bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Well-being among parents of youth with multiple sclerosis: a preliminary longitudinal study
Authors: Hamama Liat , Hamama-Raz Yaira , Lebowitz-Sokolover Keshet , Ganelin-Cohen Esther 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIn 2021, the annual rate of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) in Israel among children was 1.5, and 4.5% among youth aged 14–18, out of a total of 5,000 multiple sclerosis cases nationwide. Children diagnosed with POMS often display various deficiencies across psychological, cognitive, sensory, and physical areas. As such, POMS poses significant challenges for parents’ well-being, with heightened emotional, financial, and physical strains linked to both the immediate and long-term care requirements of their children. In this preliminary study, we examined changes over three time-points in two measures of well-being: satisfaction with life and psychological distress. In addition, the role of perceived social support (PSS) and coping flexibility was examined through a multilevel causal mediation model which suggested that PSS 1 month post-diagnosis would predict coping flexibility at 6 months post-diagnosis, which in turn would predict parents’ life satisfaction and psychological distress at 12 months post-diagnosis.MethodsThe research was conducted at a tertiary university-affiliated children’s hospital in central Israel. Preliminary data were obtained from 36 parents at three times-points. Participants provided demographic information and filled out the following standardized self-report questionnaires: the Diener’s Satisfaction with Life Scale, Kessler’s inventory for measuring psychological distress (K6), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Perceived Ability to Cope with Trauma Scale (PACT) for measuring coping flexibility.ResultsOver time (12 months), parents reported stable levels of PSS, coping flexibility, satisfaction with life, and psychological distress. In addition, mothers reported significantly greater PSS from friends than did fathers. Regarding the causal mediation model, greater PSS from friends at T1 was significantly associated with an increase in coping flexibility from T1 to T2. In turn, an increase in coping flexibility was associated with a decrease in psychological distress from T1 to T3 (after controlling for PSS). Yet the causal mediation path via coping flexibility to satisfaction with life was not significant.ConclusionThis preliminary study emphasizes the important role of both PSS and coping flexibility for the well-being of parents whose children are affected by POMS, a subject that merits heightened consideration among healthcare professionals dealing with long-term chronic diseases.
Negative symptoms and social cognition as mediators of the relationship between neurocognition and functional outcome in schizophrenia
Authors: Giordano Giulia M. , Pezzella Pasquale , Mucci Armida , Austin Stephen F. , Erfurth Andreas , Glenthøj Birte , Hofer Alex , Hubenak Jan , Libiger Jan , Melle Ingrid , Nielsen Mette Ø. , Rybakowski Janusz K. , Wojciak Pawel , Galderisi Silvana , Sachs Gabriele 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn this study we assessed the contribution of psychopathology, including the two domains of negative symptoms (motivational deficit and expressive deficit), processing speed as an index of neurocognition, and emotion recognition, as an index of social cognition, to poor functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia.MethodsThe Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to evaluate positive symptoms and disorganization and the Brief Negative Symptom Scale to assess negative symptoms. The Symbol Coding and the Trail Making Test A and B were used to rate processing speed and the Facial Emotion Identification Test to assess emotion recognition. Functional outcome was assessed with the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP). Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of functional outcome. Mediation analyses was used to investigate whether social cognition and negative symptom domains fully or partially mediated the impact of processing speed on functional outcome.ResultsOne hundred and fifty subjects from 8 different European centers were recruited. Our data showed that the expressive deficit predicted global functioning and together with motivational deficit fully mediated the effects of neurocognition on it. Motivational deficit was a predictor of personal and social functioning and fully mediated neurocognitive impairment effects on the same outcome. Both motivational deficit and neurocognitive impairment predicted socially useful activities, and the emotion recognition domain of social cognition partially mediated the impact of neurocognitive deficits on this outcome.ConclusionsOur results indicate that pathways to functional outcomes are specific for different domains of real-life functioning and that negative symptoms and social cognition mediate the impact of neurocognitive deficits on different domains of functioning. Our results suggest that both negative symptoms and social cognition should be targeted by psychosocial interventions to enhance the functional impact of neurocognitive remediation.
Gender-based violence and associated factors among female sex workers in Ethiopia. Evidence from The National Bio-behavioral Survey, 2020
Authors: Debel Lemessa , Ayalew Jemal , Abdella Saro , Bulti Jaleta , Bejiga Birra , Wariso Fayiso Bati , Belete Wudinesh , Habtesilase Abebe , Lulseged Silesh 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundGender-based violence (GBV) is usually defined as unequal power relations between men and women, which poses a widespread public health problem. The study evaluated the prevalence and factors associated with GBV among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ethiopia.MethodWe used cross-sectional bio-behavioral data collected using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in 2020 from 16 towns in Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics was analyzed to summarize the study population characteristics and prevalence of GBV, and a multilevel logistic regression model was applied to identify associated factors for GBV. A p-value of ≤0.05 was used as a threshold for statistical significance.ResultOf 6,085 participants, 28.1% had experienced GBV during the last 12 months, among which 12.7% and 22.3% experienced physical and sexual violence, respectively. FSWs aged 15–24, and 25–34 than those 35 years or more, had a non-paying than paying partners, had 31–60, 61–90, and over 91 than those had less than 30 paying partners, ever had anal sex than those not, condom failure than those not, mobile female sex workers when compared with those not mobile at different town; 3–5 and ≥ 6 years than those less than 3 years stayed in selling sex, street-based, and multiple places selling sex than those used other venues were significantly associated with GBV.ConclusionGender-based violence is a substantial problem among FSWs in Ethiopia, with significant implications for program planning on prevention and response to mitigate the occurrence and impact of GBV among FSWs.
Hospital pharmacists’ mental health during home isolation in the post-pandemic era of COVID-19: influencing factors, coping strategies, and the mediating effect of resilience
Authors: Yin Zhao , Wang XiangYu , Lu Xiaojing , Fu Hang 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThere is a notable research gap on the mental health challenges faced by hospital pharmacists in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, the present study aims to explore mental health status, influencing factors, coping strategies, and the mediating effect of resilience of home quarantine hospital pharmacists (HQHPs).MethodsAn embedded mixed-method study was conducted in Zhengzhou, a megalopolis in central China, from 20 October to 3 November 2022. For the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among HQHPs to understand their mental health state，the factors that affect their mental health, and the alleviating strategies they used. For the quantitative study, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Chinese version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) were used to explore the mental health level of HQHPs. Meanwhile, the mediating effect of resilience was explored and verified with the bootstrap method or the structural equation model.Results20 HQHPs participated in the qualitative study. Two themes were identified in terms of the factors that influenced the HQHPs’ mental health levels. The positive factors include optimism, family company, and connection with friends, while the negative factors include inadequate supplies, inadequate information, and other emergencies. 210 HQHPs participated in the quantitative study, with a median resilience score of 66 [55.75, 74] in the lowest score range and an anxiety score of 5 [2, 7] in the mild anxiety range. The correlation analysis showed that nine of the 10 influencing factors identified in qualitative research were positively correlated with CD-RISC-25 scores and negatively correlated with the GAD-7 score. The mediating effect of resilience on anxiety was significant (95% bootstrap CI [−1.818, −0.384], p&lt;0.001; or 95% bootstrap CI [−1.174, −0.430], p&lt;0.001).ConclusionEven in the post-epidemic era, hospital pharmacists face psychological challenges. They actively address these issues based on accumulated experience and a stabilized mindset. In this process, resilience plays a significant mediating role.
Computational fluid dynamics modelling and optimization of solar powered direct contact membrane distillation with localized heating for off-grid desalination
Authors: Samadi Akbar , Samadi Shahla , Di Profio Gianluca , Zhao Shuaifei , Fontananova Enrica 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising technique for desalination, capable of utilizing low-grade heat. However, MD faces some challenges such as temperature polarization. To overcome these issues, direct solar MD with localized heating (LHMD) has emerged as a cost-effective and efficient solution by leveraging solar energy.Methods: This study focuses on process optimization of LHMD using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. CFD simulation was applied to investigate the fluid behavior, heat transfer, and mass transfer within the system. Several key factors, including module geometry, process configuration, solar irradiation, feed flow rate, and feed temperature are investigated.Results: The effects of these parameters on the distillate production rate, thermal behavior, and energy efficiency, are evaluated for optimization. At the optimal conditions, 1 m2 membrane in a module with a length of 50 cm and a channel height of 1.5 mm under a counter-current flow generates 12 L drinking water per day, which meets the basic drinking water demands for 6 people. Over 70% gain output ratio can be achieved when the feed temperature is more than 20°C, the feed velocity is 1–1.5 mm/s, and the feed salinity is less than 1000 mol·m−3. This setup can also produce 6 L of distilled water per day when a water with a salinity six times higher than seawater if the feed velocity is sufficiently low.Discussions: The main feature of the localized heating is the reverse temperature polarization on the feed side, leading to the increase in energy efficiency and the ease of scale-up.
Assessment of multidimensional self-concept in the area of physical education: validation of a scale
Authors: Galán-Arroyo Carmen , Gomez-Paniagua Santiago , Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Rojo-Ramos Jorge 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionSelf-concept is a person's perception of him/herself and how he/she performs in different situations. This aspect must be developed during the formative stages and Physical Education is a fundamental area due to its enormous methodological possibilities.AimTherefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the factor structure and reliability of an instrument that allows to analyze the multidimensional self-concept of high school students in the context of Physical Education.MethodThe sample consisted of 1,155 secondary school students from public schools in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, Spain. After the exploratory and confirmatory analyses, a structure composed of 30 items divided into 5 factors was.ResultsThis design showed excellent goodness-of-fit indices as well as good internal reliability indicators (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.76 – 0.88).ConclusionTherefore, this scale can be considered as a tool to assess the self-concept of high school students in a quick and easy way.
Effects of neoadjuvant zoledronate and radiation therapy on cell survival, cell cycle distribution, and clinical status in canine osteosarcoma
Authors: Norquest Carissa J. , Rogic Anita , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Maitz Charles A. , Rindt Hansjorg , Ashworth Hayley L. , Bryan Jeffrey N. , Donnelly Lindsay L. , McCleary-Wheeler Angela L. , Flesner Brian K. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionZoledronic acid (ZOL) is a third-generation bisphosphonate with a higher affinity for bone resorption areas than earlier bisphosphonates (i.e., pamidronate, PAM). In human medicine, ZOL provides improved bone pain relief and prolonged time to skeletal-related events compared to its older generational counterparts. Preclinical studies have investigated its role as an anti-neoplastic agent, both independently and synergistically, with radiation therapy (RT). ZOL and RT act synergistically in several neoplastic human cell lines: prostate, breast, osteosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma. However, the exact mechanism of ZOL’s radiosensitization has not been fully elucidated.MethodsWe investigated ZOL’s ability to induce apoptosis in canine osteosarcoma cell lines treated with various doses of megavoltage external beam radiotherapy. Second, we evaluated cell cycle arrest in ZOL-treated cells to assess several neo-adjuvant time points. Finally, we treated 20 dogs with naturally occurring appendicular OS with 0.1 mg/kg ZOL IV 24 h before receiving 8 Gy of RT (once weekly fraction x 4 weeks).ResultsWe found that apoptosis was increased in all ZOL-treated cell lines compared to controls, and the combination of ZOL and RT resulted in dissimilar apoptosis between Abrams and D-17 and HMPOS cell lines. Cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase) was minimal and variable between cell lines but perhaps greatest at 48 h post-ZOL treatment. Only 10% of dogs treated with ZOL and RT developed pathologic fractures, compared to 44% of dogs historically treated with PAM and RT (p = 0.027).DiscussionZOL and RT appear to be a well-tolerated combination treatment scheme for non-surgical candidates; future studies must elucidate the ideal timing of ZOL.
Novel Development of Pasta Enriched with Spirulina platensis Microalgae: Biochemical and Histological Parameters
Authors: El-Sharnouby Gamal , Abughoush Mahmoud , Choudhury Imranul 
Published: January 2024

The present study aims to determine the effect of bioactive compounds (total phenolic, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) of Spirulina platensis powder and its pasta products on kidney and liver diseases in rats. Pasta preparation enriched in spirulina powder with a standard treatment formulation. Pasta was supplemented by adding Spirulina platensis powder at different levels (5, 10, 15, and 20 %). The results indicated that rats treated with spirulina had lower plasma levels of ALT, AST, ALP, Albumin, creatinine, and total bilirubin after the end of the experiments. However, liver glutathione (GSH) concentration was markedly decreased as compared to the control group. In conclusion, pasta enriched with spirulina improved liver and kidney functions and enhanced oxidative stress indices. Additional studies are necessary to test the application of Spirulina platensis in other contexts.
Reforms in the Education System of the Republic Of Uzbekistan to Improve the Management of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Gafurov Anvar 
Published: January 2024

Abstrak: Artikel ini mengungkapkan reformasi utama di sektor pendidikan Republik Uzbekistan. Hingga tahun 2017, jumlah institusi pendidikan tidak cukup untuk mendaftarkan siswa Uzbek sekolah. Oleh karena itu, banyak siswa yang tidak mendaftar telah mulai mengejar keinginan pendidikan mereka di luar negeri, terutama di negara-negara tetangga, yaitu Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, dan Federasi Russia. Bahkan data statistik menunjukkan bahwa sekitar setiap tahun hingga 2017, hanya 9 persen lulusan sekolah yang bisa mendaftar ke universitas, sisanya lulusan baru tidak dapat mendaftar. Sementara itu, populasi Uzbekistan meningkat secara dramatis. Oleh karena itu, tujuan utama artikel ini adalah untuk menunjukkan pentingnya dan kebutuhan reformasi di sektor pendidikan Uzbekistan. Informasi dalam artikel ini didasarkan pada analisis data sekunder, serta laporan statistik dan dokumen yang diperoleh dari berbagai kementerian dan lembaga pemerintah. Selain itu, korelasi demografi dan cakupan institusi ditunjukkan.

Abstract: The article reveals the main reforms in the educational sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Until 2017, the number of educational intuitions was not enough to enroll Uzbek schools’ pupils. Therefore, many unenrolled pupils have started to pursue their educational desires abroad, especially in neighboring countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Russian Federation. Even statistical data showed that approximately every year until 2017, only 9 percent of school graduates could have enrolled in universities; the rest of fresh graduates could not be enrolled. Whereas, the population of Uzbekistan has been raised dramatically. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to show the importance and need for reforms in the education sector of Uzbekistan. The information inthis article is based on the analysis of secondary data as well as statistical reports and documents obtained from various government ministries and agencies. Moreover, the correlation between demography and coverage of intuitions has been shown.
Isolation and Detection of Moraxella catarrhalis from children Infected with Acute Otitis Media in Al-Kadhemiya Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Kasem Hussein Humam 
Published: January 2024

A study was carried out to assess isolation and detection of Moraxella catarrhalis(M. catarrhalis) isolates from 100 specimens received from Children at 1-3 years of age suffered with Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in Al-Kadhemiya Pediatric Hospital.Methods: The identity of isolates was confirmed by staining method (Gram stain) , culturing, biochemical test(catalase, citrate utilization, indole production, urease production, motility, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and DNase production) and Sensitivity test.Results: from 100 samples, 8 isolates of M. catarrhalis were collected. The biochemical activities especially the DNase production, motility, methyl red and catalase were fixed as features of it.All the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin (AMP), Penicillin (PEN) and Amoxicillin (AMX) because it has the ability to produce ß-lactamase. While the isolates were susceptible to Erythromycin (ERY),Tetracycline (TET) and Chloramphenicol (CLH).Conclusion: This study showed that M. catarrhalis is one of the main bacterial agents that causing Acute Otitis Media (AOM). The production of DNase enzyme was the characteristic feature of it from others bacterial causing agents of AOM. Also most strains of M. Catarrhalis produce ß-lactamase, which make it resistant to many antibiotics like Ampicillin, Penicillin and Amoxicillin.
Assessment of Viral load for Human Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: J.B.AL- Khilkhali Huda , A. Muhsin Mohammed , A. K. AL-Saadi Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

This study was carried out on Seventy-Six samples, formed (55 males and 21 females) with age ranging (11-72) year were collected from center Health Laboratory/Al-Hakeem Hospital, and AL-Sadder medical city in AL-Najaf city, during the period from January (2013) to August (2013). Fifteen healthy individuals without any evidence of chronic inflammatory disease involved as control, age ranging (21-50) years. All patients were divided in six age groups. Blood samples were collected from patients and control for immunological (IgM, IgG & TFN-α) by using ELISA and molecular study by RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that 76 HBsAg seropositive in all age groups but the age group (44-54) year revealed high significant(p<0.05) than other age groups and male more infection than female. The ELISA test results showed that 68 (89.4%) out of the 76 samples were positive for anti-HCMV IgG antibodies, and 4(5.26%) samples were positive for anti-HCMV IgM. The results of the Real-Time PCR revealed that HCMV DNA were detected in 23(30.2%) out of 76 patients were found in all age groups with viral loads ranging from (0.24- 1730000) Copies/ml, and the results of controls group in Real-Time PCR were HCMV negative. The results of cytokines profile (TNF-α) showed a highly significant (P<0.05) elevation in the serum of all patients than control groups.
Vinblastine and Vincristine Alkaloids Production From Callus of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don under Some abiotic factors
Authors: T .Khashan Kareem , A.H.Al-Athary Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

This experiment was conducted in Faculty of Science labs, Kufa University, carried out during 2013-2014 to study many experiments to induce callus tissues from leaves of (Catharanthus roseus ( L. ) G. Don in vitro using MS medium supplemented with Dichlorophenoxy actic acid (2,4-D) at difference concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5) mg/l with the interaction of (BA) benzyl adenine at concentrations of (0.5, 1, 1.5) mg/l. Identically callus fresh weight, then use it in the next experiments and investigate the effect of abiotic factors (drought and sucrose) on vinblastine and vincristine production from callus tissue, and leaves of intact plant. This study include determination the catalase activity, proline and total soluble carbohydrates content as responsible to the variety of the stresses in callus as well as quantities and qualities determination of vinblastine and vincristine using TLC (Thin layer chromatography ) and HPLC(high performance liquid chromatography). Results reveled that the highest fresh weight of callus (3.276) g was for (1mg/l 2,4-D + 1mg/l BA ) combination treatment. However, the results showed that the additions of abiotic factors to the callus cultural medium cause difference results in fresh and dry weights of callus in accumulation phase, reducing the fresh and dry weight in all treatments expect sucrose 40 g/l treatment which gave increase in fresh and dry weight. Also, this results showed that all treatments increase total soluble carbohydrates, proline content and catalase enzyme activity with significant difference compared with control treatment and significant increase of alkaloids production with the superiority of (vinblastine and vincristine) content in Callus with abiotic factors stresses than the content in control treatment( without any factor).