bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associated Factors of Cholelithiasis among Younger Children with Sickle Cell Disease at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Brazzaville, Congo
Authors: Galiba Atipo Tsiba Firmine Olivia , Mikia Clément Pacha , Elira Samba Jennifer Armandine , Nziengui Mboumba Jade Vanessa , Malanda Félix , Mikolele Ahoui Clausina , Elira Dokekias Alexis 
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Chronic hemolysis predisposes sickle cell patients to the development of gallstones. Their frequency increases with age, but they may appear early in young children. In the absence of management, they expose the patient to complications that can hinder the quality of life and sometimes even death. This survey aimed to identify the associated factors of the occurrence of cholelithiasis. Materials and Methods. It was a case-control study carried out between January 2017 and June 2022 at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) “Antoinette Sassou N’guesso” in Brazzaville. It concerned 37 children with cholelithiasis. Sociodemographic (socioeconomic status and diet) and clinical (body mass index, frequency of vasoocclusive crises and hospitalization for vasoocclusive crises, number of blood transfusion, and chronic complications) as well as hematological examination (type of SCD and blood count in the intercritical period) and hydroxyurea treatment were compared with those of 74 children with no clinical and radiographic signs of cholelithiasis. The chi-squared statistical test and the odds ratio were used for the comparison (

p

<

0.05

). Results. The average age was 9.70 ± 1.73 years. The 10–12 age group was the most represented (22 cases or 59.45%), followed by 7- to 9-year-olds (12 cases or 32.43%). Three children (8.10%) were 6  years old. The sex ratio was 0.68 vs. 1.38. Factors associated with cholelithiasis were low socioeconomic status (83.78% vs. 45.95%; IC 95% 1.46−3.89;

p
≤
0.001

), a higher number of blood transfusions (5.54 ± 1.22 vs. 2.46 ± 1.13; IC 95% 1.55−6.70;

p
≤
0.001

), and irregular systematic monitoring (5.54 ± 1.22 vs. 2.46 ± 1.13; IC 95% 1.55−6.70;

p
≤
0.001

). Conclusion. A national strategy to facilitate access to care for patients living with sickle cell disease is imperative. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on the prevention and early management of acute complications of SCD.
fpic as Peacebuilding Tool?
Authors: Mitchell Matthew I. , Wagner Landon 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Although wide-ranging in scope, a core principle embedded throughout the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the right to free, prior and informed consent (fpic). Given the widespread nature of protracted struggles over land involving Indigenous peoples, some argue fpic could provide a powerful tool to prevent and resolve land conflicts. Using a case study of the Indigenous Batwa in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the paper examines the promises and perils of employing fpic as a peacebuilding tool. Specifically, it contrasts two land-related conflicts involving the Batwa: (1) the Batwa’s recent attempts to reclaim territories lost via the creation of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and (2) the decade-long conflict pitting the Batwa and Luba people. In so doing, the analysis explores the role of the proposed ‘Organic bill’, which aims to recognise Indigenous peoples’ right to fpic. This serves to highlight both the limitations and potential dangers of adopting an Indigenous rights framework to resolve land conflict in certain political contexts.
Development and characterization of kapok/waste silk nonwoven as a multifunctional bio-based material for textile applications
Authors: Wang Hongchang , Cao Liyao , Yuan Hang , Li Yuling , Wen Run , Xu Guangbiao 
Published: September 2023

The pollution caused by petroleum-based waste has motivated the development of ecologically friendly bio-based materials. Natural fibers are becoming increasingly popular as a renewable and biodegradable resource. In this study, we prepared a kapok/waste silk nonwoven (KSN) by wet-laid and hot-pressing, which had adequate mechanical strength, hydrophilic, lipophilic, and biodegradable properties. The effects of the kapok fiber proportion on the morphology, air permeability, softness, mechanical property, wettability, and biodegradability of KSN were studied. The results demonstrated that the thickness, porosity, air permeability, and softness decreased as the proportion of kapok fiber increased. The mechanical property was significantly enhanced, and the breaking strength increased from 0.58 MPa to 10.85 MPa. With the increase in the proportion of kapok fiber, the spreading time of oil and water increased and decreased respectively, and the static contact angles were below 50°. Degradation rate improved with the increase of kapok fiber proportion, with a maximum degradation rate of 49.41% (30 days). Therefore, the multifunctional, low-cost, easily prepared, and biodegradable kapok/waste silk nonwovens is a promising bio-based material with superior application prospects in dressings, facial mask substrate, packaging, and related fields.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel Release With At Least 1-Year Postoperative Follow-up
Authors: Shekouhi Ramin , Chughtai Morad , Benjamin Jonathan A. , Saengchote Supreeya A. , Chim Harvey 
Published: September 2023

Background: The primary objective of this study was to investigate midterm outcomes following endoscopic cubital tunnel release (ECuTR) with the Seg-Way system using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A secondary aim was to evaluate symptom resolution as assessed through Dellon’s stage, McGowan’s grade, and Messina’s criteria and recurrence following ECuTR. Methods: Functional outcomes were assessed in 38 patients who underwent 43 surgeries. Details on baseline characteristics as well as preoperative and postoperative symptoms were collected. Patient-reported outcome measures were administered with at least 1-year follow-up in all patients. Results: Mean age of patients was 50.2 ± 16.1 years, with 20 men (52.6%) and 18 women (47.4%). Postoperatively, pain completely resolved in 21 (72.4%), while sensory and motor deficits improved completely in 22 (56.4%) and 11 (64.7%) patients, respectively. Mean time interval between ECuTR and PROMs was 26.3 (13-63) months. Median Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score was 73.2 (48-91). Median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores were 12.9 (7-35) and 2.5 (0-5), respectively. Most of the patients were satisfied postoperatively with a median satisfaction score of 4 (3-5). There was a significant difference in median DASH and NRS scores between patients with and without concomitant proximal nerve disease. Conclusion: Endoscopic cubital tunnel release is a safe and effective option for surgical management of primary cubital tunnel syndrome. The presence of other proximal nerve disease is associated with poorer outcomes, less symptom resolution, and higher recurrence rates. One-year postoperative PROMs show equivalence to those reported in other studies following open cubital tunnel release.
Endovascular therapy versus best medical management for isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alkhiri Ahmed , Alamri Aser F , Alharbi Abdullah R , Almaghrabi Ahmed A , Alansari Nayef , Niaz Abdulelah A , Alghamdi Basil A , Sarraj Amrou , Alhazzani Adel , Al-Ajlan Fahad S 
Published: September 2023

Background and purpose: Isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusions (iPCAO) were underrepresented in pivotal randomized clinical trial (RCTs) of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in ischemic stroke, and the benefit of EVT in this population is still indeterminate. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of EVT compared to best medical management (BMM) in patients with iPCAO. Methods: We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases up to May 2023 for eligible studies reporting outcomes of patients with iPCAO treated with EVT or BMM. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. Results: Seven studies involving 2560 patients were included. EVT was associated with significantly higher likelihood of early neurological improvement (OR, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.38–2.91]; p < 0.00001) and visual field normalization (OR, 3.08 [95% CI, 1.76–5.38]; p < 0.0001) compared to BMM. Rates of good functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) were comparable between the two arms (OR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.70–1.10]; p = 0.26). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was comparable between the two groups (OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 0.96–3.93]; p = 0.07). Mortality was also similar between the two groups (OR, 1.36; [95% CI, 0.77–2.42]; p = 0.29). Conclusions: In patients with iPCAO, EVT was associated with visual and early neurological improvement but with a strong trend toward increased sICH. Survival and functional outcomes may be slightly poorer. The role of EVT in iPCAO remains uncertain.
Heterotic grouping of provitamin A-enriched maize inbred lines for increased provitamin A content in hybrids
Authors: Maazou Abdoul-Raouf Sayadi , Gedil Melaku , Adetimirin Victor O. , Unachukwu Nnanna , Mengesha Wende , Meseka Silvestro , Menkir Abebe 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The establishment of heterotic groups of inbred lines is crucial for hybrid maize breeding programs. Currently, there is no information on the heterotic patterns of the Provitamin A (PVA) inbred lines developed in the maize improvement program of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to form productive PVA enriched hybrids for areas affected by vitamin A deficiency. This study assessed the feasibility of classifying PVA-enriched inbred lines into heterotic groups based on PVA content without compromising grain yield in hybrids. Sixty PVA inbred lines were crossed to two testers representing two existing heterotic groups. The resulting 120 testcrosses hybrids were evaluated for two years at four locations in Nigeria.

Results
The two testers effectively classified the inbred lines into two heterotic groups. The PVA-based general combining ability and specific combining ability (HSGCA) method assigned 31 and 27 PVA enriched maize inbred lines into HGB and HGA, respectively, leaving two inbred lines not assigned to any group. The yield-based HSGCA method classified 32 inbred lines into HGB and 28 inbred lines into HGA. Both PVA and yield-based heterotic grouping methods assigned more than 40% of the inbred lines into the same heterotic groups. Even though both PVA and yield-based heterotic grouping of the inbred lines differed from the clusters defined by the DArTag SNP markers, more than 40% of the inbred lines assigned to HGA were present in Cluster-1 and 60% of the inbred lines assigned to HGB were present in Cluster-3. Interestingly, the inbred lines assigned to the same heterotic groups based on PVA content and grain yield were distributed across the three Ward’s clusters. The PVA-based HSGCA was identified as the most effective heterotic grouping method for breeding programs working on PVA biofortification.

Conclusions
Selecting PVA enriched maize inbred lines with diverse genetic backgrounds from the three marker-based clusters may facilitate the development of productive hybrids with high PVA content and for generating source populations to develop more vigorous maize inbred lines with much higher concentrations of PVA.
The standardized extract of Centella asiatica L. Urb attenuates the convulsant effect induced by lithium/pilocarpine without affecting biochemical and haematological parameters in rats
Authors: Rivadeneyra-Domínguez Eduardo , Zamora-Bello Isaac , Castañeda-Morales Juan Manuel , Díaz-Vallejo Joel Jahaziel , Rosales-Sánchez Óscar , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is a type of epileptic activity characterized by a failure of the inhibitory mechanisms that limit seizures, which are mainly regulated by the GABAergic system. This imbalance increases glutamatergic neurotransmission and consequently produces epileptic activity. It is also associated with oxidative stress due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences. Unfortunately, long-term treatment with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) may produce hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and haematological alterations. In this way, some secondary metabolites of plants have been used to ameliorate the deterioration of nervous system disorders through their antioxidant properties, in addition to their anticonvulsant effects. An example isCentella asiatica, a plant noted to have a reputed neuroprotective effect related to its antioxidant activity. However, similar to conventional drugs, natural molecules may produce side effects when consumed in high doses, which could occur withCentella asiatica. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a standardized extract ofCentella asiaticaL. Urb with tested anticonvulsant activity on biochemical and haematological parameters in rats subjected to lithium/pilocarpine-induced seizures.MethodsTwenty-eight adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 each): vehicle (purified water),Centella asiatica(200 and 400 mg/kg), and carbamazepine (CBZ) (300 mg/kg) as a pharmacological control of anticonvulsant activity. Treatments were administered orally every 24 h for 35 consecutive days. On Day 36, SE was induced using the lithium/pilocarpine model (3 mEq/kg, i.p. and 30 mg/kg s.c., respectively), and the behavioural and biochemical effects were evaluated.ResultsCentella asiatica400 mg/kg increased the latency to the first generalized seizure and SE onset and significantly reduced the time to the first generalized seizure compared to values in the vehicle group. Biochemical parameters, i.e., haematic cytometry, blood chemistry, and liver function tests, showed no significant differences among the different treatments.ConclusionThe dose ofCentella asiaticathat produces anticonvulsant activity in the lithium/pilocarpine model devoid of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and alterations in haematological parameters suggests that the standardized extract of this plant could be of utility in the development of new safe therapies for the treatment of convulsions associated with epilepsy.
Medical students’ perceptions of factors that Impact their performance in human physiology course: suggestions for improving course presentation
Authors: Halalsheh Raed , Al-Rawashdeh Amneh , Rababah Eman 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The study aims to examine students’ perceptions of factors that impact students’ performance in the Human Physiology course at HU’s College of Applied Health Sciences and their suggestions for improvement.

Method
A cross sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and April 2022. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students in Physiology courses (online and blended) via Microsoft Teams. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, and thematic analysis was employed based on the most frequent statements for the open-ended question.

Results
In total, 435 students participated in the study. Results indicated that students had high levels of agreement (M = 4.39) regarding faculty teaching style compared to (M = 4.24) towards course content and (M = 3.49) moderate levels towards technological aspects. In terms of the statistically significant differences at (α = 0.05) in students’ perceptions of factors that influence their performance due to the variables (gender, GPA, college, and teaching methods: online or blended), results showed that course content was not affected by any variables. The technological aspects were affected by GPA and gender. In terms of faculty teaching style, it was affected by all variables (GPA, college, and teaching method) except gender. One open-ended question regarding suggested improvements revealed four main themes: assessment and evaluation, technical issues, teaching methods and tools, and Arabic language support.

Conclusion
The study findings recommend greater use of assessment for learning methods and provision of interactive materials to help medical students overcome the challenges that might impact their performance.
‘Arm brains’ (axial nerves) of Jurassic coleoids and the evolution of coleoid neuroanatomy
Authors: Klug Christian , Hoffmann René , Tischlinger Helmut , Fuchs Dirk , Pohle Alexander , Rowe Alison , Rouget Isabelle , Kruta Isabelle 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough patchy, the fossil record of coleoids bears a wealth of information on their soft part anatomy. Here, we describe remains of the axial nerve cord from both decabrachian (Acanthoteuthis, Belemnotheutis, Chondroteuthis) and octobrachian (Plesioteuthis, Proteroctopus, Vampyronassa) coleoids from the Jurassic. We discuss some hypotheses reflecting on possible evolutionary drivers behind the neuroanatomical differentiation of the coleoid arm crown. We also propose some hypotheses on potential links between habitat depth, mode of life and the evolution of the Coleoidea.
PI3K-AKT activation resculpts integrin signaling to drive filamentous tau-induced proinflammatory astrogliosis
Authors: Wang Peng , Anderson D. Eric , Ye Yihong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Microtubule-binding protein tau is a misfolding-prone protein associated with tauopathies. As tau undergoes cell-to-cell transmission, extracellular tau aggregates convert astrocytes into a pro-inflammatory state via integrin activation, causing them to release unknown neurotoxic factors.

Results
Here, we combine transcriptomics with isotope labeling-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of mouse primary astrocyte secretome to establish PI3K-AKT as a critical differentiator between pathogenic and physiological integrin activation; simultaneous activation of PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in tau fibril-treated astrocytes changes the output of integrin signaling, causing pro-inflammatory gene upregulation, trans-Golgi network restructuring, and altered secretory flow. Furthermore, NCAM1, as a proximal signaling component in tau-stimulated integrin and PI3K-AKT activation, facilitates the secretion of complement C3 as a main neurotoxic factor. Significantly, tau fibrils-associated astrogliosis and C3 secretion can be mitigated by FAK or PI3K inhibitors.

Conclusions
These findings reveal an unexpected function for PI3K-AKT in tauopathy-associated reactive astrogliosis, which may be a promising target for anti-inflammation-based Alzheimer’s therapy.
The negative association of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the health of mother and child considering maternal childhood maltreatment
Authors: Köhler-Dauner Franziska , Dalhof Manuela , Hart Lara , Ziegenhain Ute , Fegert Jörg M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Social distancing strategies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have left families facing a variety of different constraints. Especially in this stressful time, children need a stable parental home to prevent developmental consequences. Additional risk factors such as maternal childhood maltreatment (CM) may affect mother’s psychosomatic health and children’s physical well-being in this period.

Objective
It was aimed to analyze the associations between maternal CM, mother’s mental health, and children’s physical complaints during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic.

Method
Mothers of a well-documented birth cohort from a longitudinal study were included in this study. Psychosomatic health was assessed with the PHQ-D and children’s physical health with the GBB-KJ during the pandemic. N = 159 mothers completed the online survey. To describe the maternal CM, data from a longitudinal survey were used.

Results
The calculation of three mediation analyses demonstrate that maternal depression symptoms (c-path: β = 0.10, p = .02; c’-path: β = 0.07, p = .13), somatic symptoms (c-path: β = 0.10, p = .02; c’-path: β = 0.07, p = .13) and psychosomatic symptoms (c-path: β = 0.10, p = .02; c’-path: β = 0.06, p = .19) fully mediate the relationship between CM and children’s physical health complaints.

Conclusions
Maternal CM experiences seem to be one relevant risk factor during the pandemic and seem to influence the way in which parents deal with stressful situations and increase the risk for depressive symptoms. The present results highlight the importance to provide individually adjusted assistance to help the families to get through the pandemic.
The clinical effectiveness of fused image of single-photon emission CT and facial CT for the evaluation of degenerative change of mandibular condylar head
Authors: Jeon Seung-Hwan , Lim Seung-Weon , Jung Ki-Hyun , Jeon Jae-Yun , Kim Sang-Yoon , Kim Ji-Young , Choi Yoon-Young , Hwang Kyung-Gyun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of fused images obtained from single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and facial computed tomography (CT) for evaluating degenerative changes in the mandibular condylar head. This assessment was accomplished by comparing the Technetium-99 m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) uptake ratio with the results of clinical and radiographic findings.

Methods
The study included 17 patients (3 males and 14 females) with suspected osteoarthritis of the mandibular condyle, totaling 34 temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Based on clinical and radiographic examinations, the TMJs were categorized into four groups: normal (group N), internal derangement (group ID), osteoarthritis (group OA), and osteoarthritis sequelae (group OAseq). For each patient, bone SPECT and facial CT scans were registered and reconstructed to create fused SPECT/CT images. The 99mTc-MDP uptake levels in the TMJs were statistically compared among the four groups.

Results
The 99mTc-MDP uptake ratio showed a gradual increase in the order of the following: group N, group OAseq, group ID, and group OA. There was a significant difference observed among groups (p = 0.003), mainly driven by the disparity between group OA and both group N (p < 0.001) and group OAseq (p = 0.048).

Conclusion
Fused SPECT/CT image can be an effective tool for evaluating degenerative changes in the mandibular condylar head. The technique demonstrated the ability to differentiate between normal TMJs and those with internal derangement, osteoarthritis, or osteoarthritis sequelae. This approach holds promise as a valuable method in clinical assessments of TMJ degeneration.