bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Telemedicine in Enhancing Surgical Care Delivery in Africa: A Literature Review
Authors: Kwan Su Huey Alicia , Sengar Aman Singh , Kazan Zeinab , Choudhary Karan , Patel Raj Pravin , Wojtara Magda , Uwishema Olivier 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsIn Africa, telemedicine holds great potential to revolutionize surgical care delivery, especially in areas where access to quality treatment is scarce. Data about the use of these services in African countries is, however, limited. To outline the present issues in surgical care delivery, as well as the significant role of telemedicine in advancing surgical care delivery in Africa. This review will also discuss the challenges behind telemedicine utilization in Africa, and recommend targeted measures to address those barriers while promoting the enhanced integration of telemedicine into surgical care delivery.MethodsA comprehensive online literature search was conducted using several search engines, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to assess the potential advantages of telemedicine over traditional surgical practices in Africa, as well as to identify the challenges hindering its implementation. The literature review examined the role of nongovernmental organizations in promoting telemedicine adoption across various African countries. Literature search terms include “countries of Africa,” “impact of telesurgery and telemedicine in Africa,” and “current situation of telemedicine in intervention.” Only articles written in English were considered, and inclusion criteria included relevance to our research objectives and countries in Africa.ResultsThe potential for telesurgery in Saharan and sub‐Saharan countries is still a milestone to be unlocked, but already telemedicine implementation has shown great results. Although hindrances like trust, lack of infrastructure, and lack of trained personnel in the field of telecommunication have been issues. There is a rise in the use of telemedicine in areas of interest like postsurgical care, doctor‐patient consultation, and tele‐monitoring. Various schemes and plans implemented by public organizations have also peaked since the pandemic. A telemedicine establishment requires multifactorial development occurring in a step‐by‐step manner. Although complexity in development and barriers faced in countries in Africa are concerns, the outcomes of using telemedicine are considerably better. The rising population and lack of medical specialists have led to a gap in access to approachable surgical care, and telemedicine has shown promising potential to overcome it.ConclusionTelemedicine implementation has changed the method of intervention in clinics all over the world. Implementation of parts of telemedicine like telesurgery and tele‐monitoring has the potential to overcome the concern of a rising population, but there is still a long way to go.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Sexual Dysfunction in Malagasy Women With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross‐Sectional Study in a University Hospital Center, Antananarivo Madagascar
Authors: Raharinavalona Sitraka Angelo , Rakotoarimino Nomenjanahary , Andrianiaina Miora Maëva Arielle , Ralamboson Solofo Andrianarivelo , Andrianasolo Radonirina Lazasoa , Rakotomalala Andrianirina Dave Patrick 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsFemale sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains a very little studied subject in Madagascar, despite the resulting alteration of quality of life. Our study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in Malagasy women with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsThis was a descriptive and analytical cross‐sectional study, carried out in the Endocrinology department of the Joseph Raseta Befelatanana University Hospital Center over a period of 18 months. FSD was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire in women with and without T2DM.ResultsWe retained 122 patients with T2DM and 127 without T2DM. The prevalence of FSD was 47.5% in diabetics and 44.1% in non‐diabetics. In patients with T2DM, factors associated with FSD were age [50–59 years] (OR = 2.03 [1.03–4.51]), nephropathy (OR = 2.18 [1.09–3.98]), ischemic stroke (p = 0.0483), ischemic heart disease (p = 0.005), carotid atherosclerosis (OR = 2.64 [1.09–7.85]), obesity (OR = 3.64 [1.22–12.3]), calcium channel blocker use (OR = 4.71 [1.35–21.0]), history of genitourinary infections (OR = 2.06 [1.07–4.28]). In patients without T2DM, they were age [50 – 59 years] (OR = 4.86 [2.16–11.3]), age of first sexual intercourse < 18 years (OR = 2.06 [1.04–4.57]), irregular menstrual cycle (OR = 2.02 [1.00–6.37]), number of gestations ≥ 4 (OR = 1.99 [1.00–5.41]), abortion (OR = 3.15 [1.21–29.1]) and number of children ≥ 4 (OR = 2.17 [1.01–4.81]).ConclusionFSD was more common in diabetics than non‐diabetics. Its early management and associated risk factors are necessary to improve the quality of life of patients.
Metabolic Outcomes of Changing From Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine to Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Alafenamide/Emtricitabine: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wu Ping‐Feng , Lin Hsi‐Hsun , Chen Hsin‐Pai , Huang Po‐Chieh , Ke Meng‐Yu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsPeople living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PLWH) are aging, and there are growing concerns regarding combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)‐associated negative metabolic consequences. We aimed to investigate the metabolic outcomes of PLWH by replacing rilpivirine (RPV)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) with RPV/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/FTC.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled PLWH who changed from RPV/TDF/FTC to RPV/TAF/FTC between January 2019 and September 2023. Metabolic profiles were compared 1 year before and 3 years after changing cART using Cochran's Q and one‐way ANOVA. The independent risk factors for metabolic syndrome were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 182 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased from 28% to 40.7%. The prevalence of hypertension and abnormal lipid levels significantly increased in the first year after changing cART, but the prescription of medicine for dyslipidemia increased in the second year (p = 0.025) and that for hypertension increased in the third year (p < 0.001). In addition to the criteria, body mass index (BMI) before changing cART was the only predictor of metabolic syndrome in the third year (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.19–1.55; p < 0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and BMI did not increase significantly during the second and third years.ConclusionsA gradually higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome among PLWH occurred with changes from RPV/TDF/FTC to RPV/TAF/FTC but plateaued beyond 2 years. However, fewer drugs for dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension were prescribed within the first year after changing cART.
Respectful Maternity Care During Facility‐Based Childbirth and Its Predictors in Public Health Facilities in Central Ethiopia: A Multidimensional Communication as a Proximal Predictor: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ahmed Jemal , Habte Aklilu , Agide Feleke Doyore 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe provision of compassionate, respectful, and caring healthcare is an essential component of health workforces because it builds deep relationships between healthcare practitioners and mothers. However, respectful maternity care has received less attention in practice, and existing research is inconclusive as well. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess respectful maternity care and its predictors during childbirth in Siltie Zone, Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study on 374 mothers from May 1 to 30, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered into Epi Data 3.1, and the analysis was done using SPSS 24.0. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression. In the multivariable analysis, variables having a p‐value of less than 0.05 were taken as measures of the degree of association between independent variables and the outcome variable.ResultsThe result of the study revealed that the overall prevalence of respectful maternal care is 41.0%. Rapport built through communication during antenatal care (AOR = 6.32, 95% CI: 2.81, 16.67), pre‐communication of husband and wife (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 2.01, 13.69), clearly known communication of family with mother (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.69), caring culturally and appropriately (AOR = 7.45, 95% CI: 2.88, 19.28), perceived length of the stay during labor (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.230, 0.551), number of ANC received (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.037, 0.260), and number of deliveries (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.230, 0.551) were independent predictors of the outcome variable.ConclusionThe study revealed that respectful maternity care was provided very low. Multidimensional communication with the mother was identified as a significant proximal predictor of respectful maternity care. The study suggests that stakeholders should improve respectful maternity care through the provision of professional health training and create guidelines to identify and address challenges to its practice.
Blood Inflammatory Markers and Cytokines in COVID‐19 Patients With Bacterial Coinfections
Authors: Bi Qingqing , Zhu Jie , Zheng Jinju , Xu Qingyun , Chen Juan , Zhang Lei , Mu Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundBacterial coinfection in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is an important risk factor for death. This study investigated whether there were differences in levels of serum inflammatory markers in COVID‐19 patients with bacterial coinfections compared with those without bacterial infection.MethodsA total of 235 inpatients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection admitted to Qingdao Central Hospital from December 7, 2022, to August 7, 2024, were included. Patients were divided into a bacteria‐positive group (115 cases) and a bacteria‐negative group (120 cases) according to whether they had bacterial coinfections. PCT, CRP, and 12 kinds of cytokines were compared between groups, and the distribution of bacterial species in the positive group was statistically analyzed.ResultsThe serum levels of CRP (Z = 8.94, p < 0.001), PCT (Z = 5.59, p < 0.001), IL‐1β (t = 4.863, p < 0.001), IL‐2 (t = 5.810, p < 0.001), IL‐5 (t = 3.837, p < 0.001), IL‐6 (t = 4.910, p < 0.001), IL‐8 (t = 3.325, p < 0.001), ILIL‐12p70 (t = 4.722, p < 0.001), IL‐17 (t = 3.315, p = 0.001) and TNF‐α (t = 4.251, p < 0.001) between the two groups were significantly different. IL‐4, IL‐10, IFN‐α, and IFN‐γ were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Among the 115 bacteria‐positive patients, 56 patients were positive for one species and 59 patients were multiple infections. Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae were common species.ConclusionsSerum PCT and CRP levels in COVID‐19 patients with bacterial coinfection are higher than those without bacterial infection. Cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐12p70, IL‐17, and TNF‐α may be involved in the progression of COVID‐19 combined with bacterial infection. They can be used as potential markers to evaluate the disease condition and prognosis.
Upregulation of Peripheral Blood NLRP3 and IL‐18 in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Zhou Jing , Ye Yibin , Chen Zhipeng , Liu Yong , Wu Baozheng , Huang Haiping 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (SA‐AKI) is a common complication that can lead to renal failure in patients, significantly affecting the prognosis and survival of patients.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and interleukin 18 (IL‐18) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SA patients for the occurrence of SA‐AKI.Material and MethodsWe screened AKI‐related data sets using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with AKI. KEGG and GO analysis were used to identify enriched molecular functions and pathways. The study included 62 SA patients admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Medicine of our hospital from February 2021 to June 2022, including 34 non‐AKI cases and 28 AKI cases, and 25 healthy volunteers were used as the control group. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to detect the levels of NLRP3 and IL‐18 in PBMCs of the subjects.ResultsBioinformatics analysis and experimental validation showed that the expression levels of NLRP3 and IL‐18 were significantly upregulated in SA‐AKI patients. In addition, the expressions of NLRP3 and IL‐18 were positively correlated with APACHE II scores. ROC curve analysis revealed that NLRP3 and IL‐18 have the potential to diagnose SA‐AKI.ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence for NLRP3 and IL‐18 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for SA‐AKI.
Soluble Proteins From Conventional and Organic Eggshell Membranes With Different Proteomic Profiles Show Similar In Vitro Biofunctions
Authors: Ma Qianli , Piaia Lya , Loca Dagnija , Rubenis Kristaps , Locs Janis , Thiede Bernd , Sigurjónsson Ólafur Eysteinn , Haugen Håvard Jostein 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe eggshell membrane (ESM), resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM), acts as a protective barrier against bacterial invasion and offers various biofunctions due to its porous structure and protein‐rich composition, such as ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, collagen, soluble protein, and antimicrobial proteins. However, the structure of ESM primarily comprises disulfide bonds and heterochains, which poses a challenge for protein solubilization/extraction. Therefore, the method of dissolving and extracting bioactive protein components from ESM has significant potential value and importance for exploring the reuse of egg waste and environmental protection. In this study, soluble ESM proteins (SEPs) were extracted from conventional (industrial‐fed) and organic (free‐grounded) using an acidic 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (3‐MPA) extraction strategy. FTIR was employed to monitor the chemical changes in the ESM, while LC–MS/MS was used to conduct the proteomic analysis. The biocompatibility and effects of SEP cocktails on ECM synthesis were also investigated. The results indicated that the acidic 3‐MPA strategy effectively altered the ESM chemical composition, thereby facilitating SEPs extraction. The SEPs from conventional and organic eggs have different protein profiles but with partial overlapping. SEPs from both sources showed similar desirable biosafety profiles and dose‐dependent promotion of osteoblastic (ECM) component synthesis, suggesting that different egg sources may contribute to consistent core biological functions of protein products, they may also introduce different functional priorities.
A Novel circ_0075829/miR‐326/GOT1 ceRNA Crosstalk Regulates the Malignant Phenotypes and Drug Sensitivity of Gemcitabine‐Resistant Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Xiang Yongjia , Zhou Rubing , Yang Yi , Bai Hao , Liang Fan , Wang Hongmei , Wang Xia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAlthough gemcitabine (GEM) is the cornerstone of the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC), GEM resistance frequently arises. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0075829 is highly expressed in PC. However, whether circ_0075829 contributes to GEM resistance of PC is largely unknown. To generate GEM‐resistant PC cells (BxPC‐3/GR and SW1990/GR), we exposed GEM‐sensitive PC cells to GEM. Circ_0075829, microRNA (miR)‐326, and glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1) were quantified by a qRT‐PCR or western blot method. Cell survival and viability were gauged by MTS assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were assessed by EdU, flow cytometry, transwell, and wound‐healing assays, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the relationship between miR‐326 and circ_0075829 or GOT1. Mouse xenografts were performed to evaluate the role of circ_0075829 in vivo. Our data showed that circ_0075829 was upregulated in GEM‐resistant PC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0075829 impeded the proliferation, invasion, migration, and glutamine metabolism, and promoted cell apoptosis and GEM sensitivity of GEM‐resistant PC cells. Moreover, circ_0075829 silencing suppressed the tumorigenicity of SW1990/GR cells and sensitized them to the cytotoxic effect of GME in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0075829 bound miR‐326 and exerted regulatory effects by affecting miR‐326 expression. GOT1 was a direct miR‐326 target and a key downstream effector of miR‐326. Furthermore, circ_0075829 modulated GOT1 expression via miR‐326. Our findings establish a novel regulatory network, the circ_0075829/miR‐326/GOT1 competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) crosstalk, in the regulation of GEM resistance in PC.
Targeting the SIRT3/MnSOD and JNK/HMGB1/Beclin 1 Axes: Role of Apigenin in Multifaceted Metabolic Intervention in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Nourhan M. , Abulsoud Ahmed I. , Abdelghany Tamer M. , Elshaer Shereen Saeid , Samaha Ahmed , Maurice Nadine W. , Rizk Sherine Maher , Senousy Mahmoud A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. While chemotherapy remains the standard treatment approach, natural products have emerged as a promising alternative. Among these, apigenin, a natural flavonoid, has garnered significant attention due to its pro‐oxidant and antioxidant properties in various types of cancer. This study aimed to assess the potential impact of apigenin in CRC treatment by targeting mitochondrial SIRT3, HMGB1, and beclin 1‐mediated autophagy in a mouse model of CRC. We administered 20 mg/kg of dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) intraperitoneally once weekly for 20 weeks to induce CRC in C57BL/6 mice. After 6 weeks of initiating the study, apigenin was intragastrically co‐administered by oral gavage at 25 and 50 mg/kg until the end of week 20. The results revealed significant weight loss, shortening of the colon, and diarrhea in DMH‐induced CRC, which are considered the marks of CRC. In addition, histopathological examination revealed dysplastic changes in the DMH‐treated group, while no dysplasia was found in the apigenin‐treated CRC groups. Importantly, the administration of apigenin to DMH‐treated animals has led to a significant reduction of SIRT3 and MnSOD expression levels with a significant increase in LC3‐II at either dose and a significant dose‐dependent increase in the levels of MDA, c‐JNK, HMGB1, and beclin 1 compared to the DMH‐treated group. In conclusion, apigenin may have a promising role in suppressing DMH‐induced CRC. It elicits a pro‐oxidant activity by suppressing the gene expression of SIRT3 and subsequently, its target MnSOD, resulting in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. The released ROS, in turn, activates JNK‐mediated autophagy by enhancing HMGB1, beclin 1, and LC3‐II protein levels.
Metal oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis and applications in energy, biomedical, and environment sector
Authors: Afzal Samreen , Ullah Sultan , Shahid Misbah , Najam Tayyaba , Shaaban Ibrahim A. , Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Nazir Muhammad Altaf 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMetal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), pivotal in cutting‐edge research, are examined comprehensively in this article. Encompassing definition, types, and applications, the focus intensifies on synthesis methods. Detailed discussions include chemical synthesis approaches for silver oxide, zinc oxide, nickel oxide, copper oxide, and tin oxide NPs. Additionally, the article emphasizes the burgeoning significance of green synthesis methods in tailoring these NPs. The applications section underscores their pivotal role in wastewater treatment, water splitting, and biomedical fields. This targeted resource offers in‐depth insights into MONP synthesis, bridging the gap between traditional and environmentally conscious methodologies, for researchers and practitioners in emerging technologies. In this article, future perspectives are also discussed.
Predictors of Traumatization Among Humanitarian Aid Workers Working With Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Türkiye
Authors: Altınoğlu‐Dikmeer İlkiz , Ergül‐Topçu Aysun , Karaaslan Cemrenur , Çakmak‐Tolan Özlem 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRefugees and asylum‐seekers flee their countries due to conflict, violence or persecution and seek safety in another country. Professionals working with refugees in host countries are being exposed to the narratives of their traumatic experiences, an important risk factor for vicarious posttraumatic stress. The current study examined predictors for traumatic stress in humanitarian aid workers working with refugees and asylum seekers in Türkiye. We surveyed 156 participants (67.3% women) from various disciplines (psychologists, social workers, interpreters, lawyers etc.) to examine their traumatic stress, resilience and stress coping mechanisms. We used Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Adult Resilience Measure (ARM) and Coping Styles Inventory (CSI) for data collection. In this cross‐sectional study, data were collected online from participants who were contacted through snowball sampling method, starting with the participants working with refugees at public agencies and NGOs. The regression analyses showed that the level of traumatic stress is predicted by feelings of fatigue, number of years worked with the refugees, presence of previous psychological problems and being a social worker. The “relational resources” subdimension of resilience and “helpless coping style” are also significantly associated with traumatic stress. Considering the rapidly developing phenomenon of migration all over the world, the findings of the current study could contribute to improve protective and preventive interventions for the psychological wellbeing of humanitarian aid workers.