bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-efficacy in increasing physical activity of coronary heart disease patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muliantino Mulyanti Roberto , Qadri Nindy Zumratul , Afriyanti Esi , Sarfika Rika 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the association of physical activity and self-efficacy in patients with coronary heart disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients of coronary heart disease at a cardiovascular center. A total of 238 coronary heart disease patients were included in the study using a purposive sampling technique. The self-efficacy was measured using the cardiac self-efficacy scales (CSE), and the physical activity was measured using the long form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data analysis used the Chi-square test, Spearman correlation test and multivariate linear regression.
Results: Self-efficacy was strongly positively correlated with physical activity in coronary heart disease patients (r = 0.956; p = 0.001). Domain-specific correlations included domestic (r=0.419, p<0.001), work (r=0.383, p<0.001), leisure time (r=0.296, p<0.001), and transport (r=0.247, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that employment status had the most significant negative impact on physical activity (B = -246.477), while age (B = 123. 889) and self-efficacy (B = 93.513) were positively associated with physical activity. These results indicate that higher self-efficacy and older age are linked to increased physical activity, whereas employment status is associated with decreased physical activity.
Conclusions: In this population, self-efficacy, remaining working status and age are important factors of physical activity in coronary heart disease patients.
Keywords: coronary heart disease, good health and well-being, physical activity, self-efficacy
Caregiving experiences among parents of children with physical and intellectual disabilities: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Mundakir Mundakir , Choliq Idham , Sukadiono Sukadiono , Fitriyani Vika Ramadhana , Firman Firman 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to identify caregiver experiences encountered by parents of children with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Methods: The study used a systematic review method with the guidelines of Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) and PRISMA 2020. The review focused on parents caring for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. The literature was searched for relevant studies from five electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science (core collection), Cochrane, and Scopus. This systematic review examined 14 articles out of a total of 63,400 articles found. The study used a thematic analysis method to analyze the study.
Results: Providing care for children with physical and intellectual disabilities requires addressing a variety of challenges. It is critical to have a comprehensive understanding of these intricacies to ensure that families receive the necessary support and interventions. Our synthesis identified seven themes: (1) gendered and emotional experiences, (2) compromising quality of life: physical and psychological impact, (3) lack of knowledge about disabilities, (4) lack of social support, (5) stigma, (6) uncertain future of the recipient, and (7) unavoidable caregiving responsibility.
Conclusions: The results of this study provide recommendations that health professionals and researchers further explore these challenges and strive to build a supportive and inclusive environment that recognizes the unwavering dedication of parents and prioritizes the optimal care and development of children with disabilities.
Keywords: children, disability, parent, qualitative systematic review
Factors influencing modern contraceptive usage among women aged 15-49 years: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohammed-Amen Hawri Yaba , Ali Suhailah Mohammed 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the factors that influence modern contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age in Kirkuk City, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to gather data from a convenience sample of 500 married women of reproductive age attending family planning units at 10 healthcare facilities, Azadi, Kirkuk Teaching Hospital, and private gynecological and obstetric clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from October 1st, 2023, to February 1st, 2024. The statistical analysis involved descriptive and inferential techniques.
Results: The prevalence of contraceptive use among participants was 74.6%, with about (21%) reporting condom use and (16.0%) withdrawal usage. However, intrauterine devices were reported in (12.6%). Side effects were significantly (p<0.001) associated with contraceptive method choices, with 52% of the users experiencing adverse effects. External pressures to have additional children or become pregnant significantly (p=0.037) influenced contraceptive method choices. There were fewer modern contraceptive methods due to unsafety (30.9%), discomfort (23.6%), and side effects, such as headache (18%), weight gain (16%), and irregular bleeding (14%).
Conclusions: Modern contraceptive use is affected by healthcare, safety, side effects, reproductive health, and personal choices. Providing complete knowledge and access to modern contraceptives helps couples make informed reproductive health decisions, empowers women to regulate their fertility, supports their personal and reproductive objectives, and promotes their health and well-being.
Keywords: birth control, childbearing age, Iraq, modern contraceptive, side effects
Navigating care: family information needs and responsibilities in the context of schizophrenia caregiving
Authors: Fitryasari Rizki , Nurlela Lela , Syadiyah Hidayatus , Yusuf Ah , Maliah Iin , Ambarwati Galuh Adjeng , Mulud Zamzaliza Abdul , Diba Rafidah Farah , Sari Dianis Wulan 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: : Families of schizophrenia patients need to obtain information from health services about how to care for them. Limited information and understanding of responsibilities in caring are still obstacles to becoming an empowered family in caring for patients with schizophrenia. The study aimed to explore family needs regarding information from health services and family responsibilities when caring for patients with schizophrenia.
Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative design. The study involved families who cared for patients with schizophrenia in Surabaya, Indonesia. Twenty participants were obtained using purposive sampling techniques and the sample size was determined by data saturation. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, field notes and interview question guides. The data were processed with content analysis.
Results: The results showed eight themes. Families need information about patient conditions, medication, routine control, and counseling for patient conditions as well as for families. The family describes the responsibilities carried out for the patient as providing support for patient treatment, fulfilling daily needs, helping with social skills, and providing activities in spare time.
Conclusions: Adequate information from health services regarding both the patient's condition and family counseling can help to meet the demands of care, which stimulates families to be more empowered to carry out care responsibilities and has an impact on the ability to care better
Keywords: counseling, empowerment, family, mental disorder, responsibility, schizophrenia
Neurogenic Arthropathies of the Lower Limbs: About A Case Followed in Rehabilitation at the Chu-Bogodogo
Authors: Tiaho Yirozounlomian , Charles Sougué , Louis Tougma , S.I Traoré , Boukari Sebgo , B Bamogo , Salif Gandema 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
we report a case of pelvic limb neurogenic arthropathies (NA) in a young 25-year-old patient following severe cranioencephalic trauma in a road traffic accident. The aim of this clinical case was to report the contribution of physical medicine and rehabilitation in the management of neurogenic arthropathies. The patient was admitted to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department only six months after his trauma. Nervous system disorders were represented by a frontal syndrome and significant spasticity in the pelvic limbs. Deficiencies founds was pain, multiple joint stiffness of the pelvic limbs, induration of the thighs related to arthropathies objectified to the standard x-ray of the thighs. The rehabilitation approach consisted of postures associated with targeted cryotherapy of the muscles. The gait rehabilitation was done gradually between the parallel bars and then with a deanbulator Rehabilitation led to functional improvement, with the patient returning to independent walking using simple techniques. The presentation of this case study provided an overview of this pathology, its functional consequences and the role of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in the management of NA. The techniques we used have made it possible to limit the diffusion processes of neurogenic arthropathies by limiting inflammation through associated cryotherapy sessions. The presence of nervous system disorder such as frontal syndrome could have limited rehabilitation, but thanks to collaboration with psychiatrists the evolution was favorable and allowed the patient to actively participate in his rehabilitationThe case also underlined the importance of multidisciplinary patient management, which should be a goal for all practitioners.
Keywords: arthropathies ; cryotherapy ; neurogenic ; rehabilitation ; traumatic brain injury
EXPLORACIÓN DE LA MEZCLA RE170/R600: MEJORA DE LA EFICIENCIA COMO ALTERNATIVA AL R600a
Authors: Calleja Anta Daniel , Nebot Andrés Laura , Mártinez Ángeles Manel , Sánchez Daniel , Llopis Rodrigo 
Published: September 2024

The utilization of alternative mixtures to R600a has been extensively explored across various applications, showcasing their potential to enhance the energy efficiency of isobutane in domestic refrigerators and standalone commercial appliances while maintaining comparable thermodynamic characteristics and operational performance parameters. Among these mixtures, those composed of a significant proportion of R600 (butane) and a small portion of secondary refrigerant have emerged as the most promising. However, many secondary refrigerants in these blends are synthetic. RE170 (dimethyl ether or DME), a non-fluorinated and natural refrigerant, has emerged as a particularly promising candidate for blending with R600. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the RE170/R600 refrigerant mixture as an alternative to R600a. For that purpose, a simple compressor highly equipper test bench was used, in which the mixture was analyzed at a composition range varying from 2.5/97.5%w to 27.5/72.5%w at steps of 2.5%. Results show COP increments up to 19.3% respect R-600a and VCC and that low required DME matches the one obtained by R600a. RE170/R600 has been demonstrated to be a long-term superior efficiency mixture.
Is women’s social independence a strong determinant for the reproductive health-related outcomes of the Turkish population?
Authors: Özdemir Raziye , Horasan Gönül Dinç 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the importance of women's empowerment in achieving reproductive health goals. This study examined the relationships between various reproductive health outcomes and social independence using data from the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Social independence was measured by a modified form of the Survey-based Women's Empowerment (SWPER) Global Index's social independence domain. Adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated for the eight dependent variables by social independence quintiles. A total of 5,156 married women were analyzed. In the lower social independence quintiles, the prevalence ratios for having four or more births, having more children than the desired number, having an unwanted birth, using female-only contraceptive methods, induced abortions, and miscarriages were significantly higher than in the highest quintile. The study emphasizes the necessity of integrating women's empowerment into reproductive health policies by providing evidence that women's social independence is a strong predictor of numerous reproductive health outcomes.
In vivo medical imaging for assessing geroprotective interventions in humans
Authors: Svensson Jonas E. , Schain Martin , Sigray Pontus Plavén 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

There is a growing interest in developing drugs with a general geroprotective effect, aimed at slowing down aging. Several compounds have shown to increase the lifespan and reduce the incidence of age-related diseases in model organisms. Translating these results is challenging, due to the long lifespan of humans. To address this, we propose using a battery of medical imaging protocols that allow for assessments of age-related processes known to precede disease onset. These protocols, based on magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission-, computed-, and optical coherence tomography, are already in use in drug development and are available at most modern hospitals. Here, we outline how an informed use of these techniques allows for detecting changes in the accumulation of age-related pathologies in a diverse set of physiological systems. This in vivo imaging battery enables efficient screening of candidate geroprotective compounds in early phase clinical trials, within reasonable trial durations.
On-policy Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning for Multi-UAV Exploration
Authors: Farid Ali Moltajaei , Roshanian Jafar , Mouhoub Malek 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly popular in various fields, including precision agriculture, search and rescue, and remote sensing. However, exploring unknown environments remains a significant challenge. This study aims to address this challenge by utilizing on-policy Reinforcement Learning (RL) with Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) to explore the two dimensional area of interest with multiple UAVs. The UAVs will avoid collision with obstacles and each other and do the exploration in a distributed manner. The proposed solution includes actor-critic networks using deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) for identifying the UAVs and areas that have already been covered. Compared to other RL techniques , such as policy gradient (PG) and asynchronous advantage actor-critic (A3C), the simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed PPO approach. Also, the results show that combining LSTM with CNN in critic can improve exploration. Since the proposed exploration has to work in unknown environments, the results showed that the proposed setup can complete the coverage when we have new maps that differ from the trained maps. Finally, we showed how tuning hyper-parameters may affect the overall performance.
The role of the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A in regulating mitochondrial morphology and autophagy
Authors: Friedland Kristina , Jörg Marko , Reichert Jonas , Pauly Katharina , Distler Ute , Tenzer Stefan , Bartholomé Odile , Rogister Bernard , Kern Andreas , Behl Christian , Gelléri Márton , Cremer Christoph , Ritz Sandra , Peslalz Philipp , Plietker Bernd 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is a transmembrane protein of synaptic vesicles. It is involved in key functions of neurons, focused on the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Here we report three novel findings suggesting a completely new role of SV2A. First, we demonstrate that SV2A is localized at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. Second, Inactivation of SV2A in our cell and animal models leads to fragmented mitochondria. In addition, SV2A also affects the basal autophagic flux as well as mitophagy. Third, using proteomics analysis we demonstrate that SV2A interacts with the fission factor DRP1 and the autophagy factor ATG9A. Using AlphaFold3 we provide a first glimpse of the molecular interaction between DRP1 and SV2A. Our findings demonstrate that SV2A is not only a vesicular protein but also a mitochondrial protein in the OMM with defined functions regulating mitochondrial morphology and autophagy.
Evaluation of a hand-held moisture meter for timely dead fine fuel moisture measurement
Authors: Dong Ziyu , Williams Roger Allen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:Timely and accurate measurement of dead fine fuel moisture is of great importance for fire assessment and prescribed fire management, but real-time field measurement techniques are limited. In this study, the accuracy of an electrical resistance wood moisture meter was evaluated to measure dead fine fuel moisture, including litter fuel, and 1-hour and 10-hour woody fuels. A total of ninety fuel samples were measured, with thirty samples for each fuel type. Oven-dry fuel moisture was used as the standard, the differences and relationships between the moisture meter and oven-dry measurements were analyzed. Fuel moisture index (FMI) was calculated as an alternative to assess moisture meter measurements, and the relationship between FMI and moisture meter measurements was examined.
Results: No significant differences were found in absolute differences between the two measurements across the three fuel types. A linear relationship between the two measurements was found for the full dataset, 1-hour woody fuel, and 10-hour woody fuel. FMI did not show significant relationships with moisture meter measurements for litter fuel, 1-hour woody fuel, and 10-hour woody fuel. A significant linear relationship was found between oven-dry litter fuel moisture and FMI.
Conclusions: The results suggested that the wood moisture meter has the capacity to provide a reasonable and timely estimate of litter fuel moisture. The moisture meter can be used as a coarse indicator and provide a general estimation.
Patients' Perspective on the Environmental Impact of the Severe Dry Eye Disease Healthcare Pathway
Authors: Rauz Saaeha , Latham Samuel , Boddy Laura , McClay Tara , Airaldi Matteo , Borgia Alfredo , Cordos Alina , Madden Andrea , Undan Alexander , Hoffman Jeremy , Sibley Daniel , Ahmad Sajjad , Kaye Stephen , Lockington David 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: The NHS has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting approximately 29.5% of the global population, poses a significant challenge due to its environmentally harmful care pathway, which also exacerbates the condition. This research article presents a multi-centre cross-sectional survey of patients with severe dry eye disease to examine the pollution and emissions associated with the NHS dry eye disease care pathway. The aim is to identify target areas where innovation can aid the NHS in reaching its net-zero goal.
Methods: Ninety-two patients participated in semi-structured interviews at four tertiary care centres in the United Kingdom.
Results: Medication packaging disposal was reported as follows: 36% of patients disposed of everything in household waste, 12% recycled everything, and 52% used a mixture of both. Only 7% of patients reported that medication packaging had clear recycling instructions, 23% reported no instructions, and 70% had not noticed. Patients attended a median of 3 (range; 1, 15) hospital appointments per year, with 62% traveling by car and a median return journey time of 100 (8, 300) minutes. When asked if having dry eye disease significantly increased their carbon footprint, 31% agreed, 31% were unsure, and 38% disagreed. The predominant suggestion for reducing environmental harm was "environmentally friendly packaging."
Conclusion: This research highlights the need for more sustainable packaging solutions, including clearer recycling instructions, and explores issues related to avoidable travel and insufficient education. By addressing these areas, the NHS can make significant progress towards achieving its net-zero emissions goal.
Leukocyte fate in adult patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Helms Leticia , Wildi Karin , Ki Katrina K , Varkey Sneha , Ng Pauline Y , Akimoto Takako , Miki Kosuke , Malfertheiner Maximilian V , Colombo Sebastiano Maria , Corley Amanda , Shekar Kiran , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Grasselli Giacomo , Fraser John F , Suen Jacky Y 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is known to influence all blood components. Reduction in leukocyte numbers during ECMO and their slow recovery ECMO have been associated with poorer prognosis. However, few studies on leukocyte fate have been conducted on adult patients on ECMO and are predominately cardiogenic shock-specific cohorts. Here, we attempt to examine the leukocyte profiles of ECMO-supported adult patients with both heart and/or lung failure and their associations with mortality and morbidity.
Methods
This multicenter, retrospective study included adult patients with refractory cardiac and/or respiratory failure supported by veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO between 2016 and 2017. Data were collected from intensive care units of five ECMO centers in Australia, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, and Germany. The primary outcome was the temporal trend of differential peripheral blood leukocyte numbers pre, during and post ECMO cannulation and survival in patients receiving venovenous and/or venoarterial ECMO. In addition, we evaluated the associations between leukocyte numbers and bleeding, infection, and organ dysfunction.
Results
Among 164 ECMO patients, mean age was 51 ± 16 years, and 67.7% of patients were male. 58.5% were placed on VA-ECMO, 39% on VV-ECMO, and 2.4% on VA/VV ECMO. Sixty-six patients who underwent ECMO (40.2%) did not survive hospitalization, and 96.9% of deaths occurred during ICU stay. In univariate analysis, a lower monocyte count (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.93, p = 0.032), lower platelet count (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.009), higher lymphocyte count (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.007–1.19, p = 0.033) and higher International Normalised Ratio (HR 3.98, 95% CI 2.64–5.99, p < 0.001) peri-ECMO were associated with increased risk of death. An elevated neutrophil count (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.36, p = 0.013), age and lactate dehydrogenase were associated with mortality in multivariate analysis. There were no correlations between leukocyte variables and the development of infectious or bleeding complications. Integrated Discrimination Improvement index showed that SAPS II score with the addition of peri-ECMO lymphocyte (p = 0.001) or monocyte (p < 0.001) numbers have a better predictive value for death in ICU than SAPS II score alone.
Conclusions
Assessment of ECMO-related monocyte and lymphocyte numeric changes may be useful outcome prognosticators when used in conjunction with SAPS II score. Further investigation with larger patient cohorts will be required.