bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic versus open surgical management in elderly patients with rectal cancer aged 70 and older
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhang Hengwei , Hou Xudong 
Published: May 2023

Background:
This retrospective study aimed to compare the short- and long-term surgical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery in elderly patients with rectal cancer.

Patients and Methods:
Elderly patients (≥70 years old) with rectal cancer who received radical surgery were retrospectively analysed. Patients were matched (1:1 ratio) using propensity score matching (PSM), with age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and tumour-node-metastasis staging included as covariates. Baseline characteristics, post-operative complications, short- and long-term surgical outcomes and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two matched groups.

Results:
Sixty-one pairs were selected after PSM. Patients with laparoscopic surgery had a longer duration of operation time, lower estimated blood loss, shorter duration of post-operative analgesics administered, time to first flatus, time to first oral diet and post-operative hospitalisation stay than those observed in patients with open surgery (All P < 0.05). The incidence of post-operative complications in the open surgery group was numerically higher than that occurred in the laparoscopic surgery group (30.6% vs. 17.7%). Median OS was 67.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 62.2–71.8) in the laparoscopic surgery group and 65.0 months (95% CI, 59.9–70.1) in the open surgery group, however, Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that no significant differences in OS (Log-rank test, P = 0.535) were noted between the two matched groups.

Conclusions:
Compared with the open surgery, laparoscopic surgery had the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery, and provided similar long-term prognostic outcome in elderly patients with rectal cancer.
Influence of Systolic Blood Pressure on Outcomes in Nigerians with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sa′idu H , Balarabe SA , Ishaq NA , Adamu UG , Mohammed IY , Oboirien I , Umuerri EM , Mankwe AC , Shidali VY , Njoku P , Dodiyi-Manuel S , Olunuga T , Josephs V , Mbakwem AC , Okolie H , Talle MA , Isa MS , Adebayo RA , Tukur J , Isezuo SA , Umar H , Shehu MN , Ogah OS , Karaye KM 
Published: May 2023

Background:
The relationship between blood pressure (BP) trajectories and outcomes in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is not clear. Aim: The study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes (all-cause mortality and unrecovered left ventricular [LV] systolic function) of PPCM patients grouped according to their baseline systolic BP (SBP).

Patients and Methods:
PPCM patients presenting to 14 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria were consecutively recruited between June 2017 and March 2018 and then followed up till March 2019. SBP at first presentation was used to categorize the patients into seven groups: <90, 90–99, 100–109, 110–119, 120–129, 130–139, and ≥140 mmHg. Unrecovered LV systolic function was defined as echocardiographic LV ejection fraction (LVEF) below 55% at the last profiling.

Results:
Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were recruited and followed up for a median of 18 months. Of these, 4.0% had <90 mmHg, 16.3% had 90–99 mmHg, 24.7% had 100–109 mmHg, 24.7% had 110–119 mmHg, 18.5% had 120–129 mmHg, 7.5% had 130–139 mmHg, and 4.4% had ≥140 mmHg of SBP at presentation. The highest frequency of all-cause mortality was recorded among patients with SBP ≤90 mmHg (30.8%) followed by those with 90–99 mmHg (20.5%) (P = 0.076), while unrecovered LV systolic function did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.659). In a Cox proportional regression model for all-cause mortality, SBP <90 mmHg had a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–10.78, P = 0.006), LVEF had an HR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.98, P = 0.003, B = 0.06%), and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin receptor and/or β-receptor blockers had an HR of 1.71 (95% CI 0.93–3.16, P = 0.085). However, SBP was not associated with LV function recovery.

Conclusion:
In our cohort of PPCM patients, one-fifth was hypotensive at presentation. SBP <90 mmHg at presentation was associated with a four-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality during a median follow-up of 18 months.
An Effective Artificial Testing Model to Reliability Experiments for Electronic Apex Locator Devices Used in Endodontic Practice
Authors: Özdemir O 
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim:
This experimental study aimed to investigate the reliability of using electronic apex locator devices to determine the working length of artificial root canals.

Materials and Methods:
The experiments were performed using resin endoblocks and mandibular canine teeth (n = 20/group). After the same working length of root canal samples was provided, the teeth and artificial root canals were embedded in an alginate mold. The measurements with Root ZX® and Propex Pixi® apex locators were performed and recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS V23; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) and the variance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
There was no significant difference between the groups; mean distance from the actual working length using different apex locators (P = 0.633, P = 0.474), and endpoint positioning distributions (P = 0.591).

Conclusion:
The results indicate that the artificial model could be a laboratory method of determining the accuracy of apex locators and efficient calibration of devices before their clinical use.
Stakeholders' Perspectives on Internal Accountability Within a Sub-National Immunization Program
Authors: Ogbuabor DC , Ghasi N , Nwangwu N , Okenwa UJ , Ezenwaka U , Onwujekwe O 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Weak accountability hinders the effectiveness of routine immunization (RI) systems in low- and middle-income countries, yet studies on accountability of immunization programs are scarce. Aim: The study explored stakeholders' perspectives on the functioning of internal accountability within the National Program on Immunization in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:
We used semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data from RI officials at state government, local government, and health facility levels (n = 35) in Enugu State between June and July 2021. We adopted maximum variation sampling to purposively select individuals with roles in immunization. The interview guide was developed based on an accountability framework with three dimensions—the axes of power, ability, and justice. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software (version 11). The major themes were role clarity, performance standards, supervision, data use, human resources, funding, motivation, sanctions, political influence, and community engagement.

Results:
Performance targets for immunization coverage and reporting timeline were not always met due to multiple accountability failures. Weaknesses in the formal rules that distribute roles among the immunization workforce comprise a lack of deployment letters, unavailability of job descriptions, and inadequate staff orientation. Local officials have a narrow decision space regarding staff posting, transfer, and discipline. Performance accountability was constrained by staff shortages, uneven staff distribution, absenteeism, infrequent supervision, weak data monitoring system, and underfunding. Despite being motivated by job recognition and accomplishments, low motivation from an insecure working environment and lack of financial incentives undermined the constructive agency of service delivery actors. The sanctions framework exists but is weakly enforced due to fear of victimization. Political commitment to the immunization program was low. Yet, political decision-makers interfered with staff recruitment, distribution, and discipline. Community engagement improved resource availability through paid volunteer health workers and maintenance of facilities. However, health facility committees were poorly resourced, non-functional, and lacked the power to sanction erring health workers.

Conclusions:
Immunization service delivery actors can be held accountable for program performance when there are sufficient formal instruments that provide roles and responsibilities, needed resources, motivated and supervised staff, an effective sanctions framework, genuine political participation, and strong community engagement.
One-year results of switching to aflibercept for persistent diabetic macular edema resistant to bevacizumab
Authors: Abouhussein Mahmoud Alaa , Gomaa Amir Ramadan 
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and anatomical effects of switching from bevacizumab to aflibercept in patients with persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) resistant to bevacizumab.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Patients with DME refractory to bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) were subsequently switched to aflibercept. The included patients received five loading doses of intravitreal aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL) given monthly. After the loading dose, aflibercept was injected every 2 months. The follow-up duration was 1 year.

RESULTS:
The study consisted of 37 eyes of 37 patients. The mean age of the participants was 56.81 ± 7.11 years. The mean central macular thickness at baseline was 428.32 ± 84.89 μm, which decreased significantly to 275.54 ± 50.24 μm (P < 0.003). There was a significant improvement in the mean best-corrected logMAR visual acuity from 0.627 ± 0.307 at baseline to 0.203 ± 0.235 (P < 0.017) at the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:
Aflibercept is effective in patients with persistent DME not responsive to bevacizumab.
Evaluation of Willingness to Accept COVID-19 Vaccine and Willingness to Pay among Pakistani Parents for Their Children Aged 5 to 11 Years: Findings and Implications
Authors: Hayat Khezar , Farooq Umer Muhammad , Mujtaba Hasan , Babar Kawish Ayesha , Azam Tahir Muhamad , Ullah Khan Faiz , Ullah Khan Farman , Omer Iqbal Muhammad , Hussain Talib , Ur Rehman Anees , Fang Yu 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT.
Vaccines are the most efficient and cost-effective tool to halt the transmission and prevention of COVID-19. The current study examined the willingness of parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. This was a cross-sectional study that used a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model, previous history of COVID-19, willingness to accept, and willingness to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine. The questionnaire was administered among parents of children aged 5 to 11 years. Descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and regression analysis were carried out for data analysis. A total of 474 respondents participated in this survey with a response rate of 67.7%. In our study, a majority of the respondents exhibited a willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine for their children (Definitely yes/Probably yes = 252, 53.2%); nevertheless, 229 (48.3%) respondents were unwilling to pay for it. More than three-quarters of the respondents were worried about the probability of COVID-19 infection in their children (n = 361, 76.2%) and were afraid of COVID-19-associated complications (n = 391, 82.5%). Likewise, most respondents showed their concerns regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine (n = 351, 74.1%), vaccine safety (n = 351, 74.1%), and the halal nature of the vaccine (n = 309, 65.2%). Respondents who were aged 40 to 50 years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.101, 95% CI: 0.38–0.268; P < 0.001), family income > 50,000 PKR (OR: 0.680, 95% CI: 0.321–1.442; P = 0.012), and location (OR: 0.324, 95% CI: 0.167–0.628; P = 0.001) were the factors that were likely to impact vaccine acceptance among parents. Education-based interventions are urgently required to improve COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among parents for their children.
Vaccine Refusal: A Major, Underestimated Obstacle for the Poliomyelitis Eradication Initiative
Authors: Seytre Bernard 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT.
In 1988, the WHO launched the Global Poliomyelitis Eradication Initiative with the goal of eradication by 2000. Not only has this goal, which has been repeatedly postponed, still not been achieved, but while the wild polio virus is still endemic in two Asian countries, a new epidemic caused by a vaccine-derived virus is spreading and is now affecting numerous developing and industrialized countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition to biological explanations for the failure of eradication, vaccination refusal by communities in mainly two regions of Africa and Asia has prevented mass vaccination campaigns from achieving their immunization coverage targets. The way these campaigns have been deployed has contributed to mistrust and hostility. The negative reactions of some communities, expressed from the first vaccination campaigns, were belatedly considered, which gave time for rumors to flourish and settle permanently. This failure underscores the importance of taking into account, before any vaccination campaign begins, the “health culture” of target populations—meaning their representations of the vaccines and the health authorities that promote vaccination, as well as their knowledge, fears, and hopes.
Japanese Medical Presence in the Territory of Construction and Operation of the Chinese Eastern Railway (1897-1922)
Authors: Gonchar Vladimir V. , Povolotsky Vladimir D. 
Published: May 2023

The article examines Japanese medical practice in the territory of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER or KVZhD) during its construction and operation. The archival material made it possible to find that the Japanese community was eager to take responsibility for providing medical care to its subjects independently. They achieved this by attracting national physicians whose activities were built on the principles of private medical practice.
The provision of medical care followed the principles of Western medicine, although traditional medicine methods were not excluded. The Russian authorities allowed Japanese doctors to maintain their practice in the Russian-controlled territories, but medical care was provided only to their compatriots, as well as to the Chinese and Korean population. However, the activities of Japanese doctors were treated with distrust and wariness in Russian society, both due to the migrants’ low level of education and due to the existing narrative about the so-called “Yellow Peril.”
Another aspect of the activities of Japanese physicians in Manchuria was the familiarization of the local population with European medicine methods. To achieve this, private, public, and charitable Japanese medical institutions were established. The difficult epidemiological situation in Manchuria, sanitary problems, socio-economic problems, requirements of Russian legislation, inter-faith divisions, and language barriers raised issues for the territorial communities’ leaders on increasing the availability and quality of health care for their compatriots. The initiatives and proposals of the Japanese community to open public hospitals in Manchuria, centralized medical examinations, strict sanitary procedures, and quarantine measures were supported by the Japanese central authorities. They were considered not only as elements of civilization and colonial ambitions but also as a means of social control not only over Japanese subjects.
The Migration History of the Savirs
Authors: Salmin Anton K. 
Published: May 2023

The history of the Chuvash people during ancient times and the early Middle Ages is still not well-known or thoroughly understood. The Bulgars were most often named as the historical ancestors of the Chuvash in research from the 18th to the 20th centuries. In the 21st century, a view is beginning to take shape that the Savirs, not the Bulgars, were the predecessors of the Chuvash. The primary sources for this view are the works of Claudius Ptolemy, Aelius Herodianus, Ammianus Marcellinus, and others. Modern archaeological excavations support these historical facts.
In this article, the author analyzes material that refutes the theory of the origins of the Savars/Savirs/Suvars in Siberia and confirms their habitation in the Caucasus. The focus of this study is the migration history of the ancestors of the Chuvash from the 2nd to the 10th centuries. The arguments laid out in the study are accompanied by explanatory illustrations.
Towards the Challenges of Cross-Cultural Research: Experience on COVID-19 Project
Authors: Burkova Valentina N. 
Published: May 2023

Anthropologists and psychologists engaged in cross-cultural research face numerous methodological challenges. These studies aim to identify universal behavioral traits across all populations on Earth, as well as culturally specific features. This article attempts to describe and comprehend the main problems that researchers encounter while carrying out such projects, using specific examples from the author’s field practice. The primary example is data from a large-scale cross-cultural project that studied anxious, aggressive, and empathic behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in 23 countries worldwide. Existing experience in cross-cultural research demonstrates how various terms and concepts transform under the influence of globalization processes. On the one hand, cultural boundaries become less defined, while on the other hand, the desire for self-identity strengthens. Familiar biological and social constructs such as sex or marital status are modified and require new understanding and analysis. Thanks to the methods of social anthropology and the anthropological approach to humans as biosocial beings, the data obtained can be interpreted, taking into account the cultural specifics and behavioral norms of each society.
Pengembangan Tanaman Cabai Rawit untuk Peningkatan Ekonomi Keluarga di Desa Koto Parambahan Kecamatan Kampar Kabupaten Kampar
Authors: Irfandri Irfandri , Zulfatri Zulfatri , Hamzah Anthony , Rustam Rusli , Fauzana Hafiz , Effendi Arman 
Published: May 2023

Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Pengembangan Tanaman Cabai Rawit Untuk Peningkatan Ekonomi Keluarga Di Desa Koto Parambahan Kecamatan Kampa Kabupaten Kampar dilaksanakan selama tiga bulan dari Bulan Juli sampai Bulan September 2018. Kegiatan yang dilaksanakan dalam Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini adalah berupa kegiatan penyuluhan pertanian, kegiatan pelatihan pembibitan tanaman cabe rawit, pelatihan pembuatan pupuk organik cair dari limbah rumah tangga. Sasaran dari kegiatan pengabdian ini masyarakat Desa Koto Parambahan terutama ibu rumah tangga, remaja putri dan petani. Hasilnya adanya peningkatan pengetahuan ibu rumah tangga dan petani dalam budidaya tanaman cabai rawit dan telah dimanfaatkan lahan pekarangan dan lahan tidur untuk budidaya tanaman cabai rawit sebanyak 500 batang guna memenuhi kebutuhan keluarga dan juga nantinya sebagai salah satu sumber pendapatan keluarga yang harganya cukup menjanjikan saat ini sehingga ekonomi keluarga dapat menjadi lebih baik.
Pengembangan Kegiatan Urban Farming Tanaman Cabai sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Ekonomi Masyarakat Desa Kualu Kabupaten Kampar
Authors: Khaira Amril Nadatul , Hanifa Hanifa , Fatmala Apriza 
Published: May 2023

Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Pengembangan Kegiatan Urban Farming Tanaman Cabai sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Ekonomi Masyarakat Desa Kualu Kabupaten Kampar dilaksanakan pada bulan Juli 2019. Kegiatan yang dilaksanakan dalam Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini adalah berupa kegiatan penyuluhan pertanian, kegiatan pelatihan pembibitan tanaman cabai, pelatihan pembuatan pupuk organik cair dari limbah rumah tangga. Sasaran dari kegiatan pengabdian ini masyarakat Desa Kualu RT 01 Perumahan Graha Kualu Payung Sekaki terutama ibu rumah tangga. Hasilnya, adanya peningkatan pengetahuan ibu rumah tangga dalam budidaya tanaman cabai dan telah mengalami peningkatan dan masyarakat dapat mempraktekkan secara langsung penanaman cabai dan juga nantinya sebagai salah satu sumber pendapatan keluarga yang harganya cukup menjanjikan saat ini sehingga ekonomi keluarga dapat menjadi lebih baik.
Penyuluhan Pengetahuan Tentang Hemat Energi dan Antisipasi Korsleting Listrik di Kecamatan Tandun Kabupaten Rokan Hulu
Authors: Sari Indah Permata , Mahyuni Mahyuni , Fauziah Anisa 
Published: May 2023

Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Penyuluhan Pengetahuan Tentang Hemat Energi dan Antisipasi Korsleting Listrik di Kecamatan Tandun Kabupaten Rokan Hulu dilaksanakan oleh Tim Kukerta Unri tahun 2018 Di Kecamatan Tandun. Kegiatan yang dilaksanakan dalam Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini adalah berupa kegiatan penyuluhan Pengetahuan Tentang Hemat Energi dan Antisipasi Korsleting Listrik. Sasaran dari kegiatan pengabdian ini masyarakat Kecamtan Tandun Kabupaten Rokan Hulu dan tujuan dari kegiatan ini Masyarakat mampu untuk menghemat energi dan mengetahai serta menerapkan cara- cara mengantisipasi korsleting listri. Hasilnya adanya peningkatan pengetahuan mengenai hemat energi dan menerakan cara-cara mengantisipasi korsleting listrik.
PENERAPAN E-PROCUREMENT DALAM PROSES PENGADAAN BARANG/JASA
Authors: Heriyanto Alfiandri, Meyzi , Yuliani Febri 
Published: May 2023

Penerapan E-Procurement Dalam Proses Pengadaan Barang/Jasa. Pengadaan barang/jasa pemerintah menggunakan sistem yang sering di sebut dengan e-procurement, merupakan sistem yang dikembangkan oleh Lembaga Kebijakan Pengadaan Barang/jasa pemerintah (LKPP) yang bertujuan untuk menciptakan proses pengadaan yang efisien, efektif, terbuka, bersaing, transparan, tidak diskriminatif dan akuntabel sehingga menghasilkan produk pekerjaan atau jasa yang kompetitif. Pada penerepannya, banyak kendala-kendala yang dihadapi, mulai dari sisi penganggaran, keterbatasan Sumber daya manusia dan perangkat sistem untuk menunjang pelaksanaan e-procurement. Penerapan e-procurement pada Pemerintah Kota Dumai dalam proses pengadaan barang/jasa dimulai pada Tahun Anggaran 2012, hingga tahun 2020, sudah delapan tahun Pemerintah Kota Dumai menerapkan e-procurement, dengan menghasilkan total efisiensi anggaran sebesar Rp. 83.338.897.116 selama delapan tahun penerapan e-procurement dengan tingkat efisiensi sebesar Rp. 10.417.362.140, tingkat persentase 6,62%. Dengan kendala-kendala yang dihadapi, pelaksanaan e-procurement dinilai mampu memberikan manfaat yang cukup signifikan, berbeda dengan pelaksanaan pengadaan barang/jasa non e-procurement yang dinilai minim tingkkat efisiensi dan efektivitas pelaksanaan, serta tidak terciptanya proses pengadaan yang akuntabel dan terbuka, maka pelaksanaan e-procurement dinilai wajib dilaksanakan untuk menciptakan iklim pengadaan barang/jasa pemerintah yang sehat dan akuntabel.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Suku Akit dalam Pengembangan Komoditas Sagu
Authors: Sujianto Sujianto , As'ari Hasim , Zulkarnaini Zulkarnaini , Adianto Adianto , Habibie Dedi Kusuma 
Published: May 2023

Pemanfataan pengembangan komuditas di suatu wilayah perlu dilakukan secara komperhensif untuk peningkatan kesejahteraan serta memaksimalkan potensi ekonomi masyarakat lokal, khususnya pada masyarakat suku akit yang berada di wilayah pesisir Porvinsi Riau. Tujuan Pengabdian ini adalah peningkatan pemahaman masyarakat terhadap pengelolaan sagu yang berkelanjutan serta dapat memaksimalkan potensi sagu oleh masyarakat suku akit dengan menyusun program pembinaan atau pola pembinaan yang sesuai dengan keperluan lokal atau kondisi sosial ekonomi masyarakat. Metode Pengabdian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, dengan teknik pengumpulan data secara kualitatif melalui wawancara, survei, observasi, studi literatur dan focus group discussion (FGD). Hasil kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah terwujudnya identifikasi potensi dan kendala pengembangan sagu, perumusan strategi dasar yang dianggap sesuai dan efektif bagi pemberdayaan, konsep rencana program pemberdayaan untuk pengembangan ekonomi, sosial, budaya dan kualitas hidup bagi suku akit secara berkelanjutan.