bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality rate and predictors among neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Getahun Genanew Kassie , Beyene Mihretu , Afework Tsion , Desalegn Mitiku , Jemberie Selamawit Shita , Shitemaw Tewodros 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAddressing neonatal mortality is an important priority for improving the health and well-being of newborns. Almost two-thirds of infant deaths occur in the first month of life; among these, more than two-thirds die in their first week. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the mortality rate and predictors of mortality among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsAn institutional-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted using 459 neonates who were admitted to the NICU at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. The data were extracted from randomly selected charts using a pretested data extraction checklist. The Nelson Alan curve with log-rank test was used to compare the presence of differences in the mortality rate of different groups over different categorical variables. The cox proportional hazards analysis model was used to identify predictors of neonatal death. The presence and absence of statistical significance was considered at a p-value of less than 0.05 and the strength of association was measured using AHR.ResultsThe neonatal mortality rate was 3.1 (95% CI: 1.3–4.9) per 1,000 neonate-days. Low birth weight (AHR = 1.44: 95% CI: 1.06–3.13), exclusive breast-feeding (AHR = 0.74: 95% CI: 0.35–0.95), and time of exclusive breast-feeding (AHR = 0.92: 95% CI: 0.49–0.99) were the identified predictors of newborn mortality.ConclusionThe neonatal mortality rate was high. Low birth weight of the neonate, exclusive breast-feeding initiation, and time of exclusive breast-feeding were independent predictors of neonatal death. Therefore, empowering mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children, which is a cost-effective, safe, and realistic option, can significantly minimize infant mortality.
Case Report: foetal gastroschisis with ideal pregnancy outcomes under multidisciplinary treatment management
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Qian Jingyu , Li Qiuru , Liu Dehong , Zhang Bin , Chen Xianxia 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundGastroschisis has increased in recent years, however, complicated gastroschisis is associated with higher mortality, as well as higher health care costs and disease burdens from short- and long-term complications.Case introductionA woman aged 25 years old at 37 + 1 weeks gestation (gravida 2; para 0) was admitted to the hospital because of foetal gastroschisis. Targeted quaternary ultrasound performed at our hospital showed that 34 mm of the abdominal wall was interrupted continuously, an intestinal echo with a range of approximately 88 × 50 mm was seen bulging outwards the local area close to the intestinal wall showed a 34 × 23 m anecho, and the foetus was measuring 2 weeks smaller than expected. After MDT including the maternal-foetal medicine, ultrasound, paediatric surgery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and anaesthesiology departments, caesarean section was performed at 37 + 2 weeks. A baby boy was delivered, the small intestine, large intestine and stomach were seen outside of the abdomen, the abdominal cavity was excluded from the defect on the right side of the umbilical cord, the mesentery was shortened, and the intestinal tube had obvious oedema After paediatric surgical discussion, silo bag placement and delayed closure was performed, the placement process was smooth. One week following silo placement, the abdominal contents had been fully reduced below the fascia following daily partial reductions of the viscera,and the second stage of the operation was performed under general anaesthesia. The newborn was successfully discharged from the hospital 20 days after the operation and was followed up, with good growth, normal milk intake and smooth bowel movements.ConclusionsThe diagnosis and treatment of complicated gastroschisis needs to be carried out under multidisciplinary team treatment. Delivery by cesarean section after 37 weeks is feasible.Immediate postpartum surgery is possible, and the choice of surgical modality is determined by the child's condition, emphasizing that it should be performed without adequate sedation under anaesthesia. A standardized postoperative care pathway appropriate to risk should be developed to optimize nutritional support and antibiotic use, and standardized enteral feeding practices should be sought with long-term follow-up.
Mental health problems, interpersonal trust, and socio-cultural correlates of corruption perception in Ghana
Authors: Anyan Frederick , Andoh-Arthur Johnny , Adjei Stephen Baffour , Akotia Charity Sylvia 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThis study examines the overall levels and effects of corruption perception on mental health while controlling for the effect of interpersonal trust as a routine covariate in studies of corruption.MethodsParticipants (N = 730; 60.8% Men; Mean age = 22.13, SD = 3.66) were invited to answer a cross-sectional survey. Group mean difference tests and network analysis were performed.ResultsWomen, urban dwellers, and those who showed moderate religiosity, and lower nationality reported the highest levels of corruption perception, but the effect on mental health problems was stronger for higher religiosity. The perception that politicians and government officials are corrupt emerged as the most influential to link other corruption perceptions (e.g., state institutions are corrupt). Witnessing corruption among state institutions and government officials and the perception that the rich in society can influence any state institutions and actors showed the strongest and broadest links to depression and anxiety symptoms.DiscussionThe findings suggest that there may be substantial effect of corruption on mental health problems than trust in interpersonal relationships. The relatively high poverty rate in Ghana may explain why those who do not have the financial means or personal connections to meet the demands of bribery and corruption experience a sense of helplessness associated with mental health problems when they perceive that the rich in society can influence state institutions and actors for personal gains. Furthermore, the tendency to remain silent to protect others from being exposed in corruption in order to maintain relationships, or to expose them to ruin relationships, or conform to a culture of corruption either in solidarity or fear of victimisation, may create a psychological burden that may be associated with mental health problems. The implications for reconceptualising corruption as a key social determinant of public mental health are discussed.
Research on factors influencing Chinese parents’ support for death education: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chen Hejie , Xiao Yuan , Huang Xincheng , Fan Siyuan , Wu Haiwen , Li Linxiao , Wu Yibo 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the factors influencing Chinese parents’ attitudes toward death education. Given the current lack of such education in China, this research is particularly significant. Death education is vital for shaping the values of young people and alleviating mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal tendencies. By identifying these influencing factors, this study seeks to provide guidance for policymakers and educators in promoting the development and widespread adoption of death education.MethodsTo do so, a national cross-sectional quota sample of 12,435 Chinese parents was used. Borrowing from social-ecological theory, the researchers carried out multiple stepwise regression analyses to examine the individual, family, and social-level factors that shape the supportive attitudes of Chinese parents toward death education.ResultsThe findings revealed that at the individual level, parent (β = 0.04, p &lt; 0.001), education level (β = 0.07, p &lt; 0.001), and religious belief (β = −0.02, p &lt; 0.05) were significant predictors of Chinese parents’ support for death education. Meanwhile, at the family and social level, average monthly household income (β = 0.07, p &lt; 0.001), family health (β = 0.03, p &lt; 0.05), family communication (β = 0.02, p &lt; 0.05), social support (β = 0.15, p &lt; 0.001), neighborhood relations (β = 0.11, p &lt; 0.001), and social network size (β = 0.05, p &lt; 0.001) were significant predictors of Chinese parents’ supportive attitudes toward death education.ConclusionBased on these findings, it is suggested that the relevant development, planning, publicity, and public welfare groups and government departments should promote death education, provide more social support, and encourage neighborhood harmony. As higher education and average monthly household income were found to significantly impact the support, the government should improve access to higher education and actively work to increase residents’ income to facilitate the development of death education.
Geographic variation in inpatient medical expenditure among older adults aged 75 years and above in Japan: a three-level multilevel analysis of nationwide data
Authors: Shirakura Yuki , Shobugawa Yugo , Saito Reiko 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIn Japan, a country at the forefront of population ageing, significant geographic variation has been observed in inpatient medical expenditures for older adults aged 75 and above (IMEP75), both at the small- and large-area levels. However, our understanding of how different levels of administrative (geographic) units contribute to the overall geographic disparities remains incomplete. Thus, this study aimed to assess the degree to which geographic variation in IMEP75 can be attributed to municipality-, secondary medical area (SMA)-, and prefecture-level characteristics, and identify key factors associated with IMEP75.MethodsUsing nationwide aggregate health insurance claims data of municipalities for the period of April 2018 to March 2019, we conducted a multilevel linear regression analysis with three levels: municipalities, SMA, and prefectures. The contribution of municipality-, SMA-, and prefecture-level correlates to the overall geographic variation in IMEP75 was evaluated using the proportional change in variance across six constructed models. The effects of individual factors on IMEP75 in the multilevel models were assessed by estimating beta coefficients with their 95% confidence intervals.ResultsWe analysed data of 1,888 municipalities, 344 SMAs, and 47 prefectures. The availability of healthcare resources at the SMA-level and broader regions to which prefectures belonged together explained 57.3% of the overall geographic variance in IMEP75, whereas the effects of factors influencing healthcare demands at the municipality-level were relatively minor, contributing an additional explanatory power of 2.5%. Factors related to long-term and end-of-life care needs and provision such as the proportion of older adults certified as needing long-term care, long-term care benefit expenditure per recipient, and the availability of hospital beds for psychiatric and chronic care and end-of-life care support at home were associated with IMEP75.ConclusionTo ameliorate the geographic variation in IMEP75 in Japan, the reallocation of healthcare resources across SMAs should be considered, and drivers of broader regional disparities need to be further explored. Moreover, healthcare systems for older adults must integrate an infrastructure of efficient long-term care and end-of-life care delivery outside hospitals to alleviate the burden on inpatient care.
Visible minority status and occupation were associated with increased COVID-19 infection in Greater Vancouver British Columbia between June and November 2020: an ecological study
Authors: Adhikari Binay , Abdia Younathan , Ringa Notice , Clemens Felicity , Mak Sunny , Rose Caren , Janjua Naveed Z. , Otterstatter Michael , Irvine Michael A. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted health disparities, especially among specific population groups. This study examines the spatial relationship between the proportion of visible minorities (VM), occupation types and COVID-19 infection in the Greater Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada.MethodsProvincial COVID-19 case data between June 24, 2020, and November 7, 2020, were aggregated by census dissemination area and linked with sociodemographic data from the Canadian 2016 census. Bayesian spatial Poisson regression models were used to examine the association between proportion of visible minorities, occupation types and COVID-19 infection. Models were adjusted for COVID-19 testing rates and other sociodemographic factors. Relative risk (RR) and 95% Credible Intervals (95% CrI) were calculated.ResultsWe found an inverse relationship between the proportion of the Chinese population and risk of COVID-19 infection (RR = 0.98 95% CrI = 0.96, 0.99), whereas an increased risk was observed for the proportions of the South Asian group (RR = 1.10, 95% CrI = 1.08, 1.12), and Other Visible Minority group (RR = 1.06, 95% CrI = 1.04, 1.08). Similarly, a higher proportion of frontline workers (RR = 1.05, 95% CrI = 1.04, 1.07) was associated with higher infection risk compared to non-frontline.ConclusionDespite adjustments for testing, housing, occupation, and other social economic status variables, there is still a substantial association between the proportion of visible minorities, occupation types, and the risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection in British Columbia. This ecological analysis highlights the existing disparities in the burden of diseases among different visible minority populations and occupation types.
Effects of a comprehensive structured patient education intervention on disease-related knowledge and behaviour change among people living with type 2 diabetes in the Philippines
Authors: Trani Maria Rosan , Bilocura Imelda , Bersabal Shazna , Panilagao Rhea Karla , Toledo Bj Rosos , Garrido Eduardo , Aultman Crystal , Oh Paul , Ghisi Gabriela Lima de Melo 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAddressing the ongoing needs of individuals with diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines, requires a focus on regular follow-ups with healthcare teams, adherence to healthy behaviors, and effective patient education to prevent long-term complications. The aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of a comprehensive educational program for those living with diabetes in the Philippines.MethodsIn a prospective study, a convenience sample of patients living with diabetes attending a cardiac rehabilitation or an outpatient diabetes clinic in the Philippines received a 12-week education intervention. Participants completed surveys at pre- and post-intervention assessing disease-related knowledge, health literacy, dietary habits, and tobacco use. Physical activity was measured by steps taken per day using wearable devices and by self-report of minutes of moderate or vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Satisfaction with the educational materials was also evaluated by a survey composed of Likert-type scale and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests or chi-square were used for data analysis.ResultsOverall, 184 individuals living with diabetes type 2 (mean age = 54.4 ± 12.4, 32% female) completed both assessments. There was significant improvement in disease-related knowledge (p &lt; 0.001), daily steps measured by a wearable device and self-reported minutes of moderate/vigorous-intensity exercise (p &lt; 0.001), and the number of fruit and vegetable servings consumed per day (p = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in health literacy levels. One participant stopped using tobacco at post-education. Educational materials were highly satisfactory to participants. Lack of time, family responsibilities, and poor internet access were the main barriers to learning reported by participants. Suggestions to improve the education provided included assessment of information needs at the start of the education, having short summaries about the topics, follow-ups post-intervention, and inviting family members to sessions.DiscussionResults of this study demonstrated the positive effects a comprehensive structured patient education intervention on disease-related knowledge and behaviour changes among people living with type 2 diabetes in the Philippines.
Cumulative summation analysis of learning curve for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Ye Jiye , Yang Ruiting , Wu Jie , Xu Chunming , Hong Tao 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTo evaluate the cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis of the learning curve for Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal resection of craniopharyngioma (EETC).MethodsRetrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 113 patients who underwent EETC by the same neurosurgery team of the first affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from June 2012 to November 2020. The learning curve was created by the CUSUM method and analyzed, which was divided into two groups: the learning stage and stable stage based on the learning curve trend. The median operation time and minimum surgical case number was calculated and the operation time and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe median operation time was 318 min. The best fitting curve equation was y = 227.72 + 49.06x + 0.14x2 − 0.05x3, R2 = 0.949, (p &lt; 0.001). The minimum number of surgical cases was 65. Between the two groups, the operation time decreased from 360.8 ± 106.4 min in the learning group to 281.6 ± 69.9 min in the stable group (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications (intracranial infection, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and diabetes insipidus) was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe CUSUM learning curve of craniopharyngioma resection via endoscope endonasal transsphenoidal approach could better describe the learning process for a neurosurgeon. The frequency of surgery could be a good factor for strengthening the learning effect and help to shorten the learning time. After 65 cases of EETC, the surgical skills can reach a stable stage, the operation time is obviously shortened, and the postoperative complications are significantly reduced.
La política exterior argentina desde adentro
Authors: Assali Laura , Lombardi Alba 
Published: February 2024

En el estudio de las relaciones exteriores argentinas, la consulta de la documentación oficial permite acercarnos a las políticas públicas que delinearon la política exterior. Considerando que la documentación de archivo es el sedimento natural de las acciones de un organismo, brinda herramientas para aproximarse al “Estado desde adentro”. Es decir, a las historias y cronologías propias de las agencias estatales, las trayectorias de los sujetos que las orientan, las prácticas y saberes en su interior, y los márgenes permeables entre esas agencias y la sociedad civil. Esta mirada destaca las políticas públicas y permite repensar la supuesta “eficacia” estatal.
Este artículo propone que una aproximación a la historia del Archivo de la Cancillería Argentina puede contribuir al trabajo historiográfico. Para ello, presenta agrupaciones documentales sobre la relación con Alemania durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, haciendo hincapié en las áreas que produjeron la documentación, su organización, cronología e historia archivística.
Las relaciones de Argentina con los dos estados alemanes en el marco del conflicto de Malvinas y el Atlántico Sur (1982-1989)
Authors: Lafuente Víctor Manuel 
Published: February 2024

La guerra de Malvinas marcó un giro en la política exterior argentina, que afectó sus relaciones tradicionales con las potencias del Norte Global. Muchos de esos Estados mantenían relaciones de raigambre cultural y económica con Argentina, como es el caso de Alemania que, en el marco de la Guerra Fría, se encontraba dividida en dos estados, la RFA y la RDA. El artículo busca definir la influencia del conflicto del Atlántico Sur en las relaciones de Argentina con ambos estados, teniendo en cuenta las reacciones durante las hostilidades, entre abril y junio de 1982, y la etapa posterior hasta la reunificación alemana en 1990 y la reanudación de las relaciones diplomáticas entre Argentina y el Reino Unido.
Análise do tempo de atendimento pré-hospitalar do primeiro grupamento de bombeiros em acidentes de trânsito no município de Curitiba
Authors: Diotalevi Rafaela Mansur 
Published: February 2024

Este trabalho apresenta uma análise do tempo de atendimento pré-hospitalar do primeiro Grupamento de Bombeiros (1ºGB) do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Paraná (CBMPR), em relação aos acidentes de trânsito no município de Curitiba. Utilizando os dados de atendimento do CBMPR, e analisado o tratamento de dados necessários, foi elaborada uma ferramenta de Business Intelligence (BI) para realizar a análise do tempo de atendimento. O tempo de atendimento foi tecnicamente dividido em fases, desde a saída da ambulância do quartel de bombeiros até a entrega da vítima no ambiente hospitalar, para melhor visualização dos dados e verificação das variáveis influentes em cada fase. Na sequência foi realizada a análise do tempo de atendimento de modo geral e posteriormente buscou-se verificar os atendimentos de acordo com algumas variáveis, buscando de maneira técnica-científica verificar os eventuais motivos e alterações do tempo de atendimento. Sendo assim, tornou-se claro qual o real tempo de atendimento, bem como se o tempo atende padrões como o período de ouro. Cabe ressaltar que foi criada uma ferramenta de análise, fundamental para o CBMPR preencher possíveis lacunas e melhorar o serviço entregue para a população.
A new gate design combined MIS and p-GaN gate structures for normally-off and high on-current operation
Authors: Sriramadasu Krishna Sai , Hsin Yue-Ming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study proposes a new gate architecture that integrates both a p-GaN gate and a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structure for a normally-off AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor. Silvaco TCAD simulation software is used to assess the performance of the proposed design. A comprehensive analysis of the device’s transfer, output, and breakdown characteristics is carried out and compared with the conventional p-GaN gate AlGaN/GaN HEMT. The findings indicate that incorporating MIS in conjunction with the p-GaN gate leads to an augmentation in the on-state current density and a reduction in on-resistance. The proposed HEMT exhibits superior attributes, with an 80% increase in drain current compared to the conventional p-GaN gate HEMT, but remains similar to threshold voltage and breakdown voltage. Consequently, the proposed HEMT demonstrates elevated current density and enhances gate control over the channel without modifying the threshold voltage compared to the conventional p-GaN gate HEMT.