bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Admission Categories, Programme, Race and Residence Status on MBBCh and BHSc Student Performance: Academic performance of 2021 Students in Physiology module
Authors: Chivandi Eliton , Pritchard Lynne , Mabizela Sfiso 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The course Medical Physiology and Biochemistry (PHSL 2004A) constitutes a mandatory component of the second-year curriculum for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) and Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) programmes within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. Throughout the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period spanning from 2013 to 2020, the pass rates of students in the PHSL 2004A course have consistently evoked no apprehension or noteworthy concern within the purview of the School of Physiology. However, a marked drop was observed in students’ pass rates in the 2020 cohort that sat the course’s assessments in 2021. Our study determined if students’ programme affiliation, residence status (on-campus or off-campus), admission category, and race affected PHSL 2004A pass rates in 2021. Data from 380 students (218 MBBCh; 162 BHSc) in the 2020 cohort was analysed. An independent sample t-test showed that MBBCh programme students (M = 60.76, SD = 17.21) had higher mean score of 12.70, 95% CI [9.404, 15.990] than BHSc counterparts (M = 47.98, SD = 14.34), 95% CI [9.490, 15.902], t (374), = 7.58, p = < .001, two-tailed, d = .79; demonstrating greater performance. Chi-square test of association showed that students’ residential status did not impact students’ pass rate (χ2 = 2.111, df = 1, N = 376, p < 0.146) albeit 72% of off-campus compared to 65% on-campus students passed the course. Admission category significantly impacted performance: MBBCh and BHSc students admitted in the top 40 category had high mean scores compared to counterparts in admitted in the top rural category and top BC category, respectively. The performance of students in PHSL 2004A was influenced by factors such as programmes affiliation and admission category, whereas residential status did not exhibit a significant impact on academic achievement in the course. However, it is deduced that beyond the influence of admission category and programme affiliation, the transition from conventional face-to-face pedagogical methods to virtual online modalities due to the exigencies of the COVID-19 pandemic may have adversely affected student performance. This negative impact is likely attributable to insufficient readiness and preparation among both learners and educators for the novel instructional approach.
Significant Winter Atlantic Niño effect on ENSO and its future projection
Authors: Park Jae-Heung , Yang Young-Min , Ham Yoo-Geun , Jo Hyun-Su , Park Hyo-Jin , Park So-Eun , Liu Chao , Mandal Gagan , An Soon-Il , Kug Jong-Seong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Atlantic Niño, a primary climatic variability mode in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, exhibits pronounced variability not only in boreal summer but also in winter. However, the role of Winter Atlantic Niño in trans-basin interactions remains underexplored compared to its summer counterpart. Through analysis of observational reanalysis data since the mid-twentieth century, here we found that Winter Atlantic Niño significantly influences the development of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), surpassing the impact of Summer Atlantic Niño with a longer lead time. This effect was reasonably captured in the historical simulation from the CMIP6, from a multi-model ensemble perspective. Further analysis with the global warming scenario projects that the influence of Winter Atlantic Niño on ENSO will persist into the future, contrasting with a reduced impact of Summer Atlantic Niño. Therefore, these findings underscore the importance of further investigating Winter Atlantic Niño for a comprehensive understanding of trans-basin interactions and their future change.
Conceptual Framework for the health and well-being of caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Molato Boitumelo Joy , Moloko-Phiri Salaminah , Koen Magdalena , Matsipane Molekodi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are an epidemic that continues to increase the burden of care among caregivers of orphaned children. Previous research has shown that providing care in an unsuitable environment has an impact on the health and well-being of caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans. The research also showed that the North West Province lacks a conceptual framework that addresses the health and well-being of caregivers caring for HIV/AIDS orphans. As a result, this study developed a conceptual framework to improve the health and well-being of caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the north-west province, South Africa.
Methods
A descriptive and contextual design was used. The practice-orientated theory by Dickoff, James, and Wiedenbach guided the development of the conceptual framework. These six steps include the agent, recipient, context, procedure, dynamics, and terminus.
Results
The study findings include home visits, health education, support during disclosure, routine monitoring of blood and growth, mobilisation of support systems and resources, and utilisation of government services.
Conclusion
The conceptual framework offers data that can help OTLs and registered nurses in PHC facilities improve the health and well-being of caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans by providing high-quality care. The framework guides OTLs and registered nurses in PHC institutions on the procedure to follow to improve and preserve the optimal state of health.
Understanding the motivators and barriers to sharing participant-level data and samples: A cross-sectional study with acute febrile illness cohort teams
Authors: Shreedhar Priya , Jaenisch Thomas , Naccache Mirna , Maxwell Lauren 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Sharing de-identified, participant-level clinical-epidemiological data, human biological samples, and human genetic data facilitates understanding diseases and the development of prevention strategies, diagnostics, and treatments. While there are increasing calls to share participant-level data and samples both during and outside the public health response to epidemics, several barriers remain.
Methods
We administered a cross-sectional, online survey to research teams that manage acute febrile illness (AFI) cohorts. We included questions on the researchers’ best and worst experiences, motivators, benefits, and barriers to sharing de-identified participant-level clin-epi data, human biological samples, and human genetic data during and outside epidemics. Using the political, ethical, administrative, regulatory, and legal (PEARL) framework, we classified the best and worst sharing experiences and employed the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare barriers between epidemic and non-epidemic settings.
Results
We received 78 responses to the survey from cohort study teams in 23 countries. Most respondents were cohort PIs, over 45, and advanced in their careers. Most cohorts were based in South America or Central America, focused on multiple pathogens, and collected and shared multiple data types and samples. Scientific collaborations with researchers outside their country were the most commonly reported best data or sample-sharing experience. Lack of benefit sharing was the most commonly reported worst sharing experience. Benefits and barriers to sharing did not vary significantly by data type or whether sharing happened during or outside of pandemics, except for regulatory barriers to sharing human biological samples which were significantly more important in epidemic than in non-epidemic settings.
Conclusions
The study highlights the need for stakeholders to improve data and sample-sharing practices for AFI researchers in LMICs, emphasising ethical considerations, benefit sharing, and streamlined administrative processes in both epidemic and non-epidemic settings.
Analysis of the Relationship between Medical Achievement Self-Efficacy Perception and Impostor Phenomenon in the Postgraduate Education Process: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: BATUR Ali , ARSLAN Volkan , TURAN Sevgi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to assess the correlation between the impostor phenomenon and the level of academic self-efficacy. Based on the acquired findings, it is possible to take supportive and preventive measures.
Methods
This descriptive study was carried out at the xxx University Faculty of Medicine. A total of 1133 residents were invited to participate in the study. The data were collected by using Google Forms. The response rate was 23.04% (n = 261).
Results
The age and sex of the participants did not significantly correlate with the Medical Achievement Self-Efficacy Scale (MASS) or Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) scores. The participants were divided into five groups at 12-month intervals according to the time at which the study was completed in the Department of Medicine. The median CIPS score of the 0–12 month group was 62 (Q1:53, Q3:70), and the median MASS score was 55 (Q1:44, Q3:67). A significant correlation was found between the time spent in the department and the CIPS score and the MASS score (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between the CIPS score and the independent variable (standardized B= -0.668, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
To improve the self-efficacy of residents, it is advisable to implement support and mentoring initiatives, especially starting from the initial year of residency. Academic self-efficacy can be enhanced by identifying groups with high levels of impostor syndrome and offering them the required support.
The Protective Role of Childhood Friendship on the Effects of Parental Depressive Symptoms and Adult Depressive Symptoms among People with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Yin Ruoyun , Cai Hongxia , Xiong Huan , Yang Xiujuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Individuals whose parents had depressive symptoms in childhood are more likely to develop depressive symptoms in adulthood than the general population. Few studies have explored the association between the above two in patients with cardiovascular disease(CVD). In addition, it is not clear whether childhood friendship plays an intermediary role between childhood parents' depressive symptoms and adult depressive symptoms.
Methods
In our study, we selected people suffering from CVD who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) life history survey and 2018 wave of CHARLS national baseline survey. We made statistical analysis on the assumption that childhood friendship was the mediator between childhood parental depression and adult depressive symptoms. Multi-level logistic regression analysis and Sobel Goodman mediation test were used to measure the association between childhood parental depression, childhood friendship and adult depressive symptoms.
Results
A total of 5565 participants were included in our study. The proportion of people with CVD having significant depressive symptoms accounted for 43.94%, which was higher than that of total population in the same period(36.62%, p<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that childhood parental depressive symptoms increased the risk of adult depressive symptoms(Model 3, OR: 1.621, 95%CI: 1.387–1.895). In contrast, childhood friendship was a protective factor for adult depressive symptoms (Model 3, OR: 0.788, 95%CI: 0.685–0.906), and played an intermediary role between childhood parental depressive symptoms and adult depressive symptoms. Through the Sobel-Goodman test, we found that the mediating effect of childhood friendship between the other two accounted for 6.14% of the total effect (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In middle-aged and elderly Chinese with CVD, childhood friendship is a protective factor of adult depressive symptoms, and it is the mediator between childhood parental depression and adult depressive symptoms.
The role of fluids in earthquake swarms in northeastern Noto Peninsula, central Japan: Insights from source mechanisms
Authors: Takano Sayaka , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Yukutake Yohei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A prolonged earthquake swarm has persisted since June 2018 in northeastern Noto Peninsula (central Japan), with activity focused into distinct southern, western, northern, and eastern clusters. To explore the role of fluids in the occurrence of this swarm, we analyzed the focal mechanisms of the earthquakes occurring from 1 January 2018 to 30 November 2022 and performed stress tensor inversions. The western, northern, and eastern clusters were dominated by a reverse fault-type mechanism with a horizontal P-axis oriented NW–SE. One of the nodal planes of those mechanisms aligns closely with the precisely relocated hypocenter distribution. The stress fields in these three clusters, as determined by stress tensor inversion, have maximum principal stresses oriented horizontally in the NW–SE direction and minimum principal stressesoriented vertically, aligning with the regional stress field. From these focal mechanisms and this stress field, we derived small misfit angles and large slip tendencies. These findings suggest that, in these three clusters, fluids diffused into faults largely aligned with the regional stress field, resulting in earthquakes with compatible focal mechanisms. Conversely, normal and lateral fault-type focal mechanisms, which are unfavorable to the regional stress field, dominated in the southern cluster. The estimated stress fields, deviating from the regional stress field, have maximum principal stressescloser to vertical and minimum principal stress oriented horizontally in the ENE–WSW direction. Misfit angles for earthquakes deeper than 15 km in the southern cluster are smaller for the local stress field than for the regional stress field, but the slip tendency is generally small for most earthquakes. These results suggest that earthquakes in the southern cluster, especially those deeper than 15 km, occurred on misoriented fault planes due to elevated pore fluid pressures. These findings provide strong evidence of the ascent of high-pore-pressure fluids from depth in the southern cluster and their subsequent diffusion into a southeast-dipping fault zone.
Integrative analysis of senescence-related genes in endothelial cells of Cerebral Ischemic Stroke patients
Authors: Li Biao , Li Shuai , Jing Yantao , Li Yue , Ma Longhui , Liang Qian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Growing evidence points that aging is a predominant risk factor for Cerebral Ischemic Stroke (CIS), caused by endothelial cells dysfunction and senescence. Our research was aimed to explore potential vital cellar senescence-related differentially expressed genes (CSRDEGs) as diagnostic biomarkers for CIS by bioinformatic analysis. We acquired 8058 DRGs from the combined dataset(GSE22255 and GSE58294, and filtered 377 CSRGs from the GeneCards database and existing literature. 147 CSRDEGs were chosen from intersecting DRGs and CSRGs, and 15 core genes were obtained via LASSO regression and SVM analysis combined, consisting of 4 senescence inhibitor genes and 10 senescence promoter genes. There were 6 CSRDEGs expression levels (EWSR1, HJURP, SMARCA4, GKN1, MAP2K6, NEK1) could distinguish the high or low CSs. Association between 15 core genes and immune cell infiltration revealed that BLK positively correlated with naive B cells, while KAT5 inversely correlated with memory quiescent CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, through constructed a Logistic regression model and identified the model efficacity by various methods. Which suggested that 3 model genes (CSNK2A1, HJURP, MAP2K6) had a great diagnostic efficacy in CIS patients. AUC of ROC was 0.876 (95%CI 0.815–0.937). Finally, we found 23 miRNA molecules and 64 transcription factors (TFs) associated with 3 model genes. In summary, CSNK2A1, HJURP, MAP2K6 have potential opportunity to be as diagnostic markers of CIS at early stage.
Forensic Radiometric Assessment of Cattle Organs and Chicken Giblets and Estimation of their Radiological Health Risk on Man
Authors: Agbalagba Ezekiel O. , Agbalagba Hannah O. , Egarievwe Stephen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in twelve organs of cows and six chicken giblets samples from different locations of Delta region of Nigeria were studied using a 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm Na (TI) detector. Average activity concentrations of 727.09, 86.57 and 16.58 Bqkg–1 in cattle organs and 309.45, 57.71 and 9.02 Bqkg–1 in chicken parts were obtained for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively. The highest activity concentration of 226Ra and 232Th in cattle was obtained in the rumen and heart respectively, while in chicken both were gotten in the gizzard. Radiological risk parameters of internal hazard index, absorb dose rate, annual effective dose, total annual effective ingestion dose and lifetime cancer risk resulting from consumption of cattle organs and chicken giblets were estimated for adult population based on the available data on consumption rate of samples. The mean values obtained are 0.68, 79.44 \(\eta Gy {h}^{-1}\), 48.71 µSvy–1, 107.50 µSvy–1 and 376.25\(x{10}^{-6}\) for cattle organs and are 0.41, 43.87 \(\eta Gy {h}^{-1}\), 26.90 µSvy–1, 57.98µSvy–1 and 202.93\(x{10}^{-6}\)for chicken giblets respectively. While the mean absorbed dose rate was slightly higher than world average, all other four radiological risk parameters values are below and within the recommended world permissible level for the adults. These results shows that there is no considerable radiological threat to public health from the consumption of cattle organs and chicken giblets in the Delta region of Nigeria. Thus, the cattle organs and chicken parts examined are radiologically safe for consumption.
Developing a palaeoceanographic proxy based on the dimensions of Adercotryma glomeratum populations: a case study in Drake Passage region (Antarctic Peninsula)
Authors: PASSOS Camila Cunha , MARTINS Maria Virginia ALVES , Duleba Wânia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Drake Passage is a highly hydrodynamic region that is difficult to navigate due to adverse weather conditions and intense surface currents. This study investigates how the bottom hydrodynamic regime influences the size of foraminiferal tests on the Antarctic Peninsula. For this, the species Adercotryma glomeratum (an agglutinated species of foraminifera) was chosen, as it was the only species abundant in the seven selected stations. Five stations (EB-1 to EB-5) are located in a region with a depth of ~ 480 m and two in a deep area of ~ 3,800 m (DK-1 and DK-2). All the tests were individually measured along their long axis and classified according to size. The most frequently recorded size range of A. glomeratum varied between ≈ 90–180 µm. The average test size and standard deviation were lower at stations EB-1 to EB-5, with coarser-grained sediments. The cluster analysis based on grain size, morphometric data of A. glomeratum, and depth shows that the largest sizes of this species tend to occur in fine-grained sediments at stations DK-1 and DK-2. The fine-grained sediments at stations DK-1 and DK-2 indicate the presence of calmer bottom conditions. These results suggest that in deep-sea environments, the stable areas, under calmer hydrodynamic conditions, enable longer life cycles of living foraminifera and the development of populations with bigger individuals, namely of A. glomeratum. The data obtained in this work suggest that the size of A. glomeratum populations can be used as an indicator of the stability/instability of the environment. Thus, the size of the individuals that make up the populations of A. glomeratum, and probably other foraminiferal species, can be used in paleoenvironmental reconstructions as a trace of disturbances or environmental stability in deep-sea settings, such as that of the Southern Ocean.
Cost Savings of Home Parenteral Nutrition Compared to Hospital Parenteral Nutrition: A Multicentre Prospective Analysis
Authors: Martinuzzi Andres , Crivelli Adriana , Flores Agustin , Manrique Ezequiel , Pochettino Fabricio , Muñiz Hector Solar , Billinger Maria Cristina , Garrido Veronica , Cascaron Maria Fernanda , Capurro Gabriela , Gonzalez Victoria , Dietrich Ailen , Foursova Daria , Carello Antonio , Aviles Omar , Dieguez Natalia , Gondolesi Gabriel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a safe and effective type of nutrition support. Several publications demonstrate the impact of Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) reducing health care costs. The question is, are HPN practices in Latin America also cost saving when compared with hospital PN? This study aimed to compare the direct costs of healthcare and non-healthcare of HPN to Hospital PN costs in Argentina through a prospective, analytical, and longitudinal, multicentre non-interventional study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Adult Patients with PN were included and followed during the last week of Hospital PN (Week − 1 before discharge), through the first week of HPN (Week + 1), and until the first month of HPN (Month + 1). Clinical, nutritional, and cost variables were recorded. Continuous variables (mean ± SD or median Q1–Q3), were tested whit T-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank test. Categorical (frequencies and percentages) were tested with the McNemar test. The total direct cost (Total Direct healthcare cost + Total Direct non-healthcare cost) from Hospital PN Week − 1 was compared with HPN Week + 1. Additionally, HPN Month + 1 was compared with an estimate of the total costs of Hospital PN Month − 1. A difference was considered significant with a two-sided p-value < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS 26.
RESULTS
Forty-four patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Comparing HPN Week + 1 vs Hospital PN Week − 1. HPN was associated with lower total direct healthcare costs (HPN U$S 2.863,1+/-633,1 vs Hospital PN U$S 4.361,2+/-743,1. P < 0,001 Mean Difference U$S − 1.498,1 CI 95% -1.203,2 : -1.789,9). Lastly, the total direct cost (healthcare and non-healthcare) was lower in the HPN setting vs. the Hospital setting for 1 week (U$S 2.987,4+/-639 vs. 4439,8+/-761,5 P < 0.001 Mean Difference U$S -1.452,0 CI 95% -1.756,28 : -1.148,4). The cost reduction of HPN for 1 week was 32% (20.3% − 42.8%) and for 1 month was 36% (27.5% − 48.5%).
CONCLUSIONS:
HPN is cost saving compared to Hospital PN. The major cause of this cost reduction is mostly related to direct Healthcare costs.