bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Bhutanese Traditional Herbal Drug Formulary for Gastritis-Related Problems (SEDRU): a Nationwide Observational Study
Authors: Gyeltshen Dorji , Dorji Thinley , Pongpirul Krit , Tharpala Tharpala
Published: September 2024

Background
Gastritis-related symptoms, often manifesting as stomach disorders, are among the top ten diseases diagnosed and treated in traditional medicinal units (TMU) in Bhutan. This study evaluated the safety and potential efficacy of the currently used medications for stomach disorders in Bhutan.
Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted across all 63 TMUs in Bhutan over a six-month period in 2019. Patients presenting with gastritis-related symptoms were enrolled and monitored throughout the study. Adverse reactions were assessed using the Naranjo algorithm. The Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment (SODA) scores, both overall and recipe-specific, were recorded at baseline and at weekly follow-up visits. The changes in SODA scores over time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to assess the efficacy of the herbal treatments.
Results
A total of 152 patients were included in the study, with baseline information available for 109 patients. Follow-up data were collected for 100 patients at one week, 88 patients at two weeks, 72 patients at three weeks, and 51 patients at four weeks. The most common prescribed herbal drugs were Sedru 5, Ruta 6 and Zhijay 6. The baseline SODA score averaged 54.4 (± 8.8), which decreased progressively to 50.0 (± 8.3) at week 1, 46.9 (± 8.0) at week 2, 42.7 (± 12.0) at week 3 and 38.9 (± 13.7) at week 4, with a statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001). Nine adverse drug events were reported, but there were no definite adverse drug reactions. Patient satisfaction with the traditional formulations also showed a significant improvement.
Conclusion
The study found significant improvements in both pain and non-pain symptoms of gastritis, as well as patient satisfaction, with the use of traditional Bhutanese herbal medicines. The absense of definite adverse drug reactions indicates a favorable safety profile for these treatments. This study marks the first time the traditional medicine system in Bhutan has adopted scientific measures to promote evidence-based clinical practice, demonstrating a significant step forward in integrating traditional knowledge with modern research methodologies.
Trial registration
: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20180430004 dated 30 April 2018.
Outcomes of Odontoid Fractures with Associated Cardiac Arrest: Retrospective Bi-Center Case Series and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Schaible S. F. , Häckel S. , Rutsch N. , Aregger F. C. , Bigdon S. F. , Schoenborn V. , Broger I. , Albers C. E. , Tinner C.
Published: September 2024

Background:
Odontoid fractures from high-energy trauma are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including spinal cord injury, neurological damage, and cardiac arrest. The literature on odontoid fractures leading to cardiac arrest is limited to isolated case reports. This study aims to conduct a retrospective bi-center case series and a systematic review of existing literature.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective bi-center case series on patients with odontoid fractures from high-energy trauma who experienced post-traumatic cardiac arrest with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after CPR from two Level 1 Trauma Centers (2008–2024). The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included epidemiological, pre-hospital, and in-hospital data, and CT and MRI findings. Additionally, we performed a systematic literature review to summarize existing evidence.
Results:
The study included 25 patients (mean age 71.1 ± 12.3 years, SD; 8 females). The mortality rate was 92% (23 patients). Median downtime before CPR was 5.0 minutes (IQR: 7.0), with CPR lasting 17.0 minutes (IQR: 13.0), primarily initiated by professionals (60%). All patients were quadriplegic. Type II Anderson d'Alonzo fractures were most common (88%), with all patients showing myelopathy on MRI. Only three patients (12%) underwent surgical intervention due to favorable prognosis. Our literature review identified seven case reports, with two patients surviving and one achieving full recovery.
Conclusions:
In this case series, patients experiencing cardiac arrest after odontoid fractures exhibited high mortality rates despite comprehensive management at Level 1 trauma centers. Survivors faced significant and enduring morbidity.
CCR2 receptor inhibition alleviated post-intraventricular hemorrhage hydrocephalus through the glymphatic pathway
Authors: Deng Huajiang , Wang Haoxiang , Zhong Kunhong , Gao Baocheng , Huang Keru , Li Yuanyou , Deng Ziang , Tong Aiping , Zhou Liangxue
Published: September 2024

Background
Hydrocephalus is a common neurosurgical condition with significant limitations in traditional treatment methods. The glymphatic system, an emerging concept, has an unclear role in hydrocephalus. This study focuses on exploring the glymphatic system and its regulatory mechanisms in post-intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) hydrocephalus, particularly the crucial role and mechanisms of the CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway. The aim is to provide new targets and strategies for the treatment of hydrocephalus.
Methods
An IVH mouse model was used to induce hydrocephalus. CCR2 was knocked down through viral transfection techniques, and various experimental methods, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tracing, ultrastructural observation, MRI imaging, and immunofluorescence analysis, were employed to evaluate its effects on hydrocephalus.
Results
The study found that the distribution of fluid components in the brain changes after IVH, and harmful metabolites accumulate in the brain, leading to neurological dysfunction and hydrocephalus. Knocking down CCR2 restored the polarization of aquaporin 4 (AQP4), improved glymphatic system (GS) dysfunction, and significantly alleviated the progression of hydrocephalus in IVH mice. CSF flow tests and tracer experiments confirmed that inhibiting CCR2 could restore CSF flow and remove of harmful metabolites. Additionally, inhibiting CCR2 significantly improved motor and cognitive functions in IVH mice.
Conclusion
This study suggests that CCR2 plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of hydrocephalus after IVH. Knocking down CCR2 can reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress, restore AQP4 polarization, improve GS function, and thereby alleviate hydrocephalus and restore neurological function.
Transcranial resection of falcine meningiomas with the combination techniques of complete endoscope and intraoperative ultrasound
Authors: Xiao Jin , Zhao Tianchen , Cheng Xiang , Sheng Qiang , Li Chao , Li Yan , Zhang Yiquan , Wang Xianxiang , Cheng Hongwei , Ye Lei
Published: September 2024

Transcranial neurosurgery with the assistance of endoscope and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has emerged as a promising strategy for real-time visualization and guidance during tumor resection. In this study we aimed to explore the application of these techniques in the resection of falcine meningiomas (FM) and to investigate the feasibility and safety. In this report, combination techniques of transcranial endoscope and IOUS were used for the surgical resection in 11 patients with FM. Preoperative neuroimaging tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) were utilized for the surgical planning. Real-time IOUS assisted the localization, visualization of tumor boundaries, assessment of adjacent structures, and guidance of the resection process. We found that tumors locating in the anterior, middle and posterior third of falx were found in 4, 5, and 2 patients, respectively. Tumors in unilateral falx were 8 cases, and in bilateral falx were 3 cases. Simpson grade I resection was carried out for all the patients. Benign tumor was present in 10 patients, and a patient was with WHO grade III for pathological finding. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients, a patient with temporary contralateral hemiplegia, and another patient with pulmonary infection. The average time of follow-up was 19.3 months. All patients had Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores > 90 scores. In summary, the combination of endoscope and IOUS was feasible and safe for FM patients, especially for those with deep seated FMs.
Development and validation of a clinical nomogram prediction model for surgical site infection following lumbar disc herniation surgery
Authors: Qiu Hai-yang , Zhang Yang , Liu Da ming , Sun Fei long , Lu Chang bo , Dai Jiao jiao , Yang Yi peng , Huang Xin yi , Lei Wei
Published: September 2024

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) following lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery leads to prolonged hospital stays, increased costs and reoperations. Therefore, we aim to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the risk of SSI following LDH surgery, thereby helping spine surgeons design personalized prevention strategies and promote early recovery.
Methods: Data from 647 patients with SSI who underwent LDH surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (AFMU) from 2020 to 2023 were collected. Ultimately, 241 patients with SSI were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into training and validation sets with a ratio of 7:3. LASSO regression, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify target variables and establish the prediction model, which was subsequently validated.
Results: Six factors—Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Postoperative Suction Drainage (PSD), Gelatin Sponge (GS), None-Preoperative Antibiotic (NPTA), and Thrombin Time (TT)—were selected to construct the nomogram model. In the training set, the area under the curve (AUC) for the nomogram was 0.818 (95% CI 0.779-0.857). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.782 (95% CI 0.717-0.846). Calibration curves for both sets showed satisfactory agreement between predicted and actual SSI probabilities. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram is clinically useful with a threshold range of 1%—90%. The Clinical Impact Curve (CIC) demonstrated an acceptable cost-benefit ratio.
Conclusions: The developed nomogram model effectively predicts the risk of SSI following LDH surgery, enabling spine surgeons to formulate more professional and rational clinical prevention strategies.
Assessment of severity in hospitalized community- acquired pneumonia by the use of validated scoring systems
Authors: Iftikhar Sandleen , Waagsbø Bjørn
Published: September 2024

Background Severity assessment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is essential for many purposes. Among these are the microbiological confirmation strategy and choice of empirical antimicrobial therapy. However, many severity assessment systems have been developed to aid clinicians to reach reliable predictions of severe outcomes.Methods We aimed to apply nine disease severity assessment scoring systems to a large 2016 to 2021 CAP cohort in order to achieve test sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. We used intra-hospital case fatality rate and the need for intensive care therapy as outcomes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to display test performance.Results A total of 1.112 CAP episodes were included in the analysis, of which 91.4% were radiologically, and 43.7% were microbiologically confirmed. When intra-hospital case fatality was set as outcome, frequently used tests with few data entries typically underperformed as compared to infrequently used tests that require more comprehensive data entries. Comparable results were gained when intensive care admittance was set as outcome. The area under the receiving operating curve was 0.0955, 0.845 and 0.892 for the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), pneumonia severity index (PSI), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society definitions, respectively.Conclusion CAP severity assessment remains important. Simplified scoring systems underperformed as compared to more comprehensive and sophisticated ones.
Microgrid Applications on Rural Dairy Plants and Farms
Authors: Creeden Evan , Dehnavi Gholamreza
Published: September 2024

With microgrids becoming more prevalent across the world, so too are their applications to varying industries and power systems. To demonstrate another application of these power systems, this study presents the source optimization and feasibility process for the University of Wisconsin - Platteville’s future Dairy Plant. In this analysis, multiple renewable energy sources are considered along with energy from the local utility. A software optimization tool known as XENDEE was used to determine the optimal sizes and types of sources to meet three different optimization scenarios. These being cost only, emissions only, and a combination of both (CO2 and cost). For all three cases, reliability was also prioritized. To perform a reliable optimization, several factors are required for each renewable source. Such factors are discussed in this study. Moreover, to account for a more accurate monetary loss during a power outage, an improved baseline was created for use with the XENDEE platform. The process and nuances required for this baseline form another feature of this study. Using the improved baseline, varying scenarios were run and studied to help improve each of the three key scenarios. In the end, the scenarios were met, finalized and are presented here in this report.
Antibacterial and Biochemical Properties of Newly Isolated Lactic Acid Bacteria from Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiome of Armenian Honeybees
Authors: Bazukyan Inga , Sahakyan A. , Petrosyan A. , Semerjyan I. , Hakobyan L. , Nersisyan L. , Gasparyan L. , Trchounian K. , Dimov S.
Published: September 2024

During the last decade the health of honeybee is endangered because of many different pathogens, that is why the isolation of new lactic acid bacteria from honeybees' gut microbiotas, revealing of their strong antibacterial activity will help to create some products for protection of bees’ health.
New Gram-positive mesophilic strains were isolated on selective media for lactic acid bacteria (LAB), followed by species identification by a polyphase approach, including biochemical and physiological characterization and molecular genetic identification based on the sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. The newly isolated strains were tested for antibacterial activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. In total, seventeen new stains possessing antibacterial activity were isolated. They belonged to Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus different species. The most promising results comprising the antibacterial activity, and therefore possessing the potential to be used as probiotics, were obtained for the isolates L. kimbladii M9, E. durans M4, S. salivarius M12, L. delbrueckii subs. lactis A4, L. delbrueckii subs. lactis A5, and L. delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus B7. Taken together it can be suggested that strains Enterocccus ratti M2, E. durans M4, L. delbrueckii subs. lactis A4 and L. delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus B7
Mentioned above strains can be applied for protection of honeybees’ health.
Assessing the Impact of Heavy Metal Contamination from E-Waste Recycling Activities at Agbogbloshie, Accra-Ghana
Authors: AFEMEKU CONFIDENCE MAWUFEMOR , sowah richard addo , AMEKO EDMUND , AZAGLO GODFRED SAVIOUR
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the levels of heavy metal contamination in soil and ambient air at the Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site in Accra, Ghana. Focusing on cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), the study assessed the concentration of these metals in particulate matter (PM10) and soil samples collected from different activity zones within the site. The findings reveal significantly elevated levels of heavy metals at the dismantling and burning sites compared to residential areas. For example, cadmium concentrations in ambient air at the dismantling site averaged 112.847 ng/m³, while soil cadmium levels at the burning site averaged 4.74 mg/kg, both exceeding WHO limits. Chromium levels in air at the dismantling site averaged 942.71 ng/m³, and soil chromium levels at the burning site averaged 139.45 mg/kg, surpassing permissible limits. Copper concentrations in soil at the dismantling site were extremely high, averaging 10178.55 mg/kg. Lead concentrations in ambient air at the burning site averaged 1751.74 ng/m³, and soil lead levels averaged 2455.98 mg/kg, far above safe limits. These results highlight the severe environmental and health risks posed by ewaste recycling activities, emphasizing the need for regulatory interventions and improved waste management practices.
Boys don't benefit, girls still suffer：The role of gender stereotypes of math and physics in academic self-efficacy among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Gao Shoubao , Du Longlong , Ming Yu , Zhang Tong , Tu Yitong , Wang Xiao , Zhao Mengya , Wang Feiyue , Tian Mei
Published: September 2024

Under the background of the prevailing "gender equality" education, an increasing number of voices are noting the importance of gender equality and androgyny, and the impact gender stereotypes will have on students is unclear to most teachers. Therefore, this study used social cognitive theory, social identity theory, and the STEMO model to explore the effects of gender stereotypes in math and physics on academic self-efficacy among middle school students, as well as the moderating role of gender. 629 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.38; SDage = 0.67) were recruited from a local middle school. 48.24% of the sample are girls (n=203). Results: (1) Girls hold significantly fewer gender stereotypes and academic self-efficacy of physics and math than boys. (2) Gender stereotype of math and physics was negatively correlated with math and physics academic self-efficacy, respectively. (3) Gender played a moderation role in the relationship between gender stereotypes and academic self-efficacy in math and physics. For girls, gender stereotypes of math and physics negatively predict academic self-efficacy of math and physics. For boys, gender stereotypes had no significant effect on academic self-efficacy, no matter for math or physics.
Mechanical Properties and Durability of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Engineered Cementitious Composites LC3-ECC with steel fibers
Authors: Lins Ana Carolini Soato , Gandolphi Otavio , Silveira Guilherme , Silvestro Laura , Bosse Rúbia Mara , Ribeiro Rodrigo S. , Lima Geannina Terezinha , Gidrão Gustavo
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the mechanical properties and durability of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Engineered Cementitious Composites (LC3-ECC) reinforced with steel fibers, with contents varying from 0 to 2% by volume. The dynamic elastic modulus of the composites was determined using ultrasound and acoustic tests (Sonelastic), and a correlation between both tests was proposed. A 3-point bending test was conducted to determine the flexural strength, toughness, resilience, and ductility of the LC3-ECC. The compressive strength at 7 and 28 days was also evaluated. Finally, a durability test through chloride migration and a simplified carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions analysis was performed. Incorporating 2.0% fiber content resulted in increases of 40% in flexural strength, 1270% in toughness, 243% in resilience, and 166% in ductility. This demonstrates the ability of LC3-ECC to withstand strain under load without failure and to maintain residual stresses in the post-peak phase. The calculation of CO2 emissions indicated that incorporating fibers at percentages up to 2.0% increased the eco-efficiency to 7.89 MPa/kg CO2 compared to 6.78 MPa/kg CO2 for the composites without fibers in terms of flexural strength. Therefore, the study highlights that steel fibers balance between improving mechanical performance and minimizing environmental impact, particularly in the optimal 2% fiber mix that combines robust structural benefits with a manageable environmental footprint.
Bedrock uplift reduces Antarctic sea-level contribution over next centuries
Authors: Calcar Caroline van , Bernales Jorge , Berends Constantijn , Wal Wouter van der , de Wal Roderik van
Published: September 2024

The contribution of the Antarctic ice sheet to global sea-level rise could be as high as eight meters around 2300 but remains deeply uncertain<1>. Retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet leads to uplift of the underlying bedrock, which in turn can exert a stabilising effect on the receding grounding line<20>. However, projections of ice mass loss either exclude bedrock adjustment, or ignore lateral variations in Earth structure<4,11-27>. Here, we couple an ice sheet model with a bedrock model that includes a radially and laterally varying Earth structure to account for feedbacks between ice loss and bedrock deformation. We show that the grounding line in West Antarctica takes 50 to 130 years longer to retreat when the heterogeneity of the solid Earth is included, leading to a reduction of 9-23% in the Antarctic sea-level contribution by the year 2500. In contrast to previous studies that show an effect of bedrock adjustment on the ice sheet evolution over millennia, our results reveal an impact on centennial time scales. the effect of the solid Earth feedback in ice sheet projections can be twice as large as the uncertainty due to the climate forcing. Our results emphasise that radially and laterally varying Earth structures should be considered when projecting the Antarctic contribution to sea-level rise on centennial time scales.
Electricity Consumption Prediction Based On Autoregressive Kalman Filtering
Authors: Yang Zuyuan , Xie Zitan , Huang Zhiwei
Published: September 2024

Electricity consumption prediction is crucial for energy suppliers and industrial companies as it aids in optimizing energy planning and reducing energy consumption losses. Existing methods primarily focus on the time series relationships of individual nodes or components, overlooking the spatial structure of node groups, which leads to insufficient prediction accuracy. To overcome this limitation, we propose an autoregressive Kalman filtering (AKF) method for electricity consumption prediction. Our primary contribution lies in the innovative design of the Kalman filter observation equation in AKF, which finely adjusts the initial predictions of the autoregressive (AR) model based on the hierarchical structure of equipment. This approach comprehensively considers the interrelationships among equipment levels, significantly enhancing prediction accuracy. Specifically, we first utilize the autoregressive model to capture the autocorrelation of the sequence, forming the basis for constructing the state equation in the Kalman filter. In designing the observation equation, we simplify the model and reduce the complexity of parameter estimation by setting the sum of predicted electricity consumption values of sub-node components as the observed value for the total node components. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed method, experiments were conducted using real electricity consumption data from Foshan Ceramic Factory. The results demonstrate significant improvements in prediction accuracy compared to baseline methods such as BP, LSTM, GA-BP, PSO-SVM, and AR.
Impact of the Socio-political Crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon on the Expanded Vaccination Program for Children From 0 to 23 Months
Authors: Tewantsa Judicael Marcelin , Bekolo Cavin Epie , Enyama Dominique , Mabou Gabriel Tchatchouang , Choukem Simeon Pierre
Published: September 2024

Socio-political crises have long been recognized as major obstacles in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases in many parts of the world. However, in Cameroon, the impact of the ongoing socio-political crisis on the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in the North West (NW) and South West (SW) regions has not been fully examined. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of this crisis on the performances of the EPI.
This was a secondary data analysis. The data were obtained from the standard EPI data collection tools, from all the health districts in the two regions. The Z-test statistic was used to estimate the differences between our coverage, including BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine), PENTA (pentavalent vaccine), and Measles-rubella (RR) coverage, according to the time periods for each region, i.e., between the years 2014 to 2016 (pre-conflict), and 2017 to 2019 (during the conflict).
In both regions, reported immunization coverage rates for key antigens, including BCG, PENTA-3 and RR1, showed a statistically significant decline except for BCG coverage in the NW region. There was a decline in vaccine coverage between the 3 years before the crisis and the first 3 years of the crisis of 7% (Z=3.40; P=0.003) in PENTA-3; 8% (Z=4.14; P<0.001) in RR1 with an increase in the overall drop-out rate of 3% (Z=3.87; P<0.001) in the NW region. In the SW, mean vaccination coverage had declined by 22% (Z=16.81; P<0.001) for BCG, 33% (Z=17.92; P<0.001) for PENTA 3, 36% (Z=12.99; P<0.001) for RR1 with an increase in the mean general dropout rate of 16% (Z=8.10; P<0.001) between the pre-crisis and early crisis years.
The results found suggest that the decline in immunization performance in the conflict zone of Cameroon may be due to disruption of health services and increased insecurity limiting access to immunization services. Significant increases in vaccination strategies can improve performance in these areas, although other factors not considered in our study may contribute to the decline in vaccination performance.
Human iPSCs-based modeling unveils chromatin remodeling induced by SETBP1 mutation as a potential initiating factor in GATA2 deficiency
Authors: Giorgetti Alessandra , Marin-Bejar Oskar , Pera Joan , Romero-Moya Damià , Torralba Eric , Distefano Maximiliano , Balaguer Clara Berenguer , Castaño Julio , De Giorgio Francesca , Qiu Zhichao , Iglesias Arnau , Pasquali Lorenzo , Liang Zhuobin , Català Albert , Wlodarski Marcin , Bigas Anna
Published: September 2024

Patients with GATA2 deficiency are predisposed to developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This progression is often associated with the acquisition of additional cytogenetic and somatic alterations. Mutations in SETBP1 and ASXL1 genes are frequently observed in pediatric GATA2 patients, but their roles in disease progression remain poorly understood. Genome editing of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) enabled precise reconstruction of mutation combinations found in patients. Here we developed a human hiPSC-based model to study the impact of SETBP1 and ASXL1 mutations in context of GATA2 deficiency. We show that germline heterozygous GATA2 mutation alone showed no significant effect on myeloid development, while the addition of SETBP1 and ASXL1 mutations impaired myelopoiesis, resulting in monocytopenia. We identified a key role of the SETBP1 mutation in promoting chromatin remodeling near genes involved in myeloid neoplasms, which likely initiated the blockage of myeloid differentiation observed in vitro. Motif analysis of more accessible chromatin regions in the SETBP1 and SETBP1/ASXL1 mutant background highlighted an enrichment for MEIS1, PU.1, RUNX1, and HOXA9, implicating these factors in the disease progression. Our study establishes a novel humanized model system for studying GATA2 deficiency. We demonstrate that SETBP1 mutations act as a primary driver in hematopoietic impairment, providing insights that may inform future therapeutic strategies for patients progressing to MDS/AML
Determinants of postnatal care non-utilization among women in adama district, East Shwoa Ethiopia a community-based unmatched case-control study
Authors: Belachwe Yohanes Abera , Seifu Befikad Assefa , Meka Beka Teressa
Published: September 2024

Background
Maternal and neonatal mortality remain a significant problem across much of the developing world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa countries. In Ethiopia, most maternal and neonatal deaths occur during the postpartum period; this is a critical time for monitoring the health of women and newborns, but the most neglected period for care. In rural communities of Ethiopia, the utilization of postnatal care service is very low and evidence on which factors contribute to the non-utilization of postnatal care (PNC) is insufficient. Consequently, this study was designed to identify the determinants of postnatal service non-utilization among women who gave birth in Adam district, East central Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 186 cases (postnatal care non-utilizers) and 186 controls (postnatal care utilizers) in Adama district from January 1 to February 10, 2024. A previously tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed. In the final multivariable logistic regression analysis model, a p-value of less than 0.05 and an Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine variables for postnatal care non-utilization.
Result
Educational status (no formal education) (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.23–1.75. Inadequate knowledge of post-natal (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI; 1.80–5.90). Having no ANC attended (AOR = 2.00; CI: 1.30–5.20).home delivery (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.40–4.50). And distance from the nearest health facility were independent determinants of postnatal non utilization
Conclusions
This study revealed that educational statues, home delivery, no ANC non-attendance, inadequate knowledge on post-natal care, home delivery found to be the determinants of PNC service non utilization. Therefore, encouraging ANC, institutional delivery, along with integrated and improving awareness on postnatal care services, will improve postnatal care service utilization in the districts of Ethiopia.
Effect of the Ventilator Care Bundle Occurrence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Pediatrics
Authors:   Hanaa Diab Khalfallah1,   Nahed Alquwez2,   Marwa Abd Elkreem Ibrahim3
Published: September 2024

Background: In pediatric intensive care units (ICUs), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most prevalent infections linked to healthcare. VAP affects 10% of children on mechanical ventilation and is linked to severe morbidity and mortality.
Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ventilator care bundle (VCB) on the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia among pediatric patients.
Design: A pre posttest quasi experimental research design was utilized in the present study.
Setting: Thisstudy was conducted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital (CUSPH).
Sample: A convenience sample of 30 nurses and a purposive sample of 60 ventilated children in the PICU participated in the present study. Children were divided into two equal groups: 30 as a control group and 30 as a study group. Nurses were the same for the study and control groups. Tools: Data collection was performed through 1) structured interview sheet, 2) the Nurses' Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (pre-posttest), 3) the Ventilator bundle checklist, and 4) the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Scale (CPIS). Results: More than two-fifths of the children on MV participated in the present study, and half of the children in the control group were aged 1 year to less than 3 years. Less than two-thirds of the studied children and more than half of the control group were females. Two-fifths and half the order of the children in both groups were ranked as the second and third children, respectively, within the family, while more than one-third of the children in both groups complained of shock. More than one-quarter of the children in both groups complained of disturbance consciousness. There were statistically significant differences detected between the total mean scores of nurses' knowledge and practice before/after the use of the ventilator care bundle (P < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between the total mean score on the CPIS between the study group and the control group (t= - 3.692, p= .001). Conclusion: The study concluded that children who were cared for by nurses receiving VCB sessions were less likely to experience VAP than were those in the control group. Recommendation: Educational programs and in-service training courses for pediatric nurses to increase the quality of ventilator care for children and its benefits for the occurrence of VAP are essential.
Suboptimal performance of ChatGPT Vision in mitral regurgitation assessment based on color Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Gao Yi-Peng , Liu Hong-Yun , Liu Ya-Ni , Bi Xiao-Jun , Cheng Xue-Qing , Fan Ya-Ting , Deng You-Bin
Published: September 2024

ChatGPT (OpenAI) has introduced a vision version recently, indicating its potential application in interpreting radiological images. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular heart abnormality, no study has attempted to evaluate the severity of MR using ChatGPT. In the present study, we aimed to explore the clinical potential of ChatGPT vision for MR assessment in transthoracic echocardiography. In this retrospective study, 293 color Doppler images, including 75 mild, 113 moderate, and 105 severe MR, were submitted to ChatGPT 4o with a prompt to assess the severity of MR. Each image was submitted 3 times to collect 3 answers to assess the consistency of ChatGPT’s responses with the first answer used for the confusion matrix and assessment of ChatGPT’s performance in predicting mild, moderate, and severe MR. ChatGPT 4o demonstrated relatively low performance with an overall accuracy of 45.4%. Prediction of moderate and severe MR achieved better performance, with a sensitivity of 62.8%, specificity of 47.2%, and balanced accuracy of 55.0% for moderate MR, and a sensitivity of 58.1%, specificity of 68.1%, and balanced accuracy of 63.1% for severe MR. While performance for mild MR was worse, with sensitivity of only 1.3%, although specificity of 97.7% and balanced accuracy of 49.5%. ChatGPT 4o showed potential but underperformed in assessment of MR severity. Further studies are needed to assess the vision capability of large language models as a potential tool for interpretation of radiology images.
Synergistic polar states by selective atomic gradients
Authors: Lee Daesu , Kim Sanghyeon , Han Gi-Jeong , Hwang Soo-Yoon , Noh Gahee , Kumari P. Karuna , Lee Kihwan , Kim Min Seop , Yoon Jiyong , Lee Jongseok , Park Se Young , Choi Si-Yong , Lee Gil-Ho
Published: September 2024

Materials that combine distinct properties within a single phase are of fundamental and technological interest1–9. However, it is challenging to harmoniously combine various properties, particularly since some physical properties are inherently mutually exclusive10–12. The artificial integration of these mutually exclusive properties could lead to innovative physical phenomena and functionalities, unattainable from conventional approaches. This has recently motivated extensive studies to artificially create bulk polarity and integrate it with seemingly incompatible electronic and structural properties13–16. However, the scope of their applications and the derived functionalities remain largely limited. Here, we present a universal strategy to achieve strong bulk polarity that not only coexists with its originally incompatible properties, such as metallicity, but also synergistically enables exceptional functionalities. A combination of thin-film synthesis, atomic-scale imaging, and theoretical calculations reveals that A-site selective atomic gradients induce strong polar states in otherwise centrosymmetric perovskite oxides ABO3. These polar states unconventionally coexist with various preexisting properties, leading to bulk polar metallicity with tunable nonreciprocal transport, high-κ dielectricity with an equivalent oxide thickness below 0.1 nm, and giant pyroelectricity. This work will facilitate the development of new multifunctional materials with unusual coexisting and synergistic properties.
The Triple Burden of Coal Burning: Assessing its Effect on Animal Welfare, the Environment, and Human Health in Benadir Region, Somalia from a One Health Perspective
Authors: Mohamed Shafii Abdullahi , Mohamud Abdiaziz Idiris , Mohamed Yonis Abukar
Published: September 2024

Using coal as an energy source has significant implications for animal welfare, environment, and human health. The burning of coal has been associated with a triple burden that affects animal welfare, the environment, and human health. This study evaluates the specific effects of coal burning in Somalia using a one-health approach. The one-health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these three domains and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by coal burning, highlighting the importance of adopting a holistic approach to mitigate associated risks. This study used a descriptive design. Quantitative data collection methods were also used in this study. Under a descriptive research design, the researcher used more of a survey that included self-administered questionnaires for respondents to ensure complete coverage of the study area and the study problem on the triple burden of coal burning, assessing its effect on animal welfare, the environment, and human health in Somalia from a single health perspective. The study sample consisted of 384 respondents. This study used structured questionnaires to capture quantitative data from residents of Deynile, Kahda, Karaan, Yaqshiid, Hiliwaa, and Dharkenley in the Benadir Region, Somalia. Microsoft Excel was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to summarize the data. Qualitative data were analyzed as they emerged from the study. The analyzed data were then presented as tables for easy interpretation. This study concluded that coal burning negatively affects the environment. In addition, the study concluded that coal burning affected animal welfare in Somalia and that the majority experienced health issues caused by coal burning. Furthermore, the study concluded that one health approach aimed to safeguard human and animal health sustainably. Overall, this study concluded that coal burning negatively affected animal welfare, the environment, and human health in Somalia from a single health perspective.
Developing a Novel Structural Brick by Combining Polyurethane and Composite Fibers
Authors: Sak Ömer Fatih , Demir Sermet , Şentürk Berat Gürcan
Published: September 2024

Composite materials, with their remarkable performance attributes, have emerged as pivotal components to increase energy efficiency. This work explores the utilization of polyurethane (PU) matrix composite materials as structural elements, with a focus on enhancing mechanical properties through fiber reinforcement. This research aims to investigate and develop lightweight structural materials designed to bear less load during earthquakes instead of conventional brick and reinforced concrete building systems. This study employs a systematic experimental approach, including the Taguchi experimental design methodology, to investigate the effects of glass, carbon, and basalt fibers on PU strength. The results provide insights into the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced PU composites, highlighting the factors influencing their compressive and bending strengths. In the compression tests, the glass fiber-reinforced PU samples presented the highest compressive strength of 2460.15 ± 326.2 N, closely followed by the basalt fiber-reinforced samples at 2490.21 ± 210.2 N. In contrast, the carbon fiber-reinforced samples presented a lower strength of 2055.05 ± 74.6 N. Similarly, in the bending tests, the glass fiber-reinforced samples presented superior performance, with a peak force of 108.25 ± 16.9 N, compared to that of the carbon fiber-reinforced samples at 62.45 ± 4.1 N. Further analyses utilizing ANOVA and S/N ratio assessments elucidate the impact of varying parameters on material properties, emphasizing the role of the fiber dimension and material type. This study highlights the potential of glass fiber reinforcement for optimizing mechanical performance, whereas carbon fibers present challenges in maintaining structural integrity during casting. Analytical investigations through finite element modeling (FEM) provide additional insights into the behavior of glass fiber composites under compression and bending loads. The simulation results demonstrate the potential of glass fiber clusters to increase rigidity and reduce displacement in PU matrices. Overall, this study contributes to advancing the understanding of the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced PU composites, offering valuable insights for optimizing material selection and fabrication processes in pursuit of energy-efficient structural solutions.
Picturing School Development and Support Services through a Kaleidoscope
Authors: Endberg Manuela , Engec Lara-Idil , Van Ackeren-Mindl Isabell
Published: September 2024

This article researches established support services for school development related to digitalization and their relationship to schools’ requirements. We present a theoretical model combining the dimensions of school development and established services as an extension of the dimensions of school development by Eickelmann and Gerick (2017). We then introduce the project ‹Professional Development and Support Systems for School Development in the Context of Digitalization› (Original title in German: ‹Fortbildungs- und Unterstützungssysteme für Schulentwicklung im Kontext der Digitalisierung›, abbreviated to ForUSE-digi) is introduced. The main aim is the provision of a Germany-wide inventory of strategies, structures and specific measures of school support and teacher professional development systems in all 16 federal states. The article presents initial results consisting of analyses of strategic papers, state-specific structures and concrete measures (including offers for teachers’ professional development and consulting services) for the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The results are discussed in relation to the extended model, with the aim of establishing what might constitute ‹optimal› services for schools in the context of digitalization. The results show that ‹optimization needs› still exist in both support services and school development processes. The article ends with a conclusion and a preview of the second part of ForUSE-digi, which will include expert interviews with key persons for the support systems of selected federal states.
Kompetenzentwicklung und Ausbildung für eine integrierte Versorgung
Authors: Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: September 2024

Die integrierte Versorgung stellt immer den/die Patient:in ins Zentrum und benötigt psychosoziale interprofessionelle Kompetenz. Anhand des Beispiels der Psychotherapie, die als klinische, biopsychosoziale Arbeit interdisziplinär versorgungsrelevant konzipiert ist, wird gezeigt, wodurch es für dieses Tätigkeitsfeld umfassende und differenzierte Kompetenzen braucht. Qualifikationsprofil, Lernzieldefinitionen sowie deren effektive Umsetzung und didaktische Vermittlungsmöglichkeit sind empirisch überprüft und werden überblicksartig und beispielhaft vorgestellt. Die Ausbildung ist praxisrelevant, patient:innen-zentriert mit ausreichender persönlicher Reflexionskompetenz, die durch Unterricht in der kontinuierlichen Kleingruppe vermittelt wird, gestaltet. Auswahlverfahren, Praktikumsplätze berücksichtigen die Erfordernisse der psychosozialen Versorgung und den akademischen Anspruch. Arbeitsplatzbasierte Prüfungen und fallorientiertes Feedback entwickeln die Auszubildenden zu professionellen Arbeitskräften. A priori nötige Grundkompetenzen werden vorgestellt und diskutiert, um weitere empirische Forschungsarbeiten und curriculare Strategien weiter auszuarbeiten.
The plasticity-related protein Synaptopodin in the dentate gyrus and area CA2 of the mouse hippocampus
Authors:   , Rietsche Michael
Published: September 2024

Dendritic spines are small membranous protrusions covering the dendritic tree of principal telencephalic neurons, such as the GC or CA2-pc. The CA2-subregion is crucial for social memory. Dendritic spines are a main site of synaptic plasticity, which is a key element of learning and memory. The plasticity-related protein Synaptopodin (SP) is essential to form the spine apparatus (SA), a spine-specific organelle involved in synaptic plasticity. SP stabilizes dendritic spines. This thesis investigated, for the first time, the dendritic SP-distribution and its influence on spine density and spine head size under different conditions in adult mice ex vivo: 1) SP-overexpression (gain-of-function), 2) SP-deficiency (loss-of-function), and 3) wild type-level of SP-expression in male and female mice (sex-differences in dCA2). SP-overexpression in adult male CSPtg-mice led to a ~doubled ratio of SP+ spines in the OML of the DG, while the spine density, the average spine head size and the average SP-puncta size were not affected. Consistently, SP-deficiency in adult male SP-KO animals had no significant effect on average spine head size. Of importance, under SP-overexpression, many small spines and a few large spines become SP+, assumingly assembling a SA. On a functional level, this may indicate an activation of silent synapses. dCA2 showed sex specific differences in spine density and spine morphology in a layer-specific manner: In males, pc-spines of the basal dCA2-compartment showed larger spine heads than females in the diestrus stage of their cycle (females (diestrus), while spine density was not significantly different. In the apical dCA2-compartment (sr), females (diestrus) showed an increased spine density, while spine head size was still shifted towards larger head sizes in males. In addition, dCA2 showed significant layer-specific differences in spine head size, but in a sex-independent manner: In both sexes, average spine head size in the apical sr was significantly smaller than in the basal so. This findings could reflect a yet unknown compartment-specific difference in synaptic plasticity in the basal compartment, which is preferentially targeted by neuromodulatory input from extrahippocampal sources such as the PVN or SUM99,101,170,189-195. In so of dCA2, there was no sex-specific difference in SP-puncta size or in the ratio of SP+ spines, indicating that SP is distributed in a sex-independent manner in dCA2 in adult mice.
LA GESTIÓN FINANCIERA COMO HERRAMIENTA PARA AUMENTAR LA RENTABILIDAD DE LAS EMPRESAS
Authors: Ponce Álvarez Cruz Verónica , Mantuano Tumbaco Roberto Carlos
Published: September 2024

El estudio aborda la problemática de la insuficiente rentabilidad de LAARCOURIER EXPRESS S.A., debida a una gestión financiera ineficaz. De este modo, el objetivo principal fue evaluar la gestión financiera y su incidencia en la rentabilidad de la empresa, fundamentando la relación entre ambos aspectos e identificando los indicadores financieros utilizados durante los periodos 2021 y 2022. La metodología incluyó el enfoque descriptivo, de campo, no experimental y correlacional, combinando métodos cualitativos y cuantitativos. Los resultados mostraron que, aunque la empresa presenta informes financieros mensuales y utiliza análisis vertical y horizontal, hay una falta de detalle en los niveles de rentabilidad y cumplimiento de las normativas establecidas por la Superintendencia de Compañías.