bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Literacy and Adherence to Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues Simone , Isabel Patrício Ana , Cristina Cátia , Fernandes Flávia , Marcelino Santos Gisela , Antunes Inês , Pintalhão Inês , Ribeiro Marília , Lopes Rita , Moreira Silvana , Oliveira Sofia A. , Costa Susana Pereira , Simões Susete , Nunes Tatiana Carvalho , Santiago Luiz Miguel , Rosendo Inês 
Published: October 2024

This article has been amended to include factual corrections. An error was identified subsequent to its original
publication related to funder information. This error is corrected in the online article and its PDF.

Background
Therapy adherence is a key factor in the control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Optimal self-care requires skills in health literacy (HL).

Objective
This study aims to analyze the relationship between HL and adherence to therapy and to understand the possible influence of other sociodemographic and disease variables.

Methods
A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in Portuguese in 13 different primary health care units in both rural and urban environments. A sociodemographic questionnaire and two validated instruments, “Medical Term Recognition Test” and “Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities,” were applied. The last value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the number of chronic medications were collected from clinical records. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were performed as well as multivariable linear regression to assess the association between HL and adherence to therapy.

Key Results

Participants (n = 354) were on average age 63.67 ± 10.39 years, 57.1% male and 42.9% female, 68.4% with inadequate HL and an average HbA1c of 7 ± 1.18%. Better HL was correlated with higher adherence to the total of self-care activities, nonpharmacological therapy, and foot care. In multivariable linear regression analyses, better HL (
β
= 0.176,
p
= .003), less than minimum wage (β = −0.197,
p
= .001) and insulin therapy (
β
= 0.272,
p
= .001) were independently associated with increased adherence to overall self-care activities.

Conclusion

In a representative sample of people with T2DM in Portugal, HL was a key factor for greater adherence to demanding self-care activities. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2024;8(4):e194–e203.

]
Evaluation process use in the University Capacity Development Programme at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa
Authors: Mantshongo Mandla , Mapitsa Caitlin B. 
Published: October 2024

Background: The higher education (HE) policy framework identifies funding inter alia as one of the steering mechanisms, for the transformation of HE in South Africa. However, the role of monitoring and evaluation (ME) in facilitating this transformation is still emerging. While the instrumental use of evaluation findings is common, research on how process use can also play a critical role in facilitating sector change is missing.Objectives: The study investigated the use of process evaluations in enhancing the performance of the University Capacity Development Grant in a previously disadvantaged institution in the Eastern Cape province.Method: Purposive sampling was used as a method to select the participants. The case study design, interpretive paradigm and qualitative methods approach were adopted, and data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document review. The study sampled 17 participants, including the Department of Higher Education and Training officials, the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) management and two staff focus groups.Results: If process use is to be strengthened, the evaluation process must be highly adaptable to specific programmatic circumstances and organisational contexts.Conclusion: Evaluation process use, in its practical form, must go beyond issues of participation from an individual perspective and include organisational and stakeholder management for effective implementation.Contribution: The study’s results are pivotal as they would assist different organisations worldwide that are running similar projects as the UCDP but have not yet understood the benefits that would be obtained by key stakeholders involved in an evaluation process.
Meaning of work for South African women during the pandemic
Authors: Jacobs Ashley C. , Dhanpat Nelesh , Mamathuba Neo 
Published: October 2024

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted workplaces worldwide, prompting a re-evaluation of the meaning and significance of work, particularly among women who were uniquely impacted by the crisis.Research purpose: This study aimed to understand the meaning that South African women attributed to their work during the pandemic. Additionally, the research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 5 and 8), contributing to efforts to improve well-being, promote gender equality and ensure decent work.Motivation for the study: Understanding how the pandemic altered women’s perceptions and experiences of work can provide valuable insights for human resource professionals, helping to create more inclusive and supportive work environments.Research approach/design and method: A generic qualitative approach was employed, involving 10 semi-structured interviews with South African women who were formally employed both before and during the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data collected.Main findings: The study revealed that women had individual motivations for their chosen work, with the meaning of work varying among participants. Factors such as organisational and personal challenges, as well as the support received, significantly shaped these meanings.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations need to consider the unique challenges and support needs of women in the workplace, especially in the context of recovery from the pandemic.Contribution/value-add: The study enriches the body of literature on the meaning of work, particularly focussing on South African women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and informs organisational practices that can better support employees during crises and beyond.
Measurement of Technical Efficiency of the Health-care Sector in Assam: An Application of Nonparametric Method
Authors: Deka Arup , Mahanta Ratul 
Published: October 2024

Summary
The study has used a nonparametric method to estimate the technical efficiency of health-care sector in the substate level of Assam. The study is based on secondary data for the year 2018–2019. The average constant return to scale technical efficiency score is 0.81, while the average efficiency scores in variable return to scale technical efficiency and scale efficiency (SE) are 0.88 and 0.92 respectively. Moreover, seven (26%) districts are technically efficient. The major cause of inefficiency is the poor management of health-care sector. Four (15%) districts Chirang, Dima Hasao, Baksa, and Udalguri have achieved least efficiency score, while five (19%) districts Kamrup (Rural), Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Goalpara have the highest potentiality to achieve efficiency level. The study is static in nature. However, it will help the health policymakers to improve management and size of operation of health sector in the state.
Gift of Vision – Doorstep-to-Doorstep Outreach Eye Care Model, Sankara Model of Accessible and Affordable Eye Care, and its Impact on the Elderly
Authors: Murali Kaushik , Balasubramanian Bharath , Ramani RV , Chandran Vidhya , Mani Malavika 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Vision loss among the elderly is a major health-care problem. Vision impairment is associated with a decreased ability to perform activities of daily living and an increased risk for depression. Cataract is a common cause of vision impairment among the elderly, but surgery is often effective in restoring vision. We describe the Sankara model of Gift of Vision, the doorstep-to-doorstep model of community eye care that offers high quantity–high-quality eye care. Our model demonstrates how a cost-effective one-time intervention such as a cataract surgery not only restores vision but also their quality of life.
Hematological Parameters in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and its Presentation among Favorable and Unfavorable Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Kumar S. Ramesh , Kandhasamy Chandrasekaran , Velayutham V. Banurekha , Chinnaiyan Ponnuraja , Kannan Muthuramalingam , Jawahar M. S. , Padmapriyadarsini C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) management continues to be a challenge globally; weakened immunity plays a significant role in the reactivation of TB. There is limited information on hematological parameters in patients with pulmonary TB and its association with outcome.

Objectives:
We present hematological parameters of newly diagnosed sputum-positive pulmonary TB patients enrolled in a randomized, clinical trial that assessed the efficacy and safety of 3 and 4 regimens using moxifloxacin.

Materials and Methods:
Blood hematological parameters at baseline, comparison of the baseline and end of treatment values, including the monocytes by lymphocytes ratio (M/L), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (N/L), and platelet lymphocyte ratio (P/L) between the patients with favorable and unfavorable TB treatment outcome, and among different age group and sex presented in this paper.

Results:
Among the total 1059 patients, 782 were males, the mean hemoglobin (HB) ± standard deviation (SD) was 11.5 g/dL ± 2.0, the mean white blood cell (WBC) count ± SD was 9800 ± 3009 and the mean platelet count (in lakhs) ± SD was 4.24 ± 1.42 cells/uL. There was an increase from baseline in the mean hemoglobin, eosinophil, and lymphocyte count and a decrease in mean neutrophil, monocyte counts to the end of treatment. There was a decrease in baseline mean total WBC count posttreatment, both in favorable (10,271 cells/uL ± 3007 SD to 6689 cells/uL ± 1837 SD, [P ≤ 0.001]), and unfavorable TB outcome patients.

Conclusion:
An increase in HB, and a decrease in WBC count, M/L, N/L, and P/L ratio is possible at the end of TB treatment and future studies to correlate blood hematology parameters with TB treatment outcome.
A Rare Case of Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia with Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay
Authors: Hamza Ashique , Krishnadas N. C. , Sureshbabu Sachin , Narayanan Poornima 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) represents a rare subset of movement disorders characterized by involuntary movements triggered by sudden voluntary actions, without loss of consciousness. Typically manifesting in the first or second decade of life, PKD can present as either familial or sporadic, with the most common mutation identified in familial cases being in the proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 gene. This abstract presents a unique case of PKD accompanied by a progressive spastic ataxic syndrome in a 17-year-old male with a history of consanguinity. The patient exhibited a constellation of symptoms including delayed motor milestones, unsteady gait, slurred speech, and dystonic movements, alongside neurological findings consistent with cerebellar dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy. Genetic testing revealed pathogenic variants in the SACS gene, confirming the diagnosis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. This case underscores the importance of thorough neurological evaluation, including consideration of atypical presentations, in patients with PKD. In addition, it sheds light on the association between SACS gene mutations and an autosomal recessive variant of PKD, emphasizing the need for awareness and recognition of such rare manifestations in clinical practice.
Utility of Adrenomedullin in Predicting Outcomes in Patients with Acute Febrile Illness in the Tropics: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Tirlangi Praveen Kumar , Ravindra Prithvishree , Bhat Rachana , Shenoy Belle Vijetha , Chaudhuri Souvik , Bhat Ashwitha , Acharya Poojashree , Gupta Nitin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT.
Acute febrile illnesses (AFI) such as dengue, leptospirosis, and scrub typhus start with fever, but some patients can deteriorate rapidly. Identifying these patients at risk is necessary to ensure early referral. The study’s objective was to assess the utility of serum adrenomedullin (ADM) as a biomarker in predicting outcomes in adult AFI patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). In this prospective observational study, all consecutive patients admitted with AFI through the ED between June 2023 and February 2024 were assessed for eligibility. Clinical and laboratory findings were noted. The serum samples sent routinely for biochemical tests were used to calculate ADM levels at admission and 48 hours later (whenever possible). Clinically relevant outcome variables were collected for all patients. The utility of ADM in predicting 7-day mortality was evaluated for primary outcome analysis using a stepwise binary logistic regression. A total of 181 patients were recruited, with dengue (n = 91, 50%) being the most common diagnosis. The median sequential organ failure assessment score at admission was 5 (IQR: 3–10). The 7-day mortality was 26 (14%, 95% CI: 9.3–19.5). The median admission ADM levels and difference in ADM levels at 48 hours were significantly higher in those who died by day 7. Adrenomedullin levels at admission were found to be an independent predictor of 7-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001–1.004, P = 0.005). High ADM levels can be used for early referral in patients with tropical AFI. There is a need to explore the utility of antibodies targeting ADM in clinical studies.
Diseño y validación de un registro de observación sobre la evolución del individuo en una intervención psicomotriz (Design and validation of an observation record on the evolution of the individual in a psychomotor intervention)
Authors: Porta Martínez Francesc , Martínez-Mínguez Lurdes 
Published: October 2024

La observación en psicomotricidad tiene por objetivo poder descubrir las intenciones y el significado de la propia acción del niño. La falta de registros existentes que encajaran con las necesidades de la investigación desarrollada a lo largo de la tesis doctoral motivó la elaboración y posterior validación y utilización de un nuevo registro de observación. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un instrumento de observación psicomotriz usando las dimensiones de la Psicomotricidad de Integración (PMI) (Muniáin & Serrabona, 2006) para determinar la evolución de un individuo a través de este. Método: estudio de caso con dos niños, hermanos menores de dos niños con una discapacidad y que están escolarizados en una a una escuela pública de Barcelona. Resultados: la versión inicial del registro se sometió a juicio por 13 expertos en el ámbito de la psicomotricidad. La versión definitiva está compuesta por un total de cinco subdimensiones que se dividen en un total de 77 ítems para su observación. Conclusión: los porcentajes obtenidos en la utilización del registro de observación con cada uno de los sujetos estudiados en sus respectivas intervenciones psicomotrices determinan la viabilidad del registro para ser utilizado.
Palabras clave: Instrumento; Discapacidad; Dimensiones; Psicomotricidad; Desarrollo infantil

Abstract. Observation in psychomotor skills aims to discover the intentions and meaning of the child's own action. The lack of existing records that fit the needs of the research developed throughout the doctoral thesis motivated the elaboration and subsequent validation and use of a new observation record. Objective: to design and validate a psychomotor observation instrument using the dimensions of Psychomotor Integration (PMI) (Muniáin & Serrabona, 2006) to determine the evolution of an individual through it. Method: case study with two children, younger siblings of two children with a disability who are attending a public school in Barcelona. Results: the initial version of the registry was submitted to the judgement of 13 experts in the field of psychomotor skills. The final version is composed of a total of five sub-dimensions that are divided into a total of 77 items to be observed. Conclusion: the percentages obtained in the use of the observation register with each of the subjects studied in their respective psychomotor interventions determine the viability of the register to be used.
Keywords: Instrument; Disability; Dimensions; Psychomotricity; Child Development
Investigating the correlation of the second derivative of digital pulse wave (DPW) with QT variability index in women
Authors: Husain Ali Al-Byatee  , Amal Yousif Al-Yasiri  , Bassam Talib Al-Gailani  
Published: October 2024

Objective: To determine the correlation between the second derivative of digital pulse wave and the QT variability index.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Mustansiriyah, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised healthy women. Samples were raised by simple random technique. Digital pulse waves were captured using a fingertip pulse wave transducer. Lab Chart Pro version 7.2 was used to automatically detect and quantify the amplitude of A, B, C, D and E waves expressed by the second derivative. QT interval of each beat was recorded by electrocardiogram, and was calculated automatically via Lab chart Pro version 7.2 without averaging. Data was spread out on Microsoft Office Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 26.
Results: There were 55 women with mean age 37.4±9.9 years and mean body mass index 31.2±7.2kg/m2. Age was positively associated with QT variability index and normalised wave amplitude values of B/A and (B-C-D-E)/A (p<0.05).QT variability index was positively associated with the normalised values of the second derivative of digital pulse wave B/A and (B-C-D-E)/A (p<0.05).
Conclusion: QT variability index I was significantly correlated with second derivative of photoplethysmogram, and both were affected by age and arterial stiffness.
Key Words: Photoplethysmography, Vascular Stiffness, Electrocardiography, Transducers
Association of nuclear factor-kappa B1 (NF-kB1) Ins/Del gene polymorphism with Hepatitis C virus outcomes
Authors: Shaimaa Rahem Al-Salihy  , Refif Sabeeh Al-Shawk  , Safaa Abdul-Karim Al-Waysi  , Maarib Nazih Rasheed  
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore the association of nuclear factor-kappa B1 polymorphism in the promotor area of the genewith hepatitis C virus infection outcomes.Method: The case-control study was conducted at the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Teaching Hospital,Baghdad, Iraq, from Dec 1, 2020, to Aug 30, 2021, and comprised individuals ages 20-68 years. Group 1 had patientswith persistent hepatitis C virus infection, group 2 had subjects with spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance, group 3 had subjects treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs, and group 4 had healthy controls. Venous blood was collected for polymorphism genetic analysis of nuclear factor-kappa B1 insertion/deletion ATTG (Adenine-Thymine- Thymine-Guanine) at rs28362491 using a high-resolution melting technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 27.Results: Of the 88 subjects, there were 22(25%) in each of the 4 groups. Overall, there were 55(62.5%) females and33(37.5%) males, and 40(45.45%) were aged 20-39 years while 48(54.54%) were aged 40-68 years (p>0.05). The Insallele of rs28362491 was significantly more frequent in the patients than in controls (p=0.0053). The carriage of rs28362491 insertion/insertion and insertion/deletion genotypes, compared to wild-type homozygousdeletion/deletion, had a significantly higher risk of developing hepatitis C virus infection (p=0.0013). No association was found between rs28362491 and spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance (p>0.05).Conclusion: The insertion allele of rs28362491 was found to be associated with increased susceptibility todeveloping hepatitis C virus infection.Key Words: Antiviral, Gastroenterology, Hepaciviral, Thymine, Alleles, Homozygote, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Adenine, Guanine.
Genetic identification of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from diabetic foot ulcers and evaluating the inhibition activity of reuterin against this bacteria
Authors: Khulood Abdulkareem Hussein  , Abdulmutalib Abdulla Mohammed  , Sundus Baqer Dawood  , Sajjad Salim Issa  
Published: October 2024

Objective: To genetically diagnose the isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus taken from patients with severe diabetic foot infections, and to test the inhibitory effect of reuterin on the growth of these bacteria.
Method: The experimental study was conducted from June to November 2021 at the Diabetes Unit of Al-Faihaa General Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, and comprised foot ulcer swabs from the necrotic lesions of patients with type 2 diabetes. The swabs were cultivated first in brain heart infusion broth media, and then streaked on Mannitol salt agar and staphylococcus chromogeneic agar media for phenotypic and genetic analysis. The genetic identification of bacteria was confirmed by deoxyribonucleic acid extraction, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was confirmed by the presence of plasmid mecA gene. The inhibition activity of reuterin towards methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration test. All data was analyzed with SPSS version 23.
Results: There were 62 patients 6 (66.7%) males and 5(33.3%) females with a mean age of 46±3 years. Of the total isolates, 9(14.5%) gave mauve to purple colour on staphylococcus chromogeneic agar, which was then genetically confirmed as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of these bacteria was 10µl/ml at 16mm inhibition zone diameter. There was no cytotoxicity of reuterin to human red blood cells.
Conclusion: Reuterin was found to be a natural antimicrobial substance suitable for use to disinfect diabetic foot wounds from bacterial contamination and infection, especially those casued by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.
Key Words: Methicillin, Staphylococcus aureus, Agar, Diabetic, hydroxypropionaldehyde, Microbial Sensitivity, Mannitol, DNA, Erythrocytes, Plasmids, Brain
A comparative study of 589 and 532 nm low level laser irradiation effects on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells viability
Authors: Fatimah Saeed Awad  , Mustafa Salih Al Musawi  , Saba Fawzi Salih  
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess how laser light affects blood lymphocyte viability in vitro.
Method: The comparative study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at the Department of Medical Physics, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised blood samples collected from healthy adults with no medical history of major illnesses or history of taking medications for major diseases.Low-level laser 589nm and 532nm was used at 30 J/cm², 50 J/cm² and 70J/cm² energy intensitiesand three different post-exposure time; immediately, 1h and 2h after radiation exposure. The viability of normal human lymphocytic cells of the blood was noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.
Result: The blood samples were drawn from 6 adult male voluteers. The percentage of cells that showed apoptosis post-exposure to 589nm laser was significantly lower than that following exposure to 532nm laser (p<0.05). However, the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly higher following irradiation with 532nm at varying doses than after irradiation with 589nm (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A low-level laser could promote and prevent apoptosis in human peripheral blood cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Key Words: Lasers, Apoptosis, Lymphocytes, Radiation