bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study on the effect of a two-stage pilot injection strategy on the performance of medium-speed diesel/natural gas dual-fuel marine engine
Authors: Jiang Longlong , Xiao Ge , Long Wuqiang , Dong DongSheng , Tian Jiangping , Tian Hua , Jia Baofu , Yang Shanggang
Published: July 2023

The need to reduce marine engine emissions continues to grow with the implementation of stricter emission standards. Numerical simulations were conducted to study the effect of a two-stage pilot diesel injection strategy on combustion and emissions in a medium-speed diesel/natural gas dual-fuel marine engine. A comprehensive analysis was performed on the start of the first pilot diesel injection (SOI1) and the proportion of the first pilot diesel injection (POI1), identified as two coupling factors of the injection strategy. The results indicated a significant improvement in indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) of over 48% and a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of over 50% compared to the baseline single-stage injection strategy can be achieved through the use of high POI1 and delayed SOI1. In addition, the first pilot diesel spray covered the squish and piston bowl regions, enhancing the reactivity of the fuel-air mixture in these regions. The mass fraction of CH2O and H2O2 radicals determined the distribution of reactivity in different regions and characterized the transition process from low-temperature reaction to high-temperature reaction. The strategy of high POI1 and delayed SOI1 resulted in a better low-temperature reaction distribution, reducing combustion duration, improving ITE, and decreasing NOx, HC, CO emissions at medium load condition.
Where is the Care? Identifying the Impact of Rurality on SLP Caseloads and Treatment Decisions for Children with Cleft Palate
Authors: Mason Kazlin N. , Kotlarek Katelyn J.
Published: July 2023

Challenges providing cleft/craniofacial care in rural communities are often reported, leading to disparities in resources available to clinicians. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of rurality on caseloads and practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding speech and velopharyngeal function for children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

A national, survey of US-based SLPs (N = 359 respondents) investigated resources, comfort level, caseloads, and practice patterns for children with CL/P. Sub-county classifications that delineated levels of rurality were utilized. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted to determine the impact of population density on assessment and referral decisions.

Nearly 83% of SLPs reported providing care for a child with CL/P and 41.4% of these SLPs reported five or more children with CL/P on caseload throughout their career. There were no significant differences in rurality of practice setting and the likelihood of treating a child with CL/P. Significant differences were present between rural, town, suburban, and metropolitan-based SLPs regarding available resources ( p = 0.035). SLPs in rural settings reported feeling uncomfortable treating children with CL/P compared to those in metropolitan settings ( p = 0.02). Distance to the cleft/craniofacial team and comfort levels impacted referral decisions.

Most SLPs report having children with CL/P on caseload regardless of practice location. Rurality impacted assessment and referral decisions, especially surrounding access to resources and comfort levels engaging in team care. Findings have implications for developing support systems and reducing barriers for rural SLPs working with children born with CL/P.
Hypersensitivity reactions to anticancer chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies: Safety and efficacy of desensitization
Authors: Villarreal-González Rosalaura V , González-Díaz Sandra , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Cruz-de la Cruz Carlos de la , Pérez-Ibave Diana C , Garza-Rodríguez María L
Published: July 2023

Background

Hypersensitivity reactions to anticancer chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies may lead to discontinuation of first-line treatment options. Identification of these reactions can provide specific diagnosis and treatment by rapid drug desensitizations.

Objective

To determine the hypersensitivity reactions involved in anticancer chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies, and the safety and efficacy of rapid drug desensitization.

Methods

We conducted an observational study of hypersensitivity reaction presented after the administration of anticancer chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies in Mexico. We documented the symptoms of initial reaction and their severity, and the results of skin tests. We also report our experience of the administration of 12-step (mild-moderate reactions) and 16-step (severe reactions) desensitization protocols in these patients.

Results

Overall, 93 patients received 336 rapid drug desensitization; 105 to taxanes, 115 to platinum drugs, 101 to monoclonal antibodies, and 15 other anticancer chemotherapy. Hypersensitivity reaction to taxanes occurred in the first or second administration, platinum drugs after the sixth cycle, and rituximab in the first cycle. The most common symptom in carboplatin was urticaria, paclitaxel back pain, oxaliplatin and docetaxel dyspnea, and in the monoclonal antibodies cardiovascular symptoms. Skin tests were positive in 75% of the carboplatin group, and only 16.7% in docetaxel. There was a rapid drug desensitization success rate of 99.4% and 85.7% did not present any related hypersensitivity reaction.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of hypersensitivity reaction to anticancer chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies offers a panorama in the management of oncological diseases. Our standardized desensitization protocol is safe and effective and can be reproduced in other centers to treat patients who need to maintain first-line treatment.
Islamism, party change, and strategic conciliation: Evidence from Tunisia
Authors: McCarthy Rory
Published: July 2023

What happens to an Islamist party after moderating its behaviour and ideology? Existing work on Islamist parties has elaborated the varied causes of moderation. Yet, the mixed findings do not capture the full range of Islamist dynamics. This article draws on a multiyear, interview-based study of the Tunisian Islamist party Ennahda to interrogate the process of intraparty change after moderation. Islamist parties face a two-level problem with external and internal trade-offs. I argue that the intraparty characteristics that enable moderation may also contribute to undermining a party’s institutional structure and identity as it responds to an uncertain political context. These findings bring processual evidence from Islamist parties into broader explanations of party change and highlight the ongoing effects of moderation, not just its causes.
Measurement and large-eddy simulation of single-sided natural ventilation in urban building groups
Authors: Pan Wuxuan , Long Zhengwei , Song Chongfang , Lei Yonggang
Published: July 2023

Natural ventilation is a highly respected and effective way to improve indoor air quality, and single-sided natural ventilation is easily formed in residential buildings. The site experiments were carried out, and the unsteady characteristics of the airflow were analyzed based on 3D wind speed series. With the experimental verification, large-eddy simulation was successfully applied to calculate the indoor–outdoor flow field of urban building groups. When the entrance boundary was constant, the flow field of the window varied all the time, and outflow was irregular. The natural ventilation efficiency was 42% with the incoming flow almost parallel to the window. The discrete wind speed inlet boundary is more suitable for the natural ventilation simulation of buildings in a real environment than the average wind speed boundary and the average wind speed superposition ±10% disturbance.
Tubulin Alpha-1b as a Potential Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Pang Xue-Li , Du Hong-Fei , Nie Fang , Yang Xiang-Gui , Xu Ying
Published: July 2023

Background: Because lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for more than 40% of all lung malignancies, it is essential to develop clinically useful biomarkers for the disease. The aim of this investigation is to assess the potential application of tubulin alpha-1b (TUBA1B) as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring the outcome of LUAD. Methods: The clinical data of the LUAD patients was retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of a tissue microarray containing 90 LUAD cases was implemented to examine the expression of TUBA1B. The protein and mRNA levels of TUBA1B in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis respectively. UALCAN was employed to confirm the expression levels and survival probability of TUBA1B in LUAD patients. Results: Compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues in the microarray, the expression of TUBA1B in LUAD tissues was much higher. The expression of TUBA1B in LUAD was statistically correlated with lymph node status ( P = .031). Moreover, patients with higher TUBA1B expression had shorter overall survival ( P < .0001). Furthermore, cox multi-factor analysis also suggested that TUBA1B may be an independent predictor for LUAD prognosis ( P = .030). The results of TCGA data analysis by UALCAN were consistent with the microarray results, except for that TUBA1B was also significantly correlated with clinical tumor stages. Protein levels of TUBA1B in serum were obviously elevated in LUAD patients than control ( P < .0001), and the area under the ROC curve was 0.99. TUBA1B also showed better sensitivity of 92.9% for LUAD than common clinical biomarkers. Conclusion: TUBA1B may be a non-invasive prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for LUAD patients.
HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Depression, and HIV-Related Stigma Among Elderly Men in Rural China: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis
Authors: Liu Qinxi , He Huan , He Qinying , Li Na , Xiao Wei , Xiao Jie , Yang Bihui , Li Yuan , Yang Yi
Published: July 2023

This study explored the current status and influencing factors of HIV-related stigma among elderly men (≥50 years old) in rural Chengdu, China. A structured face-to-face interview survey was conducted among 286 elderly males from three towns in Chengdu using convenience sampling, 240 men (83.9%) who had heard of HIV/AIDS were included in the analysis. Hierarchical regression was used to examine the associated factors of HIV-related stigma, including demographic variables, HIV/AIDS knowledge level, receiving HIV/AIDS-related health education in the past year, depression, and anxiety, and to examine the moderating effect of educational level on HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV-related stigma. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that men with lower HIV/AIDS knowledge scores, primary school or below educated, and depression had higher HIV-related stigma total score and social stigma dimensional scores than their counterparts. In addition, living alone was associated with higher HIV-related stigma, and elderly men with lower monthly income and those without HIV/AIDS-related health education in the past year had higher levels of social stigma. Higher HIV/AIDS knowledge score was significantly associated with lower HIV-related stigma level among those with middle school or above education level, but no such effect in those with primary school or below. In conclusion, the HIV-related stigma level among elderly men in rural Chengdu was high and positively associated with depression. HIV/AIDS education should target elderly men with low education, living alone, and low income, and interventions to promote mental health may work together to reduce HIV-related stigma in the rural elderly population.
Assessment of unsteady-state thermal expansion in saccular aneurysms with Newtonian blood circulation including silver nanoparticles
Authors: Hussain Azad , Riaz Dar Muhammad Naveel , Kanwal Rimsha , Khalid Cheema Warda
Published: July 2023

The current study is based on an examination of the effect of Newtonian blood flow on the value of the wall shearing stress of an intracranial aneurysm using computational fluid dynamics. Blood is frequently thought to behave like a Newtonian fluid in cerebral arteries. It is fully described how a saccular aneurysm affects a model of blood-silver (Ag) nanofluid flow via an artery. Blood is regarded as a based fluid because of its rheology. The blood flow is Newtonian, laminar, incompressible, viscous, and unsteady, blood enters with a velocity of 0.08 ms−1 and the arterial wall should be flexible. The novelty of the research is to examine the impact of nanoparticles (Ag) on saccular aneurysm. To find the solution, a time-dependent direct solver was employed. To get the answer, the finite element discretization method (FDM) is applied. Coupled partial differential equations are used to mathematically describe the rheology of blood. In the current analysis, the solutions for velocity, temperature, and pressure distribution are found. Figures are used to illustrate and quickly discuss the effects of physical parameters on the characteristics of arterial blood flow for silver nanoparticles. These findings will be extremely beneficial in the treatment of arteries with aneurysms.
Conventional, high frequency and differential targeted multiplexed spinal cord stimulation in experimental painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Pain behavior and role of the central inflammatory balance
Authors: de Geus Thomas J. , Franken Glenn , Joosten Elbert A
Published: July 2023

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a last resort treatment for pain relief in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) patients. However, the effectivity of SCS in PDPN is limited. New SCS paradigms such as high frequency (HF) and differential target multiplexed (DTM) might improve responder rates and efficacy of SCS-induced analgesia in PDPN patients, and are suggested to modulate the inflammatory balance and glial response in the spinal dorsal horn. The aim of this study was to research the effects of Con-, HF- and DTM-SCS on pain behavior and the spinal inflammatory balance in an animal model of PDPN. Streptozotocin-induced PDPN animals were stimulated for 48 hours with either Con-SCS (50Hz), HF-SCS (1200Hz) or DTM-SCS (combination of Con- and HF-SCS). Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed using Von Frey (VF) test and the motivational aspects of pain were assessed using the mechanical conflict avoidance system (MCAS). The inflammatory balance and glial response were analyzed in the dorsal spinal cord based on RNA expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (Tnf-α, Il-1ß, Il-4, Il-10), a microglia marker (Itgam), an astrocyte marker (Gfap), a T-cell marker (Cd3d), microglia proliferation markers (Irf8, Adgre1) and P2X4, p13-MAPK, BDNF signaling markers (P2x4, Mapk14, Bdnf). The results show that Con-, HF-, and DTM-SCS significantly decreased hypersensitivity after 48 hours of stimulation compared to Sham-SCS in PDPN animals, but at the same time did not affect escape latency in the MCAS. At the molecular level, Con-SCS resulted in a significant increase in spinal pro-inflammatory cytokine Tnf-α after 48 hours compared to DTM-SCS and Sham-SCS. In summary, Con-SCS showed a shift of the inflammatory balance towards a pro-inflammatory state whilst HF- and DTM-SCS shifted the balance towards an anti-inflammatory state. These findings suggest that the underlying mechanism of Con-SCS induced pain relief in PDPN differs from that induced by HF- and DTM-SCS.
More than rugby: A scoping review of coaches in rugby
Authors: Paul Lara , Davidow Demi , Stodter Anna , Till Kevin , Dane Kathryn , Jones Ben , Hendricks Sharief
Published: July 2023

Introduction

It is well-recognised that fulfilling the role of a coach is multi-faceted. In rugby, some of these coaching facets have been studied, however the research has not been reviewed. Reviewing the literature on rugby coaches will inform and guide policies, coach education, research and practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a scoping review of the current coach focused literature on rugby union, rugby league and rugby sevens.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted on five electronic databases (EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) until January 2022 using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Participants had to be coaches within rugby union, sevens and league to be included. Data were extracted and analyzed to form a numerical and thematic summary.

Results

105 articles were included. 76% of the studies were on rugby union, 14% on league, 1% on sevens and the remainder focused on a combination of rugby cohorts or did not specify. Three themes were identified via a thematic analysis based on the content of the articles, these were coach knowledge (68%), coach pedagogies (29%), and coach development (4%).

Conclusion

The main finding in this review is that research on rugby coaches understood the risk, prevention, and management of injuries. Educational resources should include all aspects of rugby play or training injuries. The importance of the athlete-coach relationship and coach reflective practices was another significant finding. Coaches are encouraged to have a broad understanding of various aspects related to the player's welfare, which can be developed using formal and/or nonformal learning.
Uncertainty as Ignorance? Governing Futures of Education
Authors: Sobe Noah W.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

At what point does a humble and/or realistic acknowledgment of unknowing tip over into ignorance-making of a misleading or dangerous sort? This article tackles this question by examining invocations of “uncertainty” that circulate in educational futures literature.

Design/Approach/Methods

Through a critical reading of a selected set of education futures publications from leading global actors (e.g., OECD and UNESCO) it aims to unpack the ways that certainty/uncertainty govern the future by installing norms and disabling certain possibilities while enabling others.

Findings

The paper finds that not-knowing plays an important role in education futures work, with significant consequences that demand thoughtful, critical analysis of each concrete situation.

Originality/Value

Calculating certainty and taming chance has had a long (if checkered) career in educational planning. This is well recognized in the literature. However, less attention has been paid to “calculations of uncertainty,” specifically to the ontologies of indeterminacy that are generated through educational planning and policy that pretends to account for what is “known” and “unknown” about the future—which is the intellectual project of this article.
Cardiovascular health profiles in adolescents being born term or preterm—results from the EVA-Tyrol study
Authors: Hochmayr Christoph , Ndayisaba Jean-Pierre , Gande Nina , Staudt Anna , Bernar Benoit , Stock Katharina , Kiechl Sophia J. , Geiger Ralf , Griesmaier Elke , Knoflach Michael , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula ,   Early Vascular Ageing (EVA) Study Group, Asare Mandy , Bock-Bartl Manuela , Bohl Maximilian , Schreiner Christina , Brössner Gregor , Heisinger Tatjana , Klingenschmid Julia , Kothmayer Martina , Marxer Julia , Pechlaner Raimund , Pircher Maximilian , Reiter Carmen , Kiechl Stefan , Winder Bernhard
Published: July 2023

Background and aims

Preterm birth has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease from childhood into adolescence and early adulthood. In this study, we aimed to investigate differences in CV health profiles between former term- and preterm-born infants in a cohort of Tyrolean adolescents.

Methods

The Early Vascular Aging (EVA)-Tyrol study is a population-based non-randomized controlled trial, which prospectively enrolled 14- to 19-year-old adolescents in North Tyrol, Austria and South Tyrol, Italy between 2015 and 2018. Metrics of CV health (body mass index (BMI), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), smoking, physical activity, dietary patterns, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) were assessed and compared between former term- and preterm-born girls and boys.

Results

In total, 1,491 study participants (59.5% female, mean age 16.5 years) were included in the present analysis. SBP and DBP were significantly higher in former preterm-born adolescents (mean gestational age 34.6 ± 2.4 weeks) compared to term-born controls (p < 0.01). In the multivariate regression analysis these findings remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders in all models. No differences were found in all other CV health metrics. The number of participants meeting criteria for all seven health metrics to be in an ideal range was generally very low with 1.5% in former term born vs. 0.9% in former preterm born adolescents (p = 0.583).

Conclusions

Preterm birth is associated with elevated SBP and DBP in adolescence, which was even confirmed for former late preterm-born adolescents in our cohort. Our findings underscore the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles in former term- as well as preterm-born adolescents. In addition, we advise early screening for hypertension and long-term follow-up in the group of preterm-born individuals.
Effect of mini-course training in communication and teamwork on non-technical skills score in emergency residents: a prospective experimental study
Authors: Sanguanwit Pitsucha , Kulrotwichit Thanet , Tienpratarn Welawat , Athinartrattanapong Natsinee , Trainarongsakul Thavinee , Angkoontassaneeyarat Chuenruthai
Published: July 2023

Background

Non-technical skill (NTS) teaching is a recent development in medical education that should be applied in medical education, especially in medical specialties that involve critically ill patients, resuscitation, and management, to promote patient safety and improve quality of care. Our study aimed to compare the effects of mini-course training in NTS versus usual practice among emergency residents.

Methods

In this prospective (non-randomized) experimental study, emergency residents in the 2021–2022 academic year at Ramathibodi Hospital, a tertiary care university hospital, were included as participants. They were categorized into groups depending on whether they underwent a two-hour mini-course training on NTS (intervention group) or usual practice (control group). Each participant was assigned a mean NTS score obtained by averaging their scores on communication and teamwork skills given by two independent staff. The outcome was the NTS score before and after intervention at 2 weeks and 16 weeks.

Results

A total of 41 emergency residents were enrolled, with 31 participants in the intervention group and 10 in the control group. The primary outcome, mean total NTS score after 2 weeks and 16 weeks, was shown to be significantly better in intervention groups than control groups (25.85 ± 2.06 vs. 22.30 ± 2.23; P < 0.01, 28.29 ± 2.20 vs. 23.85 ± 2.33; P < 0.01) although the mean total NTS score did not differ between the groups in pre-intervention period. In addition, each week the NTS score of each group increased 0.15 points (95% CI: 0.01–0.28, P = 0.03), although the intervention group showed greater increases than the control (0.24 points) after adjustment for time (95% CI: 0.08–0.39, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Emergency residents who took an NTS mini-course showed improved mean NTS scores in communication and teamwork skills versus controls 2 weeks and 16 weeks after the training. Attention should be paid to implementing NTS in the curricula for training emergency residents.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry on 29/11/2022. The TCTR identification number is TCTR20221129006.
A structure and knowledge-based combinatorial approach to engineering universal scFv antibodies against influenza M2 protein
Authors: Kumar Ujjwal , Goyal Priya , Madni Zaid K. , Kamble Kajal , Gaur Vineet , Rajala Maitreyi S. , Salunke Dinakar M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The influenza virus enters the host via hemagglutinin protein binding to cell surface sialic acid. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is followed by viral nucleocapsid uncoating for replication aided by the transmembrane viral M2 proton ion channel. M2 ectodomain (M2e) is a potential universal candidate for monoclonal antibody therapy owing to its conserved nature across influenza virus subtypes and its importance in viral propagation.

Methods

The phage-displayed naive human antibody libraries were screened against the short stretch of the N-terminal 10-mer peptide (SLLTEVETPI) of the M2e. ELISA, BLI, and flow cytometry assays were used to examine scFv binding to M2e epitopes. The scFv crystal structures were determined to examine the nature of the interactions. The potencies of the scFvs against the influenza virus were demonstrated by real-time PCR and confocal microscopy imaging.

Results

The four unique scFv clones were obtained from the scFv phage-display antibody libraries and shown to exhibit binding with the 10-mer conserved part of the M2e and with full-length M2 protein expressed on the HEK293T cells. The crystal structure of scFv AU1 with M2e peptide showed the peptide as a dimer in the parallel beta-sheet conformation bound at the interface of two scFv CDRs. The scFv AU1 significantly restricted the release of H1N1 virus progeny from the infected A549 cells.

Conclusion

This structural and biochemical study showcased the binding of antibody scFv molecules with M2e peptide dimer, providing the structural insights for the function effect in terms of recognizing and restricting the release of new viral particles from an infected host cell.
Effects of doxycycline dose rate and pre-adulticide wait period on heartworm-associated pathology and adult worm mass
Authors: Moorhead Andrew R. , Evans Christopher C. , Sakamoto Kaori , Dzimianski Michael T. , Mansour Abdelmoneim , DiCosty Utami , Fricks Crystal , McCall Scott , Carson Ben , Nelson C. Thomas , McCall John W.
Published: July 2023

Background

The American Heartworm Society canine guidelines recommend treatment with doxycycline prior to adulticide administration to reduce levels of Wolbachia and its associated metabolites, which are known to be a leading cause of pulmonary pathology. Studies have determined that doxycycline administered at 10 mg/kg BID for 28 days is an effective dose for eliminating Wolbachia, but what has not been determined is the clinical relevance of this elimination. The current guidelines also recommend a 30-day wait period following administration of doxycycline to allow for clearance of metabolites, such as Wolbachia surface protein, and for further reduction in heartworm biomass before administration of adulticide. Reducing the doxycycline dose and eliminating the wait period may carry practical benefits for the animal, client, and practitioner.

Methods

To investigate these treatment practices, Dirofilaria immitis adults were surgically transplanted into each of 45 dogs, which were divided into nine study groups of five dogs each. Seventy-five days after transplantation, two groups each were administered 5, 7.5, or 10 mg/kg BID doxycycline orally for 28 days and 6 µg/kg ivermectin monthly, with three untreated groups serving as controls. Study animals were necropsied and examined prior to treatment as well as 30 and 60 days post-treatment.

Results

Mean worm weight was unaffected by dosage but exhibited a significant increase at 30 days and significant decrease at 60 days post-treatment, including in control groups. Histopathology lesion scores did not significantly differ among groups, with the exception of the lung composite score for one untreated group. Liver enzymes, the levels of which are a concern in doxycycline treatment, were also examined, with no abnormalities in alanine aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase observed.

Conclusions

No consistent worsening of tissue lesions was observed with or without the AHS-recommended 30-day wait period, nor did reduced dosages of doxycycline lead to worsening of pathology or any change in efficacy in depleting worm weight. Mean worm weight did significantly increase prior to, and decrease following, the wait period. Future work that also includes adulticide treatment (i.e. melarsomine) will study treatment recommendations that may improve both animal health and owner compliance.

Graphical abstract
Performance of inhomogeneous Poisson point process models under different scenarios of uncertainty in species presence-only data
Authors: Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Fandohan Adandé Belarmain , Glèlè Kakaï Romain L.
Published: July 2023

Haphazard and opportunistic species occurrence (PO) data are widely used in species distribution models (SDMs) instead of high-quality species data gathered using appropriate and structured sampling methods, which is expensive and often spatially limited. Despite their widespread use in ecology, PO data are prone to errors and uncertainties, such as imperfect detectability, positional imprecision, and spatial niche truncation, which make their use analytically challenging for effective and adaptive biodiversity management and conservation. Using simulated data, this study investigates the effects of these uncertainties on the performance of spatial point process based presence-only and integrated SDMs. We investigated three SDMs in this study, one that ignores imperfect detectability: the presence-only model (PO model), and two that account for it: the thinned presence-only model (THINPO model) and the integrated model (PBPC model). The ability of these SDMs to produce accurate maximum likelihood estimates of intensity model coefficients and reliable predictions of species distributions under different data quality scenarios was investigated. The results show that SDMs that account for imperfect detectability (THINPO or PBPC models) are not applicable in situations of high detectability. In this situation, the PO model produces the most accurate maximum likelihood estimates of the models’ coefficients ($${\hat{\beta }}_k$$

β
^

k

), and consequently the most accurate predictions of species distributions ($${\hat{\lambda }}(s)$$

λ
^

(
s
)

). The effects of positional uncertainty and spatial niche truncation on this SDM output are minimal. However, in situations of low detectability, it is preferable to use the PBPC model. Positional uncertainty and spatial niche truncation have negligible effects on the output of this SDM, except when positionally uncertain PO data are analyzed along with truncated PC data. These minimal effects of spatial niche truncation on SDM outputs demonstrate the transferability of SDMs. However, the effects of all these uncertainties may depend on the characteristics of the species. Prior to modeling species distributions, a multivariate environmental similarity surface analysis should be performed to test the similarity between data from the restricted region to be used for model calibration and data from the entire range. If this analysis reveals dissimilarities, larger spatial and ecological scales should be considered to address the issue of spatial niche truncation. Further efforts could address the effects of species characteristics on SDMs performance and assess the effects of species-specific uncertainties.
Clinical algorithm reduces antibiotic use among children presenting with respiratory symptoms to hospital in central Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Phuong TK , Nguyen Tam TM , Huynh Lan TB , Graham Stephen M , Marais Ben J
Published: July 2023

Objective

To assess the safety and utility of a pragmatic clinical algorithm to guide rational antibiotic use in children presenting with respiratory infection.

Methods

The effect of an algorithm to guide the management of young (< 5 years) children presenting with respiratory symptoms to the Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, Vietnam, was evaluated in a before-after intervention analysis. The main outcome was reduction in antibiotic use, with monitoring of potential harm resulting from reduced antibiotic use. The intervention comprised a single training session of physicians in the use of an algorithm informed by local evidence; developed during a previous prospective observational study. The evaluation was performed one month after the training.

Results

Of the 1290 children evaluated before the intervention, 102 (7.9%) were admitted to hospital and 556/1188 (46.8%) were sent home with antibiotics. Due to COVID-19, only 166 children were evaluated after the intervention of whom 14 (8.4%) were admitted to hospital and 54/152 (35.5%) were sent home with antibiotics. Antibiotic use was reduced (from 46.8% to 35.5%; p = 0.009) after clinician training, but adequate comparison was compromised. The reduction was most pronounced in children with wheeze or runny nose and no fever, or a normal chest radiograph, where antibiotic use declined from 46.7% to 28.8% (p < 0.0001). The frequency of repeat presentation to hospital was similar between the two study periods (141/1188; 11.9% before and 10/152; 6.6% after; p = 0.10). No child represented with serious disease after being sent home without antibiotics.

Conclusions

We observed a reduction in antibiotic use in young children with a respiratory infection after physician training in the use of a simple evidence-based management algorithm. However, the study was severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, requiring further evaluation to confirm the observed effect.
Οικονομική ανάπτυξη και χρηματοπιστωτικός τομέας
Authors: Δήμκου Σταυρούλα
Published: July 2023

Γνωρίζουμε ότι τα χρηματοπιστωτικά συστήματα σε όλο τον κόσμο προσφέρουν ένα σύνολο βασικών υπηρεσιών, είτε αναφερόμαστε σε ανεπτυγμένες, είτε σε αναδυόμενες οικονομίες, είτε σε οικονομίες υπό μετάβαση. Οι υπηρεσίες αυτές, επηρεάζουν µε συγκεκριμένο τρόπο το ρυθμό ανάπτυξης της οικονομίας κάθε χώρας. Συγκεκριμένα αυτό γίνεται κατά κύριο λόγο μέσω της συσσώρευσης κεφαλαίου και της τεχνολογικής προόδου. Παρόλο που κάθε χώρα και κατ’ επέκταση κάθε οικονομία έχει τα δικά της ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά, η σχέση μεταξύ χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα και οικονομικής ανάπτυξης είναι δεδομένη και αναμφίβολη. Το μόνο που διαφέρει από χώρα σε χώρα είναι η φορά της κατεύθυνσης της σχέσης, η οποία φαίνεται να είναι άλλοτε αμφίδρομη και άλλοτε μονόπλευρη. Η εργασία αυτή έχει ως στόχο να παρουσιάσει τις θεωρητικές απόψεις που συνδέουν την ανάπτυξη του χρηματοπιστωτικού συστήματος και την οικονομική ανάπτυξη στην περιοχή της Νοτιανατολικής Ευρώπης, με απώτερο σκοπό να καταδείξει τις θετικές ή αρνητικές επιπτώσεις της παρουσίας και δραστηριότητας του χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα. Θα προσπαθήσουμε να κατανοήσουμε, αλλά και να αποδείξουμε τη μεταξύ τους σχέση. Ιδιαίτερα χρήσιμη θα είναι η επαλήθευση των συμπερασμάτων αυτών μετά τη μετάδοση των επιπτώσεων της πρόσφατης παγκόσμιας οικονομικής κρίσης στην περιοχή.
Inositol and herbal substances as elements of complementary therapy in patients with PCOS
Authors: Aab Arkadiusz , Zarańska Julia , Kędra Kamila , Michalik Izabela , Bielak Maciej , Zarański Bartosz
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women and the leading cause of female infertility. Traditional therapeutic methods often do not yield the expected results, hence the need to explore new treatment strategies. Promising results have been observed in studies on inositol.
Objective: The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the effectiveness and safety of inositol and herbal preparations in the treatment of PCOS based on available scientific literature.
Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using search terms: inositol, PCOS treatment, herbal medicine in PCOS.
Current knowledge: Inositol is an oral supplement used in the therapy of PCOS. It is characterised by high safety and minimal risk of side effects. Herbal extracts alleviate symptoms in patients with PCOS.
Conclusions: Analysis of scientific research has provided evidence of the effectiveness of inositol, particularly myo-inositol, in complementary therapy for PCOS. Herbal medicine also appears to be an effective supportive treatment. However, these substances should not be considered as primary therapy but rather as an adjunct. Only both - primary medications and complementary treatment methods, can yield a therapeutic effect.
Chronic antiplatelet therapy in prevetion of cardiovascular diseases (in population of elderly) from the perspective of oral health: Cardiologic safety versus complications risk. Influence of oral diseases on global health risk in elderly
Authors: Wychota Marta , Bieniasz Jan , Dendys Konrad , Kazzi Marcel , Puła Michał
Published: July 2023

Introduction and purpose: Oral cavity diseases are a common problem in everyday clinical practice, particularly important in the context of elderly people affected by numerous chronic diseases, on the verge of frailty. These patients are often characterized by an increased risk of cardiovascular events, but also an increased risk of bleeding, which is the reason for dentists' doubts regarding the maintenance or suspension of chronic antiplatelet therapy in the periprocedural period. The aim of our work is to present the risks of untreated oral diseases and to summarize the current knowledge and recommendations on the use of antiplatelet drugs during surgical dental treatment.

Description of the state of knowledge: It has been proven that the ongoing disease processes in the oral cavity exacerbate the course of chronic diseases by several different mechanisms, the best known of which are: opening the gates to the bloodstream, blood circulation of inflammatory mediators and direct colonization of the respiratory tract by microorganisms from the focal point in the oral cavity. According to current research, standard dental surgeries can be safely performed in patients taking antiplatelet drug(s) chronically without the need to discontinue therapy in the periprocedural period. The risk of prolonged or excessive bleeding in such patients is not significantly increased, and bleeding complications that occur can be managed with local haemostasis measures. 

Conclusions: Prevention and early treatment of oral diseases can protect against their negative global impact on health. There is no indication to interrupt chronic antiplatelet therapy with one or two drugs prior to standard dental procedures.
comparison of pathological findings in head computed to-mography with clinical presentation of pediatric patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Lipiński Łukasz , Lipińska Justyna , Kopeć Izabela , Kowalczuk Maria , Woźniak Magdalena
Published: July 2023

Pediatric trauma is a cause for over 750.000 visits to emergency departments each year. Of all types of traumas, head injuries represent the group at most risk. Computed tomography (CT) is still the most frequently used advanced imaging method to distinguish cases of severe injuries out of thousands of mild or apparently trivial injuries. The aim of this study was to review the results of CT in terms of clinical prediagnosis and radiological findings in children categorized into four age groups, who underwent a CT scan in the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED). Among all CT studies, no findings were found in 552 (80.23%) patients, whereas CT findings were detected in 98 (14.2%) boys and 38 (5.5%) girls from all participants. The incidence of lesions in the male group is 2 times higher than in the female group. The most common abnormality was hematoma representing 26.47% of all confirmed lesions and 5.23% among all head CTs performed from the ED. Head CT is an incredibly useful tool in the evaluation of some head emergencies. However, in the majority of cases, the clinical presentation with which children present to the ED does not correlate with the severity of neuroimaging results.
Cardiovascular manifestations of Lyme disease - a literature review
Authors: Lubaszka Zuzanna , Fiega Jakub , Michalska Milena , Żurek Urszula , Szewczyk Dorota , Sikorska Ewa
Published: July 2023

Lyme disease is an infectious zoonosis transmitted by ticks infected with Borrelia spirochetes. Condition affects multiple organ systems and typically has a protracted course. Although Lyme carditis is a comparatively rare symptom of Lyme borreliosis, it can cause major cardiac conditions, including death, if left untreated. Atrioventricular block of various degrees is the hallmark of cardiac involvement, although other manifestations of the disease are increasingly describe such as ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, pericarditis, acute coronary syndrome, mild heart failure, cardiac tamponade or individual cases of cardiomyopathy, degenerative valvular lesions and vasculitis. Cardiovascular conduction disorders have a good prognosis despite their abrupt onset and completely resolve after a few days of antibiotic therapy. Therefore, a wait-and-see attitude should be maintained. However, a temporary or permanent pacemaker may be required if the patient's clinical condition necessitates prompt intervention. Nevertheless, current recommendations suggest avoiding temporary stimulation wherever possible and limiting its use to the shortest treatment time possible.
non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer development in women
Authors: Dadziak Mikołaj , Olko Paweł , Zapała Magdalena Alicja , Hunek Adrian , Chmielarz Karolina , Wiśniewska-Skomra Joanna , Tylutka Kinga , Hapon Anna , Kaziród Karolina
Published: July 2023

Introduction  

Breasts are organs found in both male and female representatives. The main building blocks of the breast are fatty tissue and glandular tissue. As far as women are concerned, breast cancer is most commonly found in the upper outer quadrant. It is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide and is therefore an important public health issue. The latest data indicate that the problem of breast cancer currently affects more than 10% of women from all over the world. Importantly, it is the second most common cause of cancer-related death among women, after lung cancer. There are many factors that influence the prevalence rate of breast cancer. In general, they might be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. In the following review, the emphasis will be put on the impact of non-modifiable factors on breast cancer risk and the strength of their impact. Factors that will be discussed include age, gender, ethnic and racial background, family history and genetic factors, pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Material and Methods 

This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed and Google Scholar database, using following keywords: “Breast Cancer”, “Risk factors of Breast Cancer” and “Epidemiology of Breast Cancer”. 

Conclusion 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. In recent years, we have observed an increase in the incidence of this cancer among female representatives. The development of this cancer is influenced by many factors, which can be divided into two main groups: modifiable factors and non-modifiable factors. Importantly, it is advisable to undertake new research and initiatives to better understand the etiology of this disease and the factors affecting its development.
Do lifestyle habits have an impact on infertility in couples? A systematic review of the topic
Authors: Cieślik Aleksandra , Kosieradzka Karolina , Kosecka Katarzyna , Adamowicz Dominik , Rudziński Patryk , Jargieło Anna , Łopuszańska Inga , Stańczyk Justyna , Meliksetian Astrik , Wosińska Alicja
Published: July 2023

Background: Infertility is a widespread concern that significantly impacts numerous couples in contemporary times. While the underlying causes of infertility often remain unknown, there is a growing interest in understanding the significant impact that modifiable lifestyle factors can have on its development. Lifestyle factors encompass various habits and ways of life that can be modified to improve overall health, including fertility. It is worth highlighting that these factors are under an individual's control.They play a significant role in determining reproductive health and can positively or negatively influence the ability to conceive.

Aim of study: The main purpose of this article is to review the recent research of this topic. It emphasizes the crucial importance for healthcare professionals to gain a thorough understanding of which lifestyle behaviors and habits can either adversely or positively impact fertility and use this knowledge to educate the patients.

Material and methods: The work was based on the scientific literature  and databases available on PubMed. The main used terms were „infertility” and „infertility and lifestyle”.

Results and conclusions: Lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, stress or obesity have been implicated in the issue of male and female infertility. However, establishing a precise cause-effect relationship remains challenging due to the limited number of conducted studies and available literature on this topic. Nevertheless, there is a growing interest in this field, as infertility continues to be one of the most significant healthcare challenges worldwide, with rates of infertile couples on the rise.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing everyday medical practice
Authors: Rudnik Anna , Jendro Oliver , Mastej Aleksandra , Gołuchowska Natalia , Rzepniewski Piotr , Zatorski Tymon , Nowak Artur
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the medical field and its daily use in the practice of medicine. AI has applications in many stages of patient care, i.e.: prevention, diagnosis, personalising treatment plans, predicting disease progression and therapeutic outcomes or analysing medical images. GPs play a key role in patient care, but due to the complexity of medicine and the variety of symptoms, care and diagnosis can be time-consuming and difficult.

Methods and materials

The aim of this study is to explore and evaluate the potential of artificial intelligence in the process of diagnosing diseases by physicians and to provide practical suggestions and insights for its use in medical practice to improve the quality of healthcare.

The methodology was based on material from PubMed and a review of the scientific literature on previous research and developments in AI in medicine.

 

State of knowledge

Investment in artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is growing rapidly. The role of GPs in patient care is highlighted and examples of the use of AI in everyday medical practice are given, including the role of Chatbots and the use of AI in specialised treatment. 

Conclusions

The conclusions of the article highlight the potential of AI in the area of physician-diagnosed diseases to reduce diagnosis time, increase accuracy of diagnoses and improve healthcare efficiency.

Final diagnosis and therapy should still be determined by a qualified physician. There are areas where the doctor cannot be replaced by AI.

AI cannot replace a doctor's diagnostic intelligence, empathy and rapport therefore doctors need to find a balance between these combinations to achieve better health outcomes with the highest possible care for patients.
Consumidoras con vulnerabilidad agravada en Chile: una mirada desde los derechos humanos y la perspectiva de género
Authors: Cañete Rossana
Published: July 2023

Este trabajo se centra en la hipervulnerabilidad como concepto de naturaleza valorativa, específicamente un concepto jurídico indeterminado que, en el caso exclusivo de las mujeres como consumidoras, resulta útil la terminología de sujetas desaventajadas como una probabilidad ex ante, en la configuración del calificativo de consumidoras hipervulnerables, proponiéndose como método analítico el feminismo interseccional para su determinación ante un caso concreto. Sin perjuicio de los casos totalizantes que, como propuesta teórica en base a la experiencia chilena, bajo ciertos supuestos, no permitiría distinciones de ningún tipo para la aplicación del calificativo en análisis.