bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community Service Occupational Therapists: thriving or just surviving?
Authors: Van Stormbroek Kirsty , Buchanan Helen 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Community Service was introduced to improve access to health care for all South Africans, yet little is known about the experiences of Community Service occupational therapists. This article describes the characteristics and general experiences of Community Service occupational therapists.Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken. Data were collected with an online questionnaire to all occupational therapists completing Community Service in 2013 (n=240). Data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21.0, and responses to open ended questions were post-coded.Results: A 44.3% (n=104) response rate was achieved. Almost half the participants (44.7%) were located rurally with 51.5% working at primary level at least some of the time. Referrals were frequently received for wheelchair related services (61.2%), interventions related to child development (49.5%), disability grant assessments (36.9%) and treatment of adults with neurological conditions (39.8%). While some therapists felt challenged (54.2%) and frustrated (58.3%), many (75.0%) reported satisfaction from interacting with clients. Although the majority perceived the profession to be poorly recognised (63.5%), most were proud to be occupational therapists (66.7%).Conclusion: Community Service occupational therapists are playing an important role in improving access to services but Community Service needs to be situated within a broader plan to extend and strengthen services in-line with government policy.
Keywords: Community service, occupational therapy, novice occupational therapist, professional identity
The 2023 Mw 6.0 Jishishan Earthquake: A Slow Unilateral Rupture on a Blind Thrust Fault Revealed by High-Precision Earthquake Locations and Dynamic Modeling
Authors: Zhang Long , He Zhongqiu , Wang Shiguang , Zhang Yong , Li Shuai , Zhang Zhenguo , Fang Lihua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The 18 December 2023 Mw 6.0 Jishishan earthquake struck the Dahejia basin in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Three isolated sites of concentrated fractures with a total length of ∼8 km were observed in field surveys. It remains unclear that such surface faulting was the extension of mapped active thrusts or just ground cracking. Moreover, inaccurate and incomplete routine earthquake catalog based on a sparse permanent seismic network makes it difficult to determine the seismogenic fault within a multifault zone. In this study, we develop a high precision aftershock catalog based on a self-deployed dense seismic array, illuminating an unrecognized blind northeast-dipping seismogenic fault and an activated southwest-dipping conjugate fault. We simulate the dynamic rupture process to investigate slip behaviors and delineate the previously suspected ruptures are ground cracking. Our results present a unilateral rupture event with a relatively slow rupture velocity and low radiation efficiency, suggesting that this earthquake may have ruptured an immature basin thrust.
Global Detection Capabilities of T Phases Using the IMS Hydrophone Network
Authors: Oliveira Tiago C. A. , Prior Mark , Saragiotis Christos , Park Jung Ho , Metz Dirk , Bittner Paulina , Qorbani Ehsan , Khukhuudei Urtnasan , Pérez-Campos Xyoli 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In addition to monitoring the oceans for signs of nuclear explosions, data from the hydroacoustic component of the International Monitoring System (IMS) have been used for a broad range of civil and scientific applications. This includes studying T phases: seismic waves that convert to underwater acoustic energy at the bottom of the ocean and can travel with low attenuation in the ocean’s Sound Fixing and Ranging channel. This study analyzes T phases recorded from 2001 to 2024 at the six IMS hydrophone stations. Analysis reveals global ocean coverage and demonstrates the network’s ability to detect T phases primarily linked to submarine earthquakes concentrated along tectonic plate boundaries, particularly midocean ridges and transform faults. Notably, some T phases were recorded after propagating more than 20,000 km, exceeding the antipodal range. Results highlight the network’s significant contribution to our understanding of global ocean seismicity. A discussion is provided on earthquake events that led to major detection peaks of T phases in analyst-reviewed bulletins. Finally, it is shown that while T phase detection itself is not network dependent, associating them with events relies on IMS seismic network sensitivity for building the events.
Antidiabetic effects of n-hexane extract of terminalia catappa nuts in Wistar rats induced with hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia
Authors: Batubo Nimisoere P. , Reuben Edith , Opusunju Boma H. , Sunday Ogbu Ojeka , Datonye Victor Dapper 
Published: February 2025

Background: Hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia significantly impair pancreatic function and glucose metabolism, necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study investigated the effects of n-hexane extract of Terminalia catappa nut (TCN) extract on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic histology in hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic Wistar rats.
Methods: Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control, positive control, standard drug control (atorvastatin and metformin), and TCN-treated groups (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin levels, and HOMA indices were measured, and pancreatic tissue was histologically examined. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: TCN treatment produced dose-dependent improvements in glucose metabolism. The 800 mg/kg TCN group exhibited significant reductions in FBG (4.56±0.03 mmol/l) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR: 1.30±0.10) and near-normal insulin levels (11.85±1.20 μU/ml), comparable to the negative control. Beta-cell function (HOMA2%B) improved progressively with TCN, with the 800 mg/kg dose achieving values similar to the negative control (118±4.00). Histologically, the negative control group displayed intact islets of Langerhans and organized acinar cells. Conversely, the positive control group showed severe necrosis, inflammation, and disrupted islets. TCN treatment demonstrated dose-dependent histological recovery, with the 800 mg/kg group achieving near-complete restoration of pancreatic architecture.
Conclusions: TCN extract improves glucose homeostasis, enhances beta-cell function, and restores pancreatic integrity in hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TCN as an adjunct for managing metabolic disorders.
Factors contributing to acute heart failure after a first acute coronary syndrome episode
Authors: Khan Shehla Ashraf , Kothari Aanshi S. , Shrivatsam Paidi , Modi Sagar M. , Narayan Jagadale Pratik 
Published: February 2025

Background: Factors that speed up the development of acute heart failure (AHF) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), are understudied in developing country like India. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the risk factor of heart failure (HF) among the post-ACS patients.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed at Government General Hospital (GGH) Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India. 108 patients who were admitted with HF cardiology unit of GGH after ACS from September 2023 to November 2024 were enrolled in the study. An established inclusion and exclusion criteria along with consecutive sampling technique were used for patients’ recruitment. A self-structured proforma was applied to gather data. Data analysis was done in the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0.
Results: Clinical features, including glucose levels, dyslipidemia, COPD, and medication history, were analyzed in patients with and without ACS. HF was more common in those aged≥40 years (69.23%), male (62.82%), and with anterior wall myocardial infarction (38.46%). Key risk factors included reduced ejection fraction (67.90%), left anterior descending artery pathology (17.95%), absence of myocardial revascularization (46.15%), diabetes mellitus (52.56%), hypertension (78.20%), anemia (53.85%), hyperlipidemia (75.64%), and smoking history (51.28%). Additionally, glucose dysregulation, dyslipidemia, COPD, and medication history influenced HF progression.
Conclusions: Factors such as an age group with 40 years or above, male gender, anterior wall myocardial infarction, reduced ejection fraction, left anterior descending artery pathology, absence of myocardial revascularization procedure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anemia, hyperlipidemia, and history of smoking, all accelerate the development of HF among post-ACS patients.
Prevalence of fecal carriage of vancomycin resistant Enterococci in a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Murugesan Vinitha , Gounassegarane Dhanalakshmi , Karanam Gnanaprakash , Jayarajan Jayalakshmi 
Published: February 2025

Background: The number of VRE infections gradually increases worldwide and ICUs in hospitals which remains to be the major reservoir of antibiotic-resistant organisms. The current study was carried out to determine prevalence of fecal carriers of vancomycin resistant Enterococci in a tertiary care hospital, thereby preventing the spread of vancomycin resistant Enterococci to patients under high risk.
Methods: A total of 219 stool samples and rectal swabs were collected from health care workers and ICU patients and processed in vancomycin resistant Enterococci agar and subjected to certain phenotypic tests for its species identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for all the vancomycin resistant enterococcal isolates.
Results: A total of 73 VRE were isolated of which 64 (36%) were from HCW and 9 (22%) were from ICU patients. The prevalence of VRE was 33% and the most common VRE isolated was Enterococcus faecium. All the 73 VRE isolates were susceptible to linezolid and 52% were susceptible to quinpristine/dalfopristine.
Conclusions: Screening of stool samples aids in the prevention of spread of multi-drug resistant VRE isolate from HCW to high risk patients. It’s imperative to step up infection control strategies so as to curtail its spread.
A rare complication of tuberculosis: chronic empyema thoracis with bronchopleural fistula - a case report
Authors: Masood Shaik Ontela , Supriya Guntennagari , Aswini Ubbara , Soheb Shaik Muhammad , Reddy Vemareddy Ahindra , Rafi Minnalagaari Muhammad , Gurukul Tharun Vinay 
Published: February 2025

Bronchopleural fistula associated with chronic empyema thoracis is an uncommon and potentially fatal tuberculosis (TB) complication. Bronchopleural fistula remains one of the most serious life-threatening complications but is fortunately rare. We report a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with cough with expectoration, breathing difficulty, pain at right side of chest. Lab investigations and intraoperative findings revealed thickened pleura with calcifications, caseating material, adhesions and fluid build-up with a bronchopleural fistula. The patient underwent surgical decortication of right lung and fistula closure, followed by antitubercular therapy. This case emphasizes how critical it is to identify and treat this uncommon issue as soon as possible. It also underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of such complex cases. Early treatment is key to reducing the risk of death and other complications.
Footprints to findings: insight into causality of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak in a closed community
Authors: Kaur Barinderjot , Tawar Shabaana , Ahmed Shafique 
Published: February 2025

cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) within an urban community located in western Maharashtra. This investigation sought to identify the origin and causal agents of the outbreak, as well as to establish and implement measures to control its spread.
Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted by taking 30 cases and 78 controls from that semi-urban residential area. Blood and stool culture samples of patients reporting to a primary health care facility were obtained using conventional culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits. Epidemiological investigations comprised a review of surveillance data, filling of epidemiological case sheets, sanitary surveys, inspection of water supply and bacteriological surveillance of water and environmental engineering surveys.
Results: The crude attack rate was reported to be 7%. Laboratory tests revealed multiple pathogens, including Pseudomonas, diarrheagenic E. coli, and Shigella. Environmental assessments highlighted issues such as rusted and leaky water pipes, sewage pipeline problems and insufficient chlorination of the water supply.
Conclusions: A widespread outbreak of waterborne gastroenteritis occurred in this region due to contamination of drinking water. The contamination was caused by an improper connection between the sewage system and potable water pipelines. Recommended actions included repair of cross connections, improved treatment methods, adequate chlorination, regular inspections of the water supply and health education which significantly reduced the impact of outbreak.
Effect of task-oriented counselling on knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive practices among postnatal women
Authors: Sonkusare Shipra S. , Agarwal Saumya 
Published: February 2025

Background: Family planning and contraception play an important role in limiting overgrowing population and improving the maternal and child health. This study aimed to evaluates the knowledge and attitude towards contraception among postpartum women and the effect of task-oriented counselling on the same.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of the teaching hospital of southern coastal India. Five hundred and twenty-one postnatal women aged between 18-45 years were included in this study. Along with the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, and attitude towards contraception were evaluated before and after counselling with the help of validated questionnaire.
Results: It was observed that out of 521 women, 385 (74%) followed Hindu religion, 495 (95%) were literate, 380 (73%) were homemakers, and 318 (61%) were above the poverty line. Of all, 406 (78%) of women knew contraceptive methods, which rose to 485 (93%) after counselling, and it was mainly obtained from doctors in 198 (38%) women, from books in 141 (27%), and from other health care providers in 104 (20%) women. The need for contraception was recognised by 500 (96%) of the women after counselling.
Conclusions: Task oriented counselling can improve knowledge as well as attitude regarding contraception among the postnatal women.
Etiologic, epidemic, medical and economic aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Vlasova N. A. , Apanasevich V. I. , Eliseeva E. V. , Startsev S. S. 
Published: February 2025

The objective of the review is to systematize current information on the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C, the risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) against their background and methods of its treatment and prevention. The highest prevalence of HCC is observed in the countries of Southeast Asia, which agrees with the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in these regions, as well as with the peculiarities of nutrition. It has been noted that increased alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome are also risk factors for HCC in patients with viral hepatitis B or C. When diagnosed in early stages, HCC is treatable with locoregional techniques including surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, or liver transplantation. Methods for preventing HCC development include a healthy lifestyle, avoidance of bad habits, monitoring of liver condition if the patient has viral hepatitis. Timely vaccination against hepatitis B and correct treatment of hepatitis C are expected to reduce the number of patients with HCC. Universal screening for hepatitis B virus infection among adults aged 18–69 years is cost-effective. Standardization of HCC diagnosis and implementation of surveillance programs for at-risk individuals are critical for earlier diagnosis. Future efforts should focus on expanding our knowledge of the causes of HCC, identifying highly specific biomarkers, preventing HCC, and developing more effective treatments.
Topographic anatomy of the spleen in children and adolescents according to intravital imaging
Authors: Lozinskiy A. S. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of the study was to establish age and gender patterns of topographic anatomy of the spleen in children and adolescents based on intravital imaging data. Material and methods. Computed tomograms of the abdominal cavity of 88 children and adolescents without visible pathology of the abdominal organs were analyzed. The subjects were divided into 4 age groups: early, first and second childhood, and adolescence. The distance from the spleen to the median sagittal plane, the distance from the spleen to the abdominal organs, the skeletotopy of the spleen and the distance from the spleen to the surface of the body were determined. Results and discussion. A significant increase in the distance from the spleen to the median sagittal plane with age was found. In the first three age groups, the value of the indicator was higher for girls compared to boys, and lower in adolescence. A significant increase in the distance from the spleen to the liver, pancreas, aorta, inferior vena cava, and loops of the jejunum and ileum was determined from early childhood to adolescence; in individuals of the first and early childhood ages, the distance to the liver, pancreas, aorta, and inferior vena cava was the same, while in adolescents it was greater than in those examined in the second childhood. Within one group, no differences were found between the indicators for girls and boys. Skeletotopically, the spleen tended to be located lower with age. The upper pole of the spleen in the overwhelming majority of cases descended from ThIX to the intervertebral disc ThX–ThXI, the hilum of the spleen ‒ from ThXII to the intervertebral disc ThXII–LI, the lower pole ‒ from LI to the intervertebral disc LI–LII. The distance from the spleen to the body surface significantly increased from early childhood to adolescence along the anterior median, left middle axillary and left scapular lines; in individuals of the first and early childhood ages it was the same, in children of the second childhood and adolescence it increased in comparison with previous age periods. In the adolescent group, the indicator was higher among boys than among girls along the anterior median, left middle axillary and left scapular lines. Conclusions. The article presents the topographic and anatomical characteristics of the spleen in children and adolescents and establishes patterns of change taking into account the sex and age of the subjects.
Antiviral properties of composition drugs based on double-stranded RNA and human interferon alpha-2b
Authors: Gamaley S. G. , Skarnovich M. О. , Мazurkov О. Yu. , Shishkina L. N. , Bashkina E. S. , Usova S. V. , Ivanova O. S. , Levagina G. M. , Danilenko E. D. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of this work was to obtain and study antiviral properties of a drug for intranasal use containing yeast double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (IFN-α2b) incorporated into a delivery system (molecular construct). Material and methods. Molecular constructs carrying IFN-α2b and dsRNA were obtained by our original method. For present study, the samples of intranasal dosage forms of three formulations were chosen: 50 µg of dsRNA and 10, 50 or 100 IU of IFN-α2b per one dose. The in vitro antiviral activity of the composition preparations was determined by inhibition of cytopathic effect (CPE) of murine encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), Columbia strain, in mouse L929 and L-68 cell cultures. The in vivo protective properties of the preparations were studied in white outbred ICR male mice intranasally infected with 10 lethal dose, 50 %, of influenza virus strain A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2). The protection coefficient was calculated by average life expectancy and death of animals. Results and discussion. All the composition preparations used in this study demonstrated the ability to inhibit the destructive effect of the test virus and increase the number of viable cells in L929 and L-68 cultures. The enhancement of the protective effect was observed with increasing IFN-α2b content in the drug formulation. The greatest antiviral activity was shown for the preparation containing 50 µg of dsRNA and 100 IU of IFN-α2b per dose. A composition preparation of the same formulation, administered intranasally three times at a dose of (2.5 mg dsRNA and 5000 IU IFN-α2b)/kg according to the therapeutic and prophylactic regimen, protected 50 % of animals from death, which was not observed in a group administered with dsRNA alone. IFN-α2b used at a dose equivalent to its content in the composition preparation had a similar but less pronounced effect. Conclusions. The results of the in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed the fact that combining interferon and its inducer enhances the antiviral effect of the composition drug compared to that of its components used separately. The data obtained testify to the prospects for the development of intranasal forms of antiviral drugs using a combination of interferon and dsRNA incorporated in a delivery system.
Analysis of the microbiota of an experimental infected wound
Authors: Grigoryan A. Yu. , Kudryavtseva T. N. , Mishina E. S. , Efanov S. A. , Soroka V. V. , Zhilyaeva L. V. , Bezhin A. I. 
Published: February 2025

Skin wounds are common and represent a major public health and economic problem due to the risk of complications and significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life. The wound healing process involves the interaction of multiple skin cells, immune cells, blood cellular components, growth factors and cytokines. However, external factors such as the skin microbiota may also play an important role in wound healing. Recent studies have shown interactions between different types of microorganisms, as well as between microorganisms and the host immune system in the wound environment. The aim of the study: to analyze the microbiota and determine its correlation with the pH of the wound environment using an experimental infected wound as an example. Material and methods. In an experiment on 60 Wistar rats, in which an infected wound was modeled, its microbiota was studied by mass spectrometry of microbial markers using a gas chromatograph with a «Maestro» mass-selective detector, the pH of the wound surface was also measured. Results and discussion. The microbiota of the infected wound consisted of an association of 26 genera and individual species of microorganisms. Gram-positive bacteria remained dominant throughout the entire experiment; more than 70 % of the total number of microorganisms were strict anaerobes. A strong positive correlation was found between 18 genera of microorganisms, as well as a relationship between the pH of the wound environment and the level of wound contamination. Conclusions. When choosing agents for local treatment of infected wounds, it should be taken into account that the wound microbiota includes gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as microscopic fungi. Therefore, drugs not only should have a bactericidal effect on aerobic bacteria, as the most common cause of wound infection, but also be effective against anaerobic bacteria and exhibit fungicidal activity. The data regarding the correlation between pH and the level of wound contamination can be used to monitor the wound process.