bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimación de las Precipitaciones Futuras y su Posible Incidencias sobre las Plantaciones Forestales en el Sur de los Estados Monagas y Anzoátegui, Venezuela.
Authors: Visaez Salazar Francisco José 
Published: September 2024

La finalidad de este estudio es determinar y evaluar las precipitaciones futuras en el sur de los estados Monagas y Anzoátegui, Venezuela, donde la empresa Maderas del Orinoco, C.A, administra un programa de plantaciones forestales en una superficie plantada de 528.582,19 hectáreas, con las especies Pinus caribaea var hondurensis, Eucalipto urophylla y, Acacia magnium. El análisis metodológico consistió en la aplicación de análisis de regresión lineal a los datos promedios mensuales y anuales de precipitación en la estación El Merey para el período base 1991 – 2022, obteniendo ecuaciones lineales que permitieron estimar valores promedios mensuales y anuales de precipitación a corto plazo (2023 – 2054), mediano plazo (2055 – 2086) y largo plazo (2087 – 2118). Así mismo, se aplicó estadísticas descriptivas para calcular los estadígrafos fundamentales de la serie de datos con la utilización del Microsoft Office Excel 2010. En términos generales, los resultados muestran para el período base (1991 – 2022) una precipitación promedio anual de 1.236,13 mm, con un régimen unimodal, la temporada de lluvias representa el 89,33 del total anual mientras que la temporada de sequias el 10,68%; Para el corto plazo, se estima un incremento de 4,16 % de las lluvias anuales en comparación con el periodo base; para la temporada de lluvias se espera precipitaciones del orden del 90,73%, (un incremento del 5,79% en comparación con la temporada de lluvias del periodo base) mientras que la temporada de sequias del -9,28%. (Una disminución de las lluvias comparado con la sequía del periodo base). A mediano plazo, el incremento de las lluvias anuales en relación con el período base será de 8,29%, con un régimen bimodal, la temporada de lluvias se estiman precipitaciones de 88,60% (7,42% de incremento comparado con la temporada de lluvias del periodo base) ) y en la temporada de sequias de 11,41%; (15,73% de aumento comparado con la temporada de sequías del período base); En el largo plazo, el incremento de las lluvias estará en el orden del 12,46%, con un régimen bimodal, en la temporada de lluvias se estimaron precipitación de 86,66% (un incremento de 9,04%), mientras que en la temporada de sequías las lluvias se estiman en 13,37% (un aumento de 40,86%). Estos resultados permiten inferir la presencia de fenómenos meteorológicos que inciden en la ocurrencia de abundantes precipitaciones con posible influencia en las plantaciones forestales.
Palabras clave: Plantaciones forestales, precipitación estimada, fenómenos meteorológicos, temporada de lluvias, temporada de sequías.
Análisis de estructura con doble simetría empleando el método de rigidez directo y sistematizado
Authors: Rupay Vargas Marcos Josue , Quispe Rosado Dayana , Sánchez Marcos Frey Franco , Espinoza Arnesquito Jessica , Alhuay Prado Joel Ronald , Castillón Quispe Yesenia Magaly 
Published: September 2024

La investigación tiene por finalidad calcular las fuerzas internas de una estructura utilizando el método de rigidez directo y sistematizado. La metodología empleada consiste en simplificar la estructura usando su doble simetría, aplicar los métodos de rigidez y verificar resultados con un software. La estructura de estudio está compuesta por columnas y vigas, con deformación por flexión constante y deformación axial infinita. Se establecen tres grados de libertad (un desplazamiento y dos giros) que se toma como partida para el desarrollo de ambos métodos de análisis. En el primer método se emplearon el sistema Q-D, el sistema primario, el sistema complementario y el vector de deformaciones, sin embargo, en el método sistematizado se usaron el sistema Q-D (global), el sistema q-d (local), la matriz de transformación "A", la matriz de rigidez de cada barra, el ensamblaje de la matriz de rigidez, el vector de carga y el vector de deformación; el resultado de ambos casos de estudio son las fuerzas internas, que al compararse nos indican que los valores numéricos obtenidos son los mismos. Finalmente, se utilizó el software Ftool para verificar la precisión de los resultados, que corroboraron los cálculos manuales, validando la aceptabilidad de los métodos aplicados.
Assessment of Risk Factors for Falls in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Hongyan , Jiang Yingzhao , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhu Caihong , Luo Lingyun , Hao Wenjie 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
To investigate risk factors for falls in hospitalized older adults to justify the adoption of targeted nursing measures.

Method
Meta-analysis was used to synthesize national and international published studies on risk factors for falls in hospitalized older adults.

Results
A total of 10 studies were included. Administration of psychotropic drugs, limb weakness, weak walking ability or unsteady gait, visual impairment, and history of falls were risk factors for the occur-rence of falls in hospitalized older adults. Administration of psychotropic drugs had the highest association with falls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.58, 3.14]) followed by limb weakness (OR = 1.59; 95% CI [0.26, 2.92]) and visual impairment (OR = 1.51; 95% CI [0.22, 2.80]). The lowest combined OR for the association between weak walking ability or unsteady gait and falls was 1.05 (95% CI [0.60, 1.50]) compared with 1.38 (95% CI [1.15, 1.60]) for history of falls.

Conclusion

The current meta-analysis derived risk factors for falls in hospitalized older adults, with results having greater stability and reliability than those of a single study. [
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17
(5), 238–245.]
Primary healthcare nurses’ experiences in managing chronic diseases during COVID-19 in the North West province
Authors: Mboweni Sheillah H. 
Published: September 2024

Background: The World Health Organization, stated that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic not only affected the socioeconomic well-being of millions but also had adverse effects on public health, particularly in the management of chronic diseases at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. What remained unknown was the experiences of professional nurses(PNs) working in PHC regarding this issue.Aim: The study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of PHC nurses in managing chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.Setting: The study was conducted in the North West province, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed to collect and analyse data. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and audio recorded with 16 PNs from five high-volume PHC facilities selected purposively.Results: The study’s findings reveal four themes: suboptimal care for patients with chronic disease, a lack of resources, mental health challenges experienced by PHC nurses, and stigma and discrimination from both family and community members.Conclusion: The neglect of PHC and its frontline healthcare staff has impeded the mental health of PHC workers and the management of chronic diseases thus any progress made in reducing the burden of chronic diseases is likely to have regressed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Contribution: Policymakers should prioritise strengthening PHC by implementing integrated disease management policies, ensuring ethical clinical standards, providing supportive supervision, fair resource allocation and capacity building for PHC staff. In addition, addressing stigma and discrimination, and raising awareness among families and communities is crucial for future pandemics to effectively manage both chronic and infectious diseases.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults treated at a district hospital outpatient department
Authors: Van Jaarsveldt Cara , Jabari Tlholohelo , Zwarts Elrine , Färber Simone , Sikuza Yothando , Schilling Heinrich , Pauw Sebastiaan , Klein Elizabeth , Van Rooyen Cornel , Joubert Gina , Van der Bijl Chantelle C. 
Published: September 2024

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of risk factors, including hypertension, high fasting blood glucose, high fasting triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels that may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among adults attending a Free State district hospital’s outpatient department.Methods: A cross-sectional study included a consecutive sample of consenting patients 18 years and older from 18 October 2021 to 19 November 2021. Patients’ waist circumference was measured, and data were extracted from patients’ files.Results: The 409 participants were predominantly females (64.2%). The median age was 60 years. Triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels were available for 27.4% and 26.9% of patients, respectively. Of the 278 (68.0%) patients with sufficient information to determine their MetS status, 187 (67.3%) had MetS. Of the males with sufficient information, 49.1% (n = 56/114) had MetS compared to 79.9% (n = 131/164) of the females with sufficient information (p 0.001). The age group 60–79 years had the highest prevalence (76.7%, p 0.001). In all race groups, at least two-thirds of patients had MetS (p = 0.831).Conclusion: Incomplete patient notes and failure to do investigations led to a third of patients not having sufficient information to determine their MetS status. In patients with sufficient information, a high prevalence of MetS was found.Contribution: This study highlights the challenges of determining MetS retrospectively in an outpatient population and the need for completeness of medical note keeping and routine investigations in high-risk patients. It also notes the high prevalence of MetS.
The impact of microplastics on neurodegenerative diseases and underlying molecular mechanisms: A narrative review
Authors: Weiss Alexander , Ding Yuchuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The widespread production and disposal of plastics have led to an alarming accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the environment with significant implications for human health. MPs have infiltrated and accumulated in various ecosystems around the world and consequently in human bodies, posing severe health risks, including the onset of, and acceleration of, neurodegenerative diseases. This review article explores the sources and routes of transmission by which MPs enter the central nervous system, including inhalation and direct penetration of the blood–brain barrier, detection strategies such as engineered nanostructures and gold nanoparticles, and the role of glial cells in exacerbating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s diseases, Parkinson’s diseases, and multiple sclerosis in the presence of MPs. Further, this paper emphasizes a call for action for further investigation and prevention strategies of the impact of MPs including environmental policy changes, advanced detection methods, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Unraveling the uncommon link: When diabetic ketoacidosis triggers posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Dey Saurav , Qureshi Faisal , Meshram Tanvi , Panda Ananya , Bhatia Pradeep 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological condition characterized by reversible subcortical vasogenic edema, presenting with symptoms, such as headache, vision changes, seizures, and altered mental status. We present a case of an 18-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus who developed PRES soon after recovering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The patient initially presented with symptoms of altered sensorium, shortness of breath, vomiting, and metabolic acidosis consistent with DKA. She developed progressive symptoms of headache, vision loss, and recurrent vomiting. Neuroimaging revealed vasogenic edema involving the white matter of bilateral parietal and occipital lobes, confirming the diagnosis of PRES. The pathophysiology of PRES is believed to involve endothelial dysfunction and disruption of the blood–brain barrier. In the case of DKA, proinflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors may contribute to the development of PRES. This case highlights the potential association between PRES and hyperglycemic states, such as DKA.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: A case series
Authors: Reddy Yavasani Neil Krishna , Jayaraman Harini , Acharya Himamshu , Rao Gururaja , Ganesh H. K. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a disorder most commonly observed in Asian men. It is characterized by acute flaccid paralysis with hypokalemia. The condition primarily affects the lower limbs and can be secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The main characteristic features of TPP are increased thyroid hormone levels, hypokalemia and proximal muscle weakness, or paralysis. In this study, we report six cases of TPP. All the cases had potassium levels of <2.5 mEq/L and weakness of limbs, which were reversed after the correction of potassium levels. The etiology of elevated thyroid hormone levels was found to be Graves’ disease in all the cases. Upon treatment of hyperthyroidism, none of the subjects had a recurrence of weakness. In young subjects with sudden-onset weakness, it is important to consider TPP as one of the differential diagnoses.
Effectiveness of Intra-articular Botulinum Toxin Type A with Hyaluronic Acid Compared to Intra-articular Platelet-rich Plasma with Hyaluronic Acid in Improving Pain and Functional Limitation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hegde Shubha V. , Khan Khaja Javed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain causing functional disability and dependency. Multiple interventions have been used in reducing pain and improving functionality. We intend to compare the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with botulinum toxin type A and HA in bilateral Grade 3 and 4 KOA.

Methods:
Prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted for 6 months. Among 54 participants, 27 received intra-articular botulinum toxin type A with HA (Group A), and the other 27 received intra-articular PRP with HA (Group B), single session. Pain (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]) and functional limitation (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) were assessed at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postintervention. Effect of weight and physiotherapy on NRS and WOMAC score were assessed. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed by statistical software R version 4.2.3.

Results:
Fifty-four participants were enrolled. There was no loss to follow-ups. Except for age (P < 0.001) and mean height (P = 0.013), other demographic data were insignificant. Preprocedural NRS was significantly high in Group A (P = 0.04). Overall NRS postprocedure was significantly lesser in Group B, P < 0.001. The mean WOMAC score postprocedure was significantly low in Group B, P < 0.001. Group B had increased heart rate which was statistically significant (P = 0.051). The mean reduction in WOMAC score was observed with regular physiotherapy in Group B (P = 0.023). Reduction in weight was directly proportional to reduction in NRS (P = 0.015).

Conclusion:
Intra-articular PRP with HA, single session, is effective in improving pain, functionality, and safe in Grade 3 and 4 KOA.
Minocycline Acts as a Neuroprotective Agent Against Tramadol-Induced Neurodegeneration: Behavioral and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Gholami Mina , Ghelichkhani Zahra , Aghakhani Reza , Klionsky Daniel J. , Motaghinejad Ozra , Motaghinejad Majid , Koohi Mohammad Kazem , Hassan Jalal 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Previous evidence indicates that tramadol (TRA) can lead to neurodegenerative events and minocycline (MIN) has neuroprotective properties.

Aim of the Study:
The current research evaluated the neuroprotective effects of MIN for TRA-promoted neurodegeneration.

Methods:
Sixty adult male rats were placed into the following groups: 1 (received 0.7 ml/rat of normal saline, IP), 2 (received 50 mg/kg of TRA, i.p.), 3, 4, 5 (administered TRA as 50 mg/kg simultaneously with MIN at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg, IP, respectively), and 6 (received MIN alone as 60 mg/kg, IP). The treatment procedure was 21 days. An open field test (OFT) was used to measure motor activity and anxiety-related behavior. Furthermore, oxidative stress; hippocampal inflammation; apoptotic parameters as well as activity of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV; ATP levels; and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. In addition, histomorphological alteration was assessed in two regions of the hippocampus: Cornu Ammonis (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG).

Results:
MIN treatment could inhibit TRA-induced anxiety and motor activity disturbances (P < 0.05). In addition, MIN could attenuate reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level (P < 0.05), while there was increased reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ATP, MMP, and BCL2 levels (P < 0.05) and also elevation of SOD, GPX, GSR (P < 0.05), and mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV activity (P < 0.05) in TRA-treated rats. In consistence with these findings, MIN could reduce TNF/TNF-α, IL1B/IL1-β, BAX, and CASP3 levels (P < 0.05) in TRA-treated rats. MIN also restored the quantitative (P < 0.05) and qualitative histomorphological sequels of TRA in both CA1 and DG areas of the hippocampus.

Conclusions:
MIN probably has repositioning capability for inhibition of TRA-induced neurodegeneration via modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial disorders.
Transforming public health education: Exploring the implementation and impact of innovative teaching methods
Authors: Septiani Riza , Baharuddin Dharina 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:
Innovative teaching methods are widely used as they provide valuable experiences for students in real-life situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Within the scope of public health, these methods appear feasible as a learning approach. This study aimed to determine the implementation of innovative teaching methods for the Faculty of Public Health.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
This study employed a qualitative exploratory approach and utilized in-depth interviews with six lecturers and focus group discussions (FGDs) with six students from the Faculty of Public Health, University of Muhammadiyah Aceh, conducted between April 10 and May 26, 2023. Data analysis involved interpretive and reflective reading, along with inductive processing.

RESULTS:
Overall, lecturers had never been exposed specifically to pedagogical science, although they have attempted to apply and combine various learning methods to introduce content learning experiences for students. Lecturers found that the application of innovative teaching methods was effective and practical in facilitating a deeper understanding of theory, putting theory into practice, and enhancing students’ skills related to subject courses. Students benefited from this approach and enjoyed attending lectures and activities, which also positively impacted lecturer satisfaction with their achievements in the teaching process.

CONCLUSION:
Through innovative teaching methods, students could grasp theory and improve their skills related to the subject matter, while lecturers also developed better teaching and facilitated skills and maintained their status as qualified and professional educators. Further exploration of lecture’s stress management is needed to have a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of innovative teaching methods.
Therapeutic patient education: Impact on lung function in Moroccan adult asthma patients?
Authors: El Abed Hanane , Ragala Mohammed E. A. , Lahsen Hanaâ Ait-Taleb , Benjelloun Mohamed C. , Halim Karima 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:
Despite the availability of effective asthma medications, the condition remains poorly controlled, making it one of the most common emergency room and physician visits each year. Appropriate asthma education programs are needed to maintain or improve optimal lung function in asthmatics. This study aimed to evaluate changes in lung function parameters in adult asthmatics before and after a structured educational intervention.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:
We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 157 adult asthma patients in the Pneumology Department of the Hassan II University Hospital in Fez, Morocco. The study was performed in three phases: patient recruitment and baseline data collection (March–May 2022), planning and implementation of educational sessions (June–July 2022), and lung function evaluation 3 months later (September–October 2022) after training. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire. Spirometry was also performed before education and 3 months after. All patients received a structured and collective educational intervention. Pre- and post-education results were compared using the Wilcoxon test for qualitative variables and the paired sample t-test for quantitative variables.

RESULTS:
There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in pulmonary function parameters (as a percentage of the reference value): forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FCV), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) sequentially increased from 66.73 ± 20.84 to 70.64 ± 19.06; 74.74 ± 17.29 to 79.67 ± 16.15 and 67.51 ± 23.39 to 71.93 ± 21.57.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results suggest that an educational intervention can be beneficial in reducing alterations in lung function in adult asthmatics.
Introducing professionalism and medical ethics in undergraduate integrative medical curriculum through a four-dimensional model
Authors: Atta Ihab S. 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:
To develop a method for designing the ethics and professionalism compatible with the integrative medical curriculum. So that the insertion of ethics and professionalism should start from the initial stages of the integrative program in an indirect manner through student-centered activities, passing through introducing some ethical topics that are appropriate for each module, developing a condensed module at the beginning of the clinical stage, and ended by developing a practical course in the internship period. In this way, a four-dimensional model to present ethics and professionalism has been introduced.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A questionnaire was conducted for students (230 students) and faculty (65 faculty members) to find out the current situation of ethics and professionalism and the extent of their aspiration and passion for developing it.

RESULT:
The result revealed low student and faculty satisfaction with the ethics presentation in the current situation. Educational objectives and outcomes have been developed, and the appropriate teaching model was selected, selecting the main topics, and mapped through a four-dimensional model and assigning the appropriate assessment tools and evaluation mechanisms.

CONCLUSION:
This model ensures that the student learns ethics and professionalism and breathes its rules from the beginning of his academic studies. In this way, the student will be able to practice those rules in an automatic and spontaneous manner without having any difficulty in practicing them. In addition, this model helps in breaking down the barriers between faculty members, the basic and clinical sciences, and medical departments which are one of the most important goals of integrative medical education.