bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parasitological Contamination of Raw Vegetables collected from selected Local Markets in Maysan Province, South of Iraq
Authors: Sahira K. , Al-Abboodi A.K. 
Published: February 2024

The Crucial Role of Raw Green Vegetables in Nourishing Well-being. However, lurking within these natural wonders lies an inconspicuous peril – the potential conduit for intestinal parasites due to potential parasitological contamination. Our ongoing research endeavor is laser-focused on scrutinizing the prevalence of parasitic protozoa and helminths’cysts and eggs within the raw vegetables available in the bustling retail markets of Al-Amarah City and the serene Qal’at Saleh District, both nestled in the heart of Maysan Province, Southern Iraq. During our investigation, we meticulously scrutinized 180 samples representing a diverse array of five vegetable varieties, encompassing radish, leek, cress, celery, and lettuce. Utilizing established and recognized testing protocols, we rigorously conducted our examinations. The results illuminated a concerning reality: among the fresh leafy vegetables surveyed in Al-Amarah City, 17.76% bore the burden of contamination, while in the picturesque Qal’at Saleh District, this figure ascended to a troubling 22.2%. Within these innocent greens lay the insidious presence of helminth eggs and parasitic protozoan cysts, a revelation demanding our attention and action. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia cysts were detected at 8.88% and 1.11% respectively in Al-Amarah City and at 6.66% and 2.22% in Qal’at Saleh District. On the contrary, Eggs of Hymenolepis nana and Fasciola hepatica were detected at 2.22% and 1.11% respectively in Al-Amarah City and at 5.55% and 2.22% in Qal’at Saleh District. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides were detected at 4.44% and 5.55% in Al- Amarah City and Qal’at Saleh District respectively. Lettuce showed the highest contamination percentage in comparison with other sorts of vegetables at 27.77% in Al-Amarah City and 33.33% in Qal’at Saleh District with Noteworthy Disparities Evident at a Significance Threshold of P<0.05: This investigation has reached a decisive verdict, underscoring the latent peril residing within the raw vegetables retailed in Maysan Province’s local markets. These innocent greens, it transpires, harbor the potential to serve as conduits for intestinal protozoa and helminths, thereby casting a shadow over the health of those who partake in such produce. The author advocates a compelling case for the imperative involvement of pertinent authorities. In doing so, the endeavor should revolve around mitigating the extent of parasitic pathogen contamination within plants, a mission that hinges on the twin pillars of vendor education and community awareness.
Urinalysis, Malaria Random Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Symptoms in the Prediction of Malaria Parasitaemia among Pregnant Women in Umuahia and Ikwuano, Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Etusim P.E. , Ihemanma C.A. , Victor C.N. , Ogbuka C.E. , Arunsi U.O. , Melariri P.E. 
Published: February 2024

This study was targeted at assessing malaria prevalence, clinical symptoms and urine abnormalities associated with malaria in pregnancy. A cross-sectional study involving 250 pregnant women selected from five healthcare facilities in three local government areas of Abia state, was conducted. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires and patients’ blood and urine samples collected. Thick and thin blood films microscopy as well as malaria random kits were used to diagnose malaria. Medi-test combi 9 urine test strip was used to check urine abnormalities. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. An overall malaria prevalence of 56% (95% CI: 0.42-0.60) was observed. Of the five centres, the highest prevalence was reported at PHC III in Umuahia North LGA with prevalence at 72% (95% CI: 0.51-0.98), while the lowest was reported at PHC IV in Umuahia North LGA with a prevalence of 36% (95% CI: 0.21-0.49). Pregnant women who had headache (OR=3.316, p=0.009, 95% CI: 1.288-7. 400), catarrh (OR=3.972, p=0.032, 95% CI: 1.028-15.352) and fever (OR=9.459, p<0.001, 95% CI: 3.767-23.753) had higher odds of malaria infection, compared to those without headache, catarrh and fever. Malaria was largely recorded among the primigravids 71% (53/75), followed by the secundigravidae 61% (43/70) and the least, observed among the multigravidae 43% (45/105). High malaria prevalence was observed among subjects who did not use preventive measures (100%) with the least observed among subjects, using window nets (22%). Malaria among subjects in this study is significantly prevalent. Proteinuria, bilirubinuria, urobilinogenuria as well as amber and clear urine macroscopy showed significant associations with malaria in pregnancy; thus, women with these clinical features should be further tested for malaria even in asymptomatic states to prevent the negative consequences of malaria in pregnancy.
Evaluation of Anthelmintic activities of Single and Combined Extracts of <i>Picralima nitida</i> and <i>Gongronema latifolium</i> against the Gastrointestinal parasite (<i>Heligmosomoides bakeri</i>)
Authors: Ojo F.T. , Idowu O.A. , Ademolu K.O. , Adenubi O.T. , Olukunle J.O. 
Published: February 2024

Helminth infections are among the common infections affecting a large proportion of the world’s population, and most of these infections are generally limited to the tropics. For 27 days, anthelmintic activities of orally administered 500mg/kg per body weight of single and combined ethanol extracts of seeds of Picralima and roots of Amaranth globe were determined in vivo using Heligmosomoides bakeri, a gastrointestinal parasite of rodents. Combined extracts were administered at 500 mg/kg to H. bakeri-infected mice in ratios 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1 and 1:4 of P. nitida to G. latifolium. Albendazole (10mg/kg) and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls (untreated), respectively. Anthelmintic activities of P. nitida and G. latifolium were assessed by comparing the faecal egg count and worm burden from the extract groups to the untreated group. Asingle extract of P. nitida at 500 mg/kg had higher (p< 0.05) chemo suppression (88.41 %) than a single extract of G. latifolium (51.84 %). Acombination of P. nitida and G. latifolium in a ratio of 2:3 had the highest chemo suppression of 90.07 % when compared to other dose combinations. The combined extracts had higher chemo suppression (p<0.05) than when compared to the single extract of G. latifolium. The single extract of P. nitida and G. latifolium reduced worm burden by 76.94% and 43.65%, respectively. However, the combination of P. nitida and G. latifolium in a ratio of 2:3 reduced the worm burden by 79.16%. The study showed that P. nitida and G. latifolium have anthelmintic activity. G. latifolium gave better anthelmintic activity when combined with P. nitida. P. nitida and G. latifolium could lead to the development of non-toxic, effective, and cheap anthelmintics.
Identification of some Immunogenic Proteins of <i>Taenia saginata</i>/Cysticercosis and Confirmation of Observed Immunogenic Complexes Using Serum from Rabbit Inoculated with Cysts Immunogens
Authors: Uchendu G.O. , Fana E.M. 
Published: February 2024

Botswana has recorded and maintained high prevalence of Taenia saginata/cysticercosis. Major economic losses arise from detained or condemned beef from carcasses infected with bovine cysticercosis, because such meat cannot be exported to the European Union, Botswana’s most lucrative market. For over three decades, the government of Botswana had emphasized traditional prevention and control methods without achieving decline in incidence/prevalence of bovine cysticercosis. Vaccines and vaccination have shown to be efficient in prevention and control of bovine cysticercosis. Following an earlier profiling of Taenia saginata/cysticercosis proteins using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), this study identified immunogenic proteins (epitopes). Transblotted PVDF membranes were treated with polyclonal primary antibody of bovine origin and Rabbit anti-Bovine IgG (H+L) Secondary Antibody HRP. Immunogenic proteins were confirmed to be specific for Taenia saginata/cysticercosis when observed in freshly transblotted membrane that had been treated with serum obtained from rabbit inoculated with cysts immunogens containing antibodies specific for Taenia saginata/cysticercosis and Goat anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L) Secondary Antibody Horse Radish Peroxidase (HRP). Eight (8) immunogenic proteins ranging from 14 to 245kDa were identified. Chilling of samples did not cause significant decrease (p <0.05) in samples’protein quantity although, immunogenic proteins were lost after 7 days of chilling. Further purification and characterization of these identified 8 immunogenic proteins are recommended as these are essential inputs in vaccine and ante-mortem test kit development.
Random Forest based estimate to assess the damages of future earthquakes: preliminary results
Authors: Di Michele Federica , Stagnini Enrico , Pera Donato , Aloisio Roberto , Marcati Pierangelo 
Published: February 2024

In this paper we present a case study where the Random Forest (RF) Classifier, has been used to estimate the damage to buildings caused by a (possible) future earthquake, starting from the data of past earthquakes. This prelaminar work is based on the Shakedado dataset, which contains information on buildings and ground shaking parameters for the six major earthquakes that occurred in Italy between 1981 and 2012. We perform the following two conceptual experiments • E1: Assume that the sequence that hit Emilia has just ended and the data relating to the other major earthquakes happened in the past (L’Aquila, Pollino, and Irpinia) are available, then calculate the level of damage for each building in the Emila dataset. • E2: Assume that the sequence that hit Pollino has just ended and the data relating to the other major earthquakes happened in the past (L’Aquila, Emilia) are available, then calculate the level of damage for each building in the Pollino dataset. Both training and test datasets contain only masonry buildings located within 10 km of the main shock of each sequence. The results show the RF algorithm’s ability to discriminate between buildings with light/no damage from those with medium/severe damage, with a good accuracy, especially for E1.
The Incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Portuguese Multicentric Retrospective Study
Authors: Vítor Joana , Moniz Dionísio Joana , Campos Catarina , Oliveira Santos Miguel , Cruz Simão , Castelo Juliana , Castro José , Castro Isabel , Santos Mariana , Vale José , De Carvalho Mamede , Conceição Isabel 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare peripheral nervous system inflammatory disease with an annual estimated incidence of 1-2/100 000. Several studies relate GBS with vaccination, especially against influenza. The literature is discordant on GBS incidence during the pandemic. Additionally, while vaccination is globally ongoing, GBS cases have been associated with an inoculation against SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: To evaluate COVID-19 vaccination-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome cases and to establish their real incidence.

Methods: Multicenter retrospective study with analysis of the GBS incidence and clinical characteristics in the pre-pandemic period (PPP), the pandemic pre-vaccination period (PPVP), and the pandemic vaccination period (PVP).

Results: Forty-seven cases of GBS were identified: 13 in the PPP, 11 in the PPVP and 23 in the PVP. An increase in GBS cases (77%) was observed during the PVP when compared to the PPP, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Although an increase of the non-AIDP phenotype after vaccination period was observed (34.7%),
a statistically significant relationship was not found.

Conclusion: This study is the first Portuguese multicentric study regarding the incidence of GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. We hypothesize that the slight decrease in GBS during the pandemic pre-vaccination period is probably due to hygienic measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we found a small increase in the number of GBS cases with a possible relationship with COVID-19 vaccination. Prospective studies are necessary to better characterize this relationship and take further conclusions.
Kualitas Kepemimpinan Guru PAK Menjadi Figur Utama yang Diteladani Peserta Didik
Authors: Waruwu Elfin Warnius , Silaen Riste Tioma 
Published: February 2024

The leadership quality of a PAK teacher has a major role in shaping the character and behavior of students. This article explores how teachers, especially PAK teachers, become central figures who become role models for students. Teacher leadership in this context is not only limited to administrative or managerial capacity, but also includes moral and ethical dimensions that influence students in various aspects of life. PAK teachers play an important role in guiding students in understanding the values, ethics and attitudes that are considered positive in society. PAK teachers are not just instructors, but role models who are looked up to by students. Therefore, the leadership qualities of Sir teachers must be taken seriously. Traits such as integrity, empathy, fairness, and firmness are the main components in forming teachers as good role models. Teacher behavior, both inside and outside the classroom, influences how students see the world and respond to it. The high leadership quality of PAK teachers has a positive impact on student character development. Teachers inspire students to achieve academic achievements and develop positive attitudes such as discipline, cooperation and responsibility. Kualitas kepemimpinan seorang Guru PAK memiliki peran utama dalam membentuk karakter dan perilaku peserta didik. Artikel ini mengeksplorasi bagaimana guru, khususnya Guru PAK, menjadi figur sentral yang menjadi teladan bagi siswa. Kepemimpinan guru dalam konteks ini bukan hanya terbatas pada kapasitas administratif atau manajerial, tetapi juga mencakup dimensi moral dan etis yang memengaruhi siswa dalam berbagai aspek kehidupan. Guru PAK memainkan peran penting dalam membimbing siswa dalam memahami nilai-nilai, etika, dan sikap yang dianggap positif dalam masyarakat. Guru PAK bukan sekadar instruktur, melainkan model peran yang dijunjung tinggi oleh siswa. Oleh karena itu, kualitas kepemimpinan guru Pak harus diperhatikan dengan serius. Sifat-sifat seperti integritas, empati, keadilan, dan ketegasan adalah komponen utama dalam membentuk guru sebagai teladan yang baik. Perilaku guru, baik di dalam maupun di luar kelas, memengaruhi cara siswa melihat dunia dan meresponnya. Kualitas kepemimpinan guru PAK yang tinggi memiliki dampak positif pada perkembangan karakter siswa. Guru menginspirasi siswa untuk meraih prestasi akademis dan mengembangkan sikap positif seperti disiplin, kerja sama, dan tanggung jawab.
Konseling Pastoral dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Psikologis Jemaat Milenial Penderita Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Mengga Ruth Caroline , Hermanto Yanto Paulus 
Published: February 2024

Everyone is no exception to feeling anxious about something. Anxiety can be caused by biological factors. Millennials with anxiety disorder, which continues to increase in number from year to year with various triggering factors, are often cornered due to stigma and cynical views about lack of faith. Scientific studies have shown that genes and nervous system disorders also contribute to anxiety disorders. Through a literature study that explores anxiety as a health disorder, a pastoral counseling approach that focuses on psychological well-being, and an analysis of the characteristics of the millennial generation, a concept is obtained that can help pastoral counselor services in dealing with millennial congregations suffering from anxiety disorder. Pastoral counseling as a companion to medical treatment and psychotherapy is effective because it is based on the word of God. Gradual and holistic recovery can be achieved through pastoral counseling methods that prioritize the psychological well-being of anxiety sufferers. Setiap orang tidak terkecuali pernah merasa cemas karena sesuatu hal. Kecemasan bisa saja disebabkan karena faktor biologis. Jemaat milenial penderita anxiety disorder yang terus meningkat jumlahnya dari tahun ke tahun dengan berbagai faktor pemicu, sering kali tersudut karena stigma dan pandangan sinis tentang kurangnya iman. Padahal penelitian-penelitian ilmiah menunjukkan gangguan faktor gen maupun sistem syaraf juga memiliki andil dalam gangguan kecemasan seseorang. Melalui studi literatur yang mengupas tentang anxiety sebagai sebuah gangguan kesehatan, pendekatan konseling pastoral yang berfokus pada kesejahteraan psikologis, serta analisa karakteristik generasi milenial, didapat sebuah konsep yang dapat membantu pelayanan konselor pastoral dalam menangani jemaat milenial yang menderita anxiety disorder. Konseling pastoral sebagai pendamping pengobatan medis dan psikoterapi menjadi efektif karena berlandaskan firman Tuhan. Pemulihan bertahap dan holistik dapat tercapai melalui metode konseling pastoral yang mengutamakan kesejahteraan psikologis penderita anxiety.
Peran Kompetensi Manajerial Gembala dalam Mewujudkan Visi “Terwujudnya Jemaat yang Misioner” di Gereja KIBAID Jemaat Marinding
Authors: Sombolayuk Yunita , Firdaus Firdaus , Tembang Setblon 
Published: February 2024

This research is motivated by the fact that church growth cannot be separated from understanding the importance of the management of a congregational pastor in realizing the church's vision. In this case, the role of the pastor's managerial competence is really needed to achieve the church's vision. KIBAID Church is an evangelical church with the vision of "Creating a missionary congregation." Implementation of the vision of "Creating a Missionary Congregation" is very dependent on local churches, one of which is the KIBAID church of the Marinding Congregation. This research aims to discover the role of the pastor's managerial competence in the vision of "Creating a Missionary Congregation" at the KIBAID Congregation of Marinding Church. This research is descriptive qualitative research. The findings in this research are that the pastor's role is to complete the vision with planning, the pastor's role is to share the vision, the pastor's role is to raise enthusiasm, the pastor's role is as a driving force in the church, the pastor's role is as a trainer for the next leader. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh fakta bahwa pertumbuhan gereja tidak terlepas dari pemahaman akan pentingnya manajemen seorang gembala jemaat dalam mewujudkan visi gereja. Dalam hal ini peran kompetensi manajerial gembala sangat dibutuhkan untuk mencapai visi gereja. Gereja KIBAID merupakan salah satu gereja injili dengan visi “Terwujudnya Jemaat yang Misioner”. Implementasi visi “Terwujudnya Jemaat yang Misioner” sangat bergantung pada gereja lokal, salah satunya adalah gereja KIBAID Jemaat Marinding. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan peran kompetensi manajerial gembala dalam visi “Terwujudnya Jemaat yang Misioner” di Gereja KIBAID Jemaat Marinding. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Adapun hasil temuan dalam penelitian ini yaitu gembala berperan untuk melengkapi visi dengan perencanaan, gembala berperan membagikan visi, gembala beperan untuk membangkitkan semangat, gembala berperan sebagai penggerak dalam gereja, gembala sebagai pelatih bagi pemimpin berikutnya.
Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Exercise in Individuals with Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alvani Ehsan , Shamsoddini Alireza , Letafatkar Amir , Shahrbanian Shahnaz , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Rossettini Giacomo 
Published: February 2024

Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with a huge economic burden on public health. Neuromuscular (NMS) exercises may reduce LBP recurrence, but the most effective program has not been established. This narrative review aimed to collect evidence on the effect of NMS exercises in patients with LBP. Methods: A narrative review of the electronic literature from April 2000 to July 2023 was conducted. The electronic search was performed on five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct). All articles analysed in this study were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the articles. Results: Five RCTs were selected and included.The RCTs showed that NMS exercises reduce pain intensity, improve lumbar movement control and physical function, and prevent LBP. Studies also showed that NMS exercises are targeted to improve the control, flexibility, and strength of lumbar muscles. The PEDro score ranges from 5 to 7, highlighting several methodological issues. Conclusion: The findings of this narrative review indicate that NMS exercises can reduce pain intensity in LBP. However, the research on NMS exercises’ effects on LBP is very limited and should be interpreted with caution due to the methodological limitations.
Keywords: Neuromuscular exercises, Low back pain, Lumbar posture, Stabilization, Rehabilitation, Core stability, Motor control.
PENGARUH HEALTH EDUCATION TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP TENTANG DIET RENDAH GARAM PADA PASIEN HIPERTENSI
Authors: Halawa Astuti , Usman Andi Mayasari , Nursasmita Rizqi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHypertension or better known as high blood pressure is a condition where a person's bloodpressure is above the normal or optimal limit, namely 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHgdiastolic. This study aims to determine the effect of health education on knowledge andattitudes about a low-salt diet in hypertensive patients at X Hospital in Central Jakarta.Quantitative research using a Quasi-Experiment approach with One Group Pre-test - Posttest. The sample in this study was 41 people from a population of 45 people. The sampletechnique was a purposive sampling. The research instrument used a questionnaire. Thestatistical test used was the Wilcoxon signed rank test to determine the difference betweenthe independent variables and the dependent variable. The research conducted on 41respondents showed that most of the characteristics of the respondents were female(73.20%), the minimum age was 25 years and the maximum age was 83 years, undergraduateeducation (36.60%), the respondents' knowledge before and after giving health educationabout a low-salt diet (p value 0.000), and the attitude of respondents before and after givinghealth education about a low-salt diet (p value 0.000). Two-variable research shows thatthere are differences in health education on knowledge and attitudes about low-salt diets inhypertensive patients. Keywords: health education, hypertension, diet for hypertension, low sodium dietAbstrakHipertensi adalah suatu keadaan dimana tekanan darah seseorang lebih tinggi dari batas idealatau normal, yaitu tekanan darah sistolik sebesar 120 mmHg dan tekanan darah diastoliksebesar 80 mmHg. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh health educationterhadap pengetahuan dan sikap tentang diet rendah garam pada pasien hipertensi di RumahSakit X di Jakarta Pusat. Penelitian kuantitatif menggunakan pendekatan Quasi-Experimentdengan One Group Pre-test - Post-test. Sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 41 orang daripopulasi 45 orang. Teknik sampel yang digunakan purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitianini menggunakan kuesioner. Uji statistik yang digunakan uji Wilcoxon signed rank test. Hasilpenelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh antara perempuan (73,20%), minimal usiaadalah 25 tahun dan usia maksimal adalah 83 tahun, pendidikan sarjana (36,60%),pengetahuan responden sebelum dan sesudah pemberian health education tentang diet rendahgaram (p value 0,000), dan sikap responden sebelum dan sesudah pemberian healtheducation tentang diet rendah garam (p value 0,000). Kata kunci: pendidikan kesehatan, hipertensi, diet hipertensi, diet rendah garam