bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the efficacy of He’s Tonglong Dashi Dashi Tang plus flavor combined with moxibustion in the postoperative period of ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Yu Yibin , Jiang Xianghua
Published: December 2023

Objective: To observe the effect of He’s Tongling Dashi Dai Shi Tang plus flavor combined with moxibustion on the efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy after ureterolithotripsy. Methods: A total of 120 ureteral stone patients (admitted in August 2021–April 2023) were randomized into the control group and the study group, and the patients were treated with ureteroscopic lithotripsy; the patients in the control group (60 patients) were treated with conventional treatment after the operation, and the patients in the study group (60 patients) were treated with conventional treatment combined with He’s Tonglong Dashi Dai Shi Tang Plus Flavor and moxibustion, and clinical data of each group were compared. The clinical data of patients in the study group (60 patients) were compared with those of patients in the study group (60 patients), including stone clearance rate, postoperative complication rate, pain scores (visual analog pain scale (VAS)) at one week, two weeks, and three weeks postoperatively, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and white blood cell (WBC) level at one day and three weeks postoperatively. Results: The stone clearance rate of the study group (98.33%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (88.33%), [Formula: see text]; the postoperative complication rate of the study group (3.33%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (13.33%), [Formula: see text]; the VAS scores of the patients of the study group were lower than that of the control group at one week after surgery, two weeks after surgery and three weeks after surgery, [Formula: see text]; the VAS scores of the patients of the study group were lower than that of the control group, [Formula: see text]; and the VAS score of the patients of the study group was lower than that of the control group at one day and three weeks after surgery, [Formula: see text]. The CRP level and WBC level of the patients in the study group were lower than those in the control group in one day and three weeks after operation, [Formula: see text]. Conclusion: He’s Tonglong Dishi Dai Shi Tang plus flavor combined with moxibustion can enhance the efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy, with a high rate of stone removal in the patients, a low rate of postoperative complications, mild postoperative pain, light inflammatory reaction, and a good recovery, so it is worthwhile to be applied.
The AI Ghostwriter Effect: When Users do not Perceive Ownership of AI-Generated Text but Self-Declare as Authors
Authors: Draxler Fiona , Werner Anna , Lehmann Florian , Hoppe Matthias , Schmidt Albrecht , Buschek Daniel , Welsch Robin
Published: December 2023

Human-AI interaction in text production increases complexity in authorship. In two empirical studies (n1 = 30 & n2 = 96), we investigate authorship and ownership in human-AI collaboration for personalized language generation. We show anAI Ghostwriter Effect: Users do not consider themselves the owners and authors of AI-generated text but refrain from publicly declaring AI authorship. Personalization of AI-generated texts did not impact theAI Ghostwriter Effect, and higher levels of participants’ influence on texts increased their sense of ownership. Participants were more likely to attribute ownership to supposedly human ghostwriters than AI ghostwriters, resulting in a higher ownership-authorship discrepancy for human ghostwriters. Rationalizations for authorship in AI ghostwriters and human ghostwriters were similar. We discuss how our findings relate to psychological ownership and human-AI interaction to lay the foundations for adapting authorship frameworks and user interfaces in AI in text-generation tasks.
Hypolipidemic Effect of Chloroform Extract of Lagenaria siceraria: Potential Inhibitory Activity of Phytochemicals Targeting the HMG-CoA Reductase Revealed by Molecular Docking and Simulation Studies
Authors: Kanwal Qudsia , Ahmed Mahmood , Ur-Rehman Atiq , Anwar Aneela , Shahid Samiah , Shahzad Atif , Bukhari Attaullah Shah , Ahmad Muhammad , Yousaf Numan , Muddassar Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Conventional systems of medicine play a crucial role in maintaining healthcare. Herbal medicines are intact and less harmful to human beings than synthetic medicines. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals and in vivo hypolipidemic effect of chloroform extract of Lagenaria siceraria in Triton X-100 (100 mg/kg body weight) induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. The phytochemical characterization and estimation were performed on the base of the GC-MS approach. The Lagenaria siceraria extract (250 and 500 mg/kg bw) was administered orally to hyperlipidemic-induced rats for 7 days to examine its hypolipidemic activity. The experimental animals did not display any acute toxicity. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg bw) was used as a standard drug. Administration of Lagenaria siceraria extract lowers the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels whereas elevating the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Histological studies of the liver and heart also showed the hypolipidemic effect of the extract. On the 8th day, no inflammation of the liver, myocardial necrosis, fibrosis, or atypia was seen. Furthermore, binding affinity and plausible binding mode of stigmastan-3-ol with HMG-CoA reductase were predicted by molecular docking studies which showed the same interaction patterns as atorvastatin. Moreover, the docking results were refined by 100 ns MD simulations which revealed that stigmastan-3-ol extract formed a stable complex with protein and did not induce any conformational changes in protein structure.
Radiology Department: A Potential Source of Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms: A Cross-Sectional Study at Tertiary Hospital, Palestine
Authors: Odeh Zena , Abatli Safaa , Qadi Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Globally, healthcare facilities face a great challenge in the form of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Aside from the morbidity and mortality they cause, these illnesses are also extremely costly. Research on infection transmission in the medical field has been considerable, but not so much in the radiology department. Aim. This study aims to identify the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes on surfaces that are frequently touched in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), plain X-ray examination rooms, and portable radiography that are susceptible to contamination as well as to investigate the potential dangers of contracting MDR organisms to patients and healthcare providers. Materials and Method. In this study, 160 swab samples were collected from the radiology department during May and June 2022. Samples were obtained from 80 predefined surfaces twice within and outside of CT and MRI examination rooms as well as from US and plain X-ray machines and portable X-ray machines. Samples were taken at 7:00 a.m. using cotton swabs following the regular cleaning procedure. Bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) per square centimeter were calculated after swabbing a 100 cm2 surface. Results. Nearly all of the surfaces tested had bacterial CFUs. The highest contamination rate was found on keyboards ranging from (1.2–8) CFU/cm2, the sides of patient tables (1.2–20) CFU/cm2, knee coil (2.4–3) CFU/cm2, and patient leg supports (1.2–8) CFU/cm2. A noticeable increase in the contamination was noticed in June compared to May, and this was consistent with the increase in the number of isolated patients in the hospital, the workload in the radiology department, and the number of patients referred to the hospital. In our study, none of the examined sites showed contamination with MDR Gram-negative bacteria such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing Enterobacterales (ESPL) or Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). On the other hand, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS), vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus (VRS), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) were detected. Conclusion. All of the radiology department equipment and sites could be a source of bacterial infection including MDR, so the obligatory and committed disinfection protocol must be revised and implemented in the morning and between patients.
Optimized Surface Adjustment Method for Large Deployable Cable Network Antennas
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Lipeng , Ma Xiaofei , Wang Yizhe
Published: December 2023

Large deployable mesh reflectors typically require high surface accuracy and have large apertures. The accumulation of machining errors in a large number of cables can lead to significant deviations between the final manufactured surface and the theoretical surface, particularly due to the large number of cables involved. Adjusting the mesh reflector is often necessary to meet the surface accuracy requirements. However, traditional surface adjustment methods can be challenging to converge and time-consuming. To address this issue, our paper proposes an engineering surface based on measured manufacturing errors as a substitute for the theoretical surface. This method can save time on the coarse adjustment of surface accuracy for large deployable mesh reflectors, reducing the overall surface accuracy adjustment time by 30%.
Epstein–Barr Virus Driven Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after a Short Course of Daratumumab Treatment for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Mohammadi-Oroujeh Moeen , Mehreen Ansa , Grinblatt David L.
Published: December 2023

In this case, we describe the potential risk of developing an infectious complication leading to a secondary malignancy after a short course of immunotherapy. We report a patient who presented with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) driven Hodgkin’s lymphoma after treatment with a short course of daratumumab along with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for relapsed multiple myeloma. Although there have been limited documented cases of daratumumab treatment leading to EBV reactivation, in patients presenting with infectious symptoms or neutropenia on a daratumumab-based regimen, testing for EBV should not be overlooked.
Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal‐Based Antiacne Gel Preparations
Authors: Ansong Julia Afrakoma , Asante Emmanuel , Johnson Raphael , Boakye-Gyasi Mariam El , Kuntworbe Noble , Owusu Frederick William Akuffo , Ofori-Kwakye Kwabena
Published: December 2023

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition that affects virtually everyone at some point. Papules, comedones, pustules, scarring, and nodules are standard features of the disease and can have a detrimental social and psychological impact on an individual. Although allopathic acne treatments are available, they have adverse side effects, are expensive, and are prone to cause antibiotic resistance. The present study is aimed at formulating and evaluating topical gels containing Aloe vera, Allium cepa, and Eucalyptus globulus extracts as potential antiacne drugs. Six formulations containing the herbal extracts were prepared using 1% Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent. The phytochemical composition of the plant extracts was determined. The extracts and gels’ minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed using the microbroth dilution method. The physicochemical properties of the formulated gels, such as homogeneity, colour, texture, odour, grittiness, spreadability, extrudability, viscosity, pH, and drug content, were evaluated. All the plant extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and coumarins. The gel formulations showed varying activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at various concentrations. The phytochemical components of the plant extracts are probably responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the gel formulations. The 5% Aloe vera‐Allium cepa (1 : 1) combination gel formulation showed excellent activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with MICs of 12.50, 25.00, 6.25, 25.00, and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. The gels generally had good physicochemical and antimicrobial properties and could be used as antiacne remedies.
Early Implant Placement with Immediate Loading in the Mandibular Anterior Region: A Rapid Solution to Edentulism
Authors: Rijal Arjun Hari , Dhami Bhageshwar , Ghimire Pratistha , Humagain Manoj , Lamichhane Simant
Published: December 2023

The aim of this article is to present the case of an early implant placement with immediate loading in the mandibular anterior region as a rapid solution to edentulism. A 40-year-old healthy male patient reported with a chief complaint of loosening of tooth in the lower front region of the jaw. On intraoral examination, there was a mobile tooth with respect to 41. The mobile tooth was extracted, and early implant placement was done along with Bio-Oss bone grafts to fill the jumping distance with no barrier membrane. Immediate provisionalisation was done on early-placed dental implants. After 5 months of the healing period, the final implant-level impressions were made, and the provisional crown was replaced with the final zirconia crown. This case report demonstrates satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes along with various other advantages.
Vortioxetine Reverses Impairment of Visuospatial Memory and Cognitive Flexibility Induced by Degarelix as a Model of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Rats
Authors: Vaiana Alexandra M. , Asher Amber M. , Tapia Karla , Morilak David A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a mainstay treatment for prostate cancer, but many patients experience cognitive impairment in domains mediated by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. Prostate cancer typically occurs in older patients (>65 years). As age is often accompanied by cognitive decline, it may impact the efficacy of any treatment aimed at restoring cognitive impairment induced by ADT. Vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant that improves cognition in depression, has been shown to be efficacious in elderly patients. Therefore, vortioxetine may improve cognition in older patients who experience cognitive decline after ADT. Methods: Young (3 months) and middle-aged (13 months) rats were used to investigate the influence of age on treating ADT-induced cognitive decline. As our previous studies used surgical castration, we tested if vortioxetine would reverse cognitive deficits associated with more translationally relevant chemical castration using degarelix. Vortioxetine was given in the diet for 21 days. Animals underwent behavioral testing to assess visuospatial memory mediated by the hippocampus and cognitive flexibility mediated by the mPFC. We also investigated changes in afferent-evoked responses in these regions in middle-aged rats. Results: Degarelix induced impairments in both visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility that were reversed by vortioxetine. Vortioxetine also rescued afferent-evoked responses in the mPFC and hippocampus. However, modest age-related reductions in baseline visuospatial memory limited our ability to detect further decreases induced by degarelix in middle-aged rats due to a floor effect. Conclusion: These results suggest that vortioxetine may be a treatment option for older prostate cancer patients who experience cognitive decline after ADT.
Determinants of Urine Output Using Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Bitker Laurent , Biscarrat Charlotte , Yonis Hodane , Chivot Matthieu , Chauvelot Louis , Chazot Guillaume , Mezidi Mehdi , Deniel Guillaume , Richard Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Low cardiac output and hypovolemia are candidate macrocirculatory mechanisms explanatory of de novo anuria in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We aimed to determine the hemodynamic parameters and CRRT settings associated with the longitudinal course of UO during CRRT. Methods: This is an ancillary analysis of the PRELOAD CRRT observational, single-center study (NCT03139123). Enrolled adult patients had severe acute kidney injury treated with CRRT for less than 24 h and were monitored with a calibrated continuous cardiac output monitoring device. Hemodynamics (including stroke volume index [SVI] and preload-dependence, identified by continuous cardiac index variation during postural maneuvers), net ultrafiltration (UFNET), and UO were reported 4-hourly, over 7 days. Two study groups were defined at inclusion: non-anuric participants if the cumulative 24 h UO at inclusion was ≥0.05 mL kg−1 h−1, and anuric otherwise. Quantitative data were reported by its median [interquartile range]. Results: Forty-two patients (age 68 [58–76] years) were enrolled. At inclusion, 32 patients (76%) were not anuric. During follow-up, UO decreased significantly in non-anuric patients, with 25/32 (78%) progressing to anuria within 19 [10–50] hours. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and UFNET did not significantly differ between study groups during follow-up, while SVI and preload-dependence were significantly associated with the interaction of study group and time since inclusion. Higher UFNET flow rates were significantly associated with higher systemic vascular resistances and lower cardiac output during follow-up. Multivariate analyses showed that (1) lower UO was significantly associated with lower SVI, lower MAP, and preload-independence; and (2) higher UFNET was significantly associated with lower UO. Conclusions: In ICU patients treated with CRRT, those without anuria showed a rapid loss of diuresis after CRRT initiation. Hemodynamic indicators of renal perfusion and effective volemia were the principal determinants of UO during follow-up, in relation with the hemodynamic impact of UFNET setting.
Evaluation of Clinical and Machine Data of Critically Ill Adult COVID Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Exposed to Enhanced Hemoadsorption during CRRT
Authors: Cama-Olivares Augusto , Ortiz-Soriano Victor , Liu Lucas J. , Carter Stuart , Takeuchi Tomonori , Chen Jin , Tolwani Ashita J. , Neyra Javier A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The FDA authorized the emergency use of enhanced hemoadsorption with oXiris in critically ill adult COVID patients with respiratory failure or severe disease to reduce inflammation. In this study, we evaluated critically ill adult COVID patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who were exposed versus not exposed to enhanced hemoadsorption with oXiris during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill adult COVID patients with AKI requiring CRRT. Exposure to oXiris was defined as receiving oXiris for >12 cumulative hours and more than one-third of the time within the first 72 h of CRRT. Study outcomes included filter-specific performance metrics and clinical outcomes such as ventilator requirement, mortality, and dialysis dependence. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to balance potential confounders in weighted regression models. Results: 14,043 h of CRRT corresponding to 85 critically ill adult patients were analyzed. Among these, 2,736 h corresponded to oXiris exposure (n = 25 patients) and 11,307 h to a standard CRRT filter (n = 60 patients). Transmembrane pressures (TMPs) increased rapidly and were overall higher with oXiris versus standard filter, but filter life (median of 36.3 vs. 33.1 h, p = 0.913, respectively) and filter/clotting alarms remained similar in both groups. In adjusted models, oXiris exposure was not independently associated with the composite of hospital mortality and dialysis dependence at discharge (OR 2.13, 95% CI: 0.98–4.82, p = 0.06), but it was associated with fewer ventilator (β = −15.02, 95% CI: −29.23 to −0.82, p = 0.04) and intensive care unit days (β = −14.74, 95% CI: −28.54 to −0.95, p = 0.04) in survivors. Discussion/Conclusion: In critically ill adult COVID patients with AKI requiring CRRT, oXiris filters exhibited higher levels of TMP when compared to a standard CRRT filter, but no differences in filter life and filter/clotting alarm profiles were observed. The use of oXiris was not associated with improvement in clinical outcomes such as hospital mortality or dialysis dependence at discharge.
Direct Speech Translation for Automatic Subtitling
Authors: Papi Sara , Gaido Marco , Karakanta Alina , Cettolo Mauro , Negri Matteo , Turchi Marco
Published: December 2023

Automatic subtitling is the task of automatically translating the speech of audiovisual content into short pieces of timed text, i.e., subtitles and their corresponding timestamps. The generated subtitles need to conform to space and time requirements, while being synchronized with the speech and segmented in a way that facilitates comprehension. Given its considerable complexity, the task has so far been addressed through a pipeline of components that separately deal with transcribing, translating, and segmenting text into subtitles, as well as predicting timestamps. In this paper, we propose the first direct speech translation model for automatic subtitling that generates subtitles in the target language along with their timestamps with a single model. Our experiments on 7 language pairs show that our approach outperforms a cascade system in the same data condition, also being competitive with production tools on both in-domain and newly released out-domain benchmarks covering new scenarios.
The role of point-of-care ultrasound in the assessment of pelvic urine leakage and diagnosis of urinoma
Authors: Moradkhani Asra , Zangi Mona , Azami Mobin , Ghasemi-Rad Mohammad , Pakniyat Abdolghader
Published: December 2023

Background

Urinoma, a rare condition resulting from urine leakage due to trauma to the kidney, bladder, or urethra, is typically diagnosed using enhanced computed tomography urogram with delayed imaging. This report presents two cases of urinoma likely caused by overdistention of the renal pelvis following excessive fluid intake and the presence of a ureteral stone.

Case presentation

We present two cases of 36-year-old and 38-year-old patients who presented with flank pain. point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) played a pivotal role in identifying perinephric fluid in Morrison’s space and the splenorenal space, respectively. These ultrasound findings guided further investigations, leading to definitive diagnoses via abdominal pelvic CT scans. Treatment involved prophylactic antibiotics and the successful placement of a double J stent into the renal pelvis over the wire under fluoroscopic guidance, which resulted in significant clinical improvement for both patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the rare occurrence of urinoma from urolithiasis, the use of POCUS in expediting diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of interpreting sonographic images in the correct clinical setting.
A case report on para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: an unresolved mystery
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Proma Sanghita Banik , Hossain Md. Saddam , Arifuzzaman Md. , Islam Naylla , Siddique Md. Abu Bakar , Amiruzzaman
Published: December 2023

Background

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatosis that occurs 2–3 years after an apparently successful treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In rare cases, PKDL occurs concurrently with VL and is characterized by fever, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly or lymphadenopathy, and poor nutritional status and is known as Para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (Para-KDL). Co-association of active VL in PKDL patients is documented in Africa, but very few case reports are found in South Asia.

Case summary

We present a case of Para-kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (Para-KDL) in a 50-year-old male patient with a history of one primary Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and 2 times relapse of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). The patient presented with fever, skin lesions, and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory tests revealed LD bodies in the slit skin smear and splenic biopsy. The patient was treated with two cycles of Amphotericin B with Miltefosine in between cycles for 12 weeks to obtain full recovery.

Conclusion

This case report serves as a reminder that Para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis can develop as a consequence of prior visceral leishmaniasis episodes, even after apparently effective therapy. Since para-kala-azar is a source of infectious spread, endemics cannot be avoided unless it is effectively recognized and treated.
The benign nature and rare occurrence of cardiac myxoma as a possible consequence of the limited cardiac proliferative/ regenerative potential: a systematic review
Authors: Shafi Ovais , Siddiqui Ghazia , Jaffry Hassam A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiac Myxoma is a primary tumor of heart. Its origins, rarity of the occurrence of primary cardiac tumors and how it may be related to limited cardiac regenerative potential, are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the key cardiac genes/ transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways to understand these important questions.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving cardiac myxoma, cardiac genes/TFs/signaling pathways and their roles in cardiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, key interactions and tumorigenesis, with focus on cardiomyocytes.

Results

The cardiac genetic landscape is governed by a very tight control between proliferation and differentiation-related genes/TFs/pathways. Cardiac myxoma originates possibly as a consequence of dysregulations in the gene expression of differentiation regulators including Tbx5, GATA4, HAND1/2, MYOCD, HOPX, BMPs. Such dysregulations switch the expression of cardiomyocytes into progenitor-like state in cardiac myxoma development by dysregulating Isl1, Baf60 complex, Wnt, FGF, Notch, Mef2c and others.

The Nkx2–5 and MSX2 contribute predominantly to both proliferation and differentiation of Cardiac Progenitor Cells (CPCs), may possibly serve roles based on the microenvironment and the direction of cell circuitry in cardiac tumorigenesis. The Nkx2–5 in cardiac myxoma may serve to limit progression of tumorigenesis as it has massive control over the proliferation of CPCs. The cardiac cell type-specific genetic programming plays governing role in controlling the tumorigenesis and regenerative potential.

Conclusion

The cardiomyocytes have very limited proliferative and regenerative potential. They survive for long periods of time and tightly maintain the gene expression of differentiation genes such as Tbx5, GATA4 that interact with tumor suppressors (TS) and exert TS like effect. The total effect such gene expression exerts is responsible for the rare occurrence and benign nature of primary cardiac tumors. This prevents the progression of tumorigenesis. But this also limits the regenerative and proliferative potential of cardiomyocytes. Cardiac Myxoma develops as a consequence of dysregulations in these key genes which revert the cells towards progenitor-like state, hallmark of CM. The CM development in carney complex also signifies the role of TS in cardiac cells.
Gross motor developmental delay and associated factors among under-five children attending public health facilities of Dessie city, Ethiopia
Authors: Mitiku Kefale , Nega Tilaye , Arefaynie Mastewal , Tilahun Degalem , Kefale Bereket , Damtie Yitayish , Adane Bezawit , Yalew Melaku
Published: December 2023

Background

Child psychomotor development and factors affecting it today is the subject of interest of many studies, in particular by the experts involved in the protection and improvement of children’s health. There is limited evidence on developmental delay among under-five children in low-income countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess gross motor developmental delay and associated factors among under-five children attending public health facilities of Dessie city, Ethiopia.

Methods

Facility based cross sectional study design was used among under-five children attending under-five OPD in public health facilities of Dessie town from July 1, 2020 to August 15, 2021. A total of, 417 under-five children were systematically selected based on their average number of clients in a month. A pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and data was entered into Epi-data 3.1 version and it was exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength and direction of association respectively and P-value less than 0.05 is used to declare statistical significance.

Results

The overall proportion of gross motor developmental delay among under-five children attending health facilities of Dessie city, Ethiopia was 16.31%, 95% CI: (13.05, 20.19). Increased age of the child [AOR = 0.97, 95% CI: (0.96, 0.99)], increased gestational age during pregnancy [AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: (0.37, 0.65)], being male [AOR = 5.26, 95% CI: (1.76, 15.67)], having history of alcohol intake during pregnancy [AOR = 7.40, 95% CI: (2.36, 23.25)], taking iron during pregnancy [AOR = 0.04, 95% CI: (0.01, 0.15)], facing fetal and/or maternal complication [AOR = 4.98, 95% CI: (1.20, 20.62)], having instrumental delivery [AOR = 9.78, 95% CI: (2.48, 38.60)] were significantly associated with gross motor developmental delay.

Conclusions

The gross motor developmental delay among under-five children was higher as compared to other literatures. This study indicated that, age and sex of the child, iron and alcohol intake during pregnancy, gestational age, mode of delivery and any complication to her and or her neonate were independent variables which showed statistical significant association. The physicians should advise mothers to take iron-folic acid supplement properly and to avoid intake of alcohol during pregnancy. In addition, they should focus on those mothers who faced any complication to her and/or her neonate and better to discourage instrumental delivery unless there are no other options.
Relational continuity may give better clinical outcomes in patients with serious mental illness – a systematic review
Authors: Engström Ingemar , Hansson Lars , Ali Lilas , Berg Jenny , Ekstedt Mirjam , Engström Sven , Fredriksson Maja Kärrman , Liliemark Jan , Lytsy Per
Published: December 2023

Background

Continuity of care is considered important for results of treatment of serious mental illness (SMI). Yet, evidence of associations between relational continuity and different medical and social outcomes is sparse. Research approaches differ considerably regarding how to best assess continuity as well as which outcome to study. It has hitherto been difficult to evaluate the importance of relational continuity of care. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate treatment outcomes, including effects on resource use and costs associated with receiving higher relational continuity of care for patients with SMI.

Methods

Eleven databases were searched between January 2000 and February 2021 for studies investigating associations between some measure of relational continuity and health outcomes and costs. All eligible studies were assessed for study relevance and risk of bias by at least two independent reviewers. Only studies with acceptable risk of bias were included. Due to study heterogeneity the synthesis was made narratively, without meta-analysis. The certainty of the summarized result was assessed using GRADE. Study registration number in PROSPERO: CRD42020196518.

Results

We identified 8 916 unique references and included 17 studies comprising around 300 000 patients in the review. The results were described with regard to seven outcomes. The results indicated that higher relational continuity of care for patients with serious mental illness may prevent premature deaths and suicide, may lower the number of emergency department (ED) visits and may contribute to a better quality of life compared to patients receiving lower levels of relational continuity of care. The certainty of the evidence was assessed as low or very low for all outcomes. The certainty of results for the outcomes hospitalization, costs, symptoms and functioning, and adherence to drug treatment was very low with the result that no reliable conclusions could be drawn in these areas.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review indicate that having higher relational continuity of care may have beneficial effects for patients with severe mental illness, and no results have indicated the opposite relationship. There is a need for better studies using clear and distinctive measures of exposure for relational continuity of care.
Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation after Ameloblastomas treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Alarcón-Sánchez Mario Alberto , Becerra-Ruíz Julieta Sarai , Yessayan Lazar , Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Heboyan Artak
Published: December 2023

Background

Ameloblastoma (AM), the benign counterpart of ameloblastic carcinoma, is a benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin, naturally aggressive, with unlimited growth potential and a high tendency to relapse if not adequately removed. Patients with AM treated surgically can benefit from dental implant therapy, promoting oral rehabilitation and improving their quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the survival rate of dental implants placed after surgical treatment of patients affected by AM. In addition, there were two secondary objectives: 1) To evaluate which dental implant loading protocols are most frequently used and 2) To determine the type of prosthetic restoration most commonly used in these patients.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed during the study. Searches were performed in three databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar) until November 2023. Additionally, the electronic search was enriched by an iterative hand search of journals related to oral pathology and medicine, maxillofacial surgery, and oral prosthodontics and implantology. Only reports and case series in English from January 2003 to date were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool (JBI-Case Reports/Case Series) was used for the study quality assessment.

Results

The total number of patients and implants studied were 64 and 271, respectively, all with surgically treated AM. The patient’s ages ranged from 8 to 79 years, with a mean (SD) age of 37.3 ± 16.4. Fifty-three percent were male and 47% were female. The range of follow-up duration was 1 to 22 years. An implant survival/success rate of 98.1% was reported. In addition, most of them were conventionally loaded (38.3%). Hybrid implant-supported fixed dentures were the most commonly used by prosthodontists (53%).

Conclusions

Oral rehabilitation with dental implants inserted in free flaps for orofacial reconstruction in surgically treated patients with AM can be considered a safe and successful treatment modality.
Effect of risk factor-tailored autonomy enhancement education in the first-time middle-aged patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Uhm In Ae , Hwang Seon Young
Published: December 2023

Purpose

It is important for middle-aged patients who have undergone acute treatment for coronary artery disease to voluntarily improve their lifestyle and risk factors based on their recognition as patients with chronic diseases. This study conducted individual education to improve risk factors and tried to verify its effectiveness.

Methods

The hypothesis was verified by applying a randomized controlled pre- and post-test design through random assignment of two groups. Middle-aged (40–64 years) patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for the first time were recruited from a university hospital in Seoul, Korea. For the experimental group, based on the Self-Determination Theory, risk factor- tailored counseling and education were provided individually for one hour based on the education booklet, and telephone counseling was conducted twice for 12 weeks. Differences in autonomous motivation, resilience, self-care compliance and biochemical indicators measured after 12 weeks in the experimental group and the control group were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN ver. 22.0.

Results

The autonomous motivation, resilience, and self-care compliance of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < .05). Body mass index (p = .005) and current smoking rate (p < .001) were also significantly decreased in the experimental group but there was no significant difference in other biochemical parameters.

Conclusion

For middle-aged patients with first coronary intervention, risk factor-tailored education emphasizing autonomy by nurses should be provided early after discharge.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Research Information Service and the identification number is KCT0008698(11/08/2023).
Exploring health information system resilience during COVID-19 pandemic: case studies from Norway, Sri Lanka & Rwanda
Authors: Amarakoon Pamod Madusanka , Gundersen Ragnhild Bassøe , Muhire Andrew , Utvik Vetle Alvenes , Braa Jørn
Published: December 2023

The study aims at exploring health system resilience by defining the scope on health information systems, one of the six building blocks of the health system. The empirical evidence is derived using qualitative data collection and analysis in the context of Norway, Sri Lanka and Rwanda during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case studies elicit bounce back and bounce forward properties as well as the agility as major attributes of resilience present across the countries. Existing local capacity, networking and collaborations, flexible digital platforms and enabling antecedent conditions are identified as socio-technical determinants of information system resilience based on the case studies across the countries.
Raman spectroscopy online monitoring of biomass production, intracellular metabolites and carbon substrates during submerged fermentation of oleaginous and carotenogenic microorganisms
Authors: Dzurendova Simona , Olsen Pernille Margrethe , Byrtusová Dana , Tafintseva Valeria , Shapaval Volha , Horn Svein Jarle , Kohler Achim , Szotkowski Martin , Marova Ivana , Zimmermann Boris
Published: December 2023

Background

Monitoring and control of both growth media and microbial biomass is extremely important for the development of economical bioprocesses. Unfortunately, process monitoring is still dependent on a limited number of standard parameters (pH, temperature, gasses etc.), while the critical process parameters, such as biomass, product and substrate concentrations, are rarely assessable in-line. Bioprocess optimization and monitoring will greatly benefit from advanced spectroscopy-based sensors that enable real-time monitoring and control. Here, Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy measurement via flow cell in a recirculatory loop, in combination with predictive data modeling, was assessed as a fast, low-cost, and highly sensitive process analytical technology (PAT) system for online monitoring of critical process parameters. To show the general applicability of the method, submerged fermentation was monitored using two different oleaginous and carotenogenic microorganisms grown on two different carbon substrates: glucose fermentation by yeast Rhodotorula toruloides and glycerol fermentation by marine thraustochytrid Schizochytrium sp. Additionally, the online FT-Raman spectroscopy approach was compared with two at-line spectroscopic methods, namely FT-Raman and FT-infrared spectroscopies in high throughput screening (HTS) setups.

Results

The system can provide real-time concentration data on carbon substrate (glucose and glycerol) utilization, and production of biomass, carotenoid pigments, and lipids (triglycerides and free fatty acids). Robust multivariate regression models were developed and showed high level of correlation between the online FT-Raman spectral data and reference measurements, with coefficients of determination (R2) in the 0.94–0.99 and 0.89–0.99 range for all concentration parameters of Rhodotorula and Schizochytrium fermentation, respectively. The online FT-Raman spectroscopy approach was superior to the at-line methods since the obtained information was more comprehensive, timely and provided more precise concentration profiles.

Conclusions

The FT-Raman spectroscopy system with a flow measurement cell in a recirculatory loop, in combination with prediction models, can simultaneously provide real-time concentration data on carbon substrate utilization, and production of biomass, carotenoid pigments, and lipids. This data enables monitoring of dynamic behaviour of oleaginous and carotenogenic microorganisms, and thus can provide critical process parameters for process optimization and control. Overall, this study demonstrated the feasibility of using FT-Raman spectroscopy for online monitoring of fermentation processes.
LncRNA AGAP2 antisense RNA 1 stabilized by insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 promotes macrophage M2 polarization in clear cell renal cell carcinoma through regulation of the microRNA-9-5p/THBS2/PI3K-Akt pathway
Authors: Xu Peng , Feng Da-xiong , Wang Jun , Wang Yao-Dong , Xie Gang , Zhang Bin , Li Xiao-Han , Zeng Jia-Wei , Feng Jia-Fu
Published: December 2023

Background

Increasing evidence highlights the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological behaviors of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, we explored the mechanism of AGAP2-AS1 in the occurrence and development of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) involving IGF2BP3/miR-9-5p/THBS2.

Methods

The expressions of AGAP2-AS1, IGF2BP3, miR-9-5p, and THBS2 and their relationship were analyzed by bioinformatics. The targeting relationship between AGAP2-AS1 and miR-9-5p and between miR-9-5p and THBS2 was evaluated with their effect on cell biological behaviors and macrophage polarization assayed. Finally, we tested the effect of AGAP2-AS1 on ccRCC tumor formation in xenograft tumors.

Results

IGF2BP3 could stabilize AGAP2-AS1 through m6A modification. AGAP2-AS1 was highly expressed in ccRCC tissues and cells. The lentivirus-mediated intervention of AGAP2-AS1 induced malignant behaviors of ccRCC cells and led to M2 polarization of macrophages. In addition, THBS2 promoted M2 polarization of macrophages by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. AGAP2-AS1 could directly bind with miR-9-5p and promote the expression of THBS2 downstream of miR-9-5p. These results were further verified by in vivo experiments.

Conclusion

AGAP2-AS1 stabilized by IGF2BP3 competitively binds to miR-9-5p to up-regulate THBS2, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inducing macrophage M2 polarization, thus facilitating the development of RCC.
Clusters of carbohydrate-rich foods and associations with type 2 diabetes incidence: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Olsson Kjell , González-Padilla Esther , Janzi Suzanne , Stubbendorff Anna , Borné Yan , Ramne Stina , Ericson Ulrika , Sonestedt Emily
Published: December 2023

Background

About one in ten adults are living with diabetes worldwide. Intake of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-rich foods are often identified as modifiable risk factors for incident type 2 diabetes. However, strong correlation between food variables can make it difficult to identify true associations. The purpose of this study was to identify clusters of carbohydrate-rich foods and analyse their associations with type 2 diabetes incidence in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort in southern Sweden.

Methods

Dietary intake of 26 622 participants was assessed using a validated three-part diet history method: a 7-day food diary, a 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and a 60-minute interview. K-means clustering analysis identified five clusters from 21 food variables. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was applied to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between clusters and incident type 2 diabetes.

Results

The cluster analysis resulted in five clusters; high vegetables/low added sugar, high sugar-sweetened beverages, high juice, high fruit, and high refined carbohydrates/low fruit & vegetables (reference). During mean follow-up of 18 years, 4046 type 2 diabetes cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounding (including lifestyle, body mass index, and diet), a high fruit cluster (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78, 0.94) was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes compared to the reference cluster. No other significant associations were identified.

Conclusions

A dietary pattern defined by a high intake of fruits was associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. The findings provide additional evidence of a potential protective effect from fruit intake in reducing type 2 diabetes risk. Future studies are needed to explore this association further.
Using collective intelligence methods to improve government data infrastructures and promote the use of complex data: The example of the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lowry Estelle , Hogan Michael J. , Moriarty John , Harney Owen M. , Ruijer Erna , Pilch Monika , Groarke Jenny M. , Hanlon Michelle , Shuttleworth Ian
Published: December 2023

Background

This paper discusses how collective intelligence (CI) methods can be implemented to improve government data infrastructures, not only to support understanding and primary use of complex national data but also to increase the dissemination and secondary impact of research based on these data. The case study uses the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS), a member of the UK family of census/administrative data longitudinal studies (UKLS).

Methods

A stakeholder-engaged CI approach was applied to inform the transformation of the NILS Research Support Unit (RSU) infrastructure to support researchers in their use of government data, including collaborative decision-making and better dissemination of research outputs.

Results

We provide an overview of NILS RSU infrastructure design changes that have been implemented to date, focusing on a website redesign to meet user information requirements and the formation of better working partnerships between data users and providers within the Northern Ireland data landscape. We also discuss the key challenges faced by the design team during this project of transformation.

Conclusion

Our primary objective to improve government data infrastructure and to increase dissemination and the impact of research based on data was a complex and multifaceted challenge due to the number of stakeholders involved and their often conflicting perspectives. Results from this CI approach have been pivotal in highlighting how NILS RSU can work collaboratively with users to maximize the potential of this data, in terms of forming multidisciplinary networks to ensure the research is utilized in policy and in the literature and providing academic support and resources to attract new researchers.