bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour among women in Chienge District, Zambia
Authors: Chisala Sydney , Masumo Maureen , Musenge Emmanuel 
Published: September 2024

Background/Aims Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour places women and fetuses at risk of poor health outcomes. In Zambia, use of herbal medicine among pregnant women is progressively increasing despite a lack of evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness. This study's aim was to explore the use of herbal medicine during pregnancy among women in Chienge District, Zambia. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 pregnant women from five health facilities in Chienge District, selected using stratified sampling. Participants were selected by simple random sampling, and data were collected through an interview schedule. Data were analysed using Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression. Results Approximately half (54%) of the participants used herbal medicine, mainly to reduce labour pain, accelerate its progress or prevent difficulties. Parity (P=0.007), attitude (P=0.001), cultural beliefs (P=0.001) and distance from a health facility (P=0.006) were significantly associated with the use of herbal medicine. After adjusting for possible confounders, cultural beliefs (odds ratio=4.524, P=0.001) and distance to health facility (odds ratio=1.879, P=0.045) were significant predictors of the use of herbal medicine, while those with negative attitudes to herbal medicine were less likely to use it (odds ratio 0.054, P=0.001). Conclusions Women in the Chienge District used herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour. Several factors influenced the use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour, indicating a need for community sensitisation on the dangers of its use. Implications for practice Healthcare professionals should discuss the use of herbal medicine in an open and non-judgmental manner. Further studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of traditional herbal medicines.
Factors that influence sexual reproductive health knowledge among adolescent girls with disabilities in Kiambu County
Authors: Kimani Eunice W , Nyamari Jackim , Nyamu Florence 
Published: September 2024

Background/Aims Problems related to sexual health can have adverse effects on the overall health of adolescent girls, including those living with a physical disability. Improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge among this population can enable them to make informed decisions in relation to their sexual health. However, the sociodemographic characteristics that influence knowledge in this population have not been explored. This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescent girls living with physical disabilities in Kiambu County, Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted among 144 purposively selected adolescent girls aged 10–19 years old living with physical disabilities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics and their sexual and reproductive health knowledge. Odds ratios and logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Results One in five (20.8%) of the participants had already had a sexual experience, and only 24.3% of participants had good sexual and reproductive health knowledge. The majority of the participants (54.9%) had low socioeconomic status, which was the only factor significantly associated with level of knowledge (odds ratio=4.91, P=0.021). Conclusions Socioeconomic status is a major determinant of sexual and reproductive health knowledge among adolescent girls living with disabilities. Measures must be put in place to economically empower the families of these girls, to facilitate improved knowledge and thus ensure their sexual health and wellbeing. Implications for practice Education interventions are needed that are tailored to adolescent girls living with disabilities to promote reproductive health in this population.
Selection of the Preferred Puncture Site on Manual Intraosseous Infusion: Proximal Humerus or Proximal Tibia?
Authors: Huo Rui , Xiang Zongyang , Liu Kunqiang , Pu Xiaohong , Tang Shuquan , Hu Ling 
Published: September 2024

Aims/Background Establishing an intraosseous infusion (IO) pathway can rapidly open an urgent route of drug administration for critically ill patients. This study aims to assess different puncture sites on the efficacy of manual intraosseous infusion. Methods Upon applying computed tomography (CT), we compared compact bone thickness and CT values at the same individual's proximal humerus and proximal tibia puncture sites (n = 40). Additionally, cadaveric experiments were used to compare the efficiency of manual puncture at two different insertion sites of the proximal humerus and proximal tibia in the same individual (n = 5). Results The compact bone thickness and CT values at the proximal humerus were significantly lower than those at the proximal tibia. The cadaveric experiments further confirmed that the proximal humerus was superior to the proximal tibia as an insertion site, indicating the proximal humerus is a more suitable insertion site for manual bone marrow puncture needles. Conclusion Selection of the puncture site markedly influences the effectiveness of manual intraosseous infusion, with the proximal humerus potentially offering better puncture efficacy than the proximal tibia.
Revisiting the impact of Schistosoma mansoni regulating mechanisms on transmission dynamics using SchiSTOP, a novel modelling framework
Authors: Malizia Veronica , de Vlas Sake J. , Roes Kit C. B. , Giardina Federica 
Published: September 2024

Background
The transmission cycle of Schistosoma is remarkably complex, including sexual reproduction in human hosts and asexual reproduction in the intermediate host (freshwater snails). Patterns of rapid recrudescence after treatment and stable low transmission are often observed, hampering the achievement of control targets. Current mathematical models commonly assume regulation of transmission to occur at worm level through density-dependent egg production. However, conclusive evidence on this regulating mechanism is weak, especially for S. mansoni. In this study, we explore the interplay of different regulating mechanisms and their ability to explain observed patterns in S. mansoni epidemiology.

Methodology/Principal findings
We developed SchiSTOP: a hybrid stochastic agent-based and deterministic modelling framework for S. mansoni transmission in an age-structured human population. We implemented different models with regulating mechanisms at: i) worm-level (density-dependent egg production), ii) human-level (anti-reinfection immunity), and iii) snail-level (density-dependent snail dynamics). Additionally, we considered two functional choices for the age-specific relative exposure to infection. We assessed the ability of each model to reproduce observed epidemiological patterns pre- and post-control, and compared successful models in their predictions of the impact of school-based and community-wide treatment.
Simulations confirmed that assuming at least one regulating mechanism is required to reproduce a stable endemic equilibrium. Snail-level regulation was necessary to explain stable low transmission, while models combining snail- and human-level regulation with an age-exposure function informed with water contact data were successful in reproducing a rapid rebound after treatment. However, the predicted probability of reaching the control targets varied largely across models.

Conclusions/Significance
The choice of regulating mechanisms in schistosomiasis modelling largely determines the expected impact of control interventions. Overall, this work suggests that reaching the control targets solely through mass drug administration may be more challenging than currently thought. We highlight the importance of regulating mechanisms to be included in transmission models used for policy.
Knowledge and perceptions of snakes, snakebites and their management among health care workers in Sudan
Authors: Saeed Ali Awadallah , Gibreel Omer A. , B. Mousa Ayman , Omer Saeed M. , Omer Abdallateif Alkhair , A. M. A. Elalawy Intisar , Hassan Fahal Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Background
Snakebite statistics in Sudan are lacking despite the high estimated burden of the problem. One study in Sudan reported the presence of 17 medically significant snakes belonging to three major families: Burrowing asps, Elapidae, and Viperidae. These snakes usually become abundant during and after the rainy season, and most snakebite victims are farm workers. This study was set out based on the observed snakebite management, poor outcomes and lack of information on the healthcare provider’s knowledge of this serious, deadly medical and health condition in snakebite-endemic regions of Sudan.

Materials and methods
In August 2022, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 394 medical and healthcare providers in snakebite-endemic regions of Sudan (Gaddarif, Sinnar, Khartoum, and Kassala). A validated questionnaire was used. It consisted of seven sections addressing the study population demographic characteristics, knowledge of snakes, snakebites, and their management. Data analysis used various statistical tests using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was done.

Results
Among the 394 participants (44.7% males, 53.3% females), 58.1% demonstrated adequate knowledge of snakes, and 45.3% exhibited adequate knowledge of snakebites. A mere 25.9% received training in snakebite management, with 60.4% possessing adequate knowledge in this domain. Only 14% expressed high confidence in managing snakebites, and 40.9% reported having protocols for snakebite management at their health facilities.

Conclusion
The study highlighted the inadequacy of healthcare providers’ knowledge in snakebite-endemic areas in Sudan regarding snakes, snakebites and snakebites management. Urgent interventions, such as intensive continuing professional education and training, are essential to address this neglected medical and health problem.
Factors associated with postoperative visual function after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with foveal detachment
Authors: Sugioka Yuki , Yokoyama Sho , Mori Toshio , Matsuda Taisuke , Kaga Tatsushi 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
To investigate pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors influencing postoperative visual acuity, degree of metamorphopsia, and retinal sensitivity after vitrectomy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and foveal detachment.

Methods
We reviewed retrospectively 33 consecutive eyes of 32 patients, who underwent vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with foveal detachment between August 2018 and October 2020 and obtained retinal reattachment. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics were comprehensively analyzed using multivariate models to evaluate the presence of factors influencing best-corrected visual acuity, vertical/horizontal metamorphopsia scores using M-CHARTS (Inami & Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), and retinal sensitivity using the MP-3 (NIDEK Co., Aichi, Japan) at 1-year postoperatively.

Results
Preoperative total retinal detachment was the only factor significantly associated with worse best-corrected visual acuity at 1-year postoperatively (β = 0.589, P<0.001). Intraoperative internal limiting membrane peeling (β = 0.443, P = 0.003) and longer duration after recognizing visual dysfunction (β = 0.425, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with higher vertical metamorphopsia scores at 1 year. The horizontal metamorphopsia score was significantly related to the duration after recognizing visual dysfunction (β = 0.457, P = 0.008). The disappearance of the EZ line on optical coherence tomography at 3 months postoperatively (β = −0.638, P<0.001) was significantly associated with lower retinal sensitivity at 1 year.

Conclusions
Our study findings suggest that best-corrected visual acuity, metamorphopsia, and retinal sensitivity at 1 year after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with foveal detachment are influenced by distinct factors.
Non-pharmacological delirium detection and management interventions for informal caregivers of older people at home: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Fox Mary T. , Maimets Ilo-Katryn , Butler Jeffrey I. , Sidani Souraya , Godfrey Christina 
Published: September 2024

Objective
The objective of this proposed scoping review is to identify and map the available evidence on interventions that aim to help informal caregivers identify and/or manage delirium in an older person at home.

Introduction
Delirium is a neurocognitive condition characterized by acute confusion and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Research estimates delirium to be present in 17% of community-dwellers aged 85 and older, increasing proportionally with age to 45% in those aged 90 and older. Delirium often occurs at the onset of an older person’s acute illness or exacerbation of a chronic illness (sometimes while at home) and, because of its protracted nature, usually continues after a hospital stay. Even when an older person’s delirium resolves during hospitalization, they remain at risk of its recurrence after discharge home. Consequently, knowing how to detect and manage delirium is critical for informal caregivers of older people at home. However, there are no reviews focused exclusively on this topic in this setting.

Inclusion criteria
The population of interest includes informal caregivers of a person aged 65+. Concepts of interest include delirium detection and/or management interventions. The context of interest is any setting where informal care is delivered, including the transition from hospital to home, in any geographical area.

Materials and methods
The review will be conducted according to the JBI guidelines for scoping reviews. A three-step search strategy will be used to locate both published and unpublished papers in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health, SCOPUS, LILACS, and SciELO, PQD&T, NDLTD, Google Scholar and Google. No language restrictions will be placed on the review. Papers will be screened for eligibility at the title, abstract, and full text level by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers and managed in Covidence. Any disagreements in screening or data extraction will be resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. Results will be summarised in narrative and tabular formats.
Comparative study of the McGrath™ videolaryngoscope blades and conventional laryngoscopy efficacy during mechanical chest compressions: Insights from a randomized trial with 90 anesthesiologists on objective and subjective parameters
Authors: Golditz Tobias , Schmidt Joachim , Birkholz Torsten , Danzl Anja , Moritz Andreas , Ackermann Andreas , Irouschek Andrea 
Published: September 2024

Aims
This study aimed to compare the efficacy and utility of the McGrath™ videolaryngoscope, using the Macintosh-like McGrath™ MAC blade and the hyperangulated McGrath™ MAC Xblade with a conventional Macintosh blade under simulated resuscitation conditions.

Methods
A prospective, randomized study under conditions mimicking ongoing chest compressions was conducted with 90 anesthesiologists. Intubation success rates, time-to-vocal cords, time-to-intubate, and time-to-ventilate were measured. Additionally, the study assessed the subjective ratings and the perceived workload using the ‘NASA-task-load-index’ during the procedure.

Results
The overall intubation success rate was device dependent 99–100%. The McGrath™ MAC and McGrath™ MAC Xblade showed faster visualization times compared to conventional blades. The MAC blade demonstrated superior performance in time-to-intubate and time-to-ventilate compared to both conventional and MAC Xblades. Despite excellent visualization, the MAC Xblade posed challenges in tube placement, reflected in a prolonged intubation time of >120 seconds in one case. Both MAC and MAC Xblade reduced potential dental injuries and interruptions to chest compressions compared to conventional laryngoscopes. User experience significantly impacted intubation times with conventional laryngoscopes, but this effect was mitigated with videolaryngoscopy. Participants reported lower stress and effort when using videolaryngoscopes, with the MAC blade rated superior in perceived time pressure.

Conclusion
The study supports the superiority of videolaryngoscopy with a Macintosh-like blade over conventional laryngoscopy during mechanical chest compressions, particularly for less experienced users. The McGrath™ MAC blade, in particular, offers advantages in intubation time, user-friendliness, and reduced stress. However, the MAC Xblade’s challenges during tube placement highlight the need for further clinical validation. Continued research is essential to refine guidelines and improve resuscitation outcomes.
Anatomical and Micro-CT measurement analysis of ocular volume and intraocular volume in adult Bama Miniature pigs, New Zealand rabbits, and Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Wu Yajun , Feng Yuliang , Yang Jiasong , Ran Yuwen , Shu Zongtao , Cen Xiaobo , Li Wensheng 
Published: September 2024

Aim
Utilizing a combination of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and anatomical techniques for the volumetric assessment of the eyeball and its constituents in Bama Miniature Pigs, New Zealand rabbits, and Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats.

Method
Six Bama Miniature pigs, New Zealand rabbits, and SD rats were enrolled in the study. Micro-CT and gross volumetric estimation of ocular volume were employed to acquire data on ocular volume, anterior chamber volume, lens volume, and vitreous cavity volume for each eye.

Results
The eyeball volume of pigs ranges from approximately 5.36 ± 0.27 to 5.55 ± 0.28 ml, the lens volume from approximately 0.33 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.06 ml, the anterior chamber volume from approximately 0.19 ± 0.05 to 0.28 ± 0.04 ml, and the vitreous volume is approximately 3.20 ± 0.18 ml. For rabbits, the eye volume, lens volume, anterior chamber volume, and vitreous volume range from approximately 3.02 ± 0.24 to 3.04 ± 0.24 ml, 0.41 ± 0.02 to 0.44 ± 0.02 ml, 0.23 ± 0.04 to 0.26 ± 0.05 ml, and 1.54 ± 0.14 ml, respectively. In SD rats, the volumes are 0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.15 ± 0.01 ml for the eyeball, 0.03 ± 0.00 to 0.03 ± 0.00 ml for the lens, 0.01 ± 0.00 to 0.01 ± 0.01 ml for the anterior chamber, and 0.04 ± 0.01 ml for the vitreous volume.

Conclusion
The integration of micro-CT and gross volumetric estimation of ocular volume proves effective in determining the eyeball volume in Bama Miniature Pigs, New Zealand rabbits, and SD rats. Understanding the volume distinctions within the eyeballs and their components among these experimental animals can lay the groundwork for ophthalmology-related drug research.
The impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Bartmann Catharina , Kimmel Theresa , Davidova Petra , Kalok Miriam , Essel Corina , Ben Ahmed Fadia , McNeill Rhiannon V. , Wolfgang Tanja , Reif Andreas , Bahlmann Franz , Wöckel Achim , Trautmann-Villalba Patricia , Kämmerer Ulrike , Kittel-Schneider Sarah 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic situation during and post pregnancy was addressed on three main factors; maternal mental health, mother-child bonding, and maternal self-confidence. To do this, two different patient cohorts were compared; data from one cohort was collected pre-pandemic, and data was collected from the other cohort at the beginning of the pandemic. Questionnaires were used to collect data regarding depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]), anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]), maternal self-confidence (Lips Maternal Self-Confidence Scale [LMSCS]) and mother-child bonding (Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire [PBQ]).

Results
There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms (EPDS with an average median of 4.00–5.00) or anxiety (STAI with an average median of 29.00–33.00) between the cohorts. However, the quality of postpartum maternal bonding was higher at 3–6 months in the pandemic cohort, which was also influenced by education and the mode and number of births. The maternal self-confidence was lower in the pandemic sample, also depending on the mode of birth delivery.

Conclusions
In this study, a differential effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mother-child bonding and maternal self-confidence was observed. The results thereby identified possible protective factors of the pandemic, which could potentially be implemented to improve maternal mental health and bonding to the child under normal circumstances.
Place and Memory in Commemorating Remembrance of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site
Authors: Che Amat Rohayah , Zainal Abidin Nor Arbina 
Published: September 2024

This paper seeks to delve into the dynamic interplay between place and memory at the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a focus on how its physical monuments serve as vessels for collective memory and narrators of the city's history. This study engages with theoretical perspectives of memory and place to analyze commemorative processes and evaluates their role in maintaining cultural continuity and identity. The study conducted semi-structured interviews and distribute surveys among a carefully selected cross-section of George Town's populace, thus ensuring a representative narrative mosaic. The inquiry will include an assessment of the site and exploring its significance in the community's social fabric. The study recognizes the complexity of interpreting memories within ever-changing urban landscapes and addresses potential biases. Childhood memories, especially when structures remain, shape a person's image of a place. Their tales demonstrate their love for it. The length of a person's relationship with a place most affects their opinion. Long-term residents like it more. Place and memory are vital to commemorating George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This relationship must frequently be adapted to urban life. The city acknowledges memory interpretation, resolves prejudices about memorial traditions, and embraces inclusive narratives to preserve cultural memory for future generations. The outcomes will offer new insights into conservation strategies and enrich our understanding of historical urban environments.
Implementation of SOC-based power management algorithm in a grid-connected microgrid with hybrid energy storage devices
Authors: Bharatee Anindya , Ray Pravat Kumar , Ghosh Arnab , Panda Gayadhar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The demand for the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) with the existing distribution grid is increasing rapidly because of the growing power requirement. The variable power generation from RESs and changing power demand make it necessary to integrate energy storage units. To get stable and trouble-free operation in both transient state and steady state, a combination of battery and supercapacitor storage devices are considered in this work as hybrid energy storage devices (HESDs). But to ensure the power balance in the grid-connected microgrid is a critical aspect nowadays. Hence, a real power management algorithm is proposed in this work to ensure a balance between energy production and demand and provide stability in the microgrid. Both simulation and experimental implementation of the proposed scheme confirm the efficacy and smooth operation of the hybrid microgrid.