bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Using Bayley Scale of Infant Development-III (BSID-III): A Tertiary Care Centre Study
Authors: Athreya Shubha , Paul Abhishek , HA Venkatesh , Nagesh Karthik , Swamy Ravi 
Published: February 2024

Background Survival of preterm babies has improved and the focus now is on intact survival. Early detection of developmental delay is crucial so that diagnostic-specific early intervention can be commenced to optimize neuroplasticity. Objective Primary: To assess the neurodevelopmental outcome by measuring preterm infants’ mean composite score for cognition, language, and motor skills. Secondary: To calculate the degree of developmental delay. Study design A Cohort Study. Participants Preterm neonates. Intervention Bayley-III assessment done between 18 and 42 months. Results Seventy preterm neonates were assessed between 18 and 42 months of age. They were divided into two groups based on gestational age. Mean composite score for cognition (<30 weeks = 79.84 ± 7.88 and >30 weeks = 86.32 ± 9.28; 95%CI: 81.16–85.55), language (<30 weeks = 79.16 ± 11.55 and >30 weeks = 89.37 ± 11.61; 95%CI: 81.90–87.70), and mean Motor scores (<30 weeks 81.69 ± 17.82 and >30 weeks = 89.84 ± 10.46; 95%CI: 82.59–89.63) were statistically significant. There was more than half the standard deviation deficit of composite scores between the two groups. Eighty-one percent had a moderate delay in cognition in the <30 weeks group as compared to 65.8% in >30 weeks. Similarly, for language and motor scores, 43.8% and 31.3% had a moderate delay in <30 weeks as compared to 39.5% and 42.1% for >30 weeks, respectively. Conclusion Higher composite scores were observed among infants >30 weeks gestation. There was more than half a standard deviation deficit in composite scores among those <30 weeks of gestational age. The most affected was the language component.
Risk factors for infection of totally implantable central venous access ports among patients requiring port removal
Authors: Hara Yuki , Sumida Yorihisa , Yamazaki Shoto , Takei Daiki , Yamashita Manpei , Fukuda Akiko , Hisanaga Makoto , Tanaka Takayuki , Wakata Koki , Miyazaki Takuro , Araki Masato , Yano Hiroshi , Nakamura Akihiro 
Published: February 2024

Background: Totally implantable central venous access ports, are required for various purposes, ranging from chemotherapy to nutrition. Port infection is a common complication. In many patients with port infection, the ports are removed because antibiotics are ineffective. We evaluated the risk factors associated with port removal due to port infection. Methods: By retrospective chart review, we collected data of 223 patients who underwent port removal for any reason. Port infection was defined as infection symptoms, such as fever; elevated white blood cell counts or C-reactive protein levels; or redness at the port site, in the absence of other infections, which improved with port removal. The characteristics of patients with or without port infection were compared using univariate (chi-squared test, t-test) and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: We compared 172 patients without port infection to 51 patients with port infection. Univariate analysis identified sex ( p = 0.01), body mass index (BMI) ⩽20 kg/m2 ( p = 0.00004), diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.04), and purpose of use ( p = 0.0000003) as significant variables. However, male sex ( p = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–0.23), BMI ⩽20 kg m2 ( p = 0.002, 95% CI: 0.06–0.29), and purpose of use (total parenteral nutrition (TPN); p = 0.000005, 95% CI: 0.31–0.76) remained significant using multivariate analysis. Moreover, the patients with short bowel syndrome and difficulty in oral intake tended to be infected easily. Additionally, Staphylococcus species were the most common microbes involved in port infection. Conclusions: Male sex, BMI ⩽20 kg/m2, and purpose of use as a TPN were risk factors for port infection. Ports should not be used for long duration of TPN or used only in exceptional cases.
Baduanjin Mind-Body Exercise for Cancer-Related Fatigue: Protocol for a Remotely Delivered Randomized Wait-List Controlled Feasibility Study
Authors: Walsh Sean , Wang Kang , Lam Anderson , Du Shihao , Hu Yanbin , Sun Yu-Ting , Tcharkhedian Elise , Nikas Evangeline , Webb Gregory , Moylan Eugene , Della-Fiorentina Stephen , Fahey Paul , Shelley Wang Xin , Chen Ming , Zhu Xiaoshu 
Published: February 2024

Background: People living with a cancer diagnosis often experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Between 9% and 45% of people report CRF as moderate to severe, negatively impacting their quality-of-life (QOL). The evidence-base for managing CRF recommends exercise-related therapies over pharmaceutical interventions. One such exercise-like therapy is Baduanjin mind-body exercise (MBE), which has additional benefits. A remotely delivered program may further benefit people with CRF. The primary objective of this pilot will test study feasibility of a remotely delivered Baduanjin MBE exercise program for people living with CRF. Methods: This is a randomized wait-list controlled pilot study and will take place in Sydney, Australia. Subject to informed consent, 40 adults with moderate CRF levels and receiving or previously received adjuvant chemotherapy, will undertake a home-based 8-week Baduanjin MBE program supported by online resources and instructors. The primary feasibility outcomes are recruitment, enrollment, retention, and adherence rates; and safety as measured by tolerance and adverse-event frequency. Clinical outcomes (eg, changes in CRF, QOL, and participant perceptions) are assessed at pre-intervention, week 1, week 4, week 8, and post-intervention. Analyses follows the Intent-to-Treat (all participants as per randomization) and per-protocol (participants adhering to the protocol). Missing data will be imputed from previous data entries and regression models may be tested to predict missing outcomes. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the feasibility and effects of Baduanjin MBE on CRF using a remote delivery method. These feasibility data will inform a fully powered future trial investigating evidence of effect on CRF and QOL. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR 12623000177651). Ringgold ID: 651498 Chinese Medicine Centre
Menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent secondary school girls in rural Anambra communities
Authors: Onubogu Chinyere Ukamaka , Umeh Uche Marian , Mbachu Chioma Ngozichukwu Pauline , Nwazor Onyinye Chinenye , Ofiaeli Ogochukwu Chioma , Nwagbara Nkiru Eucharia , Chilaka Ugochinyere Jane , Ijezie Nkechi Appolonia , Ajator Chioma Chetachukwu 
Published: February 2024

Background: Adolescent girls face numerous challenges which hinder their ability to manage menstruation in a healthy and dignified manner. Objectives: To examine the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls schooling in rural Anambra communities. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Method: Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling technique and interviewed using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0. Results: Mean age of all, pre-menarche and post-menarche girls were 14.7 ± 1.84, 12.8 ± 1.09 and 15.1 ± 1.73 years, respectively. About 46% of the pre-menarche girls had not received any information on menstruation. Common sources of initial menstruation information were mother (87.3%), school (52.2%) and peers (20.0%). Among the 1091 (85.0% (1091/1283)) post-menarche girls, last menstrual period, last menstrual period duration and cycle length could not be recalled by 53.9%, 34.4% and 39.3%, respectively. Majority (98.3%) who could recall last menstrual period had a cycle length of ⩽30 days and the mean duration of menses was 4.4 ± 0.84 days. Disposable sanitary pad was mostly (60%) cited as recommended product, but cloth/rags (40.6%) or tissue paper (32. 3%) were predominantly used. Majority (88.6%) took their bath ⩾twice/day, 50.9% changed sanitary product ⩽twice/day while 72.5% exhibited poor hand washing. Sanitary products were mostly discarded by burning (45.4%). Fifty-one percent could not change in school predominantly due to lack of functional toilets/changing rooms (84.2%) while 72.5% of those who changed did so in bushes or unused spaces. Challenges faced during menstruation include restriction from holy places (38.9%), waist pain (74.9%), blood stains (36.1%) and lack of money to buy pad (27.0%). Factors significantly associated with using commercial pads were age (p = 0.047), class (p = 0.006), mother’s educational status (p < 0.001), social class (p < 0.001), ability to recall last menstrual period date (p = 0.029) or duration (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene management was unsatisfactory among studied adolescents. Continuous education of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management and advocacy for adequate menstrual hygiene management support are imperative.
Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Proof of Concept Observational Study
Authors: Akturk Halis Kaan , Dong Fran , Snell-Bergeon Janet K. , Karakus Kagan Ege , Shah Viral N. 
Published: February 2024

Background: Tirzepatide is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of type 2 diabetes. The efficacy and safety of this drug have not been studied in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), weight, body mass index (BMI), and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data were collected from electronic health records of adults with T1D at initiation of tirzepatide and at subsequent clinic visits over 8 months. Primary outcomes were reduction in HbA1c and percent change in body weight and secondary outcomes were change in CGM metrics and BMI over 8 months from baseline. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the 26 adults (54% female) with T1D was 42 ± 8 years with a mean BMI of 36.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2. There was significant reduction in HbA1c by 0.45% at 3 months and 0.59% at 8 months, and a significant reduction in body weight by 3.4%, 10.5%, and 10.1% at 3, 6, and 8 months after starting tirzepatide. Time in target range (TIR = 70-180 mg/dL) and time in tight target range (TITR = 70-140 mg/dL) increased (+12.6%, P = .002; +10.7%, P = .0016, respectively) and time above range (TAR >180 mg/dL) decreased (−12.6%, P = .002) at 3 months, and these changes were sustained over 8 months. The drug was relatively safe and well tolerated with only 2 patients discontinuing the medication. Conclusions: Tirzepatide significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight in adults with T1D. A randomized controlled trial is needed to establish efficacy and safety of this drug in T1D.
CEO Duality and Corporation Innovation
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Yu , Lin Tsai-Yin , Li Fangjhy , Kuo Jhen-Ni 
Published: February 2024

Innovation activities are an essential factor to maintain enterprises’ growth. This study takes Taiwan stock market listed companies as the research object and explores the relationship between the corporation’s innovation activities and the chairman and CEO as an inventor. Furthermore, we use panel regression analysis to obtain robust results. Under such a trend of information circulation, innovation plays an important role in various emerging trends advocated in Taiwan in recent years. Therefore, this paper attempts to conduct an in-depth study on it. This paper verifies the important role of CEO duality in corporate innovation, which means that the corporation’s R&D expenditure can be further evaluated by the president and CEO. It is found that the chairman who is an inventor and CEO can reduce the corporation’s R&D expenses but can increase the number of patents of the company, which shows that the chairman and CEO who is an inventor has better R&D efficiency, but this phenomenon only exists in the electronics industry. Therefore, future research is suggested to examine real cases from different innovation activities, and although some case studies may be confusing, cross-cultural real research should also be encouraged in future work. JEL Classification: G3.
Increased Time to Fixation After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Influenced by Race and Insurance Status
Authors: Raso Jon , Kamalapathy Pramod , Solomon Eric , Driskill Elizabeth , Kurker Kristina , Joshi Aditya , Hassanzadeh Hamid 
Published: February 2024

Study Design Retrospective Cohort Study. Objectives Although the optimal timing of surgical intervention for traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is controversial, early intervention has been recognized as being beneficial in several studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic factors that may delay time to surgical fixation in the management of TSCI. Methods The present study utilized the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) dataset to identify patients aged greater than 18 undergoing spinal fusion for TSCI from 2007-2016. Patients were divided into subgroups based on race and insurance types. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare time to procedure based on race and payer type while adjusting for demographic and injury-specific factors. Significance was set at P < .05. Results Using multivariable analysis, Hispanic and Black patients were associated with significantly increased time to fixation of 12.1 h (95% CI 5.5-18.7, P < .001), and 20.1 h (95% CI 12.1-28.1, P < .001), respectively compared to White patients. Other cohorts based on racial status did not have significantly different times to fixation ( P > .05). Medicaid was associated with an increased time to fixation compared to private insurance (11.6 h, 95% CI 3.9-19.2, P = .003). Conclusions Black and Hispanic race and Medicaid were associated with statistically significant increases in time to fixation following TSCI, potentially compromising quality of patient care and resulting in poorer outcomes. More research is needed to elucidate this relationship and ensure equitable care is being delivered.
Change in Posterior Tibial Slope Angle After Displaced Pediatric Tibial Tubercle Fracture: A Model for Growth Modulation in the ACL-Deficient Knee
Authors: Vasudevan Rajiv S. , Zogby Andrew M. , Wilps Tyler , Paras Tyer , Pennock Andrew T. 
Published: February 2024

Background: Increased posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA) has been shown to be an important risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. PTSA modulation is not utilized routinely to reduce risk of primary rupture or graft failure. Displaced tibial tubercle (TT) fractures in the skeletally immature are associated with potential growth arrest and may be used as a model to study PTSA changes in this setting. Purpose/Hypothesis: To quantify the change in PTSA (ΔPTSA) after operative treatment of displaced TT fractures in skeletally immature patients. It was hypothesized that there would be a progressive decrease in PTSA after TT injury and that rate of ΔPTSA would be highest during peak growth velocity. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were 22 patients (n = 23 knees; mean chronological and bone age at injury, 14 years; 86% male) who underwent surgery for displaced TT fracture. PTSA was measured on lateral radiographs at time of surgery and subsequent follow-up, and bone age at the time of injury was determined using radiographic standards. The rate of ΔPTSA for individual patient, total cohort, and sex-based subgroup trends were determined via linear regression (degrees per month; positive value indicates relatively anterior). Individual patient regression coefficients were averaged into bone age cohorts. Results: Average follow-up was 17 months (range, 6-52 months). The mean PTSA was -12°± 2.4° at the time of injury, and the mean ΔPTSA for the cohort was 0.30°± 0.31° per month (range, -0.27° to 0.97° per month). Linear regression demonstrated a significant relationship between months postfixation and PTSA, demonstrating a ΔPTSA of 0.31° per month (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24° to 0.38°; P < .001). The highest ΔPTSA was seen at bone age 14 years (mean, 0.58°± 0.44° per month). The mean absolute change in PTSA from injury to final follow-up was 4.1° (range, -3.4° to 21°). Conclusion: Our data suggested that PTSA becomes more anterior after operatively treated pediatric TT fractures and that ΔPTSA may be influenced by bone age. This concept may be useful in considering surgical modulation of excessive PTSA in the pediatric ACL-deficient knee.
Impact of Heartfulness Meditation on Improving Antioxidant Status and Lipid Profile in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Haripriya Manoharan , Sharvani N , Kishorenaick D , Singh M Sharan B , Vanajakshamma V , Kiranmayi V S 
Published: February 2024

Introduction Oxidative stress plays an indispensable role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Several studies suggest that meditation can reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of heartfulness meditation on antioxidant status and lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods Fifty-nine angiographically diagnosed CAD patients were included in the study. Patients who were enrolled practiced heartfulness meditation for a period of six months. Protein thiol (an antioxidant marker), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-C) were measured under fasting conditions before and after six months of meditation practice. Results After six months of practice of heartfulness meditation, there was a statistically significant increase in HDL-C (39.10 ± 8.30 vs. 42.85 ± 8.16, p < .01) and an antioxidant marker protein thiol (257.34 ± 39.68 vs. 345.31 ± 57.53, p < .0001). The mean levels of triglycerides (205.81 ± 88.31 vs. 182.53 ± 93.57 mg dl−1), VLDL-C (41.18 ± 17.64 vs. 36.51 ± 18.71 mg dl−1), and total cholesterol (170.02 ± 40.10 vs. 164.46 ± 42.20 mg dl−1) decreased following the intervention, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Heartfulness meditation is an effective means to decrease free radical formation and improve antioxidant status and lipid profile in CAD patients. As a result of this study, regular meditation practice has the potential to be one of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies for CAD prevention.
Advances of polyolefins from fiber to nanofiber: fabrication and recent applications
Authors: Zakaria Mohammad , Bhuiyan M. A. Rahman , Hossain Md. Shakawat , Khan N. M.-Mofiz Uddin , Salam Md. Abdus , Nakane Koji 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolyolefins are a widely accepted commodity polymer made from olefinic monomer consisting of carbon and hydrogen. This thermoplastic polymeric material is formed through reactive double bonds of olefins by the addition polymerization technique and it possesses a diverse range of unique features for a large variety of applications. Among the various types, polyethylene and polypropylene are the prominent classes of polyolefins that can be crafted and manipulated into diversified products for numerous applications. Research on polyolefins has boomed tremendously in recent times owing to the abundance of raw materials, low cost, lightweight, high chemical resistance, diverse functionalities, and outstanding physical characteristics. Polyolefins have also evidenced their potentiality as a fiber in micro to nanoscale and emerged as a fascinating material for widespread high-performance use. This review aims to provide an elucidation of the breakthroughs in polyolefins, namely as fibers, filaments, and yarns, and their applications in many domains such as medicine, body armor, and load-bearing industries. Moreover, the development of electrospun polyolefin nanofibers employing cutting-edge techniques and their prospective utilization in filtration, biomedical engineering, protective textiles, and lithium-ion batteries has been illustrated meticulously. Besides, this review delineates the challenges associated with the formation of polyolefin nanofiber using different techniques and critically analyzes overcoming the difficulties in forming functional nanofibers for the innovative field of applications.
Graphical abstract
Effect of some physicochemical parameters on the decay rate of enteric bacteria isolated from River Owena, Nigeria
Authors: Olalemi Adewale Oluwasogo , Okunade Abiola Stephen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe significance of water in public health cannot be overemphasized. In Nigeria, many people living along the courses of water bodies still source and drink from the rivers and streams. There is, therefore, the need to determine the load of contamination and effect of pH and salinity on the decay rate of enteric bacteria in water samples from River Owena, Owena, Nigeria, in order to develop adequate water quality management. Water samples from River Owena were collected from three sampling points (inflow, middle course and the outflow) along the River Owena, Nigeria. The load of enteric bacteria in the water samples was enumerated using membrane filtration technique. The physicochemical parameters of the water samples were determined using standard methods. The incidence and prevalence of gastroenteritis in the community around River Owena was determined using a structured questionnaire. Microcosm studies were used to determine the decay rate of enteric bacteria at varying salinity and pH. Canonical correlation analysis was used to describe the relationship between the load of enteric bacteria and the incidence and prevalence of gastroenteritis in the community around River Owena. The incidence and prevalence of gastroenteritis in the community around River Owena were estimated to be 0.75 and 0.51, respectively. Escherichia coli had positive relationships with incidence (r = 0.76) and prevalence (r = 0.65). Similarly, faecal coliforms had positive relationships with incidence (r = 0.82) and prevalence of gastroenteritis (r = 0.67), while enterococci showed positive relationship with incidence (r = 0.59) and prevalence of gastroenteritis (r = 0.87). Increase in pH and salinity increased the decay rate of enteric bacteria thereby reducing the growth of enteric bacteria, the optimum pH for the growth and survival of enteric bacteria ranged between pH 5.0 and pH 7.0. The optimum salinity for the growth of enteric bacteria isolated in water samples from River Owena ranged between 10 and 50% salinity. Findings revealed high levels of faecal contamination at the different representative monitoring points on River Owena, pH and salinity influenced the load and decay rate of enteric bacteria in water from River Owena.