bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinvigorating the Village Health Teams in Mitooma District, Uganda: Current Effectiveness, Associated Factors, and Challenges
Authors: Ngabirano Augustino , Igwe Mathew Chibunna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Community health workers continue to function vitally in assisting in the provision of health care, thereby contributing to the attainment of sustainable development goals and universal health coverage. Several community health worker programmes around the globe encounter significant obstacles that impact their engagement in providing community-based healthcare services.
Objectives
This study assessed the level of participation of Village Health Teams in community-based health care in Mitooma district, western Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study that used a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data from 341 Village Health Teams in Mitooma district. The main study variable was Village Health Teams’ participation based on the many programmatic functions Village Health Teams perform. Multivariable logistic regression in STATA was used to establish the predictors of Village Health Teams’ participation.
Results
The majority 231 (67.7%) VHTs participated heavily in health care initiatives. Majority 264 (77.4%) were female and had the occupation of crop agriculture. The Adjusted R Square was less that 70% implying the goodness of fit and significantly high association [95% CI: p = 0.0000; <0.05]. Logistic regression revealed that female VHTs [AOR = 3.8 (95% CI: 1.18–16.67), p = 0.03] were over three times more likely to participate with impact in community-based healthcare than their male counterparts. VHTs aged above 40 years [AOR = 4.43 (95% CI: (1.18–16.67), p = 0.03] were over four times more likely to participate with impact in community-based healthcare than those aged 40 years and below. VHTs who were engaged in business [AOR = 3.78 (95% CI: 1.21–11.74), p = 0.02] were over three times more likely to participate with impact in community-based healthcare than those engaged in agriculture.
Conclusion
We draw the conclusion from the study that gender, age, and employment play a vital role in the high involvement rate of village health teams in community-based healthcare. It is however necessary to support a long-term incentive system for VHTs by offering sufficient monetary and non-monetary rewards.
Relationship between left atrial isolated surface area and early-term recurrence in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Chen Qian , Huang Jin-Jin , Chen Jian-Quan , Makota Panashe , Wu Mei-Qiong , Yang Zhi-Ping , Liao Xue-Wen , Peng Yi-Ming , Jiang Ling , Zhang Jian-Cheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effect of pulmonary vein antrum enlargement combined with left atrial roof cryoballoon ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) by analyzing the relationship between left atrial isolation area surface area (ISA) and early postoperative recurrence.
Methods
93 patients with PeAF were classified into recurrence and non-recurrence groups according to the results of the 1 year follow up. Three-dimensional electroanatomical labeling map was constructed and merged with that of the left atrial pulmonary vein CTA, and the ISA and the left atrial surface area (LASA) were measured and analyzed to determine the relationship between ISA /LASA in relation to early postoperative recurrence.
Results
93 patients were included and followed up for 1 year with AF free recurrence rate of 75.3%. The ISA of the recurrence group was lower than that of the non-recurrence group. LAD, left common pulmonary vein, the ISA, the ISA/LASA and early-term recurrence had statistical significance in both groups. The factors that significantly predicted early-term recurrence were left common pulmonary vein and the ISA/LASA. ISA/LASA (HR 0, 95% CI 0-0.005, P = 0.008) and left common pulmonary vein trunk (HR 7.754, 95% CI 2.256–25.651, P = 0.001) were the independent risk factors for early recurrence. ROC curve analysis showed that ISA/LASA predicted the best early recurrence after operation with a cutoff value of 15.2%.
Conclusion
A greater ISA/LASA reduces early recurrence after cryoablation in patients with PeAF. An ISA/LASA of 15.2% may be the best cut-off value for predicting early recurrence after cryoablation for PeAF.
Nanoscale Octave-spanning Coherent Light Generation
Authors: Das Susobhan , Uddin Md Gius , Li Diao , Wang Yadong , Dai Yunyun Dai , Toivonen Juha , Hong Hao , Liu Kaihui , Sun Zhipei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Coherent broadband light generation has attracted massive attention due to its numerous applications ranging from metrology, sensing, and imaging to communication. In general, spectral broadening is realized via third-order and higher-order nonlinear optical processes (e.g., self-phase modulation, Raman transition, four-wave mixing, multiwave mixing), which are typically weak and thus require a long interaction length and the phase matching condition to enhance the efficient nonlinear light-matter interaction for broad-spectrum generation. Here, for the first time, we report octave-spanning coherent light generation at the nanometer scale enabled by a phase-matching-free frequency down-conversion process. Up to octave-spanning coherent light generation with a -40dB spectral width covering from ~ 565 to 1906 nm is demonstrated via difference-frequency generation, a second-order nonlinear process in gallium selenide and niobium oxide diiodide crystals at the 100-nanometer scale. Compared with conventional coherent broadband light sources based on bulk materials, our demonstration is ~5 orders of magnitude thinner and requires ~ 3 orders of magnitude lower excitation power. Our results open a new way to possibly create compact, versatile and integrated ultra-broadband light sources.
Can Skip-generation Caregiving Improve the Quality of Life for the Elderly?
Authors: Chen Feng , Gao Ruixin , Ma Lihua , Qian Linyi , Yang Lianxing , Yang Zhixin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: In the context of Chinese society, where skip-generation caregiving is a prevalent form of childcare, understanding its implications for the well-being of caregivers, especially concerning cognitive abilities, is imperative. This caregiving arrangement not only alleviates reproductive pressures on younger parents but also promotes societal integration and addresses the challenges posed by an aging population. Despite its benefits, the impact of this form of caregiving on the quality of life of elderly individuals particularly in terms of cognitive function, warrants thorough investigation
Objective: To investigate the impact of skip-generation caregiving on the cognitive abilities of the elderly, this study will focus on the quality-of-life impacts and the underlying mechanisms involved.
Methods: Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for the years 2012, 2015, and 2018,this study constructs an econometric model to assess the relationship between skip-generation caregiving and the cognitive abilities of elderly individuals. Logistic regression models were employed to elucidate the mechanisms through which caregiving influences cognitive outcomes.
Results: Regressions reveal a positive correlation between skip-generation caregiving and improved cognitive abilities in caregivers. Furthermore, a moderate increase in caregiving intensity is associated with sustained cognitive levels. Economic prosperity amplifies the positive effects of caregiving on cognitive health, although the benefits diminish with the caregiver's advancing age. The study highlights three main pathways through which caregiving benefits cognitive function: a reduction in depressive symptoms, increased social interactions, and enhanced intergenerational economic support.
Conclusions: Skip-generation caregiving has been shown to be beneficial for the cognitive health of elderly individuals, with economic status and the economic status of the caregiver and the intensity of caregiving intensity playing significant roles in the extent of these benefits. Tailoring support to meet the specific needs of caregivers is crucial for maximizing the preventive effects against cognitive decline. This research offers valuable insights for policy-making process of developing countries.
The actual condition of driving a car during twin-term pregnancy
Authors: Tsuchikawa Sachi , Miyajima Yui , Tateoka Yumiko , Hitosugi Masahito 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Motor vehicle collisions involving pregnant women can lead to serious life-threatening complications for mother and child, such as imminent premature birth, premature separation of the normal placenta, and uterine rupture. Investigating driving habits among women with single and multiple pregnancies is crucial for offering health guidance and preventing traffic injuries. We aimed to clarify the actual driving situation during twin pregnancy and verify information regarding health guidance necessary for mother and child safety.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted via an online survey, including women who had experienced or were currently pregnant with twins. Driving conditions and frequency of common pregnancy complaints were assessed. Basic statistics were calculated, and percentage analyses of categorical variables were performed.
Results
Among 63 women who drove a car daily before pregnancy, 60.3% continued to drive during twin pregnancies. During pregnancy, 92.1% always wore seatbelts; however, only 68.3% wore them properly. Over 60% of the respondents reported feeling ‘pressured’ or ‘uncomfortable’ while wearing a seatbelt. Common pregnancy complaints frequently perceived by over half of the respondents included ‘Compression of the stomach or abdomen,’ ‘Back or lower back pain’, and ‘Whole body malaise.’ Approximately 60% reported not receiving information on seatbelt use, with 14% obtaining it at their hospitals. Given the higher risk of obstetric complications and faster physical changes in twin pregnancies, the results suggest that seatbelt pressure can be uncomfortable for pregnant women driving a car, potentially leading to inappropriate usage.
Conclusion
This study clarified the current situation of driving among twin pregnant women. Information on seatbelt use should be provided to twin expectant mothers to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
Exploring Vimentin's Role in Breast Cancer via PICK1 Alternative Polyadenylation and the miR-615-3p- PICK1 Interaction
Authors: Jia Xinyan , Shao Lujing , Quan Hong , Dong Chunyan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer continues to be a major health issue for women worldwide, with Vimentin (VIM) identified as a crucial factor in its progression due to its role in cell migration and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study focuses on elucidating VIM's regulatory mechanisms on the miR-615-3p/PICK1 axis, particularly through the lens of alternative polyadenylation (APA) of PICK1, and its implications for breast cancer progression.
Methods:Utilizing the 4T1 breast cancer cell model, we first employed RNA-seq and proteomics to investigate changes in the APA of PICK1 following VIM knockout (KO). These high-throughput analyses aimed to uncover the underlying transcriptional and proteomic alterations associated with VIM's influence on breast cancer cells.
Results: RNA-seq and proteomic profiling revealed significant APA in PICK1 following VIM KO, suggesting a novel mechanism by which VIM regulates breast cancer progression. Validation experiments confirmed that VIM KO affects the miR-615-3p-PICK1 axis, with miR-615-3p's regulation of PICK1 being contingent upon the APA of PICK1. These findings highlight the complex interplay between VIM, miR-615-3p, and PICK1 in the regulation of breast cancer cell behavior.
Conclusion: This study unveils a critical role of VIM in breast cancer progression through its impact on the APA of PICK1, influencing the miR-615-3p-PICK1 axis. Our findings open new avenues for targeted therapies in breast cancer, focusing on the modulation of APA and the miR-615-3p-PICK1 interaction.
Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment to Pollution using DRASTIC and SINTACS Methods in Northwestern Douala Basin, Cameroon.
Authors: Aduck Jovens Nyangang , Mufur Alice Magha , Fonteh Mathias Fru 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Groundwater is a principal water source in Northwestern Douala Basin in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The resource is vulnerable to diverse sources of pollutants as agriculture is practiced on a large scale, especially with the presence of a banana plantation in the zone which uses agrochemicals that can deteriorate the quality of the resource. This study employed the DRASTIC and SINTACS models, integrated with GIS tools to evaluate groundwater vulnerability to pollution. A total of 220 wells and boreholes were sampled within Bomono, Souza, Kombe, Moyouka I, Moyouka II, Mbanga and Njombe–Penja. Additionally, the DRASTIC and SINTACS models were modified using sensitivity analysis to adjust the recommended weight value. Standard vulnerability maps of the basin revealed three vulnerability zones for the DRASTIC model: low vulnerability (23%), moderate vulnerability (12%) and high vulnerability (65%). In comparison, the SINTACS model revealed two vulnerability zones of moderate vulnerability (40%) and high vulnerability (60%). Results of sensitivity analysis showed that the area comprises low vulnerability (30%) and moderate vulnerability (70%) for DRASTIC while the SINTACS revealed very low vulnerability (30%), low vulnerability (36%) and moderate vulnerability (34%). Results of both single parameter sensitivity analysis and map removal sensitivity analysis revealed that depth to the water level, impact of vadose zone and recharge have a great influence on aquifer vulnerability. It was noticed that areas of high nitrate concentration correlated with areas of high vulnerability to contamination. Also, depth to water level, impact of vadose zone, and recharge emerged as key factors influencing aquifer vulnerability. Therefore, it is recommended that sustainable farming techniques should be adopted in order to reduce agrochemical usage especially in vulnerable zones, and also establish monitoring programs that could track groundwater quality over time.
Ab-initio Investigation of AGeO3 (A = Mg, Cd) Perovskites: Structural, Elastic, and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Ullah Saeed , Rahman Nasir , Ullah Riaz , Saad Saher , Iqbal Javed , Iqbal Zafar , Husain Mudasser , Iqbal Anwar , Ullah Hafeez , Ali Mohsin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Herein, we investigated the physical properties of AGeO3 (A = Mg, Cd) using the WIEN2k package within the framework of density functional theory. The structural analysis indicated their stability confirming that these perovskites crystalize in the cubic crystal structure with space group pm-3m (#221). Employing the Poisson’s ratio and Pugh criterion, it was noticed that CdGeO3 exhibits ductile behavior, while MgGeO3 is brittle. The electronic properties were assessed through the computation of band profiles and the density of states. Our mBJ calculations unveiled the semiconducting nature with indirect bandgaps (M– Γ) of 3.2 and 2.3 eV for MGeO3 and CdGeO3, respectively. Furthermore, the outcomes concerning the total and partial density of states validated the degree of electrons localization within specific bands. The optical behavior of title compounds was investigated through the computation of complex dielectric function, absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity, reflectivity, and the energy loss function for the energy spectrum spanning from 0 to 40 eV. Our findings indicate the encouraging prospects of studied compounds for use in optoelectronic devices.
Study on cultivation of aerobic granular sludge and its application in degrading lignin models in the sequencing batch biofilter granular reactor
Authors: Peng Jingran , Lei Lirong , Hou Yi , Chen Shuangshuang 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

In this study, three sequencing batch biofilter granular reactors (SBBGRs) were employed to treat model lignin wastewater containing different lignin models (2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 4-methoxyphenol, and vanillin). After 40 days of cultivation, uniform-shaped aerobic granular sludge (AGS) was successfully developed through nutrient supplementation with synthetic wastewater. During the acclimation stage, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction efficiencies of the three reactors showed a trend of initial decreasing (5–20%) and then recovering to a high reduction efficiency (exceeding 90%) in a short period of time. During the stable operation stage, all three reactors achieved COD reduction efficiencies exceeding 90%. These findings indicated the cultivated AGS's robust resistance to changes in lignin models in water. UV–Vis spectra analysis confirmed the effective degradation of the three lignin models. Microbiological analysis showed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were always the dominant phyla. At the genus level, while Acinetobacter (15.46%) dominated in the inoculation sludge, Kapabacteriales (7.93%), SBR1031 (11.77%), and Chlorobium (25.37%) were dominant in the three reactors (for 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 4-methoxyphenol, and vanillin) after degradation, respectively. These findings demonstrate that AGS cultured with SBBGR effectively degrades lignin models, with different dominant strains observed for various lignin models.
Effects of Cycloastragenol on Alzheimer's Disease in Rats by Reducing
Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Alharbi Kadi M. , Alshehri Shahad A. , Almarwani Wasayf A. , Aljohani Khulud K. , Albalawi Ajwan Z. , Alatawi Areej S. , Al-Atwi Shekha M. , Alhwyty Lama S. , Hassan Hanan M. , Al-Gayyar Mohammed M.H. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
As individuals age, they may develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is
characterized by difficulties in speech, memory loss, and other issues related to neural function.
Cycloastragenol is an active ingredient of Astragalus trojanus and has been used to treat inflammation,
aging, heart disease, and cancer.

Objectives:
This study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of cycloastragenol in
rats with experimentally induced AD. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanisms were also
evaluated by measuring Nrf2 and HO-1, which are involved in oxidative stress, NFκB and TNF-α,
which are involved in inflammation, and BCL2, BAX, and caspase-3, which are involved in apoptosis.

Methods:
Sprague-Dawley rats were given 70 mg/kg of aluminum chloride intraperitoneally daily
for six weeks to induce AD. Following AD induction, the rats were given 25 mg/kg of cycloastragenol
daily by oral gavage for three weeks. Hippocampal sections were stained with hematoxylin/
eosin and with anti-caspase-3 antibodies. The Nrf2, HO-1, NFκB, TNF-α, BCL2, BAX,
and caspase-3 gene expressions and protein levels in the samples were analyzed.

Results:
Cycloastragenol significantly improved rats' behavioral test performance. It also
strengthened the organization of the hippocampus. Cycloastragenol significantly improved behavioral
performance and improved hippocampal structure in rats. It caused a marked decrease in
the expression of NFκB, TNF-α, BAX, and caspase-3, which was associated with an increase in
the expression of BCL2, Nrf2, and HO-1.

Conclusion:
Cycloastragenol improved the structure of the hippocampus in rats with AD. It enhanced
the outcomes of behavioral tests, decreased the concentration of AChE in the brain, and exerted
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antiapoptotic effects were also noted, leading to
significant improvements in cognitive function, memory, and behavior in treated rats.
Super-resolution based Nodule Localization in Thyroid Ultrasound Images
through Deep Learning
Authors: Li Jing , Guo Qiang , Peng Shiyi , Tan Xingli 
Published: May 2024

Background::
Currently, it is difficult to find a solution to the inverse inappropriate problem, which involves restoring a high-resolution image from a lowresolution
image contained within a single image. In nature photography, one can capture a wide variety of objects and textures, each with its own
characteristics, most notably the high-frequency component. These qualities can be distinguished from each other by looking at the pictures.

Objective::
The goal is to develop an automated approach to identify thyroid nodules on ultrasound images. The aim of this research is to accurately
differentiate thyroid nodules using Deep Learning Technique and to evaluate the effectiveness of different localization techniques.

Methods::
The method used in this research is to reconstruct a single super-resolution image based on segmentation and classification. The poor-quality
ultrasound image is divided into several parts, and the best applicable classification is chosen for each component. Pairs of high- and lowresolution
images belonging to the same class are found and used to figure out which image is high-resolution for each segment. Deep learning
technology, specifically the Adam classifier, is used to identify carcinoid tumors within thyroid nodules. Measures, such as localization accuracy,
sensitivity, specificity, dice loss, ROC, and area under the curve (AUC), are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques.

Results::
The results of the proposed method are superior, both statistically and qualitatively, compared to other methods that are considered one of the latest
and best technologies. The developed automated approach shows promising results in accurately identifying thyroid nodules on ultrasound images.

Conclusion::
The research demonstrates the development of an automated approach to identify thyroid nodules within ultrasound images using super-resolution
single-image reconstruction and deep learning technology. The results indicate that the proposed method is superior to the latest and best
techniques in terms of accuracy and quality. This research contributes to the advancement of medical imaging and holds the potential to improve
the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.