Self-reported physical functioning,cardiometabolic health conditions, and healthcare utilization patterns in Million Veteran Program enrollees with Traumatic Brain Injury Screening and Evaluation Program data

Background Examining the health outcomes of veterans who have completed the United States Veterans Health Administration’s(VHA’s)Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)Screening and Evaluation Program may aid in the refinement and improvement of clinical care initiatives within the VHA.This study compared self-reported physical functioning,cardiometabolic health conditions,and health care utilization patterns in Million Veteran Program enrollees with TBI Screening and Evaluation Program data(collected between 2007 and 2019),with the goal of enhancing understanding of potentially modifiable health conditions in this population.Methods In this observational cohort study,veterans(n=16,452)were grouped based on the diagnostic outcome of the TBI Screening and Evaluation Program:1)negative TBI screen(Screen^(-));2)positive TBI screen but no confirmed TBI diagnosis[Screen^(+)/Comprehensive TBI Evaluation(CTBIE)^(-)];or 3)positive TBI screen and confirmed TBI diagnosis(Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(+)).Chi-square tests and analysis of covariance were used to explore group differences in physical functioning,cardiometabolic health conditions,and health care utilization patterns,and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of Screen^(+/-)and CTBIE^(+/-)group status.Results The results showed that veterans in the Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(-)and Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(+)groups generally reported poorer levels of physical functioning(P’s<0.001,np2=0.02 to 0.03),higher rates of cardiometabolic health conditions(P’s<0.001,φ=0.14 to 0.52),and increased health care utilization(P’s<0.001,φ=0.14 to>0.5)compared with the Screen-group;however,health outcomes were generally comparable between the Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(-)and Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(+)groups.Follow-up analyses confirmed that while physical functioning,hypertension,stroke,healthcare utilization,and prescription medication use reliably distinguished between the Screen-and Screen^(+)groups(P’s<0.02,OR’s 0.78 to 3.38),only physical functioning distinguished between the Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(-)and Screen^(+)/CTBIE^(+)groups(P<0.001,OR 0.99).Conclusions The findings suggest that veterans who screen positive for TBI,regardless of whether they are ultimately diagnosed with TBI,are at greater risk for negative health outcomes,signifying that these veterans represent a vulnerable group that may benefit from increased clinical care and prevention efforts.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Computerized Bowel Sound Analysis with Non-Invasive Devices for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy of bowel sound analysis for irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)with a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods We searched MEDLINE,Embase,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and IEEE Xplore databases until September 2023.Cross-sectional and case-control studies on diagnostic accuracy of bowel sound analysis for IBS were identified.We estimated the pooled sensitivity,specificity,positive likelihood ratio,negative likeli-hood ratio,and diagnostic odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval(CI),and plotted a summary receiver operat-ing characteristic curve and evaluated the area under the curve.Results Four studies were included.The pooled diagnostic sensitivity,specificity,positive likelihood ratio,nega-tive likelihood ratio,and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.94(95%CI,0.87‒0.97),0.89(95%CI,0.81‒0.94),8.43(95%CI,4.81‒14.78),0.07(95%CI,0.03‒0.15),and 118.86(95%CI,44.18‒319.75),respectively,with an area under the curve of 0.97(95%CI,0.95‒0.98).Conclusions Computerized bowel sound analysis is a promising tool for IBS.However,limited high-quality data make the results'validity and applicability questionable.There is a need for more diagnostic test accuracy studies and better wearable devices for monitoring and analysis of IBS.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents in a southern province of Vietnam

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms among children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods:This study applied a cross-sectional approach within community settings in a southern province of Vietnam.A structured questionnaire featuring socio-demographic information and common long COVID symptoms was employed.Phi correlation coefficients assessed associations among pairs of long COVID symptoms.Additionally,multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the risk factors of long COVID in recovered COVID-19 children and adolescents.Results:Among 422 participants,39.3%reported long COVID symptoms,with a prevalence of 45.2%(SD=0.5)in children and 22.2%(SD=0.4)in adolescents.Common symptoms reported were cough 34.6%(SD=0.5),fatigue 20.6%(SD=0.4),shortness of breath 10.9%(SD=0.3),and lack of appetite 6.6%(SD=0.3).Concerning risk factors of long COVID,a higher risk was observed among demographic groups,including girls(OR 1.25,95%CI 1.15-1.37;P<0.001,reference:boys),children compared to adolescents(OR 1.24,95%CI 1.12-1.37;P<0.001),overweight individuals(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.02-1.27;P=0.018,reference:healthy weight),and participants without any COVID-19 vaccination(OR 1.36,95%CI 1.20-1.54;P<0.001),or have received only one single dose(OR 1.35,95%CI 1.10-1.64;P=0.004)compared to those who have received two doses.Besides,patients with a COVID-19 treatment duration exceeding two weeks also had a higher risk of long COVID(OR 1.32,95%CI 1.09-1.60;P=0.003)than those who recovered less than seven days.Conclusions:The insights from this study provide crucial guidance for predicting the factors associated with the occurrence of long COVID in pediatric patients,contributing to strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the long COVID risks among children and adolescents in Vietnam.

The advantages of multi-level omics research on stem cell-based therapies for ischemic stroke

Stem cell transplantation is a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. However, despite many years of preclinical research, the application of stem cells is still limited to the clinical trial stage. Although stem cell therapy can be highly beneficial in promoting functional recovery, the precise mechanisms of action that are responsible for this effect have yet to be fully elucidated. Omics analysis provides us with a new perspective to investigate the physiological mechanisms and multiple functions of stem cells in ischemic stroke. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses have become important tools for discovering biomarkers and analyzing molecular changes under pathological conditions. Omics analysis could help us to identify new pathways mediated by stem cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke via stem cell therapy, thereby facilitating the translation of stem cell therapies into clinical use. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and discuss recent progress in the development of stem cell therapies for the treatment of ischemic stroke by applying multi-level omics. We also discuss changes in RNAs, proteins, and metabolites in the cerebral tissues and body fluids under stroke conditions and following stem cell treatment, and summarize the regulatory factors that play a key role in stem cell therapy. The exploration of stem cell therapy at the molecular level will facilitate the clinical application of stem cells and provide new treatment possibilities for the complete recovery of neurological function in patients with ischemic stroke.

Genotypic effects on accelerated propagation of oil palm breeding materials selected(Elaeis guineensis jacq.)using somatic embryogenesis

Vegetable oil production from oil palm(Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)is an important industry due to the rising demand every year.The somatic embryogenesis culture can propagate oil palm duplicate as parent plant,which can be selected as breeding material to produce new planting germplasm with high production or disease resistance.This study aims to evaluate the genotypic effect of somatic embryogenesis,while immature leaflets were employed as explants.The culture used embryo induction medium based on Murashige and Skoog(MS)modifications that contained 5 mg/L Naphthalene Acetic acid(NAA)and 0.5 mg/L Benzyl Amino Purine(BAP).The genotypic effect was statistically significant in the percentage of callus induction,producing somatic embryos,and germination embryos.In this study,we successfully cloned thirteen oil palm genotypes(GE-02,GE-03,GE-06,GE-07,GE-09,GE-23,GE-24,GE-27,GE-28,GE-32,GE-33,GE-34,and GE-35),with the highest number of somatic embryos formed on GE-27 with a percentage of 70.1%.The cloning was successful in accelerating the propagation of oil palm for materials breeding programs to create new varieties with high production and disease resistance.It is necessary to observation the performance of these clones in the field in terms of mantle flower appearance.

Prevalence of Work-Aggravated Asthma among Bakery Workers in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)

Introduction: Work-aggravated asthma is pre-existing or concomitant asthma whose symptoms are aggravated by the work environment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of this pathology and its associated factors among bakery workers in Abidjan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four (4) months from 18 December 2019 to 18 April 2020. Two questionnaires were used, one on employees and the other on the indoor environment of bakeries. In addition, a spirometry test was performed on all bakery workers. Statistical analysis was performed using stata 15.1 software. Results: A total of 599 bakery employees, including bakers (59.73%), sales assistants/ cashiers (23.52%), cleaners (6.34%) and administrative staff (10.18%), were investigated. The mean age was 30.8 ± 8 years, with a sex ratio (M/F) = 2.2. Asthma symptoms were found in 95 (15.86%) employees, of whom 74 (77.9%) had work-related asthma and 11 (14.9%) had asthma aggravated by work. The factors associated with work-aggravated asthma were personal or family history of allergy or atopy [ORa = 3.75;CI95%: 1.56 - 8.93;p = 0.003], exposure to dust [ORa = 5.01;CI95%: 1.43 - 7.50;p = 0.011] and humidity level (60% - 70%) [ORa = 1.80;CI 95%: 0.99 - 3.28;p = 0.05]. Conclusion: Work-aggravated asthma is a reality in bakeries in Abidjan, with an estimated prevalence of 14.9%. Two of the three factors associated with this condition suggest a link with indoor air pollution. Combating air pollution in these establishments must therefore be a priority for the relevant authorities, in order to provide employees with a working environment that protects their health.

Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Development, effectivity, safety and functional outcome

BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, degree of lower urinary tract symptoms as predictors of erectile dysfunction in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

Objective: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition of insufficient penile erection, consistently or recurrently, for sexual activity. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induces transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which causes the transition of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells that affect ED. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of TNF-α, TGF-β, degree of lower urinary tract symptoms, and prostatic volume for the presence of ED in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.Methods: Our study performed an analytic observational retrospective cohort study using secondary data from four hospitals in Bali, Indonesia, including medical records and other administrative data. The sample was BPH patients with several history qualifications.Results: Our sample was 83 respondents, ranging from 50 years to 80 years, 61 respondents with ED and 22 with non-ED. The International Prostate Symptom Score showed a significant result, which indicates that ED is more common in patients with higher International Prostate Symptom Score (p=0.002). Moreover, the TNF-α of ≥43.9 pg/mg and TGF-β of ≥175.8 pg/mL were significantly associated with the presence of ED in BPH patients (p<0.0001). Despite these results, prostate volume is not significant with ED (p=0.947).Conclusion: TNF-α, TGF-β, and lower urinary tract symptoms severity can predict the occurrence of ED in BPH, while prostatic volume was not significant.

Could ERA5 Deliver Better Climate Services Than ERA-Interim over the West African Sahel Region?

Our paper assessed the improvement performance of the reanalysis(ERA5)compared to ERAI(ERA-Interim)both from the ECMWF(European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast)in representing the WAM(West African Monsoon)dynamic.Our aim is to evaluate the reliability of ERA5 to deliver better climate services than ERAI in the West African Sahel region.Two complementary observational databases namely the CRU(Climate Research Unit)and the GPCC(Global Precipitation Climatology Center)data are used to evaluate precipitation and temperature representation by the two reanalysis.Otherwise,the representation of some major features of the WAM system,such as the SHL(Saharan Heat Low),the AEJ/TEJ(African and Tropical Easterly Jets)was assessed using the two reanalysis data.The obtained results show a better representation of the seasonal accumulated precipitation and average temperature by ERA5 compared to ERAI with higher spatial correlation and lower bias relative to the observations.Furthermore,ERAI appears to be rainier than ERA5 but ERA5 produces more heavy rainfall days.During the period of intense monsoon,the frequency of the SHL is higher for ERAI which would favor intensification of monsoon inflow and depth.The lower SHL frequency observed in the ERA5 could explain the observed weakening intensity of AEJ which is favorable for moist conditions over the Sahel.These findings confirm the progress made by ERA5 compared to ERAI in representing the WAM dynamic and demonstrate its reliability for delivering better climate services over the West African Sahel.

Mechanism of spinal cord injury regeneration and the effect of human neural stem cells-secretome treatment in rat model

BACKGROUND Globally,complete neurological recovery of spinal cord injury(SCI)is still less than 1%,and 90%experience permanent disability.The key issue is that a pharmacological neuroprotective-neuroregenerative agent and SCI regeneration mechanism have not been found.The secretomes of stem cell are an emerging neurotrophic agent,but the effect of human neural stem cells(HNSCs)secretome on SCI is still unclear.AIM To investigate the regeneration mechanism of SCI and neuroprotective-neuroregenerative effects of HNSCs-secretome on subacute SCI post-laminectomy in rats.METHODS An experimental study was conducted with 45 Rattus norvegicus,divided into 15 normal,15 control(10 mL physiologic saline),and 15 treatment(30μL HNSCssecretome,intrathecal T10,three days post-traumatic).Locomotor function was evaluated weekly by blinded evaluators.Fifty-six days post-injury,specimens were collected,and spinal cord lesion,free radical oxidative stress(F2-Isoprostanes),nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB),matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP9),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin-10(IL-10),transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),nestin,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF)were analyzed.The SCI regeneration mechanism was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling(PLS SEM).RESULTS HNSCs-secretome significantly improved locomotor recovery according to Basso,Beattie,Bresnahan(BBB)scores and increased neurogenesis(nestin,BDNF,and GDNF),neuroangiogenesis(VEGF),anti-apoptotic(Bcl-2),anti-inflammatory(IL-10 and TGF-β),but decreased proinflammatory(NF-κB,MMP9,TNF-α),F2-Isoprostanes,and spinal cord lesion size.The SCI regeneration mechanism is valid by analyzed outer model,inner model,and hypothesis testing in PLS SEM,started with pro-inflammation followed by anti-inflammation,anti-apoptotic,neuroangiogenesis,neurogenesis,and locomotor function.CONCLUSION HNSCs-secretome as a potential neuroprotective-neuroregenerative agent for the treatment of SCI and uncover the SCI regeneration mechanism.

Efficacy and safety of gemcitabine plus S-1 vs. gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in treatment-na?ve advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Objective:Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel(GnP)is the standard first-line therapy for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).S-1,an oral fluoropyrimidine derivative,as compared with gemcitabine,is non-inferior in terms of overall survival(OS)and is associated with lower hematologic toxicity.Accordingly,S-1 is a convenient oral alternative treatment for advanced PDAC.This study was aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine plus S-1(GS)vs.GnP as first-line chemotherapy for advanced PDAC.Methods:Patients with advanced PDAC who received first-line GS or GnP at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between March 2011 and November 2022 were evaluated.Results:A total of 300 patients were assessed,of whom 84 received GS and 216 received GnP.The chemotherapy completion rate was higher with GS than GnP(50.0%vs.30.3%,P=0.0028).The objective response rate(ORR)was slightly higher(14.3%vs.9.7%,P=0.35),and the median OS was significantly longer(17.9 months vs.13.3 months,P=0.0078),in the GS group than the GnP group.However,the median progression-free survival(PFS)did not significantly differ between groups.Leukopenia risk was significantly lower in the GS group than the GnP group(14.9%vs.28.1%,P=0.049).Conclusions:As first-line chemotherapy for advanced PDAC,the GS regimen led to a significantly longer OS than the GnP regimen.The PFS,ORR,and incidence of severe adverse events were comparable between the GS and GnP groups.

Early efficacy of individual regimens containing bedaquiline in patients with drug resistant tuberculosis

Objective:To evaluate early efficacy of sputum conversion within 6 months of individual regimens containing bedaquiline in patients with drug resistant tuberculosis.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis who were receiving individual regimens containing bedaquiline.The primary outcome was sputum conversion of both smear and culture within 6 months of treatment.We used medical records of drug resistant tuberculosis patients from January 2020 to December 2021.The study was conducted at Dr.Soetomo Hospital,Indonesia from August to October 2022.Results:In this study,44 eligible drug resistant tuberculosis patients were initiated on regimens containing bedaquiline.There were 52.3%males and the median age was 45.5 years.The rates of previous treatment(70.5%)and lung cavity(36.4%)were high.The most common companion drugs included clofazimine,cycloserine,levofloxacin,and linezolid.Sputum smear and culture conversion was seen in 79.4%and 82.1%at the 2nd month,respectively.More than 97%patients had smear and culture conversion at the end of 6 months.Conclusions:Among drug resistant tuberculosis patients,individual regimens containing bedaquiline were associated with high rates of smear and culture conversion at the end of 6 months.Early efficacy of regimens containing bedaquiline can be used to predict cure rate at the end of treatment.

Pulmonary Hypertension Crisis in Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot and Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Vein Connection after the Primary Correction:A Rare Case Report

Tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)with total anomalous pulmonary vein connections(TAPVC)is a rare type of complex congenital heart disease among all TOF cases.Co-presentation of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries(MAPCAs)compensates for the lack of central pulmonary bloodflow and decreases the severity of right-to-left shunting in TOF.We present a case of a 2-year-old child with complex diagnoses of TOF,TAPVC,a large secun-dum atrial septal defect(ASD),and intraoperatively identified MAPCAs.She underwent surgery to repair the TAPVC,valve-sparing reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract,interventricular defect closure,and the creation of patent foramen ovale(PFO).After the operation,hemodynamic instability happened along with sudden blood pressure drop,desaturation,and increased central venous pressure,which subsided after adminis-tering inhalational nitric oxide(NO).A postoperative pulmonary hypertension crisis was suggested when the patient experienced recurrent symptoms after the termination of NO.Echocardiographicfindings of a D-shaped left ventricle(LV),right-to-left PFO shunt and high tricuspid valve gradientfirmly established the diagnosis.It was subsequently managed with continuous NO inhalation and sildenafil,which rendered a satisfactory outcome.Repaired TOF and TAPVC could be at particular risk of developing pulmonary hypertension crisis,especially in the presence of MAPCAs due to possible remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature.Furthermore,a relatively non-compliant LV function and small left atrial size may exacerbate the risk of developing postcapillary pulmonary hypertension after TAPVC repair.A successful postoperative outcome calls for a meticulous preoperative analysis of the anatomical lesions,as well as careful monitoring.

A Qualitative Study on What It Means for Patients with Schizophrenia Living in the Community to Remain on Medication

Background: Little is known about what the experience of “taking antipsychotics” means in a patient’s life. Therefore, this study aims to identify what it means for patients with schizophrenia living in the community to remain on medication. Methods: The participants were five residents of communities, who had been discharged from a psychiatric hospital, but were currently visiting a private psychiatric hospital. In this study, we used participants’ narratives as data and analyzed them according to the procedures described in “An Application of Phenomenological Method in Psychology” (Giorgi, 1975), and “Practice of analyzing materials describing experiences” (Giorgi, 2004). Results: The study results are as follows. 1) The drug may be effective, but Subject (below, S) still wants to take it as little as possible. Meanwhile, S has people who care about S and a person who S can rely on nearby, to manage S’s life. The people above tell S to take medicine, and S takes it. 2) S does not know what kind of medication S is consuming, but recently S has been having a hard time walking;S has people who care for S’s foot and look after S. S thinks taking medicine is for living. 3) S feel some drugs is ineffective. However, S met some people S could trust who passionately recommended the medication to S. S started being careful in remembering to take it. 4) S does not think drugs are necessary for S, but S can interact with people and spend S’s days. S has people who accept S as S is. S continues living in the community while taking medicine that a doctor offers. 5) S was skeptical about the drugs. However, S has a person S can trust, who recommended a way to take the medication in a way that S does not feel overwhelmed. S thinks that it may be a good idea to take it. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of the narratives of each of the five participants, the essential structure was read from the perspective of a third party regarding participants’ medication adherence. A generalized reading of the structure common to the above five essential structures reveals a structure that includes the following three opportunities: 1) Patients realize the importance of people;2) They sometimes entrust themselves to people or follow people’s opinions when taking actions;3) They have come to terms with their initial negative feelings about antipsychotic drugs, subsequently continuing to take antipsychotic drugs. This suggests that the following are important attitudes of supporters of patients with schizophrenia who continue to live in the community: To accept what is happening to the patients, to talk to them with encouragement and compassion, and to be there for them. It is also important for supporters to make patients feel comfortable in opening up while the patients reside in the community and to support patients in making decisions.

Advancing the precision management of inflammatory bowel disease in the era of omics approaches and new technology

There is great heterogeneity among inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients in terms of pathogenesis,clinical manifestation,response to treatment,and prognosis,which requires the individualized and precision management of patients.Many studies have focused on prediction biomarkers and models for assessing IBD disease type,activity,severity,and prognosis.During the era of biologics,how to predict the response and side effects of patients to different treatments and how to quickly recognize the loss of response have also become important topics.Multiomics is a promising area for investigating the complex network of IBD pathogenesis.Integrating numerous amounts of data requires the use of artificial intelligence.

Optimal Location to Use Solar Energy in an Urban Situation

This study conducted in Lima, Peru, a combination of spatial decisionmaking system and machine learning was utilized to identify potentialsolar power plant construction sites within the city. Sundial measurementsof solar radiation, precipitation, temperature, and altitude were collectedfor the study. Gene Expression Programming (GEP), which is based on theevolution of intelligent models, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) wereboth utilized in this investigation, and the results obtained from each werecompared. Eighty percent of the data was utilized during the training phase,while the remaining twenty percent was utilized during the testing phase. Onthe basis of the findings, it was determined that the GEP is the most suitablenetwork for predicting the location. The test state’s Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency(NSE) was 0.90, and its root-mean-square error (RMSE) was 0.04. Followingthe generation of the final map based on the results of the GEP model, itwas determined that 9.2% of the province’s study area is suitable for theconstruction of photovoltaic solar power plants, while 53.5% is acceptable and37.3% is unsuitable. The ANN model reveals that only 1.7% of the study areais suitable for the construction of photovoltaic solar power plants, while 66.8%is acceptable and 31.5% is unsuitable.

Recognition of Child Maltreatment by Mothers Raising Infants Up to Four Months of Age and Types of Support Felt Necessary

Objective: This study aimed to identify whether mothers who had undergone their one-month checkup at obstetrical care facilities and were raising infants up to four months of age recognized child maltreatment, the coping strategies that they used to calm their emotions during those moments, and types of support felt necessary. Method: This was a qualitative, descriptive design study conducted from July 2022 to March 2023. Semi-structured interviews based on an interview guideline of 21 first-time mothers raising infants up to four months of age were conducted. The responses were classified into categories. Results: Situations that mothers caring for infants up to four months of age recognized as child maltreatment were classified into 11 categories, such as [Becoming emotional for not understanding the child’s needs or the reason for their crying, and reacting confrontationally towards the child]. Coping strategies that helped mothers calm their emotions during those moments were classified into 10 categories, such as [Conversing with adults around them]. Types of support that mothers felt necessary were classified into 14 categories, such as [Guidance from experts on the growth and development of their children, even after leaving the maternity facility]. Discussion: Maltreatment recognized by postpartum mothers up to four months after birth was classified into two categories: situations involving actions taken towards the child, although not at a serious level, and situations where no actual actions were taken. Even acts that do not actually constitute maltreatment were considered maltreatment. During parenting, every mother may experience negative feelings towards her child and may face moments when she feels incapable of engaging with her child. The importance of socially supporting mothers who are often alone with their children and having preventive approaches for all postpartum mothers were suggested as supportive measures needed to prevent the occurrence of maltreatment.

Stressors in Nurse Students’ Formation in the New Normality Post COVID-19

Background: Mental health has been impaired and at risk due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences due to confinement impacted every scenario, which directly influenced the daily routine of nurse students;in each setting students faced stressors that trigger fear, anxiety and others, since being in confinement learning of topics moved to the home, laboratory practices in hospitals were cancelled leaving the room that is uncertain up to their return to in-person activities. It is important to highlight the need for innovation and strengthening of theoretical-pedagogic aspects centered at the student’s context as a human being with their own needs and problems, who will interact with others in the continuous process of health-illness. Objective: the aim was to identify the stressors in the nurse students’ formation in the new normality post-COVID-19. Methods: Qualitative and phenomenological research with 27 participants aged 20 - 25 years, nurse students of a public university. The information collection was through four focal groups of 6-7 members each, data analysis was done according to Miles & Huberman after signed informed consent of each participant, and authorized by the chairperson of the Nurse’ career. Results: Category 1, Cumulative stressors with sub-categories 1.1 Uncertainty, 1.2 Isolation, 1.3 Invisibility, 1.4 Mockery, 1.5 Exclusion. Category 2, Expectancy states with sub-categories 2.1 Low self-esteem, 2.2 Insecurity, 2.3 Anxiety, 2.4 Depression, 2.5 Temporary leave, 2.6 Search for authenticity. Category 3, Internalization processes with sub-categories 3.1 Social rejection, 3.2 Self-censorship, 3.3 Discrediting, 3.4 Disempowerment. Category 4, Academic aspects affected with sub-categories 4.1 Deficient studying habits, 4.2 Deficient assimilations of knowledge, 4.3 Archived knowledge in the computer, 4.4 Absence of practice in previous semesters. Conclusion: Once identified the stressors in nurse students in the new normality post-COVID-19, it will allow the creation of settings that help in getting confidence for students, i.e., a safe surrounding promotes the development of abilities and competencies during formation, as well as recommendations of teachers in the classroom and laboratories that contribute to filling space that students perceive as empty, and to intensifying the companionship in clinical settings where students perceive most aggressiveness.

Future Long-Term Care Setting Preferences and Related Factors among Japanese Middle-Aged and Older People Living with HIV

Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) has extended. This extension has led to an increase in the aging population in Japan and globally. Providing appropriate long-term care (LTC) for PLWH has thus become increasingly critical. Our study aimed to describe LTC setting preferences and related factors among middle-aged and older Japanese people living with HIV. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two hospitals in Tokyo. One hundred seventy-five outpatients aged 40 years and above participated in this study. Participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to assess where they wanted to live once they could no longer care for themselves. Approximately 52.0% preferred a designated facility for older adults or LTC, while 30.3% preferred their home or living with family, a partner, or a friend (“familiar housing”). Bivariate analyses revealed that LTC setting preference was significantly associated with marital status, whether or not the participant had at least one child, and household composition. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that participants living with non-kin were less likely to prefer living in designated housing facilities for older adults or LTC (adjusted odds ratio = 0.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.05 - 0.63). The study findings suggest that family make-up and composition of cohabiters are critical indicators for LTC setting preference in this population. These findings can be the foundation for future care planning and delivery to meet the unique LTC needs and expectations of the aging population with HIV in Japan and similar global settings.

Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones in Samendeni Watershed in Sedimentary and Semi-Arid Contexts of Burkina Faso, Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method and GIS

Demand for water increases in Samendeni regarding the undertaken agricultural projects while pressure on surface water from global warming/evapotranspiration also increases. Thus, the need to evaluate the groundwater potential in the catchment is crucial as alternative supplier of water and resilience to climate hazards. The AHP was performed integrating ten influencing factors such as geomorphology, geology, soil, land use/land cover (lulc), slope, rainfall, drainage density, borehole rate & depth and piezometric level to generate groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in Samendeni watershed (4420 km2). All the factors were processed and ranged into five (5) classes. Weight was assigned to each class of thematic layer. These thematic layers were then reclassified based on the normalized weight to be used in the calculation of groundwater potential zones (GWPZ). The final output, groundwater potential map, revealed a significant groundwater potential with very good (11%), good (31%), moderate (30%), poor (20%), and very poor (8%) of proportion. The interesting (very good, good) GWPZs in the study area are mostly in the central towards the east. The poor zones in term of groundwater potential are concentrated in the upper west region of the watershed. Besides the cross-validation with the relationship between different groundwater potential zones and the wells available in the study area, the overall accuracy was estimated to 88% provided from the result of the similarity analysis where 22 out of the 25 validation wells match with the expected yield classes of GWPZs. The statistics from that validation revealed the performance of AHP method to delineate groundwater potential zones at catchment level.