bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption Between Primary Repair and Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Vermeijden Harmen D. , Holuba Kurt , Yang Xiuyi A. , O’Brien Robert , van der List Jelle P. , DiFelice Gregory S.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with postoperative pain and necessitates using perioperative nerve blocks and multimodal analgesic plans.

Purpose:

To assess postoperative pain and daily opioid use after ACL repair versus ACLR and to assess whether ACL repair could be performed successfully without using long-acting nerve blocks.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

All eligible patients who underwent ACL surgery between 2019 and 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were treated with primary repair if proximal tears with sufficient tissue quality were present; otherwise, they underwent single-bundle ACLR with either hamstring tendon or quadriceps tendon autograft. The patients were divided into 3 groups: ACLR with adductor canal nerve block (up to 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine with 2 mg dexamethasone), primary repair with nerve block, and primary repair without nerve block. Pain visual analog scale and number of opioids used were recorded during the first 14 postoperative days (PODs). Furthermore, patients completed the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) survey, and range of motion was assessed. Group differences were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test.

Results:

Seventy-eight patients were included: 30 (39%) underwent ACLR, 19 (24%) ACL repair with nerve block, and 29 (37%) ACL repair without nerve block. Overall, the ACL repair group used significantly fewer opioids than the ACLR group on POD 1 (1 vs 3, P = .027) and POD 2 (1 vs 3, P = .014) while also using fewer opioids in total (3 vs 8, P = .038). This difference was even more marked when only analyzing those patients who received postoperative nerve blocks (1 vs 8, P = .029). Repair patients had significantly higher QoR-15 scores throughout the first postoperative week, and they had greater range of motion (all P < .05). There were no significant differences in pain scores, opioid usage, or QoR-15 scores between patients who underwent repair with versus without nerve block.

Conclusion:

The ACL repair group experienced less postoperative pain during the first 2 weeks after surgery and used significantly fewer opioids than the ACLR group. Furthermore, they had improved knee function and higher recovery quality than patients who underwent ACLR during the initial postoperative period. Postoperative nerve blocks may not be necessary after ACL repair.
Need of clearer guidelines at an organizational level with improved collaboration and improved management of handball players with a head injury - The SWEdish CONcussion study in elite handball
Authors: Sjöbrink Sofia , Classon Jennie
Published: September 2023

Background:

Handball is a contact sport, and a head-injury is one of many possible injuries. The diagnosis concussion has been reported as one of the more complex sports injuries, both regarding the diagnostic procedure and the sports medical management and rehabilitation. Hereby a handball-related head-injury is expected to be challenging both for the players and for the medical-team and there is a need to explore how medical team professionals’ reason regarding management and return to play.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to explore how the medical team in Swedish elite handball, medical doctors and physiotherapists, reason regarding principals of managing a handball related head-injury and return to sport decisions.

Methods:

A Qualitative individual interview study with a semi-structured interview guide was performed. Data was analyzed with content analysis and an inductive approach. Study participants were eight medical doctors and twelve physiotherapist supporting Swedish elite handball team during the season of 2019/2020.

Results:

The participants descriptions and reasoning regarding management and return to play principals emerged into the following three main categories; “Organization and working routine”; “Experienced complicating factors and feeling insufficient and scarce”; “Management strategies”. Together with nine subcategories the analysis exposed a variety of principals, challenges and expressed needs related to the process of medical decisions and management for handball players sustaining a head injury.

Conclusion:

The results reveal a need for clearer guidelines, enhanced collaboration, and improved management of head-injuries. There is also an expressed need for sharpened handball rules and regulations as well as a need of clarified health-care pathways for players with more complex post-concussion symptoms. The medical team members expressed an uncertainty regarding symptoms due to the concussion, so being acquainted with the player is hereby very important.
An agenda to develop Pediatric Palliative care programs to serve children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Alotaibi Qutaibah , Siden Harold
Published: September 2023

Medical advances have increased the number of children living with life-threatening/life-limiting illnesses worldwide, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is a relatively young subspecialty that cares for children with life-threatening/life-limiting illnesses and their families. PPC aims to alleviate physical, psychological, and social distress in children with life-threatening/life-limiting illnesses and their families and improve their quality of life. PPC is an essential service that should be implemented in all nations, as it is a human right. Moreover, a core value of PPC services is to alleviate children’s suffering, irrespective of cure availability. Hence, the global consensus on palliative services must be universal and include developing countries with limited resources. While PPC services are growing internationally, the GCC countries have yet to implement these valuable services in the region. This work aims to define the local base information important to facilitating the PPC program. We explored and identified the information vital for establishing a successful program, which was then categorized and mapped into subgroups. In doing so, we outline a roadmap to facilitate the smooth introduction of PPC in GCC countries to benefit the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses.
Group Versus Individual Diabetes Education for Persons With Experience of Homelessness in Canada
Authors: McSweeney Breanna , Campbell Rachel B. , Grewal Eshleen K. , Gu Jenny , Campbell David J. T.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to explore various forms of diabetes self-management education (DSME), including group and individual sessions, for persons with lived experiences of homelessness (PWLEH) in Canada.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive study using open-ended interviews with health care and homeless sector service providers was utilized to serve those experiencing homelessness in 5 cities across Canada. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used to facilitate thematic analysis, focusing on variations in DSME for PWLEH.

Results:

We conducted interviews with 96 unique health and social care providers. Four themes were identified through focused coding of interviews. First, the use of a harm reduction approach during diabetes education tailored to PWLEH considered patients’ access to food, medications, and supplies and other comorbidities, including mental health and substance use disorders. The second theme related to the unsuitability of the curriculum in mainstream diabetes education in a group setting for PWLEH. Third, the role of group education in community building is to create supportive relationships among members. The final theme was the importance of trust and confidentiality in DSME, which were most easily maintained during individual education, compared to group formats.

Conclusions:

Overall, PWLEH experience unique challenges in managing diabetes. DSME adapted to these individuals’ unique needs may be more successful and could be delivered in both individual and group settings.
Accessing and re-accessing mental health walk-in clinics for children and families
Authors: Sarmiento Catalina , Reid Graham J.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Many child and youth mental health (CYMH) agencies across Canada and in Ontario are using mental health walk-in clinics (MHWCs).

Objectives:

(1) Explore how MHWCs are used by families (e.g. mean, mode, and median number of visits), and (2) document how often and how soon families returned for a second MHWC visit and identify correlates of time to a second MHWC visit.

Design:

Administrative data from two CYMH agencies in Ontario were extracted, including demographics, visit data, and presenting concerns.

Methods:

In this exploratory, descriptive study, analyses of administrative data were conducted to identify patterns and correlates of MHWC use before other agency services, compared to MHWC use exclusively.

Results:

About a third of children and families using MHWCs had two or more visits. Child age, guardianship, and disposition at discharge emerged as correlates of time to a second MHWC visit.

Conclusion:

MHWCs can save families’ time, and both agencies’ time and money by eliminating the need to complete a detailed assessment prior to treatment for cases that would go on to have a single visit within this service.
COVID-19 vaccination-related headache showed two different clusters in the long-term course: a prospective multicenter follow-up study (COVA-Head Study)
Authors: Atalar Arife Çimen , Acarlı Ayşe Nur Özdağ , Baykan Betül , Martelletti Paolo , Bolay Hayrunnisa , Ertaş Mustafa , Ekizoğlu Esme , Karadaş Ömer , Polat Burcu , Gençdal Işıl Yazıcı , Azorin David Garcia , Mitsikostas Dimos , Apostolakopoulou Loukia , Genç Hamit , Dikmen Pınar Yalınay , Demirel Esra Acıman , Aydınlar Elif Ilgaz , Gözübatık-Celik Rabia Gökçen , Shafiyev Javid , Taşdelen Bahar , Özge Aynur
Published: September 2023

Background

Although acute headache following COVID-19 vaccination is widely acknowledged, the long-term progression of these headaches remains poorly understood. Our objective was to identify various phenotypes of prolonged or worsened headaches associated with COVID-19 vaccination and document any changes in these phenotypes over an extended period. Additionally, we aimed to document the diverse headache presentations among patients with pre-existing primary headaches.

Methods

A multinational, prospective observational study was conducted to investigate prolonged or worsened headaches associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Questionnaires assessing COVID-19 vaccination-related headaches at three time points (initial visit, 3rd month follow-up, and 6th month follow-up) were developed for the study. Headache specialists/clinicians evaluated patients using these questionnaires in a prospective manner. Repeated K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify patient profiles with prolonged or worsened headaches related to COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Among the 174 patients included in the study, there was a female-to-male ratio of 128 (73.6%) to 46 (26.4%). The mean age of the patient group was 45.2 ± 13.3 years, and 107 patients (61.5%) had a pre-existing history of primary headaches. Through the analysis, two major clusters were identified based on headache characteristics at each visit. During the first visit (n = 174), Cluster 1 primarily comprised patients with a history of primary headaches, frontal localization of pain, throbbing pain type, more severe headaches accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, phonophobia, photophobia, and osmophobia, and worsened by physical activity. In contrast, Cluster 2 consisted of patients with longer headache durations (over one month) and a stabbing/pressing quality of pain. Patients in Cluster 1 had a higher prevalence of migraine as the pre-existing primary headache disorder compared to Cluster 2 (90.48% vs. 68.18%, respectively; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The identification of two distinct phenotypes of prolonged or worsened headaches related to COVID-19 vaccination can provide valuable clinical insights. Having an awareness of the potential worsening of headaches following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in patients with a primary headache disorder such as migraine, can help clinicians and headache experts anticipate and adjust their treatment strategies accordingly. This knowledge can aid in preplanning treatment modifications and optimize patient care.
Emergency care utilization and patients’ outcome before and after COVID-19 national lockdown in Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghanbari Vahid , Khatony Alireza , Janatolmakan Maryam , Rezaeian Shahab , Rostamnia Leili
Published: September 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 rapidly spread throughout the world. Stay-at-home and social distance strategies accompanied by fear of contamination with COVID-19 caused significant disruptions in daily life. The study focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency visit and patients’ outcome in the emergency department (ED).

Method

Administrative and clinical data of 25-hospital EDs in Kermanshah province of Iran from February 20, 2020, to February 18, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed with the comparable periods in the previous year. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was used to compare the differences between the pandemic and the pre-pandemic period.

Result

The number of ED visits decreased nearly 50% after the declaration of a national lockdown. Moreover, the proportion of patients triaged in ESI 1 and 2 levels increased by 40 and 52%, respectively. The ratio of patients admitted to intensive care units and discharged against medical advice also increased significantly.

Conclusion

Despite the number of ED visits sharply declining, the ratio of patients who came to EDs with higher acuity significantly increased. So, health authorities must sensitize the public about life-threatening signs and symptoms in such conditions.
Development of the “living well” concept for older people with dementia
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Shin Nayeon
Published: September 2023

Background

An important goal in dementia care is how people with dementia can be supported in living well. To this end, we need a conceptualization of “living well” that is suitable for older people with dementia and then develop this conceptualization from the perspectives of both older people and caregivers. This study analyzed the concept of “living well” among older people with dementia.

Methods

Following Schwartz-Barcott and Kim’s hybrid model, this study comprised theoretical, fieldwork, and final analytic phases. In the theoretical phase, we reviewed the extant literature. In the fieldwork phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with 12 participants (five older people with dementia, two family members, and five nurses), followed by qualitative content analysis. In the final analytic phase, we defined the concept of “living well” by comprehensively analyzing the data from the theoretical phase and results from the fieldwork phase.

Results

We derived physical, mental, and social relationship dimensions of the conceptualization of “living well” for older people with dementia. The physical dimensions were “ability for daily living” and “symptom management.” The mental dimensions were “psychological health,” “psychological stability,” “maintaining identity and growth,” and “human dignity.” Finally, the social relationship dimensions were “maintaining social relations and community connectivity” and “government support.”

Conclusions

Our analysis of the concept of “living well” can be used for developing tools and interventions to improve the ability of older people with dementia to live well.
Effects of functional performance and national health insurance cost on length of hospitalization for postacute care in stroke: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Chou Hsiang-Yun , Ma Shang-Chun , Tsai Ya-Wen , Shih Chia-Li , Yeh Chieh-Ting
Published: September 2023

Background

The postacute care for cerebrovascular disease (PAC-CVD) program was launched in Taiwan nearly a decade ago. However, no clear regulations regarding length of stay (LOS) in the program and extension standards exist. Thus, the allocation of limited medical resources such as hospital beds is a major issue.

Methods

This novel study retrospectively investigated the effects of functional performance and national health insurance (NHI) costs on PAC-CVD LOS. Data for 263 patients with stroke who participated in the PAC-CVD program were analysed. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to estimate the effects of functional performance and NHI costs on LOS at three time points: weeks 3, 6, and 9.

Results

At week 3, age, NHI costs, modified Rankin scale score, and Barthel index significantly affected LOS, whereas at week 6, age and NHI costs were significant factors. However, functional performance and NHI costs were not significant factors at week 9.

Conclusions

The study provides crucial insights into the factors affecting LOS in the PAC-CVD program, and the results can enable medical decision-makers and health care teams to develop inpatient rehabilitation plans or provide transfer arrangements tailored to patients. Specifically, this study highlights the importance of early functional recovery and consideration of NHI costs when managing LOS in the PAC-CVD program.
An online, public health framework supporting behaviour change to reduce dementia risk: interim results from the ISLAND study linking ageing and neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Bartlett Larissa , Bindoff Aidan , Doherty Kathleen , Kim Sarang , Eccleston Claire , Kitsos Alex , Roccati Eddy , Alty Jane , King Anna E. , Vickers James C.
Published: September 2023

Background

Unmanaged cardiometabolic health, low physical and cognitive activity, poor diet, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are modifiable health risk factors for dementia and public health approaches to dementia prevention have been called for. The Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) is a dementia prevention public health study examining whether improving knowledge about modifiable dementia risk factors supports behaviour changes that reduce future dementia risk.

Methods

Residents of Tasmania, Australia, aged 50 + years who joined the 10-year ISLAND study were asked to complete annual online surveys about their knowledge, motivations and behaviours related to modifiable dementia risk. ISLAND included two knowledge-based interventions: a personalised Dementia Risk Profile (DRP) report based on survey responses, and the option to do a 4-week Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course (PDMOOC). Longitudinal regression models assessed changes in the number and type of risk factors, with effects moderated by exposures to the DRP report and engagement with the PDMOOC. Knowledge and motivational factors related to dementia risk were examined as mediators of risk behaviour change.

Results

Data collected between October 2019 and October 2022 (n = 3038, av. 63.7 years, 71.6% female) showed the mean number of modifiable dementia risk factors per participant (range 0 to 9) reduced from 2.17 (SD 1.24) to 1.66 (SD 1.11). This change was associated with the number of exposures to the DRP report (p = .042) and was stronger for PDMOOC participants (p = .001). The interaction between DRP and PDMOOC exposures yielded a significant improvement in risk scores (p = .004). The effect of PDMOOC engagement on behaviour change was partly mediated by increased knowledge (12%, p = .013). Self-efficacy enhanced the effect of knowledge on behaviour change, while perceived susceptibility to dementia mitigated this relationship.

Conclusions

The ISLAND framework and interventions, a personalised DRP report and the four-week PDMOOC, work independently and synergistically to increase dementia risk knowledge and stimulate health behaviour change for dementia risk reduction. ISLAND offers a feasible and scalable public health approach for redressing the rising prevalence of dementia.
Novel dual: rod plate system for EOS improves vertebral wedging and permits spinal growth
Authors: Zheng Yang , Zhou Jian , Niu Chunlei , Ye Qibin , Tang Jiazhu , Wang Xinyang , Wang Guanjun
Published: September 2023

Background

To determine whether single-stage, growth-friendly instrumentation with a plate-rod spinal system (PRSS) can substantially correct the deformity of EOS at surgery and continue to rectify the deformity throughout the growth period.

Methods

An observational study of 35 children with EOS treated by PRSS between February 2000 and October 2010 during a mean follow-up of 72 months. The mean age at surgery was 7 years. X-rays were taken preoperatively and postoperatively and at each follow-up. The Cobb angle, the apical vertebral wedge angle (AVWA), remaining rod lengths, maximal thoracic kyphosis and total T1-S1 heights were measured and compared.

Results

Thirty-one patients, 9 boys and 22 girls, with a mean age of 7 years were completed follow-up. The Cobb angle changed from 64° to 36° after initial surgery and 26° at the last follow-up. The mean AVWA was 15° postoperatively and 5° at the last follow-up. The mean rod tail reserve length decreased from 53 mm immediately after surgery to 12 mm at the last follow-up. The mean preoperative maximum thoracic kyphosis was 41° and changed to 35° and 30° postoperatively and at latest follow-up, respectively. The mean preoperative T1–S1 height for all 32 patients was 52 mm acute lengthening and 122 mm of lengthening by the end of follow-up, respectively.

Conclusion

The PRSS provided immediate correction of most of the deformity at surgery and continued to rectify remaining scoliosis during the growth period. AVWA may be a useful method for monitoring the function of the PRSS in EOS.
When two Z-scores meet—analysis of exercise capacity of children and adolescents with Kawasaki disease by a new Z-score model of coronary artery and a new Z-score evaluating peak oxygen consumption
Authors: Tuan Sheng-Hui , Chung Jin-Hui , Chen Guan-Bo , Sun Shu-Fen , Liou I-Hsiu , Li Chien-Hui , Tsai Yi-Ju
Published: September 2023

Background

Coronary artery (CA) Z-score system is widely used to define CA aneurysm (CAA). Children and adolescents after acute stage of Kawasaki disease (KD-CA) have a higher risk of developing CAAs if their CA Z-score ≥ 2.5. Z-score system of peak oxygen consumption (Peak VO2 Z-score) allows comparisons across ages and sex, regardless of body size and puberty. We aimed to compare the exercise capacity (EC) indicated by peak VO2 Z-score during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) directly between KD-CA with different CA Z-score.

Methods

KD-CA after acute stage who received CPET in the last 5 years were retrospectively recruited. CA Z-score was based on Lambda-Mu-Sigma method. Max-Z was the maximum CA Z-score of different CAs. KD children with Max-Z < 2.5 and ≥ 2.5 were defined as KD-1 and KD-2 groups, respectively. Peak VO2 Z-score was calculated using the equation established based on Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescent database.

Results

One hundred two KD-CA were recruited (mean age: 11.71 ± 2.57 years). The mean percent of measured peak VO2 to predicted value (peak PD%) was 90.11 ± 13.33. All basic characteristics and baseline pulmonary function indices were comparable between KD-1 (n = 87) and KD-2 (n = 15). KD-1 had significantly higher peak VO2 Z-score (p = .025), peak PD% (p = .008), peak metabolic equivalent (p = .027), and peak rate pressure product (p = .036) than KD-2.

Conclusions

KD-CA had slightly reduced EC than healthy peers. KD-CA with Max-Z ≥ 2.5 had significantly lower peak EC than those < 2.5. Max-Z is potentially useful follow-up indicator after acute stage of KD.
Risk of malignant disease in 1-year sepsis survivors, a registry-based nationwide follow-up study
Authors: Hästbacka Johanna , But Anna , Strandberg Gunnar , Lipcsey Miklós
Published: September 2023

Background

Cancer and sepsis share risk factors, and sepsis patients may have impaired immune response and increased morbidity long after intensive care. This study aimed to assess whether sepsis survivors are at increased risk for cancer. Our objective was to assess the incidence of new cancer in 1-year sepsis survivors and test the hypothesis that it is higher than that of the general population.

Methods

We obtained data on ICU admissions of adult patients from Swedish Intensive care registry (SICR) from 2005 to 2017. We included patients with an explicit ICD-10 code for sepsis for the primary ICU admission. We obtained data on cancer diagnoses (2001–2018), death (2005–2018) and emigration (2005–2018) from Cancer and Cause of death and National Patient Registry databases of the National Board of Health and Welfare; age and sex-specific cancer incidence rates in Sweden from NORDCAN registry from 2006 to 2018. One-year survivors formed the final cohort, that was followed for new cancer diagnoses until death, emigration, or end of 2018, whichever came first. The main outcome measure was standardized incidence rate ratio (SIR) to compare the incidence of cancer in 1-year sepsis survivors to that in the general population (NORDCAN). We also performed several sensitivity analyses.

Results

In a cohort of 18,550 1-year survivors, 75,427 person years accumulated during a median follow-up (FU) of 3.36 years (IQR 1.72–5.86), 6366 (34.3%) patients died, and 1625 (8.8%) patients were diagnosed with a new cancer after a median FU of 2.51 (IQR 1.09–4.48) years. The incidence ratio of any new cancer over the whole FU was 1.31 (95% CI 1.23–1.40) for men and 1.74 (95% CI 1.61–1.88) for women. The difference in incidence rates persisted in several sensitivity analyses. The SIRs were highest in cancers of gastrointestinal tract, genital organs, and skin.

Conclusion and relevance

Compared to general population, incidence of cancer is increased in 1-year sepsis survivors. Variation in the findings depending on follow-up time suggests that factors other than sepsis alone are involved. Surveillance for malignant disease may be warranted in sepsis survivors.

Graphical abstract
Novel endolysin LysMP for control of Limosilactobacillus fermentum contamination in small-scale corn mash fermentation
Authors: Patel Maulik H. , Lu Shao-Yeh , Liu Siqing , Skory Christopher D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Traditional bioethanol fermentation industries are not operated under strict sterile conditions and are prone to microbial contamination. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are often pervasive in fermentation tanks, competing for nutrients and producing inhibitory acids that have a negative impact on ethanol-producing yeast, resulting in decreased yields and stuck fermentations. Antibiotics are frequently used to combat contamination, but antibiotic stewardship has resulted in a shift to alternative antimicrobials.

Results

We demonstrate that endolysin LysMP, a bacteriophage-encoded peptidoglycan hydrolase, is an effective method for controlling growth of LAB. The LysMP gene was synthesized based on the prophage sequence in the genome of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGL7. Analysis of the recombinant enzyme expressed in E. coli and purified by immobilized metal chelate affinity chromatography (IMAC) showed an optimal lysis activity against various LAB species at pH 6, with stability from pH 4 to 8 and from 20 to 40 °C up to 48 h. Moreover, it retains more than 80% of its activity at 10% ethanol (v/v) for up to 48 h. When LysMP was added at 250 µg/mL to yeast corn mash fermentations containing L. fermentum, it reduced bacterial load by at least 4-log fold compared to the untreated controls and prevented stuck fermentation. In comparison, untreated controls with contamination increased from an initial bacterial load of 1.50 × 107 CFU/mL to 2.25 × 109 CFU/mL and 1.89 × 109 CFU/mL after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Glucose in the treated samples was fully utilized, while untreated controls with contamination had more than 4% (w/v) remaining at 48 h. Furthermore, there was at least a fivefold reduction in lactic acid (0.085 M untreated contamination controls compared to 0.016 M treated), and a fourfold reduction in acetic acid (0.027 M untreated contamination controls vs. 0.007 M treated), when LysMP was used to treat contaminated corn mash fermentations. Most importantly, final ethanol yields increased from 6.3% (w/v) in untreated contamination samples to 9.3% (w/v) in treated contamination samples, an approximate 50% increase to levels comparable to uncontaminated controls 9.3% (w/v).

Conclusion

LysMP could be a good alternative to replace antibiotics for mitigation of LAB contamination in biofuel refineries.
The influence of selected anthropometric parameters on psychomotor abilities among professional Rugby Union players
Authors: Śliż Maciej , Paśko Wojciech , Dziadek Bartosz , Godek Łukasz , Bliźniak Katarzyna , Gouveia Élvio Rúbio , Przednowek Krzysztof
Published: September 2023

Background

One of the most popular varieties of rugby is Rugby Union, in which a team consists of 15 players. Rugby Union is a full-contact sport, and players must demonstrate strength, endurance, speed and agility. During the match, players participate in multiple physical collisions and tackles, short-duration and high-intensity sprinting efforts. In addition, one of the elements affecting the effectiveness of the player’s game can be the reaction time of the rugby player to the visual stimulus and the ability to read the game and react to the situations on the pitch. The level of psychomotor abilities of a person or a player practising sports can be influenced by various factors, including age, body height, body weight, type of sport practised or level of training. The study aimed to analyse the psychomotor abilities of professional rugby union players, investigate the relationship between the selected anthropometric characteristics and psychomotor abilities, and compare obtained results with the control group.

Methods

The study covered 22 players of the Polish National Team (age: 29.3 ± 5.4) and 27 students in the control group (age: 24.3 ± 3.9). The tests were carried out using the Test2Drive computer system of tests. For psychomotor abilities analysis, four tests were used: Simple Reaction Test, Choice Reaction Time Test, Hand-Eye Coordination Test and Spatial Orientation Test. The statistical analysis compares groups using basic statistical measures, and statistically significant differences between groups were checked. In addition, multiple linear regression was used.

Results

The analysis showed statistically significant differences between the groups in the simple reaction time test and the movement time for the test assessing reaction time with choice and eye-hand coordination. Multiple regression analysis conducted for both groups showed a statistically significant influence of some anthropometric parameters on the examined psychomotor abilities. The calculated multiple regression models had a high fit.

Conclusions

The analysis showed that professional Rugby Union players have shorter movement time than the control group. For reaction time, statistically significant differences were observed only for simple reaction time. Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that body height and weight affect the selected psychomotor abilities.
Retraction Note: Preservation of dendritic spine morphology and postsynaptic signaling markers after treatment with solid lipid curcumin particles in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s amyloidosis
Authors: Maiti Panchanan , Bowers Zackary , Bourcier-Schultz Ali , Morse Jarod , Dunbar Gary L.
Published: September 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-021-00769-9.
The why, what and how of preconception care: an exploratory descriptive qualitative study in Karnataka, India
Authors: Narendra Agnita Robert , Kowlgi Ambuja , Patil Gururaj H , N Swaroop , Kar Arin
Published: September 2023

Background

Women’s health and nutrition are key to their reproductive health and are important for optimising pregnancy outcomes. Formation of most foetal organs starts soon after conception and much before the woman has her first antenatal visit. The provision of biomedical, behavioural and social interventions to couples to address health, nutrition, behaviour issues and individual environmental risk factors that could contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes before conception is crucial. Most rural women in India, do not seek pregnancy care before the second trimester because of socio-cultural factors. Therefore, intervening in the preconception period is important. The objective of the study was to explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing preconception care interventions.

Methods

Individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 25) were conducted with primary stakeholders (newly married women, newly married men, and family members) in Shorapur taluk of Yadgir district and Devadurga taluk of Raichur district. Thirty-one interviews were conducted with taluk, district, state officials and academicians. This descriptive qualitative study conducted four focus group discussions with front-line health workers. The in-depth interviews (IDIs) and Focus-group discussions (FGDs) used separate pre-tested semi-structured interview/discussion guides. Data analysis was carried out using NVivo software using a phenomenological approach with both inductive and deductive analysis.

Results

A strong influence of social and cultural norms shapes healthcare-seeking behaviour at the community level. Poor dietary diversity, lack of awareness, poor literacy levels, work pressure for women, lack of decision-making power and empowerment among women, pressure to conceive early, and gender norms are the roadblocks to successful preconception care programs in the rural Karnataka setting. The stakeholders expressed the need for interventions during the preconception period. The government functionaries recommended several interventions which could be potentially integrated into the existing Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH + A) strategy to improve the health and nutrition of women before they conceive.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for structured interventions during the preconception period to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. The recommendations provided by government functionaries are indicative of the feasibility of integrating interventions in the RMNCH + A strategy.
Influence of the circadian cycle, sex and production stage on the reference values of parameters related to stress and pathology in porcine saliva
Authors: Saco Y. , Peña R. , Matas-Quintanilla M. , Ibáñez-López F. J. , Piñeiro M. , Sotillo J. , Bassols A. , Gutiérrez A. M.
Published: September 2023

Background

The concentration of biomarkers in saliva could be influenced by several factors not related to the specific condition under analyses, which should be considered for proper clinical interpretation. In the present study, the circadian rhythm of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), Pig-MAP, S100A12, Cu, Zn, Adenosine deaminase (ADA), total protein (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cortisol and α-amylase in saliva of 20 female and 20 male pigs was investigated. Moreover, the influence of sex and production phase (post-weaning, fattening and finishing) on the concentrations of biomarkers in a total of 414 healthy pigs was studied and the reference intervals for all salivary biomarkers were calculated accordingly.

Results

All parameters except Pig-MAP, OSI and α-amylase varied significantly along the daytime, and most of them peak around early afternoon (13–15 h). The cosinor analysis described the temporal dynamics of circadian rhythms for all parameters. The range values showed differences between male and female pigs in 8 out of the 13 biomarkers, with higher concentrations in females in comparison to male pigs. The influence of the production phase on the salivary concentrations was observed for all the biomarkers. The highest concentrations were observed for Pig-MAP, S100A12 and α-amylase in post-weaning animals, for TP in growing pigs and for OSI in finishing animals. Most of the sex-influenced biomarkers showed the highest concentrations at growing stages with some exceptions such as ADA or Hp that showed the peak at finishing and post-weaning stages respectively.

Conclusions

It is necessary to establish the optimal daytime for routine saliva sampling to avoid circadian variations and for that end, the time interval between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. is highly recommended. The factors sex and production phase influence the concentration of biomarkers and should be considered for proper biomarker interpretation. The reference intervals presented here for each salivary biomarker will help to correctly interpret the results of these analytes and contribute to the use of saliva as a non-invasive sample for the diagnosis and monitoring of the health status of swine farms.
Body mass index on perinatal depression: A critical viewpoint
Authors: Lo David F. , Thompson Jaylyn
Published: September 2023

I am pleased to submit a viewpoint titled “Body mass index on perinatal depression: A critical viewpoint” in response to an article by Ventriglio et al. titled, “The impact of body mass index on the pregnancy outcomes and risk of perinatal depression: Findings from a multicenter Italian study” for consideration for publication in your journal.
Variation of serum serotonin values under specific
peloidotherapy in patients with degenerative pathology
of the lumbar spine
Authors: Lupu Andreea-Alexandra , Oprea Doinita , Obada Bogdan , Iliescu Dan Marcel , Botnarciuc Mihaela , Ionescu Ana-Maria , Mihailov Claudia Ileana , Iliescu Madalina-Gabriela , Caraban Bogdan Marian
Published: September 2023

Serotonin is well known to be involved in the mediation of cognitive processes, but also in the regulation of multiple distinct physiological processes, such as pain. It is also involved in the modulation of nociception of the endogenous analgesic system. Among the monoamine neurotransmitters, serotonin plays an important role in signaling chronic pain, hence the importance of its monitoring in lumbar pain due to degenerative pathology, one of the common cause of this kind of pain. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of peloidotherapy on the variation of serum serotonin levels in patients with degenerative low back pain. In our study, conducted in Balneal and Rehabilitation Sanatorium of Techirghiol, we evaluated 130 patients who performed balneal and physical treatments for a period of 2 weeks. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 51 patients were enrolled into the hot mud baths group (HMB), 48 in the cold mud baths (CMB) group and 31 in the control group (CG). Each patient performed physiotherapy treatments which includes electrotherapy, massage and kinetotherapy, patients from HMB group had also hot mud therapy and patients from CMB group had cold mud therapy. Serum serotonin was dosed at admission and at discharge, for each patient, and was determined using ELISA method with kits from Demeditec Diagnostics GmbH for human serotonin. All the data from the study were statistically analized using the SPSS 22.0 program, values were interpreted as mean value and standard deviation, and we used ANOVA and t tests. The statistically significant value considered was p<0.05.
Mineral waters from Spring 1 and Spring 1 bis from Slănic
Moldova - molecular mechanisms responsible for triggering
the prophylactic and therapeutic effects
Authors: Munteanu Constantin , Hoteteu Mihail , Munteanu Diana , Onose Gelu
Published: September 2023

In this study, we investigated mineral water's therapeutic and prophylactic effects from springs 1 and 1 bis in Slanic Moldova, focusing on identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects. We collected water samples from these springs and analyzed their chemical composition using various analytical techniques. In addition, we tested the effects of water on cell viability using primary fibroblasts in culture and performed MTT assays to assess the metabolic activity of the cells. Our results indicate that water from both springs has beneficial properties on cells, including improving cell viability and stimulating metabolic activity. This suggests that the mineral water from springs 1 and 1 bis could have therapeutic and prophylactic potential due to its unique chemical composition. Our study could contribute to developing new mineral water-based therapies for various health conditions.
Late functional and radiological outcomes in recovery of
patients with staged osteosynthesis for the tibial pilon fractures
Authors: Obada Bogdan , Georgeanu Vlad-Alexandru , Popescu Ion-Andrei , Iliescu Madalina-Gabriela , Stanciu Liliana-Elena , Caraban Bogdan Marian Caraban
Published: September 2023

Postraumatic rehabilitation represent a dynamic field, with specific protocols and technics. Our prospective study targets the tibial pilon fractures admitted in our clinic, to which a new treatment protocol was applied, consisting of two surgical steps, assesing in the end the results achieved at the discharge of the patient and later follow up. The study group consist of 196 patients (198 fractures), in the period 2019-2022. The average evaluation time was of 16 months. The most frequently applied osteosynthesis principle was staged osteosynthesis which consisted of first stage fibula plate osteosynthesis and external fixator tibia pilon, followed by minimally invasive or limited approach locked plate tibia pilon fixation. (64.14%) Olerud and Molander clinical score at more than one year after the last surgical intervention highlights good results: excellent results in the amount of 37% to 15% in the first lot, good results 52% to 29%, moderate success 7% to 39% and poor 4% to 17%. Two stage surgery protocol with external fixation in emergency and minimally invasive internal fixation with locked plate performed after the dissappearance of the local edema, as the second surgical step, allows anatomically correct articular reconstruction without skin complications, with decrease of arthitic late complications.
Technological innovation for workload allocation in nursing care management: an integrative review
Authors: Galiano Maria Alejandra , Moreno Fergusson Maria Elisa , Guerrero William J. , Muñóz Maria Francisca , Ortiz Basto Germán A. , Cardenas Ramírez Juan Sebastián , Guevara Lozano Maryory , Larraín Sundt Ana
Published: September 2023

Background: Technology reduces the nursing workload, improve the quality care processes, patient's safety, and avoid staff burnout. Innovative technologies are disrupting healthcare systems by improving the efficiency of processes and management. There is a discussion on the benefits, challenges, and barriers of these technologies and considering human factors of nursing management.

Methods: To analyse the nursing workload models, the predictors of nursing burnout and outcomes, the new technologies and its acceptance for nursing care management based on the literature. An integrative literature review is performed. Scopus, Scielo, PUBMED, and CINALH databases were searched to perform an integrative review following PRISMA guidelines. Articles published from January 2016 to December 2020 were included. Quality appraisal was performed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool version 1.4 (CCAT). Two reviewers independently examined the title and abstract for eligibility according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was performed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool version 1.4 (CCAT).

Results: Initially 2,818 articles were potentially relevant. After following the PRISMA Guidelines, 35 studies were included in the review. Four themes appeared: Nursing workload models; Predictors of nursing burnout and outcomes; Information technologies and technological means for management; Technology acceptance.

Conclusions: Technology has the potential to improve care management by estimating nurse workload in ICUs and non-critical units, but scientific evidence is more detailed in the former type of services. The literature provides insights about the factors that factors and the barriers that promote the technology acceptance and usability. We did not find studies comparing technologies and no scientific evidence proving improvements in care.
Active adults have thicker peripheral muscles and diaphragm: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shetty Aishwarya , Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Kamath Koustubh , Ravichandran Sneha , Kadavigere Rajagopal , David Leena R , Karuppaya Banumathe , Vijayasarathi Guruprasad , Sugumar Suresh
Published: September 2023

Background: The association between exercise and muscle build-up is a long-run connection. Whereas limited physical activity doesn't do well with muscle build-up. But how much is that difference in muscle thickness between different levels of physical activity? Aim: To understand this we conducted a cross-sectional study to associate physical activity and sitting time with the muscle thickness of the lower limb and diaphragm. Methods: The research's participants ranged in age from 18 to 35. Out of 91 patients, 30 were found to smoke routinely and 6 had a drinking history after questions concerning lifestyle factors including smoking and drinking were questioned. In terms of occupation, 74.7% of people had an occupation and 25% were unemployed. We acquired ultrasonography for the quadriceps (rectus femoris and vastus intermedialis), soleus muscle, and diaphragm. Participants were divided into groups according to their self-reported levels of physical activity and sitting time based on IPAQ scores. Results: We found that the lower limb muscles have shown statistically significant differences between vigorous physical activity (VPA) and lower physical activity (LPA).  We found that the quadriceps muscle(rectus femoris and vastus intermedialis) thickness was 1.3 cm in LPA whereas 2.8 cm in VPA with (p=<0.001) soleus muscle thickness being 1 cm in LPA and 2.2 cm. Conclusions: Physical activity levels are found to be positively related to the peripheral muscle thickness VPA (p=<0.001). Physical activity levels are found to be positively related to peripheral muscle thickness.
MTaxi: A comparative tool for taxon identification of ultra low coverage ancient genomes
Authors: Atağ Gözde , Vural Kıvılcım Başak , Kaptan Damla , Özkan Mustafa , Koptekin Dilek , Sağlıcan Ekin , Doğramacı Sevcan , Köz Mevlüt , Yılmaz Ardan , Söylev Arda , Togan İnci , Somel Mehmet , Özer Füsun
Published: September 2023

A major challenge in zooarchaeology is to morphologically distinguish closely related species’ remains, especially using small bone fragments. Shotgun sequencing aDNA from archeological remains and comparative alignment to the candidate species’ reference genomes will only apply when reference nuclear genomes of comparable quality are available, and may still fail when coverages are low. Here, we propose an alternative method, MTaxi, that uses highly accessible mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to distinguish between pairs of closely related species from ancient DNA sequences. MTaxi utilises mtDNA transversion-type substitutions between pairs of candidate species, assigns reads to either species, and performs a binomial test to determine the sample taxon. We tested MTaxi on sheep/goat and horse/donkey data, between which zooarchaeological classification can be challenging in ways that epitomise our case. The method performed efficiently on simulated ancient genomes down to 0.3x mitochondrial coverage for both sheep/goat and horse/donkey, with no false positives. Trials on n=18 ancient sheep/goat samples and n=10 horse/donkey samples of known species identity also yielded 100% accuracy. Overall, MTaxi provides a straightforward approach to classify closely related species that are difficult to distinguish through zooarchaeological methods using low coverage aDNA data, especially when similar quality reference genomes are unavailable. MTaxi is freely available at https://github.com/goztag/MTaxi.