Health Science Reports最新文献

{"title":"Hemoperfusion Combined With Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in the Management of ARDS COVID-19 Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study","authors":"Seyed MohammadReza Hashemian,&nbsp;Ameneh Jafari,&nbsp;Batoul Khoundabi,&nbsp;Hamidreza Jamaati,&nbsp;Payam Rahimi","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70571","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70571","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Critically ill patients in COVID-19 to the intensive care unit (ICU) may develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, with some requiring extracorporeal organ support. This study aimed to assess the effects of combined CytoSorb hemoperfusion (HP) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on the improvement of the multiorgan failure of patients with COVID-19.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fifty-six patients hospitalized in the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in this quasi-experimental study. All the patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). They were treated with 1–4 sessions of HP therapy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Serum Interleukin-6 (IL6), C-reactive protein (CRP), <span>d</span>-dimer, procalcitonin (PCT), Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), ferritin, and bilirubin levels were decreased, while the concentration of albumin was significantly increased after HP/CRRT (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). No significant differences were observed in O2 saturation (Sao2) and creatinine levels.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Combined HP and CRRT hold promise as a potential intervention for severe COVID-19 cases with multiple organ dysfunction, leading to improved clinical outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70571","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143749588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Cesarean Section in Syria: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Two Largest Health Centers","authors":"Mohammed Abdulrazzak,&nbsp;Mohammed Moutaz Alshaghel,&nbsp;Moustafa Alhashemi,&nbsp;Wafik Mayo,&nbsp;Sana Oubari,&nbsp;Bakri Roumi Jamal,&nbsp;Muhammad Shahem Shammaa,&nbsp;Zahraa Jabas,&nbsp;Osama Al Horani,&nbsp;Mohamad Ali Keblawi,&nbsp;Hamdi Nawfal,&nbsp;Data Collection Group","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70604","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure used during pregnancy and childbirth to ensure maternal and fetal well-being. Global CS rates are increasing, with different studies demonstrating this trend. The purpose of this study, is to look into the prevalence of CS and its contributing factors in Syrian hospitals.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Aleppo University Hospital and Damascus University Hospital in Syria. The data were collected from patients' medical records during the period between January and December 2021. The study population included women who gave birth at these hospitals in 2021. The study used a questionnaire with four domains: sociodemographic features, mother's history, birth history, newborn information, and delivery type with indications and complications. CS indications were evaluated using protocols from the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics 25.0.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among the deliveries, 47.4% were C-sections, with slightly higher rate at Damascus. Population characteristics revealed differences in age, residency, smoking history, birth details, and associated medical conditions. The majority of participants were aged above 25 years old, rural residents, and nonsmokers. The primary CS cases were mainly medically indicated. Most C-sections were repeat procedures (68%), with fetal distress being the most common indication. Aleppo had higher repeat C-section rates (71.5% vs. 65.5% in Damascus). Most primary C-sections were medically indicated (85.2%), while 14.8% were non-indicated, often due to maternal requests or previous complicated births.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study sheds light on CS prevalence, indications, and influencing factors in Syria, contributing to the broader discourse on optimizing CS rates and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research is necessary to explore additional factors and interventions to curb unnecessary CS procedures.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70604","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143749502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence Models Accuracy for Odontogenic Keratocyst Detection From Panoramic View Radiographs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Reyhaneh Shoorgashti,&nbsp;Mohadeseh Alimohammadi,&nbsp;Sana Baghizadeh,&nbsp;Bahareh Radmard,&nbsp;Hooman Ebrahimi,&nbsp;Simin Lesan","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70614","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70614","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a radiolucent jaw lesion often mistaken for similar conditions like ameloblastomas on panoramic radiographs. Accurate diagnosis is vital for effective management, but manual image interpretation can be inconsistent. While deep learning algorithms in AI have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy for OKCs, their performance across studies is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AI models in detecting OKC from panoramic radiographs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A systematic search was performed across 5 databases. Studies were included if they examined the PICO question of whether AI models (I) could improve the diagnostic accuracy (O) of OKC in panoramic radiographs (P) compared to reference standards (C). Key performance metrics including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) were extracted and pooled using random-effects models. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger's test.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity across all studies was 83.66% (95% CI:73.75%–93.57%) and specificity was 82.89% (95% CI:70.31%–95.47%). YOLO-based models demonstrated superior diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 96.0%, compared to other architectures. Meta-regression analysis indicated that model architecture was a significant predictor of diagnostic performance, accounting for a significant portion of the observed heterogeneity. However, the analysis also revealed publication bias and high variability across studies (Egger's test, <i>p</i> = 0.042).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>AI models, particularly YOLO-based architectures, can improve the diagnostic accuracy of OKCs in panoramic radiographs. While AI shows strong capabilities in simple cases, it should complement, not replace, human expertise, especially in complex situations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70614","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Distribution of Waterborne Diseases in Children Under 5 Years of Age From 2018 to 2022 in the Lemba Health Zone in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A Retrospective and Observational Analysis","authors":"Jojo Mazama Sukami,&nbsp;Innocent Mufungizi,&nbsp;Julien Bompeta Lombo,&nbsp;Alfred Ulama Kadima,&nbsp;Didier Yina Ngunga,&nbsp;Aymar Akilimali","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70605","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The city of Kinshasa faces the problem of access to drinking water and sanitation; its municipalities and health zones are exposed to a proliferation of waterborne diseases, a problem for the public health of the population. This study aims to carry out a spatial and temporary analysis of the distribution of waterborne diseases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We carried out an environmental investigation followed by the collection of data that were processed by tools of the geographic and statistical information system using Pearson correlation to see the link between these diseases in space and time.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The distribution of malaria affects more intermediate zones, including Mbanza-Lemba with 9044 cases and an average of 1809 cases per year in the period studied; the same case is true for typhoid fever and diarrhea which affect the flood zone including Gombele with 12,420 cases with an average of 2484 cases per year of typhoid fever and 4931 cases for diarrhea. The Salongo health area has the most recorded cases of amoeba, including 2192, with an average of 438 per year. Malaria has a strong correlation with diarrhea, which is 0.99, these two diseases have a strong to medium correlation with amoeba. A negative correlation is observed with typhoid fever.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The distribution of waterborne diseases in space and time in the region studied is linked to physical factors such as altitude and slope, creating flood zones likely to increase the spread of these diseases. The problem of access to drinking water and the problem of sanitation are other factors facilitating the spread of these diseases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70605","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic Review of Management Strategies for Alport Syndrome: Implications for Male Patients","authors":"Zouina Sarfraz,&nbsp;Ayesha Khan,&nbsp;Maryyam Liaqat,&nbsp;Aden Khan,&nbsp;Faheem Javad,&nbsp;Meher Saleem,&nbsp;Azza Sarfraz,&nbsp;Musfira Khalid,&nbsp;Muzna Sarfraz,&nbsp;Manish Kc,&nbsp;Omar Irfan","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70595","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70595","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Alport Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 50,000 newborns. Due to the severity of the disease, particularly in males with X-linked inheritance, this systematic review consolidates current management strategies, highlighting advancements and existing gaps in treatment options.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This systematic review followed a protocol registered on the OSF platform (osf. io/k86ms). A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP was completed by December 24, 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion were clinical trials or observational studies evaluating AS management. Four clinical trials from six publications and two observational studies met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2 tool for clinical trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies. Key interventions examined included bardoxolone methyl, ramipril, and losartan.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Bardoxolone methyl, ramipril, and losartan demonstrated potential benefits in slowing renal disease progression in AS. Observational studies indicated that early intervention might delay the need for dialysis and improve life expectancy. However, significant heterogeneity among studies precluded quantitative synthesis. Ongoing studies on AS management encompass 25 trials involving 52,135 participants, reflecting an active area of research.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Bardoxolone methyl, ramipril, and losartan show promise in delaying renal failure in AS. Nonetheless, the findings highlight the critical need for larger, more diverse trials to validate these therapies and explore additional treatment strategies. Future research must aim to address these evidence gaps, improving treatment efficacy and patient quality of life, particularly for males disproportionately affected by the disease.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> <b>Protocol</b> Registration</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The protocol for this systematic review is registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF): osf. io/k86ms.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70595","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Awake Resting Breathing and Thoraco-Abdominal Pattern In Children With Achondroplasia: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Antonella LoMauro,&nbsp;Gabriella Tringali,&nbsp;Alessandro Sartorio,&nbsp;Marco Sessa,&nbsp;Andrea Aliverti","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70615","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 20–30 thousand live births [&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;]. Acute brainstem compression, due to a small foramen magnum, is the most common cause of mortality in children younger than 4 years, while cardiovascular deaths are more prevalent in adults [&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;]. Respiratory complications occur mainly during childhood. Breathing was exclusively investigated during sleep, while the awake respiratory function in children with achondroplasia was not previously evaluated [&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;]. Testing the respiratory function in young children is difficult because it often requires a high degree of collaboration. The use of techniques requiring only passive collaboration, like opto-electronic plethysmography, can overcome this limitation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Opto-electronic plethysmography is a motion analysis system that measures the movement of passive reflective markers put on the chest wall according to anatomical points. Starting from the coordinates of the markers, the thoraco-abdominal volume variations are computed and the complete ventilatory pattern is derived. Opto-electronic plethysmography was previously validated [&lt;span&gt;3&lt;/span&gt;] and proved to be suited also for infants and young children [&lt;span&gt;4&lt;/span&gt;].&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We tested the feasibility of opto-electronic plethysmography to assess the thoraco-abdominal volumes at rest for the first time in a small sample of children with achondroplasia. We aimed to verify whether these children were characterized by particular ventilatory and/or thoraco-abdominal patterns during awake breathing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We installed an opto-electronic plethysmography during the 2023 annual National Meeting of the Italian Association of Achondroplasia (AISAC) and 15 children (six girls), whose parents signed a written informed consent following the Declaration of Helsinki, were analyzed. The protocol was non-volitional and approved by the Research Ethics Board of Politecnico di Milano (registration code no. 13/2023): the child was asked to undress for reflective markers placement and then to choose and watch a cartoon in seated and supine positions for at least 5 min (Figure 1). The awake complete ventilatory pattern at rest was then computed. An age-matched group of 15 healthy children (four girls) followed the same protocol and served as control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As shown in Table 1, age was similar between the two groups, with the youngest children acquired being 3 years old. As expected, the height and weight of children with achondroplasia were smaller, with a BMI higher than the control group. Indeed, BMI in children with achondroplasia remains substantially higher through 16 years of age in both sexes [&lt;span&gt;5&lt;/span&gt;]. The thoracic lateral flexion, lumbar flexion, lumbar extension and lumbar lateral flexion were smaller in children with achondroplasia than age- and sex-matched healthy peers. The thoracic extension was greater in children with achondroplasia [&lt;span&gt;","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70615","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is L-Arginine an Appropriate Alternative for Conventional Anti-Atherosclerotic Therapy?: A Comprehensive Review","authors":"Ali Mortezaei,&nbsp;Mohammad Ghorbani,&nbsp;Bardia Hajikarimloo,&nbsp;Omar Sameer,&nbsp;Toba Kazemi,&nbsp;Ebrahim Salavati,&nbsp;Mohsen Hamidpour,&nbsp;Mohammad Esmail Gheydari","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70544","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70544","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Historically, the management of atherosclerosis was focused on decreasing lipid profile levels; however, recent evidence demonstrated that platelets and leukocytes play an important role in forming and exacerbating atherosclerosis. L-arginine (L-Arg), a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), plays a critical role in modulating oxidative stress and influencing platelet-leukocyte recruitment and has been extensively addressed in the context of CVD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We aimed to perform a comprehensive literature review on <span>L</span>-Arg metabolism in the causative pathway of atherosclerosis compared to conventional treatment and it as a putative therapeutic approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>L-Arg supplementation has shown promising effects on NO production, improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress in preclinical models. Clinical studies have indicated moderate improvements in vascular health markers, including reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress, although results have varied across studies. The potential of <span>L</span>-Arg to modify platelet-leukocyte recruitment and slow the progression of atherosclerotic plaque development has been observed in certain studies. However, these benefits remain inconsistent, and more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness. Additionally, while <span>L</span>-Arg appears to be relatively safe, some studies reported mild gastrointestinal discomfort as a common side effect.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><span>L</span>-Arg holds potential as a complementary or alternative treatment for atherosclerosis, particularly in improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the variability in clinical outcomes and the lack of long-term data required further investigation into assessing therapeutic benefits. Future studies should focus on determining optimal dosing regimens, evaluating their long-term safety, and assessing their potential in combination with other therapies to enhance cardiovascular outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70544","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How Do Gender and Marital Status Influence Village Savings and Loan Associations Related Gains and Usage? A Cross-Sectional Study in Fort Portal, Uganda","authors":"HaEun Lee,&nbsp;Alex Shen,&nbsp;Alia Dada,&nbsp;Isabel Gilbertson,&nbsp;Cheryl A. Moyer,&nbsp;Donah Asiimire","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70597","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Village savings and loan association (VSLA) is a widely adopted informal microfinance mechanism designed to empower women financially. However, limited studies have examined how gender and women's marital status influence VSLA-related gains and fund usage. This study aims to assess whether rural Ugandan VSLA members' gender and marital status impact their financial gains and fund usage.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 132 participants in five VSLAs in Fort Portal, Uganda. Participants were categorized as married women, single/never married women, widowed/separated women, and VSLA-participating men. The survey included questions on asset ownership, expenditures, and usage of VSLA funds for income-generating activities (IGAs) and life events (LEs). Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to assess relationships between gender, marital status, asset ownership, and fund usage.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>VSLA-participating women owned fewer overall assets (AOR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71–0.92) than men but utilized VSLA funds more extensively (AOR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.16–1.70), particularly for LEs (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.29–2.01). Single/never married women owned fewer assets (AOR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70–0.98) compared to married women. Their asset ownership leaned toward LEs (AOR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.53–0.99), while VSLA fund usage prioritized IGAs (AOR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.00–3.40) compared to married women.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Significant differences exist in VSLA fund usage and gains based on gender and marital status. Women, particularly single women, face asset ownership disparities but strategically utilize VSLA funds. Future studies should investigate gender dynamics within VSLAs and explore tailored strategies to address the specific needs of women across marital statuses for inclusive financial empowerment.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70597","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Radiographers' Readiness for Artificial Intelligence in Kuwait: Insights and Applications","authors":"Asseel Khalaf,&nbsp;Manar Alshammari,&nbsp;Hawraa Zayed,&nbsp;Maryam Emnawer,&nbsp;Abdulmohsen Esfahani","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70465","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70465","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There is a growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of medical imaging. AI can potentially enhance patient care, improve workflow, and analyze patient's medical data. This study aimed to explore radiographers' knowledge, perceptions, and expectations toward integrating AI into medical imaging and to highlight one of the available applications of AI by evaluating an AI-based software that generates chest reports.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional survey was distributed to radiographers (<i>n</i> = 50) requesting information regarding demographics and knowledge of AI. In the retrospective part, chest radiographs were collected (<i>n</i> = 40), and an AI report was generated using Siemens AI software. A Likert scale was used by a radiologist to rate the report's accuracy. Ethical approval was obtained. Data are presented as mean ± SD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The survey results showed that most participants agreed that radiographers must adapt the AI technology, and they showed interest in taking courses about AI within radiography (98%, 92%, <i>n</i> = 50). Participants' opinions on AI correlated with their perceptions of AI education (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05, <i>r</i> = 0.307). The findings from the retrospective study showed that the radiologist agreed with 53% of the AI-generated chest reports.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study findings identified a need for AI education and training for radiographers to increase their knowledge and improve their ability to use AI. Additionally, the study demonstrated that AI-powered tools are showing great promise in the field of medical imaging.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70465","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceived Barriers to Hypertension Control: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Healthcare Providers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana","authors":"Francis Sambah,&nbsp;Kristin McBain-Rigg,&nbsp;Abdul-Aziz Seidu,&nbsp;Theophilus I. Emeto","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.70576","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70576","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Uncontrolled hypertension (HPT) is a major public health challenge in Ghana. This study investigated the impact of government health system, and healthcare provider-level barriers on hypertension management in the Ashanti region.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional survey of 210 healthcare providers at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed to examine the associations between barriers and hypertension management.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Government and health system-level barriers were significantly associated with healthcare providers' perceived effectiveness in managing hypertension and policy effectiveness. Similarly, healthcare provider-level barriers were linked to perceived effectiveness and policy impact. However, multivariable analysis revealed that the effects of these barriers on hypertension management were attenuated.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>While government, health system, and healthcare provider barriers influence hypertension management in Ghana, their impact is less pronounced than anticipated. This finding is encouraging for achieving the national hypertension control target. However, further research is needed to identify factors mitigating the effects of these barriers to inform effective interventions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hsr2.70576","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}