bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age in Kenya: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Okyere Joshua , Ayebeng Castro , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo examine the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among women of reproductive age in Kenya, highlighting the prevalence and risk factors.DesignCross-sectional design based on the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.SettingKenya.Primary outcomesPredict the burden of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, depression, anxiety, breast and cervical cancer.ResultsOverall, 15.9% of Kenyan women aged 15–49 years were living with at least one NCD. The most prevalent NCD among this cohort was hypertension (8.7%) followed by arthritis (2.9%) and depression (2.8%). Our findings revealed that increasing age, increasing wealth, being married or formerly married, being overweight or obese, consuming alcohol and some occupations were risk factors of NCDs among women of reproductive age in Kenya.ConclusionWe conclude that hypertension is the most prevalent NCD among women of reproductive age in Kenya. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of NCD risk factors in Kenya, emphasising the importance of targeted interventions that consider age, economic status, education, marital status, occupation and lifestyle factors.
Efficacy and safety of butylphthalide in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (EBMCI study)
Authors: Wang Pin , Sun Wenxian , Gong Jin , Han Xiaodong , Xu Chang , Chen Yufei , Yang Yuting , Luan Heya , Li Shaoqi , Li Ruina , Wen Boye , Lv Sirong , Wei Cuibai 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe efficacy of multitarget neuroprotective drug DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) in improving cognitive function has been confirmed in patients with vascular cognitive impairment without dementia. However, its efficacy in patients with symptomatic predementia phase of Alzheimer’s disease remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NBP in improving cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a clinical randomised controlled trail.Methods and analysisThis study is a 12-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentric trial, involving 270 patients with MCI. Subjects are randomly assigned to receive either NBP soft capsule (200 mg, three times per day) or placebo with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The efficacy and safety of NBP are assessed by comparing the results of neuropsychological, neuroimaging and laboratory tests between the two groups. The primary endpoint is the change in Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale after 12 months. All patients will be monitored for adverse events.Ethics and disseminationThis study involving human participants has been reviewed and approved by Ethics Committee of Xuan Wu Hospital (No.2017058). The participants provide their written informed consent to participate in this study. Results will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals and disseminated to healthcare professionals at local and international conferences.Protocol versionV 3.0, 3 September 2022.Trial registration numberChiCTR1800018362.
Defining indicators for disease burden, health outcomes, policies and barriers and facilitators to health services for migrant populations in the Middle East and North African region: a protocol for a suite of systematic reviews
Authors: Seedat Farah , Evangelidou Stella , Abdellatifi Moudrick , Bouaddi Oumnia , Cuxart-Graell Alba , Edries Hassan , Elafef Eman , Maatoug Taha , Ouahchi Anissa , Mathilde Pampiri Liv , Deal Anna , Arias Sara , Abdelkhalek Adel , Arisha Ahmed Hamed , Assarag Bouchra , Bani Ibrahim Ahmed , Chaoui Aasmaa , Chemao-Elfihri Wafa , Hassouni Kenza , Hilali Mahmoud , Khalis Mohamed , Mansour Wejdene , Mtiraoui Ali , Wickramage Kolitha , Zenner Dominik , Requena-Mendez Ana , Hargreaves Sally , Migrant Health Working Group MENA 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe Middle East and North African (MENA) region is characterised by high and complex migration flows, yet little is known about the health of migrant populations, their levels of underimmunisation and access to healthcare provision. Data are needed to support regional elimination and control targets for key diseases and the design and delivery of programmes to improve health outcomes in these groups. This protocol describes a suite of seven systematic reviews that aim to identify, appraise and synthesise the available evidence on the burden and health outcomes, policies and access (barriers and facilitators) related to these mobile populations in the region.MethodsSeven systematic reviews will cover three questions to explore the: (1) burden and health outcomes, (2) policies and (3) healthcare barriers and facilitators for the following seven disease areas in migrants in the MENA region: tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B and C, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, diabetes, mental health, maternal and neonatal health, and vaccine-preventable diseases. We will search electronic databases for studies in any language (year 2000–2023), reference-check relevant publications and cross-check included studies with experts. We will search for grey literature by hand searching key databases and websites (including regional organisations and MoH websites) for country-specific guidelines and talking to our network of experts for local and regional reports and key datasets. We will assess the studies and policies for their quality using appropriate tools. We will meta-analyse the data by disease outcome if they are of sufficient volume and similarity. Where meta-analysis is not possible and where data are on policy or access, we will narratively synthesise the evidence using summary tables, figures and text.DisseminationWe anticipate disseminating the findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and other formats relevant to all stakeholders. We are following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and protocols will be registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.
Exploring the literature on racism and health practitioner regulation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chiu Patrick , Louie-Poon Samantha , Leslie Kathleen , Kung Janice Y 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionRacism in healthcare leads to significant harm to healthcare professionals and the clients, families and communities they serve. Increasingly, health practitioner regulators—responsible for protecting the public and ensuring practitioner competence—are recognising the importance of reforming policies and practices to contribute to antiracist regulatory approaches. Examples of this work include developing specific standards of practice related to antiracism and antidiscrimination, supporting education and training, re-evaluating discriminatory licensure policies for internationally educated professionals and reforming internal governance structures to address unconscious bias. An understanding of the current state of literature can help identify knowledge gaps and inform the development of research agendas that can build the evidence base required to improve health practitioner regulators’ approaches to addressing racism.The objective of this scoping review is to explore the nature, extent and range of literature focused on racism and health practitioner regulation and identify gaps in the literature.Methods and analysisThe review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. Database searches will include OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection. The review will include papers that discuss how health practitioner regulation can contribute to and perpetuate interpersonal and institutional racism, and how regulatory policies and practices can help address racism. We will also search for grey literature using the websites of leading regulatory organisations. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Findings will be presented using evidence tables and a narrative summary. Reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not applicable to this review protocol. Findings will be disseminated through presentations, meetings with health practitioner regulators and a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
International Classification of Disease based Injury Severity Score (ICISS): a comparison of methodologies applied to linked data from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Berecki-Gisolf Janneke , Rezaei-Darzi Ehsan , Fernando D Tharanga , DElia Angelo 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe International Classification of Disease Injury Severity Score (ICISS) provides an efficient method to determine injury severity in hospitalised injury patients. Injury severity metrics are of particular interest for the tracking of road transport injury rates and trends. The aims of this study were to calculate ICISS using linked morbidity and mortality datasets and to compare predictive ability of various methods and metrics.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of Admitted Patient Data Collection records from New South Wales, Australia, linked with mortality data. Using a split sample approach, design data (2008–2014; n=1 035 174 periods of care) was used to derive survival risk ratios and calculate various ICISS scales based on in-hospital death and 3-month death. These scales were applied to testing data (2015–2017; n=575 306). Logistic regression modelling was used to determine model discrimination and calibration.ResultsThere were 12 347 (1.19%) in-hospital deaths and 29 275 (2.83%) 3-month deaths in the design data. Model discrimination ranged from acceptable to excellent (area under the curve 0.75–0.88). Serious injury (ICISS≤0.941) rates in the testing data varied, with a range of 10%–31% depending on the methodology. The ‘worst injury’ ICISS was always superior to ‘multiplicative injury’ ICISS in model discrimination and calibration.ConclusionsIn-hospital death and 3-month death were used to generate ICISS; the former is recommended for settings with a focus on short-term threat to life, such as in trauma care settings. The 3-month death approach is recommended for outcomes beyond immediate clinical care, such as injury compensation schemes.
High early mortality following percutaneous nephrostomy in metastatic cancer: a national analysis of outcomes
Authors: Dosanjh Amandeep , Coupland Benjamin , Mytton Jemma , King Dominic Stephen , Mintz Harriet , Lock Anna , Nanton Veronica , Mariappan Param , Trudgill Nigel , Patel Prashant 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesTo assess the outcomes of percutaneous nephrostomy in England for renal decompression, in the context of metastatic cancer.MethodsRetrospective observational study of all patients undergoing nephrostomy with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer from 2010 to 2019 in England, identified and followed up within Hospital Episode Statistics.The primary outcome measure was mortality (14-day and 30-day postprocedure). Secondary outcomes included subsequent chemotherapy or surgery and direct complications of nephrostomy.Results10 932 patients were identified: 58.0% were male, 51.0% were >70 years old and 57.7% had no relevant comorbidities (according to Charlson’s criteria, other than cancer).1 in 15 patients died within 14 days of nephrostomy and 1 in 6 died within 30 days. Factors associated with higher 30-day mortality were the presence of comorbidities (Charlson score 1–4 (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.50, p=0.003), score 5+ (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.45), p<0.001)); inpatient nephrostomy (OR 3.76, 95% CI 2.75 to 5.14, p<0.001) and admitted under the care of specialities of internal medicine (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.84 to 2.40, p<0.001), oncology (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.15, p<0.001), gynaecology/gynaeoncology (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.28, p=0.002) or general surgery (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.98, p<0.001)), compared with urology.25.4% received subsequent chemotherapy. Receiving chemotherapy was associated with younger patients (eg, age 18–29 (OR 4.04, 95% CI 2.66 to 6.12, p<0.001) and age 30–39 (OR 3.07, 95% CI 2.37 to 3.97, p<0.001)) and under the care of oncology (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.83, p<0.001) or gynaecology/gynaeoncology (OR 1.64, 95%CI 1.28 to 2.10, p<0.001) compared with urology.43.8% had subsequent abdominopelvic surgery. Not receiving surgery was associated with inpatient nephrostomy (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.72 to 0.95,p=0.007): non-genitourinary cancers (eg, gynaecology/gynaeoncology cancer (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.99, p=0.037)); and under the care of a non-surgical specialty (medicine (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.77, p<0.001), oncology (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.66, p<0.001)).24.5% of patients had at least one direct complication of nephrostomy: 12.5% required early exchange of nephrostomy, 8.1% had bleeding and 6.7% had pyelonephritis.ConclusionsThe decision to undertake nephrostomy in patients with poor prognosis cancer is complex and should be undertaken in a multidisciplinary team setting. Complication rates are high and minimal survival benefit is derived in many patients, especially in the context of emergency inpatient care.
Circular orbits and accretion disk around AdS black holes surrounded by dark fluid with Chaplygin-like equation of state
Authors: Mustafa G. , Maurya S. K. , Ditta A. , Ray Saibal , Atamurotov Farruh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the present work we study the geodesic motion and accretion process of a test particle near an Anti-de Sitter (ADS) BH surrounded by a dark fluid with a Chaplygin-like equation. Within the defined paradigm, we investigate on the equatorial plane and examine circular geodesics along with their features related to stabilities, radiation energy flux, oscillations and orbits. The general form of the fluid accretion onto the AdS BH through dynamical analysis and mass expansion also has discussed in a depth. Additionally, a few more interesting topics, e.g. the effective potential, angular momentum, specific energy, radiation energy and epicyclic frequencies have also been examined thoroughly. All the attributes are physically acceptable within the observational signatures and ranges.
Investigation of full-charm and full-bottom pentaquark states
Authors: Azizi K. , Sarac Y. , Sundu H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe continuous advancement of experimental techniques and investigations has led to observations of various exotic states in particle physics. Each addition to this family of states not only raises expectations for future discoveries but also focuses attention on such potential new states. Building upon this motivation and inspired by recent observations of various traditional and exotic particles containing an increased number of heavy quarks, our study provides a spectroscopic search for potential pentaquark states with spin-parity $$\frac{3}{2}^-$$

3
2

-

and composed entirely of charm or bottom quarks. We predict the masses for full-charm and full-bottom pentaquark states as $$m = 7628 \pm 112$$

m
=
7628
±
112

MeV and $$m = 21,982 \pm 144$$

m
=
21
,
982
±
144

MeV, respectively. We also compute the current couplings of these states to vacuum, which are main inputs in investigations of their various possible decays.
Why insect swarms seem unduly complicated
Authors: Reynolds Andy M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMating swarms of flying male insects are a form of collective behaviour, albeit one different from flocks and schools as they do not display ordered collective movements. In recent years, much progress has been made in uncovering the emergent mechanical-like and thermodynamic-like of such swarms. Nonetheless, two basic properties of this swarming behaviour remain unexplained. Namely, why do individual insects have erratic rather than regular flight patterns? And why are the swarms elliptical rather than circular? Here I account for this seemingly undue complexity. I show that regular flight patterns weaken an individual’s attraction to the swarm centre, making swarms less resilient to the presence of environmental disturbances. I then show that the elliptical shape of swarms of the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius optimizes the trade-off between maximizing swarm size (target size for females) and maximizing swarm stability. Finally, I show that the observed excess velocity kurtosis of swarming C. riparius maximizes swarm cohesiveness. Taken together the new results provide the first tentative evidence for fine-tuning in insect mating swarms driven by selection pressure for advantageous behaviours.
Graphic abstract
Vitamin C Alleviates the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Associated With Exposure to Metals
Authors: Wang Ying , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Ping , Chen Xi , Feng Yongliang , Yang Hailan , Jin Lan , Huang Huang , Shi Xiaoming , Wang Suping , Zhang Yawei 
Published: July 2024

Background: Exposure to heavy metals has been suggested to increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through the oxidative stress pathway. The study is aimed at examining whether vitamin C could modify the association between exposure to heavy metals and risk of GDM.Methods: We conducted a case‐control study in Taiyuan, China, with 776 GDM cases and 776 controls. Data on vitamin C intake from diet and supplements were collected through questionnaires. Concentrations of metals in participants’ blood were measured using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Unconditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate effect modification of vitamin C on the association between heavy metals and GDM.Results: Women with higher blood levels of mercury (Hg) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43, 3.92 and 2.04, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.46 for the second and third vs. the first tertile) and arsenic (As) (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.37, 4.43 and 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.17 for the second and third vs. the first tertile) exposure were associated with increased risk of GDM among women without vitamin C supplement use and having dietary vitamin C intake < 85 mg/day. We found no significant association with metals among women who took vitamin C supplements and/or dietary vitamin C ≥ 85 mg/day. Significant interactions were observed between vitamin C and exposures to metals (i.e., Hg and As) on the risk of GDM (Pinteraction = 0.048 and 0.045, respectively).Conclusions: Our study, for the first time, suggests that vitamin C supplement use or higher dietary vitamin C intake during preconception and early pregnancy could alleviate the risk of GDM associated with exposure to As and Hg. The results warrant further investigation.
Correlations of Serum Lipid Parameters and Atherogenic Indices With Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Among Apparently Healthy Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicenter In‐Hospital Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Dienda Yves Mayambu , On′kin Jean-Bosco Kasiam Lasi , Natuhoyila Aliocha Nkodila , Lubenga Yves , Swambulu Tresor Mvunzi , M’buyamba-Kabangu Jean-René , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin , Phanzu Bernard Kianu 
Published: July 2024

Background: In adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, lipid ratios are predictors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). However, whether this also applies to adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. This study is aimed at assessing the correlations of serum lipid parameters and atherogenic indices with LVDD in patients with T2DM.Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 203 patients with T2DM aged 59.9 ± 13.6 years (111 males, sex ratio: 1 : 2 in favor of males) from eight randomly selected urban hospitals. Demographic information was collected, an anthropometric assessment was performed, and blood pressure was measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained to assess total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TGs), glucose, and glycated hemoglobin. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli Risk Index I (CRI‐I), Castelli Risk Index II (CRI‐II), atherogenic coefficient, and non‐HDL‐C were determined using specific formulas. Diastolic function was assessed using echocardiography as per the 2016 updated guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI).Results: Approximately 47.8% of the participants had LVDD. Compared with participants with normal diastolic function, those with LVDD were more likely to be older than 55 years (p < 0.001), tended to have obesity (p = 0.045), had a higher risk of developing dyslipidemia (p = 0.041), and higher AIP and CRI‐II (p < 0.05) levels while having similar low HDL‐C and hypertriglyceridemia frequencies. In the multivariate model adjusting for age, high AIP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–5.34) and high CRI‐II (aOR: 3.80; 95% CI: 2.25–6.35) were independent determinants of LVDD.Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of considering atherogenic indices, primarily AIP and CRI‐II in the management of T2DM patients. High AIP and high CRI‐II could serve as surrogate markers of LVDD, an early cardiovascular manifestation in patients with T2DM.
Identifying English as a foreign language students’ attitude to improving speaking skills through collaboration
Authors: Alzubi Ali Abbas Falah , Nazim Mohd , Ahmad Jalal 
Published: July 2024

Speaking skills, being an essential part of effective communication, are significant for English as a foreign language (EFL) students in today’s globalized world, and collaborative learning, being heterogeneous, assists them with more possibilities for enhancing and practicing the skills through a supportive environment, constructive feedback, and opportunities for real-world conversations. Therefore, this study aimed to identify EFL students’ attitudes toward enhancing speaking skills in a collaborative learning environment. The researchers, to achieve the study objective, used the descriptive survey method to collect the data from a sample of 360 participants in the Preparatory Year (PY) at Najran University. The study's instruments included a closed-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The results showed students having positive attitudes toward a collaborative learning environment can highly enhance their speaking skills. In addition, the respondents’ study level did not impact their responses to enhancing speaking skills in a collaborative learning environment; however, male students showed higher attitudes than their female counterparts. Finally, the interview analysis showed that students' speaking skills can be improved in a collaborative learning environment in many ways including a supportive environment, interesting activities, and technology use. Based on the findings, the study recommends incorporating collaborative learning strategies to strengthen other language skills.