bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Resilience of Public Health Preventive and Adaptive Measures Against Diarrhea in Northern Ghana: A Case Study of the Tamale Metropolitan Area
Authors: Abdul-Ganiu Zakaria , Shamsu-Deen Ziblim , Yakubu Amadu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background Diarrhea remains one of the biggest public health threats in Ghana, and is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Several preventive and adaptive public health measures, such as pneumococcal vaccination, Rota Virus vaccination, and improving access to potable water, are being implemented. Research exploring the climate resilience of preventive and adaptive measures in Ghana is sparse. This study aimed to determine whether preventative and adaptive interventions are climate resilient using morbidity data.Methods This study employs time series data of monthly all-cause diarrhea morbidity, rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity, spanning the period from January 2014 to December 2020. This study used the Auto Regression Distributed Lag cointegration approach to model the impact of climatic variables on all-cause Diarrheal Morbidity.Results The findings of the analysis demonstrate that public health prevention and adaptation strategies are climate-robust and unresponsive to changes in climatic variables. The residuals in the estimated models are white noise and do not exhibit serial autocorrelation or conditional heteroscedasticity.Conclusion In the Tamale Metropolitan Area, climate change does not affect diarrhea morbidity, supporting the claim that climate resilience is an important component of public health preventive interventions against diarrhea
Understanding the Crustal Architecture Beneath the Bangui Magnetic Anomaly and Its Interactions With Central African Tectonic Megastructures Based Gravity and Magnetic Analysis
Authors: Tchoukeu Cyrille Donald Njiteu , Djomani Yvette Poudjom , Mickus Kevin , Rousse Sonia , Sobh Mohamed , Basseka Charles , Etame Jacques 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The Bangui magnetic anomaly (BMA) in Central Africa is one of the largest continental magnetic anomalies on Earth in terms of amplitude and lateral size. Determining the sources of the BMA can lead to an increased understanding of the crustal dynamic in the Central African sub-region and the African continent as a whole. Magnetic and gravity analysis-based derivative, two-dimensional forward modelling and a Curie isothermal depth, showed that (a) the bottoms of the magnetic sources were between 15 and 35 km; (b) the BMA is a coalescence of several anomalies that trend E-W and roughly NE-SW. These directions coincide with regional Pan African-aged shear zones along the Central African orogenic belt and to thrust sheets at the northern edge of the Congo Craton. The depth of magnetization does not exceed 35 km with the amplitude of magnetization becoming smaller in the Central African Republic. The potential magnetic susceptibility sources have an average density of 2850 kg/m3 and magnetic susceptibilities between 0.06 and 0.25 SI. The BMA is interpreted to be a combination of middle and lower crustal bodies that are not continuous and consist of magnetic mineral rich granulites and banded iron formations. The gravity and magnetic modelling indicate that the entire crust was involved in the Pan African collisional event similar to what is seen in the Mozambique belt in East Africa. Combined with geological and geochemical studies, the models add evidence that one or two subduction zones were involved in accreting terranes on the northern edge of the Congo Craton. The tectonic accretions caused a crustal remobilization along major shear zones that has locally contributed to a probable circulation of fluids enriched in ferromagnesian minerals during late Neoproterozoic magmatism that created the BMA sources.
Strengthening Access to Cancer Medicines for Children in East Africa: Policy Options to Enhance Medicine Procurement, Forecasting, and Regulations
Authors: Petricca Kadia , Carson Laura , Kambugu Joyce , Denburg Avram 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Gaps in access to quality essential medicines remain a major impediment to effective care of children with cancer in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization reports that less than 30% of LMICs have consistent availability of childhood cancer medicines, compared to over 95% in high-income countries. This outcome is due to a number of factors, principal among them market inefficiencies that limit availability of affordable products, supply chain disruptions, inadequate data for evidence-based forecasting and procurement, and limited targeted policy and financing for childhood cancer. Information provided within this policy brief is drawn from review of literature and a mixed-methods study that analyzed determinants of cancer medicine access for children in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The study objectives were to prospectively track and analyze availability and cost of essential chemotherapeutic and supportive care medicines, and investigate determinants of medicine access. Three key policy options are presented to guide critical health system planning for strengthening access to cancer medicines for children: pooled procurement, evidence-based forecasting, and regional harmonization of regulatory processes. This policy brief is intended for policy-makers, clinicians, and health-system planners involved in procurement, supply chain management, policy and financing of childhood cancer medicines.
Evaluation of Technical Standards of Selected Physical Soil and Water Conservation Practices and Community Participation in Sekela, Layguder Watershed, Source of Blue Nile, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gojjam Amare , Fisseha Getachew , Atinafu Mamaru 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This study has been conducted to evaluate technical standards of selected physical soil and water conservation practices (SWC) and to asses’ community participation in Layguder watershed. The study was conducted using field measurements, group discussion and (Fifty-seven) household survey. Measurements were taken from these soil bunds, trenches, cut-off drain and waterway from three separate slope classes (3–8% lower, 8–15% middle, and 15–30% upper slope). The recommended value was analyzed using t-test statistics (p < 0.05). The household survey data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using the basic Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-16). The result revealed that soil bund ditch depth, and bottom embankment, bund spacing at 3–8 slope classes top width at lower slope class, depth and berm at all slope class were smaller in magnitude but closer to the standards. Narrow spacing between bunds was taking more area and require labor thus, they have not community acceptance by 61%, of the total respondents. The household participation in the implementation of SWC activity was high, while their participation in the planning, monitoring and evaluation and corrective action was low.
Informal mindfulness practices: A new approach to the prevention and treatment of parental burnout
Authors: Urbanowicz Agata M. , Shankland Rebecca , Rance Jaynie , Bennett Paul , Gauchet Aurélie 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The present study assessed the effectiveness of informal mindfulness practice among parents in terms of parental burnout prevention and treatment. The objective was to test a new approach based on informal mindfulness practices, the FOVEA programme, implemented in daily activities rather than based on formal meditations. Indeed, traditional mindfulness programmes (e.g., MBCT, MBSR) require a 45-minute daily meditation practice which can be difficult to include in parents’ tight schedules, and even more for parents suffering from or at risk of parental burnout. In contrast, the FOVEA programme was designed to enhance the awareness of the present moment in ecological context mainly using the five senses and awareness of breath and body sensations. We tested the hypothesis that compared to the waitlist control group parents participating in the programme would present a greater reduction of parental burnout scores following the intervention. Compared to the control group, the results revealed a statistically significant large effect of FOVEA intervention on parental burnout severity. Thus, informal mindfulness practices could be a means of effectively preventing and reducing parental burnout.
Mechanism of Arabidopsis circ032768 Response to drought
Authors: Yin Zihe , Zhao Qiuyu , Lv Xiurong , Zhang Xuzhe , Wu Yongjun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
CircRNAs (CircularRNAs) reduce the abundance of mirnas (micrornas) in the way of competin gendogenousRNA, so as to regulate many physiological processes and stress responses in plants.However, little is known about the role of circRNA in drought stress.In this study, sequencing and biological analysis confirmed that circ032768, miR472 and RPS5 were responsive to drought stress, and the changes of gene expression were consistent with the prediction mechanism of ceRNA.The silencing vectors of circ032768 and STTM-miR472 were constructed by molecular biology techniques, and stable transgenic plants with drought tolerance were obtained.Further physiological and biochemical studies showed that circ032768 could bind to miR472, and miR472 could bind to RPS5 resistance gene, resulting in decreased expression of RPS5 gene.That is, circ032768 can competitively inhibit miR472 degradation of RPS5 in the manner of ceRNA.Thus, through the circ032768-miR472-RPS5 pathway, the RPS5 stress tolerance protein interacts with DREB2A protein to enhance the expression of downstream drought resistance genes RD29A and RD29B to participate in the drought resistance regulation mechanism of plants, so as to improve the drought tolerance of plants.
Anxiolytic-like effects of the dual orexin receptor antagonist daridorexant in rats
Authors: Locher Rebekka , Lecourt Hugues , Jenck Francois , Steiner Michel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) belong to a novel class of sleep medications that function by blocking the actions of wakefulness-promoting orexin neuropeptides in sleep-wake centers of the brain. Orexins also transmit signals to brain nuclei that regulate emotions and stress responses. The effects of DORAs on anxiety-like reactions requires further exploration. The hyperarousal theory of insomnia suggests an underlying overactivation of the body’s stress response systems, and a considerable proportion of insomnia patients suffers from concurrent anxiety disorders. Hence, it is important for physicians to be certain that novel insomnia treatments do not exacerbate, but rather alleviate, patients’ anxiety and psychological stress responses. Our aim was to test the effect of the new DORA daridorexant on diverse anxiety- and fear-evoked behavioral and physiological reactions in rats to gain first insight into the drug’s potential in humans. Daridorexant, given orally at 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg 1 h before testing, resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of fear-potentiated acoustic startle (FPS) reactions, schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) and social stress-induced hyperthermia and tachycardia (SIH/T). Furthermore, under non-stressful, basal conditions, daridorexant also reduced heart rate in spontaneously hypertensive rats, which are a model of endogenous sympathetic hyperactivation that can occur in insomnia or anxiety disorders. Daridorexant had no effect on ultrasound-induced, panic-like, defensive behavior (UIDB). We conclude that daridorexant rather attenuated and did not enhance fear/stress responses in rats. It was effective in models that simulate endophenotypes that are specific for post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive, and social anxiety disorder.
In Vitro Digestibility and Fermentation Kinetics of Agricultural By-product used as feed for Sheep in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Daniella Elizabeth Scott Mikeilah , Hughes Martin P. , Jones Kegan Romelle 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro digestibility and gas production of agro-industrial by-products fed to sheep. This was done to determine the effectiveness of agro by-products as alternative feedstuff for sheep to reduce the importation of foreign feed ingredients. Two alternative feeds were formulated using the following by products: cocoa hulls and shells (CHS), coconut seed meal (CSM), powdered bean (PB), Moruga Hill rice bran (RB), Moruga Hill rice hulls (RH), corn stover (CS) and seaweed. In vitro gas production was measured for all three feeds treatments for a total of 72h. The three feed treatments consisted of a formulated sheep and goat ration from a local feed mill (T1) and two pelleted feeds prepared using alternative feed ingredients that were mentioned above (T2 and T3). Chemical composition of the commercial feed (T1) had higher crude protein content (CP) than the alternative feeds. However, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, NDF, ADF and ADL were higher in the alternative feeds. In vitro, ruminal fermentation kinetics results showed that gas production from the immediately soluble fraction (a) was significantly different (p < 0.05) for the T1 as compared to T2 and T3. Potential degradability (PD) also showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the feed treatments. Fermentation parameters showed that there was a significant difference for metabolizable energy (ME) for all tree feeds (p < 0.05), organic matter degradability and methane (CH4) production was significantly different (p < 0.05) for the commercial feed (T1) compared to the alternative feeds (T2, T3). The agricultural by product feeds had slower degradability in comparison to the conventional feeds. However, the alterative feeds had less gas and methane production in comparison to the conventional feeds. Thus, the agricultural by product feeds can be utilized as an alternative to feed sheep due to its low gas and methane production. Therefore, these by-product feeds can be a suitable alternative for sustainable sheep production in the tropics.
Adapting REDCap for COVID-19 Laboratory Data Management in Botswana - Experiences, Lessons and Challenges
Authors: Ndlovu Kagiso , Mauco Kabelo Leonard , Makhura Onalenna , Hu Robin , Motlogelwa Nkwebi , Masizana Audrey , Lo Emily , Mphoyakgosi Thongbotho , Moyo Sikhulile 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges requiring timely health data sharing to inform decision making on appropriate interventions at a national level. To streamline the collection and integration of data, we designed and piloted a workflow utilizing the REDCap platform. Our approach focused on establishing efficient COVID-19 data flows within a national public health laboratory, enabling seamless integration with the national district health information management system (DHIS2). This integration facilitated an automated centralized reporting of COVID-19 results at the Ministry of Health. This paper reports the experiences, challenges and lessons learnt while designing, adapting, and implementing REDCap to support COVID-19 data management at the National Health Lab in Botswana.
Methods
A participatory design approach was adopted to guide the design, customization, and implementation of the REDCap platform in support of COVID-19 data management at the NHL. Twenty-nine NHL and four Ministry of Health personnel participated in the study, effective from 02 March 2020 to 30 June 2020. Participants’ requirements for an ideal COVID-19 data management system were established. NVivo 11 software supported thematic analysis of the challenges and resolutions identified during this study. These were categorized according to four themes of Infrastructure, Capacity Development, Platform constraints, and Interoperability.
Results
Overall, REDCap supported a majority of perceived technical and non-technical requirements for an ideal COVID-19 data management system at the NHL. Although some implementation challenges were identified, each had mitigation strategies such as procurement of mobile internet routers, engagement of senior management to resolve conflicting policies, continuous REDCap training, and the development of a third-party web application to enhance REDCap’s capabilities. Lessons learnt informed next steps and further refinement of the REDCap platform.
Conclusion
Implementation of REDCap at the NHL to streamline COVID-19 data collection and integration with national systems was feasible despite its emergency implementation during the pandemic. By piloting and implementing the REDCap workflow at a national public health laboratory, we demonstrated feasibility for centralized reporting of COVID-19 cases, enabling timely and informed decision-making at the national level. Challenges faced presented lessons learnt to inform sustainable implementation of digital health innovations in a resource-constrained environment.
Pathogen Analysis of Mumps-like Cases Using Metagenomic Nanopore Sequencing Technology
Authors: Han Taoli , Gao Yan , Jiao Yang , Zhao Jianhong , Zhang Shu , Gu Lin , Zhao Yuqian , Li Zhen , Cao Yang , Zhang Jian , Sun Lingli 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The detection rate of mumps virus in specimens from clinical diagnostic cases of Mumps is generally low. In order to understand the possible pathogens of Mumps-like cases, this study examined the possible pathogens in parotid throat swabs from 22 Mumps-like cases (Case group) and 17 healthy individuals (Control group) by Metagenomic nanopore sequencing technology. For the suspected pathogens found between Case group and Control group, real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR）was used for detection and confirmation. At the same time, SPSS 23.0 software was used to statistically compare the significant difference of two groups. It was no significant difference about the detection result of pathogenic bacteria were found in two groups by metagenomic sequencing. Human parainfluenza virus 3(HPIV-3) was detected only in 5 cases in the former, while human herpesvirus 7(HHV-7) was detected in 4 and 6 cases in Case group and Control group, respectively. Further statistical analysis revealed that the difference in the HPIV-3 detection rate between Case group and Control group was statistically significant (X2=9.186, P=0.011), while the HHV-7 detection rate was not statistically significant (X2=0.364, P=0.393). These findings suggested that HPIV-3 may be available pathogen responsible for Mumps-like cases in the investigation area, and attention should be paid to the differential diagnosis and reporting of Mumps, and etiological surveillance and detection should be strengthened.
Effect of comorbid heart failure on the activities of daily living and walking independence in patients with hospitalization-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Tamamura Yusuke , Matsuura Michiko , Shiba Sumiko , Nishikimi Toshio 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose In developed countries, the numbers of patients with aspiration pneumonia is increasing as their populations rapidly age, as is the number of patients with heart failure. In addition, aspiration pneumonia in the elderly often develops as a hospitalization-associated disability. The purpose of this retrospective observational cohort study was to investigated the effects of comorbid heart failure on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with hospitalization-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia.Methods This study included 118 patients admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards with hospitalization-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia. Based on their plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, patients were classified into non-heart failure (BNP < 100 pg/ml, n = 82) and heart failure (BNP ≧ 100 pg/ml, n = 36) groups. Rehabilitation outcomes were rehabilitation effectiveness (REs) and walking independence rate at discharge.Results REs was higher in the non-heart failure group than the heart failure group (32.0 ± 29.2% vs 20.0 ± 23.0%, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis with REs as the dependent variable revealed that age (p < 0.05), quadriceps strength (p < 0.05), the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (p < 0.01) and BNP (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with REs. The rate of independent walking at discharge in the non-heart failure group (48.8%) was significantly higher than in the heart failure group (25.0%).Discussion These results suggest that comorbid heart failure has a negative impact on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with hospital-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia. Heart failure assessed based on plasma BNP levels is useful for predicting REs and walking ability at discharge in patients with hospital-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia.
Cohabitation in termite nests: inquilines are habituated and attracted to hosts cues
Authors: Cruz Joseane Santos , Santana Daniela Lucio , Santos Amanda Teixeira , Bacci Leandro , Cristaldo Paulo Fellipe , Araujo Ana Paula Albano 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Termite colonies are protected by the physical structure of the nest as well as by an elaborate system of recognition against intruders. Nevertheless, the defensive system does not always prevent colonization of termite nests by other species. Here, we analyzed whether the host-inquiline cohabitation could occur through mechanisms related to the specificity of chemical cue acquisition by inquilines or through avoidance, testing the hypotheses that(i)there is lower survival and greater aggressiveness between host and inquiline coming from different nests than between those from the same nest;(ii)there is lower survival between host and inquiline coming from the nests of different locals than between those species from the same local; and(ii)intestinal or body cues may be repellent for inquilines or hosts. Manipulative bioassays were conducted pairing hosts and inquilines coming from the same and different nests. Our results showed that although there was greater mortality of the host and inquiline in close contact, they showed mutual recognition of cues without displaying any aggressive behavior. The host was attracted by inquiline body cues and the inquiline was attracted by the host’s intestinal and body cues. Hosts did not distinguish inquilines from different nests in the same locality; however, inquilines seemed to be more habituated to their own host nests than to other nests. Our results suggest that local and genetic factors may be related to cues involved in this coexistence. Therefore, under natural conditions, we hypothesized that mechanisms, such as segregation and camouflaging, could maintain cohabitation.