bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where there is no neurologist: Task-shifting Care for Migraine and Tension-type headaches to nurses in rural communities in Cameroon
Authors: Njohjam Mundih Noelar , Ngoule Mark Olivier , Tonga Emanuelle Mylene , Annick-Sandra Jouonang Teugang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cameroon is home to over 28 million inhabitants and 40 neurologists giving a neurologist/inhabitant ratio of 1.4 per 1,000,000 inhabitants. These neurologists are located in the urban areas. In most rural health facilities in Cameroon, nurses and community health workers are the primary providers of care, often with limited training in the diagnosis and management of health conditions such as headache disorders. The aim of this project was to train primary healthcare nurses in rural areas on the assessment and management of migraine and tension-type headaches, as well as the identification and early referral of secondary headaches. We also aimed to provide them with tools that will allow them to accurately diagnose, treat, and/or refer patients with headaches who present to their health centres.
Methods
Thirty-three randomly selected primary healthcare nurses working in rural communities were trained on the basic assessment and management of migraine and tension-type headaches. Follow up training sessions were organized quarterly to reinforce knowledge and skills. A pre- and post-training assessments were done based on the Kirkpatrick taxonomy, to assess the impact of the training on the clinical practice of the nurses.
Results
There was a statistically significant improvement in the participants’ knowledge in the definition of headache (P < 0.001), differentiating between primary and secondary headache (P < 0.001), identification of red flags of headaches (P < 0.001), prescription of medications for migraine and tension-type headaches (P < 0.001), medication overused headaches (P = 0.001), when to refer a headache case (P = 0.022) and patient counselling (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant improvement in the confidence in assessing, managing and referring a patient with a headache.
Conclusion
Where there are no physicians or neurologists, task-shifting care of migraine and tension-type to primary healthcare nurses may help to reduce the treatment gap.
High-purity and stable single-photon emission in bilayer WSe2 via phonon-assisted excitation
Authors: Munkhbat Battulga , Piccinini Claudia , Paralikis Athanasios , Neto José , Madigawa Abdulmalik , Wyborski Pawel , Remesh Vikas , Vannucci Luca , Gregersen Niels 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The excitation scheme is essential for single-photon sources as it prepares the exciton state, defines the decay dynamics, and influences the spectral diffusion of the emitted single photons. Here, we investigate the impact of three different optical excitation strategies on the single-photon emission characteristics of bilayer WSe2 quantum emitters. Under phonon-assisted excitation, we achieve narrow and stable single-photon emission with a purity reaching 0.94±0.02. Furthermore, the decay time is reduced by more than an order of magnitude from (16.65±2.39) ns for above-band excitation to (1.33±0.04) ns for phonon-assisted excitation. Finally, we observe a suppressed spectral wandering along with a two-fold reduction of the spectral linewidth. Our comprehensive investigation highlights the critical role of the excitation method in optimizing the performance of WSe2-based quantum emitters.
Staphylococcus aureus ST764-SCCmecII high-risk clone in bloodstream infections revealed through national genomic surveillance integrating clinical data
Authors: Sugai Motoyuki , Hisatsune Junzo , Kutsuno Shoko , Iwao Yasuhisa , Ishida-Kuroki Kasumi , Yahara Koji , Kitamura Norikazu , Kajihara Toshiki , Kayama Shizuo , Sugawara Yo , Kitagawa Hiroki , Ohge Hiroki , Mizukami Tomoyuki , JARBS-SA Consortium , Kawano Fumio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the highest priority organisms exhibiting this phenotype. Here, we performed a national surveillance integrating patient clinical data of S. aureus isolated from bloodstream infections. We performed genome sequencing, standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and collected clinical metadata of 580 S. aureus isolates collected during 2019–2020. We focused on three predominant clonal complexes (CC1, CC5, and CC8) and assessed their microbiological and clinical significance and regional prevalence. Furthermore, we conducted a genomic comparison of the isolates of 2019–2000 with those of 1994–2000 and investigated the evolutionary trajectory of emerging clones from the three dominant clonal complexes. We revealed that the emerging MRSA ST764-SCCmecII showed the highest mortality rate within 30 days of hospitalization. This high-risk clone diverged from the New York/Japan clone (ST5-SCCmecII), which was inferred to have undergone repeated infections with phages carrying superantigen toxin genes and acquired antimicrobial resistance genes via mobile genetic elements, leading to its emergence around 1994. Overall, we provide a blueprint for a national genomic surveillance study that integrates clinical data and enables identification and evolutionary characterization of a high-risk clone.
Sleep traits and thyroid gland: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012 and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Qiu Rongliang , Fu Jinbo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Common sleep problems reduce quality of life and increase chronic disease risk. The relationship between sleep traits and thyroid function is unclear. This study explores the association between sleep traits and thyroid using NHANES data and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Materials and Methods: Data from NHANES 2007-2012 were used to assess the relationship between sleep traits and thyroid function using weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. A two-sample MR study was conducted using GWAS summary statistics, and methods like Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) were used to explore the causal relationship between sleep traits and thyroid disease. Sensitivity analysis ensured robustness.
Results: The study included 6919 NHANES participants. Logistic regression showed higher TSH levels in the long sleep group (P < 0.0001, β= 0.85, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.15). Lower FT3 levels were found in the normal sleep group (P = 0.0030, β= -0.06, 95% CI: -0.06, -0.00). TT4 levels were lower in those with sleep disorders (P = 0.0157, β= -0.11, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.02). Long sleep was positively associated with TGAb positivity (P = 0.0288, OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.07), while sleep disorders were negatively associated with TGAb positivity (P = 0.0176, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.95). MR analysis indicated a positive association between long sleep and Graves' disease (GD) risk (P = 0.0240, OR = 99.98, 95% CI: 1.83, 5453.63), and a negative association between sleep duration and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) risk (P = 0.0294, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.97).
Conclusion: Sleep duration is associated with thyroid hormone levels and autoimmunity. Long sleep is linked to higher TSH levels, lower FT3 levels, and increased TGAb positivity risk, while sleep disorders are linked to lower TT4 levels and decreased TGAb positivity risk. MR studies suggest long sleep may increase GD risk, while shorter sleep may decrease HT risk.
Refutation text offers mixed effects on Nigerian pre-service teachers’ use of the representativeness heuristic
Authors: Olaguro Modiu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study enlisted a refutation text to foster conceptual change among 71 preservice teachers of mathematics education in situations that might elicit the use of the representativeness heuristic. Statistically significant differences were found between respondents’ pre- and post-tests, with more than half exhibiting normative reasoning after prior use of the heuristic. Analysis of their written explanations revealed differential patterns in their reasoning across two effect categories. Implications for misconception research and practice are discussed.
Demographic Disparities, Service Efficiency, Safety, and User Satisfaction in Public Bus Transit System: A Survey-based Case Study in the City of Charlotte, NC
Authors: Hosseini Sanaz Sadat , Ardabili Babak Rahimi , Azarbayjani Mona , Tabkhi Hamed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Public bus transit in the US faces challenges like reduced ridership, rising costs, and service quality concerns, with ridership dropping to 62% of pre-pandemic levels by mid-2022. This research examines service limitations, safety concerns, and attitudes towards technological improvements in Charlotte’s transit system, using survey data from 160 participants collected in 2022 and 2023. The survey included demographic variables such as age, gender, race, income, living area, and bus usage frequency. Statistical analyses, including GLM, POLR, CLM, and Multinomial Ridge Regression, identified significant factors influencing transit use and perceptions. Key findings show that East Charlotte residents and females face limited routes and longer wait times; safety concerns are more prevalent among Black participants and those in East Charlotte; and privacy concerns are higher among infrequent and higher-income bus users. There is a strong preference for technological improvements like real-time tracking apps, especially among infrequent users. This research highlights the need for targeted improvements to enhance service efficiency, safety, and user satisfaction, providing valuable insights for policymakers and transit authorities to create a more inclusive public transportation system.
Behaviour of natural drying methods on jamun pulp thickness
Authors: R. Sardar N. , S.H. Akbari 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Compared with mechanical drying methods, natural drying techniques such as solar and greenhouse drying are more cost-effective options for fruit pulp, especially for those that are highly perishable and seasonal. The solar and greenhouse dryers employed for drying jamun pulp at two thicknesses were 2 and 4 mm, maintaining a constant moisture content of jamun pulp at 473.72% (db). The drying behavior for the moisture ratio and drying rate over time were assessed for solar and greenhouse drying during experimentation. The end product of this drying process is powder, which has improved storage stability because of its reduced moisture content. The natural method not only requires less power but also ensures that the desired qualities of the generator are for transportation and further utilization.
The International Fund for the Palestinian Health System to Confront the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategic Re-Thinking for Sustainable Development
Authors: Abuzerr Samer , Zinszer Kate 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread issues over the world, creating a crisis in public health, humanitarian aid, and development. In addition to having a direct effect on economies and health systems, the pandemic may aggravate inequities and stop progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This cross-sectional research was conducted in Palestine, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, between February and June 2022. It was focused on evaluating the contribution of donated international funds to the development of the Palestinian health system components throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Data about governmental, private, and non-governmental organizations (local and international) that were implementing their activities in the field of public health and receiving international funds for the implementation of their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic were collected through deep-surfing literature and desk reviews and using a structured questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions. The distribution of the study participants among health institutions according to the institute type was as follows: governmental (16.7%), non-governmental organizations (49.9%), and private (33.4%). Donors need to proactively coordinate with the Palestinian health system in order to ensure the efficacy, efficiency, impact, relevance, satisfaction, risk and protection, coherence, and sustainability of the provided donated funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizations that make up the Palestinian health system need to enhance their capacity to strategically manage the provided donated international funds in a way that promotes their ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Synthesizing vulnerability indices within a diverse lithological context: Corollaries for groundwater quality assurance and surface layer corrosiveness of Lokoja Geomaterials, Nigeria
Authors: Ayua Kuma Joshua , Alimi Gabriel Imoleayo , Bamigbaiye Faith Funmi , Akbar Arya J. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

This study provides prototypical evaluation of groundwater vulnerability to contamination and soil corrosivity in the Lokoja region, central Nigeria. By combining the aquifer vulnerability index, integrated electrical conductivity, groundwater confinement overlying strata depth to water table (GOD), and electrical anisotropy coefficient (λ) derived from lithological composition, resistivity, and layer thickness, the study identifies substantial vulnerabilities in the groundwater resources. Findings indicate that over 70% of the region is moderately to very highly vulnerable to groundwater pollution, especially in the eastern and southern parts, highlighting the need for tailored groundwater management strategies in highly vulnerable areas, covering 40% of the region. Corrosion potential varies spatially, with 80% of the upper layer being minimally corrosive and around 45% of the lower moisture-rich layer showing moderate to significant corrosiveness, emphasizing risks in central and northern zones associated with lithological compositions and moisture content. These accentuate the necessity of rigorous monitoring programs and strict land use regulations to protect aquifers and infrastructure. This research underscores the value of proactive management for safeguarding groundwater resources, providing an invaluable framework for decision-making and resource allocation to tackle contamination and corrosion risks. Importantly, the research addresses a significant research gap in a region with limited scientific exploration.
Sewage sludge management and enhanced energy recovery using anaerobic digestion: an insight
Authors: Pratap Vinay , Kumar Sunil , Yadav Bholu Ram 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Sewage sludge (SS) is a potential source of bioenergy, yet its management is a global concern. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is applied to effectively valorize SS by reclaiming energy in the form of methane. However, the complex floc structure of SS hinders hydrolysis during AD process, thus resulting in lower process efficiency. To overcome the rate-limiting hydrolysis, various pre-treatment methods have been developed to enhance AD efficiency. This review aims to provide insights into recent advancements in pre-treatment technologies, including mechanical, chemical, thermal, and biological methods. Each technology was critically evaluated and compared, and its relative worth was summarized based on full-scale applicability, along with economic benefits, AD performance improvements, and impact on digested sludge. The paper illuminates the readers about existing research gaps, and the future research needed for successful implementation of these approaches at full scale.
Assessment of water quality in wells and springs across various districts of Taza City, Morocco
Authors: Ben Abbou Mohamed , Bougarne Loubna , Mehdaoui Imane , Mahmoud Rachid , Majbar Zineb , Berrada Sanae , Rais Zakia , El Haji Mounia 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to assess groundwater pollution in the city of Taza, Morocco. This was accomplished through hydrochemical and biological investigations, focusing on analyzing the physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of groundwater. Water samples were collected from wells and sources within Taza City on a monthly basis during the spring and summer of 2023. These samples were subjected to analysis to identify physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics. The findings revealed multiple contaminations, primarily stemming from two sources: significant microbial pollution observed in 100% of samples due to runoff percolation and discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater, and varying degrees of chemical pollution observed across all samples. The results underscored deviations from national standards, notably in parameters such as dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and nitrite concentrations. These parameters exhibited values either lower or higher than the established norm.
Kansrijke kustbescherming
Authors: Dolfen Elke , De Mey Jonathan , Windey Mieke 
Published: August 2024

De beslissingen van vandaag hebben impact op de ruimte van morgen. Dat is bij Kustvisie, de Vlaamse langetermijnvisie om de zeespiegelstijging op te vangen, niet anders. Bouwen aan kansrijke kustbescherming is bouwen aan ‘collectieve intelligentie’. Het versterken van het collectieve vermogen tot handelen is daarin de cruciale stap naar een veerkrachtige toekomst.
Voor wie waait de zeewind?
Authors: van Dooren Korneel 
Published: August 2024

Offshore windenergie is het enige lichtpuntje in het verder teleurstellende Belgische antwoord op de energie-en klimaat uitdaging. Atypische sociaalruimtelijke relaties waarbij lokale actoren een prominente rol innemen liggen mee aan de grondslag van dit succes. Kunnen zij zich handhaven of worden ze opgeslokt in de maalstroom van de geglobaliseerde energiemarkt?
Mariene ruimtelijke planning
Authors: de Vries Jort , Kusters Juul 
Published: August 2024

Ondanks de ogenschijnlijke leegte is de Noordzee in werkelijkheid een van drukst gebruikte zeeën ter wereld, met een breed scala aan activiteiten: van scheepvaart, visserij en energie tot militaire oefengebieden, recreatie en toerisme. Mariene ruimtelijke planning helpt structuur aan te brengen in deze wirwar van activiteiten.
Minyak Zaitun dan Kunyit untuk Mengurangi Gatal pada Pasien Hemodialisis: Studi Kasus
Authors: Kurniawati Rizka Yudhit , Triyanto Arifin , Sukardi Sukardi 
Published: August 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible renal dysfunction, where the kidneys fail to function properly, lead to the body’s inability to maintain metabolism and fluid-electrolyte balance. More than half of end-stage CKD patients exhibit pruritus-related issues. Pruritus (itchiness) can result in redness, lesions, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, decreased quality of life, and even death. Therefore, a proper management is necessary to reduce pruritus complaints.Objective: To confirm the benefit of olive oil and turmeric in alleviating pruritus.Case report: A patient, 63 years old, had been undergoing hemodialysis since 2021 and had complained of itchiness 1 month after hemodialysis sessions. For three months, the patient applied a mixture of olive oil and turmeric powder on the area where the itchiness were felt, in the frequency of once every 1-2 days at night.Outcome: The intensity of itching had decreased from scale of 7 to 4, provided more comfort and improved sleep quality. Both olive oil and turmeric powder had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduced pruritus complaints.Conclusion: The combination of these two ingredients can be considered as one therapy option to alleviate pruritus complaints in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.INTISARILatar belakang: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) merupakan gangguan fungsi renal yang progresif dan irreversible sehingga tubuh gagal untuk mempertahankan metabolisme dan keseimbangan cairan elektrolit. Lebih dari setengah pasien CKD tahap akhir menunjukkan masalah pruritus (gatal). Pruritus dapat mengakibatkan kemerahan, lesi, gangguan tidur, kelelahan, depresi, penurunan kualitas hidup, bahkan kematian. Oleh karena itu, perlu penanganan untuk mengurangi keluhan pruritus. Tujuan: Mengetahui manfaat minyak zaitun dan kunyit terhadap pruritus pada pasien dengan CKD. Laporan kasus: Seorang pasien usia 63 tahun, menjalani hemodialisis sejak 2021 dan mengeluhkan pruritus (gatal) sejak 1 bulan menjalani hemodialisis. Selama tiga bulan pasien mengoleskan campuran minyak zaitun dan bubuk kunyit pada bagian tubuh yang terasa gatal, dengan frekuensi 1-2 hari sekali pada malam hari.Hasil: Intensitas gatal berkurang dari skala 7 ke 4, lebih nyaman dan dapat meningkatkan kualitas tidur. Minyak zaitun dan bubuk kunyit memiliki efek antiinflamasi dan antioksidan yang berperan dalam mengurangi keluhan gatal. Simpulan: Campuran kedua bahan ini dapat dijadikan sebagai salah satu terapi untuk mengurangi keluhan pruritus pada pasien CKD yang menjalani hemodialisis.Kata kunci: hemodialisis; kunyit; minyak zaitun; pruritus
Efforts to Reduce Bias in Clerkship Evaluations: A CERA Study
Authors: Piazza Nina , Sanders Mechelle , Moreno Gerardo , Brown Elizabeth 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: As the number of medical students who identify as underrepresented in medicine (URiM) increases, the disparities related to gender and URiM status persist. This study examines the current initiatives within family medicine clerkships to reduce bias in evaluations.
Methods: Our 10-item survey was included as a module in the 2022 Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance national survey of family medicine clerkship directors. Our survey questions asked about whether programs had strategies to reduce bias in student evaluations, antiracism initiatives, perceptions on effectiveness of the initiatives, and type and cadence of faculty development on evaluations for preceptors.
Results: The overall response rate for the survey was 59.12% (94/159); all respondents completed our module. Seventy percent said they had implemented strategies to reduce bias in evaluations, 60% felt these were effective, and 80% felt that reducing bias in evaluations was a priority. The majority, 89/91(95%), indicated that their medical schools had a current social justice, diversity, or antiracism initiative. We identified a positive association between specific antibias medical school initiatives and clerkship directors undertaking practices to reduce bias in evaluations (P=.005).
Conclusions: Most programs had implemented strategies to reduce bias and felt that doing so was a priority. Community-based preceptors were less likely to have faculty development around reducing bias compared to those in academics. Further improvements may need to prioritize including community preceptors in educational efforts to reduce bias.