bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspektif Qira'Ah Mubadalah Terhadap Sikap Posesif Istri Kepada Suami
Authors: Nurkhovivah Mahmudha , Khaidarulloh
Published: August 2024

Domestic violence is a global problem, including in Indonesia, with a high This research started from a case of domestic violence which experienced disharmony in carrying out its rights and obligations resulting in a wife's possessive attitude towards her husband. The formulation of the problem in the research is 1. What is Qira>'ah Muba>dalah's perspective on forms of possessive attitudes of wives in interpersonal relationships between husband and wife in Kauman District, Ponorogo Regency? and 2. What is Qira'ah Muba>dalah's perspective on the rights and obligations of husband and wife in cases of possessive wives in Kauman District, Ponorogo Regency? This research is a type of qualitative field research. The analysis used in this research is descriptive analysis. The findings of this research show that the pattern of husband and wife relations in Kauman District, Ponorogo Regency, there is an imbalance in carrying out rights and obligations. The wife's possessive attitude creates discomfort and conflict, doubts the integrity of the family, and is contrary to the principle of Qira>'ah Muba>dalah. Marriage should be based on cooperation, mutual understanding, and balance in affection. A wife's possessive attitude which limits her husband in carrying out his obligations to earn a living can of course narrow the husband's career space and reduce his knowledge. This excessive control is not in line with Mubjadi's values ​​which emphasize mutuality, partnership and cooperation. Gender equality is important to maintain family harmony.
Cervical stump leiomyomata after supracervical hysterectomy; a case report with review of literature
Authors: Shoukry Ahmed , Yousri Mahmoud
Published: August 2024

Background
Despite being highly debated issue, subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy is still considered a safe and effective treatment for women with multiple fibroid uterus. Many lesions could arise on top of the preserved cervical stump such as recurrence of fibroids, cervical polyps, endometriosis, or malignancies which may necessitate reoperation and resection of the cervical stump or trachelectomy. Trachelectomy is known to be a difficult surgical procedure that may be associated with significant intra and post-operative morbidity.
Case presentation:
We presented here a case with a pelvic mass related to the cervical stump presented 8 years after subtotal hysterectomy. She complained of pelvic pain and vaginal discharge and spotting. Transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and a heterogeneous pelvic mass was revealed. Surgical exploration and resection of the mass with cervical stump excision was performed. Histopathology conformed the diagnosis of cervical stump multiple leiomyomata.
Conclusion
Supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy could be performed in selected women with appropriate counselling, mainly in cases of multiple leiomyomata and the selected candidate should be told about the potential of recurrent fibroids in the retained cervical stump and its consequences including the need for reoperation for cervical stump resection.
Morpho Cultural and Biochemical Characterization of Different Isolates of Trichoderma species Isolated from Rhizospheric Soil of Cotton in Haryana
Authors: Vashisht Preeti , Yadav N. K. , Poonia Prahlad , Yadav Lokesh
Published: August 2024

Trichoderma biocontrol agents are proven to be effective agents against soil-borne diseases. Trichoderma species are vital for root growth and development, crop yield, resistance to abiotic stress, and nutrient uptake and utilisation in addition to preventing the spread of illnesses caused by soil-borne pathogens. Cell wall degrading enzymes, or CWDEs, are essential to mycoparasitic action because they hydrolyze pathogen cell walls, releasing the organism's contents in the process. The antifungal action of Trichoderma includes a great variety of lytic enzymes such as chitinase, proteases, cellulases, IAA production, siderophore production, Zn solubilisation and phosphate solubilisation etc. which play a key role in bicontrol activity of Trichoderma. Cultural and morphological studies of different isolates of Trichoderma were also studied and observed that maximum mycelial growth (53.67) was recorded by HST2, Whereas, least (36.33mm) was showed by HMT2 after 6 DAI. The colony colour of all the isolates varied from dark green, whitish green to light green. The reverse colony colour of native Trichoderma isolates varied from creamish white, colourless and colourless to yellowish and the edge of colony varied from wavy to smooth. The length of conidia varied from 2.69 to 4.66 µm. The longest conidium was observed in HFtT with a conidial length of 4.66 µm. Width of conidia of different isolates varied from 2.31 to 3.65 µm. The maximum width was observed in case of HFtT (3.65 µm).
How Microgravity Influences Accumulation and Inhalation of CO2 in the Spaceflight Breathing Environment
Authors: Tabetah Marshall
Published: August 2024

CO2 bubbles and pockets have plagued astronauts for many decades since the inception of space exploration, with recurrent reports from astronauts of headaches as the main symptom. The first CO2 monitors were deployed in the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001, and have reported average CO2 concentrations of ~ 0.5% (or 5000 ppm) in air. Despite the enhancement in performance of CO2 removal systems that extract CO2 from ISS cabins to the external environment, CO2 concentrations that are at least ~ 0.3% have prevailed, causing CO2-related symptoms and subclinical changes to physiology. In order to explain the abnormal concentrations of CO2 in the breathing environment of the astronauts, the authors suggest that there is a build-up of CO2 that is influenced by the lack of gravity, also termed microgravity, in low Earth orbit (LEO). This suggestion is motivated by the effect of gravity on buoyancy-driven convection that can facilitate the advection of exhaled CO2 from the breathing envelope of a respirator, preventing its build-up in the breathing envelope. The processes that define the behavior of CO2 in the breathing environment of a respirator in astronaut-like conditions in the ISS are revealed through simulations of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a human respirator that exercises breathing over several breath cycles. This modeling effort is unique among research efforts that have studied CO2 accumulation in the ISS crew habitat, as it accounts for all the main factors that influence the dynamics of CO2 – the transient nature of breathing, changes in thermodynamic variables in the environment, and, particularly, changes in CO2 dynamics over several breath cycles. While simulations of several breath cycles in normal gravity show no tendency for CO2 to accumulate in the breathing environment, accumulation of CO2 is evident in microgravity, with the inhalation of CO2 at average concentrations higher than 0.1% (1000 ppm) in air as a possible outcome in some breath cycles. Breathing in such an environment in a prolonged period of time lasting several days inevitably leads to the build-up of CO2-related illnesses.
The impact of the 2023-2024 drought on intact Amazon forests’ productivity
Authors: Meunier Felicien , Boeckx Pascal , Botía Santiago , Bauters Marijn , Cherlet Wout , Ciais Philippe , De Hertog Steven , Dietze Michael , Peaucelle Marc , Sibret Thomas , Sitch Stephen , Li Wei , Verbeeck Hans
Published: August 2024

In the Amazon, the dry season of 2023 as well as the beginning of the wet season in 2024 were marked by unprecedented high temperatures and large precipitation deficits. While the tropical forests in the Amazon play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and are a biodiversity hotspot, they were also shown to suffer from El-Niño related droughts in the past, leading to legitimate concerns about the ecological consequences of the recent climate conditions. To this day, while there is a growing effort to make remote sensing products available close to real-time, land surface models that are critical tools to understand the interactions between the biosphere and the environment have lagged behind the present due to the complexity to run and process large model ensembles. In this study, we employed advanced machine learning models trained on state-of-the-art remote sensing and dynamic global vegetation model estimates of gross primary productivity (GPP). The models provide near real-time GPP estimates, revealing significant productivity reductions during the 2023/2024 drought. Negative GPP anomalies were more widespread across the Amazon than during any other recent major drought event. The Climate-GPP relationships that emerged from the models suggest that future temperature increases and changes in precipitation will severely challenge Amazon forest resilience.
Lower and middle Famennian (Upper Devonian) conodont biostratigraphy from Compte section (Central Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Barrera-Lahoz Héctor , Valenzuela-Ríos José Ignacio , Liao Jau-Chyn
Published: August 2024

A detailed analysis of the conodont sequence in the Compte section, located in the Spanish Central Pyrenees, demonstrates a continuous biostratigraphical record for the Famennian sequence studied. Forty-seven conodont taxa have been identified allowing the identification of six lower and middle Famennian zones through the index taxa. The lower part of the section, corresponding to the Comabella Formation, begins with the termini Zone, followed by the glabra prima Zone. The top of the Comabella Formation comprises de gl. pectinata Zone with the rhomboidea Zone starting near the base of the La Mena Formation. At the middle of this formation the gr. gracilis Zone appears, and near the top, the mg. marginifera Zone marks the beginning of the middle Famennian, which continues through the base of the Barousse Formation. Comparing these new findings with the previous data from Boersma (1973) reveals significant chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic discrepancies, which are discussed in detail. Additionally, comparisons with other global sequences show that the ranges of most conodonts appear delayed in the Compte section. Our data supports the revised global standard conodont zonation proposed by Spalletta et al. (2017) for this portion of the Famennian.
U-shaped Association Between Plasma Magnesium and First Stroke: A Community Based Nested Case-control Study
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Minghui , Liu Lishun , Song Yun , Wang Binyan , Xu Xiping , Wang Xiaobin , Bao Hui-hui , Cheng Xiao-shu
Published: August 2024

Background: Previous studies on the association between plasma magnesium concentrations and risk of first stroke were limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between plasma magnesium concentrations and the risk of first stroke in a community based Chinese population.
Methods: The study sample population was drawn from “H-type Hypertension Prevention and Control Public Service Project” in China. We conducted a nested case–control analysis and matched 1255 cases with an equal number of controls for age ± 1 years, sex and study sites. Conditional logistic regression models was used to estimate the association of plasma magnesium with the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic strokes).
Results: Using restricted cubic splines, there was a U-shaped association of plasma magnesium concentrations with risk of first stroke and ischemic stroke. Compared with the middle tertile (19.14 -< 20.67 mg/L), the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval [CI]) of stroke and ischemic stroke in the lowest tertile plasma magnesium were 1.37 (1.10, 1.70) and 1.36 (1.07, 1.72), in the highest tertile of plasma magnesium were 1.28 (1.03, 1.60) and 1.31 (1.03, 1.67), respectively. Furthermore, a stronger positive association between low tertile of plasma magnesium and first stroke was found in participants with current smoking than without (P-interaction=0.035). No significant effect modifications were observed in subgroup analysis.
Conclusions: Our study indicated a U-shaped association between plasma magnesium and first stroke, especially among current smoker.
Salvage Endoscopic Tract Dilatation Compared with Successful One-Shot Amplatz Dilatation during Sonography Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Pakmanesh Hamid , Kohansal MohammadAli , Barfzadeh Aida
Published: August 2024

Background:
During percutaneous nephrolithotomy, one of the challenges that arise is when the tract dilatation fails due to short-advancement. In such cases, instead of creating a new tract, a method of endoscopic tract dilatation can be used as a salvage technique for renal access. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of endoscopic tract dilatation with bi-prong forceps in cases of short access with uneventful dilatation using one-shot Amplatz tract dilatation.
Methods and Materials:
The study enrolled patients who underwent sonography-guided PCNL for six consecutive months in 2023. After renal puncture under the sonography guide, an Amplatz dilator was used for one-shot tract dilation. In the case of short-advancement, a bi-prong forceps was used under direct endoscopic vision for tract dilatation. The study compared the operation time, postoperative complications, and stone-free rate between successful one-shot Amplatz dilatation (SA) and those with salvage endoscopic tract dilatation (SE).
Results:
The study included 108 patients with a mean age of 47.9 ± 11.6 (50.9% male). Short-advancement occurred in 63 patients (58.3%) who were assigned to the (SE) group. The salvage technique was successful in 95.2% of occasions of short-advancement. Pre-operative demographic and clinical data were not different in this group compared to the (SA) group. The operative time was 21.1 ± 14.5 minutes in the (SE) group, which was not longer than the (SA) group with 22.7 ± 12.6 minutes (P = 0.2). The stone-free rate was 81.0% in the (SE) group, which was not inferior to 73% in the (SA) group (P = 0.3). The transfusion rate and complications were not different as well.
Conclusion:
Salvage endoscopic tract dilatation in case of short-advancement after one-shot Amplatz tract dilatation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy is not associated with higher complications or inferior clinical outcomes compared with cases with successful one-shot dilatation.
Effect of time-restricted feeding combined with oral contraceptives on polycystic ovary syndrome: An open-label, randomized trial
Authors: Zhu Minshan , Liang Dong , Li Yuan , Zhong Peiwen , Li Weiru , Kuang Liyun , Lin Yanting , Wang Shengfu , Zhang Siyou , Li Li
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives have limitations in managing polycystic ovary syndrome. We explored time-restricted feeding combined with oral contraceptive use as a novel strategy for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome.
STUDY DESIGN: A total of 126 female patients with polycystic ovary syndrome aged 18–40 years were selected for this study. They were randomly assigned to oral contraceptive therapy with an 8-hour time-restricted feeding (eating freely between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) or oral contraceptive therapy alone for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in spontaneous ovulation rate between the two groups after the intervention, and the secondary outcomes included changes in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fertility endocrine indices, and glucose and lipid metabolism factors.
RESULTS: Of 126 participants who underwent randomization, 116 (92.1%) completed a 12-week follow-up visit. The rates of spontaneous ovulation were 69.4% in the oral contraceptive + time-restricted feeding group and 50% in the oral contraceptive group (odds ratio=2.263; 95% confidence interval, 1.092–4.692; P=0.028). Time-restricted feeding is an independent factor that promotes ovulation recovery in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, especially in those with insulin resistance. After the intervention, the oral contraceptive + time-restricted feeding group had a significantly lower body weight (-3.6 vs -0.9 kg, P <0.001), body mass index (-1.4 vs -0.4 kg/m2, P<0.001), body fat percentage (-1.4% vs 0.01%, P=0.047), waist circumference (-2.9 vs -0.6 cm, P <0.001), and fasting insulin (-2.4 vs -0.1 mIU/L, P=0.032) than the oral contraceptive alone group.
CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, a time-restricted feeding regimen combined with oral contraceptive therapy was more beneficial than oral contraceptive use alone in promoting ovulation and reducing body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and fasting insulin.
Examining presenteeism and productivity losses among nursing workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Barreto David Márcio de Oliveira , Barreto Normeíza Márcia Fonseca , de Souza Sanay Victorino , de Andrade Andréa Costa , Silva-Santos Handerson , Reddy Neha , Araújo-dos-Santos Tatiane , Souza Ednir Assis , Ortega Johis , Florentino Tatiane Cunha
Published: August 2024

Objective
To characterize presenteeism and productivity losses among nursing professionals in public and private health services.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 123 participants from a public hospital and 159 from a private hospital in Manaus, Brazil. The Sociodemographic Health Questionnaire was utilized to assess presenteeism, while the Work Limitations Questionnaire measured productivity losses. Data were analyzed using non-parametric methods.
Results
Health-related work loss and presenteeism were reported by 50.41% of public sector professionals and 39.62% of private sector professionals. Despite this, presenteeism was more prevalent in the private sector (93.65%) compared to the public sector. Common health issues included musculoskeletal (26.49%), mental/behavioral (19.21%), respiratory (17.22%), neurological (16.56%), and gastrointestinal (5.96%) conditions. Additionally, 54.24% of private sector professionals and 44.23% of public sector professionals did not seek treatment. The private sector exhibited greater limitations in receiving care due to time management (40.34%), mental-interpersonal tasks (49.95%), production tasks (52.54%), and physical tasks (61.30%), resulting in higher productivity losses among nurses (13.46%) and nursing technicians (15.82%). High-complexity sectors demonstrated the greatest productivity losses.
Conclusion
The study identified significant differences in the characteristics of presenteeism and productivity losses between nursing professionals in the public and private health sectors. These results point to the need to improve management and occupational safety and regulatory measures to solve workers' health problems and mitigate presenteeism and productivity losses in the public and private health sectors.
Assessment of Primary Patency for Femoropopliteal Graft Entrapment within the Sartorius Muscle
Authors: Rodgers Jeffrey , Brothers Thomas
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Blind tunneling of subfascial femoropopliteal bypass grafts may result in inadvertent graft passage through the sartorius. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intramuscular passage of femoropopliteal bypass grafts affects primary patency.
Methods: Patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypass at a Veterans Administration hospital and associated university medical center over a recent 13-year period who also had postoperative cross-sectional imaging adequate to determine graft location were examined. Five-year primary patency of grafts circumferentially enveloped by the muscle was compared with that of both extramuscular subfascial grafts and subcutaneous grafts.
Results: 370 femoropopliteal grafts were identified, among which 258 (70%) were subfascial. Vein grafts comprised 51% of the subfascial grafts, and 53% were inserted above the knee. Available postoperative imaging in 110 subfascial grafts demonstrated 74 (67%) to lie completely within the muscle at some point. Among imaged subfascial grafts, primary patency at five years for intramuscular grafts was not significantly worse than extramuscular grafts (P=.31). This remained true whether grafts were vein (P=.39) or prosthetic (P=.31) and whether grafts inserted to the above-knee (P=.43) or below-knee (P=.21) popliteal artery. Multivariable Cox regression revealed a significant relationship between use of vein grafts (P=.013), active smoking (P=.01), and hypertension (P=.041) and primary patency, but not intramuscular graft location (P=.31).
Conclusion: This study limited to 110 patients failed to demonstrate significantly inferior primary patency among subfascial grafts tunneled intramuscularly. Larger studies may be required to adequately detect any differences in patency by muscular entrapment, especially among subgroups.
Unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation using a noval conditioning regimen for small month-old infants with rare non-malignant disorders
Authors: Wang Feiyan , Qu Yuhua , Jiang Hua
Published: August 2024

Background
Patients afflicted with rare non-malignant disorders endure the pain of the disease from birth. Receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), especially umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), as soon as possible has becomes the only cure opportunity for such patients. For infants under six months old, the toxicity caused by chemotherapy-based conditioning regimens is a key issue that needs to be focused on. Nevertheless, consensus regarding specific dosage adjustments for conditioning regimens in such infants remains elusive.
Objective
Our pilot study aimed to determine a noval dose-adjusted conditioning regimen suitable for infants under 6 months of age with rare non malignant diseases who underwent unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation.
Methods
We reported the transplant outcomes of five infants under 6 months old with rare non-malignant disease who underwent UCBT at our center from 2021 to 2024. Patients received a conditioning regimen containing adjusted dose of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, anti-thymocyte immunoglobulin, busulfan and thiotepa, using ≥ 8/10 UCB as the cell source.
Results
The median age of the patients was 4.2 months (range, 4.0 to 5.1) and the median weight of the patients was 5.5 kg (range, 3.5 to 7.5) at transplantation. These infants were diagnosed with Krabbe disease, very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD), Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) and Methoxyvaleric aciduria. The median time for neutrophil engraftment and platelet engraftment in all patients was 24 days (range, 12–30 days) and 32 days (range, 26 to 46 days), respectively. The whole blood donor chimerism in all patients was > 95% at 100 days post-UCBT, and all patients achieved a durable complete donor chimerism. The primary diseases of all patients have been effectively corrected, determined by regularly monitoring the enzyme concentration or gene mutation recovery. All patients survived until the follow-up date, and the event free survival rate after UCBT was 100%. Two out of five patients developed acute GVHD, but none had progressed to grade IV aGVHD or chronic GVHD. All patients achieved good lymphocyte reconstruction, especially with CD4 + cells reaching over 200/uL in all patients at 100 days after UCBT. Moreover, natural killer cells and B cells also recover rapidly, with a immunoglobulin class switching.
Conclusions:
In summary, our preliminary research suggest that UCBT with this novel conditioning regimen offers a safe and effective option for infants under 6 months with rare non-malignant diseases, achieving early and rapid donor engraftment, good immune reconstitution with mild GVHD, and superior overall survival.
The Impact of Coronary CT Angiography Image Quality on Artificial Intelligence Technology's Ability To Automatically Identify Coronary Artery Lesions And Stenosis
Authors: Guo Danling , Huang Yanan , Lv Sangying , Guan Le , Wu Guanzuan , Zhai Xiaoya , Li Huaifeng
Published: August 2024

Background
To explore the impact of image quality on the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify coronary artery lesions and detect the degree of coronary artery stenosis in coronary artery CT angiography (CCTA), using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as the reference standard.
Methods
156 patients suspected of coronary heart disease were enrolled from June 2020 to June 2021, including 92 males and 64 females, with an average age of 66.1 ± 9.4 years. Left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex (LCX) were divided into non-stenosis, mild stenosis, moderate stenosis, severe stenosis, and occlusion according to ICA as the gold standard. With image quality as the categorical variable, each vessel was evaluated to investigate the effect of image quality on the performance of AI technology in automatically detecting coronary artery lesions and the degree of CCTA.
Results
Compared with traditional manual postprocessing (13.9 ± 3.6min per case), the average postprocessing and interpretation times of AI were 5.4 ± 1.5min per case were significantly reduced; there was no significant difference in the detection of plaques between the coronary AI technology and ICA (P = 0.213). The consistency of AI in assessing the stenosis degree of 156 subjects were medium consistent with that of ICA, with P value < 0.001. With image quality as the categorical variable, the accuracy of human + AI in evaluating the degree of LAD, RCA stenosis was significantly higher than that of AI (P < 0.001), with OR values of 5.258 (2.451,11.376) and 6.552 (2.989,14.362) for the image quality of medium, with OR values of 8.200 (2.747,24.478) and 14.333 (3.886,52.874) for image quality of high, respectively; and the accuracy of human + AI in evaluating the degree of LCX stenosis was significantly higher than that of AI (P < 0.05), with OR values of 2.179 (1.063,4.468) and 3.266 (1.198,8.903) for image quality of high and medium, respectively.
Conclusion
Compared with traditional CCTA manual processing, coronary artery AI-assisted diagnosis technology has a shorter processing time, consistent plaque detection with ICA, and the ability to evaluate the degree of stenosis of each coronary artery under the supervision of a physician, thereby improving work efficiency.
Evaluation of the Outcomes and Influencing Factors of Non-Custodial Educational Programmes for Drug Abusers
Authors: Nam Kyung-ae , Oh In-Sun , Park Sun-Kyeong
Published: August 2024

This study evaluated the effectiveness of deferred prosecution (DP) and probation, defined as non-custodial education programmes (NCEPs), for drug abusers in South Korea. We analysed participants’ questionnaire responses in the DP (N = 203) and probation (N = 254) groups over a two-year period (January 2022–December 2023). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-and post-programme questionnaires on knowledge of drug addiction and the Hanil Drug Insight Scale (HDIS) for participants in DP and probation. Using multivariate logistic analysis, we examined the factors influencing effectiveness, including previous treatment experience, Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ) scores, and mental health status. NCEP effectiveness was assessed based on the participants’ reported intentions for future treatment at the end of the NCEP. DP participants and probationers showed significant increases in their knowledge of drug addiction and HDIS scores (p < 0.001). Results showed that treatment experience (odds ratio [OR] 3.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–10.71), poor mental health (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.01–5.95), and good MLQ (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.50–5.63) were significantly associated with improved NCEP effectiveness. This study provides the first evidence of the beneficial outcomes of the NCEP and identifies the factors influencing its effectiveness.
Telescopic Alluvial Fans and Pleistocene-Holocene temporary lakes in the quebradas del Río Toro and Tastil (Salta, NW Argentina): main sedimentary features
Authors: Colombo Ferran , Salfity J.A. , Sánchez Maria Cristina
Published: August 2024

The Toro and Tastil Quebradas (river valleys) present different terrace-like geoforms made up of deposits of coarse-grained clastic materials. These terraces display convex-upward surfaces, a highly variable distribution, have a small lateral extension and depend on the lithology of the geological basement, which differs significantly along the quebradas. The number of terraces between one area and another indicates that these terraced geoforms should not be ascribed to one single cause, but rather to a variety of factors, i.e. local variations at base-level. The coarse-grained materials of the terraces are usually arranged in roughly horizontal layers that characterize the outcrops. These are interfingered with fine-grained mud-rich materials. The freshwater gastropod remains in the mud-rich materials indicate that they accumulated in lacustrine-like sedimentary environments. These developed from alluvial fans that spread out from the lateral quebradas to occupy the entire main valley (quebrada), giving rise to natural dams and temporary lakes upstream. Absolute dates obtained by radiocarbon (14C) methods strongly suggest that the alluvial fans were coeval with the temporary lakes in the Upper Pleistocene - Middle Holocene. The ENSO effects could have brought about the local variations in base-level that generated the younger temporary lakes, whereas the older ones were probably controlled by precession cycles (at about 21,000 y). The large number of temporary lakes scattered across the region suggests the overlapping of forcing factors at local and regional scales.
Pulsed Azithromycin for the Treatment of Dacomitinib Induced Skin Toxicity in Patient with Tetracycline Intolerance – A Case Report
Authors: Ho Wei , Chen Yi-Ming , Lin Mong-Wei , Liao Yu-Qing , Lin Shu-Wen
Published: August 2024

Background Skin toxicities such as paronychia and acneiform rash are common side-effects of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKI) and significantly altered the quality of life of patients. Consensus guidelines recommended tetracycline antibiotics as the first line choices for both prophylaxis and treatment for grade II-III acneiform rash and paronychia. While generally well-tolerated, a subset of patients experiences adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and photosensitivity, leading to antibiotics intolerance and leaving EGFR TKI-induced skin toxicities unmanaged. Therefore, an alternative treatment is needed.Methods We present a case of stage IV EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with the second-generation EGFR TKI, dacomitinib. The patient developed grade 3 skin toxicities and was subsequently treated with azithromycin after demonstrating intolerance to tetracycline antibiotics.Results Azithromycin was administered using various dosing strategies, and our findings indicated that 500 mg every other day might be the most effective regimen for treating EGFR-TKI-induced acneiform rash. However, this approach appeared to be less effective in managing paronychia.Conclusion This case highlights the potential efficacy of azithromycin 500mg once another day as an alternative to tetracycline antibiotics for managing EGFR TKI-related skin toxicities in NSCLC patients.
Modified Abdominal Wall Reservoir Placement during Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Chinese Patients with Traumatic Pelvic Erectile Dysfunction: 8-year experience
Authors: Zhi ER lei , Bai Haowei , jiang ting , LI Peng , Yao Chencheng , Chen Huirong , Tian Ruhui , Huang yuhua , Li Zheng
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate a modified abdominal wall reservoir placement during penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) in Chinese patients with traumatic pelvic erectile dysfunction. A total of 27 patients, with a mean age of 32years (IQR: 24-50), and the mean duration was 84 months (IQR: 18-168),were included in this study. Fracture patterns were categorized as lateral compression (LC) (44.4%), anteroposterior compression (APC) (30%), and vertical shear (VS) (25.6%), and 70% of the patients experienced urogenital injuries. All patients were provided with a follow-up questionnaire consisting of four portions: IIEF-5, SF-36 scores , Bhojwani’s sexual satisfaction score and complications. Following the surgery, the mean IIEF-5 scores improved significantly, rising from 5.72±0.13 to 22.15±1.26. The SF-36 quality of life scale demonstrated substantial improvement except for vitality. Overall satisfaction rates for patients and their partners were 91.0% and 87.5%, respectively. Notably, only two patients (7.41%) experienced postoperative pain or foreign body sensation, which resolved during follow-up. 1 prothesis was removed due to infection (3.70%), 2 prothesis was revised due to pump malfunction (7.41%). Modified abdominal wall musculature placement will be suited to those patients with altered pelvic anatomy as a result of trauma and prior surgery.
Assessment of the use of electronic medical records system and barriers in Rwanda
Authors: Uwambajimana Emmanuel , Rugirangoga Philbert , Musabyimana Emmanuel , Ingabire Nadine , Ikibasumba Jolie , Turikumwenimana Regis , Munezero Aicha , Mukashyaka Joyeuse , Theobald Gasigwa , Musabyeyezu Alice , Mutuyimana Honorine , Nyinawabeza Solange , Havugimana Shaban , Kamayirese Eric. N , Uwamahoro Bibiane , Nshimiyimana Emmanuel , Niyoyita Jean Claude , Mutabazi Vincent , Niragire Esperance , Benemariya Noella , Hagabimana Aphrodis , Ruseesa Edward , Rwagasore Edson , Umutoni Angela , Stamatakis Caroline , Emmanuel UWAMBAJIMANA
Published: August 2024

Background
Since 2004, the global implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) systems has significantly improved healthcare delivery. However, challenges persist in achieving full EMR adoption, particularly in developing countries. In Rwanda, OpenMRS system was introduced in 2013 as a strategy to align digital health to the country's information and communication technologies (ICT)-for-development agenda. Reports from healthcare providers indicate varying EMR adoption levels in health facilities in Rwanda. This study aims to assess the current usage of EMR and identify implementation barriers in Rwandan health facilities.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 257 Rwandan health facilities using an electronically designed questionnaire in Epi Info 7. Face-to-face interviews were held with 1074 participants, including facility representatives and staff from departments utilizing EMRs. The study covered all district hospitals and 44% of associated health facilities. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess EMR use, user knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Results
A total of 257 health facilities were assessed (42 district hospitals and 215 health centers). All 42 district hospitals used EMRs, of which 35(83.3%) used OpenMRS while only 71 (33.0%) out of 215 health centers used EMRs of which about 55% used OpenMRS. Among 234 responses for non-use of EMRs, 98 (41.8%) had never used EMRs, 46 (19.6%) reported system damage, and 42 (17.9%) reported lack of internet. Reported barriers met by users included electricity and internet issues, limited computer access, and software glitches.
Conclusion
District hospitals in Rwanda showed to have widely utilized EMRs, while health centers exhibited lower utilization rates due to system unavailability or damage. OpenMRS was prevalent in hospitals, whereas health centers used diverse health systems. Respondents preferred EMRs over paper-based methods, but challenges such as internet issues, lack of user guides, power disruptions, staff shortages, and missing features hindered EMR adoption and use. Recommendations include providing comprehensive staff training, improving infrastructure (updating EMR modules, ensuring electricity and internet availability), and providing user guides to healthcare providers to enhance ICT implementation in health facilities.
Trial registration:
Not applicable
Theory-Based Flood Disaster Education Enhances Disaster Preparedness Among Adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Makmon Khairunnisa , Azman Fattah , Manaf Rosliza Abdul , Baharudin Mohd Rafee
Published: August 2024

Flood disasters are prevalent and severely impact humans and the environment, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable. This study evaluated the "Get-Ready DEM," a tailored disaster educational module based on the Extended Parallel Pathway Model (EPPM), to enhance flood disaster preparedness among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia. A two-arm, single-blinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial involved 287 adolescents from eight secondary schools, divided into intervention (140 participants) and control (147 participants) groups. The intervention group received the "Get-Ready DEM" once after the baseline assessment, while the control group was on the waitlist. Preparedness was measured using the Flood Disaster Preparedness Index (FDPI) scores at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and three months post-intervention. Data were analysed using a generalised estimation equation. Results showed a significant increase in FDPI scores for the intervention group immediately post-intervention (β = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.64, 2.65; p < 0.001) and at the three-month follow-up (β = 1.53; 95% CI = 0.96, 2.10; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. These findings underscore the EPPM framework's efficacy in designing effective flood disaster education. Implementing modules like "Get-Ready DEM" can significantly enhance adolescents' resilience and preparedness, suggesting a promising approach for disaster preparedness programs. This study was registered under Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20240426001 on 26th April 2024 and obtained ethical approval by the Ethics Committee of Human Research University Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2022-858) and the Ministry of Education, Malaysia (KPM.600-3/2/3-eras (15189).
Trend and Gender Inequality in Non-Communicable Disease Burden in Ethiopia: evidence from GBD and EDHS 2000-2019
Authors: Habtemichael Mizan , Belay Winini Winini , Mengesha Tariku , Habtamu Robera , Belay Amanuel
Published: August 2024

Background: The global noncommunicable disease burden is significantly increasing and has become a major reason for morbidity, productivity loss, higher healthcare costs, and sources of inequality. To mitigate the impact of these diseases among the vulnerable population, understanding the trends and gender disparities in the NCD burden is essential. We aimed to investigate the trends of NCD burden in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on examining gender-specific disparities.
Methods: We analyzed data from the global burden of disease and five-round survey data from the Ethiopian demographic and health survey. The trend of NCD burden was measured in terms of death rate, DALY, YLL, and YLD from 1980 – 2021 using data from the global disease burden. Gender disparities concerning NCD death rate, DALY, and YLL were assessed using data from EDHS 2000,2005, 2011, 2016, and 2019 mini-EDHS. To measure inequality, difference, population attributable fraction, population attributable risk, and ratio were considered.
Results: In Ethiopia, the NCD disease burden showed a decreasing trend between 1990 to 2021 with a greater reduction between the years 2000 and 2010. During this period greater change in death and DALY was seen among females. R and D measures revealed noticeable gender inequality favoring females, while PAR and PAF did not indicate inequality in NCD death rates. On the contrary, during the years 2000 and 2010, DALY concentrations were higher among females (D = -127.2 in 2000 and -106.7 in 2010), but in 2005, 2015, and 2019, the concentrations shifted to males. Across all years, YLL due to mortality was higher among females according to D and R measures, while PAF and PAR measures showed higher YLL due to disability among males.
Conclusions: The study revealed the existence of significant gender inequalities in NCD burden
Multi optimization of laser drilling of GFRP composites via TOPSIS approach
Authors: Elsad R. A. , Mahrous Ahmed Bahei El-Deen
Published: August 2024

Composite materials are very promising for use in a variety of applications. However, due to their anisotropy, they are challenging to cut using traditional machining. A desirable option for cutting composites is laser beam machining (LBM). In the present study, laser beam drilling (LBD) experiments with a CO2 laser on glass fibre reinforced polyester (GFRP) composites were conducted based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array to decide on a parametric optimization of multiple responses, such as hole taper angle (θ), heat affected zone (HAZ), and material removal rate (MRR), using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach. The input process parameters are cutting speed (S), laser power (P), and diameter of laser drilled hole (D). Based on closeness coefficient (Si*) of TOPSIS, the optimum levels of parameters were identified and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to quantitatively assess the influence of the input parameters on the output responses. The results demonstrated that all the selected cutting parameters have a significant effect on all the measured responses. From the confirmation experiment carried out at the optimum LBD conditions, there has been an improvement of Si* by 12%.
Association Between Serum Cotinine and Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection among American Adults: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Zhang Shuangxia , Zhang Zhan , Bai Huihui , Fan Linyuan , Zhang Jiafeng
Published: August 2024

Background: The risk of bacterial infection is higher in people who smoke regularly and in those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. However, research on the connection between serum cotinine and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection is lacking.
Methods: 4392 participants (2280 women) aged 20 to 59 years who completed a questionnaire about Sociodemographics, lifestyle, physical disease status, and T.vaginalis infection were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2016. Generalized models examined the relationships between serum cotinine levels and T.vaginalisprevalence. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to adjust for potential confounding factors. Restricted cubic splines (RCSs) were used to examine nonlinear associations between serum cotinine and the prevalent of T.vaginalis.
Results: T. vaginalis infections were reported in 95 cases (2.2%) overall. After adjusting for confounding factors, each increase in lg-cotinine was associated with a 1.72 higher likelihood of contracting T. vaginalis, with 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.44-2.06). After adjusting for relevant confounders, the highest tertiles (vs. lowest) of cotinine (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=6.56 (95% CI 2.20~19.58). RCSs analysis revealed that serum cotinine was nonlinearly associated with T. vaginalis infection rate (p for nonlinearity<0.05). In addition, the results of the subgroup and stratified analyses were robust.
Conclusion: According to our cross-sectional research, serum cotinine and T. vaginalis infection have a bad relationship. Further high-quality research is required to determine the cause-and-effect link between tobacco exposure and T. Vaginalis infection.
Longitudinal Relationship Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and Stroke Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Zhou Xiangmao , Du Hui , Wang Hui , Tan Zhijian , Zeng Yaqing , Song Zhibin , Zhang Guifeng
Published: August 2024

Background
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with obesity being a major risk factor. Traditional obesity measures like Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have limitations. This study investigates the longitudinal relationship between the Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI), a novel obesity measure, and stroke incidence in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.
Methods
This prospective cohort study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) collected over a 9-year period from 2011 to 2020. A total of 9,725 participants aged 45 and older were included. Baseline characteristics were compared across WWI quartiles. Stroke events were identified through self-reported doctor diagnoses during follow-up. Multivariate regression analyses and curve fitting were conducted to assess the relationship between WWI and stroke risk, with adjustments for demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors. Stratified analyses were performed to examine the consistency of the relationship across different population segments.
Results
Participants in higher WWI quartiles were generally older and had a higher prevalence of stroke and other adverse health conditions. Multivariate regression analyses showed that higher WWI was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke. In the fully adjusted model, participants in the highest WWI quartile had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.92) for stroke compared to those in the lowest quartile. Curve fitting revealed a linear relationship between WWI and stroke risk. Stratified analyses confirmed the robustness of this relationship across various demographic and clinical groups.
Conclusions
Higher WWI is associated with an increased risk of stroke in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. This longitudinal study provides strong evidence for a linear relationship between WWI and stroke risk over a 9-year period. These findings suggest that WWI could be a valuable tool for long-term stroke risk prediction in this population. Further studies are needed to validate these results in diverse populations and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Enhancing Parallel Genetic Algorithms for Efficient Distributed Data Analysis: Automatic Termination and Population Sizing Integration
Authors: Alterkawi Laila , Migliavacca Matteo
Published: August 2024

Unleashing the potential of large-scale data analysis requires advanced computational methods for managing distributed data’s size and complexity. Genetic algorithms (GAs) have demonstrated adaptability through parallelization, prompting further performance enhancements. This study proposes integrating automatic termination and population sizing mechanisms to augment parallel GAs’ flexibility, and effectiveness. We extend PDMS-BioHEL and PDMD-BioHEL, two parallel GAs-based classifiers implemented on the Spark platform. Through extensive experimentation, we demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, enhancing efficiency and user-friendliness. Our techniques enable more efficient and effective large-scale data analysis using Parallel GAs.