bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting malignancy of thyroid nodule using EU-TIRADS ultrasound score in an area of iodine deficiency
Authors: Moumen Amal , Benabdelfadil Yousra , Derrou Sara , Kessab Amine , Sinaa Mohamed , Safi Somaya , El Guendouz Faycal 
Published: August 2024

Background:
In iodine-deficient region, thyroid nodules (TN) are more frequent and the proportion of benign nodules is higher compared to areas with sufficient iodine intake.
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess factors associated to malignant TN specially the Eu-TIRADS ultrasound score in a Moroccan population with high prevalence of iodine deficiency.
Methods:
In a prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled outpatients referred for TN with Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) indication according to EU-TIRADS 2017 classification. Malignancy of TN was defined by histological results indicating a thyroid malignancy on thyroid micro-biopsy or after surgical resection if indicated.
Results:
225 TN were enrolled. The median of the patients’ age was 54 (42.5 ; 62) years-old. The prevalence of malignant TN was 8.9%. Malignant TN were significantly smaller than non-malignant ones (p = 0.008) and sub-centimetric TN were more frequent in malignant TN (25% vs 1.5%; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, male gender (OR : 9.33 ; 95% CI [2.02 ; 43.01]; p = 0,004) and EU-TIRADS 5 score (OR : 55.6 ; 95% CI [9.34 ; 327.91] ; p < 0.001) were independent factors associated with malignant TN. The EU-TIRADS 4 score was not associated to malignant TN.
Conclusion
Our data suggest a trend of over-diagnosing indolent thyroid cancer. The EU-TIRADS 4 score was not associated to TN malignancy. Considering clinical, accessory sonographic features and size threshold for FNAB in EU-TIRADS 4 score TN may refine the diagnosis performance of this score category in our population.
Use of technology to learn English in Ecuadorian classrooms: a case study in Morona Santiago province
Authors: Cárdenas Sánchez Silvia Elizabeth , Huera Paltán Byron Paúl , Machado Herrera Paúl Hernán 
Published: August 2024

Introducción. El uso de Internet se ha convertido en una herramienta esencial en nuestros días. Los estudiantes están más dispuestos a utilizar dispositivos con acceso a internet para realizar sus tareas. En las aulas ecuatorianas, el acceso a internet es limitado en algunos lugares. Por ejemplo, este estudio se llevó a cabo en una escuela primaria pública y la información proporcionada demuestra que no todos los estudiantes tienen acceso a conexión a Internet en casa o el uso de un teléfono celular es el dispositivo más común para completar las tareas en línea. Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la disposición a completar tareas fuera del aula utilizando plataformas con acceso a internet para mejorar el aprendizaje del idioma inglés. Metodología. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en un entorno en el que los estudiantes de 8º a 10º curso rellenaron una encuesta sobre el acceso a internet, los dispositivos tecnológicos para hacer los deberes en casa y la disposición a utilizar internet para completar tareas en inglés. Luego los datos fueron analizados y comparados para obtener una visión general de los dispositivos dominantes y la importancia del acceso a internet en casa para completar las tareas. Resultados. Fueron 150 los estudiantes que completaron la encuesta y los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de ellos tiene acceso a internet en casa; pero, alrededor de 126 estudiantes afirmaron que utilizan teléfonos móviles para completar tareas o buscar información en internet. Sin embargo, 142 estudiantes mencionaron que estaban dispuestos a practicar inglés en casa o hacer tareas utilizando plataformas que requerían conexión a internet. Conclusión. La forma en que los estudiantes aprenden y realizan actividades ha cambiado drásticamente como resultado de las mejoras tecnológicas, especialmente en el campo de la enseñanza del inglés. Es imposible sobrestimar el valor de la conexión a Internet para los estudiantes, ya que les permite acceder a una gran cantidad de herramientas e información que pueden mejorar su educación. Además, la tecnología simplifica la colaboración y la comunicación entre estudiantes y profesores, lo que facilita la obtención de apoyo y retroalimentación. De este modo, los estudiantes podrán aprovechar las ventajas del aprendizaje digital, mejorar eficazmente sus conocimientos de inglés y prepararse para un futuro en el que la competencia técnica no hará sino aumentar. Área de estudio general: Educación y Tecnología. Área de estudio específica: Enseñanza del Inglés y Tecnologías de la Información. Tipo de estudio: Estudio de caso.
Hip microinstability and its association with femoroacetabular impingement: A scoping review
Authors: Caliesch Rahel , Beckwée David , Taeymans Jan , Schwab Joseph M , Renaud Thomas , Brossard Quentin , Hilfiker Roger 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Hip microinstability has become a recognized cause of non-arthritic hip pain and disability in young patients. However, its pathophysiology remains unclear. We want to (1) present an overview of the evidence of hip microinstability and of its association with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), (2) map out the type of evidence available, and (3) make recommendations for future research.
Methods: A deductive analysis and extraction method was used to extract information. In addition, diagnostic accuracy statistics were extracted or calculated.
Results: Of the 2,808 identified records, 123 were eligible for inclusion. Different definitions for microinstability exist. A standardized terminology and clear diagnostic criteria are lacking. FAI and microinstability may be associated and may aggravate each other. Conservative treatment strategies for FAI and microinstability are similar. The reported prevalence of microinstability in combination with FAI ranges from 21% to 42% in adults undergoing hip arthroscopy or magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) of the hip.
Conclusion: Hip microinstability and FAI may be associated, occur together, or exacerbate each other. To better address this topic, a standardized terminology for microinstability is essential. Achieving consensus on physical examination and diagnosis is also necessary. Initial efforts to establish uniform diagnostic criteria have been made, but further work is needed. Specifically, randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes aimed at reducing symptoms in individuals with microinstability, with or without FAI. Such studies will enable clinicians to manage microinstability with greater confidence within this context.
Cuidados de enfermagem à pessoa idosa indígena com hipertensão arterial: Protocolo de revisão de escopo
Authors: Lima Aléxia Victória Barbosa de , Reis Deyvylan Araujo , Costa Ana Maria Souza da , Gomes Vanessa de Oliveira 
Published: August 2024

Objetivo: Mapear evidências científicas sobre os cuidados de enfermagem à pessoa idosa indígena com hipertensão arterial no cenário mundial. Metodologia: Protocolo de revisão de escopo conduzida nas recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). A busca dos estudos será realizada no período de dezembro de 2023 a julho de 2024, sem recorte temporal, em bases de dados e biblioteca eletrônica como LILACS, MEDLINE/ via PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, BDENF, SciELO, o catálogo de teses e dissertações da Capes e Europa OpenGrey, sendo os dois últimos denominados de literatura cinzenta. Os revisores serão constituídos por dois revisores que trabalharão de forma independente e um revisor que decidirá sobre as discordâncias ou dúvidas. Resultado esperado: Os resultados da revisão serão apresentados de forma descritiva. Espera-se encontrar evidência científica sobre cuidados de enfermagem a essa população. Conclusão: Este estudo apresenta o desenvolvimento de um modelo reprodutível que destaca com detalhes as etapas de um protocolo de revisão de escopo, seguindo todos os preceitos e rigor científico.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN JABATAN FUNGSIONAL PENGAWAS URUSAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH (PPUPD)
Authors: Thahir Baharuddin 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRAK. Terdapat masalah kelembagaan, kewenangan dan sumber daya manusia (SDM) dari pengawas pemerintahan. SDM menyangkut kapasitas individu dan kemandirian seorang pengawas pemerintahan. Teori Grindle dalam Ardiansyah, Aksanul Khalis, Ubaidullah (2020, hlm. 13) indikator implementasi suatu kebijakan dilaksanakan secara optimal ditentukan oleh substansi kebijakan dan lingkungan kebijakan dilaksanakan. Penelitian menggunakan kualitatif deskriptif dan model strategi analisis verifikasi kualitatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan induktif. Metode ini dipergunakan karena mengkaji terkait konsistensi antara kebijakan dan pelaksanaan Jabatan Fungsional PPUPD. Konsistensi tersebut memperhatikan isi dan lingkungan yang turut mewarnai kebijakan. Konsistensi merujuk pad keadaan yang dinamis, adanya adaptasi atas fenomena dan realitas pemerintahan daerah di Indonesia. analisis data dengan dua model analisis, yaitu model strategi analisis verifikasi kualitatif dan model strategi deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik analisis data itu diantaranya: Teknik Analisis Isi, Observasi terseleksi, Observasi Terfokus, Analisis Interaktif, Analisis Tema, dan Teknik Analisis Wacana Kritis. Berdasarkan fokus tersebut diketahui bahwa adanya jabatan fungsional pengawas pemerintahan (PPUPD) pada aspek kelembagaan yang dilekatkan pada inspektorat daerah (Provinsi dan kabupaten/kota). Hal yang menyebabkan pengawasan relatif sulit dilakukan karena obyek yang diawasi/diperiksa adalah kepala daerah ataupun pejabat yang secara administratif dan kepegawaian merupakan atasan dari pejabat PPUPD. Pada aspek kewenangan mengalami keterbatasan karena hanya melakukan pengawasan pada aspek pelaksanaan urusan pemerintahan namun tidak menyentuh pada aspek keuangan dan asset. dan pada aspek sumber daya manusia, mengalami keterbatasan baik dilihat pada sisi jumlah maupun kualitas.

Kata Kunci: Kebijakan, Jabatan fungsional, Pengawasan, Pemerintah Daerah
Lingkungan Kerja Dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada PT. BPRS Lantabur Tebuireng Jombang
Authors: Naila Nur Hasanatun , Anah Lik 
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji tentang persoalan seberapa pengaruh hubungan Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. BPRS Lantabur Tebuireng Jombang. Metode atau teknik yang digunakan dalam penelitian yakni metode kuantitatif dengan jenis asosiatif yang bersifat kausal atau sebab akibat. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 39 responden mengggunakan teknik sampel jenuh. Hasil penelitian ini memperoleh hasil bahwa (1) Lingkungan Kerja terdapat pengaruh signifika pada Kinerja karyawan pada PT. BPRS Lantabur Tebuireng Jombang (2) Disiplin Kerja berpengaruh signifika pada Kinerja Karyawan pada PT. BPRS Lanatabur Tebuireng Jombang. (3) Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja secara bersamaan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Kinerja karyawan pada PT. BPRS Lanatabur Tebuireng Jombang.
The Effect of Social Media Application-Based Interventions on HIV Adherence to ARV Medication among Patients with HIV
Authors: Herawati Eva , Nursanti Irna , Irawati Diana , Natashia Dhea , Damayanti Sri Utami 
Published: August 2024

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of health interventions based on social media applications on HIV patients' adherence to taking ARV medication.
Method: In this study, 76 were selected using a quasi-experimental methodology and a purposive sampling technique. then divided into two distinct groups: intervention and control. During the study, respondents in the intervention group received treatment in the form of reminders via WhatsApp and the SiARV web application. The control group was only given standard health services without any technology-based health interventions.
Results: Significant changes in treatment adherence were observed in both the intervention group (p=0.001) and the control group (p=0.001). The difference in treatment adherence between the intervention group and the control group was statistically significant (p=0.040). In the context of multivariate analysis, education was found to be predictive of changes in respondent Adherence (p = 0.019; OR = 3.692).
Discussion: Awareness of ARV adherence can be increased and maintained through SiARV social media as a strategy for reminding and controlling patient adherence
Conclusion: HIV patients' adherence to taking ARV medications is affected by health interventions utilizing social media applications. It is anticipated that providing HIV patients with application-based interventions and a high level of patient knowledge through education will enhance their quality of life.
Nutritional and anti-nutritional compositional analysis of transgenic potatoes with late blight resistance
Authors: Moyo Mukani , Magembe Eric , Mwaura Lucy , Byarugaba Arinaitwe Abel , Barekye Alex , Nyongesa Moses , Taracha Catherine , Ghislain Marc 
Published: August 2024

Late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease affecting potato production globally, with adverse effects in Africa where limited access to fungicides exacerbates its impact. Outbreaks of late blight lead to reduced yields and substantial economic losses to potato farmers and agricultural systems. The development of resistant potato varieties, tailored to African agroecological conditions, offers a viable solution in mitigating the devastating effects of late blight on potato cultivation. Leading to this study, two consumer-preferred varieties, Victoria and Shangi, with high susceptibility to late blight were targeted for conferring late blight resistance through genetic engineering. This was achieved by inserting R genes from wild relatives of potato displaying resistance to the disease. The intended effect of conferring resistance to the late blight disease has been consistently observed over twenty experimental field trials spanning 8 years at three locations in Uganda and Kenya. In this study, we assessed whether the genetic transformation has led to any significant unintended effects on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of potato tubers compared to the non-transgenic controls grown under the same agroecological conditions. The compositional assessments were conducted on commercial-size potato tubers harvested from regulatory trials at three locations in Uganda and Kenya. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way analysis of variance comparing transgenic and non-transgenic samples. Overall, the results showed that the transgenic and non-transgenic samples exhibited similar levels of nutritional and antinutritional components. Variations detected in the levels of the analysed components fell within the expected ranges as documented in existing literature and potato composition databases. Thus, we conclude that there are no biologically significant differences in the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of transgenic and non-transgenic potato tubers engineered for resistance to late blight.
Comparison between thermal ablation and surgery in low risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: a prospective study
Authors: Gong Wenbo , Zhang Runfang , Zhang Songtao , Zhai Yifei , Zheng Chen , Zhang Dongyan 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of life outcomes between thermal ablation and surgical interventions in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsA prospective study was undertaken, enrolling patients with PTC ≤5mm who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation (LA), or surgery, for analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes. The Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire was administered to all patients before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.ResultsA total of 162 eligible patients were included in the study. Major complications were not observed in the RFA and LA groups, while five cases were reported in the surgery group, although no statistically significant differences were observed. Minor complications were documented in two, three, and 14 patients in the RFA, LA, and surgery groups, respectively, with no significant variances noted. Surgical duration and hospitalization time were notably shorter in the thermal ablation groups. At the final follow-up, complete disappearance of nodules was seen in 71.4% of cases treated with RFA and 71.0% of cases managed with LA, with no significant disparities between the groups. Both RFA and LA exhibited similar effects on quality of life, with thermal ablation techniques showing better functional outcomes in comparison to surgery. Across all groups, adverse effects were most pronounced at the 3-month post-treatment mark but gradually reverted to baseline levels in the thermal ablation group, contrasting with the surgery group.ConclusionsFor PTC ≤5mm, both RFA and LA exhibited similar cancer control outcomes and superior quality of life on par with surgery, while minimizing complications. These findings underscore the promise of RFA and LA as potential standard treatments for small PTCs, subject to further confirmation in future studies.
Applying neural ordinary differential equations for analysis of hormone dynamics in Trier Social Stress Tests
Authors: Parker Christopher , Nelson Erik , Zhang Tongli 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: This study explores using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (NODEs) to analyze hormone dynamics in the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during Trier Social Stress Tests (TSST) to classify patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).Methods: Data from TSST were used, measuring plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations. NODE models replicated hormone changes without prior knowledge of the stressor. The derived vector fields from NODEs were input into a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for patient classification, validated through cross-validation (CV) procedures.Results: NODE models effectively captured system dynamics, embedding stress effects in the vector fields. The classification procedure yielded promising results, with the 1x1 CV achieving an AUROC score that correctly identified 83% of Atypical MDD patients and 53% of healthy controls. The 2x2 CV produced similar outcomes, supporting model robustness.Discussion: Our results demonstrate the potential of combining NODEs and CNNs to classify patients based on disease state, providing a preliminary step towards further research using the HPA axis stress response as an objective biomarker for MDD.
In-field 3D printing of form-fitted generatively designed components—a case study on paralympic sit-ski equipment
Authors: Nesheim Ole S. , Eikevåg Sindre W. , Steinert Martin , Elverum Christer W. 
Published: August 2024

Creating specialized components featuring complex structures typically involves extensive time, CAD modelling and manual labor. However, with the right combination of tools and knowledge, complex components can be generated, manufactured, and utilized within hours, rather than weeks or months. By creating a portable manufacturing setup, the designer can produce components on site, significantly enhancing accessibility. An example where time and accessibility are of vital importance is in paralympic cross country skiing where training schedules are tight and snow conditions vary. The aim of this study was to generate and manufacture form-fitted, lightweight knee-supports for a Paralympic sit-ski athlete within 4 days. This was done by 3D printing components generated using Fusion 360s Generative Design (GD), based on inputs from the athlete’s geometry, material testing and force data resulting from the athlete’s weight and movement. A precise fit around the knees was achieved using a high-accuracy 3D scanner and modelling software to create an adjustable prototype to determine knee positions and key angles. Force data from the knees were gathered using a digital twin sit-ski. Based on the collected data, the maximum forces inserted into the GD model were 700N and 500N for the right and left knee, respectively. Material data was obtained through testing ABS samples manufactured under the same conditions as the knee-supports themselves. The Young’s modulus was calculated to EXY=1.945±0.061GPa and EXZ=2.123±0.108GPa and UTS was σXY=31.408±0.774MPa and σXZ=25.859±1.956MPa. The GD model generated seven models to choose from for each knee. The supports were manufactured using a 3D printer modified to increase the volumetric flow, effectively reducing manufacturing time. Manufacturing time of the final knee-supports were 6 h 33 min and 7 h 24 min and the total weight of the components including support structures were 468 g and 532 g for the right and left knee, respectively. Later optimized print settings reduced the manufacturing time to 4 h 40 min. In total, two iterations of knee-supports were produced, and the final lightweight versions were mounted onto the sit-ski within 4 days. Qualitative feedback from the athlete revealed improved fit, increased stability, surprisingly short manufacturing time and a generally pleasing result.
Efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: comparative analysis with topical miconazole in a single-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pane Marco , Chisari Emanuele 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) significantly impacts women’s quality of life and often shows a high recurrence rate despite conventional antifungal therapies. This study evaluates the efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum (LF5), a probiotic, as an alternative treatment option to conventional miconazole therapy in managing VVC.MethodsThe randomized, single-blind clinical trial involved 100 premenopausal women diagnosed with VVC. Participants were assigned to either a vaginal capsule containing LF5 probiotic strain or miconazole. Treatments were administered once daily for three consecutive days. Microbiological eradication of Candida spp. and recurrence rates were assessed at 30 days post-treatment. The trial was registered with the Italian Ministry of Health.ResultsBoth treatments achieved a high rate of microbiological eradication of Candida spp. within the three-day treatment period (96% for LF5 and 94% for miconazole). Recurrence rates within 2 weeks post-treatment were low and similar between the groups (10% for LF5 and 17% for miconazole). LF5 was found to have a significantly lower incidence of local adverse reactions compared to miconazole (4 vs. 12%).DiscussionLF5 presents a viable alternative to miconazole for the treatment of VVC, offering comparable efficacy with fewer side effects. The results suggest that probiotic treatments can potentially enhance patient compliance and quality of life by reducing adverse reactions and recurrence rates. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger and more diverse populations.