bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the appropriateness of stress ulcer prophylaxis use and its determinants among admitted surgical patients at Debre Berhan University Hakim Gizaw Hospital, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tsige Abate Wondesen , Beyene Dessale Abate , Wondmkun Yehualashet Teshome , Endalifer Bedilu Linger , Habteweld Habtemariam Alekaw , Gebretadik Fissha Assegidew , Gebeyehu Aregahegn Adafir , Azene Belayneh Abebaw , Alamneh Misganaw Abebaw , Tesfaye Daniel Zebene , Fered Misganaw Aynalem , Girma Mandefro Teje , Mekonen Melkamu Belayneh , Dessie Tigist Yazezew , Ayele Siraye Genzeb 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionPharmacological stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has been recommended for many years to reduce the risk of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding caused by stress ulcers (SUs). Stress-related ulcer bleeding in surgical patients significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, preventing stress-induced hemorrhage is the most appropriate measure for patients who are at increased risk. However, the inappropriate use of SUP has increased in recent years, and its use in Ethiopian surgical patients has not been well studied.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of SUP use and its determinants among admitted surgical patients at Debre Berhan University Hakim Gizaw Hospital (DBUHGH), Ethiopia.MethodsWe randomly selected 230 patients from the whole cross-sectional group of all surgical patients at DBUHGH from 1 February to 30 June 2023. The risk of stress ulcer (SU) development was assessed using the modified American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines. For data analysis, we used SPSS version 25.ResultsThe mean age of study participants was 47.2 years (SD ± 20.4), and out of the total of 230, 130 (56.5%) were women. Approximately 66% of study participants took inappropriate SUP based on ASHP guidelines criteria. The most commonly used drug class for SUP was histamine-2 receptor blockers 115 (50%). Study participants who have a Charlson Comorbidity Index Score of moderate and GI bleeding have been significantly associated with the inappropriate use of SUP.ConclusionIn our study, inappropriate SUP use was common in the surgical ward of DBUHGH. This may be an area that requires further and more focused working together among clinical pharmacists and medical professionals in an institution-specific SUP protocol that aids clinicians in identifying appropriate candidates for SUP medication.
The effects of Tai Chi on standing balance control in older adults may be attributed to the improvement of sensory reweighting and complexity rather than reduced sway velocity or amplitude
Authors: Cui Jianhua , Hao Zengming , Tian Haibo , Yang Yi , Wang Jian , Lin Xiaomei 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionTai Chi has proved to be an effective therapy for balance performance and cognition. However, non-consistency exists in the results of the effect of Tai Chi training on standing balance control in older adults. This study aimed to use traditional and non-traditional methods to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on standing balance in older adults.MethodsThirty-six Tai Chi practitioners (TC group) and thirty-six older adults with no Tai Chi practice (control group) were recruited in this study. A Nintendo Wii Balance Board was used to record the center of pressure (COP) during standing balance over 20 s in the condition of eyes closed with three repetitions. The wavelet analysis, multiscale entropy, recurrence quantification analysis, and traditional methods were used to evaluate the standing balance control in the anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions.Results(1) Greater sway mean velocity in the AP direction and sway Path length were found in the TC group compared with the control group; (2) lower Very-low frequency band (0.10–0.39 Hz) and higher Moderate frequency band (1.56–6.25 Hz) in the AP and ML directions were found in the TC group compared with the control group; (3) greater complexity index (CI) and lower determinism (DET) in the AP and ML directions were observed in the TC group compared with control group; (4) greater path length linked with smaller Very-low frequency band in the AP and ML directions and higher Moderate frequency band in the AP direction in both groups; (5) greater path length linked with lower DET and higher CI in the AP direction only in the TC group.ConclusionLong-term Tai Chi practice improved sensory reweighting (more reliance on the proprioception system and less reliance on the vestibular system) and complexity of standing balance control in older adults. In addition, greater sway velocity may be as an exploratory role in standing balance control of TC older adults, which correlated with greater complexity, but no such significant relationship in the control group. Therefore, the effects of Tai Chi practice on standing balance control in older adults may be attributed to the improvement of sensory reweighting and complexity rather than reduced sway velocity or amplitude.
Altered serum cytokines in patients with symptomatic disk herniation and depressive symptoms
Authors: Bielewicz Joanna , Daniluk Beata , Kamieniak Piotr 
Published: April 2024

PurposeAn increasing number of studies have indicated the important role of cytokines in the development of depressive disturbances (DD). In medically ill patients, cytokines can provoked sickness behavior, the signs of which resemble DD. This results in alterations in behavior to limit energy expenditure and redirect it to cope with particular diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of pro-inflammatory IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β and anti-inflammatory IL-10 and TGF-β in DD observed in patients suffering from pain caused by disk herniation (DH) qualified for surgery.Patients and methodsThe intensity of DD assessed by using Beck Depression Inventory, pain intensity, and functional impairment were evaluated in 70 patients with DH who were qualified for surgery. Pro-inflammatory serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, anti-inflammatory TGF-β, and IL-10 were measured.ResultsElevated serum levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-6 were found in the group with moderate and severe depressive symptoms (SD) compared with the groups with mild (MD) or no depressive symptoms (ND). TGF-β levels were negatively correlated with pain intensity, as assessed using the Present Pain Intensity scale in SD. Functional impairment measured using the Oswestry Disability Index was the most advanced in SD group.ConclusionResults of our study can suggest association between depressive disturbances and anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10. Functional impairment of SD group is more severe but serum levels of TGF-β and IL-10, which are involved in the healing processes, are increased.
The effect of Internet use on nutritional intake and health outcomes: new evidence from rural China
Authors: Deng Zhilong , Liu Jian , Hong Yu , Liu Weigang 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionInternet use is changing nutritional intake and health outcomes, but the results are mixed, and less attention is given to the rural developing regions. Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data from 2004 to 2015, this study seeks to better understand the effect of Internet use on nutritional intake and health outcomes.MethodsAn instrumental variable estimation is used to address endogeneity problem.ResultsThe results show that Internet use improves the dietary knowledge of rural residents, and thus has a positive impact on dietary quality, such as healthy eating index (HEI) and dietary diversity score (DDS). The higher the dietary quality, the better the nutritional health status. However, results also show that Internet use increases the risk of overweight, and obesity among rural Chinese residents. Because Internet use has significantly reduced the physical activity of rural residents in China. Interestingly, we also find that the Internet increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but there is a positive causal relationship between Internet use and the self-assessment score of health.DiscussionOur findings suggest that there may be a serious lack of awareness of the health risks of chronic diseases among Chinese rural residents. Therefore, policymakers are suggested to consider the possible negative effects when promoting digital development.
Transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation for medium and large hepatocellular carcinoma: insufficient ablation is associated with intrahepatic distant metastasis and extrahepatic metastasis
Authors: Guo Peng , Zheng Junjun , Pi Xingtao , Gao Feng , Zhao Yushan , Xie Chunming , Cao Wendong 
Published: April 2024

PurposeTo compare the prognosis of complete and insufficient ablation of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating medium and large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the differences in recurrence patterns between the two groupsPatients and methodsPatients´ medical records and imaging data of patients with confirmed HCC from January 2014 to January 2022 were collected. These patients were divided into 2 groups: complete ablation (n=172) and insufficient ablation (n=171). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier curve and the log-rank test was used to compared. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare recurrence patterns between the two groups.ResultsThe median OS time was 72.8 months (95%CI:69.5-76.1) and 62.0 months (95%CI: 55.3-68.7) in the complete and insufficient ablation groups, respectively. The median PFS time in the complete ablation group was 67.8 months (95% CI: 65.2-70.4) and 38.6 months (95%CI: 29.8-47.4) in the insufficient ablation group. The OS and PFS rates of the complete ablation group were significantly better than those of the insufficient ablation group (P&lt;0.001). In the complete ablation group, 25(41%) patients experienced local tumor progression(LTP), 36(59%) experienced intrahepatic distant progression(IDP), and 0(0%) experienced extrahepatic progression (EP). In the insufficient ablation group, 51 (32.1%) patients experienced LTP, 96 (60.4%) experienced IDP, and 12 (7.5%) experienced EP. The progression patterns of the two groups were statistically significant (P=0.039).ConclusionInsufficient ablation indicates a poor survival outcome of TACE combined with RFA for medium and large HCC and can promote intrahepatic distant and extrahepatic metastasis.
TACE-assisted multi-image guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 5 cm: a retrospective study
Authors: Xie Yong , Lyu Tianshi , Song Li , Tong Xiaoqiang , Wang Jian , Zou Yinghua 
Published: April 2024

Background/ObjectiveTreatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ablation alone often results in high rates of recurrence and metastasis, reaching up to 25.9% within two years. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)-assisted multi-image guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of stage Ia HCC according to the China liver cancer staging (CNLC).MethodsThis study enrolled and analyzed a total of 118 patients diagnosed with HCC, each with a single nodular lesion no larger than 5 cm, who received TACE-RFA as first-line therapy between February 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021. The median/mean follow-up period was 29.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 21.8-36.2 months] and 31.8 months (95% CI: 27.5-36.0 months), respectively. We assessed the treatment’s effectiveness, potential complications, and survival rate.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100% (118/118) after the initial treatment. Out of the total, 3 out of 118 patients (2.5%) developed local tumor progression (LTP) during the follow-up period. The median time for LTP was 29.0 months (95%CI: 21.9-36.1 months; mean: 31.5 months; range 1-92 months). At 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after treatment, the cumulative LTP rates were 0%, 4.6%, 4.6%, and 4.6%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 100%, 95.2%, 95.2%, and 95.2%, respectively. In total, 28 patients experienced minor Grade B complications, and no major complications or treatment-related mortality occurred.ConclusionThe treatment of CNLC stage Ia HCC using TACE-assisted multi-image-guided RFA was found to be both safe and feasible.
Tool to assess the groundstroke technique of preadolescent tennis players
Authors: Diler Hakan , Şahan Asuman , Erman Kemal Alparslan 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveIn this study, we develop a tool that can be used by tennis coaches to evaluate the groundstroke (forehand and backhand) technique of preadolescent tennis players.MethodsThe participants of the study were 60 children (30 males and 30 females) aged 10–12 years, with at least two years of training in tennis. The Groundstroke Correction Checklist (GCC) was translated into Turkish by using a blind procedure. The Turkish translation was then evaluated by 15 coaches of the Turkish Tennis Federation who had at least a level-3 coaching license and more than five years of coaching experience. The technical components related to technique in the checklist were labeled as unimportant, important, and very important. Following this, the GCC was converted into a Groundstroke Technique Assessment Test Tool (GTATT) by a selection committee consisting of three experts, and its reliability and validity were assessed by using it in the field. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the correlation (test-r test) between the technical evaluation scores assigned to the players by the tennis coaches based on the GTATT in the first and second weeks. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was used to analyze the overall scores of technical evaluations in the first and second weeks to assess the reliability of the scale used. We determined each player's number of years of playing experience (TPY), technical evaluation (TE), international tennis-level test score (ITN), I-cord classification order (ICCO), and the number of games won (GW) in a tournament organized among themselves and evaluated the correlations among these parameters by using Spearman's correlation analysis.ConclusionA statistically high and significant correlation was observed between the technical evaluations of the players' forehand and backhand groundstrokes by the tennis coaches by using the GTATT in the first and second weeks (r &gt; .90, p &lt; .01). The analysis of the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the GTATT yielded excellent agreement between the technical observations of the three coaches of the players' forehand and backhand strokes in the first and second weeks.
Lifestyle behavior of physiotherapy students from Ecuador upon admission to higher education: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gutiérrez-Espinoza Héctor , Cassola-Cajiao María , Garzón-Ulloa Emilia , Celi-Lalama Daniela , Bastidas-Caldes Carlos , Araya-Quintanilla Felipe , Cristi-Montero Carlos , López-Gil José Francisco 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionAdmission to university has been identified as a period involving the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. However, few studies have addressed the extent of this experience among Latin American university students. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to describe anthropometric variables, body composition, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration and quality, diet, and alcohol consumption in first-year students entering physiotherapy school at the Universidad de las Americas in Quito, Ecuador; second, to test differences in these variables between sexes.MethodsA total of 116 students were recruited. Sociodemographic variables, anthropometric indices, body composition, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep quality and duration, adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines, physical fitness (i.e., handgrip strength), diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits were evaluated.ResultsA total of 50 male (43.1%) and 66 female (56.9%) students were assessed. Overall, the adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines of the students upon admission to university was 8.6%. Conversely, 86 students (74.1%) did not meet any of the recommendations. Upon admission to university, only 8.6% of the students (female 2.6%; male 6%) met the overall 24-hour movement guidelines. Additionally, 82 students (70.7%) needed changes in diet quality, 81 students (69.8%) had significant sleep disturbances, and 22 students (18.9%) had harmful alcohol consumption. A greater proportion of males met all three 24-h movement recommendations (p = 0.025) than females did. In addition, females reported a greater percentage of occasional smokers (p = 0.025) and a greater prevalence of obesity (p &lt; 0.001), a lower level of physical activity (p &lt; 0.001), and a greater percentage of sleep disturbance (p &lt; 0.001). Conversely, males reported greater waist circumference (p = 0.005), weight (p &lt; 0.001), handgrip strength (p &lt; 0.001), and a greater percentage of harmful alcohol consumption (p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionOur study showed that upon admission to university, overall adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines is low among university students. Additionally, a high percentage of students reported unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, with differences according to sex. Our findings could lead to the use of specific sex-specific strategies for the prevention and promotion of movement and lifestyle behaviors during this critical period.
Investigation of the food safety of lamb meat obtained in ecologically unfavorable territories
Authors: Apsalikova Zukhra , Amirkhanov Kumarbek , Gaptar Svetlana , Mukanova Alima , Yevlampiyeva Yelena , Kassymov Samat , Brait Yulia , Spanova Assem , Lipikhina Aleksandra , Apsalikov Kazbek 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis article presents data on the ecological situation of agricultural territories where small cattle are raised, focusing on the exposure dose rate, radon concentration in residential and social buildings, and the density of alpha and beta particle flux. The study also examines the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) and radionuclides Cs-137 and Sr-90 in raw meat from ecologically unfavorable areas, as well as the effects of heat treatment on reducing the content of these harmful substances.MethodsThe research involved analyzing raw meat samples from the Abai district near the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Semey, Kazakhstan. The levels of heavy metals and radionuclides were measured before and after heat treatment to assess the effectiveness of cooking in reducing these contaminants. Radioecological measurements were also conducted in residential and social buildings to evaluate radon concentration and alpha and beta particle flux.Results and discussionThe results of the study showed a significant decrease in the levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, Cs-137, and Sr-90 in meat after heat treatment. Prolonged cooking or quenching led to the most significant reductions in toxicity and radionuclides. These findings suggest that heat treatment can be an effective method for reducing the levels of harmful substances in meat from ecologically compromised areas. Further research is needed to explore other potential strategies for mitigating the impact of environmental contamination on food safety in agricultural regions.
Trifecta Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Using the New Hugo™ RAS System Versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Prata Francesco , Ragusa Alberto , Tedesco Francesco , Pira Matteo , Iannuzzi Andrea , Fantozzi Marco , Civitella Angelo , Scarpa Roberto Mario , Papalia Rocco 
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is still performed in many referred urological institutions, representing a valid alternative to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). We aimed to compare trifecta outcomes of LPN and RAPN with the Hugo™ RAS System. (2) Methods: Between October 2022 and September 2023, eighty-nine patients underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (group A, RAPN = 27; group B, Laparoscopic PN = 62) for localized renal tumors at our Institution. Continuous variables were presented as median and IQR and compared by means of the Mann–Whitney U test, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies (%) and compared by means of the χ2 test. (3) Results: Group A showed a higher rate of male patients (81.5% vs. 59.7%, p = 0.04) and a higher trend towards larger clinical tumor size (34 vs. 29 mm, p = 0.14). All the other baseline variables were comparable between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Regarding post-operative data, group A displayed a lower operative time (92 vs. 149.5 min, p = 0.005) and a shorter hospital stay (3 vs. 5, p = 0.002). A higher rate of malignant pathology was evidenced in group A (77.8% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.07) as well as a lower trend towards positive surgical margins (3.7% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.82), even if not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: The rate of trifecta achievement was 92.6% and 82.3% for group A and B (p = 0.10), respectively. In terms of trifecta outcomes, RAPN using the Hugo™ RAS System showed comparable results to LPN performed by the same experienced surgeon.
Neurociência e Novas Tecnologias Aplicadas ao Ensino de Línguas
Authors: Montiel Aline , Frontino de Medeiros Luciano 
Published: April 2024

Introdução. Estudos em neurociência elucidam os mecanismos envolvidos na aprendizagem, os quais são de grande ajuda ao professor. Objetivo. Levantar as descobertas científicas que promovam um diálogo entre a neurociência cognitiva aplicada à educação, as novas tecnologias da informação e comunicação e o ensino de línguas na busca de pontos de intersecção. Método. Pesquisa Revisão Sistemática de Literatura. Resultados. Percebeu-se que, no contexto atual, não se pode prescindir da tecnologia em sala de aula, pois elas se fazem presente no dia a dia dos alunos, o que afastaria ainda mais a escola de suas realidades. Além disso, as tecnologias são capazes de instrumentalizar estratégias neurocientíficas, otimizando o processo de aprendizagem, sobretudo no que concerne o ensino de línguas. Conclusão. Fica evidente a necessidade de o professor ter conhecimento sobre o funcionamento cerebral a fim de oferecer ferramentas eficazes para contribuir no desenvolvimento cognitivo de seus alunos.
TINGKAT KESADARAN SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR AKAN PELESTARIAN LINGKUNGAN MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN IPA BERBASIS LABORATORIUM ALAM TENTANG PEMANFAATAN ARANG SEKAM
Authors: Shiddieqiey Mohammad Nu'man Ash , Maghfirah Luthfiatul , Utami Meldi Putri , Saptaningtyas Pribadi Rista Dewi Monica , Supeno Supeno 
Published: April 2024

Kesadaran lingkungan merupakan sikap untuk memahami pentingnya lingkungan yang sehat dan bersih. Pendidikan tentang kesadaran lingkungan memerankan peran penting dalam mengubah sikap dan persepsi manusia tentang masalah lingkungan untuk jangka pendek dan panjang. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mendeskripsikan kesadaran lingkungan siswa sekolah dasar di pembelajaran non formal melalui proses pembelajaran IPA berbasis laboratorium. Proses pembelajaran IPA dengan memanfaatkan media arang sekam dilakukan sebanyak tiga kali pertemuan tatap muka. Selama proses pembelajaran berlangsung, siswa belajar dan berlatih mengaplikasikan pemanfaatan arang sekam yang ramah lingkungan. Perolehan data dilakukan menggunakan instrumen penilaian berupa lembar angket yang menggunakan 3 indikator kesadaran yang masing-masing merupakan suatu tahapan dan menunjuk pada tingkat kesadaran tertentu, mulai dari yang terendah hingga tertinggi, antara lain: pengetahuan, sikap, dan pola perilaku. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar siswa mengalami peningkatan kesadaran lingkungan yang tinggi ketika melihat permasalahan lingkungann yang terjadi. Pembelajaran IPA berbasis laboratorium alam dengan memanfaatan arang sekam dapat menanamkan dan meningkatkan kesadaran serta kepedulian siswa terhadap lingkungan.