bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Resources are Associated With Higher Fertility Intentions in Contemporary Finland
Authors: Artamonova Alyona , Sorsa Tiia , Berg Venla , Hägglund Anna Erika , Rotkirch Anna
Published: April 2024

Lower childbearing intentions can stem from a lack of social resources. However, not only actual but also perceived social support might signal that parents and parents-to-be will not be alone after having a child. Using register and GGS-Finland data from 2021-22, we investigate how emotional and instrumental support received from parents and other social network members, as well as a person’s subjective feeling that their social network is sufficient (measured as the absence of loneliness), are associated with fertility intentions. Logistic regression models reveal that receiving instrumental support ‒ especially financial support ‒ from parents and other relatives (but not non-kin) is associated with higher childbearing intentions. Not feeling lonely is also associated with higher childbearing intentions, particularly among individuals aged 26-30 years. Gender and partnership status nuance these associations. We conclude that social resources ‒ indicated by both perceived and received support ‒ shape childbearing intentions for those approaching or in prime childbearing age. The lack of perceived social resources among young adults may contribute to relatively low fertility, even in a high-income country with generous family policies such as Finland.
Variants of the influence of endogenous uric acid on the blood level of theophylline-sensitive T-lymphocytes can be predicted without error
Authors: Popovych Igor , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Bombushkar Igor , Zukow Walery , Sydoruk Oleksandr , Kovalchuk Halyna
Published: April 2024

Background. During the implementation of the project "Physiological activity of uric acid", our group discovered three variants of relationships between changes in uricemia and blood level of theophylline-sensitive CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The aim of this study is to find out the possibility of predicting one or another variants based on the set of initial parameters (predictors) of the patient.

Materials and methods. Under an observations were 34 males (23-70 years) and 10 females (33-76 years) with chronic pyelonephritis in the phase of remission. Testing was performed twice - on admission and after 7-10 days of standard balneotherapy on Truskavets Spa. The main object of the study was serum and urine levels of uric acid. Other metabolic, endocrine and immune parameters were determined in the same blood and urine samples. In addition, EEG and HRV was recorded almost synchronously.

Results. As a result of discriminant analysis, 23 predictors were selected. Among them, 10 reflect the power spectral density of all 4 EEG rhythms, 2 – EEG entropy, autonomous reactivity, 2 – hormones, 4 – immunity, 2 – metabolism, and another 2 – Popovych’s leukocytary indices of Strain and Adaptation. Prediction accuracy is 100%.

Conclusion. The uric acid molecule, as a structural analog of methylxanthines and adenosine, exerts effects on neurons, endocrinocytes, and immunocytes, presumably through their adenosine receptors. The nature of the interaction of uric acid and adenosine receptors of theophylline-sensitive CD8+ T-lymphocytes is determined by a certain biochemical and physiological situation.
Vegetarian Diet in Children: Benefits, Drawbacks and Risks
Authors: Orzeł Adrianna , Sieniawska Julia , Sieniawska Daria , Proszowska Patrycja , Kotowicz Zuzanna , Pich-Czekierda Aleksandra , Madoń Magda
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Vegetarianism is an eating pattern centred on plant-based food. It encompasses many diets that differ in terms of whether they contain goods originating from animals, like milk and eggs. Nowadays, vegetarianism is increasing in popularity in developed nations, particularly in Europe. Individuals choose vegetarian diets for reasons related to health, ethics, or ecology. The rising popularity of vegetarian diets is not limited to adults but is also increasing among children.

Aim of the study

Vegetarian diets are generally considered to be beneficial for health. However, there are concerns over the ability to meet the dietary requirements necessary during infancy, youth, and adolescence on a vegetarian diet. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review is to answer questions about the efficacy of a plant-based diet in meeting the nutritional requirements of children and how to avoid the risk of nutritional deficiencies among vegetarian children.

Material and methods

Article provides an overview of the current literature about the vegetarian diet in children. The information has been collected from a comprehensive search of electronic databases, scientific journals, and statement papers published by nutrition and paediatric organisations.

Results

Following a vegetarian diet can be a beneficial decision for all children, assuming that it is properly organised and well balanced. The majority of paediatric and nutrition organisations do not recommend more strict diets for children, such as a vegan diet, which fully excludes not only meat but all animal products.
Montaigne, Lukrecjusz i Nowy Świat
Authors: Krupecka Iwona
Published: April 2024

In this article, my aim is to interpret Michel de Montaigne’s essay On Coaches, firstly, as consistent, and secondly, as deeply marked by Lucretian ideas. I analyze three contexts in which the titular ‘coaches’ are present: luxury, war, and fear of death. Furthermore, I argue that they constitute mutually interacting ‘force fields’ that should be considered in relation to each other.Following this scheme, I reconstruct the relationship between this essay and De rerum natura on three levels: 1) a discussion involving the Lucretian idea of the finite and young world; 2) a specific repetition of Lucretius’ gesture: moral evaluation imposed on a basically neutral recognition of historical change and movement; 3) the connection of vehicles as symbols of luxury with the problem of the fear of death, or the lack of courage, as a source of moral degeneration.
Człowiek w obliczu sytuacji granicznej
Authors: Zegzuła-Nowak Joanna
Published: April 2024

The article presents the intellectual biography of Mieczysław Wallis in the light of his several years of experience as a prisoner of war. During World War II, the philosopher was sentenced to the German POW camp in Woldenberg, where he lived for several years. Wallis’ assessment of his stay in the POW camp is presented primarily in the text entitled The Psyche of a Prisoner of War, in which the philosopher describes the psychological threat– “barbed wire disease”, from which POWs often suffered. Importantly, Wallis himself did not succumb to the camp’s atmosphere of anxiety and did not mentally lose himself in danger of long-term captivity. His existential power was drawn primarily from the world of his own interior ‒turning to the sphere of values and experiences of an aesthetic nature. It was in the world of aesthetic experiences that Wallis found a refuge for human subjectivity, autonomy, freedom, and dignity. He was convinced that aesthetic experiences are a source of a special kind of joy that can balance suffering in human life.
Introducción al contexto rural colombiano
Authors: Vargas Montealegre Alba Ruth
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo muestra el contexto rural colombiano y el fenómeno de la informalidad inmersa en las formas y en los modos de vida de los pequeños y medianos productores que habitan estos territorios, permeados por los enfoques de desarrollo económico que se han adoptado a través de políticas y programas de gobierno para la zona rural. Los temas se abordan de manera holís- tica e involucran el desarrollo rural, los enfoques de la informalidad y la base teórica en la que se ha orientado su estudio. De esta manera, el lector encontrará el preámbulo que le permitirá comprender la realidad social campesina de Colombia orientada a lo largo de los siguientes capítulos de este libro.
Dimensiones de la informalidad: análisis descriptivo del sector cafetero en Colombia
Authors: Gómez Ramírez Henry Andrés , Garcés Rodríguez Nicolás , Bolívar María Fernanda
Published: April 2024

La informalidad es un fenómeno que da forma a muchas dinámicas económicas que enfrentan los hogares rurales. Mediante un análisis descriptivo de las múltiples dimensiones de la informalidad en los hogares cafeteros de los departamentos del Huila y Tolima, este capítulo hace hincapié en los mercados laborales, crediticios, de ahorro y de tierras. Los datos provienen de una encuesta realizada a 654 hogares, que incluye información de características socioeconómicas, ingresos del hogar, inclusión financiera y de producción agrícola, lo que permite cruzar los resultados con características demográficas que facilitan una caracterización completa de la problemática en la población objetivo. Los mercados informales son un eje central de la producción agrícola y, dada su cambiante definición, dependiendo del mercado en el que se evalúe, implican resultados positivos y negativos en los ingresos y las actividades productivas de los hogares cafeteros.
Emprendimiento rural y cooperativo: condiciones esenciales para el desarrollo en contextos de paz. Caso Icononzo, Tolima
Authors: Cruz Bustamante Luisa Fernanda , Henao Bernal Iván , Rojas Forero Geisler Dayani
Published: April 2024

Las dinámicas del campo asociadas a la producción de bienes agropecuarios han cambiado. Actualmente aparecen nuevos modelos como el desarrollo rural, el emprendimiento social o los vínculos urbanos-rurales para el desarrollo. La coyuntura económica y política actual plantea diferentes retos y desafíos que los campesinos deben asumir en aras de lograr mayores niveles de competitividad, sostenibilidad, inclusión, asociatividad y participación. Las políticas del Estado y los programas de apoyo liderados por el sector privado deben tener en cuenta tres elementos centrales para promover el bienestar: el desarrollo humano, por la cultura de asociatividad y la apropiación de conocimientos y tecnologías. Es importante no Estandarizar estas políticas, des- conociendo las particularidades y las múltiples identidades culturales de los agricultores rurales. Este capítulo describe los resultados obtenidos con la metodología de análisis de la dinámica productiva y laboral con enfoque social y solidario en el municipio de Icononzo, que tiene como objetivo identificar algunas acciones que puedan fomentar la estabilidad laboral, el desarrollo rural, el emprendimiento y el bienestar de la población. Los resultados son analizados con base en dos perspectivas teóricas: por la primera se relaciona con los emprendimientos rurales y la segunda es un mecanismo de política pública para promover el desarrollo rural. Los resultados muestran la importancia de impulsar políticas, programas y proyectos que tengan en cuenta el desarrollo humano, la comprensión del entorno por parte de los campesinos, la reducción de barreras financieras, de infraestructura y de mercado, y el fortalecimiento de la asociatividad.
Grangea: una experiencia de maestros universitarios que le apuestan al campo colombiano
Authors: Ortiz Zamora Andrés Felipe , Zamora María Soledad , Ortiz Zamora Hugo Alberto
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo da cuenta de una experiencia familiar de docentes universitarios que le apuestan al campo, y con esto logran vincular la práctica pedagógica a la construcción de una granja orgánica integral llamada Grangea, ubicada en Tabio, Colombia, utilizando algunas de las estrategias didácticas y los proyectos de sus trabajos en universidades colombianas. Asimismo, se muestran las experiencias vividas en el desarrollo del proyecto a través de dos metodologías: el modelo didáctico p - virc y la sistematización de experiencias. Además, incluye varios procesos trabajados con el apoyo de expertos en cada uno de las áreas que hoy conforman este agronegocio. Con esto se espera aportar al avance de la ciencia y a la mejora del campo.
Atividade física, depressão, ansiedade e estresse em adultos e idosos na pandemia COVID-19 no Brasil
Authors: Azevedo Milton José de , Costa Gabriel Peinado , Andrella João Luiz , Lizzi Elisângela Aparecida da Silva , Trapé Átila Alexandre
Published: April 2024

O objetivo foi verificar se há relação entre os níveis de atividade física e a indicação de risco associado para depressão, ansiedade e estresse em adultos e idosos durante um período da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. Estudo transversal, entre outubro e novembro de 2021, foi realizado por meio de um formulário online, com perguntas sobre dados sociodemográficos, prática de atividade física antes e durante a pandemia, estado de saúde, saúde mental - Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21) e nível de atividade física - Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste Qui-Quadrado com nível de significância de 5% e análise de correspondência múltipla. Participaram 1044 homens e mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 75 anos, de todo território nacional. Entre os participantes, 48,0%, 35,9% e 61,1% apresentaram indicação de risco associado para depressão, ansiedade e estresse, respectivamente. Os participantes adultos 93,4%, do gênero feminino 66,8%, nível de escolaridade até o ensino superior 54,2% e solteiros 57,5%, bem como os com nível baixo de atividade física 36,1% e que relataram piora na prática durante a pandemia 53,9% apresentaram maior indicação de risco para depressão, ansiedade e estresse (p<0,05). Em síntese, pessoas fisicamente ativas e que conseguiram manter ou melhorar a prática durante a pandemia, apresentaram menor indicação de risco associado para problemas relacionados à saúde mental. É importante considerar o planejamento de políticas públicas sob a ótica da equidade, para auxiliar pessoas com maior vulnerabilidade no acesso à atividade física.
PERTENCER COM
Authors: Soeiro Castelo Branco Fernanda
Published: April 2024

Este artigo é um relato de um processo artístico e pessoal que atravessa questões de pertencimento e práticas corporais baseadas nos sentidos e percepções. Explorando o emaranhar de estilos de escrita como a fábula, ficção, relato e teorias.
Automatic gate controlling system for sustainable agriculture water management in Sri Lanka: A review
Authors: Rathnayaka E.J.M.P.T.K. , Park Tusan
Published: April 2024

This research introduces an automatic gate-controlling system explicitly tailored for sustainable paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka. Paddy fields, critical to the nation's food security, often face water management and resource efficiency challenges. Given the pressing concerns of water scarcity and the need for efficient resource utilization in Sri Lanka's agricultural landscape, the automatic gate-controlling system emerges as a cutting-edge solution. This research explores the transformative potential of this technology in revolutionizing traditional irrigation practices. It provides a detailed examination of the system's components and functionalities, emphasizing the integration of smart sensors to gather real-time data on soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and crop water requirements. This data is then processed through advanced analytics, facilitating informed decision-making for the automated control of irrigation gates. These data inputs are then processed by an intelligent control system that automates the operation of water gates. By precisely regulating water flow, the system minimizes water wastage and mitigates over-irrigation risks, contributing to sustainable paddy cultivation practices. The automated nature of the system reduces the dependency on manual labor, providing farmers with an efficient and reliable tool for water management. By adopting this technology, the study envisions increased yields in paddy cultivation while promoting responsible use of water resources. This research marks a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka, particularly in the crucial paddy cultivation sector.
IoT-based solar-powered smart irrigation system with solar tracker for rice fields
Authors: Dey Pabel Kanti , Banu Selina , Milufarzana Milufarzana , Robin Sakib , Mazumdar Nayon Chandra , Samsuzzaman Samsuzzaman , Kabir Md Shaha Nur
Published: April 2024

Water management in irrigated agricultural fields is a critical issue in Bangladesh due to a lack of improved irrigation facilities for efficient use of irrigation water, and the cost of crop production is high with low agricultural productivity in agriculture. Therefore, this research aimed to design and implement an internet of things (IoT)-based solar-powered smart irrigation system by sensing the soil moisture levels and periodically controlling the pump operations when the soil moisture is below the required level. A sun-tracking solar system was developed to generate more electricity by tracking the orientation of the sun. A comparison was made between the energy of a fixed-panel solar system with a 24.95° tilt angle and a solar tracking system with no tilt angle. The solar tracker device utilizes a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor to track the sun, aligning the 150 W solar panel perpendicular to maximize energy capture. This energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in a 12V battery for powering the operation of the submersible pump (DC 12V, 150 W). A wireless sensor network was employed to monitor pumping status and energy comparison in a rice field. A sub-station transferred water level data wirelessly to a main station, where a microcontroller processed the data. The relay module automatically triggered pumping, and the data was stored in the cloud. The solar tracking system outperformed the fixed-panel system with a fixed tilt angle of 24.95° in terms of output power by a remarkable 26.72%. There is a huge potential for solar irrigation systems in Bangladesh, and they can provide sustainable solutions with low irrigation costs. Therefore, this IoT-based solar-powered smart irrigation system could play a vital role in improving irrigation management systems with increased water use efficiency.
Commuting additive maps on upper triangular and strictly upper triangular infinite matrices
Authors: Lan Di-Chen , Liu Cheng-Kai
Published: April 2024

Let ${\mathbb F}$ be a field, let $N_{\infty}({\mathbb F})$ be the ring of all ${\mathbb N}\times {\mathbb N}$ strictly upper triangular matrices over ${\mathbb F,}$ and let $T_{\infty}({\mathbb F})$ be the ring of all ${\mathbb N}\times {\mathbb N}$ upper triangular matrices over ${\mathbb F}$. In this paper, we completely characterize additive maps $f:N_{\infty}({\mathbb F})\to T_{\infty}({\mathbb F})$ satisfying $[f(x),x]=0$ for all $x\in N_{\infty}({\mathbb F})$. As applications, we obtain the finite fields versions of the two main results recently obtained by Slowik and Ahmed [Electron. J. Linear Algebra 37:247-255, 2021].
The Impact of Course Placement in STEM Sequences on Students’ Short-Term and Longer-Term University Success Outcomes
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A. , Ngo Federick J. , Ji Jeongmin
Published: April 2024

Research has frequently demonstrated negative effects of placing students into developmental education, but very little inquiry has considered the impact of placing students into different levels of non-developmental coursework. The present study explored this issue within sequenced pairs of STEM gateway courses using doubly-robust propensity score analyses and a total sample of 11,532 undergraduates. The results indicate that starting in a lower-level course frequently predicted favorable short-term academic outcomes, but course level was unrelated to retention, and starting in lower-level coursework was often inversely associated with the likelihood of graduating from the university or receiving a STEM bachelor’s degree.
Transgender Men and Non-Binary Students Managing Their Identities to Pay for College
Authors: Lange Alex C.
Published: April 2024

Compared to previous generations, U.S. college students must increasingly rely on non-government sources of money to pay for college. Yet, paying for college looks markedly different for students from marginalized communities, given historical exclusion and inequitable access to financial capital. Using data from a longitudinal study of transgender men and nonbinary students, I argue that identity management is a key tactic these students use to pay for college and navigate competing financial priorities. Ultimately, this study can help researchers and policymakers better address issues of affordability, while more clearly understanding the unique nature of identity management for transgender students.
Effects of blast exposure on anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among displaced Ukrainian populations
Authors: Brackstone Ken , Head Michael G. , Perelli-Harris Brienna
Published: April 2024

Generalized anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among individuals forcibly displaced during war and conflict. Blast exposure may be one important contributor of such symptoms. The aims of this study were to provide data on blast-related experiences of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and to assess the influence of blast exposure on generalized anxiety, and PTSD flashbacks and nightmares. An online health needs survey was distributed to Ukrainian IDPs and refugees between April and July 2022 using Facebook Ads Manager. Participants reported whether they experienced blast exposure since the beginning of the invasion, and whether they took medication for a mental health condition before the war started. Finally, they completed measures of generalized anxiety (GAD-2), and PTSD flashbacks and nightmares. Analyses included 3253 IDPs and 5073 refugees (N= 8326). Results revealed that 67.6% of total participants– 79.9% of IDPs and 61.7% of refugees–reported blast exposure since Russia’s invasion. Further, 69.1% (95% CI: 68.05, 70.15) of total participants met the cut-off for generalized anxiety in which further diagnostic evaluation was warranted. Compared to refugees, IDPs reported higher generalized anxiety and greater frequency of PTSD symptoms, specifically flashbacks and nightmares. Further analyses revealed that the impact of blast exposure on flashback frequency was stronger among IDPs compared to refugees (β = 0.51;t(8322) = 11.88,p< .0001, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.60) and among participants with pre-existing mental health conditions compared to those without (β = 0.18;t(8157) = 2.50,p= .013, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.33). Mental health and psychosocial support must be prioritised within humanitarian relief for both IDPs and refugees and especially among people with underlying mental health conditions.
Association between household income and mental health among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: Insights from a community health survey
Authors: Moon Min Hui , Choi Min Hyeok
Published: April 2024

People of low socioeconomic status are vulnerable to health problems during disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the 2019 and 2021 Korea Community Health Survey, this study analyzed the associations between Korean adults’ mental health and their national and regional-level household incomes during the pandemic. The prevalence of perceived stress and depression experience for each risk factor category was calculated through univariate analyses. A multivariate logistic regression analysis helped identify the association between two types of income levels (national or regional) and perceived stress and experience of depression. Additionally, we investigated the effect of income levels by subgroup (gender and residential area) on perceived stress and the experience of depression. During the pandemic, the crude prevalence of an experience of depression was higher (6.24% to 7.2%) but that of perceived stress remained unchanged. Regarding regional-income based mental health disparities, even after adjusting for each independent variable, perceived stress (2019 odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.26–1.27, 2021 OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.32–1.32) and experience of depression (2019 OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.55–1.56, 2021 OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.63–1.64) increased as the income level decreased. The perceived stress based on the two income levels was higher in women than in men. For both income levels, the experience of depression of women was higher than that of men before COVID-19 and vice versa during the COVID-19 period. National income had a more pronounced effect on mental health in urban areas than in rural areas. Contrarily, the effect of regional income level on mental health was not consistent across residential areas (urban and rural areas). Our findings demonstrated that mental health disparities based on income level were more likely to occur during the COVID-19 pandemic and are better reflected through disparities in regional income levels.
Probabilistic causal reasoning under time pressure
Authors: Kolvoort Ivar R. , Fisher Elizabeth L. , van Rooij Robert , Schulz Katrin , van Maanen Leendert
Published: April 2024

While causal reasoning is a core facet of our cognitive abilities, its time-course has not received proper attention. As the duration of reasoning might prove crucial in understanding the underlying cognitive processes, we asked participants in two experiments to make probabilistic causal inferences while manipulating time pressure. We found that participants are less accurate under time pressure, a speed-accuracy-tradeoff, and that they respond more conservatively. Surprisingly, two other persistent reasoning errors—Markov violations and failures to explain away—appeared insensitive to time pressure. These observations seem related to confidence: Conservative inferences were associated with low confidence, whereas Markov violations and failures to explain were not. These findings challenge existing theories that predict an association between time pressure and all causal reasoning errors including conservatism. Our findings suggest that these errors should not be attributed to a single cognitive mechanism and emphasize that causal judgements are the result of multiple processes.
A meta-analysis of unilateral axillary approach for robotic surgery compared with open surgery for differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xinjun , Yu Junkang , Zhu Jinhui , Wei Haibo , Meng Ning , Hu Mingrong , Tang Jingjie
Published: April 2024

Objective

The Da Vinci Robot is the most advanced micro-control system in endoscopic surgical instruments and has gained a lot of valuable experience today. However, the technical feasibility and oncological safety of the robot over open surgery are still uncertain. This work is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of the unilateral axillary approach for robotic surgery compared to open surgery for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were utilized to search for relevant literatures of robotic thyroid surgery using unilateral axillary approach compared to open thyroid surgery, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software version 5.3. Statistical analysis was performed through Mantle-Haenszel and inverse variance methods.

Results

Twelve studies with a total of 2660 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with the open group, the robotic group had a longer total thyroidectomy time, shorter hospital stay, less intraoperative bleeding, more postoperative drainage, fewer retrieved central lymph nodes, and higher cosmetic satisfaction (all P < 0.05). In contrast, temporary and permanent laryngeal recurrent nerve injury, temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia, brachial plexus nerve injury, number of retrieved central lymph nodes, number of retrieved lymph nodes in the lateral cervical region, number of lymph node metastases in the lateral cervical region, hematoma, seroma, lymphatic leak, stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) and unstimulated thyroglobulin (uTg), and the number and recurrence rate of patients with sTg <1ng/ml were not statistically different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The unilateral axillary approach for robotic thyroid surgery may achieve outcomes similar to those of open surgery. Further validation is required in a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Exploring gestational age, and birth weight assessment in Thatta district, Sindh, Pakistan: Healthcare providers’ knowledge, practices, perceived barriers, and the potential of a mobile app for identifying preterm and low birth weight
Authors: Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Mårtensson Thomas , Roujani Sana , Feroz Anam Shahil , Seyfulayeva Ayshe , Mårtensson Andreas , Brown Nick , Saleem Sarah
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Reliable methods for identifying prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are crucial to ending preventable deaths in newborns. This study explored healthcare providers’ (HCPs) knowledge, practice, perceived barriers in assessing gestational age and birth weight and their referral methods for preterm and LBW infants. The study additionally assessed the potential of using a mobile app for the identification and referral decision of preterm and LBW.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Thatta District, Sindh, Pakistan. Participants, including doctors, nurses, lady health visitors, and midwives, were purposefully selected from a district headquarter hospital, and private providers in the catchment area of Global Network’s Maternal and Newborn Health Registry (MNHR). Interviews were conducted using an interview guide after obtaining written informed consent. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO® software with an inductive approach.

Results

The HCPs had extensive knowledge about antenatal and postnatal methods for assessing gestational age. They expressed a preference for antenatal ultrasound due to the perceived accuracy, though accept practical barriers including workload, machine malfunctions, and cost. Postnatal assessment using the Ballard score was only undertaken sparingly due to insufficient training and subjectivity. All HCPs preferred electronic weighing scales for birth weight Barriers encountered included weighing scale calibration and battery issues. There was variation in the definition of prematurity and LBW, leading to delays in referral. Limited resources, inadequate education, and negative parent past experiences were barriers to referral. Foot length measurements were not currently being used. While mobile apps are felt to have potential, unreliable electricity supply and internet connectivity are barriers.

Conclusion

The HCPs in this study were knowledgeable in terms of potential tools, but acknowledged the logistical and parental barriers to implementation
Are pediatric nurses prepared to respond to monkeypox outbreak?
Authors: Sadek Bothayna Nader , Hendy Abdelaziz , Alhowaymel Fahad M. , Abaoud Abdulaziz F. , Alenezi Atallah , Hendy Ahmed , Ali Eman A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Emphasizing the crucial significance of maintaining a national nursing workforce well-prepared with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to respond effectively is the growing frequency of natural and environmental disasters, coupled with public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the study aimed to explore pediatric nurses’ preparedness to monkeypox outbreak, and their stress during this outbreak in Egypt.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a 416 nurses direct care for children at selected governmental hospitals in Egypt. Demographic form, Questionnaire for Infectious Disease Outbreak Readiness & Preparedness, factors affecting nurses’ preparedness, and the generalized anxiety disorders scale-7 were the tools of the study.

Results

(81.5%) of studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of preparedness to monkeypox outbreak. (96.4%) and (95.4%) of them were affected their preparedness by high workload and inconsistent income with the of risk of infection factors. Also, (57.2%) of them had high stress level.

Conclusions

The study revealed the importance of ensuring adequate supplies of PPE are available and provided, and protocols must be implemented to ensure availability in case of an outbreak. Moreover, nurse staffing levels and workload distribution should be regularly reviewed to create reasonable nurse-patient ratios.
An improved breast cancer classification with hybrid chaotic sand cat and Remora Optimization feature selection algorithm
Authors: Alhassan Afnan M.
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer is one of the most often diagnosed cancers in women, and identifying breast cancer histological images is an essential challenge in automated pathology analysis. According to research, the global BrC is around 12% of all cancer cases. Furthermore, around 25% of women suffer from BrC. Consequently, the prediction of BrC depends critically on the quick and precise processing of imaging data. The primary reason deep learning models are used in breast cancer detection is that they can produce findings more quickly and accurately than current machine learning-based techniques. Using a BreakHis dataset, we demonstrated in this work the viability of automatically identifying and classifying BrC. The first stage is pre-processing, which employs an Adaptive Switching Modified Decision Based Unsymmetrical Trimmed Median Filter (ASMDBUTMF) to remove high-density noise. After the image has been pre-processed, it is segmented using the Thresholding Level set approach. Next, we propose a hybrid chaotic sand cat optimization technique, together with the Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA) for feature selection. The suggested strategy facilitates the acquisition of precise functionality attributes, hence simplifying the detection procedure. Additionally, it aids in resolving problems pertaining to global optimization. Following the selection, the best characteristics proceed to the categorization procedure. A DL classifier called the Conditional Variation Autoencoder is used to discriminate between cancerous and benign tumors while categorizing them. Consequently, a classification accuracy of 99.4%, Precision of 99.2%, Recall of 99.1%, F- score of 99%, Specificity of 99.14%, FDR of 0.54, FNR of 0.001, FPR of 0.002, MCC of 0.98 and NPV of 0.99 were obtained using the proposed approach. Furthermore, compared to other research using the current BreakHis dataset, the results of our research are more desirable.
Serum proteomic profiling of patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease with and without clinically significant portal hypertension
Authors: Pastrovic Frane , Novak Rudjer , Grgurevic Ivica , Hrkac Stela , Salai Grgur , Zarak Marko , Grgurevic Lovorka
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Portal hypertension (PH) drives the progression of liver cirrhosis to decompensation and death. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement is the standard of PH quantification, and HVPG≥10 mmHg defines clinically significant PH (CSPH). We performed proteomics-based serum profiling to search for a proteomic signature of CSPH in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD).

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cACLD and results of HVPG measurements were prospectively included. Serum samples were pooled according to the presence/absence of CSPH and analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed, followed by comprehensive literature review for proteins identified with the most striking difference between the groups.

Results

We included 48 patients (30 with, and 18 without CSPH). Protein CD44, involved in the inflammatory response, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), both involved in lymphangiogenesis were found solely in the CSPH group. Although identified in both groups, proteins involved in neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation, as well as tenascin C, autotaxin and nephronectin which mediate vascular contractility and lymphangiogenesis were more abundant in CSPH.

Discussion and conclusion

We propose that altered inflammatory response, including NET formation, vascular contractility and formation of new lymph vessels are key steps in PH development. Proteins such as CD44, VEGF-C, LYVE-1, tenascin C, Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, Nephronectin, Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein, Autotaxin, Myeloperoxidase and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-like protein 4 might be considered for further validation as potential therapeutic targets and candidate biomarkers of CSPH in cACLD.
Edible wild plants, chicory and purslane, alleviated diabetic testicular dysfunction, and insulin resistance via suppression 8OHdg and oxidative stress in rats
Authors: Saad Enas A. , Hassan Hanaa A. , Ghoneum Mamdooh H. , Alaa El-Dein Mai
Published: April 2024

Testicular dysfunction is a prevalent health problem frequently reported in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative-inflammatory reactions, hormonal and spermatic abnormalities often accompany this illness. Herbal remedies “particularly wild plants” including chicory (Chicorium Intybus) and purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) are emerging as popular agents for people dealing with these issues due to their ability to act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antidiabetic effects. According to the collected data, the daily administration of chicory (Ch) seed-extract (250 mg/kg) or purslane (Pu) seed-extract (200 mg/kg) to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg) for 30 days resulted in the normalization of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum fructosamine, insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as reducing lipid peroxidation end-product malondialdehyde (MDA) level, aldehyde oxidase (AO) and xanthene oxidase (XO) activities. While caused a considerable improvement in glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) when compared to diabetic rats. Ch and Pu extracts had a substantial impact on testicular parameters including sperm characterization, testosterone level, vimentin expression along with improvements in body and testis weight. They also mitigated hyperlipidemia by reducing total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC) levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Furthermore, oral administration of either Ch or Pu notably attuned the elevated proinflammatory cytokines as tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) together with reducing apoptosis and DNA damage. This was achieved through the suppression of DNA-fragmentation marker 8OHdG, triggering of caspase-3 immuno-expression, and elevation of Bcl-2 protein. The histological studies provided evidence supporting the preventive effects of Ch and Pu against DM-induced testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, Ch and Pu seed-extracts mitigate testicular impairment during DM due to their antihyperglycemic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
Optimization of chaotic light output in semiconductor laser systems based on multi-objective optimization algorithm
Authors: Kong Jian , Li Jinsong , Li Peng
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the weak performance of chaotic light output in semiconductor laser systems, the study designed a power control algorithm for semiconductor laser drive systems based on linear self-disturbance rejection control. Then the optimization parameters and scope were determined, and multi-objective optimization and direction preference algorithms were introduced. A chaotic optical performance optimization model based on improved multi-objective genetic algorithm was constructed using adaptive functions as evaluation indicators. These results confirmed that the larger the bandwidth of the controller, the faster the response speed of the resonant converter, but the stability was poor. When the input voltage underwent a sudden change, the current ripple coefficient of the PID algorithm was 0.55%. The linear active disturbance rejection control algorithm could ensure that the voltage and current maintained at the set values, and the output current of the algorithm was more stable when the load underwent sudden changes. The directional preference algorithm could further provide more valuable solutions on the basis of adaptive genetic algorithms. When the peak value of the autocorrelation function was equal to 0.2, the delay characteristics of chaotic light were effectively suppressed, having strong signal bandwidth and complexity. In summary, the constructed model has good application effects in optimizing chaotic optical performance and has certain positive significance for communication security.
Using explainable AI to investigate electrocardiogram changes during healthy aging—From expert features to raw signals
Authors: Ott Gabriel , Schaubelt Yannik , Lopez Alcaraz Juan Miguel , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Strodthoff Nils
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading global cause of mortality. Age is an important covariate whose effect is most easily investigated in a healthy cohort to properly distinguish the former from disease-related changes. Traditionally, most of such insights have been drawn from the analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) feature changes in individuals as they age. However, these features, while informative, may potentially obscure underlying data relationships. In this paper we present the following contributions: (1) We employ a deep-learning model and a tree-based model to analyze ECG data from a robust dataset of healthy individuals across varying ages in both raw signals and ECG feature format. (2) We use explainable AI methods to identify the most discriminative ECG features across age groups.(3) Our analysis with tree-based classifiers reveals age-related declines in inferred breathing rates and identifies notably high SDANN values as indicative of elderly individuals, distinguishing them from younger adults. (4) Furthermore, the deep-learning model underscores the pivotal role of the P-wave in age predictions across all age groups, suggesting potential changes in the distribution of different P-wave types with age. These findings shed new light on age-related ECG changes, offering insights that transcend traditional feature-based approaches.
The efficacy of ferroptosis-inducing compounds IKE and RSL3 correlates with the expression of ferroptotic pathway regulators CD71 and SLC7A11 in biliary tract cancer cells
Authors: Bekric Dino , Kiesslich Tobias , Ocker Matthias , Winklmayr Martina , Ritter Markus , Dobias Heidemarie , Beyreis Marlena , Neureiter Daniel , Mayr Christian
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a lethal disease with a bad overall survivability, partly arising from inadequate therapeutic alternatives, detection at a belated stage, and a resistance to common therapeutic approaches. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that depends on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron, causing excessive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Therefore, the objective of this investigation is, whether ferroptosis can be induced in BTC in vitro and whether this induction is dependent on specific molecular markers.

Methods

The study conducted resazurin assay and IC25/50 calculation to explore the possible cytotoxic outcomes of different classes of ferroptosis-inducing substances (FINs) on a comprehensive in vitro model of 11 BTC cell lines. Combinatory treatments with different cell death inhibitors were performed to evaluate the magnitude of ferroptosis induction. To ascertain whether ferroptotic cell death occurred, liperfluo and iron assay kits were employed to evaluate lipid ROS and intracellular iron abundance. Potential biomarkers of ferroptosis sensitivity were then assessed via western blot analysis, a rtPCR panel and functional assay kits.

Results

The study found that different FINs reduced cell viability in a cell line-dependent manner. In addition, we measured increased lipid ROS and intracellular Fe2+ levels upon exposure to FINs in BTC cells. Combining FINs with inhibitors of ferroptosis, necroptosis or apoptosis suggests the occurrence of ferroptotic events in BTC cell lines CCC-5, HuH-28 and KKU-055. Furthermore, we found that BTC cells display a heterogeneous profile regarding different molecular genes/markers of ferroptosis. Subsequent analysis revealed that sensitivity of BTC cells towards IKE and RSL3 positively correlated with CD71 and SLC7A11 protein expression.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that induction of ferroptosis is a promising approach to inhibit BTC cell growth and that the sensitivity of BTC cells towards ferroptosis induction might be dependent on molecular markers such as CD71 and SLC7A11.
Predictive value of CD86 for the occurrence of sepsis (Sepsis-3) in patients with infection
Authors: lv Dan , Zhang Keji , Zhu Changqing , Xu Xinhui , Gong Hao , Liu Li
Published: April 2024

This prospective observational study explored the predictive value of CD86 in the early diagnosis of sepsis in the emergency department. The primary endpoint was the factors associated with a diagnosis of sepsis. The secondary endpoint was the factors associated with mortality among patients with sepsis. It enrolled inpatients with infection or high clinical suspicion of infection in the emergency department of a tertiary Hospital between September 2019 and June 2021. The patients were divided into the sepsis and non-sepsis groups according to the Sepsis-3 standard. The non-sepsis group included 56 patients, and the sepsis group included 65 patients (19 of whom ultimately died). The multivariable analysis showed that CD86% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.44, P = 0.015), platelet count (OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.986–0.997, P = 0.001), interleukin-10 (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.004–1.025, P = 0.009), and procalcitonin (OR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.01–1.37, P = 0.043) were independent risk factors for sepsis, while human leukocyte antigen (HLA%) (OR = 0.96, 05%CI: 0.935–0.995, P = 0.022), respiratory rate (OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.03–1.30, P = 0.014), and platelet count (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.002–1.016, P = 0.016) were independent risk factors for death in patients with sepsis. The model for sepsis (CD86%, platelets, interleukin-10, and procalcitonin) and the model for death (HLA%, respiratory rate, and platelets) had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.870 and 0.843, respectively. CD86% in the first 24 h after admission for acute infection was independently associated with the occurrence of sepsis in the emergency department.