bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concept mapping a potential pedagogical strategy to foster meaningful learning in physiology students
Authors: Sorte Smita R. , Sande Suvarna , Rathod Sachin B. , Vij Vinu A. , Gumashta Jyotsna , Muthiyan Gayatri , Patil Ashwini 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Understanding of human physiology is critical for clinical practice and disease management. Escalating the teaching-learning method to improve conceptual knowledge may help the students to apply their knowledge in clinical scenarios. The present study was conducted to teach the use of concept mapping as a learning strategy to foster meaningful learning in physiology, compare its impact as a learning tool with traditional methods on meaningful learning, assess the cognitive gain, and find student’s perception regarding concept mapping.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The interventional study was conducted on first-year MBBS students. Depending upon marks obtained in previous internal assessments, the students were classified into “rapid learners” (RL) and “potential learners” (PL). By simple random sampling technique, both groups were divided into interventional (concept mapping) and control groups (question-answer discussion). After a pretest, all students had a lecture on glomerular filtration. The assignment was given to the interventional group to prepare a concept map on glomerular filtration, and question-answer were discussed for control groups. A surprise posttest was conducted after 2-3 days.

RESULT:
In our study, all four groups showed significant differences in the pretest and posttest scores using a paired t-test (P < 0.05). The mean score of gain in learning, raw gain (G0), absolute learning gain, relative learning gain, and average normalized gain compared between the interventional group and controls group showed statistically significant performance improvement in both RL and PL groups.

CONCLUSION:
The concept mapping strategy was more efficacious than the question-answer discussion. Concept mapping is an impactful learning tool to improve cognitive gain and potential pedagogical strategy to foster meaningful learning in physiology students.
The role of adipokines and ghrelin in interactions and clinical implications in childhood obesity
Authors: Haddawi Karrar Haider , Al-Ziaydi Ahmed Ghdhban , Al-Khalidi Fatima Abd Al-Kathem 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, especially prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula, and is known to contribute to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), ghrelin, and insulin homeostasis in childhood obesity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
A case–control study was conducted in Babylon involving 120 children/adolescents (7–17 years). The participants were divided into two groups: 60 obese and 60 healthy controls. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were examined, applying World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards to categorize weight status. Data on blood lipids, glucose, adipokines, and ghrelin were collected in Babylon (Merjan Medical City), ensuring accuracy and providing insights into pediatric obesity’s metabolic and hormonal status.

RESULT:
Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory attributes of children were evaluated, with classification as normal-weight or obese based on BMI/Z-score and Waist Circumference. The obese group exhibited elevated triglycerides and insulin levels, as well as reduced adiponectin levels (P ≤ 0.001). Leptin levels showed a positive correlation with BMI/Z-score (r = 0.352, P = 0.006). A diagnostic model demonstrated the significant diagnostic capacity of leptin (AUC > 99%) and its importance in predicting childhood obesity. Each unit increase in leptin elevated the probability of obesity by a factor of 1.197 (95% CI: 1.0507–1.3632, P = 0.0068).

CONCLUSION:
The study revealed significant differences in clinical, biochemical, and biological markers of obesity between the research groups and the control group. Leptin emerged as a significant predictor of obesity, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. The complex interactions among these adipokines underscore the necessity for comprehensive obesity management strategies.
A Comparative Evaluation of Three Methods of Disinfection of Gypsum Casts and the Changes in Surface Roughness and Dimensional Accuracy after Disinfection—An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Lakshmi DM , Nandini VV , Raj SN , Albar NH , Alamoudi A , Bahammam SA , Zidane B , Bahammam HA , Patil S 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
One of the major problems of everyday dental practice is cross-contamination. It can place office personnel, dentists, and patients at risk of acquiring serious illness. Disinfection helps in controlling this cross-contamination to an extent. The evaluation was done to find the efficient disinfection method on gypsum casts.

Aims:
The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three methods of disinfection of gypsum casts, namely, chemical disinfection by immersion, spray method, and microwave method, and also to evaluate and compare changes in surface roughness and dimensional accuracy between the three methods after disinfection.

Materials and Methods:

Ex vivo and experimental study. Thirty participants were selected, and impressions of the maxillary arch were made using polyvinyl siloxane impression material. Ninety type IV die stone gypsum casts were poured. It was divided into three groups and was subjected to chemical disinfection by immersion and spray methods, and microwave method. The disinfected casts were evaluated for microbial growth, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy. It was performed by using the one-way analysis of variance test and paired t-test followed by the Kruskal − Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed rank test (α = 0.05).

Results:
Microwave disinfection was more effective than both immersion and spray chemical disinfection methods (P < 0.010 and <0.001). The surface roughness of the microwave-irradiated casts had significantly increased after disinfection. However, there were no significant dimensional changes by any of the methods of disinfection.

Conclusion:
Within the limitations of the study, the microwave method of disinfection is more effective in eradicating microorganisms when compared to chemical methods of disinfection by immersion and spray methods.
Identified Factors in COVID-19 Patients in Predicting Mortality
Authors: Yavuz S , Duksal F 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a significant increase in global mortality rates. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify the factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 cases. In these studies, overall mortality was evaluated in patients, and no distinction was made as ward or intensive care mortality.

Aim:
This study aims to determine mortality-related factors in patients who died while in the ward. This could enable us to review the indications for intensive care hospitalization in possible pandemics.

Materials and Method:
This retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of 237 patients who applied to our institution between January 2020 and December 2021 with the diagnosis of COVID-19. Demographic characteristics, length of stay, type of admission (emergency ward or outpatient clinic), presence of comorbidities, thoracic computerized tomography (CT) findings, and laboratory findings were extracted from the hospital database. The demographic and laboratory results of both deceased and recovered patients were compared.

Results:
While many demographic and laboratory findings were statistically significant in the initial analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that decreased albumin levels (adjusted OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.09 – 0.57), increased troponin (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02 – 1.05), and procalcitonin (adjusted OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.04 – 11.47) levels and higher partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.09 – 1.28) values, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients (adjusted OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.01 – 4.69, P = 0.047), and admission to hospital from the emergency department (adjusted OR = 5.15, 95% CI = 1.45 – 18.27, P = 0.011) were significantly associated with mortality when adjusted for age. When a predictive model is constructed with these variables, this model predicted mortality statistically significant (AUC = 0.904, 95% CI = 0.856 – 0.938, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 77.2% (95% CI, 67.8 – 85), a specificity of 91.2% (95% CI, 85.1 – 95.4), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 86.7% (95% CI, 72 – 85.3), and an negative predictive value (NPV) of 84.4% (95% CI, 79.4 – 89.6).

Conclusion:
In this study, we may predict mortality among COVID-19-diagnosed patients admitted to the ward via this model which has the potential to provide guidance for reconsidering the indications for intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
Normalization of Cardiac Structural dimension and Function to Body Surface Area in South East Nigeria Children
Authors: Chinawa JM , Chinawa AT , Ujunwa FA , Odimegwu CL , Onyia JT , Chukwu K , Chukwu BF , Aronu AE , Ikefuna A 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Standardizing cardiac valve structures and function to body surface area will help the clinician and surgeons in decision-making.

Aim:
To evaluate the z-scores of the sizes of cardiac structures and function and to present them in Gaussian curves and reference values.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study that involved 300 apparently healthy children. This study was performed among healthy children from birth to 18 years. Children with a normal echocardiogram, those with no chronic illness, no congenital heart defect, and no acquired heart defect were included in the study.

Result:
The majority fell within the normal limits, as shown in the Gaussian curves. For instance, 40 (13.3%) of atrioventricular (AV) valve diameters were +1 Z-score above the normal, and only 5 (1.7%) were +2 Z-score above the normal. About 9.3% (28/300) had below −2 Z-score below normal, while only 5% had −1 Z-score below normal. Similarly, the left ventricular function z-scores were also derived at −3 Z-scores to +3 Z-scores. The standard reference values were compared with the results obtained from our Z score values. There was no significant difference noted in the Z-scores. P values ranged from 0.07 to 0.84 for all the cardiac structures except for gender, where Z-scores of the mitral valve and left pulmonary artery varied significantly (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:
Reference values of cardiac structure and function were presented using Z scores, and we noted no significant difference when compared with the Western standard values except for the mitral valve and left pulmonary artery.
Identifying the Anatomical Variations of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Öçbe M , Borahan MO 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is located in the mandibular canal (MC). It is critical to evaluate the position of the MC during treatment planning to prevent intra or postoperative complications.

Aims:
This retrospective study aimed to identify the anatomy and anatomical variations of the IAN using soft tissue imaging (pulse sequence magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]).

Materials and Methods:
This study was designed as a retrospective Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) study. In total, 220 MR images were obtained. Nutrient canals (NCs) were classified as intraosseous and dental NCs, while bifid MCs (BMCs) were classified as forward, retromolar, and buccolingual canals. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 was used. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests, descriptive statistical methods (means, standard deviations, and frequencies), and the Chi-square test were used. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
In total, 220 patients (172 females and 48 males) were evaluated. NCs were present in 92.3% of all MCs and were significantly higher in patients aged <25 years. BMCs were observed in 106 patients (24.1%). The most common BMC of MC/IAN was in the forward canal (14.4%), followed by the retromolar canal (7.5%).

Conclusion:
Although previously, the dental canal was considered as an anatomical variation, this study revisited the classification and suggested that dental canals are anatomical structures.
Understanding Antenatal Care Service Quality for Malaria in Pregnancy through Supportive Supervision Data in Tanzania
Authors: Tesha Goodluck Elias , Makwaruzi Stella , Haws Rachel , Mostel Jadmin , Lusasi Abdallah , Lazaro Samwel , Mwaikambo Sijenunu , Chacky Frank , Reaves Erik , Kitojo Chonge , Serbantez Naomi , Tetteh Gladys , Wolf Katherine , Oseni Lolade 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT.
Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is associated with maternal anemia, spontaneous abortion, and infant and maternal death. In Tanzania, MiP service data are collected through routine Malaria Services and Data Quality Improvement (MSDQI) supportive supervision rounds at antenatal care (ANC) facilities. Using structured assessment tools, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative Impact Malaria Project reviewed two annual rounds of MSDQI data (492 facilities in 2021 and 522 facilities in 2022), including ANC records and client satisfaction interviews. We assessed coverage of key MiP care components, used logistic regression to analyze uptake of the recommended three or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp3+), and assessed client satisfaction. Coverage of most MiP care components exceeded 80%; however, only 38% of women received all components. Odds of receiving IPTp3+ were much lower among late ANC initiators than among those who initiated ANC during their first trimester (odds ratio [OR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.38–0.57). Uptake of IPTp3+ increased almost exponentially by number of ANC visits. Women with seven visits were 30 times more likely than those with three visits to receive IPTp3+ (OR, 30.71; 95% CI, 11.33–83.22). Just 54% of clients had anemia screening and only 46% received IPTp3+. Client satisfaction with services and provider communication was high (98% and 97%, respectively); only 8% of client visits exceeded 3 hours. Increased ANC visits could boost IPTp3+ coverage. Routine MSDQI supportive supervision data are useful to assess quality of care, identify service delivery gaps, and guide policies to improve quality of MiP services.
PENGARUH SERTIFIKASI HALAL, MOSLEM BRAND AMBASSADOR SERTA BRAND IMAGE TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK DENGAN TINGKAT RELIGIUSITAS KONSUMEN SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING
Authors: Azmi Shofi Arba'atu , Saifudin Saifudin 
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of Halal Certification, Muslim Brand Ambassador, Brand Image on Product Purchasing Decisions with the Level of Religiosity as a Moderating Variable. The data used in this research is primary data. This data was obtained from distributing questionnaires by researchers to respondents. The samples taken were 100 respondents. The data collection technique is random sampling. The data obtained was then processed using SPSS20 tools. This research uses a quantitative type of research using multiple linear regression analysis and Moderate Regression Analysis (MRA). The results of this research indicate that the halal certification variable does not have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. The Muslim brand ambassador variable has no positive and insignificant effect on purchasing decisions. Then the brand image variable has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the level of religiosity variable is unable to moderate the influence of halal certification on purchasing decisions. The level of religiosity is unable to moderate the influence of Muslim brand ambassadors on purchasing decisions. And finally, the level of religiosity can moderate the influence of brand image on purchasing decisions.Keywords: Halal Certification; Muslim Brand Ambassador; Brand Image; Buying decision; Level of Religiosity
ANALISIS PERBEDAAN PARADIGMA PEMBANGUNAN EKONOMI KONVENSIONAL DENGAN EKONOMI ISLAM
Authors: Sabilla Izma , Nabila Salsa , Amelia Balqis Hana 
Published: February 2024

This research has the title analysis of the sharia economic development paradigm and conventional economic development. This research uses a library study of the differences between the sharia economic development paradigm and conventional economics. The method used is the descriptive method, where this analytical method examines a group of people, objects, conditions, events in the present. Economics studies behavior that has no boundaries which originates from mutually agreed rules, while sharia economics is limited by sharia provisions which are sourced only from the Koran and Hadith. a paradigm that has an important role in the concept and implementation of development economics. Conventional economics only pays attention to changes that occur in economic variables, while sharia economics ignores economic variables and avoids things that cannot be justified in sharia.Keywords: Conventional Economics; Islamic Economics; Paradigm
PENGARUH CAR, NPF, DAN GIRO WAJIB MINIMUM TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS DENGAN FDR SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING
Authors: Aviana Herlanda , Pratama Abdul Aziz Nugraha 
Published: February 2024

The background of this research because operational costs of Islamic banks are higher than those of conventional banks, where both of them compete with each other to get the desired profit. This study aims to determine the effect of CAR, NPF, and GWM on Return On Assets (ROA) with the Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) as an Intervening Variable in Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia. This research uses quantitative research methods. Samples were taken from 10 Islamic banks registered with OJK for the period 2017 – 2021. This research uses secondary data, using the Purposive Sampling method. The software used is E-Views 9 using linear regression analysis. The results of the t test show that the Capital Adequacy Ratio variable has a positive effect on profitability. Non-performing financing variables have a positive effect on profitability. The Minimum Statutory Reserves variable has a positive effect on Profitability. Based on the Path Analysis test, FDR was unable to mediate the effect of CAR on ROA. FDR is able to mediate the effect of NPF on ROA. FDR is able to mediate the effect of GWM on ROA.Keywords: CAR; NPF; GWM; ROA; FDR
Mevalonate kinase gene polymorphisms in ankylosing spondylitis patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yıldız Fatih , Dinkçi Suzan , Erken Eren 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of the mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene polymorphisms on the pathogenesis and clinical findings in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 participants (63 males, 40 females) between January 2013 and January 2014. Of these, 51 (32 males, 19 females; mean age: 37.3±10.2 years; range, 19 to 60 years) were adult AS patients who met the 1984 Modified New York Criteria, and 52 (31 males, 21 females; mean age: 33.8±12 years; range, 19 to 60 years) were healthy volunteers with similar demographics. MVK gene analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction sequencing by isolating deoxyribonucleic acids from peripheral blood samples. We determined serum immunoglobulin (Ig)D levels using radial immunodiffusion. We performed physical examinations on the AS patients. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index forms were filled and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and IgD levels were recorded.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean age between the groups (p=0.121). The frequency of symptomatic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), c.769-38 C>T heterozygous, c.769-7 T>G heterozygous, and c.769-38 C>T homozygous were similar between the groups (15/15; p=0.646). Nonsymptomatic SNPs were more common in the patient group, but the difference was not significant (83/58; p>0.05). The rate of having an MVK gene polymorphism was 36 (70.6%) in the AS compared to the 33 (63.4%) in the control group (p>0.05). There were no associations in clinical findings between the AS patients with or without MVK gene polymorphisms. New heterozygous SNPs, I56V A>G, E281D G>D, V80I G>A, and C173Y G>A, were present in four AS patients.
Conclusion: The frequency of MVK gene polymorphisms was higher in AS patients than in healthy controls. But there was no statistically significant difference. We determined no effect of the present polymorphisms on AS clinical and laboratory findings.
Pericardial effusion in children admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A multicenter retrospective cohort study from the pediatric health information system
Authors: Fiedorek Daniel , Tang Xinyu , Sukumaran Sukesh , Collins R. Thomas , Bolin Elijah 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if the presence of a pericardial effusion is associated with adverse outcomes among children admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Patients and methods: The multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted with 4,332 patients (1,554 males, 2,778 females; median age: 12 years; IQR, 7, 15 years) using the Pediatric Health Information System. Data from hospital admissions between January 1, 2004, and September 15, 2015, were obtained for patients with an International Disease Classification, Ninth Revision code for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pericardial effusion was the primary predictor variable; the outcomes of interest were length of stay, hospital costs, and readmission within 90 days. Multivariate models were created to evaluate associations between pericardial effusion and adverse outcomes. We also analyzed factors associated with increased odds of having pericardial effusion in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Results: One hundred twenty (3%) patients had a code for pericardial effusion. Children with pericardial effusion had a longer median length of stay (7 days (IQR 3, 12) vs. 3 days (IQR 2,6), p<0.001), higher median costs ($17,688 (IQR 8,657, 40,623) vs. $8,456 (IQR 4,865, 16,302), p<0.001), and greater rates of readmission (22% vs. 15%, p=0.045). Multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant association between pericardial effusion and outcomes of interest. Black race and male sex were associated with increased odds of having pericardial effusion.
Conclusion: Pericardial effusion is rare among children admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis but is associated with significant morbidity; its presence may be a marker of disease severity. Black children and males admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis warrant special consideration and may benefit from screening echocardiography.