bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food Insecurity and Associated Factors Among HIV Patients in Health Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Sindew Mahmud , Shuta Girma 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity, defined as a lack of access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet dietary needs and maintain a healthy and active life. This leads to both increased risk of HIV transmission and more rapid HIV disease progression this result in higher morbidity and mortality, and they will develop resistance to antiretroviral therapy and that, in turn, will hinder the Ethiopian government from achieving the SDG targets set for the year 2030.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of food insecurity and associated factors among HIV patients in health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024
Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 HIV patients selected by systematic random sampling from health centers in Addis Ababa hospitals. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was checked for completeness, clean and enter into Epi-Data version 3.1.and export into SPSS version 25 for analysis. The descriptive statistics result was presented with table and graph. Binary logistic regression was used for selected variables. A variable with p-value (p<0.25) entered in multi variable logistic regression analysis. Then the regression result was presented using AOR with 95% CI and p value less than 0.05 considered as having significance association with food insecurity in the final model.
RESULT: A total of 323 participants were participated with the response rate of 92.2 %. The level of food insecurity was 43.9%95%CI(39.3, 48.8).The finding of the study showed that sex(being female)(AOR: 0.059, 95% CI (0.015, 0.235), religion(Muslim and protestant)(AOR: 11.8, 95% CI (3.31, 42.1), occupation(being employed)(AOR:0.069 95%CI (0.016, 0 .299), source of food(from support)(AOR: 0.228 95% CI (0.060,0.865). and ART duration (AOR:4.5695%CI (1.92, 10.83) were factors significantly associated with food security.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The finding of the study showed that sex, religion, occupation, source of food and ART duration were factors significantly associated with food insecurity. All concerned body are recommended to integrate ART programs with food security intervention accordingly.
Effects of High-Dose Dexamethasone on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Perioperative Glycemia in Fast-Track Primary Hip Arthroplasty: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Quillama Rosario Josefina Fabian , Cuñat Tomás , Saavaedra Yocelyn , Ripoll Elizabet , Martin Nuria , Fernández-Valencia Jenaro , Tió Montserrat 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose - Standard recommendations for fast-track hip arthroplasty suggest using 8–10 mg of dexamethasone to reduce opioid consumption, with potential benefits of higher doses but scarce data on glycemic control and complications. This study compares the effects of higher doses versus the standard doses on postoperative opioid consumption, and secondarily, numerical pain scale, glycaemic control, hospital length of stay and postoperative complications.Methods - Retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for FAST-TRACK primary hip arthroplasty between 2016–2021. Propensity score-matched analyses compared the standard dose group (4–8 mg) versus the high-dose group (16–24 mg).Results - 168 patients were included (56 with 4–8 mg, 112 with 16–24 mg). After one-to-one propensity score matching, 52 patients were included in the standard group and 52 in the high-dose group. After matching, the median [IQR] opioid consumption in the low-dose group was 10 [0–12] and in the high-dose group was 0 [0–10], with a 95% CI of -1 to 0 (p = 0.016). In the matched group, there was a median difference of 8 mg/dL (95% CI, -2 to 7, P < 0.05) in the immediate postoperative glycaemia, of 17 mg/dl (95% CI, -2 to 14, P < 0.05) in glycaemia at 24 hours and of -1 day (95% CI, -1 to 0, P < 0.05) in hospital stay. No differences in the numerical pain scale and postoperative complications were found.Conclusion - High-dose dexamethasone slightly increased perioperative glycemia while reducing opioid consumption and significantly shortening hospital length of stay.
Application of Geospatial and Frequency Ratio Techniques in Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: Case Study of Daramalo District, Ethiopia
Authors: Oyda Yonas , Regasa Hailu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Daramalo district, located in the Gamo Zone of South Ethiopia, is one of the areas most affected by landslides. This study aims to assess the landslide susceptibility of the area and to develop a comprehensive landslide susceptibility map. To achieve this, a bivariate statistical frequency ratio model was employed. A detailed inventory of landslides was compiled through fieldwork and the interpretation of Google Earth imagery, identifying a total of 32 landslides. These were categorized into training landslides (70%) for model development and validation landslides (30%) for model evaluation. Eight causative factors slope, aspect, elevation, curvature profile, drainage density, lithology, lineament density, and land use/land cover (LULC) were integrated with the training landslide data to determine the frequency ratio values for each class of these factors. Relative frequency values were assigned to the appropriate factor classes, which were then summed using a raster calculator algorithm to produce the landslide susceptibility map. The final susceptibility map indicates that 44% (110 km²) of the study area is classified as low susceptibility, 36.8% (92 km²) as moderate susceptibility, and 19.2% (48 km²) as high susceptibility. This suggests that approximately 20% of the area is at significant hazard of landslides, while about 80% has relatively low to moderate susceptibility to this natural hazard. The performance of the frequency ratio model was validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, achieving a notable success prediction rate of 89.03%. Overall, the model demonstrated strong accuracy. The resulting map is anticipated to be a valuable resource for land use planning, site selection, and the formulation of effective landslide prevention and mitigation strategies.
Numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis of butterfly check valve
Authors: Tang Fulong , wang Wei , Luo Yiming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Butterfly check valve is an important part of safe operation of nuclear reactor pipeline. Under natural circulation conditions, the effect of butterfly valve opening on coolant flow resistance directly determines the release rate of waste heat in the core. In order to investigate the influence of butterfly check valve on coolant flow characteristics in the case of a nuclear reactor power failure and evaluate the accident process, this study develops a new numerical physical model of butterfly check valve based on the MELCOR program, and compares it with the actual operation data of a small marine nuclear reactor to verify the accuracy of the model. On this basis, in order to improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy, the equivalent valve opening share model and the equivalent resistance coefficient model of butterfly check valve are developed, and the model is compared with the actual physical model. The results show that the response of the two equivalent models is basically consistent with the actual physical model. The numerical physical model of butterfly check valve established can further improve the accuracy of natural circulation flow calculation in small reactors, and provide theoretical basis and technical support for actual accident process analysis.
Recyclable Prussian Blue/Luffa Fiber for Efficient Selective Removal of Cesium and its Phytotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhao Wenqing , Li Junqi , Li Haiyan , Wu Henan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The emergency and safe treatment of radioactive substances leakage wastewater has attracted extensive attention. Prussian blue was used as an adsorbent for the purification of radioactive wastewater. However, easy agglomeration due to its small size often limits the application. With a large specific surface area, the lignocellulosic material– luffa fiber could form networks loading Prussian blue particles and enhance adsorption capacity. In this paper, the recyclable Prussian blue/luffa was prepared by an in situ synthesis approach. Means such as XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XPS were applied to characterize its morphology and physicochemical properties. It exhibited excellent selective removal efficiency of Cs+ and rapid separation from wastewater. The equilibrium and adsorption kinetics followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 102.01mg/g. Both pH and temperature had effects on the adsorption performance. The removal efficiency of Cs+ by Prussian blue/luffa still retained 71.2% after the 3-cycle test, and the possible mechanism was ion caging and ion exchange. In addition, the presence of co-existing ions only reduced the removal rate by less than 10.0%. Importantly, the phytotoxicity assessment was investigated and the results indicated that the composite had no obvious biotoxicity. It is expected to be a potential material for disposing of radioactive wastewater.
Impact and copying mechanisms towards retakes: A case study of five health training institutions in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: KIBUUKA RONALD , Katuramu Richard , Owusu-Sekyere Samuel , Atuhairwe Irene , Agaba Brian , Nakattudde Prossy , Amponsah Abigail , Chizoma Ndikom , Oluwakemi Ogah , Kiyimba Kennedy , Obakiro Samuel Baker , Kaminga Atipasta , Epuitai Joshua , Kawala Enid Kagoya , Chimbe Etta , Baluwa Masumbuko , Munthali Getrude , Phiri Getrude. Tamala , Kibuuke Dan , Mpasa Ferastas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Academic examination retakes are significant challenges in health professions education. With rigorous clinical assessments and high-stakes examinations, many students struggle to meet academic requirements, resulting in retakes. The voices and experiences of such students have often been absent within the broader discussion of health professions education. This study aimed to assess the impact and copying mechanisms of medical and nursing students with retakes across five Sub-Saharan African universities.
Methods
This was a mixed-methods explanatory sequential study, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study involved 764 medical and nursing clinical students from five universities across Sub Saharan Africa: Busitema University (Uganda), Mzuzu University (Malawi), University of Ibadan (Nigeria), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), and the University of Zambia. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were explored through thematic analysis based on in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected students who had experienced retakes.
Results
Overall, the proportion of students who had ever had a retake in clinical assessments was 12.6%. Thematic analysis revealed emotional and psychological challenges, such as shock, anxiety, fear and suicidal thoughts particularly due to insufficient institutional support and lack of feedback. Many students also reported a perceived sense of unfairness in their assessments.
Conclusions
The study highlights the multifaceted nature of retakes in health professions education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations for improvement include providing detailed feedback, transparency in assessments, and enhancing both academic and psychological support systems for students, particularly those at higher risk, such as older students and males. Further research is needed to investigate long-term academic and career outcomes and effective remediation strategies for students experiencing retakes.
Risk Factors and Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gao Qiumin , Qiu Ying , Li Yiping , Tao Wenyu , Wang Feiying , Yang Huijun , Feng Yunhua , Yang Ying 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
Methods
The clinical data of DFU patients hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023 were analyzed, including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, complications, laboratory tests (such as blood routine test, biochemistry, coagulation, glycosylated hemoglobin). Patients were divided into groups according to the presence or absence of DVT. And t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or chi-squared test were used to screen the relevant factors for the occurrence of DVT in patients with DFU, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for the occurrence of DVT in patients with DFU.
Results
471 patients with DFU were finally included in this study, and the incidence of DVT was 8.91% (42/471). When the collected data were analyzed for differences, there was a statistical difference between the DFU combined with DVT group and the group without DVT in terms of age, smoking history, diabetic foot site, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower limbs, absolute value of lymphocytes, erythrocytes, blood potassium, total protein and fasting blood glucose (P < 0.05). One-way logistic regression analyses were performed with whether DFU was combined with DVT as the dependent variable and the above statistically different risk factors as independent variables. Factors that were significant in the univariate analysis (age, smoking history, diabetic foot site, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower limbs, erythrocytes, total protein, fasting blood glucose, and potassium) were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years, anterior tibial diabetic foot site, diabetic retinopathy and elevated blood potassium were independent risk factors for DVT complicating DFU (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The incidence of DVT was significantly higher in patients with DFU, And age, anterior tibial diabetic foot site, combined diabetic retinopathy, and elevated blood potassium were independent risk factors for DVT complicated by DFU (p < 0.05).
Do Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) understand how a loose string works?
Authors: Smirnova Anna A. , Cheplakova Maria A. , Kubenko Ksenia N. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In a loose-string task an out-of-reach tray baited with food can only be retrieved by simultaneously pulling on both ends of a string threaded through the loops on the tray. This task is used to assess an animal's ability to cooperate, with each animal only having access to one end of the string. Some studies use the loose-string task in a pre-training phase, during which animals are individually taught to pull both ends of the string. Usually, no additional tests are conducted to determine whether the animals have understood how the loose string works. It is conceivable that a lack of knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task could make it more challenging to grasp how the partner can assist with it. Here, we tested whether Hooded crows could acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task. Prior to the critical test (Experiment 3), the birds were presented with two different tasks (Experiment 1 and 2) to allow them to acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the task. The results may indicate that, as a consequence of the experience gained, some crows may have begun to understand how the loose string works.
The Diagnostic Potential of Elastosonography in Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: TAMMO ÖMER , ÇELİK ENES , YILDIZ SÜLEYMAN , SÖYLEMEZ ESRA , UYSAL EMRE , GÖKHANER Yurdagül TOLU 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background : Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the embryo implants in the scar from a previous cesarean section. CSP is a high-risk condition that can cause serious complications, such as uterine rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and efficacy of elastosonography in the diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy. To this end, the present study will compare the elastosonography findings in patients with cesarean scar pregnancy with those obtained through definitive diagnostic methods and investigate the diagnostic potential of elastosonography.
MATERIAL AND METHOD:
This prospective cohort study was conducted at Mardin Training and Research Hospital between October 2023 and January 2024. Patients with a cesarean scar pregnancy between six and twelve weeks of gestation were evaluated. The stiffness and elasticity of the scar tissue were assessed using elastosonography, and the diagnostic accuracy of this method was evaluated by comparing the results with those obtained through definitive diagnostic procedures.
RESULTS:
In this study, the demographic and clinical characteristics of 61 patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 32 years, the mean gestational age was 8.4 weeks, the mean BMI was 27.2, the mean parity was 1.9, and the mean number of previous cesarean sections was 1.3. While the elasticity of the scar tissue decreased with increasing gestational week, no significant correlation was found between age, BMI, parity, and number of previous cesarean sections and elastosonography findings. The gestational sac strain ratio, myometrial shear wave velocity, and scar stiffness, as measured by elastosonography, were found to be significant in the diagnosis of CSP. Conversely, the beta-hCG and fetal heart rate parameters did not contribute significantly to the diagnosis.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that elastosonography has the potential to serve as a diagnostic tool for the identification of pregnancies in cases of cesarean section scar. The findings indicate that elastosonographic parameters, including the gestational sac tension ratio, myometrium shear wave velocity, and scar stiffness, may prove useful in diagnosing pregnancy in a cesarean scar. Further research is required to ascertain the full clinical utility of this technique. However, this study provides valuable information on the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of elastosonography in the evaluation of pregnancy in a cesarean scar.
Application of extended immunotherapy in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with first-line combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Xingming , zhu Qiyu , Zeng Hong , Dai Jindong , Chen Junru , Zhao Jinge , Sun Guangxi , Liu Zhenhua , Zeng Hao , Shen Pengfei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended immunotherapy in first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) - tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combination treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Patients and Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with advanced RCC who received first-line ICIs-TKIs combination treatment at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between October 2018 and July 2024. Patients who are assessed as having a disease control status after 2 years of continuous treatment will continue to receive immune checkpoint inhibitors until the inhibitors are discontinued due to disease progression or death.
Result
A total of 86 patients were screened and 14 patients diagnosed with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) were enrolled. After 65 months of follow-up, three-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 71.4% and 4-year PFS rate was 59.5%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 58.3%. During extended treatment, one patient (7.1%) experienced a transition from stable disease (SD) to partial response (PR) and two patients (14.3%) experienced a transition from PR to complete response (CR). The best tumor shrinkage rates presenting after 24 months had longer PFS and OS compared to those presenting within 24 months (median PFS: not reached vs. 36 months; Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.10, 95%CI 0.01–0.80, P = 0.03). For safety, extended immunotherapy did not increase treatment-related toxicities compared to safety profile before 24 months.
Conclusion
Our analysis of real-world data indicates that patients with extended immunotherapy after 24 months had sustained survival benefits and manageable toxicity. Large-scale, prospective studies are still needed to further verify the conclusion.
Geometric Lymph Node Staging of Lower Extremity Lymphedema using Lymphoscintigraphy
Authors: Mitsui Kohei , Narushima Mitsunaga , Shiraishi Makoto , Danno Kanako , Ishiura Ryohei , Banda Chihena H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Lower extremity lymphedema is a common complication following gynecologic cancer treatment. This study examined the relationship between lymphedema severity and lymphatic flow in pelvic lymph nodes, believed to be among the first areas affected post-surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 317 patients with lymphedema, classified into three stages using Geometric Lymph Node Staging (GLNS) based on lymphoscintigraphy results. The correlation between GLNS and International Society of Lymphology (ISL) clinical staging was analyzed, along with reliability testing for GLNS. Subgroup analyses were also performed for different cancer types, including cervical, uterine, ovarian, and vulvovaginal cancers. Among the 36 women evaluated with unilateral lymphedema, a strong correlation was found between ISL staging and GLNS (r = 0.853; P < 0.001), as well as within all subgroups. GLNS demonstrated high inter- and intra-observer reliability. The study concluded that the location of residual lymph nodes correlates with lymphedema severity, suggesting that GLNS via lymphoscintigraphy could be a valuable tool for the early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema.