bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of neurodynamic techniques in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Ashoori Mahdi , Pourahmadi Mohammadreza , Hashemi Seyed Ebrahim , Dadgoo Mehdi , Hosseini Mahboobeh Sadat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). DPN is the primary risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers that can cause amputation. Although several observational studies have investigated the morphological and biomechanical characteristics of peripheral nerves in DPN, interventional studies regarding the effectiveness of neurodynamic techniques (NDT) in DPN patients are confined to a handful. The effects of NDT on neuropathy severity, nerve conduction parameters, quality of life (QoL), and mechanosensitivity have not been explored yet in this population.

Materials and Methods:
Forty type 2 DPN (T2DPN) patients, diagnosed based on an electrodiagnosis study, will be recruited into two groups. The experimental group will receive the tibial nerve’s real proximal and distal slider techniques in addition to DPN standard treatment as a basic treatment, and the control group will receive the tibial nerve’s sham proximal and distal slider techniques along with the basic treatment for eight sessions twice a week. Baseline and post-intervention assessments will be based on the Michigan diabetic neuropathy score (MDNS) (primary outcome), tibial nerve conduction parameters, neuropathy-specific quality of life (Neuro QoL) questionnaire, and straight leg raising range of motion (SLR ROM) (secondary outcomes).

Results:
This study is expected to last approximately seven months, depending on recruitment. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusions:
The present study will evaluate the efficacy of NDT on the primary and secondary outcome measurements in DPN patients.
Co-Occurrence Analysis of COVID-19 Publications with an Emphasis on the Global Health Governance (GHG)
Authors: Allahbakhshian Farsani Leili , Riahinia Nosrat , Danesh Farshid , Azimi Ali 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Analyzing co-occurrence is an effective way to monitor the overview of topic spreading. The present study aimed to conduct a co-occurrence analysis of scientific publications related to COVID-19, emphasizing Global Health Governance (GHG).

Materials and Methods:
This applied research with an analytical approach was carried out on all the scientific publications related to COVID-19, emphasizing GHG (51056 records), extracted from PubMed Central on 26/01/2022. The research population consisted of all the scientific publications related to COVID-19, emphasizing GHG (51056 records), extracted from PubMed Central on 26/01/2022. The data were analyzed using BibExcel, UCINET, Excel, and SPSS software, and Spearman’s test was used to confirm correlations.

Results:
The co-word network of the thematic area of COVID-19 includes 226 nodes and 7292 edges. COVID-19 and the pandemic formed the most co-word pairs with 2224 connections. The COVID-19* mental health and COVID-19* anxiety, with 1019 and 925 connections, are ranked next, respectively. The term COVID-19 is ranked first with a centrality index of 225. The keywords of pandemic and public health are ranked second and third with the centrality index of 217 and 206, respectively.

Conclusion:
The global approach of studies related to COVID-19 is more inclined to the epidemiological and public health fields. Assuming the GHG, detailed and comprehensive planning should be performed to strengthen these studies and pave the way for international cooperation, determining research requisites, and developing applied research studies.
Does routine partial lateral sphincterotomy with open hemorrhoidectomy improve postoperative pain?
Authors: Abdraboh Osama H. , Saber Sherif A. , Mousa Gamal , Eissa Mahmoud A. 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveIn this study we aimed to detect the difference regarding the postoperative pain and continence in patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoidal disease who underwent either hemorrhoidectomy alone or combined hemorrhoidectomy with partial internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease.Patients and methodsThis prospective comparative randomized clinical trial was conducted at hospitals of Tanta University during the period from March 2021 to August 2022 on 100 patients with third or fourth degree hemorrhoids who were randomly assigned either to group A, patients who only underwent hemorrhoidal excision by the classical technique of Milligan–Morgan or group B, with added partial lateral sphincterotomy to the classic technique. All patients in both groups underwent anorectal manometry both preoperatively and postoperatively. Pain following surgery was analyzed by using visual analog scale system at 24 h, 48 h, and on 10th postoperative day, other complications including incontinence, infection, hematoma, bleeding, and anal stricture were evaluated at 24 h, 48 h, 10th postoperative day, 1 month, and after 3 months.ResultsTotal 100 patients were divided among both groups. The mean age of the patients was 37.7±11.3 and 36.3±11.3 years in group A and group B, respectively. Thirty-two males and 18 females were in group A in comparison to 33 males and 17 females in group B. During follow-up periods, patients in group B had less postoperative pain than those in group A with statistically significant difference. None of the patients developed fecal incontinence for solid or liquid stools in both groups, except for nine patients developed only mild degree of incontinence for flatus in the first week that improved gradually till completely resolved before the end of the 3 months follow up.ConclusionThe addition of partial internal sphincterotomy to the classical haemorrhoidectomy technique significantly improves postoperative pain without increasing overall related morbidity.
A Scoping Review of Possible Solutions for Decreasing Socioeconomic Inequalities in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gharacheh Laleh , Amini-Rarani Mostafa , Torabipour Amin , Karimi Saeed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
As socioeconomic inequalities are key factors in access and utilization of type 2 diabetes (T2D) services, the purpose of this scoping review was to identify solutions for decreasing socioeconomic inequalities in T2D.

Methods:
A scoping review of scientific articles from 2000 and later was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Embase, and ProQuest databases. Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping review, articles were extracted, meticulously read, and thematically analyzed.

Results:
A total of 7204 articles were identified from the reviewed databases. After removing duplicate and nonrelevant articles, 117 articles were finally included and analyzed. A number of solutions and passways were extracted from the final articles. Solutions for decreasing socioeconomic inequalities in T2D were categorized into 12 main solutions and 63 passways.

Conclusions:
Applying identified solutions in diabetes policies and interventions would be recommended for decreasing socioeconomic inequalities in T2D. Also, the passways could be addressed as entry points to help better implementation of diabetic policies.
The Effects of Curcumin Administration on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Pulse Wave Velocity in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghasemiadl Mojtaba , Ghasemi Soheil , Soleimani Alireza , Esfahani Mahsa M. , Azadbakht Javid , Gilasi Hamid R. , Talari Hamid R. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Prior studies have reported that curcumin is inversely associated with reduced markers of atherosclerosis risk, including carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). This study was designed to assess the effects of curcumin on CIMT and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods:
This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 39 diabetic HD patients. People were assigned to receive curcumin or placebo (starch) for 24 weeks. Individuals in the curcumin group (n = 26) received 80 mg/day. CIMT and PWV levels were taken at baseline and after 24 weeks of intervention.

Results:
After 24 weeks of intervention, curcumin intake did not affect mean levels of left (P = 0.83) and right (P = 0.47) CIMT and maximum levels of left (P = 0.84) and right (P = 0.11) CIMT, and PWV (P = 0.12) compared to the placebo. Furthermore, within-group difference demonstrated a significant reduction in mean levels of PWV (P = 0.01) in the curcumin group. We did not observe any significant change in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after curcumin intake (P = 0.69).

Conclusions:
Curcumin intake did not affect mean levels of left and right CIMT and maximum levels of left and right CIMT, PWV, and CRP levels compared to the placebo. Additionally, within-group difference demonstrated a significant reduction in mean levels of PWV in the curcumin group.
This trial was registered at www.irct.ir as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20200527047584N1.
Impact of oxygen therapy algorithm on oxygen usage in the emergency department
Authors: Abhilash KPP , Acharya H , Dua J , Kumar S , Selvaraj B , Priya G 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Although oxygen is one of the oldest drugs available, it is still one of the most inappropriately administered drugs leading to over utilization of this very expensive resource.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective observational study was done in a large emergency department (ED) in India. The pattern of oxygen usage was studied before and after the strict implementation of an oxygen treatment algorithm. The algorithm was taught to all doctors and nurses and its implementation was monitored regularly. The main outcome measures were proportion of patients receiving oxygen therapy, inappropriate usage, and avoidable direct medical cost to the patient.

Results:
The 3-week pre-protocol observation phase in April 2016 included 3769 patients and the 3-week post-protocol observation phase in April 2017 included 4608 patients. The baseline demographic pattern was similar in both the pre-protocol and post-protocol groups. After the strict implementation of the algorithm, the number of patients receiving oxygen therapy decreased from 9.63% to 4.82%, a relative decrease of 51.4%. The average amount of total oxygen used decreased from 55.4 liters per person in pre-protocol group to 42.1 liters per person in the post-protocol group with a mean difference of 13.28 (95% CI 5.30-21.26; P = 0.001). Inappropriate oxygen usage decreased from 37.2% to 8.6%. There was a significant decrease in inappropriate oxygen use for indications like low sensorium (60.8% vs 21.7%) and trauma (88.5% vs 15.8%). The mortality rate in the pre-protocol phase was 2.7% as compared with 3.2% in the post-protocol phase. The total duration of inappropriate oxygen usage significantly decreased from 987 h to 89 h over the 21-day study period.

Conclusion:
The implementation of an oxygen therapy algorithm significantly reduces inappropriate oxygen use and decreases treatment cost to the patient with no additional mortality risk.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Tazarotene and Calcitriol with or without Sequential Therapy in Mild-to-Moderate Psoriasis: A Randomized Open-label Study
Authors: Sidhu Jaspreet Kaur , Matreja Prithpal Singh , Gupta Ashwani Kumar , Singh Amandeep , Singh Surjit 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes rapid turnover of skin cells. It is a chronic disease that affects a patient’s quality of life significantly and frequently requires long-term treatment. The study on sequential therapy with tazarotene 0.1% and calcitriol 0.0003% has not been tried so far; hence, we designed this study to compare the safety and efficacy of sequential therapy with tazarotene 0.1% cream and calcitriol 0.0003% ointment versus monotherapy in mild-to-moderate stable plaque psoriasis (SPP). The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of topical sequential treatment with tazarotene followed by calcitriol, topical calcitriol followed by tazarotene, tazarotene monotherapy, calcitriol monotherapy, and compare the safety and efficacy of the sequential therapies with monotherapies.

Methods:
The study was a single center, prospective parallel-group, active control, randomized study of 16 weeks duration (treatment for 8 weeks and follow-up for 16 weeks), randomized to either of the four groups, i.e., tazarotene 0.1% for 4 weeks followed by calcitriol 0.0003% for 4 weeks or calcitriol 0.0003% for 4 weeks followed by tazarotene 0.1% for 4 weeks or tazarotene 0.1% for 8 weeks or calcitriol 0.0003% for 8 weeks. Both tazarotene and calcitriol were applied once daily in all the groups.

Findings:
There was no significant difference with regard to age and duration of illness among the four treatment groups. Statistically significant improvement was observed in erythema, scaling, and induration scores, and Physician`s global assessment scale at 8 weeks and 16 weeks as compared to baseline in tazarotene – calcitriol, calcitriol – tazarotene, and calcitriol versus tazarotene groups.

Conclusion:
This study concluded that topical treatment with tazarotene 0.1% and calcitriol 0.003% was efficacious in treating mild-to-moderate SPP as both sequential and monotherapy. However, topical treatment with tazarotene as monotherapy was the least efficacious.
Investigating the Prevalence of Contrast-associated Nephropathy and the Related Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Elective Angioplasty
Authors: Dianatkhah Mehrnoush , Poursaeid Samira , Shirvani Ehsan , Badri Shirinsadat 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
Contrast-associated nephropathy (CAN) is a sudden decrease in kidney function following contrast media administration. Considering the importance of CAN in the patient’s outcome and the high prevalence of this complication in cardiac catheterizing centers, this study was designed to investigate the prevalence and the related risk factors of CAN in patients undergoing angioplasty in Chamran Heart Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from January 2022 to June 2022.

Methods:
The inclusion criteria were adult patients above 18 admitted for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patient demographic information, underlying diseases and medications, dehydration state, type and amount of contrast media, and serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SrCr) at 24 and 72 h after contrast injection were all recorded.

Findings:
Out of 340, 128 patients developed CAN after PCI, giving an incidence of 37.64%. Adjusted analysis showed a significant relation between age over 65, the amount of contrast media administered, and the use of furosemide with the incidence of CAN. However, adjusted logistic regression analysis failed to show any significant relationship between the risk of CAN and the hydration status of the patients at 24 and 48 h after receiving contrast media as diagnosed by BUN/SrCr >20.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of CAN in this study was higher than in other studies since this high-risk population was under risk factors such as arterial injection of contrast material and a higher amount of contrast material administration. In addition, advanced age, volume of contrast material, and previous or concurrent furosemide administration were associated with an increased risk of CAN.
Consolidation Coefficient of Soil Prediction by Using Teaching Learning based Optimization with Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Kalaivani K , Mohana Priya D , Veena K , Brindha K , Karuppasamy K , Shanmugapriyaa K R 
Published: January 2024

A key factor in constructing buildings leaning on soft soil is the consolidating coefficient of the soil referred as Cv. It is a crucial lab-measured engineering parameter utilized during the design and verification of geotechnical structures. Nevertheless, experimental experiments take a lot of time and money. In this study, the is projected using Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN) with optimized feature selection using Teaching Learning-based Optimization, estimating Cv as the most crucial step (TLO), which has enhanced the quality of the prediction model by removing unnecessary characteristics and relying solely on crucial ones. The experimental results demonstrate that the projected FNN, followed by the Multi-layer Training algorithm Neural Network (MLP), Impact of changing Optimization (BBO), a support vector regression (SVR), Back - propagation algorithm Multi-layer Training algorithm Bayesian Network (Bp-MLP Neural Nets), has the highest predictive validity for the prediction of (Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE )= 0.379, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) = 0.26, and coefficient of determination r = 0.835). Hence, it can be said that even if all used models perform well in predicting the soil consolidation coefficient, the FNN-TLO performs the best.
Post-COVID-19 Era: Navigating Challenges in Online Thesis Guidance for Academic Enrichment
Authors: Ahmad Faza  , Johan Setiawan  , Eunike Endariahna Surbakti  , Albert Richard Dammara Alba  , Cindy Febriani Santoso  , Fidelia Rahmah  , Mella Margareta Veronica  , Jacintha Cordelie  
Published: January 2024

The integration of information technology (IT) in higher education has significantly enhanced academic performance, with a focus on information systems, electronic thesis management, and legal responsibilities outlined in Higher Education Law No. 12 of 2012. This study explores the challenges and opportunities arising from the transition to online thesis guidance, prompted by the post-COVID-19 era, within the Information Systems Program at Multimedia Nusantara University. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach and thematic analysis, the research uncovers challenges in clarity of instructions, guidance note management, and dynamics of relationships with academic mentors, examiners, and the thesis defense committee. As students navigate the intricate landscape of online thesis guidance, the study emphasizes the importance of transparent communication and adaptability. In conclusion, while IT integration enriches academic quality, challenges identified in online thesis guidance serve as guideposts for institutions to refine strategies and enhance communication. This research provides valuable insights for educational institutions, ensuring a seamless and enriching academic experience for students in the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in the context of online thesis guidance.
The Social Impact of Expanding the Indonesian Military Mandate on Counter-terrorism
Authors: Juned Mansur , Samhudi Galby R , Akhli Rangga A , Teja Mohammad 
Published: January 2024

The government has currently drafting and discussing a Presidential Regulation on expanding the Indonesian military mandate on combating terrorism. This regulation was proposed as an alternative to combat threats from growing terrorism in Indonesia and to strengthen anti-terrorism acts initiated by civil counter-terrorism institutions. This paper uses a literature study to observe the social implications of military involvement in counter-terrorism. The writers try to review the deployment of the military to combat terrorism, the counter-terrorism from civil counter-terrorism institutions, military involvement in counter-terrorism and its implications, as well as its implications on Indonesia’s social sector. It was concluded that the social impact of expanding the role of the TNI in counter-terror needs to be balanced with the community's wishes and redefine the meaning of extremism to avoid polemics in the community. AbstrakSaat ini pemerintah tengah melakukan penyusunan dan pembahasan Peraturan Presiden tentang perluasan tugas TNI dalam Mengatasi Aksi Terorisme. Upaya ini merupakan alternatif untuk menghadapi ancaman terorisme di Indonesia yang terus berkembang dan memperkuat proses penanggulangan terorisme yang telah dilakukan lembaga kontra-teror sipil. Oleh karena itu, dengan menggunakan metode studi pustaka, tulisan ini akan mencoba mengungkapkan implikasi sosial dari keterlibatan militer dalam upaya kontra terorisme. Tulisan ini mengulas mengenai pengerahan militer dalam penanggulangan terorisme, upaya penanggulangan terorisme yang telah dilakukan lembaga kontra-teror sipil, gambaran pelibatan TNI dalam kontra-teror, implikasi perluasan pelibatan TNI dalam kontra-teror, dan implikasi dalam kehidupan sosial-kemasyarakatan Indonesia. Tulisan ini menyimpulkan bahwa dampak sosial perluasan peran TNI dalam kontra-teror perlu diimbangi dengan keinginan masyarakat serta mendefinisikan ulang arti dari ekstremisme agar tidak terjadi polemik di masyarakat.
Kesiapan Pemerintah Daerah Provinsi Riau dan Sumatera Selatan dalam Pelaksanaan Kebijakan Restorasi Gambut
Authors: Qodriyatun Sri Nurhayati 
Published: January 2024

Peatland restoration policy was launched by the government to reduce negative impacts of forest and land fires on peatlands. Riau Province and South Sumatera Province are two provinces in the list of priority locations of the implementation of peatland restoration policy in 2016. What raises as a problem is the nature of preparedness of the two provinces in implementing the policy. Through qualitative research conducted in 2016, the research showed that South Sumatera Province is better prepared in implementing policy, as seen from the implemented program, prepared resources, and commitment of regional head in the implementation of the policy. However, policy implementation is constrained by the absence of regulations to support policy implementation in the province. In the future, there are some needs for (1) coordination between central and regional governments in each activity plan; (2) regulation to support the use of donor funds for implementation of the policy at regional levels; (3) social mapping and economic mapping of KHG mapping; (4) evaluation on moratorium on permits and licenses for peatlands; and (5) improvement on law enforcement. Kebijakan restorasi gambut diluncurkan pemerintah untuk mengurangi dampak negatif kebakaran hutan dan lahan di lahan gambut. Provinsi Riau dan Sumatera Selatan adalah dua provinsi yang menjadi prioritas lokasi pelaksanaan kebijakan restorasi gambut di tahun 2016. Permasalahannya adalah bagaimana kesiapan kedua provinsi tersebut dalam pelaksanaan kebijakan tersebut? Melalui penelitian kualitatif yang dilakukan pada tahun 2016, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemerintah daerah Provinsi Sumatera Selatan lebih siap melaksanakan kebijakan restorasi gambut, terlihat dari program yang dilaksanakan, sumber daya yang disiapkan, dan komitmen kepala daerah dalam pelaksanaan kebijakan. Namun pelaksanaan kebijakan terkendala oleh tidak adanya regulasi untuk mendukung pelaksanaan kebijakan di daerah. Untuk itu, ke depan perlu ada: (1) koordinasi antara pemerintah pusat dengan daerah dalam setiap rencana kegiatan; (2) regulasi yang mendukung pemanfaatan dana donor untuk pelaksanaan restorasi gambut di daerah; (3) pemetaan sosial dan pemetaan ekonomi dalam pemetaan KHG; (4) evaluasi moratorium izin di lahan gambut; dan (5) peningkatan penegakan hukum.