has played an integral part of Sudanese life through colonialism, postcolonialism, civil wars, and secession. Through it all, writers from a variety of disciplinary and denominational backgrounds have recorded the diverse experiences of Christian individuals and organizations. This essay maps past and present work on Sudanese Christianity, offers assessments of the field, and offers conjecture on the directions that future scholarship on the subject may trek. Given religion's central role in Sudan's recent past, such a task is necessary to understand its possible futures.
Patient-reported outcome measures of stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yang Xianxia , Zhang Yizhu , Han Shuyu , Li Ke , Zhang Lili , Shao Ying , Ma Jianhong , Wang Zhiwen 
Published: May 2023

Objective:
The objective of this systematic review is to apply COnsensus-based standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology to review psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination.

Introduction:
Due to the development of antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy of people living with HIV is similar to the life expectancy of the rest of the population. However, HIV-related stigma and discrimination are still major barriers to improving the quality of life of persons living with HIV. These barriers are a threat to these individuals and the world’s public health care systems. Accurate and reproducible PROMs are prerequisites for robust and reliable results. Therefore, it is important to choose acceptable PROMs with satisfactory psychometric properties to assess HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination. However, there has been no systematic review of HIV-related stigma or discrimination PROMs in the field of HIV care.

Inclusion criteria:
All studies including adults (age ≥18 years) living with HIV will be eligible for inclusion in this review. The review will consider studies that report 1 or more psychometric properties of HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination PROMs. We will consider studies conducted in any country or setting published in English or Chinese.

Methods:
Nine databases will be searched from January 1, 1996, to the present, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang. Assessment of methodological quality, data extraction, data synthesis, and assessing certainty in the findings will be conducted using the COSMIN methodology.

Review registration:
PROSPERO CRD42022308579