bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Caracas, Venezuela
Authors: Forero-Peña David A. , Carrión-Nessi Fhabián S. , Forero-Peña José L. , Camejo-Ávila Natasha A. , Mendoza-Millán Daniela L. , Omaña-Ávila Óscar D. , Maricuto Andrea L. , Velásquez Viledy L. , Mejía-Bernard Mario D. , Rodriguez-Saavedra Carlis M. , Marcano-Rojas María V. , Contreras Yoesmir , Guerra Luis J. , Alvarado María F. , Carballo Martín , Caldera Jocays , Guevara Rafael N. , Redondo María C. , Landaeta María E.
Published: January 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022.

Results

A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31–55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations.

Conclusion

This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela.
A rare case of adult-onset spastic paraparesis associated with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Adams Louise , De Bleecker Jan
Published: January 2024

Report

The rare association of Klinefelter syndrome and the clinical presentation of a late onset chronic progressive spastic paresis.

Clinical Presentation and Genetics

An infertile, 61-year-old man, presented with late adult onset of gait problems, deep muscle pain, and bladder problems. He presented for the first time, years after onset with a spastic paraparesis with high arched feet. His parents had already died, but the patient described high arched feet with his mother. There is no further certain information about the parents. After thorough investigation, an additional X chromosome was found, whereafter the diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome could be made. Other acquired and genetic causes for spastic paraparesis or hereditary motor neuropathy are excluded.

Conclusion

This rare case, together with three other literature reports by Sasaki (Intern Med 58(3):437–440, 2019), Sajra (Med Arh 61(1):52–53, 2007) and Matsubara et al., (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 57(5):640–642, 1994). suggests that Klinefelter syndrome can be associated with spastic paraparesis, besides the other various neuropsychiatric symptoms that are more commonly described.
Sleep disturbance and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsega Sintayehu Simie , Kiflu Mekdes , Wubante Sisay Maru , Mekonnen Birye Dessalegn , Tarekegn Yeshambel Andargie
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Globally, sleep disturbance is the foremost public health issue among pregnant women which might have undesirable birth outcome including neurocognitive impairment, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, inconsistent findings have been reported on the prevalence of sleep disturbance among pregnant women. Therefore, this review aims to estimate the pooled prevalence sleep disturbance and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was designed according to the PRISMA guideline. A systematic search of literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Google Scholar using relevant searching key terms. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of all selected articles. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 14 software. Publication bias was checked using Egger’s test and funnel plot. Cochran’s chi-squared test and I2 values were used to assess heterogeneity. A fixed-effects model was applied during meta-analysis.

Results

In this review, six studies were included after reviewing 17,100 articles. The pooled prevalence of sleep disturbance among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 50.43% (95%CI: 39.34–61.52). Third trimester pregnancy AOR = 4.03; 95% CI: 2.84,5.71), multigravidity (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.54, 2.59), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.52,4.31), depression (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 2.04, 6.27), stress (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.88), anxiety (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.42, 9.59) and poor sleep hygiene (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.56, 3.99) and were statistically associated with sleep disturbance among pregnant women.

Conclusion

This review revealed that the magnitude of sleep disturbance among pregnant woman in Ethiopia was relatively high and multiple factors determined the likelihood of having a disturbed sleep-awake pattern. Thus, the implementation of interventions for sleep disturbance after screening pregnant women is needed. Moreover, public health interventions targeted on the prevention of unintended pregnancy and depression during pregnancy should be implemented.
Retrospective cohort study of the association between socioeconomic deprivation and incidence of gestational diabetes and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Jeyaparam Srirangan , Agha-Jaffar Rochan , Mullins Edward , Pinho-Gomes Ana-Catarina , Khunti Kamlesh , Robinson Stephen
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Socioeconomic disparities have been shown to correlate with perinatal mortality and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Few studies have explored the relationship between deprivation and the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM). We aimed to identify the relationship between deprivation and incidence of GDM, after adjusting for age, BMI, and ethnicity. We also examined for relationships between deprivation and perinatal outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of 23,490 pregnancies from a major National Health Service Trust in Northwest London was conducted. The 2019 English Indices of Multiple Deprivation was used to identify the deprivation rank and decile for each postcode. Birthweight centile was calculated from absolute birthweight after adjusting for ethnicity, maternal height, maternal weight, parity, sex and outcome (live birth/stillbirth). Logistic regression and Kendall’s Tau were used to identify relationships between variables.

Results

After controlling for age, BMI & ethnicity, Index of Multiple Deprivation postcode decile was not associated with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. Each increase in decile of deprivation was associated with an increase in birthweight centile by 0.471 (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, age was associated with a 7.1% increased GDM risk (OR: 1.076, p < 0.001); BMI increased risk by 5.81% (OR: 1.059, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between Index of Multiple Deprivation rank and perinatal outcomes.

Discussion

Our analysis demonstrates that socioeconomic deprivation was not associated with incidence of GDM or adverse perinatal outcomes. Factors such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle habits may likely play a larger role in the development of GDM compared to socioeconomic deprivation alone.
Relationship between readiness for interprofessional learning and academic self-efficacy among nursing students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: An Ran , Wang Jinfang , Li Shaojie , Li Na , Yin Yongtian , Wang Xinyuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Modern medicine emphasizes that medical professionals engage in interprofessional collaboration to better meet the diverse needs of patients from physical, psychological, and social perspectives. As nursing students are the future reserve of the clinical nursing workforce, nursing educators worldwide should pay close attention to nursing students’ interprofessional learning attitudes and take responsibility for training qualified interprofessional nursing personnel. However, little is known about the relationship between nursing students' readiness for interprofessional learning and academic self-efficacy. Thus, this study aims to investigate the level of readiness for interprofessional learning and academic self-efficacy among nursing students, and to explore the relationship between the two.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 741 undergraduate nursing students pursuing four-year degrees from a school in Jinan, Shandong Province, China from November to December 2021. The social-demographic questionnaire, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, and Academic Self-efficacy Scale were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics used to analyze the data included: Cronbach's alpha, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Readiness for interprofessional learning mean score was (3.91 ± 0.44) and mean academic self-efficacy was (3.47 ± 0.42). Significant differences were found in the research variables according to participants’ sex, grade, choice of nursing profession, and frequency of communication with health-related major students in studies (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that academic self-efficacy was positively related to readiness for interprofessional learning (r = 0.316, p < 0.01). The hierarchical regression analysis showed that academic self-efficacy was positively related to readiness for interprofessional learning (β = 0.307, p < 0.001), The model explained 15.6% of the variance in readiness for interprofessional learning (F = 18.038, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Readiness for interprofessional learning and academic self-efficacy were in the middle level among nursing students. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the two. Therefore, it is very important for nursing educators to improve nursing students’ academic self-efficacy before improving their readiness for interprofessional learning.
Presence of Plasmodium vivax in Anopheles gambiae and absence in other malaria vectors in Cove-Zagnanando-Ouinhi health zone in southern Benin, West Africa
Authors: Tokponnon Tatchémè Filémon , Ossè Razaki , Yovogan Boulais , Guidi Ella , Adoha Constantin J. , Sominanhouin André , Ahouandjinou Juvenal , Sidick Aboubakar , Akogbeto Martin C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Malaria remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Benin. The present study aims to evaluate the different Plasmodium species transmitted by malaria vectors in the communes of Cove, Zagnanado and Ouinhi, Southern Benin.

Methods

The study was conducted between December 2021 and October 2022 in 60 villages spread over the three study communes. Adult mosquitoes were collected from four houses in each village using human landing catches (HLCs). After morphological identification, a subsample of Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles nili was analysed by PCR to test for their infection to the different Plasmodium species.

Results

Anopheles gambiae was collected at higher frequency in all the three study communes, representing 93.5% (95% CI 92.9–94) of all collected mosquitoes (n = 10,465). In total, five molecular species were found, An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and Anopheles coluzzii of the Gambiae complex, An. funestus and Anopheles leesoni of the Funestus group, and An. nili s.s., the sole species of the Nili group. From the five molecular species, four (An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii, An. funestus s.s. and An. nili s.s.) were found to be infected. Plasmodium falciparum was the main Plasmodium species in the study area, followed by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale. Only An. gambiae s.s. was infected with all three Plasmodium species, while An. coluzzii was infected with two species, P. falciparum and P. vivax.

Conclusions

Plasmodium falciparum was the only species tested for in malaria vectors in Benin, and remains the only one against which most control tools are directed. It is, therefore, necessary that particular attention be paid to secondary Plasmodium species for an efficient control of the disease. The presence of P. vivax emphasizes the need for an update of case management for malaria.
Associations between estimation of salt intake and salt-restriction spoons and hypertension status in patients with poorly controlled hypertension: a community-based study from Huzhou City, Eastern China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Shen Yimei , Yu Meihua , Yang Zhongrong , Huang Zheng , Ding Jingying , Zhu Xinfeng
Published: January 2024

Background

As the prevalence of hypertension increases in China, it is advised to use salt-restriction spoons (SRS) as a lifestyle modification. This study aimed to examine the associations between estimated salt consumption, SRS usage, and the hypertension status in individuals with poorly controlled hypertension.

Methods

Data was collected in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, in 2021 using convenience sampling. The analysis involved ordinal logistic regression and restricted cubic splines to assess the relevant factors.

Results

The study found that 73.34% of the 1215 patients had uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Urinary excretion was assessed through the utilization of the Kawasaki, INTERSALT, and Tanaka formulas. The outcomes of these three methodologies revealed average daily sodium excretion values of 208.70 (65.65), 154.78 (33.91), and 162.61 (40.87) mmol, respectively. The prevalence of utilizing SRS was found to be 37.78% in this study. Despite the acknowledgment among SRS users of the potential hazards associated with excessive salt consumption, there exists a contradictory pattern of attitudes and behaviors concerning salt reduction. Among individuals with different levels of salt intake (quartiles 1–4, Q1 vs Q4), there was a positive association between limiting salt and hypertension status when controlling for other variables (Kawasaki adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.43–0.79; INTERSALT adjusted OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41–0.92; Tanaka adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.45–0.92, p < 0.05). Our research also revealed that using or used SRS was a protective factor for blood BP control (adjusted OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64–0.99, P < 0.05). The restricted cubic spline plots illustrated a monotonic upward relationship between estimated 24-h urinary Na and BP (P-overall association < 0.05; P-non-linear association > 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of dietary SRS could result in decrease in daily salt intake for BP control in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. To reduce the impact of high BP in China, additional studies are required to create interventions that can enhance the results for patients.
A fitted operator numerical method for singularly perturbed Fredholm integro-differential equation with integral initial condition
Authors: Oljira Aklilu Fufa , Woldaregay Mesfin Mekuria
Published: January 2024

Objectives

In this paper, a uniformly convergent numerical scheme is proposed for solving a singularly perturbed Fredholm integro-differential equation with an integral initial condition. The equation involves a left boundary layer which makes it difficult to solve it using the standard numerical methods. A fitted operator finite difference method is used to approximate the differential part of the equation and the composite Simpson $$\frac{1}{3}$$

1
3

rule is used for the integral parts of the equation and the initial condition.

Result

The stability bound and error estimation of the approximated solution are performed, to show the uniform convergence of the scheme with order one in the maximum norm. Numerical test examples are provided to calculate the maximum absolute errors, thrgence, and the uniform error for a couple of examples to support theoretical analysis.
Determining the financial performance of the firms in the Borsa Istanbul sustainability index: integrating multi criteria decision making methods with simulation
Authors: Kaya Ahmet , Pamucar Dragan , Gürler Hasan Emin , Ozcalici Mehmet
Published: January 2024

Regardless of the industry in which a company operates, evaluating corporate performance is one of the most critical and vital processes; the most essential and prominent performance evaluation is related to financial performance. Appropriate performance analysis is complex and critical for decision-makers in different financial performance factors; thus, a methodological framework is needed to solve such complex decision problems. Therefore, this research aims to rank the companies included in the sustainability index (excluding banks) in Turkey by considering their financial performance. The criteria weights were determined using the full consistency method (FUCOM) by considering the evaluations of four experts. The firms were ranked using nine multi-criteria decision-making methods. The consensus among the nine rankings was ensured with the Copeland technique. The decision matrix includes financial ratios and the stock market performance of the firms; 100,000 FUCOM weights were created with random evaluations to validate the results. The results indicate that the most crucial criterion is the current ratio by considering expert evaluations. Weight simulation indicates that alternative 16 (alternative 21) is superior (inferior) to the other alternatives, even though the weights are determined with random evaluations. Ranking with expert evaluations is similar to the mean of the weight simulation results. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework can be performed as a basis for financial performance ranking.
Reimagining gendered community interventions: the case of family planning programs in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Bhatia Bhanu , Hossain Sarah , Ghosh Upasona , Salignac Fanny
Published: January 2024

Family planning programs in Bangladesh have been successfully operating for over half a century, achieving phenomenal reductions in fertility rates. Acknowledging restrictions on women’s freedoms, much of the initial program design was concentrated on giving household supplies for women priority. However, one unfortunate impact of these outreach services is that, by bypassing the opportunity to challenge patriarchal attitudes directly, they inadvertently reinforce the power relationships of the status quo. Hence, we problematise the decision-making structures within Bangladesh’s family planning programs. We argue that the fundamental flaw with Bangladesh’s family planning program is the lack of conscious effort to understand women’s health choices and decision-making as a complex contextual process of relational, structural, and institutional forces. Additionally, avoiding men in these programs often creates new dependencies for women, as this approach does not directly seek to build relational bridges based on equality between genders. As a result, many women still depend on permission from their husbands and family for reproductive health services and face constrained family planning choices and access to care. We recommend that family planning programs adopt a broader vision to create new and more sustainable possibilities in an ever-evolving social relations landscape where gender is constantly negotiated. Such strategies are even more pressing in the post-Covid world, as national systems are exposed to uncertainty and ambiguity.
Intracranial meningioma: an unusual silent killer—about two cases report and a literature review
Authors: Mesrati Mohamed Amine , Brahim Oumeima , Boussaid Marwa , Soiniya Rakia , Mahjoub Yosra , Abdeljelil Nouha Ben , Ncir Atef Ben , Zakhama Abdelfattah , Aissaoui Abir
Published: January 2024

Background

Meningiomas are common benign intracranial tumors, accounting for 1/3 of all primary intracranial neoplasms, and hence, are not considered the chief cause of death when encountered incidentally during autopsy. These tumors are usually slow-growing, and the clinical course may be asymptomatic to the point of acute complications. Sudden unexpected deaths due to meningiomas are exceptional and rarely reported in the literature.

In the present report, we describe two autopsy cases of sudden unexpected death due to meningiomas and we discuss the mechanism of death.

Case presentation

Two apparently healthy men were discovered dead in their home. A judicial autopsy was ordered. At dissection, a pedunculated firm mass, attached to the dura was found in both cases. Tumors were located in the anterior and middle fossa. The remaining organs were congestive without any abnormality. A microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of meningiomas. Postmortem toxicology analysis was negative. Forensic pathologists concluded to sudden unexpected death due to intracranial meningioma.

Conclusions

These cases illustrate the possibility of meningioma remaining silent till acute complication and fatal outcome. Therefore, clinicians must bear in mind the possibility, albeit extremely rare, of sudden unexpected death in cases of undiagnosed intracranial meningiomas, as documented in the present report. Thus, we emphasize the value of promptly and thoroughly investigating even seemingly minor neurological symptoms, such as headaches or acute epileptic seizures, in adults. We also stress the importance of the early detection and appropriate management of brain tumors in fatal outcome prevention, and we highlight the role of the post-mortem examination to detect such a fatal complication.
Association of p53 codon 72 polymorphism with weight and metabolic diseases in a Central Indian population
Authors: Abraham Jessy , Mahapatra Deepak , Agrawal Pratishtha , James Mary Jovita
Published: January 2024

Background

Metabolic dysregulation leading to diabetes is a major public health concern in India. While evidence has pointed to a role for genetic factors, there is still limited knowledge regarding the specific variants that play a part in this process. Recent studies have implicated Tumor protein, p53, a well-known tumor suppressor, in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in our body. Polymorphisms that can disrupt this function are thought to increase susceptibility to diabetic and prediabetic phenotypes like Metabolic syndrome (MetS). A common polymorphism at codon 72 (rs1042522) is associated with obesity and other metabolic disorders. However, its role may vary depending on the specific population and disease context. Our study aimed to evaluate whether the polymorphism at codon 72 of p53 (rs1042522) is associated with MetS and Diabetes, in a Central Indian population.

Results

A total of 66 individuals and 63 healthy controls, identified based on the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)/Adult Treatment Panel-III (ATP-III) 2001 guidelines, were enrolled in the study. The carriers expressing mutant allele “G” for arginine at codon 72 had higher weight than those having wild-type allele “C” which codes for proline (p = 0.038). The majority of the subjects were heterozygous for p53 codon 72 polymorphism though the association was not statistically significant for either MetS or diabetes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that p53 codon 72 (rs1042522) varaints may trigger metabolic dysfunction by impacting weight. The polymorphism appears to confer a heterozygous advantage, as individuals with a heterozygous genotype exhibited the highest susceptibility to metabolic disease. Although further studies are required, our results for the first time indicate that the p53 codon 72 (rs1042522) polymorphism could be considered a genetic marker to predict the increased susceptibility to diabetic and prediabetic phenotypes among Central Indian population.
Pediatric precision: navigating the complexity of mycotic pseudoaneurysms in ascending aorta post-atrial septal defect repair—a case report
Authors: Soundararajan Anand Shankar , Pandiyan Aishwarya , Sundaramoorthy Ezhilnambi , Balasubramani Kathirvel , Shakir H. R. Haroon , Jaikaran G. K.
Published: January 2024

Background

This case report elucidates the exceptional rarity and intricacies surrounding mycotic pseudoaneurysms in the ascending aorta, specifically post-pediatric cardiac surgery.

Case presentation

The case report presents a distinctive case of a 7-year-old female developing complications 10 days after atrial septal defect repair, characterized by sternal wound infection attributed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Imaging revealed a substantial pseudoaneurysm, necessitating a meticulous surgical strategy involving femoral cannulation, redo sternotomy, and adept management of intraoperative challenges, such as a fragile sternum and dense adhesions. The successful postoperative course, marked by weaning and comprehensive management, contributes significant insights into the evolving landscape of mycotic pseudoaneurysms in pediatric populations. The discussion delves into the historical context, mechanisms, and causative organisms, emphasizing the heightened vigilance required in the postoperative care of this vulnerable demographic.

Conclusion

This report enhances our understanding of pediatric cases, underscoring the imperative for increased awareness and strategic management in addressing post-cardiac surgery complications.
Assessment of the protective and ameliorative impact of quercetin nanoparticles against neuronal damage induced in the hippocampus by acrolein
Authors: Sanad Samia M. , Nassar Safaa E. , Farouk Reham
Published: January 2024

Background

The most frequent kind of dementia in the senior population is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Antioxidant quercetin has a low bioavailability. The bioavailability of quercetin nanoparticles was demonstrated to be higher. Acrolein is thought to be the strongest unsaturated aldehyde. Acrolein contributes to the propagation of oxidative damage and thus the aetiology of AD. This study aimed to investigate histopathological and ultrastructural changes that may arise in the hippocampus following acrolein treatment. Quercetin nanoparticles' ameliorative and protective effects on acrolein-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress were assessed.

Results

We successfully synthesised quercetin nanoparticles with uniform size distributions and particle diameters in the range of 3.63–4.57 nm using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and 3.7 nm using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Administration of acrolein was associated with histopathological alterations in the hippocampal structure, such as increased apoptotic neurones, dystrophic changes, neuronophagia, and atrophic ischaemia in cells, as well as marked damage to the ultrastructure of the hippocampus, which was obvious in shrunken pyramidal neurones with pyknotic nuclei and completely degenerated chromatin material, as well as in damaged astrocytes and microglial cells. Treatment with quercetin nanoparticles has been found to protect against and ameliorate the toxic effects and oxidative stress induced by acrolein in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

This could pave the way for additional research in nanomedicine and a new line of therapeutic intervention in AD using nanoparticles such as quercetin nanoparticles.
Successful domestication of
Neonothopanus Hygrophanus
(Mont.) De Kesel & Degreef and
Lentinus Squarrosulus
Mont., indigenous saprophytic edible mushrooms from Kibira National Park in Burundi
Authors: Nteziryayo Vincent , Mshandete Anthony M. , Tibuhwa Donatha D.
Published: January 2024

Background

Mushroom cultivation in Burundi provides an excellent way to diversify agricultural production although domestication of mushroom species is at an infancy stage. The country is endowed with indigenous forests that harbour a wide diversity of mushrooms with potential for domestication. This study was undertaken to explore opportunities for domestication of saprophytic wild edible mushrooms from the Kibira National Park (KNP) in Burundi.

Methods

Samples of
Lentinus squarrosulus
Mont. and
Neonothopanus hygrophanus
(Mont.) De Kesel & Degreef were collected from the field, and tissue cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. Spawn production and development was performed on sorghum grains and lignocellulosic substrates respectively and the parameters of mycelial growth and mushroom yield were determined.

Results

The germplasm of
L. squarrosulus
and
N. hygrophanus
was successfully isolated with an average tissue culture incubation time of 6.4 ± 0.54 days and 7.6 ± 0.54 days for
L. squarrosulus
and
N. hygrophanus
, respectively. Spawn production incubation time on sorghum grains was 12.6 ± 0.89 days and 14.8 ± 0.83 days for
L. squarrosulus
and
N. hygrophanus
, respectively. For full colonization of lignocellulosic substrates, spawn production time ranged between 19 ± 1 and 21 ± 1 days for
L. squarrosulus
and between 17 ± 1.22 and 18 ± 1.22 days for
N. hygrophanus
. Both species successfully produced fruiting bodies and mushrooms yielded at a rate of 18.24 ± 9.76 to 22.85 ± 9.16% for
L. squarrosulus
and 12.66 ± 8.95 to 15.3 ± 8.94% for
N. hygrophanus
which is here reported for the first time to be successfully domesticated. For both species, the cottonseed hulls substrate comparatively showed the best yield followed by the combination of maize cobs/soybean straws (MC + SBS) (50:50), the combination of rice straws/soybean straws (RS + SBS) (50:50) and the maize cobs substrate respectively, while the rice straw showed the least. The combinations of MC + SBS (50:50) and RS + SBS (50:50) showed a yield close to that of cottonseed hulls.

Conclusions

For the first-time, this study presents successful domestication of
N. hygrophanus
and
L. squarrosulus
from KNP. It is concluded that the substrates combinations used in the study give good yields, and therefore recommended for use as cost-effective and efficient alternative substrates.
Effectiveness of multi-component modular intervention on screen-based and non-screen-based sedentary time among adolescents in an urban area of Mangalore: a school-based cluster randomised controlled trial-protocol
Authors: Janani S Soundarya , Kumar Nithin , Rao Mithun , T Rekha , Mithra Prasanna , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Holla Ramesh , Vikraman Saraswathy M , Kotian Himani
Published: January 2024

Background Behavioural risk factors are often present during adolescence and account for 70% of premature deaths during adulthood. Excessive sedentary behaviour and screen time have become significant concerns, especially among adolescents, due to their potential negative impact on physical and mental health. Adolescents with a high screen-based sedentary time are more likely to be physically inactive, have unhealthy body structure and poor academic performance. The objective of our study is to assess the effect of multi-component modular educational intervention on screen-based sedentary time (SST) and non-screen-based Sedentary time (NSST) among adolescents. Methods Ethical approval for the study has been obtained from the institutional Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India. This cluster randomized control trial will be carried out in schools located in the urban area of Mangalore. Using simple randomization, the eligible schools will be randomized into intervention and control arms, each consisting of 10 clusters. A multi-component modular educational intervention will be administered to participants in the intervention group at baseline, second and fourth month. The control group will receive the standard curriculum. Both the groups will be assessed at baseline and at second month, fourth month and sixth month of follow up for SST, NSST and level of physical activity. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference will be taken at baseline and sixth month of follow up. Results A comprehensive school-based modular educational intervention can have cumulative advantages by reducing screen- and non-screen-based sedentary time, and encouraging physical activity. Similar modular teaching can be incorporated into the curriculum, which will promote healthy life-style among the adolescents.
Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para evaluar la satisfacción en universitarios.
Authors: Gálvez Gamboa Francisco Andrés , Arriaga Poblete Carla Andrea , Adasme Jara Benjamín Alberto
Published: January 2024

Evaluar la satisfacción de los estudiantes se ha vuelto relevante para las instituciones de educación superior entendiendo que son los receptores principales del servicio educativo. Su relevancia en educación superior se relaciona a que el cumplimiento de expectativas y buenos índices de satisfacción se ha relacionado a problemáticas como la deserción, rendimiento académico o competitividad de las instituciones. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo diseñar un cuestionario de medición sobre satisfacción estudiantil en universitarios. Se utiliza un enfoque de índices nacionales que incorpora las dimensiones de imagen, expectativas, calidad percibida, valor percibido, satisfacción y compromiso. Una muestra de 927 estudiantes participó el proceso de validación a través de la aplicación del cuestionario construido mediante un sistema de encuestas en línea. Se utiliza las técnicas estadísticas de análisis factorial confirmatorio e invarianza factorial para validar el constructo del instrumento propuesto. Como resultado, se obtiene que el constructo es adecuado para medir la satisfacción estudiantil con adecuados indicadores de validez (χ2/df = 1.463; RMSEA = 0.022 [0.020 – 0.025], SRMR = 0.048; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.996; NFI = 0.990). Como conclusión, se indica la utilidad práctica del instrumento construido considerando su aporte en la gestión y en lo relacionado al monitoreo sistemático de grupos de interés.
Estrategias de aprendizaje y rendimiento académico en materias STEM en Educación Secundaria.
Authors: Satrústegui Moreno Amaya , Quílez-Robres Alberto , Mateo González Ester , Cortés-Pascual Alejandra
Published: January 2024

Aunque desde hace décadas se conoce la importancia que tienen las estrategias de aprendizaje para que éste sea significativo, en numerosas ocasiones se siguen enseñando las asignaturas de ciencias sin tener en cuenta el control que pueden tener los estudiantes sobre sus procesos cognitivos. Muchos educadores son conscientes y quieren que su alumnado reciba una enseñanza de calidad, pero antes de enseñar estrategias se debe analizar el conocimiento y la práctica que el estudiantado tiene sobre estos procesos y cómo afectan a su aprendizaje. En el presente estudio se ha utilizado el Cuestionario de Estrategias de Aprendizaje (CEA) para estudiar cómo utilizan estas estrategias 252 estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. El análisis estadístico inicial indicó la existencia de una relación significativa moderada entre todas las estrategias de aprendizaje estudiadas y el rendimiento académico en asignaturas de ciencias salvo el caso de la actitud, la organización y la recuperación. Posteriormente, el análisis de regresión indicó que únicamente las variables de motivación, transferencia y control emocional son capaces de explicar hasta un 26.4% del rendimiento académico en asignaturas STEM, dejando fuera de este modelo variables importantes como son el pensamiento crítico y creativo. Se concluye que los estudiantes con mayor manejo de destrezas metacognitivas y afectivosociales obtienen mejores calificaciones en ciencias.
ncidencia de la formación inicial y permanente en la competencia digital del profesorado de secundaria.
Authors: Mas García Verónica , Gabarda Méndez Vicente , Peirats Chacón José , Ramón Llin Más Jesús Adrián
Published: January 2024

El estudio de las habilidades tecnológicas digitales del profesorado es un fenómeno multidimensional cuyo análisis es fundamental para poder entender mejor los procesos formativos en la actualidad. Partiendo de esta premisa, el presente artículo se centra en explorar el nivel de competencia digital (CD) que tiene el profesorado de educación secundaria en activo, centrando la investigación en variables relacionadas con su formación inicial (titulación de origen, titulación habilitadora, otras titulaciones) y permanente (formación previa en materia digital). Mediante técnicas descriptivas e inferenciales, se analiza a un total de 674 sujetos, utilizando como instrumento la herramienta “DigCompEdu Check-In”. Los resultados muestran que, en general, el profesorado tiene una CD intermedia en las diferentes dimensiones y que la titulación habilitadora (concretamente contar con el Máster en Educación Secundaria) tiene una incidencia relevante en el nivel de destrezas tecnológicas. Asimismo, aquellos con más de una titulación y los que han realizado formación TIC muestran mayores niveles de habilidad. Por último, el profesorado percibe tener un nivel de CD menor al real, mostrando la necesidad de generar estrategias para un mayor ajuste entre la percepción y el desempeño en materia digital.
Percepción de futuros maestros sobre la importancia y necesidades formativas emocionales.
Authors: Fuensanta Martínez Saura Helena , Sánchez-López María Cristina , Pérez-González Juan-Carlos
Published: January 2024

Diversos estudios actuales evidencian la significatividad de la formación emocional inicial como parte del bagaje pedagógico de los futuros maestros. Los objetivos del estudio son: por un lado, conocer la percepción de los futuros maestros sobre las subescalas importancia y necesidades formativas en educación emocional, y, por otro lado, analizar si existen diferencias significativas en dichas subescalas en función del Grado universitario. Metodológicamente, se trata de un diseño descriptivo e inferencial. Se contó con una muestra de 162 estudiantes universitarios de los Grados de Educación Infantil, Educación Primaria y Doble Grado de la Región de Murcia. El instrumento empleado fue la Escala de Importancia y Necesidades Formativas en Educación Emocional (EINFEM) de Cejudo et al. (2015). Los resultados exponen que, de forma general, existe formación inicial en competencias emocionales intrapersonales, interpersonales y complementarias en los Grados universitarios. Además, los estudiantes opinan que las competencias emocionales más relevantes son las interpersonales y, las más necesarias de formación, las competencias emocionales intrapersonales. Del mismo modo, fueron los estudiantes del Doble Grado los que principalmente valoran la importancia formativa emocional. En suma, parece necesario seguir apostando por investigar el tipo de formación emocional inicial y continua del profesorado, para así mejorar su estado de bienestar y la calidad educativa.
Los planes de estudio en Educación Superior: ¿Es el género una prioridad?.
Authors: Varela Cristina , Alonso-Ruido Patricia , Regueiro Bibiana
Published: January 2024

Los patrones androcéntricos imperantes en las sociedades actuales todavía son los dominantes en las dinámicas educativas. La violencia y discriminación también hallan espacios dentro de los muros de la academia. Teniendo en cuenta la responsabilidad formativa y social de la universidad, es importante indagar en esta realidad. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las asignaturas de género impartidas en las titulaciones de Educación. A través de una estrategia de complementariedad, se han revisado los planes de estudio de las universidades españolas en las que se imparten los Grados en Educación Primaria, Infantil, Social y Pedagogía; paralelamente, participaron 619 estudiantes de una Facultad de Ciencias de una universidad de carácter público española. Se evidencia la escasa formación específica en género que reciben las/os futuras/os profesionales de la educación. Destacan positivamente los Grados en Educación Social: más de la mitad de las universidades que ofrecen esta disciplina ofertan materias específicas sobre género. El alumnado participante confirma no haber cursado materias ni haber recibido formación sobre género, a pesar de considerarlo relevante para su futuro profesional. Esta investigación visibiliza la necesidad de revisar los planes de estudio de todas las facultades para otorgar más y mejores herramientas formativas en lo relativo al trabajo desde, por y para la igualdad de género.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Respiratory Symptoms and Asthma Control in Pediatric Patients with Asthma
Authors: METBULUT Azize Pınar , YILMAZ Deniz , KÜLHAŞ ÇELİK İlknur , CİVELEK Ersoy , DİBEK MISIRLIOĞLU Emine , TOYRAN Muge
Published: January 2024

Objective: After Covid-19 infection, many patients complain of persistent symptoms. There are limited studies evaluating the long-term consequences of COVID-19, in pediatric patients with asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the persistence of symptoms and asthma control in asthmatic children during follow-up after COVID-19 infection.
Material and Methods: Children with asthma who were admitted to our hospital between March 11, 2020, and August 31, 2021, for COVID-19 infection were included. Patients were evaluated for long- term symptoms and asthma control through phone interviews at least 6 months after infection.
Results: Eighty-five children with asthma were evaluated. The median duration of follow-up was 20 months. Patients experiencing symptoms after 1 month, 3 month and 6 month of COVID were 45.8% (n:39), 30.6% (n:26), and 23.5% (n:20) respectively. The most common symptom was cough. No significant relationship was found between time period from the date of COVID-19 to phone call and symptom persistence. Patients adopting a new pet and having stress were significantly higher in group of patients having symptoms at first month. Frequency of being well controlled was not different before and at 1 and 6 month of infection.
Conclusion: This study suggests that respiratory symptoms may persist in pediatric asthma patients for an extended period after COVID-19 infection.
PFAS: Industry Overview
Authors: Dalrymple Will
Published: January 2024

With clamp-downs proposed in Europe, and fierce industry reactions in opposition to them, the regulatory position of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is currently in flux, report Will Dalrymple and Tom Austin-Morgan
Getting Smarter
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: January 2024

The smart factory is a significant goal for many, but what does the reality actually look like? Some current examples may offer an insight.
Automation Through Collaboration
Authors: Van Lammeren Dirk
Published: January 2024

Dirk van Lammeren, CCO of Prime Vision, explains why automation is becoming an established method for retaining existing staff and attracting new hires in the warehouse sector.
Staying Ahead in Motor Efficiency
Authors: Lukaszczyk Marek
Published: January 2024

With the second stage of EU 2019/1781 now with us, Marek Lukaszczyk, European and Middle East marketing manager at WEG, a leading global manufacturer of motors and drives, explains why motor efficiency is critical in 2023 and how manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO USO DE SERVIÇOS PÚBLICOS DE SAÚDE BUCAL POR IDOSOS NO BRASIL
Authors: Rozin Oliveira Maria Luisa , Siebert Gabriela Taís , Sangaletti da Cruz Bruna Eduarda , Brittes da Luz Danieli , Spessato Schwerz Paola de Cassia , Cidade Fernanda Helaine , Braccini Fagundes Maria Laura , Do Amaral Júnior Orlando Luiz
Published: January 2024

INTRODUÇÃO: A saúde bucal faz parte da saúde geral e contribui ao bem-estar físico, psicológico e social dos indivíduos idosos. Entretanto, com o aumento da idade e da debilidade, um número considerável de idosos deixa de procurar os serviços de saúde bucal. OBJETIVO: descrever e verificar quais características socioeconômicos e demográficos estão associados a utilização de serviços de saúde bucal público por idosos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo transversal, com dados da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil), realizado entre 2015 e 2016. A amostra foi delineada para representar a população brasileira com idade igual ou superior a 50 anos. RESULTADOS: Ao todo foram avaliados 2.969 indivíduos, que relataram utilizar os serviços de saúde bucal público. Ao verificar a associação entre os anos de escolaridade e uso de serviços públicos, observou-se que aqueles com 12 anos ou mais de escolaridade possuem uma prevalência de 83% a mais de utilizar os serviços públicos de saúde bucal quando comparados a quem possuem até 3 anos de escolaridade. Ao analisar ao índice de riqueza, percebeu-se que quanto maior o quintil de riqueza, maior foi a prevalência de utilização dos serviços públicos de saúde bucal. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados encontrados neste estudo sugerem que idosos com melhores condições socioeconômicas e com maior grau de escolaridade são os que mais acessam os serviços públicos de saúde bucal. Sugere-se que políticas que busquem reduzir as iniquidades e melhorem o acesso aos serviços públicos a população idosa brasileira sejam propostas.
margens: a percepção do poder público em Quarto de despejo, de Carolina Maria de Jesus
Authors: Pentagna Breno
Published: January 2024

Este artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar a percepção do poder público brasileiro em Quarto de despejo (1960), primeiro livro publicado por Carolina Maria de Jesus. O livro obteve um enorme e imediato sucesso editorial, devido, em grande parte, à singularidade da própria autora: mulher negra e periférica, catadora de lixo e escritora. Porém, poucos anos após o seu lançamento, a autora e sua obra caíram em um longo esquecimento. No diário, Carolina faz diversas observações sobre os órgãos do Estado e a atuação dos seus representantes. Ela denuncia o projeto de desenvolvimento vigente na época, que ignorava as classes mais baixas, e a incapacidade dos representantes políticos e instituições estatais para compreender os problemas derivados da desigualdade social do país. Desse modo, vem à tona a invisibilidade da população periférica nas políticas públicas. O artigo apresenta uma relação de trechos de Quarto de despejo que ilustram essa percepção do poder público brasileiro e, ao mesmo tempo, destacam a atualidade do livro de Carolina Maria de Jesus.
Basilio Losada Castro, In Memoriam
Authors: Lama María Xesús , Soler Isabel , Comellas Pere
Published: January 2024

Recull de tres obituaris amb motiu de la mort de Basilio Losada Castro. Aquests tres retrats, escrits per tres deixebles des del reconeixement i l'estima permeten resseguir la petjada intel·lectual i afectiva que va deixar Basilio Losada com a professor, traductor, investigador, orador i primer catedràtic d'Estudis Gallecs i Portuguesos a la Universitat de Barcelona
Biblioteca Nélida Piñon en el Instituto Cervantes de Río de Janeiro
Authors: Maura Antonio , Della Paschoa Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2024

El 9 de noviembre de 2011 se inauguró en el Instituto Cervantes de Salvador Bahia (Brasil) la primera biblioteca dedicada a una autora que no era propiamente de lengua española. Se trataba de Nélida Piñon, una escritora brasileña que tenía ya una larga relación con la cultura y las instituciones culturales españolas. En 2003 había recibido el Premio Menéndez Pelayo de manos de la entonces ministra de cultura española, Pilar del Castillo, con una laudatio proferida por Mario Vargas Llosa.