bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian network model of ethno-racial disparities in cardiometabolic-based chronic disease using NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Babagoli Masih A. , Beller Michael J. , Gonzalez-Rivas Juan P. , Nieto-Martinez Ramfis , Gulamali Faris , Mechanick Jeffrey I. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundEthno-racial disparities in cardiometabolic diseases are driven by socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Bayesian networks offer an approach to analyze the complex interaction of the multi-tiered modifiable factors and non-modifiable demographics that influence the incidence and progression of cardiometabolic disease.MethodsIn this study, we learn the structure and parameters of a Bayesian network based on 20 years of data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the pathways mediating associations between ethno-racial group and cardiometabolic outcomes. The impact of different factors on cardiometabolic outcomes by ethno-racial group is analyzed using conditional probability queries.ResultsMultiple pathways mediate the indirect association from ethno-racial group to cardiometabolic outcomes: (1) ethno-racial group to education and to behavioral factors (diet); (2) education to behavioral factors (smoking, physical activity, and—via income—to alcohol); (3) and behavioral factors to adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) and then other cardiometabolic drivers. Improved diet and physical activity are associated with a larger decrease in probability of ABCD stage 4 among non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals compared to non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic (HI) individuals.ConclusionEducation, income, and behavioral factors mediate ethno-racial disparities in cardiometabolic outcomes, but traditional behavioral factors (diet and physical activity) are less influential among NHB or HI individuals compared to NHW individuals. This suggests the greater contribution of unmeasured individual- and/or neighborhood-level structural determinants of health that impact cardiometabolic drivers among NHB and HI individuals. Further study is needed to discover the nature of these unmeasured determinants to guide cardiometabolic care in diverse populations.
Primary healthcare services’ accessibility and quality under compulsory social health insurance in Kazakhstan
Authors: Shurenova Makhabbat , Kurakbayev Kuralbay , Abildaev Tleukhan , Tazhiyeva Aigul 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionBetween 2020 and 2022, there was a rise in employment and entrepreneurial activity, despite some unemployment growth. In the Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), insured individuals, especially privileged and wage workers, increased. However, certain contributors, like those exempt from contributions and single social taxpayers, decreased, possibly due to legislative changes or the economic climate. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of medical services within the frameworks of Compulsory Social Health Insurance and the state Guaranteed volume of free medical care based on data regarding waiting times and the volume of services provided.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data from 2020 to 2022 on patients receiving care under Kazakhstan’s Mandatory Social Medical Insurance System (MSMIS) and Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care. Data included insurance status, labor market indicators, and medical service procurement. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and t-tests, with p-values indicating statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05).ResultsIt has been identified that overall, the execution of the plan for all types of medical care in Kazakhstan, including Almaty, reaches 100.0%, indicating sufficient financial support for the healthcare system. Rehabilitation centers and COVID-19 testing services stand out with shorter waiting times, whereas comprehensive diagnostic and advisory services require significantly longer waiting periods. The Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care typically offers a greater number of services with shorter waiting times compared to MSMIS, except for specialized medical care services in diagnosing new formations, where the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care also has shorter waiting times but provides a greater number of services.ConclusionThe study has allowed us to identify differences in the availability and volume of medical services provided between Compulsory Social Health Insurance and the state Guaranteed volume of free medical care.
Risk factors associated with cutaneous anthrax outbreaks in humans in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Sukanta , Islam Md. Saiful , Haider Najmul , Hossain Muhammad Belal , Alam Md. Ashraful , Sharif Md. Ahmad Raihan , Uzzaman M. Salim , Rahman Mahbubur , Rahman Mahmudur , Haque Farhana 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesTo determine the risk factors associated with cutaneous anthrax infection in humans.MethodsDuring 2013–2016, we investigated total 26 anthrax outbreaks across the country. We additionally conducted a case–control study to identify risk factors by recruiting four controls for each enrolled case. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated to identify risk factors using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOver the study period, a total of 1,210 suspected cutaneous anthrax cases were identified in seven districts of Bangladesh. Most of the cases (61%, n = 744) were detected from Meherpur district. Cases were detected over the year, with the peak number of outbreaks occurring in May. The overall attack rate of suspected cutaneous anthrax cases for 16 outbreaks was 20%, with the highest rate occurring among individuals aged 40–49 years. Persons who had a cut injury (aOR 19.04, CI: 4.08–88.86), weighed raw meat (aOR 5.73, CI: 3.03–10.83), mixed bones and meat (aOR 4.64, CI: 3.03–7.09), observed livestock slaughtering (aOR 2.86, CI: 2.02–4.04), had direct contact to an anthrax suspected livestock (aOR 2.68, CI:1.61–4.45), slaughtered livestock (aOR 2.29, CI: 1.3–4.02), and who did not wash hands with soap and water after direct contact (aOR 2.57, CI: 1.89–3.5) were more likely to develop cutaneous anthrax than people who did not have these exposures.ConclusionPrior cut injuries on exposed body areas during meat handling and slaughtering of sick livestock were identified as potential risk factors for cutaneous anthrax, highlighting the importance of preventing the slaughter of sick animals. However, stopping slaughtering sick livestock, handling meat and livestock by-products to reduce anthrax exposures from livestock to humans may be difficult to achieve given the associated financial incentives in Bangladesh. Interventions such as hand washing with soap during slaughtering and processing meat can be targeted to affected communities to ameliorate some risk.
Preference of urban and rural older people in Shandong Province for long-term care insurance: based on discrete choice experiment
Authors: Jin Wenxue , Wang Junlei , Hu Xiaoqian 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSevere population ageing and weak long-term care support systems has spurred China’s pilot program for long-term care insurance (LTCI). This study aimed to provide references for optimizing long-term care insurance policies in Shandong Province by measuring the preferences of urban and rural older people for LTCI.MethodsBased on the discrete choice experiment, a questionnaire survey was conducted on urban and rural older people from Shandong Province. A mixed logit model was used for data analysis and the relative importance of attributes, willingness to pay, and preference heterogeneity based on residence type, number of children, chronic conditions, gender, education level and financial situation were further estimated.ResultsThe results showed that individual premium, reimbursement rate and whose provision of home-based care can be reimbursed had a significant effect on the LTCI preference of urban and rural older people in Shandong Province. Benefit package and government subsidy lost statistical significance in full sample but played a role in certain subgroups. There were also differences in preferences for individual premium among different groups of older people.ConclusionOptimizing the policy design of long-term care insurance based on the actual needs of the older adults can help increase the utility of them and promote the smooth implementation of long-term care insurance.
The effect of community environment on the trajectory of depressive symptoms and cohort differences among middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Li Xuyang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundUrbanization has changed the living environment of middle-aged and older Chinese adults, but it also brings certain mental pressure to them. Few studies have explored the effect of community environment on the development trajectory and the cohort differences of depressive symptoms in Chinese individuals.MethodsBased on the longitudinal data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2020, using three-level hierarchical linear growth model, this study examined the effect of community environment on the trajectory of depressive symptoms and cohort differences among middle-aged and older Chinese adults in five cohorts from 1920 to 1929, 1930–1939, 1940–1949, 1950–1959, and 1960–1966.ResultsThe results of this study showed that middle-aged and older adult individuals who lived in neighborhoods with better community physical and social environments had a protective effect on depressive symptoms. There was a cohort difference in the development of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. The baseline depressive symptoms in the later birth cohorts were higher than those in the earliest cohort, and the development rate were also significantly higher. The role of community environment in the development rate of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adult individuals varied across the cohort. A better community social environment had a more significant moderating effect on the development rate of depressive symptoms in the early birth cohort (1930–1939), and a better physical environment had a more significant moderating effect on the development rate of depressive symptoms in the 1940–1949 cohort.ConclusionUnder the strategic background of healthy aging in China, the construction and improvement of community environment should become an important part of coping with the realistic challenges of the aging population, such as the expanding scale of depressed population among the middle-aged and older adult individual.
Sexual and reproductive health literacy and its associated factors among adolescents in Harar town public high schools, Harari, Ethiopia, 2023: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Debella Adera , Tamire Aklilu , Bogale Kasahun , Berhanu Bekelu , Mohammed Hanan , Deressa Alemayehu , Gamachu Mulugeta , Lami Magarsa , Abdisa Lemesa , Getachew Tamirat , Hailu Saba , Eyeberu Addis , Heluf Helina , Legesse Henok , Mehadi Ame , Husen Dilbo Jemal , Angassa Wkuma Lensa , Birhanu Abdi 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, the utilization of sexual and reproductive health information during adolescence is considered to be low. The aim of this study was to assess the level of sexual and reproductive health literacy among adolescents in Ethiopia as well as the factors associated with sexual and reproductive health literacy in this population.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Systematic sampling methods were used to select 909 study participants. A validated scale was used, consisting of 31 questions with a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was computed, ranging from 31 (minimum score) to 155 (maximum score), which was finally categorized into limited and adequate sexual and reproductive health literacy. A multivariate linear regression model was fitted to determine the factors influencing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health literacy.ResultsThe percentage of adolescents with slightly adequate and excellent sexual and reproductive health literacy was 38.9% and 6.3%, respectively. On the other hand, 677 (74.5%) participants overall had limited sexual and reproductive literacy. Healthcare workers and reading books were the preferred sources of sexual and reproductive health information that were associated with higher sexual and reproductive health literacy by 6.42 (95% CI 1.62–11.22) and 6.57 (95% CI 1.62–11.22), respectively. Adolescents' ability to pay for their healthcare was associated with better sexual and reproductive health literacy by 13.76 times (95% CI 8.21–19.32).ConclusionMore than three-quarters of the adolescents had limited sexual and reproductive health literacy. Sources of sexual and reproductive health information, including healthcare workers, books, and the Internet, were significantly associated with adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health literacy. Hence, primary stakeholders need to incorporate sexual and reproductive health into the curriculum at high schools.
Intertwined roles for GDF-15, HMGB1, and MIG/CXCL9 in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Zamora Ruben , Yin Jinling , Barclay Derek , Squires James E. , Vodovotz Yoram 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionPediatric Acute Liver Failure (PALF) presents as a rapidly evolving, multifaceted, and devastating clinical syndrome whose precise etiology remains incompletely understood. Consequently, predicting outcomes—whether survival or mortality—and informing liver transplantation decisions in PALF remain challenging. We have previously implicated High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) as a central mediator in PALF-associated dynamic inflammation networks that could be recapitulated in acetaminophen (APAP)-treated mouse hepatocytes (HC) in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is involved along with HMGB1 in PALF.Methods28 and 23 inflammatory mediators including HMGB1 and GDF15 were measured in serum samples from PALF patients and cell supernatants from wild-type (C57BL/6) mouse hepatocytes (HC) and from cells from HC-specific HMGB1-null mice (HC-HMGB1−/−) exposed to APAP, respectively. Results were analyzed computationally to define statistically significant and potential causal relationships.ResultsCirculating GDF-15 was elevated significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in PALF non-survivors as compared to survivors, and together with HMGB1 was identified as a central node in dynamic inflammatory networks in both PALF patients and mouse HC. This analysis also pointed to MIG/CXCL9 as a differential node linking HMGB1 and GDF-15 in survivors but not in non-survivors, and, when combined with in vitro studies, suggested that MIG suppresses GDF-15-induced inflammation.DiscussionThis study suggests GDF-15 as a novel PALF outcome biomarker, posits GDF-15 alongside HMGB1 as a central node within the intricate web of systemic inflammation dynamics in PALF, and infers a novel, negative regulatory role for MIG.
Animal welfare of Lacaune lambs weaned from artificial feeding
Authors: Moreno Manrique María , Mínguez Balaguer Carlos , Ibáñez Sanchis Carla , González Clari Marta , Villagrá García Arantxa , Bueso Ródenas Joel 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNowadays, many dairy sheep farms opt for milk replacers after birth. Weaning lambs from milk replacers is expected to be a stressful situation.MethodsWith the aim of researching this practice on the animal behavior, body weight yields, and sanitary status of Lacaune lambs, 60 healthy animals from the same lambing house were employed. Lambs were housed in a pen and had ad libitum access to forage, compound feed, and milk replacers. During a 4 days preexperimental period in which all the animals were fed with milk replacers, behavior, hematologic parameters, body weight and seric and fecal stress indicators were recorded. Later, an experimental period took place in which 20 lambs remained in the same conditions. Another 20 lambs were kept in a separate pen in the same barn under the same conditions, but the artificial milk feeding was interrupted (weaning). The third 20 lambs were weaned and also rehoused in fattening pens. After 4 days, the variables previously recorded in the three groups during the pre-experimental period were recorded again.ResultsResults showed that change of location and change of feed can have different and synergic effects on the behavior of the lambs. Change of feed had not specifically different effect on body weight than change of location. In the other hand, weaning had no significative effects on hematologic parameters and seric and fecal stress indicators.DiscussionWeaning from artificial milk had significative effects on lambs weight and behavior. More research is needed to improve this ethical aspect in ovine production.
Veterinary neurology residency training in Europe—A survey on preparation and plans
Authors: Gonçalves Rita 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionDifficulties in recruitment of veterinary specialists to academia is an ongoing problem for university teaching hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of veterinary neurology specialists that plan to work in academia after their residency training and identify the main factors that may influence that decision.MethodsAn electronic survey was distributed to European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) residents in training and those that completed their residencies within the previous 12 months.ResultsDespite similar numbers of residents training in clinical practice and academic institutions, most respondents (79.7%) planned to work in private practice. The most influential factors for deciding future workplace were quality of life, salary, location, and the number of other specialists (with specialists in subjects other than neurology viewed as more important than neurologists) working in the same institution. The most common reasons for not choosing academia were low compensation, excessive bureaucracy, and high administrative workload compared to private clinical practice.DiscussionAcademic institutions need to review support for academic staff and provide stronger mentorship to overcome these problems and ensure provision of high-quality undergraduate teaching in veterinary neurology as well as promoting advancement of the field through basic and applied research.
Post-pandemic impact on a private university in Malaysia: adapting strategies for sustainable education in chemistry
Authors: Chong Sheau Huey , Wong Pei Ying 
Published: October 2024

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic marked an unprecedented disruption in global education systems, affecting a vast population of approximately 1.6 billion learners across over 200 countries. Specifically, within Malaysia, where private universities hold a significant role in shaping the educational sphere, the pandemic brought about notable shifts in higher education. This research focuses on the post-pandemic impact on a private university situated in the Malaysian capital, focusing on transformations in teaching and learning approaches, student engagement, and technological integration in chemistry education. Through an in-depth analysis of diverse data sources from students and literatire review, this study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by the teaching and learning process in chemistry and the strategies employed to mitigate the adverse effects. In addition, the study also discusses the potential long-term transformations in higher education that may persist beyond the pandemic and offers recommendations to ensure the resilience and adaptability of private universities in Malaysia. Understanding the post-pandemic impact on private universities is crucial for formulating effective policies and strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in the evolving educational landscape.
Tuberculose em crianças e adolescentes: uma análise epidemiológica no Estado de Alagoas entre os anos de 2012 e 2022
Authors: Santos Anne Carolina Lima dos , Vitalino Antonnia Vidal , Santos Anna Letícia Simplício dos , Alécio Isabelle Wanessa Cavalcanti de Melo , Campos Letícia Lima , Bastos Luiz Cláudio Gomes 
Published: October 2024

A tuberculose (TB) é uma doença transmissível de evolução crônica causada pelo bacilo intracelular Mycobacterium tuberculosis, também conhecido como Bacilo de Koch (BK), e é a principal causa de problemas de saúde e de mortes em todo o mundo. Os casos pediátricos de tuberculose representam 10% de todos os casos da doença e, em 2015, estima-se que houveram 210.000 mortes por tuberculose em crianças. Objetiva-se descrever o panorama epidemiológico da tuberculose em crianças e adolescentes no estado de Alagoas entre 2012 a 2022. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico com dados do Sistema de Informações e Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e cedidos pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Foram considerados apenas aqueles indivíduos a partir dos 0 até aos 19 anos de idade diagnosticados com a doença entre esse período, além da faixa etária, sexo, município de residência, forma da doença, tipo de entrada e coinfecção por pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV). Verificou-se um total de 1.313 casos de tuberculose nessa amostra, sendo mais da metade; 67,47% (n=886) casos; em indivíduos dos 15 aos 19 anos. Durante a década observada, houve pouca oscilação entre os números de casos a cada ano, mas a prevalência foi relativamente maior para os indivíduos do sexo masculino, com 701 casos (53,38%), e a forma predominante da doença foi a pulmonar com 1063 casos (81%), seguida pela extrapulmonar com 222 casos (16,9%). Ao analisar o tipo de entrada, quase 90% (n=1163) do total dessa amostra são casos novos e ao verificar a relação da doença com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV), nota-se que em pelo menos 48 casos (4%) estão associados ao ao patógeno. No entanto, em 31,3% (n=411) o teste para HIV ainda estava em andamento quando houve o registro no DATASUS ou, infelizmente, não fora realizado, o que dificulta a melhor compreensão quantitativa dessa variável e subestima a verdadeira relação entre a tuberculose e imunodepressão nesses indivíduos. A manutenção da quantidade de casos notificados ao longo de 10 anos evidencia um resultado pouco satisfatório das ações em saúde e apontam para uma grande dificuldade de erradicação da tuberculose na população infantil e adolescente no estado de Alagoas. Dessa forma, continuam sendo necessárias estratégias de reforço para o combate à doença.
Variations in hematological parameters of Brazilian Bonsmara cattle at different stages of lactation
Authors: Machado Laiz Basso , Oliveira Wilson Junior , Mundim Antonio Vicente , Guimarães Ednaldo Carvalho , Barbosa Fernando Cristino , Oliveira Vinícius José de , Pereira Douglas Alves 
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological parameters of non-lactating Bonsmara cows and cows at different stages of lactation. A total of 119 cows were used, divided into four groups according to the number of lactations. The hematological evaluations performed were erythrogram and leucogram using automated equipment. The descriptive statistical analysis of the data was performed with a 5% significance level. The experiment followed the ethical principles of animal experimentation (CEUA-UFU protocol 053/2018). Significant differences were found in first lactation animals for erythrocyte count and in second lactation animals for erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, globule volume and platelets. In third lactation animals, significant differences were found for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets. In non-lactating animals, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration showed a significant difference. For the leukogram, significant changes were found in the third lactation animals for rods; and in the concentration of total leukocytes and lymphocytes in the non-lactating animals. This study on the hematology of Bonsmara cattle can serve as a reference base for hematological parameters and as a stimulus for further research on the subject.