bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Macular Atrophy after Macular Hole Surgery in an Eye with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Goto Yuki , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Goto Kensuke , Kayazawa Tomoyasu , Kominami Taro , Mano Fukutaro , Sakamoto Masuo , Iwahashi Chiharu , Kusaka Shunji
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Macular hole is a rare complication in patients with retinitis pigmentosa that significantly reduces visual acuity. Although vitreous surgery for macular holes generally yields favorable outcomes, postoperative macular atrophy has been reported. We report the second case of retinitis pigmentosa in a patient who developed a 13-year progressive macular atrophy after macular hole surgery. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old Japanese woman, who had been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 52 years of age, presented to our hospital with blurred vision in her left eye. Phacovitrectomy of the left eye was performed after a full-thickness macular hole was revealed by optical coherence tomography. We stained the internal limiting membrane during surgery using 0.05% indocyanine green and peeled it around the macular hole. Nevertheless, slight atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium appeared in the left macula 17 days after surgery. The macular hole closed 1 year after surgery, and the macular atrophy gradually became more apparent and enlarged. Thirteen years later, atrophy had expanded to 2.5-disc diameters, and the left decimal best-corrected visual acuity was 0.1; no macular degeneration appeared in the right eye. Genetic examination revealed compound heterozygous variants in the EYS gene. Conclusion: Macular atrophy can develop after dye-assisted macular hole surgery for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Potential risk factors for the development of postoperative macular atrophy include dye toxicity, light toxicity, surgical intervention in the macula, postoperative inflammation, and genotype. However, the exact cause of atrophy remains uncertain.
Bilirubin Removal With Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Or Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS®) As Treatment For Cholemic Nephropathy In Patients With Cirrhosis and ACLF: A case series
Authors: Jiménez-Esquivel Natalia , Piñeiro Gastón , Carpio Adrià , Ortiz Oswaldo , Lozano Miquel , Rodríguez-Carunchio Leonardo , Salgado María del Carmen , Toapanta David , Cid Joan , Bassegoda Octavi , Cuadrado-Payán Elena , Sanz Miquel , Charry Paola , Poch Esteban , Fernández Javier , Reverter Enric
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Cholemic nephropathy is an overlooked cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with advanced cirrhosis and high bilirubin plasma levels (usually above 20mg/dl), due to bilirubin and bile acid deposition in the kidneys. Those deposits have been hypothesized to cause tubular injury. It has no standardized diagnostic criteria or therapeutic strategies.
Methods: We present a series of fifteen patients with cirrhosis and severe cholemic AKI, diagnosed by microscopic urinary cast visualization after excluding and treating other causes of AKI. Bilirubin plasma removal was performed with albumin dialysis (n=3) or plasma exchange (n=12) to treat and prevent further kidney deterioration.
Results: Kidney function improved in most of the patients, five patients also required transient haemodialysis, with only one patient evolving to end stage chronic kidney disease needing liver-kidney transplant. Five patients underwent extended PE sessions as a bridge to liver transplantation. Survival at 30 days and 1 year was 80% and 73%, respectively, with 10 patients undergoing transplantation along this year.
Conclusion: In this highly selected cohort of patients with terminal cirrhosis and severe cholemic AKI extracorporeal plasma removal techniques seem to improve kidney function and overall prognosis. Larger prospective and controlled studies are required to better understand this condition.
Effects of AAC Intervention on School Readiness Skills from Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Griffen Brenna , Lorah Elizabeth , Caldwell Nicolette Sammarco , Holyfield Christine
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have limited speech and language require access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention, including technology and instruction. While research shows that AAC intervention can effectively support communication from children with IDD, research on its impact on school readiness skills is limited.
Methods
Two preschool aged children with IDD participated in this study. Using a single case, multiple baseline across responses design for each participant, this study evaluated the effectiveness of an AAC intervention, including a high-tech AAC with a personalized color photo visual scene display with modeling, time delay, prompting, and social praise. The targeted responses were three questions from the participants’ state kindergarten readiness standards, including: “What is your first name?”; “What is your last name?”; and “How old are you?”.
Results
In baseline, both participants demonstrated little success communicating answers to questions. During intervention, both participants mastered the school readiness skill of responding accurately and independently to the targeted questions.
Conclusion
The current study shows that with early access to AAC intervention, children with IDD may begin to build communication skills that align with school readiness standards, providing them increased opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in general education curricula, upon entering kindergarten.
Keywords: school readiness, augmentative and alternative communication, intellectual and developmental disability
Assessment of Hermetia illucens larvae performance reared on raw or contaminated peanut by-products with Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Crosta M. , Reguzzi M.C. , Cominelli F. , Chillin I. , Battilani P. , Mazzoni E.
Published: January 2025

The peanut supply chain is characterised by a high production of by-products, mainly shells and small pods, often discarded by processing companies. However, the richness of nutritive substances makes these products valuable as feed substrates for Hermetia illucens larvae rearing. Therefore, the aims of this work were to (1) evaluate the performance of H. illucens larvae reared on peanut by-products and (2) study the effect of various levels of fungal contamination in by-products on H. illucens larvae performance, focusing on growth and mortality. Two agro-industrial peanut by-products (rich by-product, R; poor by-product, P) were ground and mixed in different percentages (0-100%, step 10%) to obtain 11 different feeding substrates, then rehydrated to 70% moisture. Three different trials were conducted using these substrates, with three-day-old H. illucens larvae reared for 10 days. Whereas, the effect of fungal contamination was investigated by inoculating chicken feed (standard, S) and substrate P5R5 (50% P and 50% R) with two spore suspensions (Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, 105 spore/mL), at three different inoculation times (5, 3 and 0 days before the addition of larvae). The substrate composition considerably impacted larval growth, with the highest larval weight increase obtained when R reached 50% in the substrate. Fungal contamination in by-products significantly reduced larvae performance, with a stronger negative effect from A. flavus. These findings suggest the potential for enhancing peanut by-products as a rearing substrate for H. illucens larvae, although the composition and the possible fungal contamination may reduce the effectiveness of the process.
Bigamy and Domestic Politics in Early Modern English Domestic Dramas: Taking The Tragedy of M. Arden of Feuershame as an Example
Authors: Li Xintong , Liu Xiangchi
Published: January 2025

This study explores the causes of bigamy in The Tragedy of M. Arden of Feuershame and its impact on both family and society. It highlights how the rise of commercial trade forced Arden, as a husband, to frequently leave his household, creating a power vacuum and neglect in family management that ultimately led to bigamy. The study also delves into the broader societal implications of bigamy, particularly how the murder of a husband is classified as petty treason-an act that symbolizes the collapse of patriarchal authority and the consequent disruption of communal order. The play is notable for its portrayal of Alice with two husbands, setting it apart from conventional bigamy cases. By examining the internal power dynamics within the family, this study demonstrates how bigamy destabilizes household harmony and reflects the gradual erosion of patriarchal authority in early modern England. Furthermore, the play holds significant literary value beyond its historical context. As New Historicism asserts, texts are inherently historical, providing profound insights into the societal and cultural dynamics of their time. Through its analysis of Arden's story, this study deepens our understanding of the causes and consequences of bigamy in early modern England.
Political correctness and elite prestige
Authors: Hauk Esther , Ortega Javier
Published: January 2025

Consider a society where the prestige of orthodox views is linked to the prestige of the elite. Heterodox individuals are less likely to express their views if other peers refrain from doing so and if the elite is prestigious. In turn, corruption by the elite is less easily detected if orthodox views dominate. We characterize equilibrium self-denial and corruption and show that an exogenous increase in the range of orthodox views may result in a decrease in the total number of individuals truthfully expressing their views. Some features of the model are shown to be compatible with US data.
Rethinking Democratic Norms in Responsiveness Theory: A New Understanding and Its Applicability to Nonliberal Democratic Scenarios
Authors: Xu Zihan
Published: January 2025

Traditional responsiveness theories are grounded in democratic norms, which limit responsiveness to a unidirectional process and suggest it is a product of liberal democracy. These norms not only conflict with empirical findings but also fail to capture the richness of the concept of responsiveness. This article challenges these norms by proposing a new understanding of responsiveness. More specifically, this research takes into account the interests of the represented and systematically develops a notion of bidirectional responsiveness, according to which political representatives influence the preferences of the represented through dialogue and consultation and respond to these preferences. This understanding leads to a revised definition of responsiveness and a fourfold typology that divides this notion into admissible, investigative, deliberative, and leading categories. I analyse two cases in China to demonstrate the applicability of this understanding in nonliberal democratic scenarios. Thus, this article advances an innovative theory of responsiveness, deepening our understanding of the role played by this notion in real-world contexts.
Intra-arterial lidocaine administration of lidocaine in middle meningeal artery for short-term treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage-related headaches
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I , Bains Navpreet K , Bhatti Ibrahim A , Jani Vishal , Suri M Fareed K , Bhogal Pervinder
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

We report short- and intermediate-term effects on headaches with intra-arterial injection of lidocaine in the middle meningeal artery in patients with severe headaches associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods

We treated seven patients with intra-arterial lidocaine in doses up to 50 mg in each middle meningeal artery via a microcatheter bilaterally (except in one patient). We recorded the maximum intensity of headache (graded by 11-point numeric rating scale) prior to procedure and every day for the next 10 days or discharge, whichever came first. We identified changes in the middle meningeal artery pre- and post-intra-arterial lidocaine administration and quantified from Grade 0 (no change) to Grade 5 (severe narrowing or near occlusion of anterior and posterior dural branches or proximal middle meningeal artery that precludes adequate imaging of distal branches).

Results

We observed improvement in severity of headaches of headache in all seven subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. The resolution of headache was immediate and complete in four patients, unilateral immediate resolution in one patient, and delayed complete resolution in patient. Two patients met the definition of severe headache (defined as 2 or more days with maximum pain scores of 8 or greater or need for 3 or more different analgesics for 2 or more days) post-lidocaine treatment. One of these patients had are lapse in headache with the severity matching pretreatment severity and required a second treatment. On analysis of angiographic data, there was consistent narrowing of middle meningeal arteries after administration of intra-arterial lidocaine and was graded as 5 in 2 arteries, 4 in 10 arteries, and 3 in 2 arteries.

Conclusions

We found that intra-arterial injection of lidocaine can result in consistent amelioration of headache in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The therapeutic benefit may be related to vasoconstriction (reversal of vasodilation) in the middle meningeal arteries after administration of lidocaine.
Another Way to Listen: Reflections on Listening in a Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Rogers Corinne , Caine Vera
Published: January 2025

I encountered significant challenges in hearing Phoenix, a participant in a narrative inquiry into the health and well-being of women previously trafficked. My struggles to hear Phoenix lead me to constantly interrupt her. These interruptions were palpable and violent in their silencing. Yet, Phoenix continued to invite me to listen to her, calling me to better understand who I was and who I was becoming alongside her. In this paper, I reflect on ways to listen and the art of listening in narrative inquiry. I illustrate how maintaining a connection is vital for developing different ways of listening, a form of listening that is guided by ethical considerations and responsiveness. I show how listening serves as both a state of being and a mode of thinking within narrative inquiry.
Subthalamic and nigral stimulation for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease: Randomized pilot trial
Authors: Artusi Carlo Alberto , Ledda Claudia , Gallo Silvia , Rinaldi Domiziana , Campisi Corrado , Rousseau Vanessa , Thalamas Claire , Barbosa Raquel , Ory-Magne Fabienne , Brefel-Courbon Christine , Rascol Olivier , de Barros Amaury , Harroch Estelle , Zibetti Maurizio , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Romagnolo Alberto , Imbalzano Gabriele , Lopiano Leonardo , Houeto Jean Luc , Fabbri Margherita
Published: January 2025

Background

Freezing of gait (FoG) is a debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) with limited response to dopaminergic medication and subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). Substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) stimulation could improve FoG.

Objective

To analyze the effect of combined STN-SNr stimulation at different frequencies on FoG.

Methods

We performed a double-blind, cross-over, randomized pilot trial involving STN-DBS treated PD patients with FoG. Participants received: high-frequency (HF) STN-DBS (S), combined HF-STN and SNr stimulation (C1), and combined HF-STN and low-frequency (LF) SNr stimulation (C2), for one month each. The primary endpoint was the score change in the New-Freezing-of-Gait-Questionnaire (NFOG-Q). Secondary analyses were performed on motor complications, axial symptoms, daily living activities, psychiatric symptoms, sleep, and patient preference.

Results

Fifteen patients received at least one combined stimulation. No significant difference in NFOG-Q scores was found between S, C1, and C2; one-third of patients showed a clinically significant improvement (≥8 points) with combined stimulations. Motor complications improved significantly with C1 and C2 (C1-S: 3.6 ± 3.8 vs. 4.9 ± 3.8, p = 0.046; C2-S: 2.7 ± 3.1 vs. 4.9 ± 3.8, p = 0.005). 80% of patients preferred the combined STN-SNr stimulation while blinded. All adverse events were manageable.

Conclusions

Our study did not prove a statistically significant improvement in NFOG-Q with STN-SNr stimulation; however, one-third of patients experienced a clinically meaningful FoG improvement, and the majority preferred to maintain STN-SNr stimulation. STN-SNr stimulation was both safe and effective in addressing motor complications and improving sleep quality, highlighting the importance of further exploration into the effects of combined STN-SNr stimulation.
Association between bacterial presence in urinalysis and hypertension during pregnancy in women at Margono Hospital, Purwokerto: A single-center study in Indonesia
Authors: Marlina Dina , Utomo Aditya , Adinda Adriansyah Putri Nadhira , Sumawan Herman , Handono Budi , Aziz Muhammad Alamsyah
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Urinary tract infections are prevalent among pregnant women and can lead to serious maternal and neonatal complications. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, a leading cause of maternal morbidity, may be associated with urinary tract infections. This study investigates whether bacteriuria detected via routine urinalysis, a standard screening in Indonesia, contributes to hypertension risk during pregnancy, aiming to enhance clinical management and screening protocols.

Aim of Study:

To evaluate the association between bacteriuria detected through routine urinalysis and hypertension during pregnancy in women at Margono Hospital, Purwokerto.

Methods:

This study was conducted at Margono Hospital, Indonesia; the study included all pregnant women who delivered in 2022–2023, applying specific exclusion criteria. Urine samples were analyzed for bacteriuria, and statistical analysis determined the prevalence ratio and odds ratio for the correlation of bacteriuria and risk of hypertension.

Results:

Hypertension prevalence was 1.52 times higher in patients with bacteriuria. The odds ratio was 1.379 (confidence intervals: 0.751–2.532) with a statistically significant p-value of <0.003. These findings indicate a significant association ( p < 0.05) between positive bacteriuria and increased risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.

Conclusion:

This study highlights a significant association between bacteriuria and hypertension in pregnancy, including severe complications like impending eclampsia. Pregnant women with urinary tract infections should be closely monitored for preeclampsia. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms linking urinary tract infections and hypertension during pregnancy.
Implications of Diminishing Lifespan Marginal Utility for Valuing Equity in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Braithwaite R. Scott
Published: January 2025

Introduction. Diminishing marginal lifespan utility (DMLU) implies that a particular lifespan increment (e.g., 1 life-year) confers lesser marginal utility if added to longer lifespans (e.g., 90 y to 91 y) than to shorter lifespans (e.g., 60 y to 61 y) if quality of life is unchanged. Because DMLU is difficult to disambiguate from discounting, risk attitude, and other elements of utility “curvature,” it is poorly characterized. However, the imperative to consider equity in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) renders its characterization more important. Methods. I add certainty to the characterization of DMLU through literature review and illustrative example. The literature review synthesizes stated preference studies of utility curvature that exclude risk or probability. The example compares alternative valuations of approaches to reduce inequality in cystic fibrosis outcomes between US centers serving mostly White patients and centers serving mostly non-Black Hispanic patients, with versus without DMLU. Results. The existence of DMLU is likely, and empirical data support its relevance over typical CEA time horizons. The imperative to consider equity in CEA magnifies the importance of DMLU for several reasons. First, intergenerational CEAs require lower discount rates that are less likely to incidentally absorb DMLU. Second, DMLU is incompatible with the use of absolute measures of inequality aversion. Third, DMLU may bias the interpretation of relative measures of inequality aversion toward prioritarianism. Finally, not considering DMLU implicitly biases life-year–based metrics against equity. Conclusion. DMLU is likely to exist, can benefit from additional characterization, and may merit inclusion in CEA alongside discounting. Omitting consideration of DMLU will sometimes confer an antiequity bias and may affect the interpretation of CEAs incorporating inequality aversion.

Highlights

Diminishing marginal lifespan utility (DMLU) means that the value of extending lifespan may differ based on the duration of life already lived. DMLU is not typically considered in cost-effectiveness analyses. Not considering DMLU may bias cost-effectiveness analyses against equity. Not considering DMLU may reduce the accuracy of distributive cost-effectiveness analyses and other approaches to consider equity along with efficiency.
Optimizing Masks and Random Screening Test Usage within K-12 Schools
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Mayorga Maria E. , Ivy Julie S. , Swann Julie L.
Published: January 2025

Background. COVID-19 tremendously disrupted the global health system. People of all ages were at risk of becoming infected. Frequent school closures raised concerns about both the physical and mental health of school-age children. Many studies discussed the effectiveness of various interventions, while few focused on optimizing such interventions. Methods. This study aimed to optimize the usage of random screening tests and masking requirements within K-12 schools. We simulated the disease transmission within a school setting and sought to find the most efficient schedules for schools to arrange their weekly screening tests and mask mandates. The goal was to minimize the number of the end-of-semester infections as well as to use the minimum number of resources. We applied the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm, NSGA-II, to solve this multiobjective optimization problem. We also compared results when polymerase chain reaction (PCR) versus rapid antigen tests were used. Results. The NSGA successfully found Pareto solutions when optimizing the end-of-semester infections, the total number of tests, and the total number of weeks masking. The screening tests and masks can serve as alternatives to one another when prioritizing minimizing the number of infections. In addition, due to the faster return of testing results and lower accuracy, the rapid antigen tests had a similar effect as PCR tests. Conclusion. Our study provides policy makers in K-12 schools with valuable insights. The conclusions derived from this research can serve as a solid foundation for making informative decisions regarding random screening tests and universal masking policies.

Highlights

Our simulation optimization framework was used to design weekly schedules for random screening tests and masking within K-12 schools to mitigate COVID-19 infections. We considered multiple objectives and applied the NSGA-II algorithm to find a Pareto solution set. Based on local context and preferences, decision makers can trade off testing and masking to achieve a similar number of end-of-semester infections. When a few weeks of masks are mandated, it is best to use them at the beginning of a semester.
iMulch: an investigation of the influence of polymers on a terrestrial ecosystem using the example of mulch films used in agriculture
Authors: Wolf Carmen , Wenzel Mike , Fischer Björn , Bertling Ralf , Jelen Erich , Hennecke Dieter , Weinfurtner Karlheinz , Roß-Nickoll Martina , Hollert Henner , Weltmeyer Antonia , Bitter Kristina , Ruiz Pauline , Banduka Dusica , Tuerk Jochen , Blank Lars M.
Published: January 2025

Background

This article provides an overview of the iMulch joint project, which analysed the use of polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable mulch films made of a polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) on agricultural land as a source of microplastic. The development of a detection methodology using Raman spectroscopy and thermo-extraction desorption gas chromatography mass–spectrometry (TED-GC–MS), the adsorption behaviour, ageing in drainage water and soil, their transport behaviour in lysimeters, ecotoxicity, uptake in plants, a life cycle assessment (LCA) and upcycling were considered.

Results

The PE film tested showed hardly any degradation or fragmentation during the ageing tests. The biodegradable films showed incipient degradation after 8 weeks in drainage water and initial degradation after 12 weeks in soil ageing experiments. Additionally no degradation could be detected in the lysimeter test within the 24 months analysed. The biodegradable films could be metabolized in laboratory tests with some microorganisms present in the soil. This indicates that these films can be degraded in the environment if the conditions for degradation are optimal. No microorganisms or fungi that could degrade the PE film within a respective period of time were detected in the soil. Adsorption of the tested substances was not observed. Incorporated in soil, mulch film microplastic showed retention of extractable pesticides. In the ecotoxicological tests, both film types showed no acute toxic effects in the earthworm Eisenia fetida and the springtail Folsomia candida. Endocrine activity was observed in eluate samples from both films. However, aged films showed fewer effects than non-aged films.

Conclusion

Both types of film show no transport or degradation in the tests under real conditions, which means that they remain in the upper soil layer, where they are available to soil organisms and can lead to high concentrations in the future. As the biodegradable film could be degraded, at least under ideal conditions, we recommend its use. However, proof of degradation must first be verified under real field conditions. In addition, we recommend the use of thicker conventional mulch films to minimize the emission of plastic particles. For this purpose, a minimum lower limit for the material thickness should be defined.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the relationship between personality traits, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life among nursing students
Authors: El-Etreby Rania Rabie , AbdElhay Eman Sameh , Kamel Nesma Ahmed , Hamed Samia Gamal Awad , Hamed Warda Elshahat
Published: January 2025

Background

Nursing students represent a unique group that faces specific stressors. One of these stressors is social appearance anxiety, which can adversely affect the quality of life. Personality traits are strong predictors of coping with stress and anxiety. This study explored the relationship between personality traits, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life among nursing students.

Methods

The study employed a correlational descriptive cross-sectional research design. One thousand twenty-one students from the bachelor program’s first, second, third, and fourth years participated in the study. The data was collected over three months from June to August 2024 by using four tools: the student's academic and socio-demographic profile, Novo Psych Five Factor Personality Scale (NFFPS-30), Social anxiety about appearance Scale (SAAS)., and The WHO Quality of Life Scale-Brief (WHOQOL-Brief).

Results

The personality trait with the highest mean score is agreeableness (21.0 ±2.8), while neuroticism has the lowest mean score (18.4 ±4.3). (SAAS) results show that the majority of students (79.5%) experience low social anxiety levels. Additionally, (WHOQOL-Brief), general health, and social domains had the highest mean scores (58.2 and 53.2), compared to the physical domain, which scored the lowest at (40.6).

Conclusion

The study concluded that all personality traits correlate significantly negatively with SAAS except neuroticism. QOL was positively correlated with all personality traits except neuroticism. SAAS and neuroticism traits of personality are strong negative predictors of QOL. Further research and interventional programs are necessary to detect students’ level of anxiety and their personality traits and improve their social appearance anxiety.
Billing models for measuring nursing care in inpatient and outpatient settings: a scoping review
Authors: Di Nitto Marco , Napolitano Francesca , Calzolari Michela , Longobucco Yari , Masotta Vittorio , Zaghini Francesco , Alvaro Rosaria , Cicolini Giancarlo , Lancia Loreto , Manara Duilio Fiorenzo , Rasero Laura , Rocco Gennaro , Zega Maurizio , Mazzoleni Beatrice , Sasso Loredana , Bagnasco Annamaria
Published: January 2025

Background

The rising cost of healthcare is a concerning issue for healthcare systems. The Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) system lacks direct consideration for costs related to nursing care. Therefore, to date there is no clear picture of billing models that consider also nursing activity when evaluating healthcare service costs or what factors related to nursing care affect the costs of healthcare services and would therefore need to be considered in billing models.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted. We searched articles published from January 2000 to September 2023, in English, Italian and Spanish. We consulted MEDLINE (Pubmed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science (Clarivate), SCOPUS (Elsevier), ProQuest and Google Scholar, government sites and major international bodies (e.g., National Health Service NHS, World Health Organization WHO).

Results

We included a total of 31 studies. The results highlighted 3 categories of factors related to nursing costs, which involve the organisation (e.g., nurse-to-patient ratio), nurses (e.g., skill mix, interventions), and patients (e.g., patient complexity, patient outcomes). All the billing models reported in the literature considered one or more of these categories to estimate nursing costs. The results also showed that appropriate management of organisational and nursing factors, such as staffing and skill mix, could improve healthcare service costs, nursing care or practice, and patient outcomes.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the multifaceted aspects of nursing care that should be considered in a specific, comprehensive, billing model. Additional testing of existing models to verify their effectiveness, as well as the organisation of a permanent committee (or Task Force) that develops a comprehensive billing model, are necessary to guide the formulation of new policies.
Evaluation of a modified venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) protocol for estimation of venous congestion: a cohort study
Authors: Martin Katharine C. , Gill Edward A. , Douglas Ivor J. , Longino August A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Understanding venous congestion is critical to the management of many illnesses, but assessing volume status can be challenging. The current gold standard for volume status assessment of right heart catheterization (RHC) is invasive, costly, and often unavailable. Venous Excess Ultrasound Score (VExUS) is a novel ultrasound protocol for to assessment of venous congestion using the inferior vena cava, hepatic, portal and renal veins. Though there is a much interest in the technique, the renal component of the exam is challenging to acquire. For this reason we aimed to see if a modified VExUS (mVExUS) excluding the kidney component performs similarly to traditional VExUS (tVExUS) for detecting elevated right atrial pressure (RAP) as measured by RHC.

Methods

A consecutive cohort of 95 patients undergoing RHC had VExUS exams before the procedure. Researchers compared the performance of tVExUS, mVExUS, and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter in predicting RAP > 12 mmHg.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) for detecting elevated RAP was similar for tVExUS (0.87) and mVExUS (0.85). Both methods achieved high sensitivity and specificity. Agreement between tVExUS and mVExUS scores was near-perfect (Cohen's Kappa = 0.85).

Conclusion

mVExUS may be as effective as tVExUS in identifying elevated RAP. This abbreviated version could improve efficiency and adoption of VExUS for assessing venous congestion. Further studies are needed in diverse patient populations.
Xylaria iriomotensis sp. nov. from termite nests and notes on X. angulosa
Authors: Okane Izumi , Hsieh Huei-Mei , Ju Yu-Ming , Lin Chun-Ru , Huang Chun-Yun , Kuan I-Ching
Published: January 2025

Background

Fungus gardens of the termite Odontotermes formosanus, excavated from Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, were subsequently incubated under laboratory conditions. A Xylaria species emerging from these fungus gardens was initially identified as X. angulosa, a species originally described from North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Iriomote fungus is now described as a distinct species, X. iriomotensis.

Results

Xylaria iriomotensis is peculiar in producing the teleomorph in culture but lacking an anamorph. Cultures of X. angulosa were obtained from two Taiwan specimens, which agree with the holotype from BO and the isotypes from NY and WSP in their stromata being repeatedly dichotomously branched and possessing a black core. In contrast to X. iriomotensis, X. angulosa does not form the teleomorph in culture but a typical Xylaria anamorph with conidiophores densely arranged in palisades. The ITS sequence obtained from the WSP isotype shared high similarities with those two Taiwan specimens as well as an Indian specimen, reconfirming the latter three specimens as X. angulosa. These four specimens shared 98.28–99.66% similarities at ITS sequences among themselves but only 84.25–85.01% similarities with X. iriomotensis. Molecular phylogenetic studies based on sequences of multiple protein-coding loci indicate that, while X. iriomotensis is grouped with three soil-dwelling species of the X. guepini cluster, X. angulosa belongs to the X. nigripes cluster, which includes all known species capable of producing massive sclerotia.

Conclusion

Xylaria iriomotensis has the teleomorph known only in culture, remaining to be rediscovered in its natural habitat where the stromatal morphology may be somewhat varied. The geographic distribution of X. angulosa, previously known only in Indonesia, has been expanded to Taiwan and India. Xylaria angulosa grouping with the X. nigripes cluster in our phylogenetic analyses indicates its potential to form massive sclerotia within termite nests.
Use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and risk of multiple myeloma in US Veterans with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tokareva Kate , Peterson Alexander C. , Baraff Aaron , Chung Sarah P. , Barton Jennifer , Baker Joshua F. , England Bryant R. , Mikuls Ted R. , Smith Nicholas L. , Coffey David G. , Weiss Noel S. , Singh Namrata
Published: January 2025

Background

Biologic (b) and targeted synthetic (ts) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) target inflammatory pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). It is unknown whether use of b/tsDMARDs affects the incidence of MM.

Methods

In this cohort study using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data, we identified Veterans newly diagnosed with RA from 1/1/2002 to 12/31/2018 using diagnostic codes and medication fills. DMARD exposure was categorized as follows: conventional synthetic (cs)DMARDs; bDMARDs, which included tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), non-TNFi; and a tsDMARD, tofacitinib. A Cox proportional hazards model with time-varying exposure was used to estimate the hazard ratio for developing MM among those who received b/tsDMARD medications relative to b/tsDMARD-naïve persons.

Results

27,540 veterans with RA met eligibility criteria of whom 8322 (30%) took a b/tsDMARD during follow-up. There were 77 incident cases of MM over 192,000 person-years of follow-up. The age-adjusted incidence rate (IR) of MM among b/tsDMARD-naïve patients was 0.37 (95% CI 0.28–0.49) per 1000 person-years and 0.42 among current or former b/tsDMARD users (95% CI 0.25–0.65). Adjusting for age and other demographic characteristics, the hazard ratio for MM associated with use of b/tsDMARDs was 1.32 (95% CI 0.78, 2.26).

Conclusion

In this study of Veterans with RA, the rate of MM did not differ between b/tsDMARD and csDMARD users. The relatively short duration of follow-up and few events limited our power to detect treatment-related differences in MM risk.
Validation of predictive equations for aerobic fitness in young healthy male students of the University of Ibadan
Authors: Oduyomi Johnson Babajide , Fasanmade Adesoji
Published: January 2025

Background

Maximum oxygen consumption is a measure of an individual’s cardiorespiratory fitness which is a singular predictor of an array of diseases. Several exercise and non-exercise assessments are frequently compared to know which method(s) provide the most accurate estimation of aerobic capacity due to difficulties in using the direct method. There is a need to know if an estimation method is the right fit for a population without huge overestimation or underestimation due to ethnical variation. This study was undertaken to assess the estimations of the cardiorespiratory fitness of healthy African males by the submaximal exercise-based and the non-exercise-based equations in undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Results

VO2 was significantly higher in the undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan in all the equations used (44.38 ± 39.07, 62.46 ± 27.61, 44.38 ± 39.07, 62.46 ± 27.61, 46.37 ± 3.31, 46.16 ± 3.64, 47.08 ± 3.19). The two submaximal exercises compared using the Bland–Altman Plot showed a high degree of agreement, further linear regression performed showed no proportional bias on the distribution of data around the mean difference line (p > 0.05). Cross-validation using the Bland–Altman plot and linear regression for the five non–exercise predicted equations with the YMCA submaximal exercise test and Bruce submaximal exercise test all showed a significance difference of (P < 0.05) showed that data from all the methods provided proportional bias on the distribution of data around the mean difference line.

Conclusion

This study asserts that caution should be taken when using a non-exercise equation to predict VO2 in the African population. It is therefore recommended to carry out various assessment methods of VO2 estimation in a wider population using various protocols, and also develop a predictive equation for VO2 specific to the African population.
Automating skin cancer screening: a deep learning
Authors: Rashad Nada M. , Abdelnapi Noha MM. , Seddik Ahmed F. , Sayedelahl M. A.
Published: January 2025

Skin cancer presents in various forms, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma. Established risk factors include ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from solar or artificial sources, lighter skin pigmentation, a history of sunburns, and a family history of the disease. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial for achieving a favorable prognosis. Traditionally, treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have revolutionized skin cancer diagnosis, but manual identification remains time-consuming. Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown potential in skin cancer classification, leading to automated screening methods. To support dermatologists, we improved the model for classifying images. This model is able to recognize seven different kinds of skin lesions. On the ISIC dataset, an analysis has been done. This study offers a novel approach to early skin cancer diagnosis based on image processing. Our approach leverages the high accuracy of a specific convolutional neural network architecture, utilizing transfer learning with pre-trained data to further enhance detection performance. Our findings demonstrate that the employed ResNet-50 transfer learning model achieves a remarkable accuracy of 97%, while ResNet50 without augmentation gives an accuracy of 81.57% and an F1-score of 75.75%.
Examining the association between maternal prenatal psychiatric disorders and behavioural problems among offspring in early childhood: population-based study
Authors: Braddon Amy , Alati Rosa , Betts Kim S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Exposure to maternal mental illness during foetal development may lead to altered development, resulting in permanent changes in offspring functioning.

Aims

To assess whether there is an association between prenatal maternal psychiatric disorders and offspring behavioural problems in early childhood, using linked health administrative data and the Australian Early Development Census from New South Wales, Australia.

Method

The sample included all mother–child pairs of children who commenced full-time school in 2009 in New South Wales, and met the inclusion criteria (N = 69 165). Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed unadjusted associations between categories of maternal prenatal psychiatric disorders with indicators of offspring behavioural problems. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted the associations of interest for psychiatric categories and a priori selected covariates. Sensitivity analyses included adjusting the final model for primary psychiatric diagnoses and assessing association of interest for effect modification by child's biological gender.

Results

Children exposed in the prenatal period to maternal psychiatric disorders had greater odds of being developmentally vulnerable in their first year of school. Children exposed to maternal anxiety disorders prenatally had the greatest odds for behavioural problems (adjusted odds ratio 1.98; 95% CI 1.43–2.69). A statistically significant interaction was found between child biological gender and prenatal hospital admissions for substance use disorders, for emotional subdomains, aggression and hyperactivity/inattention.

Conclusions

Children exposed to prenatal maternal mental illness had greater odds for behavioural problems, independent of postnatal exposure. Those exposed to prenatal maternal anxiety were at greatest risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for, and support of, families with mental illness.
Effect of volume fractional change of nanoparticles on surface plasmon polariton
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Usman Muhammad , Kanjariya Prakash , Rajiv Asha , Shankhyan Aman , Jaidka Sachin , Acharyulu A.S. Madhusadan
Published: January 2025

The dispersion relation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is investigated as a function of the volume fraction of silver nanoparticles at the interface between nanocomposite and atomic media. The increase in silver nanoparticle content significantly influences SPP propagation, which is crucial for advancing plasmonic technologies. As the volume fraction of silver nanoparticles increases from 0\% to 60\%, the real part of the SPP wave vector rises from \(2.5k_0\) to \(5.5k_0\), and the SPP wavelength decreases from \(\lambda_{sp} = 0.7\lambda\) to \(\lambda_{sp} = 0.3\lambda\). This also modifies the propagation length from \(40\lambda\) to \(20\lambda\) and reduces the penetration depth in the nanocomposite from 0.125 nm to 0.005 nm.
The WIRS motifs in Fat2 are required for Drosophila egg chamber rotation but not for elongation
Authors: Bhatt Akanksha , Ruffine Valentin , Töpfer Uwe , Ryu Jinhee , Fischer-Friedrich Elisabeth , Dahmann Christian
Published: January 2025

The elongation of tissues and organs is important for proper morphogenesis in animal development. In Drosophila ovaries, the elongation of egg chambers involves aligned Collagen IV fiber-like structures, a gradient of extracellular matrix stiffness and actin-based protrusion-driven collective cell migration, leading to the rotation of the egg chamber. Egg chamber elongation and rotation depend on the atypical cadherin Fat2. Fat2 contains in its intracellular region three WRC interacting receptor sequence (WIRS) motifs, which previously had been shown to bind to the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC), a conserved actin regulator. Here, we show that in fat2 mutant flies lacking the WIRS motifs, egg chambers fail to rotate and Collagen IV fiber-like structures are impaired, yet a gradient of extracellular matrix stiffness is established and egg chambers properly elongate. We conclude that the WIRS motifs are required for egg chamber rotation and that egg chamber rotation might be a prerequisite for proper formation of Collagen IV fiber-like structures. Egg chamber rotation, however, is dispensable for extracellular matrix stiffness gradient formation and for egg chamber elongation.
A Foundational Study on Restore and Evaluation of Decay Resistance of
Myeong Yu(-oil), Traditional Coating Agent for Architectural Cultural Heritage
Authors: Kim Geon Hwa , Lee Tae Jong , Han Kyeong Soon
Published: January 2025

No accurate records are currently available on the materials or manufacturing methods of traditional myeong yu, inducing research efforts for its recreation based on historical documents. However, further study of the recreated myeong yu is required because there is limited information on its performance and the original materials are no longer in use. Herein, myeong yu was recreated based on documented manufacturing methods, and the factors affecting its performance were analyzed via weather resistance testing. To recreate myeong yu, 24 samples with different combinations of the primary materials(i.e., perilla oil, huangdan, pyrolusitum, and alum) were produced and thephysicalpropertiesofthesamples were assessed based on their viscosity. The suitability of myeong yu as a surface finishing agent was evaluated by using it to prepare mock specimens and subjecting them to weathering tests . Optical analysis, color difference measurements, and contact angle testing were conducted to assess the changes in the samples before and after the weathering tests. Two samples (T11 and T12) comprising lead-based pigments and pyrolusitum as drying accelerants demonstrated low viscosity and effectively formed protectivelayers on dancheong(a traditional decorative painting). Although the prepared specimens exhibited photodegradation-related discoloration due to ultraviolet exposure after the weathering tests, they exhibited stable moisture resistance and durability, indicating the potential of the samples as surface finishing agents for architectural cultural heritage preservation.
Application of Climate Data Analysis to Customizing Climate Control Standards for Sustainable Collection Management
Authors: Kim Seojin , Ankersmit Bart , Stappers Marc H. L.
Published: January 2025

In this study, climate data analysis was conducted at two Korean museums to demonstrate its benefits for developing customized climate control standards to preserve artifacts in a sustainable manner. Case studies were conducted at Taean National Maritime Museum and Jungwon National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage where monitoring data were collected over a 7-month period. The results showed that display cases greatly mitigated the risks associated with mold and mechanical deformation: they maintained a consistent relative humidity of 50%–60% while the galleries had a much wider variance of 35%–85%. At Taean National Maritime Museum, the microclimates within the display cases deviated from the climate control standards for the galleries despite artifacts remaining undamaged, which indicates that the standards may need to be reassessed for sustainable collection management. At Jungwon National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, plastic bags were shown to be an effective strategy for preserving metal artifacts by maintaining the relative humidity below 20% and preventing corrosion. These findings emphasize the need for adopting climate control standards to match the specific context of each museum and demonstrate how a comprehensive climate data analysis can facilitate sustainable collection management for long-term preservation of artifacts.