bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between the triglyceride-glucose index and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury: analysis of two large cohorts
Authors: Li Yunfei , Deng Yu , Gao Guoyi , Liu Weiming , Wu Liang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to assess the role of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in predicting all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods
This was a retrospective observational cohort study, and data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) and the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD). The participants were divided into three groups according to the TyG index tertiles. The primary outcome was hospital all-cause mortality. Multivariate logistic proportional regression analysis and restricted cubic spline regression were used to evaluate the association between the TyG index and hospital mortality in patients with TBI.
Results
A total of 865 critically ill patients with TBI were enrolled. The hospital mortality rate and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rates were 13.4% and 8.4%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the TyG index was independently associated with an elevated risk of hospital mortality [OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.23–2.31); P = 0.001] and ICU mortality [OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.18–2.48); P = 0.004]. The restricted cubic spline regression model revealed that the risks of hospital and ICU mortality increased linearly with increasing TyG index.
Conclusion
The TyG index is significantly associated with hospital and ICU all-cause mortality rate in critically ill patients with TBI. This finding illustrates that the TyG index may serve as a valuable tool for identifying patients with TBI who are at an elevated risk of all-cause mortality.
Challenges associated with access to safe water in Rhino Camp refugee settlement in Arua District, Uganda
Authors: Semyalo Ronald , Gubek Dorina Keji Zachariah , Nalwanga Rosemary , Ong'amo George , Batega Dauda Waiswa , Okot-Okumu James 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The study evaluated water access and disease prevalence in the Rhino Camp refugee settlement by mapping water sources, interviewing residents, and reviewing health centre records. Primary water sources were tanks providing 10.2 litres per person per day (L/p/d). Microbial contamination including total coliforms reaching 2.8 × 104 cfu/mL (household container – Tika), thermotolerant coliforms, and faecal enterococci were observed throughout the water supply chain, suggesting faecal contamination and posing a health risk. We attributed this to poor handling and storage related to poor sanitation in the settlement, highlighting the importance of promoting hygiene practices among refugees, particularly in the Ofua Zone, which had the highest contamination risks and the highest sanitary risk scores. Malaria and Typhoid were the most prevalent diseases, with Ofua having the highest disease incidence. Water collection was mostly done by adult females and female children (34.7 and 30.3%, respectively) although water collection was generally low (&lt;4 times a day). Boiling water was associated (p &lt; 0.05) with the incidence of hepatitis A in Ofua. Adequate water (&gt;20 L/p/d), water treatment, and education on hygiene practices especially for adult females are essential in lowering contamination and the incidence of diseases.
A comprehensive study of floodplain analysis utilising HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and GIS on the Kosasthalaiyar River sub-basin
Authors: Boddepalli Manikanta , Pasupuleti Laxmi Narayana , Nalli Bhaskara Rao 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The present study focused on the Kosasthalaiyar River basin in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. We analysed the 2015 peak flood and forecasted the feature data in the representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 scenario for various years. We used the scientific data management system (SDSM) software to downscale the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) 2.0 general circulation models (GCMs). According to hydrograph analysis, 142.7, 75.31, 461.73, and 248.22 mm runoff can occur in 2030, 2050, 2080, and 2100, respectively. The current study estimates probable peak flows by performing floodplain analysis on the Kosasthalaiyar River sub-basin using the Hydrologic Engineering Centre's Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS), the Hydrologic Engineering Centre's River Analysis System (HEC-RAS), and geographic information system (GIS) tools. It is possible to observe that the two major peak floods, measuring 581.6 and 110.7 m3/s, respectively, will occur on 28 November 2030 at 10:20 a.m. and 12 December 2050 at 9:20 a.m. Additionally, high floods of 997 and 1,438.4 m3/s can be recorded on 20 December 2080 at 9:50 a.m. and 29 November 2100 at 9:40 a.m., respectively.
Evaluating the performance of water distribution network deterioration using customer-oriented performance indices
Authors: Orime Henry , Tait S. , Boxall J. , Shepherd W. , Schellart A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are an essential urban infrastructure, with their performance directly influencing societal well-being. Our study applied to a real network model that employs a 24-h simulation with 1-h time steps and evaluates the impact of leaks and loss in the pipe cross-sectional area on WDN hydraulic performance as experienced by end users. Adhering to a UK utility's 20-m head pressure requirement as the water main benchmark, we present two new customer-oriented performance indices (CPIs) centred on network reliability and pressure deficit severity. The new CPIs adeptly quantify network performance degradation due to pipe deterioration. This degradation translates directly to a poor customer experience, highlighting the potential for these CPIs to pinpoint areas of the network where performance levels are compromised. Furthermore, the CPIs identify individual pipes within the network where defects would severely impact network performance and the sets of pipes which, when simultaneously experiencing defects, would lead to a more severe loss in network performance. Results show that the CPIs capture relatively small performance declines and identify sensitive pipes impacting network performance, providing insights for optimised inspection and maintenance intervention to provide better customer service.
A Network Pharmacology Study on Mechanism of Total Flavonoids of
Hippophae Rhamnoides in Treating Allergic Dermatitis via Regulation
of IL-17 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wu Lun , Zhou Jinsuo , Guo Xingyu , Du Yongqiang , Li Shanshan , Yu Wenting , Bu Huinan , Chi Wencheng 
Published: October 2024

Objective:
This study aims to investigate the active ingredients and potential mechanisms
of Total Flavonoids of Hippophae (TFH) in the treatment of Allergic Dermatitis (AD) using network
pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods:
The effective components and targets of TFH were identified using the TCMSP, Pub-
Chem, and Pharmmapper databases. AD-related targets were screened through GeneCards, OMIM,
and TTD databases, leading to the identification of TFH anti-AD related targets. The STRING database
was utilized to obtain protein interaction relationships, and Cytoscape 3.9.0 software was employed
to construct the protein-protein interaction network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses
were conducted to elucidate the biological processes and pathways involved. Molecular docking
between key components and key targets was verified using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 software.

Results:
The key components identified for anti-AD activity were Quercetin, Kaempferol, Cianidanol,
and Epicatechin, while the key targets included MAPK8, MAPK10, MAPK14, AKT1, SRC, and
EGFR. GO analysis indicated that TFH's anti-AD effects are primarily associated with hormone
regulation, cellular processes, response to stimuli, organelles, and cytoplasm. KEGG enrichment
analysis suggested that the key pathways involved are pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis,
and the IL-17 signaling pathway, with a significant emphasis on the IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular
docking results demonstrated that the key active ingredients exhibited strong binding activity
with all the key targets, with the highest binding affinities observed between kaempferol and
MAPK14, epicatechin and MAPK14, and quercetin and AKT1.

Conclusion:
TFH exerts therapeutic effects on atopic dermatitis through multi-component, multitarget,
and multi-pathway mechanisms involving inflammatory response, immune regulation, and
apoptosis. This study provides valuable insights for the further development of drugs specifically
targeting AD.
Marginal Degradation of Universal Adhesive Restorations in NCCLs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: de Figueiredo Barros Thaís Andrade , Takeuchi Elma Vieira , Souza Cíntia de Melo Silva , Silva Aryvelto Miranda , Melo Alencar Cristiane de , Silva Cecy Martins 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This systematic review aimed to answer the PICO question: do adhesive protocols used for non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) using a universal adhesive system influence marginal degradation, marginal staining, and retention of these restorations? The self-etching adhesive strategy and selective enamel etching were compared with the etch-and-rinse strategy as a control.

Materials and Methods
The study searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Embase, and grey literature, to find randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing self-etching (SE) or selective enamel etching (SEE) to the etch and rinse (ER) strategy. The risk of methodological bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Data were dichotomized and analyzed using RevMan v 5.3, adopting the Mantel-Haenszel method. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results
Twenty RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that using universal adhesives with the SE strategy resulted in clinical signs of marginal degradation at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months of follow-up, and marginal staining at 24 months. The adhesive strategy did not interfere with the retention of restorative material used for NCCLs over 36 months, as assessed based on both the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria.

Conclusion
With moderate certainty of evidence, after 24 months of follow-up, the SE strategy results in the detection of clinical signs of marginal degradation and staining. The adhesive strategy adopted did not influence the retention rate of the restorations over 36 months of follow-up.
Mobile-Based Platform With a Low-Calorie Dietary Intervention Involving Prepackaged Food for Weight Loss for People With Overweight and Obesity in China: Half-Year Follow-Up Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Xi , Wang Suyuan , Zhong Lingyu , Zhang Chenghui , Guo Yanhong , Li Mingxia , Zhao Li , Ji Shuming , Pan Junjie , Wu Yunhong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a rapidly increasing health problem in China, causing massive economic and health losses annually. Many techniques have emerged to help people with obesity better adhere to intervention programs and achieve their weight loss goals, including food replacement and internet-delivered weight loss consultations. Most studies on weight loss interventions mainly focused on the change in body weight or BMI; however, body fat, especially visceral fat mass, is considered the main pathogenic factor in obesity. In China, more reliable evidence is required on this topic. Moreover, it is unclear whether an integrated weight loss program combining food replacement products, mobile app-based platforms, and daily body composition monitoring using a wireless scale is useful and practical in China.

Objective
In this 2-arm, parallel-designed, randomized study, we explored the effectiveness and safety of the Metawell (Weijian Technologies Inc) weight loss program in China, which combines prepackaged biscuits, a wireless scale, and a mobile app.

Methods
Participants in the intervention group were guided to use food replacement products and a scale for weight loss and monitoring, whereas participants in the control group received printed material with a sample diet and face-to-face education on weight loss at enrollment. The intervention lasted for 3 months, and follow-up visits were conducted at months 3 and 6 after enrollment. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computed tomography were used to assess body fat. A multilevel model for repeated measurements was used to compare differences between the 2 groups.

Results
In total, 220 patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n=110) and control (n=110) groups. Participants in the intervention group had significantly greater decreases in BMI, total body fat, visceral adipose area, and subcutaneous adipose area (all P<.001) than those in the control group. However, the rate of change in lean mass was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P=.62). Further, 35 participants in the intervention group reported adverse events. Constipation was the most frequently reported adverse event (11/110), followed by dizziness (6/110), hypoglycemia (4/110), fatigue (3/110), and gastritis (3/35).

Conclusions
The Metawell program was effective for weight loss. After the intervention, participants in the intervention group lost more body weight and body fat while retaining muscle mass than those in the control group.
Exploring Older Adults’ Perspectives on Digital Home Care Interventions and Home Modifications: Focus Group Study
Authors: Choukou Mohamed-Amine , Banihani Jasem , Azizkhani Sarah 
Published: October 2024

Background
Emerging gerontechnology seeks to enable older adults (OAs) to remain independently and safely in their homes by connecting to health and social support and services. There are increasing attempts to develop gerontechnology, but successful implementations are more likely limited because of the uncertainty of developers about the needs and priorities of OAs. As the global population ages, the challenges faced by older OAs in maintaining independence and well-being within their homes have become increasingly important. With the proportion of OAs expected to triple by 2068, addressing the needs of this demographic has become a pressing social and public health priority. OAs often encounter various challenges related to physical, cognitive, and social well-being, including reduced mobility, memory impairments, and social isolation, which can compromise their ability to age in place and maintain a high quality of life.

Objective
The goals of this qualitative research study are to (1) determine the best strategies for promoting aging well in the community with the support of gerontechnology, (2) establish the top priorities for implementing gerontechnology with OAs and their families, and (3) create a road map for the creation and application of gerontechnology for aging well in Manitoba.

Methods
A total of 14 OAs participated in a qualitative research study conducted through a coconstruction workshop format, including a presentation of novel research facilities and a demonstration of research and development products. This activity was followed by an interactive discussion focused on revisiting the ongoing research and innovation programs and planning for a new research and innovation agenda. The workshop contents, notes, and recorded conversation underwent a data-driven inductive analysis.

Results
Emerging themes included home design, accessibility, and safety for OAs, particularly those with memory impairments. The participants also underlined the need for digital reminders and ambient technologies in current homes as a priority. Participants stressed the importance of including OAs in gerontechnology development programs and the need to consider dignity and independence as the guiding values for future research.

Conclusions
This study presents a tentative road map for the development of gerontechnology in Manitoba. The main principles of our road map are the inclusion of OAs as early as possible in gerontechnology development and the prioritization of independence and dignity. Applying these principles would contribute to combatting digital ageism and the marginalization of OAs in technology development because of the perceived lack of technological skills and the stereotypes associated with this presumption.
User Experience and Extended Technology Acceptance Model in Commercial Health Care App Usage Among Patients With Cancer: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Park Ye-Eun , Tak Yae Won , Kim Inhye , Lee Hui Jeong , Lee Jung Bok , Lee Jong Won , Lee Yura 
Published: October 2024

Background
The shift in medical care toward prediction and prevention has led to the emergence of digital health care as a valuable tool for managing health issues. Aiding long-term follow-up care for cancer survivors and contributing to improved survival rates. However, potential barriers to mobile health usage, including age-related disparities and challenges in user retention for commercial health apps, highlight the need to assess the impact of patients’ abilities and health status on the adoption of these interventions.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the app adherence and user experience of commercial health care apps among cancer survivors using an extended technology acceptance model (TAM).

Methods
The study enrolled 264 cancer survivors. We collected survey results from May to August 2022 and app usage records from the app companies. The survey questions were created based on the TAM.

Results
We categorized 264 participants into 3 clusters based on their app usage behavior: short use (n=77), medium use (n=101), and long use (n=86). The mean usage days were 9 (SD 11) days, 58 (SD 20) days, and 84 (SD 176) days, respectively. Analysis revealed significant differences in perceived usefulness (P=.01), interface satisfaction (P<.01), equity (P<.01), and utility (P=.01) among the clusters. Structural equation modeling indicated that perceived ease-of-use significantly influenced perceived usefulness (β=0.387, P<.01), and both perceived usefulness and attitude significantly affected behavioral intention and actual usage.

Conclusions
This study showed the importance of positive user experience and clinician recommendations in facilitating the effective usage of digital health care tools among cancer survivors and contributing to the evolving landscape of medical care.
Examining Ukraine’s EU Candidate Status: (When) Does the Accession Process Turn from Political to Legal?
Authors: Schewe Christoph , Buka Arnis , Broks Edmunds 
Published: October 2024

This article explores the nature of the notion “candidate country status” in the context of EU accession. In particular it enquires whether the candidate status, which was granted to Ukraine by the European Council on 23 June 2022, has any actual legal implications or is the whole accession process up to the point where accession agreement is signed entirely devoid of legal consequences. Legal doctrine seems to generally answer this question in the affirmative, explaining that the candidate status was a rather political concept bearing primarily symbolic relevance. However, the example of Ukraine, which was granted candidate status much more rapidly than a number of other countries before it, challenges to explore the topic in more depth, in particular by delving into the CJEU’s existing case law on candidate status and the possibility of challenging the granting of candidate status through litigation in the CJEU.
La inclusión financiera y sus factores determinantes para América Latina período: 2004-2020
Authors: Villalta Romero Dante 
Published: October 2024

La Inclusión Financiera contribuye a mejorar el crecimiento económico y bienestar de la población de un país o de una región determinados. En el presente trabajo se analizan los factores que explican los determinantes de la inclusión financiera en los países de América Latina, en la perspectiva de potenciar las condiciones de acceso, uso y profundidad a los agentes económicos que están influenciados por un conjunto de variables que se pueden agrupar en seis factores: macroeconómicos, bancarios, socioeconómicos, gubernamentales, laborales y tecnológicos. En ese sentido, se ha utilizado la metodología de estimación, usando un modelo de datos o panel de efectos fijos, incluyendo un universo de catorce países de la región Latinoamericana, y el periodo de estudio 2004-2020. Los resultados del estudio indican que existe una correlación positiva, en casi todos los factores utilizados en el modelo; destacándose los siguientes: macroeconómico, bancario, socioeconómico, gubernamental y laboral. En cuanto al factor tecnológico, dentro de las tres variables, solo es significativa la telefonía celular; sin embargo, no puede descartarse que aporta una relativa significancia al modelo general. En conclusión, se puede afirmar que los factores elegidos permiten ser considerados como determinantes de la inclusión financiera para el caso elegido como universo de estudio.
Financial Impact on Aviation Industry Before and During Covid-19: Passenger Demand as Moderator
Authors: Saiful Nizam Farra Nurdeanna Binti , Mohd Hashim Maryam Jameelah , Bahrudin Nur Zahidah , Arifin Nur Afizah Mohamad , Md Yahya Mohamad Harizayani 
Published: October 2024

This study analyses the impact of the pandemic on the financial performance of airlines, with a specific focus on financial ratios. The travel limitations imposed as a result of the pandemic, coupled with a significant decline in passenger demand, resulted in significant financial losses. This study investigates how passenger demand moderates the relationship between financial ratios and the performance of the aviation industry. This study gathered data from 20 premier Asian airline companies, as acknowledged by Skytrax. The data was collected from 2016 to 2022, with the timeframe from 2016 to 2019 designated as the 'pre-Covid19' period, and the timeframe from 2020 to 2022 designated as the 'during Covid19' period. The study uses static panel data analysis to accomplish its objective by integrating cross-sectional and time series analysis. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the company's financial condition had a substantial impact on its performance and operating worth before the COVID-19 outbreak. This influence was observed across all variables, except TATO (Total Assets Turnover). However, the company’s financial condition does not affect its performance during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is due to the implementation of government initiatives and bailouts offered some respite, while also underscoring pre-existing structural weaknesses within the business. The results emphasize the crucial requirement for airlines to implement adaptable financial strategies and strong risk management techniques to successfully navigate future disruptions. Hence, the aviation sector should embrace a comprehensive strategy centered on minimizing expenses, expanding income sources, and implementing digitalization.