bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between ambient temperature and increased total length of hospital stay of patients with cardiopulmonary disease in Hong Kong
Authors: Long Chenxiang , Guo Shengyu , Tian Ping , Sun Yingying 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundWhile temperature extremes have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions, evidence of their impact on the length of hospital stay, which may capture the lingering effects of temperature extremes, is scarce.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the association between daily variation in ambient temperature and daily variation in daily total length of stay (daily TLOS), a composite measure encompassing the daily count of hospital admissions and their corresponding length of hospital stay among cardiopulmonary patients. Additionally, we quantified the burden of TLOS attributable to non-optimal temperatures among Hong Kong’s older adult population.MethodsWe used a generalized linear regression with a distributed lag non-linear model to estimate the association between ambient temperature and daily TLOS. The analysis used 13 years of time-series data (1998–2010) on daily temperature and hospital admissions for cardiopulmonary diseases through accident and emergency departments among Hong Kong’s older adult population. We quantified the attributable risk of TLOS by calculating the temperature-related days of hospital stay and the attributable fraction (AF).ResultsWe recorded a total of 4,095,722 hospital stay days for cardiovascular patients and 4,492,697 days for respiratory patients. We found that both cold and heat were associated with increased TLOS for cardiopulmonary disease. The temperature-related AF was 11.5% (95% empirical CI: 5.3–17.2%) for cardiovascular disease, corresponding to an annual increase of 36,174 days (95% empirical CI: 15,286–57,018). For respiratory disease, the AF was 10.7% (95% empirical CI: 7.1–13.9%), equating to an annual increase of 36,897 days (95% empirical CI: 24,949–49,024) days annually.ConclusionExtreme temperatures were associated with increased TLOS for cardiopulmonary patients in Hong Kong’s older adult population. These findings highlight the need for hospitals to prepare in advance for extreme temperature events by implementing specific measures in terms of human resources and medical resources. In addition, the results provide valuable scientific evidence to support public health policies and inform hospital planning and management.
Evaluating the 3-month post-intervention impact of a supportive text message program on mental health outcomes during the 2023 wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Obuobi-Donkor Gloria , Shalaby Reham , Agyapong Belinda , Dias Raquel da Luz , Eboreime Ejemai , Wozney Lori , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIndividuals exposed to wildfires are at risk of developing adverse mental health conditions in the months following the event. Receiving supportive text interventions during and after a wildfire event can have a significant impact on reducing mental health conditions over time.ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a supportive text message intervention service in reducing the severity and prevalence of psychological conditions 3 months following the 2023 wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia, two regions heavily affected by these natural disasters.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, participants voluntarily subscribed to the Text4Hope-AB and Text4Hope-NS services, receiving supportive text interventions for 3 months. On enrolment and at 3 months post-enrolment, participants completed online surveys. The severity and prevalence of mental wellbeing, resilience, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress were measured using the World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 scale (GAD-7), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C) respectively. Data analysis involved using McNemar’s chi-square test and paired sample t-tests.ResultsA total of 150 subscribers partially or fully completed both the baseline and 3-month assessments. The results show a statistically significant change in the mean scores on the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index (+ 24.6%), PHQ-9 (−17.0%), GAD-7 scale (−17.6%), PCL-C (−6.0%), and BRS (+3.2%) from baseline to 3 months. Similarly, there was a reduction, although not statistically significant, in the prevalence of low resilience (55.1 vs. 53.4%), poor mental well-being (71.6 vs. 48.3%), likely MDD (71.4 vs. 40.7%), likely GAD (42.1 vs. 33.3%), and likely PTSD (42.0 vs. 38.4%).ConclusionThe study’s findings underscore the potential of the supportive text intervention program in effectively aiding individuals who have endured natural disasters such as wildfires. Providing supportive text messages during wildfire events is a promising strategy for mitigating mental health conditions over time.
Epidemiological characteristics and prediction model construction of hand, foot and mouth disease in Quzhou City, China, 2005–2023
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Zheng Canjie , Fu Canya , Gong Xiaoying , Fang Quanjun , Yin Zhiying 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundHFMD is a common infectious disease that is prevalent worldwide. In many provinces in China, there have been outbreaks and epidemics of whooping cough, posing a threat to public health.PurposeIt is crucial to grasp the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD in Quzhou and establish a prediction model for HFMD to lay the foundation for early warning of HFMD.MethodDescriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics of HFMD, the incidence map was drawn by ArcGIS software, the Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Prophet model were established by R software. Then, root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to evaluate the fitting and prediction performances of the model.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2023, Quzhou City reported a total of 66,601 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with the annual number of reported cases fluctuating between 2,265 and 7,964. The average annual incidence rate was 216.88/100,000, with the lowest in 2010 (97.08 /100,000) and the highest in 2016 (373.37/100,000) (Ptrend &lt; 0.001). The cases exhibited a seasonal bimodal distribution, with the first peak occurring from April to July and the second peak from October to December. The incidence rate of HFMD in males (246.71/100,000) was higher than that in females (185.81 /100,000). The performance of the SARIMA (1,0,1)(2,1,0)12 model was better than that of the Prophet model in terms of prediction accuracy.ConclusionThe incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Quzhou is on the rise in 2010–2016 and 2022–2023. In this study, the SARIMA prediction model was compared with the FB Prophet model. Data for more years can then be observed to better predict trends in the incidence of HFMD, providing a basis for prevention strategies and resource allocation. Further research can optimize the model to enhance predictive ability to improve the understanding and management of Chinese rival foot and mouth disease.
Health-related quality of life profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Song Yuqing , Chen Yanling , Wen Liting , He Benyi , Ding Yulin , Liu Mei , Tang Fangmei , Wang Li , Wu Jianmei , Deng Xue , Xing Lu , Zhao Wen 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common rheumatic disease that most commonly affects joints and negatively impacts individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although some studies have explored HRQoL of RA patients, existing studies treated RA patients as a homogeneous group based on their overall HRQoL and ignore the heterogeneity of patients’ HRQoL patterns. This study aimed to identify subgroups of RA patients based on their HRQoL and variables associated with group membership.MethodsThis was a multi-center cross-sectional study conducted at 3 tertiary hospitals. All participants completed standardized questionnaires including demographic variables, HRQoL, physical function, disease activity and self-efficacy. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the optimal number of subgroups (profiles) and multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables associated with profile membership.ResultsThe analysis revealed 3 profiles of RA patients: poor HRQoL (N = 92, 60.9%), moderate HRQoL but poor role function (N = 45, 29.8%), good HRQoL (N = 14, 9.3%). Regression analysis revealed that patients with worse physical function were more likely to belong to “poor HRQoL” and “moderate HRQoL but poor role function” profile. Additionally, patients with junior high school or below educational level were less likely to belong to “moderate HRQoL but poor role function” profile.ConclusionThis study identified 3 profiles of HRQoL within RA patients and found that physical function and educational level was associated with HRQoL profiles. The finding can provide the basis for developing tailored interventions to specific subgroups of RA patients.
A comparative study on person-centered care practice between public and private General Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Mierage , Charkos Tesfaye Getachew 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPerson-centered care practice has not yet been fully adopted in low- and middle-income nations such as Ethiopia. It focuses on improving several areas of patient-physician interaction. Despite Ethiopia's rapid growth in healthcare facilities, there is insufficient data available on care practices.MethodA facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in selected public and private general hospitals in Addis Ababa from May 26 to July 26, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, entered into Epi Info-7, and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with care practices.ResultsA total of 848 patients were involved, with a response rate of 99.5%. The overall magnitude of good care practice was 52.8%, with 34.8% in public hospitals and 70.9% in private hospitals. Factors associated with good care practices in private hospitals included hospital attractiveness (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6–6.5), ease of access to services (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 6.2–23.3), and privacy of access and care (AOR: 10.89; 95% CI: 5.60–21.19). In contrast, factors associated with good healthcare practices in public hospitals were perceived intimacy with the provider (AOR: 8.85; 95% CI: 4.50–17.43), privacy in accessing care (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 6.62–22.16), and the provision of medication information (AOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 2.40–8.03).ConclusionOverall, 52.8% of participants rated person-centered care practices as good, with private hospitals in Addis Ababa (70.9%) demonstrating a higher prevalence of person-centered care practices compared to public hospitals (34.8%). The factors associated with healthcare practices in both public and private hospitals include hospital type, hospital attractiveness, ease of access to services, privacy in accessing care, perceived intimacy with the provider, and the provision of medication information. We recommend targeted improvements in public hospitals to enhance the quality of PCC.
Assessment of glove integrity across various dental specialties in a dental school setting
Authors: Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , AlSiraj Mohammed Farooq , Alsadoon Ahmed Naji , Soufi Omar , Mahmoud Okba , Varma Sudhir Rama 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the integrity of non-sterile, powder-free latex gloves used by dental students in various dental specialties.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study involved dental students from Ajman University who provided gloves during various dental specialty procedures. A total of 177 pairs of latex examination powder-free gloves were included and categorized as follows: 43 pairs (24.3%) were used in operative dentistry, 30 pairs (16.9%) in oral surgery, 28 pairs (15.8%) in endodontics, 24 pairs (13.6%) in periodontics, 21 pairs (11.9%) in pedodontics, 13 pairs (7.3%) in prosthodontics, and 18 pairs (10.2%) as control gloves. After use, glove integrity was assessed with a modified water leak test.ResultsPerforations were identified in 72 cases (40.7%) of gloves, distributed as follows: 22 cases (51.2%) in operative dentistry, 12 cases (40.0%) in oral surgery, 11 cases (39.3%) in endodontics, 11 cases (45.8%) in periodontics, 10 cases (47.6%) in pedodontics, 5 cases (38.5%) in prosthodontics, and 1 case (5.5%) in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the loss of glove integrity among different dental specialty procedures (χ2 = 11.899, p = 0.064) or among different glove usage durations (χ2 = 1.732, p = 0.785). However, the location of perforations in the experimental groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 34.427, p &lt; 0.001). The most common locations were the right thumb (n = 18; 13.7%) and the right index finger (n = 17; 13%), with no perforations in the left ring finger and only one perforation in the left little finger (n = 1, 0.08%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the anticipated and actual presence of defects (χ2 = 32.875, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe study found a high rate of glove perforations during dental procedures by undergraduate students, especially in the right thumb and index finger. To reduce cross-infection risks, strict protocols like double gloving, frequent glove changes, and covering wounds with plaster are recommended.
Does self-paced learning in mobile flood protection unit construction in virtual reality have advantages over traditional measures?
Authors: Querl Patrick , Chandra Raymond Leonardo , Berkaoui Djamel , Castermans Koen , Nacken Heribert 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe study explores the application of virtual reality (VR) in university education, specifically within the context of civil engineering. It aims to investigate the potential of an immersive virtual lab employing self-paced learning for teaching complex tasks. The focus is on the construction of a Mobile Flood Protection Unit (MFPU), traditionally taught through written instructions or video tutorials.MethodsAn experiment was conducted involving 48 students who were divided into two groups. One group learned to build an MFPU using a VR tutorial, while the other group used a traditional instructional video. The effectiveness of these teaching tools was assessed based on factual and procedural knowledge transfer. Additionally, students' personal perceptions regarding the use of VR software were evaluated.ResultsThe findings indicated a positive effect on factual knowledge transfer when using VR. Moreover, students expressed favorable perceptions towards utilizing VR as a learning tool.DiscussionThe study suggests that VR can enhance factual knowledge acquisition and is well-received by students in educational settings. However, it also highlights the need for further research to better understand its impact on procedural knowledge gain. Future studies could explore long-term effects and different applications within various fields of education.
Impact of rumen-protected glucose on performance, milk composition, and selected blood metabolites of early lactating Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: Yu Hairui , Rahman Abdur , Rahman Hafeez Ur , Khan Muhammad , Mushtaq Maida , Quan Guobo , Zafar Muhammad Hammad , Li Zijian , Rahman Muhammad Aziz Ur 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionHigh-producing dairy cows often face calving stress and reduced feed intake during the transition period, leading to body fat mobilization to meet production demands. Supplementing rations with energy-dense sources like rumen-protected glucose (RPG) may enhance production performance in early lactation.MethodsThis study evaluated the effects of RPG supplementation on feed intake, body condition score (BCS), production performance, and blood metabolites in 32 early-lactation Holstein Friesian cows (6 ± 1 DIM; milk yield: 30 ± 5 kg/day; body weight: 550 ± 50 kg; BCS: 3.00 ± 0.25). Cows were assigned to four groups (n = 8/group) and fed a basal diet (Control) or supplemented with 150 g (S-150), 300 g (S-300), or 450 g (S-450) of RPG for a 42-day trial after 2 weeks of adaptation.ResultsResults showed significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) in final body weight, milk yield, energy-corrected milk, and milk-to-feed ratio with RPG supplementation, with the highest effects observed at 450 g/day. Milk components, including solids-not-fat, lactose, and total solids, also increased significantly. While feed intake remained similar (p &gt; 0.05), blood glucose levels rose, and non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations decreased (p &lt; 0.05), indicating reduced ketosis and negative energy balance.ConclusionThese findings suggest RPG supplementation at 450 g/day improves milk production, quality, and metabolic health in early lactating cows, warranting further exploration of higher dosages like 500–550 g/day.
Flumazenil may improve gait and mentation in dogs presenting with marijuana toxicosis
Authors: Fitzgerald Alyson H. , Zhang Yuntao , Stewart Samuel , Fritz Scott A. , Lynch Alex M. , Ramras Monique , Meola Stacy D. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAlongside the United States’ growing landscape of legalized recreational marijuana intended for humans, cases of canine marijuana toxicosis have been on the rise. Most commonly these dogs have mild clinical signs and respond well to supportive therapies. However, patients might still be ataxic, unable to walk, or remain heavily sedated at the time of discharge. Our hypothesis was that flumazenil would improve the level of consciousness, brainstem reflexes, gait, and stance in dogs with marijuana toxicosis.MethodsSeventeen dogs presenting for marijuana toxicosis were enrolled. MGCS and Canine Marijuana Severity Score (CMSS), were used to assess level of consciousness, brain stem reflexes, gait, and stance. Flumazenil 0.01 mg/kg was administered IV once. Baseline values immediately before flumazenil administration, 5 min, 15 min, and 30 min after flumazenil were recorded. Serum was collected and analyzed for delta-9-THC using ultraperformance liquid chromatography.ResultsThere was a significant change in MGCS and CMSS following flumazenil administration (p = 0.0033 and p ≤ 0.001). The median CMSS at baseline was 17 (10–19), at 5 min was 18 (10–21), at 15 min was 18 (12–22), and at 30 min was 19 (14–22). There was a significant difference between the concentration of delta-9-THC and clinical sign score (p = 0.0275).DiscussionThe administration of flumazenil to dog affected by marijuana toxicosis might result in improved gait, stance, and level of consciousness. There might be some discriminative ability of the CMSS to stratify the severity level of canine marijuana toxicosis.
Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Tables of Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) and Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) on Different Bean Pods Under Laboratory Conditions: Implications for Their Competitive Interactions
Authors: Li Mengni , Peng Zhengke , Guo Chaosong , Xiao Yong , Yin Fei , Yuan Haibin , Li Zhenyu , Zalucki Myron P. 
Published: December 2024

As two major pests of cowpea in South China, bean flower thrips [Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall)] and flower thrips [Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom)] always occur on the same plant. In this study, the two-sex life table parameters of these two species were investigated on three bean pods: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. var. Chunqiu Wujiadou), snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Yonglong 3), and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Linghangzhe) using standard cut bean protocols. Longevity of female adult M. usitatus showed no significant difference on cowpea and snap bean, but was shortest on green bean, with the highest fecundity on snap bean, followed by cowpea and green bean. Longevity and fecundity of female adult F. intonsa were both highest on cowpea, followed by snap bean and green bean. On snap bean, the population parameters (R0, GRR, T) of M. usitatus were higher than F. intonsa, whereas r and λ were not different, suggesting that M. usitatus were more competitive on snap bean. On cowpea, the population parameters (R0, GRR, r, λ) of F. intonsa were higher than M. usitatus, suggesting a competitive advantage of F. intonsa on cowpea. To better mimic field conditions, we investigated the survival and fecundity of adult M. usitatus under two distinct scenarios: when they could feed directly on cut surfaces of cowpeas (standard lab protocol), and when they could not. Adult survival of M. usitatus is not significantly influenced by whether or not they fed directly on cut surfaces of cowpeas. However, a notable decrease in fecundity was observed in M. usitatus that fed on surface-covered cut pods. This suggested that direct feeding on cut surfaces of cowpea did have an impact on thrips’ fecundity, offering fresh perspectives for future research into the growth and development of thrips in a laboratory. Our study suggests that experiments involving cut surfaces may be misleading, and further investigations are ongoing to address these concerns.
A Systematic Review: Assessment of the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Cannabis sativa as a Feed Additive for Ruminants
Authors: Ntsoane Tumisho , Nemukondeni Ndivho , Nemadodzi Lufuno Ethel 
Published: December 2024

Background: Cannabis sativa is a high-value crop that can be cultivated for ruminant’s feed and medicinal purposes. The demand for Cannabis and Cannabis products has increased since the beginning of 21st century. Objectives: The increase in the production cost of high-protein feeds such as lucerne has led to an urgent need to investigate alternative high-protein sources. Methods: Cannabis has been identified as an alternative to lucerne due to its high protein content. Results: However, the cultivation and uses of Cannabis and its by-products in South Africa is limited due to the strict legislation. The metabolites and nutritional value of Cannabis are influenced by growing conditions and soil type. Furthermore, the available literature has shown that Cannabis contains anti-nutritional factors that may affect feed intake or bioavailability and digestibility. Conclusions: Therefore, it is crucial to employ a processing method that can reduce anti-nutritional factors to promote the feed intake and growth rate of sheep. Fermentation, as a processing method, can reduce anti-nutritional factors found in Cannabis, which will make it a palatable alternative feed supplement for ruminants such as Dorper sheep. Overall, this review paper aimed to examine the available literature on the use of Cannabis as an alternative high-protein feed supplement for Dorper sheep in South Africa.
Objekt 452
Authors: Shtohryn Letta , Morin Julie-Michèle 
Published: December 2024

Prezentacja projektu Чули? Чули (Chuly? Chuly) Letty Shtohryn, który łączy performatywną rozgrywkę wideo z choreografią w celu zbadania manipulacyjnych narracji oraz ucieleśnienia sieciowych person.