bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Process, Recap, and Prediction of Chiari Malformation Based on Bicentennial History of Nomenclature and Terms Misuse
Authors: He Yunsen , Zhang Mengjun , Qin Xiaohong , Huang Caiquan , Liu Ping , Tao Ye , Wang Yishuang , Guo Lili , Bao Mingbin , Li Hongliang , Mao Zhenzhen , Li Nanxiang , He Zongze , Wu Bo
Published: October 2023

Background There is absent systematic analysis or review has been conducted to clarify the topic of nomenclature history and terms misuse about Chiari malformations (CMs). Objective We reviewed all reports on terms coined for CMs for rational use and provided their etymology and future development. Method All literature on the nomenclature of CMs was retrieved and extracted into core terms. Subsequently, keyword-analysis, preceding and predicting (2023–2025) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of each core term was calculated using a mathematical formula and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model in Python. Result Totally 64,527 CM terms usage were identified. Of these, 57 original terms were collected and then extracted into 24 core-terms. Seventeen terms have their own featured author-keywords, while 7 terms are homologous. The preceding CAGR of 24 terms showed significant growth in use for 18 terms, while 13, 3, 3, and 5 terms may show sustained growth, remain stable, decline, and rare in usage, respectively, in the future. Conclusion Previously, owing to intricate nomenclature, Chiari terms were frequently misused, and numerous seemingly novel but worthless even improper terms have emerged. For a very basic neuropathological phenomenon tonsillar herniation by multiple etiology, a mechanism-based nosology seems to be more conducive to future communication than an umbrella eponym. However, a good nomenclature also should encapsulate all characteristics of this condition, but this is lacking in current CM research, as the pathophysiological mechanisms are not elucidated for the majority of CMs.
Density, spatial dispersion, and sequential sampling of Date Palm spider mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus on six Date Palm cultivars
Authors: Latifian Masoud , Assari Mohamad Javad , Najafabadi Seyed Saeed Modarresi , Amani Majid , Fasihi Mohamad Taghi , Basavand Farzaneh , Bagheri Abdoolnabi
Published: October 2023

The Date Palm spider mite (DPSM), Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor), is the most critical pest on Date Palm. We studied the standardization of the class-specific sampling method to define the appropriate unit and size and the population dispersion pattern of DPSM in its specific ecological niches and fitting of a Wald,s sequential sampling model on six Date Palm cultivars in five provinces. The sampling was repeated at seven days intervals from May to September. Finally, the dispersion pattern of DPSM in the Date Palm orchards was estimated using indices of mean crowding, Taylor’s Power Law, mass average index, patchiness, and Iwao. As DPSM had a clumped pattern, the first and second-type errors were considered equal to 0.1. The results showed that the means density of DPSM varied from 9.25 (Sayer cultivar) to 41.64 (Berhee cultivar) on 20 fruits. According to Taylor’s power law, the dispersion of this pest was clumped. Average Sample size decreased by increasing the population density of DPSM. By these results, The decreasing of operational curve slopes of sequential sampling models were different in the different Date Palm cultivars so that the slope was reduced to 0.5, 0.3, 0.3, 0.25, 0.1, and 0.1 for Pyaroom, Mazafati Rabi, Sayer Berhee and Kabakab cultivars, respectively. Proposed Wald,s sequential sampling model can be suggested for monitoring DPSM population on different Date Palm cultivars because it could drastically decrease sample size compared with the classical sampling model.
Physicochemical and Hydrophobicity Characteristics of Bituminous Soils of the Humid Rainforest Climate of Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Fasinmirin Johnson Toyin , Imoukhuede Bimpe Oladunni , Olayanju Gbenga Moses
Published: October 2023

This research investigated the physicochemical and hydrophobicity characteristics of bituminous soils in the humid rainforest climate of Irele in Ondo State, Nigeria. This research sampled three locations within Irele (Loda, Lofo, and Legbogbo), with Legbogbo as the control site and bitumen free. Five points were randomly sampled per location up to the 0–15 cm soil depth for physicochemical characterization.A mini-disk infiltrometer at -2 cm water suction rate was used to determine the soil's hydrophobicity, water, and ethanol sorptivity.The soil typesof the study location were predominantly sandy loam and strongly acidic (pH). The organic matter and organic carbon varied significantly (p ≤ 0.001) for all the sites in season 1 (2020) and significantly different (p ≤ 0.01) in season 2 (2021). The exchangeable potassium (k+) for both seasons varied from 0.143 to 0.183 Cmol/kg, while the exchangeable sodium ranged from 0.16 to 1.50 Cmol/kg for season 1 and from 0.22 to 0.27 Cmol/kg for season 2, respectivelyExchangeable magnesium and cation exchange capacity (CEC) for season 1 and season 2 differ significantly (P < 0.05).The mean hydrophobicity index decreased in the order Loda > Lofo > Legbogbo. The soil sorptivity to water (Sw)was in the orderLegbogbo > Lofo > Loda. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean Sw and soil sorptivity to ethanol (Se) among the locations under study, thoughthe Loda site had the highestethanol sorptivity.
Integration of Health System Sciences: Process and Content at One Saudi Medical School
Authors: Othman Manal A , Shahrani Abeer Salem Al , AlMohanna Asmaa M , Allabun Sarah
Published: October 2023

Background
As health systems evolve, medical education needs to adapt education programs that align with healthcare needs. Studies have shown that integrating Health System Sciences (HSS) in the medical curriculum will empower future physicians with additional skills to provide system-based care within a health system. Here, we describe the process and content of the integration of HSS within medical at one Saudi medical school.
Methods
This experience was conducted at the College of Medicine at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), Riyadh/Saudi Arabia. A group of medical educators in the areas of basic, clinical, and medical education made a proposal to integrate HSS within the curriculum. The process started with reviewing literature, similar national and international universities’ experiences, and educational competencies pertaining to HSS developed by Saudi Medical Education Directives Framework. Also reviewing some of the domains, content and skills that already exist in our MBBS curriculum related to HSS for a possible restructuring. The task force with the help of the Program Committee identified potential courses that can be developed or modified to cover the following six core domains of HSS: 1. Population and public health, 2. Health care policy, economics, and management 3. Clinical informatics and health information technology, 4. Value-based care, 5. Health system improvement, and 6. Health care delivery structures and processes.
Results
The task force recommended rolling out the HSS curriculum longitudinally, in two phases (pre-clinical and clinical). As a result, a new curriculum map was created in which new courses were added and the domains related to HSS already present were enhanced through some restructuring and upgrading. In addition, several teaching/learning activities and assessment methods have been defined.
Conclusion
We describe systematic process for integrating HSS content at one Saudi medical school, to meet the evolving needs of the health care system. We understand that implementation of these changes is limited by some challenges. However, our experience can be of a significant value for other national medical colleges.
Evolution of unexpected diversity in a putative mating type locus and its correlation with genome variability reveals likely asexuality in the model mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , Risse Eric , Mateus Ivan Dario , Sanders Ian Robert
Published: October 2023

Background
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form mutualistic partnerships with approximately 80% of plant species. AMF, and its diversity, play a fundamental role in plant growth, driving plant diversity, and global carbon cycles. Knowing whether AMF are sexual or asexual has fundamental consequences for how they can be used in agricultural applications. Evidence for and against sexuality in the model AMF, Rhizophagus irregularis, has been proposed. The discovery of a putative mating-type locus (MAT locus) in R. irregularis, and recombination among nuclei of a dikaryon R. irregularis isolate, suggested sexuality. Unless highly promiscuous, evolution of MAT-locus diversity is expected to be very low. Furthermore, in sexual species, MAT-locus evolution is decoupled from the evolution of arbitrary genome-wide loci.
Results
We studied MAT-locus diversity of R. irregularis. This was then compared to diversification in a phosphate transporter gene (PTG), that is not involved in sex, and to genome-wide divergence, defined by 47378 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Strikingly, we found unexpectedly high MAT-locus diversity indicating that either it is not involved in sex, or that AMF are highly promiscuous. However, a strongly congruent evolutionary history of the MAT-locus, PTG and genome-wide divergence allows us to reject both the hypothesis that the MAT-locus is involved in mating and that the R. irregularis lineage is sexual.
Conclusion
Our finding shapes the approach to developing more effective AMF strains and is highly informative as it suggests that introduced strains applied in agriculture will not exchange DNA with native populations.
HIV-Tocky system to visualize proviral expression dynamics
Authors: Satou Yorifumi , Reda Omnia , Monde Kazuaki , Sugata Kenji , Rahman Akhinur , Sakhor Wajihah , Rajib Samiul , Sithi Sharmin , Tan Benjy , Niimura Koki , Motozono Chihiro , Maeda Kenji , Ono Masahiro , Takeuchi Hiroaki
Published: October 2023

Determinants of HIV-1 latency establishment are yet to be elucidated. HIV reservoir comprises a rare fraction of infected cells that can survive host and virus-mediated killing. In vitro reporter models so far offered a feasible means to inspect this population, but with limited capabilities to dissect provirus silencing dynamics. Here, we describe a new HIV reporter model; HIV-Timer of cell kinetics and activity (HIV-Tocky) with dual fluorescence spontaneous shifting to reveal provirus silencing and reactivation dynamics. This unique feature allowed; for the first time, identifying two latent populations: a directly latent, and a recently silenced subset, with the latter having integration features suggestive of stable latency. Our proposed model can help address the heterogeneous nature of HIV reservoirs and offers new possibilities for evaluating eradication strategies.
Assessing the impact of tidal inundation on the livelihoods of the Chattogram City dwellers in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Taj , Islam M. Rezaul , Mustafa Firuza Begham , Sim Jillian Ooi Lean
Published: October 2023

The paper aimed to assess the impact of tidal inundation on the livelihoods of Chattogram City dwellers in Bangladesh. This study employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating various data collection methods, including face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The analysis utilized the weighted average index (WAI) and rank scale. The research was conducted across five wards in Chattogram City: Chandgaon, West Bakalia, North Halisahar, South Agrabad, and Gosaildanga. The study's findings revealed that city residents indicated multiple impacts resulting from tidal inundation, which also heightened livelihood vulnerability. The research identified 29 indicators of vulnerable livelihoods that significantly impacted residents' well-being, categorized as having a very high, high, and moderate impact, with 26 ranks. Notably, limited empirical research has been conducted on the impact of tidal inundation in Bangladesh's coastal areas. This study's comprehensive insights could guide city planners and policymakers in formulating effective policies for the sustainable livelihoods of coastal communities affected by tidal inundation.
Home care workers - an untapped resource in preventing emergency department visits of older people? A qualitative interview study from Sweden
Authors: Bastholm-Rahmner Pia , Bergqvist Monica , Modig Karin , Gustafsson Lars-L , Schmidt-Mende Katharina
Published: October 2023

Background: Older people with functional decline and home care are frequent visitors to emergency departments (ED). Home care workers (HCWs) interact regularly with their clients and may play a crucial role in their well-being. This study aims to understand if and how HCWs can help prevent ED visits among home-dwelling older people.
Methods: In this qualitative study, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCWs from Sweden between July and November 2022. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators to prevent ED visits in older home-dwelling people.
Results: HCWs want to actively contribute to the prevention of ED visits among clients but observe many barriers that hinder them from doing so. Barriers refer to care organization such as availability to primary care (PC) staff and information transfer; attitudes towards HCWs as co-workers; and client-related factors. Participants suggest that improved communication and collaboration with PC and discharge information from the ED to home care services could overcome barriers. Furthermore, they ask for support and geriatric education from PC nurses which may result in increased respect towards them as competent staff members.
Conclusions: HCWs feel that they have an important role in the health management of older people living at home. Still, they feel as an untapped resource in the prevention of ED visits. They deem that improved coordination and communication between PC, ED, and home care organizations, as well as the promotion of proactive care would enable them to add significantly to the improved overall well-being and the prevention of ED visits.
Microstructure and hot tearing sensitivity simulation and parameters optimization for the centrifugal casting of Al-Cu alloy
Authors: Lv Shengkun , Dou Ruifeng , He Xueli , Zhang Yanying , Wang Junsheng , Liu Xunliang , Wen Zhi
Published: October 2023

A mathematical model of horizontal centrifugal casting was established, and numerical simulation analysis was conducted for the centrifugal casting process of cylindrical Al-Cu alloy castings to investigate the effect of the centrifugal casting process conditions on the microstructure and hot tearing sensitivity of alloy castings. Results show that increasing the centrifugal rotation and pouring speeds can refine the microstructure of the alloy but increasing the pouring and mold preheating temperatures can lead to an increase in grain size. The grain size gradually transitions from fine grain on the outer layer to coarse grain on the inner layer. Meanwhile, combined with the modified RDG hot tearing criterion, the overall distribution of the castings’ hot tearing sensitivity was analyzed. The analysis results indicate that the porosity in the middle region of the casting was large, and hot tearing defects were prone to occur. The hot tearing tendency on the inner side of the casting was greater than that on the outer side. The effects of centrifugal rotation speed, pouring temperature, and preheating temperature on the thermal sensitivity of Al-Cu alloy castings are summarized in this paper. This study revealed that the tendency of alloy hot cracking decreases with the increase of the centrifugal speed, and the maximum porosity of castings decreases first and then increases with the pouring temperature. As the preheating temperature increases, the overall maximum porosity of castings shows a decreasing trend.
Targeting the dermis for melasma maintenance treatment
Authors: Han Hee Jeong , Kim Jin Cheol , Park Young Joon , Kang Hee Young
Published: October 2023

Background:
Melasma relapse is almost common after discontinuation of conventional treatment. Recent studies have suggested that photoaging dermis is main pathomechanism of melasma emphasizing stromal targeting therapy.
Objectives:
We investigated maintenance effect of microneedling radiofrequency (RF) for melasma treatment.
Methods:
Subjects with melasma were administered oral tranexamic acid and triple combination cream for two months and a randomly assigned half face was treated with RF. After discontinuation of conventional therapy, the half face RF continued monthly over 6 months. Modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score and L* value by a chromameter were collected monthly.
Results:
Fifteen patients were enrolled and eleven completed the 8-month study. At 2nd month of conventional therapy, all subjects showed improvement with a 64% reduction in mMASI score. With continuous RF treatment, the improvement was well maintained; whereas in untreated side, the Δ L* gradually decreased, returning to the baseline after the conventional therapy ended.
Conclusions:
The continuous RF therapy is beneficial in maintaining the conventional therapy of melasma suggesting the protective effect of stromal targeting therapy in melasma development.
(Clinical Trial registration number: NCT05710068, date of first registration: 02/02/2023)
Severe Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in a Neonate with Necrotizing Enterocolitis: a case report
Authors: zhang Wenjing , Zhang Li
Published: October 2023

Background Patients with congenital heart disease are predisposed to neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, especially in very low and extremely low birth weight infants. It has never been reported about the perioperative management.
Case presentation We describe the first reported case of severe pulmonary valve stenosis with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis IIIB in an infant who successively underwent exploration of the heart and laparotomy. The infant was ultimately discharged with good improvement after treatment with linezolid anti-infective, enoxaparin anticoagulant, and organ support. In the present case, pathogenic bacteria were identified using metagenomic next-generation sequencing-guided antibiotic replacement, highlighting its usefulness in children with peritonitis complicated by ascites. The neonatal right atrial thrombus was treated with timely and regulated anticoagulation after thrombolysis and did not develop into a pulmonary embolism.
Conclusions It was a reference for the perioperative management and treatment of congenital heart disease-necrotizing enterocolitis. Utilizing metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the detection of pathogenic organisms and examining four items of thrombosis levels should be promoted for the care of patients with severe pulmonary valve stenosis with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Successful management of perilous perioperative hypoxia in a total arch replacement procedure: a case report
Authors: Qian Liu , Zhang Yujun , Liu Haibei
Published: October 2023

Background: Profound hypoxemia during total arch replacement surgery demands prompt intervention. Aortic dissection patients are susceptible to serious pulmonary complications.
Case presentation: We report a critical case of intraoperative hypoxemia in this context. Despite no existing pulmonary issues, oxygenation difficulties during cardiopulmonary bypass weaning led to challenging procedural halts. Strategies such as airway suction, lung recruitment, and protective ventilation proved inadequate to rectify the hypoxic state. Transesophageal echocardiography indicated left pleural effusion and atelectasis, with minimal improvement after drainage. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy identified significant tenacious secretions obstructing the airway and left main bronchus, with conventional suction ineffective. Ultimately, pulmonary lavage and bronchoscopic suction, combined with repeated lung recruitment, led to enhanced oxygenation.
Conclusions: It is crucial to conduct dynamic preoperative respiratory evaluations, particularly in patients with aortic dissection. Such assessments can effectively anticipate and prevent postoperative lung complications.
A Binary Linear Programming Model for a Case Study in University Timetabling Problem
Authors: Samarathunga Samarathunga D.M. , Wellahetti Lahiru L.R.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a university timetabling problem is addressed, and proposed a two-phase approach to solve the problem. In the first phase, a binary linear programming model is constructed to determine the feasibility of the number of optional courses to offer at different time slots. Using the genetic algorithm, the constructed model is solved and a feasible number of optional courses to be offered at different time slots is obtained. Phase I is devoted to finding the optimal feasibility of offering a great many optional courses to different time slots while optimizing the preferable constraints. Once we get the number of optional courses to offer at different time slots, the second phase is devoted to constructing the timetabling treating the preferable constraints as objectives. The timetabling problem is a combinatorial, NP-complete optimization problem. Due to its practicability and complexity, the timetabling problem is prominent among researchers and has sound literature equipped with various methodologies and solution techniques. Among the timetabling problems, addressed in the literature, university course timetabling is more complex due to the sophisticated course structures, a large number of student groups, and many other requirements imposed by the institution. University timetabling problems can be hardly generalized due to the different inherent characteristics of the timetabling problem from institution to institution. Hence, many studies are focused on case studies while extending and generalizing to a certain extent. In this study, the timetabling for semester I of the Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka is selected as a case study.
The Impact of COVID-19 on US Clinical Trial Activity
Authors: Glass Harold , Guy Andy
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been one of the singular events of the twenty-first century. With the initial impact of COVID-19, clinical trial observers and professionals anticipated major interruptions in the conduct of clinical trial research. Many expected site start-ups to slow appreciably, patient enrollment and treatment to drop significantly, and the search for scarce medical staffing resources to become more daunting. The Open Payments database, a public repository mandated by US law, provides us with a more definitive answer to the question about the impact of COVID-19 on the conduct of US clinical trial activity. While a demanding database to use, the Open Payments data demonstrate that there was surprisingly little disruption in the US clinical trial landscape in 2020-2021. There were few changes in who conducted studies, or where these studies occurred. Most critically, overall US clinical trial activity continued to increase, even when COVID-19 related studies are separated from the total payment numbers. Similarly, clinical trial activity trends among the major therapeutic areas continued much as they had before COVID-19. Areas such as oncology continued to grow, while others, such as cardiovascular, continued to decline. Even previously experienced clinical investigators conducted most of the COVID-19 studies. Open Payments contains only US data for commercially sponsored clinical trials. It may be that the results are different for NIH sponsored studies or sites outside the United States.
Müller glial cells located in the peripheral retina are more susceptible to high pressure: implications for glaucoma
Authors: Pereiro Xandra , Ruzafa Noelia , Azkargorta Mikel , Elorza Felix , Acera Arantxa , Ambrósio António Francisco , Santiago Ana Raquel , Vecino Elena
Published: October 2023

Background:
Glaucoma, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. This study aims to elucidate the critical role of Müller glia (MG) in the context of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, particularly focusing on the influence of peripheral MG sensitivity to high pressure (HP).
Methods:
Co-cultures of porcine RGCs with MG were isolated from both the central and peripheral regions of pig retinas and subjected to both normal and HP conditions. Mass spectrometry analysis of the MG-conditioned medium was conducted to identify the proteins released by MG under all conditions.
Results:
Peripheral MG were found to secrete a higher quantity of neuroprotective factors, effectively promoting RGC survival under normal physiological conditions. However, under HP conditions, co-cultures with peripheral MG exhibited impaired RGC survival.
Moreover, under HP conditions, peripheral MG significantly upregulated the secretion of proteins associated with apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
This study provides robust evidence suggesting the involvement of MG in RGC death in glaucoma, thus paving the way for future therapeutic investigations.
Patient-related factors that link chronic kidney disease and periodontitis: a meta-analysis and scoping review
Authors: Bunte Kübra , Brunet-Llobet Lluís , Ramírez-Rámiz Albert , Mahmoud Muhiddin Abdi , Miranda-Rius Jaume
Published: October 2023

Background
Several studies proposed an association between periodontal and chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on biological assumptions. Growing evidence indicates that chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis may contribute to the advancement of chronic kidney disease. This study aims to investigate the studies that link CKD and periodontitis, including periodontitis proxies such as oral hygiene and tooth loss, and patient-related factors like inflammatory response and genetic polymorphisms. It also provides a meta-analysis of the case-control and cohort studies and a narrative from a public health perspective about strategies to improve the management of both conditions.
Materials and Methods
An electronic search was conducted on the MEDLINE (PubMed) database using advanced search option. After reviewing the articles, a total of 32 studies were included in the synthesis in three groups as interventional, case-control, and cohort studies. A meta-analysis was conducted on studies that reported the diagnosis of periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease according to the diagnostic criteria and provided measurable outcomes.
Results
A total of thirty-two studies were included in the synthesis. Of which, four studies were interventional and sixteen were cohort studies. Twelve studies had a case-control design. A total of 9 case-control or cohort studies matched the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. There was a high heterogeneity among results (I2 statistic, 91%) and effect size was borderline significant (random effects model, OR 1.99 95% CI [1.01; 3.91]). Overall, periodontitis prevalence was significantly higher in study participants with CKD, periodontal disease diagnosis was associated with an increase in the risk of incident CKD, periodontal disease parameters were negatively correlated with kidney function,
Conclusions
Current evidence indicate a possible association between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis and supports future longitudinal studies to investigate the bidirectional effect, causality, and pathophysiology.
WhatsApp-based intervention in urban Colombia to support the prevention of arboviral diseases: a feasibility study
Authors: Diaz Maria Angelica Carrillo , Gessler Alisa Maria , Ramirez Tatiana Rivera , Sanchez Rocio Cardenas , Lindenmeier Jörg , Kern Winfried V. , Kroeger Axel
Published: October 2023

Background
Arboviral diseases remain a significant health concern worldwide, necessitating innovative prevention strategies. mHealth interventions with a particular focus on mobile applications like WhatsApp, offer promising results for engaging communities, educating individuals, and promoting healthier behaviours. This study explores the feasibility to integrate WhatsApp in vector control activities, aiming to improve the arbovirus prevention in Colombian urban areas.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed to assess the WhatsApp-based intervention as part of a large research implementation in Colombia. WhatsApp messages were sent to 45 community women for 5 weeks to increase their knowledge and practices about dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Pre-and-post surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in community settings to measure the feasibility and acceptability of this mHealth intervention. Chat reviews were done to assess the usability and interaction of users. The McNemar test was used to assess improvements in the knowledge and practices of the participants.
Results
A total of 1566 messages were exchanged in 45 WhatsApp chats. High acceptance and good usability (82% of active users used the app for replying) were reported in two FGDs and chat reviews. WhatsApp messages were perceived as short, clear, and enjoyable. Users liked the frequency, and design of messages. Improvements in the level of knowledge and practices of arboviral diseases were demonstrated in pre-and-post surveys. The intention to apply this knowledge in practice was reflected in a significant improvement, particularly in cleaning the laundry tank once a week (pre 62.1% to post 89.6%, p < 0.008).
Conclusions
This study suggests that the use of WhatsApp as an additional tool could be a feasible, acceptable, and affordable strategy for improving communication actions in vector activities and improving the adoption of better practices in the prevention of dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Barriers and facilitators to healthy living counselling in Canadian pediatric tertiary care: a survey of healthcare providers
Authors: Sweeney-Magee Molly , Nugent Colleen , Pinkney Susan , Charbonneau Kimberly , Tang Miao , Amed Shazhan
Published: October 2023

Background:
The purpose of this study is to gather HCPs’ perspectives on current practices and attitudes to Healthy Living Counselling (HLC), along with identifying barriers and facilitators to delivering HLC during clinical encounters.
Methods:
A 39-item HCP Needs Assessment Survey was administered to 705 HCPs in the Pediatric Department of a tertiary pediatric hospital in British Columbia, Canada. The survey received 290 responses, resulting in a final sample size of 244 after applying exclusion criteria. Frequencies and proportions were reported. Linear regression and chi-squared tests were used to analyze associations between responses.
Results:
HCPs reported frequent measurement of height, weight, and BMI and supported addressing health behaviours with their patients. However, assessments of healthy living behaviours (e.g., physical activity, healthy eating, screen time) were reported as occurring "rarely/half of patient visits." HLC was more commonly provided to patients perceived as overweight/obese (19.4% for most/every visit) than those with healthy weights (7.7%). While HCPs exhibited confidence in discussing health behaviours, they had lower confidence in broaching weight-specific issues. Both practical (time constraints, available support) and interpersonal (therapeutic relationship concerns) barriers to HLC provision were identified.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the recognition among HCPs of the importance of HLC provision, along with a desire for improved training opportunities to enhance their skills. Future possible interventions include motivational interviewing and weight stigma training to bolster HCPs' confidence and efficacy in delivering HLC. These findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing HCPs' abilities and willingness to promote healthy living behaviours among pediatric patients.
New daily persistent headache after SARS-CoV-2 infection in Latin America: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Carrión-Nessi Fhabián S. , Ascanio Luis C. , Pineda-Arapé Andreína G. , Omaña-Ávila Óscar D. , Mendoza-Millán Daniela L. , Romero Sinibaldo R. , Almao-Rivero Abranny B. , Camejo-Ávila Natasha A. , Gebran-Chedid Karim J. , Rodriguez-Saavedra Carlis M. , Nobrega Diana C. Freitas-De , Castañeda Sergio A. , Forero-Peña José L. , Delgado-Noguera Lourdes A. , Meneses-Ramírez Lucianny K. , Cotuá Juan C. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Forero-Peña David A. , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto E.
Published: October 2023

BackgroundPersistent headache is a frequent symptom after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and there is currently limited knowledge about its clinical spectrum and predisposing factors. A subset of patients may be experiencing new daily persistent headache (NDPH) after COVID-19, which is among the most treatment-refractory primary headache syndromes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in Latin America to characterize individuals with persistent headache after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and identify risk factors associated with NDPH. Participants over 18 years old who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and reported persistent headache among their symptoms completed an online survey that included demographics, past medical history, persistent headache clinical characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Based on participants’ responses, NDPH diagnostic criteria were used to group participants into NDPH and non-NDPH groups.ResultsFour hundred and twenty-one participants from 11 Latin American countries met the inclusion criteria. One in four participants met the diagnostic criteria for NDPH. The mean age was 40 years, with most participants being female (82%). Over 90% of the participants reported having had mild/moderate COVID-19. Most participants had a history of headache before developing COVID-19 (58%), mainly migraine type (32%). The most predominant clinical characteristics in the NDPH group were occipital location, severe/unbearable intensity, burning character, and radiating pain (p < 0.05). A higher proportion of anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, myalgia, mental fog, paresthesia, nausea, sweating of the face or forehead, and ageusia or hypogeusia as concomitant symptoms were reported in participants with NDPH (p < 0.05). Palpebral edema as a concomitant symptom during the acute phase of COVID-19, occipital location, and burning character of the headache were risk factors associated with NDPH.ConclusionThis is the first study in Latin America that explored the clinical spectrum of NDPH after SARS-CoV-2 infection and its risk factors. Clinical evaluation of COVID-19 patients presenting with persistent headache should take into consideration NDPH.
Metabolic Status, Obesity, and Helicobacter pylori infection: a cross-sectional study in US adults from NHANES 1999-2000
Authors: Chen Danni , Wang Shiling , Yang Wei , Lu Hong , Qian Ren
Published: October 2023

Objective
Recent studies on the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and obesity have reported conflicting results. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the association of metabolic status and obesity with H.pylori infection.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 1568 participants aged 20–85 years was conducted using the NHANES cycle 1999–2000. We used different anthropometric criteria to evaluate the association between general obesity, abdominal obesity, and H. pylori infection.
Results
After grouping individuals according to their body mass index and waist circumference, among subjects aged ≤ 50 years, the OR (95% CI) for subjects with a waist-height ratio of ≥ 0.5 in Model 1 was 1.87 (1.35–2.58) compared with the control group. This finding was still statistically significant in Models 2, 3, and 4, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.47 (0.99–2.18), 1.67 (1.16–2.41), and 2.23 (1.24–4.01), respectively. In Model 1, subjects older than 50 years old had an OR (95% CI) for metabolically healthy obesity of 0.09 (0.01–0.69), compared with the control group; after adjustment for major covariates, their ORs (95% CI) were 0.05 (0.00–2.87), 0.04 (0.01–0.35), and 0.04 (0.01–0.35) in Models 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
Conclusions
Abdominal obesity, as defined by the WHtR, was associated with H. pylori infection in subjects aged ≤ 50 years.
Rehabilitation and Return to Play of an Ice-Hockey Athlete after Lateral Meniscus Repair: A Case Report
Authors: Kang Tae Kyu , Lee Jong Hyeon , Jeon Hyung Gyu , Lee Dong Wook , Oh Kyoung Wook , Lee Sae Yong , Kim Byong Hun
Published: October 2023

Thetype of exercise rehabilitation procedure for athletes who sustain lateral meniscal injuries varies by case, and since such injuries are rare compared to medial meniscal injuries, there is the need for more evidence based on more examples. This case report presents a rehabilitation exercise program that enabled an early return to play for an ice hockey athlete who played in a university sports league. An ice hockey player was diagnosed with a tear in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscal at 20 years old. The patient underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and was discharged one day after surgery. A three-stage rehabilitation program was developed, as follows: Phase I, the protective phase (reduce inflammation symptoms and restore range of motion to enable weight-bearing); Phase II, the restorative phase (improve the strength of the quadriceps muscle and recover cardiovascular endurance); Phase III, the return to full functional activity (familiarize the patient with sport-specific skills and recover the symmetric functional level on both sides). After completing the 10-week rehabilitation program, the patient returned to the game 71 days after surgery, and no meniscus reinjury occurred up to 10 years after surgery. The functional performance-focused rehabilitation program presented in this case report resulted in early return to sports and good long-term outcomes.
The molecular epidemiology and clinical implication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sequence types in pediatric bacteremia: a restrospective observational study, 2016-2021
Authors: Kim Gahee , Lee Sanghoon , Lee Yonghee , Kim Jung Hwa , Lee Jina
Published: October 2023

Background
While there is a high burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among pediatric patients, studies on the molecular epidemiology of MRSA infections in Korean children since the 2010s are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the molecular genotypes and clinical characteristics of MRSA isolates from children with MRSA bacteremia at Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital from 2016 to 2021.
Methods
Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed, and the molecular types of MRSA were determined using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing.
Results
The overall methicillin resistance rate of S. aureus bacteremia was 44.8% (77/172); 49.5% in the period 2016–2018 (period 1) and 37.3% in the period 2019–2021 (period 2) (P = 0.116). Community-acquired infections accounted for only 3.9% of cases. The predominant ST group was ST72 group (67.6%), followed by ST5 group (18.9%) and ST1 group (5.4%). The proportion of ST5 was significantly lower in period 2 compared to period 1 (P = 0.02). The ST72 group exhibited lower overall antibiotic resistance and multidrug-resistant (MDR) rates compared to the ST5 and ST1 groups. In the multivariate analysis, the ST1 group was an independent risk factor for 30-day all-cause mortality (aOR, 44.12; 95% CI, 3.46–562.19).
Conclusion
The ST72-MRSA strain remained the most frequently isolated genotype in Korean children, while the ST1 group emerged as an independent risk factor for 30-day all-cause mortality in pediatric MRSA bacteremia. Ongoing efforts to uncover the evolving epidemiology of MRSA are essential for developing effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
A likely role for stratification in secular changes of the global ocean tides
Authors: Opel Lana , Schindelegger Michael , Ray Richard
Published: October 2023

Stratification - that is, the vertical change in seawater density - exerts a subtle control on the energetics and thus the surface elevation of barotropic (depth independent) flows in the ocean. Changes in stratification therefore provide a plausible pathway to explain some of the puzzling trends in ocean tides evident in tide gauge and, more recently, satellite altimetry data. Using a three-dimensional global ocean model, we estimate that strengthening of stratification between 1993 and 2019 caused open-ocean trends of order 0.1 mm yr-1 in the barotropic M2 tide, similar in structure and magnitude to secular M2 changes deduced from satellite altimetry. Amplitude trends are predominantly negative, implying enhanced energy transfer to internal tides since the 1990s. Effects of stratification on the M2 amplitude increase to -0.4 mm yr-1 in several coastal regions and are the dominant driving factor for contemporary decreases in tidal amplitude along the coasts of Northwest Australia, the United Kingdom, and western North America.
Simple Adaptive Contouring Control for Feed Drive Systems Using Jerk-Based Augmented Output Signal
Authors: Nyobuya Haryson Johanes , Halinga Mathias Sebastian , Uchiyama Naoki
Published: October 2023

Reducing energy consumption while maintaining high contouring accuracy for industrial machinery is a highly desirable goal. Simple adaptive control (SAC) is a practical technique that can achieve high tracking accuracy and energy saving by adjusting control parameters in real-time to ensure that the system responds as the reference model. Implementation of the SAC technique requires that the ``almost strict property real (ASPR)'' property is satisfied. The ASPR property guarantees the stability of the controlled system even when adaptive gains are high. This paper proposes simple adaptive contouring control (SACC) using jerk-based augmented output signal for the ASPR property. SACC is designed by following the tangent-contour control scheme while using the SAC technique to enhance the contouring accuracy. Jerk-based augmented output signal ensures that the ASPR property is met and allows the SACC to track accurately the desired contour at high frequency. The proposed contouring approach achieves lower contour error and energy consumption by about 45%, and 3% respectively, as compared to the most common parallel feedforward compensation approach.
Anti-DFS70 antibodies are more prevalent in UCTD and Asian SLE patients
Authors: Zhu Haiyang , Chu Chenxiang , Liu Ziyu , Li Enling , Dai Yingxin , Zhang Jie , Zheng Bing
Published: October 2023

Objectives Anti-dense-fine-speckled 70 (anti-DFS70) autoantibodies were reported to occur frequently in antinuclear autoantibody (ANA) positive healthy individuals (HI), but have also been detected in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD), and the prevalence varies between different SARD types. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of anti-DFS70 in different SARD patients in China and study the geographical differences of it by meta-analysis.Methods Anti-DFS70 antibodies were detected in 113 HI and 541 SARD patients, including 163 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 99 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 93 undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), 82 Sjogren's syndrome (SS), 55 polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), 31 systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 18 mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI) of the comparison anti-DFS70 prevalence in disease and control group were calculated by meta-analysis.Results Anti-DFS70 was higher in SLE (20.2%, P = 0.004) and UCTD (12.9%, P = 0.02) than in HI (7.1%) in China. No statistical differences with HI in RA (11.1%, P = 0.31), PM/DM (10.9%, P = 0.4), SS (7.3%, P = 0.95), SSc (3.2%, P = 0.44) and MCTD (0%, P = 0.46). The meta-analysis showed higher anti-DFS70 in Asian SLE patients than in HI (OR = 2.32, 95%CI = 1.54–3.49, P < 0.0001), while no difference was observed between non-Asian SLE and HI (OR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.14–1.07, P > 0.05). Anti-DFS70 prevalence was higher in UCTD patients than in HI (OR = 2.38, 95%CI = 1.36–4.15, P = 0.002) without regional variation (Asian: OR = 2.35, 95%CI = 1.13–4.88, P = 0.02; non-Asian: OR = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.06–5.57, P = 0.04).Conclusions The prevalence of anti-DFS70 antibody varies among SLE patients in Asia and non-Asia. Contrarily, anti-DFS70 prevalence in UCTD cohort is higher than in HI worldwide.
Mechano-Thermic Reduction of Low Grade Titanium Ore for High Grade TiO2 Synthesis
Authors: Mojisola Tajudeen , Ramakokovhu Munyadziwa Mercy , Olubambi Peter Apata
Published: October 2023

A systematic study on the mechano-thermic reduction of low-grade ilmenite concentrate for the production of high-grade TiO2 powder used in the production of non-oxide ceramics for cutting tool applications has been successfully carried out. Samples were prepared via planetary ball milling and carbothermic reduction processes, and the as-reduced product was subsequently leached in order to improve the synthesized TiO2 by removing the metallic iron in it and other minor soluble impurities dissolved in the iron. The mechano-thermic reduction was achieved by milling a representative mixture of ilmenite and carbon in a molar ratio of 1:1, followed by carbothermic reduction at 1000°C in a laboratory high-temperature furnace for 60 min. The as-reduced product was subsequently leached at 80°C for 6 h in a hydrochloric acid solution. It was found that there was a complete reduction of ilmenite to metallic iron and TiO2 at 1000°C. The results of the FESEM showed there were only two distinct regions of metallic iron (bright region) and titanium dioxide (grey region) with minor traces of unreacted carbon (dark spots), although there was clear regional demarcation between these regions. However, the iron dissolution during the acid treatment was almost 100% as there were no peaks of iron in the as-leached powder. The results of these analyses confirmed the synthesis of high-grade TiO2, which finds application in cutting tool applications and other areas such as in reflective pigment production, etc.
Assessment of in Vitro Anticoagulant Effect of Aqueous Extract of Acacia nilotica on Normal Human Plasma Samples
Authors: Yahia Elkhansaa Elkhair , Samaan Mouna Adel , Mesbah Ahmed Njmeldin
Published: October 2023

Background: Hemostasis is the process of forming a hemostatic plug at the site of damaged blood vessels, requiring the combined activities of the vessels, platelets and plasma factors. Localize the reactions involved to the site of injury, repairs and re-establishes blood flow through the injured vessels. Acacia nilotica pods have potentially treated wide range of medical conditions and proved to have multiple effects, Therefore the study was aimed to determine the effects of aqueous pod extracts of Acacia nilotica on some coagulation tests.
Methods:This is experimental in vitro study; five platelet-poor plasma samples from normal individuals were examined against different concentrations of Acacia nilotica extract (2.5%, 5%and 10%) in different volumes (25, 50, and 75 μL). Each sample was retested after adding the equal volume of distilled water as a control. Then Prothrombin Time test (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time test (APTT) were measured and recorded.
Results: The study results of (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of aqueous extracts of Acacia nilotica pods showed significantly shortened PT and APTT results with (P-value <0.05) of human plasma samples in a dose-dependent manner when compared with normal plasma treated with distilled water. Also the study showed the shortening was increased with the increase of concentration of Acacia nilotica pod extract.
Conclusion: The study showed that the aqueous extract of Acacia nilotica at different concentrations and volumes enhance the coagulation process and this may lead to possible clot formation that can be harmful when taken in large concentration.