bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Adherence to Cardiovascular Medicines in Saudi Population: An Observational Study in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Almeman Ahmad Abdulrahman , Al Mesned Abdulrahman , Alredaini Ibrahim Abdullah , Alhumaidan Raghad Ibrahim , Alharbi Sarah Bakheet , Alassaf Farah Abdullah , Alharbi Seham Fayez , Alharbi Saud Bader , Alharbi Hadeel Mubarak
Published: October 2023

Background:

Drug adherence has been extensively evaluated in many developed
countries in the West using different methods of medication adherence measurement; however,
there are relatively few reports studying the adherence levels among Saudi patients. Thus, this
study will evaluate the adherence to cardiovascular medicines in Saudi patients visiting (PSCC)
in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study relied on self-administered questionnaires.
This study used the Morisky, Green, and Levine (MGL) Adherence Scale, also known as the
MAQ (Medication Adherence Questionnaire), in PSCC's pharmacy waiting room in Qassim,
Saudi Arabia.

Results:

This study included 993 PSCC pharmacy waiting room patients. The patients were between
11 and 50 years old, and 52.7 percent were male. Most participants (71.2%) were above
50, while 16.3% were 41–50. Non-adherent patients cited traveling or being busy (28.6%), forgetting
(18.7%), daily multi-medications (7.1%), being sleepy or sleeping (6.6%), and not repeating
the prescription (6.6%). The Medicine Adherence Questionnaire indicated that 62.6 percent
of patients fully adhered to their medications, and 21.6 percent usually adhered. Only drug
adverse effects affected adherence (p =0.0001).

Conclusion:

The current study showed that there is a good level of adherence among patients
with cardiovascular diseases toward their diseases. The most common reasons for neglecting
medications include traveling or being busy, forgetting multiple medications, and being tired or
sleeping. Having experience with side effects was the only significant factor affecting adherence
to medications.
Evaluation of Mitochondrial Function on Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficient Patient-derived Cell Lines
Authors: Pavlú-Pereira Hana , Florindo Cristina , Carvalho Filipa , Tavares de Almeida Isabel , Vicente Joao , Morais Vanessa , Rivera Isabel
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) is a pivotal gatekeeper between
cytosolic glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, playing important role
in aerobic energy metabolism. Most PDC deficiency, cases being caused by mutations in
PDHA1 encoding the α subunit of the rate-limiting E1 enzyme, which is characterized by abnormal
phenotypes caused by energy deprivation at peripheral/central nervous systems and
muscular tissues. This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of arginine and
thiamine in ameliorating mitochondrial function in patient-derived cultured cells.

Materials and Methods:

PDC-deficient cell lines, carrying three different PDHA1 variants,
were cultured in the absence and presence of arginine and/or thiamine at therapeutical levels, 4
mM and 100 μM, respectively. Mitochondrial bioenergetics profile was evaluated using the
Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer.

Results:

In physiological conditions, control cells presented standard values for all parameters
evaluating the mitochondrial function, no differences being observed after supplementation of
culture medium with therapeutic levels of arginine and/or thiamine. However, PDC-PDHA1
deficient cell lines consumed less oxygen than the control cells, but arginine and thiamine supplementation
increased the basal respiration for values similar or higher than the control cell
line. Moreover, arginine and thiamine treatment highlighted an inefficient oxidative phosphorylation
carried out by PDC-deficient cell lines. Finally, this treatment showed an increased oxygen
consumption by enzymes other than those in the respiratory chain, thus proving the dependence
of these mutant cell lines on cytosolic sources for ATP production, namely glycolysis.

Conclusions:

This study showed that arginine and thiamine, at therapeutical levels, increase the
basal oxygen consumption rate of PDC-deficient cell lines, as well as their ATP-linked respiration.
This parameter measures the capacity of the cell to meet its energetic demands and, therefore,
its increase reveals a higher electron flow through the respiratory chain, which is coupled
to elevated oxidative phosphorylation, thus indicating an overall increased robustness in mitochondrial-
related bioenergetics.
It’s Never Too Late for a Diagnosis
Authors: Coelho Mariana , Durães João , Freixo João , Tomás José , Macário Carmo
Published: October 2023

Background:

Zellweger spectrum disorder (ZSD) (OMIM#214100) is a phenotypic
continuum ranging from severe to mild presentations. ZSD is now used in all individuals with a
defect in one of the 13 ZSD-PEX genes, regardless of phenotype. Diagnosis can be suggested
by abnormal levels of very long-chain fatty acids, phytanic acid, pristanic acid, plasmalogens,
pipecolic acid, or bile acids. However, false negatives are frequent, mostly in older patients.
Definite diagnosis is established in a proband with suggestive clinical findings by identification
of biallelic pathogenic variants in one of the 13 ZSD-PEX genes.

Case Report:

A 39-year-old female patient had a global development delay since her first year
of life. Never developed oral language but had sphincter control and was able to walk and
laugh. At 8 years old, she had her first seizure and lost sphincter control when she was 20 years
old. At 28 years old, she had an episode of status epilepticus, with severe prostration and became bedridden. She is currently mute, without capacity for communication or motor control.
She has no consanguineous parents, has a 35 year old brother with global developmental delay
and their mother had a history of an abortion, without other relevant family history. Brain MRI
of the patient revealed severe leukodystrophy mainly periventricular, bilateral and symmetric,
and less prominent in the cerebellar white matter, with severe cerebral and corpus callosum atrophy. Molecular study with a leukodystrophy gene panela identified a homozygotic pathogenic
variant on PEX 1 gene (NM_000466.3) - c.2528G>A (p.(Gly843Asp)), confirming the diagnosis of ZSD.

Conclusion:

Homozygosity for PEX1 p.Gly843Asp seems to be associated with an intermediate/milder ZSD phenotype,with survival until adulthood. Some patients develop progressive
degeneration of CNS myelin, a leukodystrophy pattern, like this patient, which may lead to regression. This girl with ZSD had a rapid and severe loss of previous skills after a seizure. Even
though there is no specific treatment for this disease, a correct diagnosiswas very important for
the parents and for family genetic counselling.
Citrullinemia and What Else?
Authors: Almeida Joana , Ferreira Fátima , Baptista Nanci , Ferreira Sara , Santos Constança , Diogo Luísa
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Citrullinemia type I (CTLN1) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic
disorder. Symptoms typically include vomiting, lethargy, seizures and coma. In neonatal presentation, death occurs in days if untreated. Survivors may evolve with neurocognitive dysfunction.

Results/Case Report:

Two 10 years old, non-identical, twin sisters (S1; S2) with CTLN1 were
born after a 36W gestation: S1 by eutocic delivery and S2 by cesarean section with nuchal cord
(Apgar score 5/10). On day four, S2 presented hyperammonemia with coma. S1 had no complications. Diagnosis followed that of S2. Neurocognitive development was monitored at 3 months
- 4 years of age with Griffiths Scales: global development quotient kept within the average, but
S2 had a deficit in language and eye and hand coordination. At 5 years, the neurocognitive abilities were evaluated using Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised
(WPPSI-R). S2 revealed difficulties in verbal area (vocabulary, comprehension and memorizing
sentences), with a lower average verbal intelligence quotient (IQ). S1 had high average IQ. Due
to learning difficulties, S2 was reassessment at 8 years old with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for
Children - Third edition (WISC-III): full-scale IQ -“extremely low”.

Conclusion:

These non-identical twin sisters share the same citrullinemia type 1 causing variants in the ASS1 gene. Nevertheless, their clinical presentation and neurocognitive evolution are
diverse. Other factors, like the different genetic background and perinatal issues such as the type
of delivery and its circumstances and the neonatal coma episode of S2 may explain the dissimilar evolution. Maximum ammonium levels (and its duration) are critical for the patients’ neurodevelopment: 131 in S1 and 546 umol/l in S2.
An Empirical Study on the Impact of Supply Chain Finance on the Performance of the Automobile Industry in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Li Xiaowen , Chen Jun
Published: October 2023

Background:

In recent years, trade on credit has become increasingly common around
the world, exposing companies in the supply chain to significantly increased financial risk due to
extended billing periods. As an innovative financing model, supply chain finance (SCF) has received
a lot of attention.

Objective:

The goal of this work is to examine the impact of supply chain finance on the performance
of the automobile industry in the post-covid-19 era.

Methods:

After an in-depth understanding of the relevant theoretical literature, two models of inquiry
are established in this paper, and the relevant data are collected from the CSMAR database
for a sample of some enterprises in the automotive industry in the listed market, followed by an
empirical analysis using the Stata 16.0. Then, the fixed effects model (FEM) and difference-indifference
model (DID) are used to test the hypothesis.

Results:

The results show a significant impact of supply chain finance on the performance of automobile
firms. It is effective in improving the flow of funds and contributes to the performance
of enterprises in the automotive industry.

Conclusion:

In the context of the pandemic, supply chain finance can effectively help enterprises
reduce the risk of bankruptcy due to capital rupture and provide a guarantee for the sustainable
development of automobile industry enterprises.
Energy Monitoring for Renewable Energy System Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Ramachandran Muthu Eshwaran , Singh Ramya Ranjit , Balachandran Gurukarthik Babu , Mohan Devie Paramasivam , David Prince Winston , Anantharaman Meenakshi , Ganesan Nirmala
Published: October 2023

Background:

Consumption of electricity always varies based on demand. The load
cluster pattern aims at categorizing periodical changes over a specific time. Predicting the electric
load was the initial goal of this study. Additionally, the outcomes of the load prediction were
utilized as data for categorizing electrical loads using a descriptive-analytical method.

Objective:

The study has dealt with a matching of load-side electric demand with the electric
supply. To ensure dependable power-generating stability, it is vital to anticipate and categorize
loads. Thus, the research presented here has focused on electrical load forecasting and
classification.

Methods:

Alternative algorithms, including Naive Bayes, decision tree, and support vector
machine classifier, were employed to address the cluster pattern. The data used for this research
presentation was collected from the D Block of the Kamaraj College of Engineering and
Technology, K. Vellakulam, India, every 15 minutes. Multiple unsuitable loaded circumstances
were ignored during the pre-processing of the dataset. Additionally, other algorithms, like Naive
Bayes, decision tree, and support vector machine, were used to categorize the raw data. The
processing of data was done by a feature selection approach.

Results:

The performance was predicted by comparing the entire machine learning algorithms.
Out of the machine learning techniques, an accuracy of 4.2% for Academic Block 4, a precision of
33% for Boys Hostel, a recall score of 4.7% for Academic Block 4, and an F1 score of 5.3% for
Academic Block 4, were obtained.

Conclusion:

In the study, the decision tree algorithm has shown promising performance than the
other machine learning techniques used.
Preliminary Study of Kidney Transplantation from 2007-2019 in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Tolou-Ghamari Zahra
Published: October 2023

Background:

The optimal treatment for the End- Stage Renal Disease(ESRD) is called kidney transplantation, which can typically improve quality of life and patient survival.

Aims:

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinical and demographic data of kidney transplantation in a main tertiary hospital in Isfahan/Iran.

Objectives:

The published articles confirmed that a successful kidney transplant reduces mortality. Consequently, for further challenges associated with the causes and outcomes, preliminary studies are crucial in a large population of kidney transplant.

Methods:

From the database of hospital and transplant surgery notebook, the features such as, age, duration of surgery, the number of kidney donors (living person or brain death), and predisposing factors for ESRD were extracted and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 688 kidney transplant recipients comprised of males (n= 473M) and females (n= 215) were considered for further analysis. Recipients received kidneys from 482 living and 206 cadaver donors. The mean age of donors versus recipients was 30.4 versus 43.7 years (p≤0.05) respectively. Operation time in the recipients of living versus cadaver donors was 3.7 versus 4 hours. Operation time from 5.5 (the year 2007) reached 3.7 hours (the year 2019). The number of cadaver donors was 3 (the year 2009) which reached at 19 (the year 2019).

Conclusion:

In Isfahan, Iran, more than 50% of the population studied needed kidney transplantation around the age of 45 years, and the number of transplanted men was 2.2 times higher than the females. The mean duration of the operation was significantly reduced, and the number of brain death donors steadily increased. Further, remodelling and analyzing the data obtained from this initial investigation could facilitate resourceful decisions regarding practical aspects of kidney transplantation outcome.
The Efficacy and Feasibility of an Interoceptive Exposure Technique for Preventing the Transition From Subacute to Chronic Back Pain by Altering the Emotional Response to Pain: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Orenius Tage Ingemar , Ristolainen Leena , Silén Esko , Hurri Heikki
Published: October 2023

Background

Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, mood, emotions, cognitive functioning, and pain behavior are relevant to the onset of pain and its continuation in the transition to chronic conditions. Subacute low back pain (LBP), a precursor to chronic LBP, is particularly poorly understood, and its relationships with psychological factors are understudied.

Objective

We will conduct a study aiming to prevent the chronicity of subacute LBP by altering the emotional response to pain using an interoceptive exposure technique (IET). Considering the recent increase in knowledge about psychological risk factors, as well as recent findings in cognitive neuroscience regarding emotional and cognitive background factors in the LBP chronicity process, efforts should be made to discover effective preventive methods.

Methods

We present a novel method aiming to prevent the transition from subacute to chronic back pain by altering the emotional response to pain using an IET. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, participants who are at a higher risk of LBP chronification due to the presence of a biomarker (ie, functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens) will be randomly assigned to the IET intervention group or control group A (treatment as usual). Participants who do not present with the biomarker will be assigned to control group B (treatment as usual) to assess how well this biomarker predicts the chronification of subacute LBP in this study population. Questionnaires measuring the pain experience and psychological distress will be used before the intervention, after the intervention (at 3 months), and at the 12-month follow-up.

Results

This research project will combine 2 novel methods: a biomarker as the inclusion criterion and an IET as the intervention. The comparative study design enables evaluation of the efficacy of the IET, as well as replication of the biomarker’s validity as a possible clinical screening method.

Conclusions

If found to be useful, the IET would offer a cost-effective and reasonable way to develop treatment for acute and subacute back pain conditions. Potential benefits include increased pain management and quality of life for the individual patient with the addition of a potentially useful functional pain management method at the societal level.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05450263; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05450263

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/45701
Design, Development, and Evaluation of an mHealth App for Reporting of Side Effects During Cytostatic Treatment: Usability Test and Interview Study
Authors: Hægermark Emil Aale , Kongshaug Nina , Raj Sunil Xavier , Hofsli Eva , Faxvaag Arild
Published: October 2023

Background

Using mobile health (mHealth) interventions such as smartphone apps to deliver health services is an opportunity to engage patients more actively in their own treatment. Usability tests allow for the evaluation of a service by testing it out on the relevant users before implementation in clinical practice.

Objective

The objective of this study was to design, develop, and evaluate the user interface of an app that would aid patients with cancer in reporting a more comprehensive summary of their side effects.

Methods

The usability test was conducted by exposing patients with cancer to a prototype of an mHealth app that allowed for reporting of side effects from a chemotherapy regimen. After solving a set of 13 tasks, the test participants completed a system usability scale questionnaire and were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. The interviews were later transcribed and analyzed.

Results

The 10 test participants had a mean age of 56.5 (SD 7.11) years. The mean total task completion time for the task-solving session was 240.15 (SD 166.78) seconds. The calculated system usability scale score was 92.5. Most participants solved most of the tasks without any major issues. A minority reported having difficulties using apps on smartphones in general. One patient never achieved a meaningful interaction with our app prototype. Most of those who engaged with the app approved of features that calmed them down, made them more empowered, and put them in control. They preferred to report on side effects in a detailed and concise manner. App features that provided specific advice could provoke both fear and rational action.

Conclusions

The user tests uncovered design flaws that allowed for subsequent refining of an app that has the potential to enhance the safety of patients undergoing home-based chemotherapy. However, a refined version of the app is unlikely to be of value to all patients. Some might not be able to use apps on smartphones in general, or their ability to use apps is impaired because of their disease. This finding should have implications for health care providers’ overall design of their follow-up service as the service must allow for all the patients to receive safe treatment whether they can use an mHealth app or not.
REKAM MEDIS ELEKTRONIK (RME) UNTUK PELAYANAN GIZI RUMAH SAKIT
Authors: Ratnaningsih Diah Ayu , Guardian Yoki Sanjaya  , Adhiyanti Asikin
Published: October 2023

Background: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is mandatory for the healthcare provider in Indonesia. EMR were also developed for medical support services such as nutrition services. EMR application for nutrition services consists of nutrition assessment forms and patient-integrated clinical development records.Objective: To determine factors that influence the implementation of EMR for hospital nutrition services.Methods: This research is qualitative research with a single-case holistic design. The research location was in Instalasi Gizi RSUD Dr. Soetomo, from May to June 2023. The data collecting method was using in depth-interview and focus group discussions. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data was analyzed based on the Human, Organization, and Technology (HOT)–Fit Framework.Results: This research showed that the main factor influencing the success of EMR implementation for hospital nutrition is the digital competencies of the staff. These competencies could be increased by giving some training to the staff. Another essential factor is that organization should support by providing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for EMR implementation and technical support from the Information Technology (IT) team. IT team has the responsibility to handle complaints and problems about EMR. Facilities such as computers and Local Area Networks (LAN) should be sufficient to make EMR implementation run well. The interface and features of EMR should answer the needs of the staff. So, staff would feel EMR is beneficial to help them finish their work, and they would show their acceptance toward this EMR.Conclusions: The success of EMR implementation for hospital nutrition services is determined by several factors like staff digital competencies, organizational support, and provision of computers and LAN for implementing EMR. Positive perception about the benefit of EMR encouraged the increase of EMR utilization in hospitals.
KOMITMEN ORGANISASI DAN KEINGINAN BERPINDAH KERJA KARYAWAN PADA RUMAH SAKIT IBU DAN ANAK BUNDA BAHAGIA
Authors: Hanum Hilda Mutia , Meliala Andreasta
Published: October 2023

Background: A frequent phenomenon in human resources (HR) is that many employees leave their jobs (turnover).
A Research on the Use of Boundary Tone as a Turn-taking Mechanism in Chinese EFL Students’ Conversations
Authors: Xia Zhihua
Published: October 2023

The boundary tone is one of the crucial mechanisms for the organization of English conversations. But for Chinese learners, the acquisition of this mechanism is not satisfying. This study examines the use of boundary tones at the turn transitions in Chinese EFL learners’ elicited English conversations. The results indicate that Chinese learners are not proficient in the use of boundary tones to show their intentions in turn exchanges, and the misuse of low L-L% boundary tone is the most prominent.
Response of lowland rice to phosphate amendments in three acidics agroecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire: Man-Gagnoa-Bouaké
Authors: Kpan Wondouet Hippolyte , Bongoua-Devisme Affi Jeanne , Kouadio Konan-Kan Hippolyte , Kone Brahima , Bahan Franck Michael Lemounou
Published: October 2023

The need to achieve self-sufficiency in rice led producers to overexploit soils and to use excessively chemical fertilizers, which deplete soils and make phosphorus unavailable to crops. As an alternative, eight phosphate amendements made from phosphate rocks from Morocco (MPR), Triple Superphosphate (TSP) and NPK (T0a (0%MPR + 0%TSP without NPK); T0 (0%MPR + 0%TSP+ NPK); T1 (100%MPR + 0%TSP+ NPK); T2 (90%MPR + 10%TSP+ NPK); T3 (80%MPR + 20%TSP+ NPK); T4 (40%MPR + 60%TSP+ NPK); T5 (20%MPR + 80% TSP + NPK); T6 (0%MPR + 100%TSP+ NPK) were applied to the field and their agronomic efficiencies were evaluated in Man (very acidic soil). Gagnoa (moderately acidic soil) and Bouaké (weakly acidic soil). After three cultivation cycles, results designate Man and Gagnoa as more productive zones with respectively 5.04 t ha-1 and 4.36 t ha-1 grain yield (GY), comparatively to Bouaké (3.74 t ha-1). Likewise, straw yields (SY) are 9.68 t ha-1 at Man and 6.06 t ha-1 at Gagnoa, comparatively to Bouaké (5.85 t ha-1). Treatments T3 and T4 were more productive in all zones with respectively GY of 7.50 t ha-1 and 6.50 t ha-1 in Man, 5.54 t ha-1 and 5.91 t ha- 1 in Gagnoa and 5.55 t ha-1 and 4.84 t ha-1 in Bouaké. This disparity is due to the chemical properties of the soils. In Man, Gagnoa and Bouaké, the combination 80% MPR + 20% TSP and 40% MPR + 60% TSP seem to improve better the yield of lowland rice.
PRESURGICAL ORTHODONTIC THERAPY IN A NEWBORN WITH MEDIAN CLEFT LIP ACCOMPANIED BY HOLOPROSENCEPHALY AND AGENESIS OF THE PREMAXILLA
Authors: Radojičić Julija , Čutović Tatjana , Radojičić Aleksandra , Radojičić Andrija
Published: October 2023

Surgical treatment protocols for rare types of clefts do not exist, especially when they are associated with severe anomalies of the brain and face. Surgical treatment of a newborn with holoprosencephaly, premaxillary agenesis and median cleft lip is a big challenge for the surgeon. The complete lack of bone in the nasal bones and premaxilla make surgical therapy almost impossible. The role of pre-surgical orthodontic therapy plays a major role in creating the conditions for surgical repair of cleft-damaged parts of the face.Case presentation. The paper presents presurgical orthodontic therapy in a newborn with a median cleft lip using the RBJ stimulator. Conclusion. The use of stimulators of a specific construction in the therapy of rare clefts is the method of choice.
Promotion of executive functions in adolescents with typical development: Systematic review
Authors: Nunes Liana Garcia , Lopes Caroline Chikos , Ribeiro Camila Fragoso , Marques Christiane Fernanda Pontes , Mota Ivan Zanetti , De Padua Alves Luiza , Seabra Alessandra Gotuzo
Published: October 2023

During adolescence, hot and cold executive functions are still developing, making it essential to assess and intervene if changes occur. The present study aims to identify, through a systematic review, which interventions in executive functions have been studied in typical adolescents, including hot and cold executive functions, seeking to determine the effects of these interventions in this segment. The search was conducted according to the PRISMA method in the PubMed database. Of the 315 articles initially located, five remained after applying exclusion criteria and analyzing by judges. The selected articles revealed a more significant effect of interventions on cold executive functions than hot ones, which may corroborate previous data suggesting that hot executive functions take longer to be stimulated than cold ones. Only one of the five articles jointly stimulated cold and hot executive functions, which reveals the need for more research in the area. The small number of articles selected, despite limiting the conclusions, reinforces the need to conduct more research on intervention in hot and cold executive functions in typically developing adolescents.
Efficacy of Herbal Medicine on Sleep Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kang Ji-hyeon , Baek Kyungmin
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of herbal medicine on sleep disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease and suggests a better research process.Methods: We searched for RCTs for herbal medicine treatments for sleep disorders related to Parkinson’s disease on July 31, 2023 using eight databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], the Research Information Service System [RISS], Science ON, the Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], and the Korea Citation Index [KCI]). Cochrane’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the RCTs.Results: A total of 16 RCTs met all the inclusion criteria, and in most reports, the treatment group showed a significant improvement in sleep disorders compared to the control group. Total effective rate (TER), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), TCM Symptom Score (TSS), Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), etc., were used as evaluation indicators.Conclusion: Herbal medicine is a potential treatment for sleep disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease. However, the selected RCTs were of poor quality, and it is necessary to perform more systematic studies.
A Review of Recent Chinese Clinical Studies on Herbal Medicine Treatments for Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Park Chae-hyun , Kim Min-jeong , Park Jae-woo , Ko Seok-jae
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study summarizes current trends and results in clinical studies on herbal medicine treatments for chronic pancreatitis.Methods: Studies published from 2014 to 2023 were searched for on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, and KMbase using the keywords “chronic pancreatitis”, “herbal medicine”, “herb”, “만성 췌장염”, and “한약”. The studies were analyzed according to year, study design, characteristics of the patients, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention.Results: In total, 23 studies were selected. There were 21 randomized controlled trials and 2 case-control studies. The most common herbal prescriptions were Qingyi-tang (淸胰湯), Radix Bupleuri (柴胡), Radix Paeoniae Alba (白芍藥), Radix Glycyrrhizae (甘草), Radix Scutellariae (黃芩), and Rhei Rhizoma (大黃). In all the studies, herbal medicine treatments were effective in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis, and efficacy was assessed using clinical symptoms, physicochemical examination, radiological examination, and relapse.Conclusions: Herbal medicine treatment can be an effective treatment for chronic pancreatitis and has potential in clinical practice.
Awareness of the Causes of Drug-Induced Liver Injury: A Case of Hepatotoxicity Resulting from Antipsychotics
Authors: Son Chang-gue
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study attempts to increase awareness of hepatotoxicity caused by antipsychotic drugs and to provide updated information on drug-induced liver injury (DILI) to physicians in Korean medicine (KM) clinics.Methods: This study presents a detailed case of a female patient diagnosed with DILI attributed to antipsychotic drugs, highlighting the improvement observed through laboratory findings.Results: A 56-year-old female patient with underlying disorders, including mixed connective tissue disease and depression, was under medical care. One day, she reported experiencing intense fatigue and distressing sensations, prompting the author to order blood tests. The levels of AST and ALT were significantly elevated by more than 2.5-fold, indicating hepatocellular DILI. The RUCAM score for antipsychotic drugs was 9, as no other medications, including herbal medicine, were being taken. Upon discontinuation of the antipsychotic drugs, the patient’s laboratory findings returned to normal levels within 2 weeks, accompanied by a recovery of subjective symptoms.Conclusion: This study presents a noteworthy case of hepatotoxicity caused by antipsychotic drugs, serving as an illustrative example that highlights the crucial need for awareness among doctors of KM in clinical settings.
A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Patient with Acute Cholangitis Accompanied by Common Bile Duct Stone
Authors: Kim Na-Yeon , Kim Seung-Mo , Kim Kyung-Soon
Published: October 2023

Objective: This case report outlines an investigation into the efficacy of Korean medicine treatment in a patient who presented with acute cholangitis accompanying common bile duct stones. The patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and subsequently experienced resolution of the common bile duct stones.Methods: The patient was treated with Shihosogan-tang, general acupuncture, ear acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy. Changes in symptoms were evaluated using a self-reported numerical rating scale (NRS) score and a visual analog scale (VAS) score each morning. Laboratory tests were conducted to examine serum amylase, serum lipase, and liver function.Results: After 29 days, the NRS scores for indigestion and fatigue and the VAS score for abdominal pain all decreased. Additionally, the laboratory test results showed improvement.Discussion: The results suggest that Korean medicine could be effective in treating symptoms of acute cholangitis. However, further research is necessary.
MATERNIDADE E MERCADO DE TRABALHO
Authors: Salvagni Julice , Azambuja Monique , Maciel Heichert Fernanda , Veronese Marília
Published: October 2023

Este estudo teve o objetivo de descrever os desafios que as mulheres enfrentam ao retornarem para as suas atividades profissionais, após o período da licença maternidade, identificando os possíveis impactos no desenvolvimento de suas carreiras. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que analisa as narrativas de seis mulheres que passaram por essa experiência e continuaram atuando em organizações de trabalho. Também buscou-se compreender como conseguiram administrar a vida profissional após tornarem-se mães e os motivos que as mantiveram atuantes no mercado de trabalho. As entrevistas foram transcritas e submetidas à técnica de análise de conteúdo e os resultados mostram que a presença de redes de apoio foi fundamental para a manutenção de suas carreiras profissionais, assim como a busca de equidade nos cuidados com os filhos e a casa. Está presente na sociedade brasileira uma certa naturalização da maior responsabilidade feminina na esfera doméstica, o que pode gerar uma sobrecarga potencialmente perigosa à saúde ocupacional das mulheres.
PRODUÇÃO HABITACIONAL NO BRASIL
Authors: Aguiar Marcos Henrique
Published: October 2023

Pretende-se no presente trabalho recuperar brevemente as principais intervenções do Estado brasileiro na promoção da habitação social no período que se estende de 1937 a 1986, representadas pelos Institutos de Aposentadoria e Pensões-IAPS, pela Fundação da Casa Popular-FCP e pelo Banco Nacional da Habitação-BNH, tendo como propósito ressaltar suas potencialidades e limites em relação à promoção da habitação social no país. É possível constatar que por força da inconsistência, dos limites e das distorções de tais intervenções realizadas pelo Estado brasileiro e da impossibilidade de ingresso no chamado mercado imobiliário formal, os segmentos sociais subalternizados e as classes trabalhadoras urbanas sub-assalariadas imprimiram as marcas de suas ações na produção de grande parte do espaço urbano materializando-se na expansão de diferentes tipologias de moradia popular muitas vezes marcadas pela precariedade das condições de habitabilidade.
AÇÃO DA MINERAÇÃO EM TERRITÓRIO TRADICIONAL GERAIZEIRO DO NORTE DE MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Oliveira Bruna França , Ferreira Gustavo Henrique Cepolini
Published: October 2023

O Norte de Minas Gerais torna-se, na virada do século, a nova fronteira para o crescimento da atividade de extração mineral dentro do estado. A região recebe investimentos para a instalação de megaempreendimentos de mineração, dentre eles encontra-se o Projeto Bloco 8 pertencente a Sul Americana de Metais S/A (SAM). Entende-se que a instalação do projeto provocará profundas mudanças na região, uma vez que, ela é ocupada por populações tradicionais geraizeiras. Desta forma, o presente artigo busca discorrer acerca do processo de licenciamento ambiental do projeto Bloco 8 no Território Geraizeiro do Vale das Cancelas, Grão Mogol, Minas Gerais, identificando as comunidades atingidas, bem como, destacando as principais estratégias utilizadas pela empresa durante o processo de licenciamento. A metodologia consta com revisão de literatura e análises de materiais e documentos de movimentos sociais disponíveis na Internet.
Indução do trabalho de parto em uma maternidade de alto risco: indicações e desfechos.
Authors: Nascimento Paixão Gilvânia Patrícia do , Marques Thaís , Oliveira Josenilde , Santana Maria Cristina , Fraga Chalana
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: o objetivo do artigo é descrever as principais indicações gestacionais e os desfechos obstétricos e neonatais das induções de trabalho de parto ocorridas nos meses de janeiro a novembro do ano de 2019, num serviço de referência obstétrica do Vale do São Francisco. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, transversal de caráter exploratório-descritivo, realizado com prontuário de 244 mulheres submetidas ao processo de indução em um Hospital materno-infantil de alto risco, localizado no Vale do São Francisco, Pernambuco.  Resultados: O método mais utilizado foi o misoprostol (85,7%), a maioria (28,7%) das indicações foram realizadas por pré-eclâmpsia, 61,9% das mulheres evoluíram para o parto vaginal, apenas 4,9% apresentaram complicações; 81,6% dos Rns nasceram com boa vitalidade. Conclusão: A indução, caso seja indicada e utilizada da maneira correta, é uma importante estratégia para a redução dos altos índices de cesarianas e apresenta desfechos favoráveis materno-fetal.
A saúde mental da equipe multiprofissional atuante frente aos cuidados paliativos oncológicos revisão da literatura
Authors: Gomes de Sousa Evelyn Vitória , Dos Santos Sousa Bulhões Costa Maria Paula , Risuenho Brito Silva Marcos José , Santos Silva José Henrique , Werneck de Carvalho Luís Eduardo
Published: October 2023

O contexto de cuidados paliativos na área da oncologia traz consigo inúmeros fatores estressores com possíveis influências na saúde mental da equipe multiprofissional atuante nele. Esta revisão busca analisar as variáveis que podem levar ao abalo à saúde mental da equipe multiprofissional frente aos cuidados paliativos. Foi realizado um levantamento na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e no portal de período Scielo para selecionar artigos em português, com texto completo que abordasse a respeito da temática. Os resultados demonstraram variados fatores que podem causar prejuízo à saúde mental e levar ao estresse ocupacional nesses profissionais e foi constatada a precariedade de capacitações voltadas ao cuidado paliativo. Portanto, este estudo demonstrou a importância de se pensar em estratégias de saúde a fim de prevenção e remediação deste cenário, além da necessidade de se produzirem novos estudos voltados a essa temática.
Technics as Hermeneutics
Authors: Lindholm Juho
Published: October 2023

In this paper, I outline, how technics can be understood as a special case of hermeneutics. My argument hinges on the concept of practice, which, according to Joseph Rouse, is hermeneutic activity. I show how Rouse’s practical hermeneutics and Don Ihde’s material hermeneutics can be considered to be founded on the pragmatist theory of meaning. For John Dewey, interpretation is thoroughly technical.
The Falsificationist View of Machine Learning
Authors: Reizinger Patrik
Published: October 2023

Machine learning pushes the frontiers of algorithmic achievements, though the striving for state-of-the-art performance often obscures the fragility of enforcing decisions amid uncertainty. This paper interprets machine learning within Karl Popper’s epistemology. We assess machine learning paradigms’ fit for falsificationism and argue that the new interpretation can improve robustness. Though the price is to accept unambiguous decisions, the restriction of the hypothesis space still adds value. The context for our work is established by comparison with similar techniques and highlighting its limitations.
Unsafe Care and Fake News in Freeman-Burian syndrome
Authors: Poling Mikaela I , Dufresne Craig R
Published: October 2023

For rare conditions, avoiding hastily publishing case reports,
conducting a thorough literature search, and ensuring the patient’s
presentation aligns with accepted diagnostic criteria are each
essential. Failure to heed the above can lead to serious inaccuracies,
as illustrated by four articles we reviewed in the past year.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL CHANGE OF DISPERSAL AREAS OF GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) IN LAKE BOGORIA LANDSCAPE, KENYA
Authors: CHESEREK BEATRICE , Ogendi George , Makenzi Paul
Published: October 2023

Wildlife populations decline of 69% between 1977 and 2016 have been
reported in Kenya’s rangelands. Baringo County experienced over 85%
wildlife loss in the last four decades, and thus a major concern for
wildlife conservation, food security and environmental sustainability.
Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is endemic to Lake Bogoria
landscape in Baringo County and constitutes a major tourist attraction
for the region. In an area with limited dispersal opportunities, the
range for this species is crucial for its survival. To a large extent,
extinction of wild animal species has been attributed to habitat
degradation that directly affects dispersal areas. This study was
carried out to assess spatio-temporal change of dispersal areas of
Greater Kudu (GK) in Lake Bogoria landscape in the last four years for
enhanced conservation and improved livelihoods. GK population
distribution primary data collected in December 2022 and secondary data
acquired from LBNR for 2019 and 2020 were digitized using ArcGIS.
Measures of dispersion and point pattern analysis (PPA) were used to
analyze dispersal of GK population using a Geographic Information System
(GIS). It was evident that GK dispersal in LBNR has been changing thus
the null hypothesis that spatio-temporal distribution of dispersal areas
of the GK in Lake Bogoria landscape did not change in the last four
years was rejected. It was recommended that anthropogenic activities
contributing to GK habitat degradation be curbed by providing
alternative livelihood sources and enhancement of adoption of
sustainable technologies including use of solar energy and climate-smart
agriculture by local communities.
ABIapp: A user-friendly tool for precise parasitic helminth species delimitation
Authors: Chan Abigail , Thaenkham Urusa , Wichaita Tanaphum , Saralamba Sompob
Published: October 2023

Parasitic helminths are highly diverse and ubiquitously distributed in
various environments and hosts. Their vast species diversity makes both
morphological and molecular species delimitation challenging. We
developed and validated a simple, easy-to-use application, Applying
Taxonomic Boundaries for Species Identification (ABIapp), to aid in the
delimitation of helminth species. ABIapp utilizes a database of cut-off
genetic distances determined by the K-means algorithm to establish
helminth taxonomic boundaries for the 18S and 28S rRNA genes, ITS1 and 2
regions, and the 12S and 16S rRNA, COI, COII, cytB, and ND1 genes.
ABIapp is written in R, using the Shiny framework to deliver an
interactive and user-friendly interface. To assess the accuracy of
ABIapp, validation was undertaken both in silico and with actual
specimens. In silico validation involved obtaining 591 genetic distances
from 117 publications and inputting these into ABIapp, while actual
specimen validation was conducted using ten specimens. We also compared
the accuracy of ABIapp with other species delimitation servers. We
achieved an overall classification accuracy of 76 % and 75 % for in
silico and with actual specimens, respectively. Our results underscore
the effectiveness and reliability of ABIapp for helminth species
delimitation. With its user-friendly interface, minimalistic data input
requirements, and robust classification accuracy, ABIapp is a pioneering
tool offering helminth researchers an invaluable resource for species
delimitation.
Effectiveness of Corticosteroid Therapy in COVID-19 Induced Olfactory Dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Authors: Zaidi Syed Muhammad Mehdi , Naeem Shozab , Chola Muhammad Shuraim , Ashraf Muhammad Hasan , Sahban Lamea bint , Masood Syed Muhammad Ali , MD Muhammad Saad Choudhry , Naseem Laiba , Ali Sabir , Ahmed Muhammad Rauhaan , Khan Muhammad Talha
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Covid-19 has been strongly associated with the loss of
smell also known as anosmia. It is one of the first symptoms experienced
by patients who encounter covid-19. The condition has been reported to
have a detrimental impact on psychological and emotional well-being,
physical health, and relationships thus compromising the quality of
life. Various reasons have been proposed to justify the cause of
anosmia, with apoptosis of olfactory cells and inflammation of the
mucosa amongst a few. The following study aims to shed light on the
efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids in the treatment of these
conditions.  Methods: From their inception to 20 May 2023, a complete
search of electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and
Cochrane was conducted to look for studies consisting of data regarding
short-term or long-term anosmia in COVID-19 patient populations who were
treated using intra-nasal corticosteroids.After a rigorous process of
study selection, 7 studies were shortlisted and utilized to conduct a
meta-analysis. Results: The improvement in the olfactory score at 2 and
4 weeks was statistically higher in the treatment group (Standard Mean
Difference [SMD]= 1.01 [0.07, 1.94], p-value= 0.03) as compared
to the control group (SMD = 1.25 [0.78, 1.73], P = 0.00004).
However, the results in the 4 weeks group were not significant.
Similarly, the effect of corticosteroids in patients in whom anosmia
lasted for more than 4 weeks also turned out to be insignificant (SMD =
0.51 [-0.12, 1.14], a p-value of 0.11, I2 =78%). According to the
subgroup analysis, there were no significant differences in the efficacy
of corticosteroids in short and long-term anosmia (RR = 1.26 [0.83,
1.92] and 1.57 [0.04, 70.02], p-value = 0.13).  Conclusion: As per
the findings of the meta-analysis, corticosteroids do play a role in the
improvement of the olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19. However,
there was no difference in their efficacy for the treatment of
short-term versus long-term anosmia patients.
Quantifying convergence and consistency
Authors: Matiasz Nicholas , Wood Justin , Silva Alcino
Published: October 2023

The reproducibility crisis highlights several unresolved issues in
science, including the need to develop measures that gauge both the
consistency and convergence of data sets. While existing meta-analytic
methods quantify the consistency of evidence, they do not quantify its
convergence: the extent to which different types of empirical methods
have provided evidence to support a hypothesis. To address this gap in
meta-analysis, we and colleagues developed a summary metric—the
cumulative evidence index (CEI)—which uses Bayesian statistics to
quantify the degree of both consistency and convergence of evidence
regarding causal hypotheses between two phenomena. Here we outline the
CEI’s underlying model, which quantifies the extent to which studies of
four types—positive intervention, negative intervention, positive
non-intervention, and negative non-intervention—lend credence to any
of three types of causal relations: excitatory, inhibitory, or
no-connection. Along with p-values and other measures, the CEI can
provide a more holistic perspective on a set of evidence by
quantitatively expressing epistemic principles that scientists regularly
employ qualitatively. The CEI can thus address the reproducibility
crisis by formally demonstrating how convergent evidence across multiple
study types can yield progress toward scientific consensus, even when an
individual type of study fails to yield reproducible results.
The Global Value of Freshwater Lakes
Authors: Li Xingming , Tsigaris Panagiotis
Published: October 2023

Lakes face threats from human activities like unsustainable development,
population growth, and industrial technologies. These challenges impact
the ecosystem services of lakes. Research has assessed the value of
services from freshwater biomes annually. This article reviews these
values, estimating lakes’ global ecosystem services to be within the
region of USD 1.5 to 5.5 trillion annually. Their natural asset value is
estimated at USD 100 - 337 trillion, comparable to value of global real
estate, assuming a relatively high social discount rate to account for
future increased standard of livings. Considering environmental
degradation, future generations may experience a lower living standard.
Using a 0.1% discount rate, recognizing potential harm and aligning
with indigenous values, raises the lakes’ value to USD 1,500 - 5,500
trillion which is at least equal to the global value of wealth created.
This valuation is shared by all, unlike the skewed distribution of
created wealth.