bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing disparity in attitudes and utilization of family planning among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Sena Adugna , Garoma Sileshi , Belachew Tefera 
Published: September 2024

Background
Despite progress in national reproductive health programs, pastoralist regions like Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia face challenges with low contraceptive coverage, attributed to insufficient positive attitudes and uptake among couples.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 25, 2021, in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia. It involved 1,496 couples selected using multistage sampling. Data were entered into EPI Data and analyzed with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use.

Results
The study’s response rate was 93.8%, with 1,404 pastoralist couples participating, equally split between women and men. A nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle was common (64.6%), and family planning discussions were rare (93.2%). Gender disparities in contraceptive attitudes and use were evident. Contraception use was reported by 27.4%, with women (41.2%) outnumbering men (13.5%). Women showed more positive attitudes towards contraception (87.9% vs. 31.9% for men). Only 33% had favorable attitudes towards different contraceptive methods, with women more likely to be positive. Modern contraception use was low (18.2%), with women (34.8%) predominating over men (1.7%). Among users, women had a more favorable attitude (78.5% vs. 6.6% for men). Health extension workers were key information providers. Predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use included sex, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration frequency, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions.

Conclusion
The limited positive attitude towards and use of family planning in Fentale District may stem from unfavorable attitudes, low adoption, and couple disparities. Key factors include gender, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions. Targeted educational campaigns for men are needed to address these issues and reduce the gender gap in contraceptive attitudes and use.
PPARγ agonist alleviates calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics in renal tubular epithelial cell
Authors: Liu Junfa , Liu Xingyang , Guo Lizhe , Liu Xiongfei , Gao Qian , Wang E. , Dong Zhitao 
Published: September 2024

Background
Kidney stone formation is a common disease that causes a significant threat to human health. The crystallization mechanism of calcium oxalate, the most common type of kidney stone, has been extensively researched, yet the damaging effects and mechanisms of calcium oxalate crystals on renal tubular epithelial cells remain incompletely elucidated. Regulated mitochondrial dynamics is essential for eukaryotic cells, but its role in the occurrence and progression of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis is not yet understood.

Methods
An animal model of calcium oxalate-related nephrolithiasis was established in adult male Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats by continuously administering drinking water containing 1% ethylene glycol for 28 days. The impact of calcium oxalate crystals on mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells was investigated using HK2 cells in vitro. Blood samples and bilateral kidney tissues were collected for histopathological evaluation and processed for tissue injury, inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress detection, and mitochondrial dynamics parameter analysis.

Results
Calcium oxalate crystals caused higher levels of mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro. Administration of a PPARγ agonist significantly alleviated mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, and improved renal function, accompanied by reduced levels of oxidative stress, increased antioxidant enzyme expression, alleviation of inflammation, and reduced fibrosis in vivo.

Conclusion
Our results indicated that increased mitochondrial fission in renal tubular epithelial cells is a critical component of kidney injury caused by calcium oxalate stones, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the tissue and the subsequent initiation of apoptosis. Regulating mitochondrial dynamics represents a promising approach for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
An Evasive Liver Mass in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive Patient
Authors: Berezovskiy Reanay , Crawford James M. , Rishi Arvind , Khurana Sohil , Kern Joshua , Morscher Stefani , Satapathy Sanjaya K. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune syndrome that is characterized by elevated levels of serum IgG4 and infiltration of various tissue types by IgG4 immunoreactive plasma cells. The IgG4-RD can result in systemic disease and the formation of inflammatory mass lesions, frequently addressed as pseudotumors. While IgG4-RD can manifest in various organs, liver involvement is rare, and because it is an immune-mediated inflammatory process, it is uncommon in patients who are immunocompromised. Furthermore, despite IgG4-RD responding well to immunosuppressive treatment, cases of spontaneous remission are exceedingly rare in the literature. In this report, we present the unique case of a self-resolving IgG4-RD lesion of the liver in a HIV positive patient.
Successful Endoscopic Drainage of Acute Duodenal Diverticulitis Complicated by Abscess
Authors: Liane Billy-Joe , Quiles John 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Duodenal diverticulitis complicated by abscess formation is a rare clinical entity, albeit may, in some cases, be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a unique case that elucidates the success of endoscopic management of duodenal diverticulitis complicated by an abscess in the third part of the duodenum, through forward-viewing endoscopic maneuvers. Although surgery has been the primary interventional strategy for complicated duodenal diverticulitis beyond medical management, endoscopy is shown to be a safe and effective alternative in the clinically stable patient and/or poor surgical candidate, for this uncommon sequela of duodenal diverticulosis.
A bibliometric and content analysis of research trends in paver blocks: Mapping the scientific landscape
Authors: Choudhary Hemant , Rajput Sarvesh P. S. , Mandal Amit 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study presents a novel integration of bibliometric and content analysis to comprehensively examine the research trends and scientific landscape of paver blocks. The investigation of 379 articles and reviews published across 174 journals reveals a steady growth in research output, with a notable surge in publications and citations from 2016 to 2024, underlining the increasing importance of this field. India, Malaysia, and the United States emerge as major contributors, with India leading in publication count (143) and the United States demonstrating high research impact through total citations (1,312) and citations per paper (48.59). Keyword examination highlights the prominence of sustainable materials, waste utilization, and innovative design strategies, while an in-depth review of highly cited papers unveils the potential for incorporating various waste streams to produce high-quality, eco-friendly paver blocks. Over the years, the research focus has expanded from conventional materials to recycled aggregates, permeable designs, and photocatalytic applications. This study identifies research gaps, such as the need for long-term performance assessment and life cycle analysis, and recommends future directions, including integrating paver blocks into urban planning and design strategies. The findings guide researchers and policymakers in the development of sustainable, resilient, and multifunctional paver block solutions.
Evaluation of Hematological, Biochemical Parameters and CRP and PCT Levels in Dogs with Leishmania Infantum Detected by ELISA
Authors: Arslan Sezai , Vicil Sinan , Oncel Taraneh 
Published: September 2024

Aim:	Leishmaniasis,	a	zoonotic	disease	caused	by	Leishmania spp., follows a symptomatic	or	asymptomatic	course	in	dogs	due	to	the	influence	of	various factors.	Although	hematological	and	serum	biochemical	parameters	have	a limited	role	in	the	diagnosis	of	leishmaniasis,	they	can	be	used	to	evaluate	the clinical	condition	of	the	animal,	the	severity	of	the	lesions	and	the	prognosis of	the	disease.	Procalcitonin	(PCT),	as	a	disease	biomarker,	is	released	by monocytes,	neutrophils,	liver,	spleen,	kidneys	and	lungs	during	sepsis.	Serum C-reactive	protein	(CRP)	increases	significantly	and	rapidly	in	pathological conditions.	This	study	aimed	to	examine	PCT	and	CRP	levels	in	dogs	with Leishmaniasis. Materials and Methods:	The	leishmaniasis	group	of	the	study	consisted	of 9	dogs	that	tested	positive	for	the	disease	using	the	ELISA	method,	among 157	dogs	showing	leishmaniasis	symptoms.	The	healthy	group	consisted	of seven	dogs	living	in	the	same	area,	which	were	determined	to	be	healthy through	clinical	examination,	had	normal	hemogram	and	routine	biochemical parameters,	and	tested	negative	in	the	ELISA	test. Results:	:	The	results	showed	that	RBC,	Hgb,	HCT,	MCV	and	MCHC	values differed	significantly	between	groups.	The	positive	group	had	higher	total protein	and	globulin	levels,	while	the	negative	group	had	lower	albumin, A/G	ratio,	sodium,	and	chloride	values,	biochemical	measurements	revealed. These	differences	between	the	groups	were	statistically	significant,	however serum	PCT	and	CRP	results	were	not	different	between	the	groups. Conclusion:	Further	research	is	required	before	PCT	and	CRP	can	be	used	as a	clinical	biomarker	in	dogs	with	leishmaniasis.
Calculation of Intracranial Volume in Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman Sheep by Stereology and Computed Tomography
Authors: Bas-Ekici Hacer , Besoluk Kamil 
Published: September 2024

Aim:	Knowing	the	intracranial	volume	of	sheep	breeds	is	important	for	breed segregation	and	clinical	sciences.	The	aim	of	this	study	is	to	compare	the intracranial	volumes	and	measurement	methods	of	Akkaraman	and	Kangal Akkaraman	sheep	breeds,	which	constitute	the	majority	of	sheep	in	Turkey. Materials and Methods:	In	the	study,	the	heads	of	10	healthy	male Akkaraman	and	10	Kangal	Akkaraman	sheep	aged	6-8	months	were	used. The	sheep	heads	were	imaged	in	the	rostral-caudal	direction,	perpendicular to	the	hard	palate	to	provide	reference	for	the	section	orientation,	in	the	axial (transversal)	plane	with	a	detector	thickness	of	0.6	mm.	Reconstruction	of the	axial	images	was	done	with	a	slice	thickness	of	0.65	mm.	Intracranial volumes	of	the	sheep	heads	were	measured	using	computerized	tomography (CT)	images	with	the	Cavalieri	principle.	In	addition,	three-dimensional models	of	the	intracranial	area	were	created	with	the	Slicer	5.3	program	and the	volume	was	calculated	with	the	program	tools.	The	data	obtained	from volume	measurement	were	analyzed	with	the	t-test	in	independent	groups, and	comparison	between	methods	was	analyzed	with	the	Bland-Altman analysis	in	the	SPSS	26.0	package	program. Results:	:	The	mean	values	of	intracranial	volume	of	Akkaraman	sheep were	found	to	be	statistically	significant	and	greater	than	Akkaraman sheep	(P<0.01).	As	a	result	of	statistical	comparison	of	intracranial	volumes calculated	with	stereological	method	and	CT	models,	no	difference	was	found between	the	two	methods	(P>0.05). Conclusion:	Accurate	calculation	of	intracranial	volume	is	of	great importance	in	the	diagnosis	and	treatment	of	brain	and	nervous	system diseases.	The	results	of	this	study	show	that	the	determination	of	intracranial volume	in	Akkaraman	and	Kangal	Akkaraman	sheep	can	provide	significant contributions	to	clinical	sciences	in	the	diagnosis	of	diseases.	Therefore,	it can	also	provide	important	guidance	for	veterinarians	and	researchers	in better	understanding	diseases	and	developing	effective	treatment	methods. Therefore,	the	results	of	the	study	can	guide	research	in	veterinary	medicine and	related	disciplines	and	provide	an	important	basis	for	clinical	applications.
Evaluación físico-química del banano maqueño (Mussa acuminata) en dos zonas de cultivo en Ecuador.
Authors: Chevez Véliz Hernán Humberto , Tuarez García Diego Armando , Erazo Solórzano Cyntia Yadira , Revilla Escobar Karol Yannela , Aldas Jhonnatan , Guapi Álava Gina Mariuxi 
Published: September 2024

Ecuador es uno de los mayores productores y exportadores de banano a nivel mundial y cumple con estándares de mercados para la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, el banano maqueño, “red dacca”, es muy poco explotado, debido al desconocimiento de la funcionalidad del material. Esta materia prima tiene la piel púrpura rojizo, contiene mayores nutrientes que el banano convencional (amarillo) y se caracteriza por la gran adaptación a zonas húmedas y resistencia a la sigatoka negra (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), sin necesidad de ningún tratamiento químico. Por esta razón, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las características físicas y químicas del banano maqueño “red dacca” (Mussa acuminata) en dos zonas de cultivo en Ecuador. Para ello, se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) con arreglo factorial A*B, y las variables estudiadas fueron: físicas (firmeza, longitud y relación pulpa/cáscara) y químicas (acidez, pH, cenizas, °Brix, grasa, proteína, fibra total y polifenoles). Los resultados físicos y químicos mostraron diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) entre la media de los tratamientos, y determinaron que los días de maduración influyen en la disminución de longitud, la relación pulpa/cáscara, el pH y en el aumento del contenido de acidez, humedad, cenizas, °Brix, grasas, proteína y fibra total; mientras que las zonas de estudio influyeron en la reducción del parámetro de firmeza y en la variación del contenido de polifenoles totales.
Thin-film implants for bioelectronic medicine
Authors: Oldroyd Poppy , Hadwe Salim El , Barone Damiano G. , Malliaras George G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article is based on the MRS Mid-Career Researcher Award “for outstanding contributions to the fundamentals and development of organic electronic materials and their application in biology and medicine” presentation given by George G. Malliaras, University of Cambridge, at the 2023 MRS Spring Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
Bioelectronic medicine offers a revolutionary approach to treating disease by stimulating the body with electricity. While current devices show safety and efficacy, limitations, including bulkiness, invasiveness, and scalability, hinder their wider application. Thin-film implants promise to overcome these limitations. Made using microfabrication technologies, these implants conform better to neural tissues, reduce tissue damage and foreign body response, and provide high-density, multimodal interfaces with the body. This article explores how thin-film implants using organic materials and novel designs may contribute to disease management, intraoperative monitoring, and brain mapping applications. Additionally, the technical challenges to be addressed for this technology to succeed are discussed.
Graphical abstract
INDICADORES PARA EL ESTUDIO DE LA IDENTIDAD RACIAL: UNA PROPUESTA DESDE LA REALIDAD SOCIAL CUBANA
Authors: Aguilera Amaro José Luís , Dalés Cueva Arletty , Manzano García Maricelys E. 
Published: September 2024

El estudio se centró en el fenómeno de la identidad racial, un tema complejo, polémico, dialéctico, histórico-concreto, sociocultural, multifactorial, subjetivo-objetivo, individual-colectivo, que forma parte de la identidad cultural, independientemente de algunas dudas respecto a su existencia, y que en el contexto cubano actual se relaciona con prácticas culturales racializadas. Su pertinencia radica en que introduce una propuesta de indicadores a través de los que puede investigarse de manera concreta. Su impacto se revela en la precisión de datos que permitirían la evaluación de este tema. La investigación se sustentó en el paradigma mixto, con el objetivo de determinar los indicadores que pueden utilizarse para la investigación del fenómeno de la identidad racial de manera concreta en la sociedad cubana actual. Se partió del diagnóstico de la situación socio-racial en la provincia Santiago de Cuba, a través de la aplicación de técnicas como la encuesta, entrevista, observación y análisis de contenidos. La muestra fue amplia y diversa (17.911 individuos entre 2021-2023), seleccionada a partir de un proceder no probabilístico de tipo intencional. Como resultado, se elaboró una propuesta de indicadores generales y específicos para el estudio de la identidad racial en el contexto cubano actual.
Antimicrobial resistance patterns in Acinetobacter baumannii: A study from a tertiary care center in Vadodara, Gujarat
Authors: Pipaliya Binda Prakashbhai , Norris Saurabh Chhotalal , Pandya Himani Bhardwaj , Javadekar Tanuja Bakul 
Published: September 2024

species are a major cause of nosocomial infections, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of isolates derived from various clinical specimens at a tertiary care hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat.: Specimens were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar and MacConkey agar, followed by identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing using the VITEK 2 automated system (BioMerieux, France).: Among 107 positive samples collected from January 2021, to October, 2021, the highest frequency of isolates was observed in urine samples (48, 44.86%). A significant majority of isolates (89, 83.17%) exhibited resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. Colistin susceptibility was observed in 101 isolates (94.4%). The susceptibility rates for were 75.7% for tigecycline and 47.7% for carbapenems.: The combination of colistin and tigecycline remains crucial for treating multidrug-resistant until new therapeutic options become available. This study underscores the necessity of ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance and the strengthening of antibiotic stewardship programs to reduce the prevalence of resistant Acinetobacter strains and other bacteria.
Increased surge of secondary bacterial infections leading to sepsis among COVID 19 patients in a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Priyadarshi Ketan , Dhandapani Sarumathi , Sivaradjy Monika , Sastry Apurba 
Published: September 2024

Secondary bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain one of the frequent and life-threatening complications among COVID 19 infected patients. The present study has been undertaken to determine the prevalence of secondary BSIs in patients with COVID-19 This is an observational case control study, conducted between May2020 and April 2021 in a tertiary care centre in South India. The study population were further divided into three groups—one case group (COVID group), and two control (non-COVID group 2020-21 and 2019-20). Blood cultures sent from a suspected care of secondary blood stream infection were processed and outcomes like blood culture positivity rate, clinically relevant growth, contaminant rate and multidrug resistant organism rate were compared between the COVID group and non-COVID control groups. Among the COVID group 307 (17%) of the episodes were found to show clinically relevant growth compared with 3570 (15.4%) in control group 2020-21 (p&#60;0.05) and 3974(12%) in control group 2019-20 (p&#60;0.001). In all the 3 groups, gram negative bacterial infections were found to be the majority with 50% (COVID group), 57% and 58% (non-COVID groups). Among all the MDR organisms isolated from the COVID group of patients, carbapenem resistant contributes about 88%. In COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of secondary bacterial sepsis due to multidrug resistant organisms are higher when compared to non-COVID patients. Non-adherence to strict infection control practices are the possible causes for the higher infection rate among the COVID group of patients.
La narrativa de los sordos como base para la construcción de una pedagogía vivencial
Authors: Muñoz Vilugrón Karina , Lara Coronado Jesús , Carrasco Madariaga Jimena 
Published: September 2024

La educación cultural y lingüística de los sordos ha sido poco incorporada en la realidad educativa chilena; hace solo una década que los adultos sordos se han incorporado a las aulas con didácticas centradas en la cultura oyente. El objetivo de esta investigación es indagar en las narrativas de los sordos para levantar una propuesta pedagógica sustentada en las epistemologías sordas. El instrumento aplicado fue una entrevista semiestructurada a 15 personas sordas en lengua de señas chilena. Posteriormente, la información recogida fue gestionada con el software Atlas ti, considerando la codificación abierta y axial. Los resultados muestran que una propuesta pedagógica centrada en los sordos debiera considerar los siguientes aspectos: identidad sorda, lengua de señas chilena y un contexto educativo seguro. Por último, las conclusiones revelan que estas propuestas pedagógicas deberían considerar una pedagogía con una mirada vivencial sorda.
Birthing Choices Made by Pregnant Women on Mageta Island, Western Kenya
Authors: Ombere Stephen Okumu 
Published: September 2024

Background:Birthing choices play significant roles in maternal outcomes. This article describes the birthing choices made by some women on Mageta Island (hereafter called simply “the Island”) of Western Kenya in relation to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and free maternity services (FMS) policy ideals. Kenya has officially rolled out UHC and has also initiated universal coverage of maternal healthcare services to reduce maternal morbidities and mortalities. In 2016, the government of Kenya expanded FMS, called theLinda Mama(Taking Care of the Mother) initiative, which targets all pregnant women, newborns, and infants by offering free maternal healthcare services. Despite the existence of UHC and FMS in Kenya, women living on the Island have no access to such services. They therefore devise mechanisms for accessing maternal healthcare services.Design:This study is based on an ethnographic design. Data were collected for 5 months using informal conversations, participant observation, and note-taking with mothers at their homes. The study included interviews with six pregnant mothers who were living on the Island at the time of our interviews.Discussion:It emerged that women relied on their agency to find alternatives to biomedical maternal healthcare services, despite the existence of UHC. Such alternatives included having traditional midwives attend their births in their own homes, migrating to the mainland for proper care, and using kin relations as alternatives for birthing beyond the Island. This article highlights how the implementation of the UHC policy might be tailored to specific local contexts, which could help avert maternal mortalities in hard-to-reach areas such as the Island.