bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Government don't know me and if I stop, they won't know’: A qualitative study on the lived experiences of volunteer health workers in the Nigerian health system and their implications for the sustainable development goals
Authors: Odii Aloysius , Hutchinson Eleanor , Onwujekwe Obinna , Ogbozor Pamela Adaobi , Agwu Prince , Orjiakor Charles T. , Babalanova Dina , McKee Martin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundVolunteer health workers play an important, but poorly understood role in the Nigerian health system. We report a study of their lived experiences, enabling us to understand their motivations, the nature of their work, and their relationships with formally employed health workers in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Nigeria, the role of institutional incentives, and the implications for attaining the health‐related sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets.MethodsThe study used ethnographic observation of PHCs in Enugu State, supplemented with in‐depth interviews with volunteers, formally employed health workers and health managers. The analysis employed a combination of narrative and reflexive thematic approaches.FindingsThe lived experiences of most volunteers unfold in four stages as they move into and out of their volunteering status. The first stage signifies hope, arising from the ease with which they are accepted and integrated into the PHC space. The anger stage emerges when volunteers confront the marked disparity in their treatment compared to formal staff, despite their substantial contributions to healthcare. Then, the bargaining stage sets in, where they strive for recognition and respect by pursuing formal employment and advocating for fair treatment and improved stipends. A positive response, such as improved stipends, can reignite hope among volunteers. If not, most volunteers transition to the acceptance stage – the acknowledgement that their status may never be formalised, prompting many to lose hope and disengage.ConclusionThere should be a clear policy on recruitment, compensation, and protection of volunteers in the health systems, to enhance the contribution they can make to the achievement of the health‐related SDG targets.
The prevalence of work‐related musculoskeletal disorder among health care workers in Damascus, Syria. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zahrawi Hanaa , Asaad Saja Hasan Al , Al Houri Ahmad Nabil , Kadri Saeed A. , kahal Fares , Torbey André , Al Houri Hasan Nabil , Odeh Ameena , Alshallah Nour , Dugha Ghaith , Adal Lama Ayad Al , albared Sara maa , Battah Fatma Khaled , Akkad Omran Alsakka Dit , Alhasan Shahad Alhattab , Zawda Aws , Kudsi Mayssoun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsHealthcare workers in particular frequently report Work‐related musculoskeletal diseases (WRMSDs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and features of WRMSDs in residents from different specialties and trainee nurses from educational hospitals in Damascus, Syria.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was undertaken aiming at the medical residents and the trainee nurses working in the public health sector in 11 hospitals. The sample size was found to be 2016. In this study, a modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was employed.ResultsAfter the inclusion and exclusion criteria was the number of the participants 1855. In general, musculoskeletal pain was in the past week (69%) and the past 12 months (85%). Musculoskeletal pain in medical care practitioners was found to be linked to higher mean age (p = 0.0053) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0437) in the last year. Females had a higher prevalence of WRMSDs than males (p = 0.0036), and those who were married also had a higher prevalence (p = 0.0218). Working longer hours per week and per month were associated with musculoskeletal pain in the previous 7 days (p = 0.0043 and p = 0.0003, respectively).ConclusionWRMSD prevalence was 85% among our study participants in the previous year. The most common complaint was lower back pain. Aging, female gender, and increasing BMI have been associated with higher reporting of WRMSDs. Our results suggested that doctors were twice as susceptible to developing WRMSDs as nurses. These results highlight the increasing urgency for ergonomics training programs and effective interventions to reduce WRMSDs and enhance working conditions for healthcare professionals in Syria.
Risk assessment for mortality in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oraii Alireza , Shafeghat Melika , Ashraf Haleh , Soleimani Abbas , Kazemian Sina , Sadatnaseri Azadeh , Saadat Naser , Danandeh Khashayar , Akrami Ashley , Balali Pargol , Fatahi Mohamadreza , Karbalai Saleh Shahrokh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. This study aims to evaluate predictors of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality among patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.MethodsIn this registry‐based study, we retrospectively analyzed patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI enrolled in the primary angioplasty registry of Sina Hospital. Independent predictors of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality were determined using multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses, respectively.ResultsA total of 1123 consecutive patients with STEMI were entered into the study. The mean age was 59.37 ± 12.15 years old, and women constituted 17.1% of the study population. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 5.0%. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.10), lower ejection fraction (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92–0.99), lower mean arterial pressure (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98), and higher white blood cells (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29) as independent risk predictors for in‐hospital mortality. Also, 875 patients were followed for a median time of 21.8 months. Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06), lower mean arterial pressure (HR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00), and higher blood urea (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) as independent predictors of long‐term mortality.ConclusionWe found that older age and lower mean arterial pressure were significantly associated with the increased risk of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Our results indicate a necessity for more precise care and monitoring during hospitalization for such high‐risk patients.
Vaginal douching and health risks among young women
Authors: Wireko Solomon , Ofosu Mina , Agyemang Florence , Dankluvi Herbert Ekoe , Cobbina Andrews Evans 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveVaginal douching is practiced by women for various reasons. Studies have shown that this practice can upset the normal vaginal flora, increasing susceptibility to certain sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with this practice among women aged 15–54 years in a densely populated community in Kumasi, the second capital city of Ghana.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted to gather data on the prevalence of vaginal douching among young women and their beliefs, motivations, and knowledge about the practice. A structured questionnaire was used in recruiting participants. One‐hundred and fifteen structured questionnaires were administered to women aged between 15 and 54 after their consent was sought.ResultsThe study established that more than half of the participants (69.6%) engaged in douching with a midpoint of 19.5. The study indicated no significant difference between the age of participants and douching (p < 0.93). However, there was an indication of a significant association between educational status, marital status, and perception in relation to douching (p < 0.003, 0.0015, and 0.00, respectively), which also influenced the frequency of douching and contraction of STIs.ConclusionMost women in the study community recruited, regardless of their educational and marital status, believed that douching is necessary and considered part of feminine hygiene practices. Practicing douching may lead to most health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility which must be given serious attention by researchers, health personnel, and various women's groups.
The effect of machine learning algorithms in the prediction, and diagnosis of meningitis: A systematic review
Authors: Ghaddaripouri Kosar , Ghaddaripouri Maryam , Mousavi Atefeh Sadat , Mousavi Baigi Seyyedeh Fatemeh , Rezaei Sarsari Masoumeh , Dahmardeh Kemmak Fatemeh , Mazaheri Habibi Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThis systematic review aimed to evaluating the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) algorithms for the prediction and diagnosis of meningitis.MethodsOn November 12, 2022, a systematic review was carried out using a keyword search in the reliable scientific databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The recommendations of Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) were adhered to. Studies conducted in English that employed ML to predict and identify meningitis were deemed to match the inclusion criteria. The eligibility requirements were used to independently review the titles and abstracts. The whole text was then obtained and independently reviewed in accordance with the eligibility requirements.ResultsAfter all the research matched the inclusion criteria, a total of 16 studies were added to the systematic review. Studies on the application of ML algorithms in the three categories of disease diagnosis ability (8.16) and disease prediction ability (8.16) (including cases related to identifying patients (50%), risk of death in patients (25%), the consequences of the disease in childhood (12.5%), and its etiology [12.5%]) were placed. Among the ML algorithms used in this study, logistic regression (LR) (4.16, 25%) and multiple logistic regression (MLR) (4.16, 25%) were the most used. All the included studies indicated improvements in the processes of diagnosis, prediction, and disease outbreak with the help of ML algorithms.ConclusionThe results of the study showed that in all included studies, ML algorithms were an effective approach to facilitate diagnosis, predict consequences for risk classification, and improve resource utilization by predicting the volume of patients or services as well as discovering risk factors. The role of ML algorithms in improving disease diagnosis was more significant than disease prediction and prevalence. Meanwhile, the use of combined methods can optimize differential diagnoses and facilitate the decision‐making process for healthcare providers.
Computational and experimental performance assessment of rectangular sectioned solar air heater duct provided with new curved ribs
Authors: Deshpande Harshad , Raibhole Vaijanath 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere are many applications, such as fruits, paddy rice drying, and so on, where air heaters are comprehensively used. The provision of ribs in solar energy‐based air heaters has been accredited to be a beneficial approach for escalating its thermal performance. This investigation reveals the performance evaluation of a rectangular sectioned solar air heater duct placed with the curved type of ribs organized in noncontinuous and truncation patterns. Influence of variation of pitch ratio (4.0–12.0), block‐age ratio (0.06–0.1), the ratio of rib height to the radius of rib curvature (0.75–1), and the ratio of rib truncation gap to its height (0–0.75) at different values of Reynolds's numbers (Re) in the range 12,000–37,000 on the performance revealing factors explicitly heat transfer augmentation factor, the ratio of friction factor, as well as overall thermal performance enhancement (OTPE) have been discussed. The experimentation was performed on a similar rectangular air heater as that of numerical simulation with the same boundary conditions. It is figured out from numerical simulation that the provision of a central truncation gap in the arrangement of ribs helped in the development of vortices with minimal pressure loss due to friction. The greatest Nusselt number augmentation ratio between ribbed and plain plates that was attained is of the order of 2.01 for a pitch ratio of 9.0, blockage ratio of 0.08, the ratio of rib height to the radius of rib curvature 0.25 at the highest value of Re. The obtained friction factor ratio between the ribbed plate and the plain plate is of the order of 2.34 for p/y = 9.0 at maximum Re. The highest value of overall thermal performance enhancement (OTPE) is attained as 1.52 at the pitch ratio of 9, at the maximum value of Re. The central truncation gap of the rib pattern promoted the creation of vortices with a decreased pressure loss penalty. The uppermost value of the factor presenting overall thermal performance enhancement in this work is far superior to unity. This suggests that adding curved ribs to the air heater's duct is a helpful way to improve its overall performance. Empirical correlations have been established between the Nusselt number and geometrical parameters, likewise the friction factor and geometrical parameters using the regression study. The values of the Nusselt number, and friction factor that come from experimental work and developed empirical correlations fall between the highest deviation limits of ±9% and ±8%, respectively. This work is certainly helpful in the context of solar air heaters used for applications such as drying paddy rice.
Formerly used defense sites on Unalaska Island, Alaska: Mapping a legacy of environmental pollution
Authors: Jordan-Ward Renee , Hippel Frank A. , Schmidt Jennifer , Verhougstraete Marc P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Unalaska Island, Alaska, served as a US military base during World War II. The military installed bases on Unalaska and nearby islands, many of which were built adjacent to Unangan communities. The military used toxic compounds in its operations and left a legacy of pollution that may pose health risks to residents and local wildlife. The goals of this study were to identify hotspots of contamination remaining at Unalaska formerly used defense (FUD) sites, evaluate the risk posed by arsenic, and examine “no US Department of Defense action indicated” (NDAI) status determinations for FUD sites near communities. We compiled soil chemistry data from remediation reports prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers at 18 FUD sites on and near Unalaska. Nine had past and/or active remediation projects and on-site sampling data. Eight sites did not have sampling data and were characterized as NDAI. One site was listed as closed. For the nine sites with sampling data, we compiled data for 22 contaminants of concern (COC) and compared concentrations to soil cleanup levels for human health (18 AAC 75.341). We mapped contaminant concentrations exceeding these levels to identify hotspots of contamination. We found that concentrations of some of the 22 COC exceeded Alaska cleanup levels despite remediation efforts, including diesel range organics, arsenic, and lead. The highest COC concentrations were at the FUD site adjacent to the City of Unalaska. A quantitative risk assessment for arsenic found that the risk of exposure through drinking water is low. We highlight concerns with NDAI designations and current remedial practices at remote FUD sites located adjacent to communities. Our data suggest the need for further remediation and monitoring efforts on Unalaska for certain contaminants and research to examine potential threats to human and animal health associated with these sites. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1420–1431. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
We found that concentrations of some of the 22 contaminants of concern (COC) exceeded Alaska cleanup levels despite remediation efforts, including diesel range organics, arsenic, and lead, and that the highest COC concentrations were present at the formerly used defense (FUD) site adjacent to the City of Unalaska. We conducted a quantitative risk assessment for arsenic and found that the risk of exposure through drinking water is low. We highlight concerns with NDAI designations and current remedial practices at remote FUD sites located adjacent to communities. Our data suggest the need for further remediation and monitoring efforts on Unalaska for certain contaminants and research to examine potential threats to human and animal health associated with these sites.
Autophagy‐related genes polymorphism in hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Yousefi Parastoo , Tabibzadeh Alireza , Jawaziri Abdulhussain Kadhim , Mehrjoo Mohsen , Akhavan Mandana , Allahqoli Leila , Salehiniya Hamid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus is the most common risk factor for developing liver malignancy. Autophagy is an essential element in human cell maintenance. Several studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a vital role in liver cancer at different stages. In this systematic review, we intend to investigate the role of polymorphism and mutations of autophagy‐related genes (ATGs) in the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).Materials and MethodsThe search was conducted in online databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) using Viruses, Infections, Polymorphism, Autophagy, and ATG. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses criteria.ResultsThe primary search results led to 422 studies. By screening and eligibility evaluation, only four studies were relevant. The most important polymorphisms in hepatocellular carcinoma were rs2241880 in ATG16L1, rs77859116, rs510432, and rs548234 in ATG5. Furthermore, some polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of HBV infection including, rs2241880 in ATG16L1 and rs6568431 in ATG5.ConclusionThe current study highlights the importance of rs2241880 in ATG16L1 and rs77859116, rs510432, and rs548234 in ATG5 for HBV‐induced HCC. Additionally, some mutations in ATG16L1 and ATG5 were important in risk of HBV infection. The study highlights the gap of knowledge in the field of ATG polymorphisms in HBV infection and HBV‐induced HCC.
Quercetin attenuates inflammation in LPS‐induced lung epithelial cells via the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Pengju , Han Pengli , Cui Yuanbo , Chen Qiusheng , Cao Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia is the leading cause of death among children under five, and kill almost two million children each year. Quercetin, a flavonoid polyphenolic compound, exerts many beneficial biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory functions. Our study aimed to investigate the possibility of quercetin as a therapeutic agent for pneumonia and its role in the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).MethodsLPS induced human alveolar epithelial cell A549 as a lung inflammation model in vitro. The effects of quercetin on the production of cytokines and the expression of related‐proteins were detected by Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay and Western Blot, respectively. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay was used to detect cell viability. flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis. NO levels were also analyzed through NO kit.ResultsOur results found that quercetin attenuated the release of IL‐1β, IL‐6, PGE2, and nitrite in LPS‐induced A549 cells. In addition, quercetin inhibits cell apoptosis and relieves ROS generation in LPS‐induced A549 cells. Quercetin also inhibits LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation. They have upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) and HO‐1.ConclusionIn conclusion, these results suggested that quercetin attenuates LPS‐induced inflammation in A549 by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Deposition of onco‐histone H3.3‐G34W leads to DNA repair deficiency and activates cGAS/STING‐mediated immune responses
Authors: Mancarella Daniela , Ellinghaus Henrik , Sigismondo Gianluca , Veselinov Olivera , Kühn Alexander , Goyal Ashish , Hartmann Mark , Fellenberg Jörg , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Plass Christoph , Popanda Odilia , Schmezer Peter , Bakr Ali 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMutations in histone H3.3‐encoding genes causing mutant histone tails are associated with specific cancers such as pediatric glioblastomas (H3.3‐G34R/V) and giant cell tumor of the bone (H3.3‐G34W). The mechanisms by which these mutations promote malignancy are not completely understood. Here we show that cells expressing H3.3‐G34W exhibit DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) repair defects and increased cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR). Mechanistically, H3.3‐G34W can be deposited to damaged chromatin, but in contrast to wild‐type H3.3, does not interact with non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) key effectors KU70/80 and XRCC4 leading to NHEJ deficiency. Together with defective cell cycle checkpoints reported previously, this DNA repair deficiency in H3.3‐G34W cells led to accumulation of micronuclei and cytosolic DNA following IR, which subsequently led to activation of the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) pathway, thereby inducing release of immune‐stimulatory cytokines. These findings suggest a potential for radiotherapy for tumors expressing H3.3‐G34W, which can be further improved by combination with STING agonists to induce immune‐mediated therapeutic efficacy.
Agricultural extension officers' adoption of ICT‐based extension services: A critical realist approach in Mali
Authors: Kante Macire 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInformation and communication technology enables extension services to farmers in developing countries. Although they have been deployed and adopted by farmers, the causal mechanisms (i.e., processes through which a result is brought about) underlying their adoption and use have not been adequately studied. This study uses the Critical Realism philosophical perspective to understand and integrate the various factors into a consistent and coherent model for adopting information and communication technology‐based extension services by agricultural extension officers in Mali. The study gathered data from 26 extension officers and farmers in Koulikoro and Segou, Mali. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis with the help of the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. The results revealed that the successful adoption of information and communication technology based extension services is the leading factor that can cause extension officers' satisfaction with agricultural extension services. This satisfaction drives societal change, that is, farmers improving their knowledge of extension services and extension officers efficiently disseminating them. In turn, this change may result in higher yield and, thus, better productivity. These findings guide policymakers, managers, and network providers for higher productivity in developing countries.