bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of 18F Labelled PSMA PET/CT Imaging in Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer after Curative Therapy
Authors: Omar Toqa Elsayed Mohamed , Shalaby Menatallah Hatem , Mosaad Bassant Mohamed Raief
Published: November 2024

Background

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer related mortality among men worldwide. Curatively intended treatment is directed for localized disease in form of radical prostatectomy and/or radiation therapy, However biochemical recurrence is encountered in about 15 to 53 % of treated patients within 10 years. Early detection of recurrence is crucial for directing curative salvage therapy.

Aim of the Work

Aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-PSMA PET/CT imaging in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, hormonal therapy and/or external beam.

Patients and Methods

This study is an exploratory cross-sectional study conducted at radiology department at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Our study included twenty six of previously treated prostate cancer patients referred with rising PSA level. The main source of data was the prospectively conducted 18 F PSMA PET/CT scans and clinical history of the patients referred to the nuclear imaging unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals for evaluation of possibility of disease recurrence.

Results

Twenty (76.9%) out of twenty six of included patients showed positive scan with at least one lesion suggestive of recurrent prostate carcinoma detected on 18F. PSMA-PET/CT with no positive scans detected at PSA level > 0.2 ng/ml. Participants were divided into three groups based on their PSA level distribution by the 25th and 75th percentiles. The first group included 6 patients representing the first quartile representing the bottom 25% of patients till the 25th percentile with PSA level >0.2). The second group included 14 patients representing the middle 50% with PSA level ranging from 0.2 to 4.5. The third group included 6 patients representing the top 25% from the 75th percentile with PSA level ≥ 4.5. There was a statistically significant very strong positive correlation between PSA level and number of recurrences in local region, regional Lymph nodes, distant Lymph nodes and viscera with p value (<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between PSA level and recurrence in Osseous regions with p vale (>0.05)

Conclusion

Our results confirmed the efficiency of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in detecting biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer at different PSA levels. The likelihood of a pathogenic 18F-PSMA PET/CT appears to be higher in patients with higher PSA levels, however the detection rate is still higher than other methods in patients at low PSA levels.
Serum and Synovial Level of IL-17 in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis and its Relation to Disease Severity
Authors: Nada Sara Shokry , Nassar Nagwa M M , El-Nasser Abd El-Aziez Ola Abd , Al-Zifzaf Dina Shawky
Published: November 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis in adults associated with high socioeconomic burden and is a major cause of disability in elderly, it should be considered a syndrome rather than a single disease in which structural changes of hyaline articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, capsule, synovium, muscles, and periarticular changes are involved. The knee is the most commonly affected joint.

Objective

To measure serum and synovial level of interleukin 17 in patients with primary knee OA and correlate its level with functional status and disease severity.

Patients and Methods

This study included twenty adult patients diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis according to EULAR evidences based criteria for knee osteoarthritis diagnosis, aged from 55 to 80 years. The patients were recruited from Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department of Ain Shams University Hospitals, and twenty apparently healthy age and sex matched subjects as a control group, the study was conducted from June 2021 to December 2021.

Results

In our study we correlate IL-17 levels in serum and synovial fluid with disease severity and functional status of the patients based on clinical examination, radiological investigations (using K/L scale) and VAS & WOMAC scoring system.

Conclusion

IL-17 levels in serum and synovial fluid may predict functional status and degree of progression of an osteoarthritic patient. This may open a window of opportunity for early intervention with IL-17 antagonists for prevention of joint destruction.

Recommendations

Further studies with higher numbers of knee osteoarthritic patients are recommended to detect IL-17 role in osteoarthritis and verify our results.
Effect of SARS CoV-2 Infection among Potential Liver Transplant Recipients and Living Donors on the Outcome of Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Elghany Amira Ahmed Abd , Massoud Yasmine Mahmoud , Bahaa El-Din Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed , Ebada Hend El Saied
Published: November 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. Liver transplantation has faced unique challenges due to COVID-19 all over the world. There is a scarce data on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in candidates awaiting liver transplantation or potential donors who proved to have SARS CoV-2 infection based on clinical and/or positive RT- PCR test and/or radiological data.

Objective

To describe the effect of preoperative SARS-CoV 2infection in potential candidates and living donors on the outcome of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Patients and Methods

Combined retrospective and prospective pilot cohort study carried out at Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation (ASCOT). 74 LDLT recipients & their donors were included, who underwent LDLT operation during the interval between January 2020 and august 2022. were classified into two groups: Group A: included candidate recipients and/or living donor who had preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and Group B (control group): included candidate recipients and/or living donor who didn't have preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. The two groups were followed post LDLT for a minimum duration of 6 months and maximum duration of 2.5 years. Their data were analysed and compared.

Results

Among the 74 LDLT recipients, 10 recipients (13.5%) & 8 donors (10.8%) had confirmed preoperative SARS-COV2. The mean age of the recipients was 46.90 ± 14.15 years old with male prevalence, and the majority had mild respiratory symptoms of preoperative COVID-19. Two patients have specific treatment for COVID-19 with remdesivir or steroid therapy and supplemental oxygen and 8 patients received only symptomatic treatment. The median time between SARS Cov2 infection and LT in our series was 6.5 months. there was no significant difference between candidates/recipients who had preoperative COVID-19 (group-a) and those who hadn’t (group-b), regarding the preoperative, operative and postoperative characteristics apart from significantly shorter duration of operation and higher incidence of early postoperative desaturation in ICU in (group a, 20% vs 1.6% in group b patients, p: 0.006) Table (1). The mean age of the living donors of group a was 30.25 ± 7.07, all had mild preoperative COVID 19 disease which didn’t affect significantly their operative and postoperative course Table (2).

Conclusion

Mild preoperative COVID-19 disease didn’t affect significantly the postoperative course of recipients for LDLT. Donors with completely resolved mild preoperative COVID-19 disease can safely donate for LDLT.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus Coinfection in Egyptian COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Barakat Eman F , Sherief Ahmed F , El-Shiekh Nesma G , El-Metwaly Khalifa Mai Mohi M
Published: November 2024

Background

Reactivation of herpesviruses such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in COVID-19 patients reported in many studies in different countries during the pandemic. We aimed to measure prevalence of this coinfection in Egyptian COVID-19 patients with elevated liver enzymes and its relation to the severity and the outcome of COVID-19 infection in those patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 110 COVID-19 patients with elevated liver enzymes regardless the severity of COVID-19 disease. All patients were subjected to medical history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, high-resolution computed tomography chest (HRCT chest). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were determined by VCA IgM and CMV IgM respectively by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa).

Results

Of the included 110 patients with COVID-19 illness, 5 (4.5%) were Epstein-Barr virus seropositive and 5 (4.5%) were Human cytomegalovirus seropositive. Regarding the symptoms, the incidence of fever in the EBV & CMV seropositive group was apparently higher than that in the EBV & CMV seronegative group. In lab tests, the platelets and albumin of EBV & CMV seropositive group decreased more significantly than EBV & HCMV seronegative group, and serum ferritin, D-dimer and c-reactive protein show higher values in seropositive group than in seronegative group but not statistically significant. Seropositive group had received higher doses of steroids than seronegative group. The median of hospital stay in seropositive group was (15 days) nearly double that of seronegative group with statistically significant difference between both groups.

Conclusion

Coinfection of EBV and CMV in COVID-19 Egyptian has no effect on the disease severity or the clinical outcome of the disease. But Those patients had higher hospital stay duration.
Comparative Study between Holmium Laser and Cold Knife in Optical Internal Urethrotomy for the Management of Anterior Urethral Stricture
Authors: Abuelnaga Mohamed , Saad Abdelmageed , Elzayat Tarek
Published: November 2024

Background

Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra due to many causes including, trauma, ischaemia, spongiofibrosis, inflammation, and sexually transmitted gonococcal infections, resulting in tissue scaring in the corpus spongiosum, It can occur at any point on the male urethra. Regarding urethral stricture management, many researchers and surgeons have proposed and evaluated several methods, including urethral dilation, direct vision internal urethrotomy, laser urethrotomy and urethroplasty.

Aim

to compare the outcomes of Holmium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) laser urethrotomy with the conventional cold-knife technique as regards treatment outcome, efficacy and complications in cases of urethral stricture disease.

Methods

This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted at Ain Shams University hospitals and Nile hospital for insurance. This study was conducted on 30 male patients with urethral stricture assigned into two equal groups; Group A: received urethrotomy with conventional cold knife. Group B received urethrotomy with Holmium: YAG laser.

Results

Holmium Laser modality was associated with significantly lower postoperative postvoid residual urine volume and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 1 & 3 months postoperative and shorter operative time but there was insignificant difference as regards peak flow rate(PFR). Complications in both procedures were minor and infrequent

Conclusion

Holmium Laser and cold knife internal urethrotomy are effective surgical options for the treatment of anterior urethral stricture with a promising outcome after 3- months follow-up with a better success rate using the Holmium laser. Both are easy to perform, minimal invasive and safe
The Effect of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate while Preserving Urethral Mucosa at the Prostatic Apex on Retrograde Ejaculation and Postoperative Urine Continence in Patients with BPH
Authors: Ismaiel Abdelrhman Mohamed , Mohamed Ahmed , Abdallah Tawfeek , Maher Ahmed , Ahmed Gamil , Esmat Mohamed , Ghareeb Abo
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of transurethral resection of the prostate while preserving Urethral Mucosa at the Prostatic Apex on retrograde ejaculation and postoperative urine continence in patients with BPH after surgery.

Patients and Methods

A total of 106 participants were enrolled in the study, after obtaining informed consent, patients were randomized into 2 groups with a 1:1 ratio using sealed envelopes that was prepared by the department’s ethical committee, each group with 53 cases. group 1 represent traditional TURP, while group 2 represents TURP with preserved urethral mucosa at the prostatic apex.

Results

there was no statistically significant difference between control and observation group regarding age and pre-operative IPSS, Q-max, PVRU, prostate size and ejaculation also There was no statistically significant difference between control and observation group regarding post- operative IPSS, Q-max, PVRU, but shows that there is a statistically significant difference between control and observation group regarding the post operative ejaculation with 83% of EP-TURP patients maintained normal ejaculation post-operatively versus only 19% with traditional TURP (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between control and observation group regarding early post-operative continence, EP-TURP also resulted in significantly better urinary continence outcomes (94.3% vs 79.2%, p = 0.022)

Conclusion

Our randomized study demonstrated that ejaculation-preserving transurethral resection of the prostate (EP-TURP) preserving antegrade ejaculation and reducing urinary incontinence in early post operative, also reducing bladder outlet symptoms like dysuria, urgency and frequency with no difference in post operative IPSS, Q max and PVRU
Assessment of Maximum Extension Reservoir of Lumbar Spine using Fulcrum Hyperextension Radiographs in Severe Sagittal Spinal Malalignment
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Park Jin-Sung , Kang Dong-Ho , Kang Minwook , Jung Kyunghun , Kim Hyun-Jun , Lee Chong-Suh
Published: November 2024

Study design.

Retrospective study

Objectives.

To report on the usefulness of fulcrum hyperextension radiograph to assess the maximum extension reservoir (MER) of lumbar spines in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary of background data.

The maximum degree of lumbar lordosis (LL) by lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) will be affected by the MER, which is determined by combination of severity and flexibility of kyphotic deformities of lumbar spine. Although LLIF and anterior column realignment (ACR) are used to treat severe sagittal spinal malalignments, no clear guidelines exist regarding LLIF alone versus ACR.

Methods.

We included patients with severe sagittal malalignment undergoing ≥5-level fusion including the sacrum for ASD. The patients were divided into two groups according to performance of ACR: LLIF group (LLIF alone) and ACR group. Preoperative LL was compared according to patient’s positions; standing, active extension, supine, and fulcrum hyperextension. The offsets between postoperative and preoperative fulcrum hyperextension LL were calculated and compared between the groups.

Results.

Altogether, 161 patients were included in the study (mean age, 70.2 y; total levels fused, 7.3). Preoperative LL was significantly greatest in fulcrum hyperextension, followed by supine, active extension, and standing positions (37.2°, 26.5°, 23.8°, and 11.7°, respectively, P<0.001). The offsets between postoperative and preoperative fulcrum LL were significantly different between the LLIF and ACR groups (-0.7° vs. 17.8°, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis using patients with an LL offset>0° revealed that the mean LL offsets were 7.6° and 19.4° in the LLIF and ACR groups, respectively.

Conclusions.

Fulcrum hyperextension radiographs best represented the MER. Therefore, it can be used to predict the maximum LL by LLIF alone, which can be estimated as fulcrum hyperextension LL + 7.6°. This threshold can guide the selection between LLIF alone and ACR in deformity correction using the lateral approach.
Hair Stylists Against Skin Cancer: An Interventional Study
Authors: Moody Rylee , Fritz Mike , Poole Mackenzie , Li Yang , Behshad Ramona
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Scalp skin cancers have delayed detection due to their discreet location. Hairstylists are uniquely positioned to alert their clients about possible scalp skin cancers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to educate hairstylists on the basic concepts of skin cancer, increase their confidence in identifying suspicious lesions, and, subsequently, their likelihood of referring to dermatology.

METHODS

Hairstylist students across 7 cities in the Midwest were surveyed before and after an educational lecture.

RESULTS

A total of 242 students across 8 schools participated in the study. Most participants (79.3%) completed both surveys. The mean knowledge score postintervention was significantly higher than preintervention (9.13 vs 7.93; p < .001). Cosmetology students reported significantly increased confidence in identifying suspicious skin lesions, informing clients about suspicious lesions, educating clients about skin cancer prevention, and referring a client to a doctor on seeing a suspicious skin lesion postintervention compared with preintervention (p < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION

The authors' lecture significantly improved hairstylists' knowledge of skin cancer basics and increased their confidence in informing clients about suspicious lesions and the likelihood of referring to a dermatologist.
IgG4-related disease presented with a neck nodule; a case report
Authors: Alghawe Fatima , Kudsi Maysoun , Hassan Lilianne H. , Drie Tasneem , Dumirieh Sumaya
Published: November 2024

Introduction and importance:

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is an infrequent systemic condition that affects males more than females. Fatigue, arthralgia, salivary and lacrimal gland enlargement, symptoms of pancreatitis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and retroperitoneal fibrosis are the frequent manifestations. The spectrum of IgG4-related thyroid disease includes Hashimoto thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, and Riedel thyroiditis.

Case presentation:

We presented a 49‐year‐old male presented with progressive painless swallowing of the neck for a year without any accompanying symptoms.

Conclusion:

Expanding goiter is common, but its severity leads to the rare diagnosis of IgG4-related thyroiditis.
Long-term Morbidity of Traumatic Brain Injury Following Facial Fracture
Authors: Moore Reece A. , Kowalske Benjamin , Lucchesi Beatrice , Pletcher Jocelyn , Sperati Jamie , Ford Ronald , Carlson Anna
Published: November 2024

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is underreported in craniofacial trauma patients, and the long-term morbidity of TBI associated with craniofacial trauma is poorly defined. Current literature is limited in scope to TBI identification in the immediate posttrauma time frame.

Methods:

A retrospective, cohort analysis of adult facial fracture patients presenting from February 2022 to February 2023 was performed. Data were collected for demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, Glasgow Coma Score, admission status, operative intervention, and concomitant injuries. Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire surveys were given for evaluation of TBI symptoms at most recent follow-up. Statistical significance was accepted when the P value was less than 0.05.

Results:

Of 232 facial fracture patients, 82 (35%) completed the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire. The mean age was 49.8 years, and mean follow-up time was 11.6 months (range, 2–22 mo). The rate of all patients with TBI symptoms at follow-up was 32.9%. Mechanism of injury, presence of multiple fractures, Glasgow Coma Score less than 15, concomitant injuries, and admission status were not significant predictors of TBI. Fractures requiring operative intervention had higher rates of TBI compared with nonoperative fractures (47.1% versus 22.9%, P = 0.02). Operative intervention was the only significant predictor of TBI symptoms at the time of follow-up (odds ratio: 6.268; 95% confidence interval: 1.322–29.744; P = 0.021) by multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions:

Craniofacial trauma is associated with persistent TBI symptoms. Surgeons treating this trauma population should screen for TBI to facilitate disease identification and specialty referral.
Decoding the Impact of AI on Microsurgery: Systematic Review and Classification of Six Subdomains for Future Development
Authors: Kapila Ayush K. , Georgiou Letizia , Hamdi Moustapha
Published: November 2024

Background:

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in microsurgery has tremendous potential in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with possibilities to elevate surgical precision, planning, and patient outcomes. This systematic review seeks to summarize available studies on the implementation of AI in microsurgery and classify these into subdomains where AI can revolutionize our field.

Methods:

Adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a meticulous search strategy was used across multiple databases. The inclusion criteria encompassed articles that explicitly discussed AI’s integration in microsurgical practices. Our aim was to analyze and classify these studies across subdomains for future development.

Results:

The search yielded 2377 articles, with 571 abstracts eligible for screening. After shortlisting and reviewing 86 full-text articles, 29 studies met inclusion criteria. Detailed analysis led to the classification of 6 subdomains within AI applications in microsurgery, including information and knowledge delivery, microsurgical skills training, preoperative planning, intraoperative navigational aids and automated surgical tool control, flap monitoring, and postoperative predictive analytics for patient outcomes. Each subtheme showcased the multifaceted impact of AI on enhancing microsurgical procedures, from preoperative planning to postoperative recovery.

Conclusions:

The integration of AI into microsurgery signals a new dawn of surgical innovation, albeit with the caution warranted by its nascent stage and application diversity. The authors present a systematic review and 6 clear subdomains across which AI will likely play a role within microsurgery. Continuous research, ethical diligence, and cross-disciplinary cooperation is necessary for its successful integration within our specialty.
Treatment of Alar Deformity After Cosmetic Surgery
Authors: Ohba Norihiro , Haraoka Goichi , Ohba Mayuko , Takahashi Norio
Published: November 2024

Background:

Nasal alar deformity after cosmetic surgery, including nostril sill notching, alar flattening, and a shallow and indistinct alar-facial crease, commonly results from overresection. We developed revision methods for postoperative alar deformity, and applied them from 2016 to 2022 to the revision of 16 cases, consisting of 1 male and 15 female patients, with a median age of 28.5 years.

Methods:

Auricular cartilage grafting was used as the main technique to improve alar flattening and notching without risking a poor color match as is seen in composite grafting. Notching was also improved by adding an alar lobule island flap if there was usable excess tissue on the lateral side of the ala. Two cinching sutures were used to define the alar-facial crease.

Results:

Median follow-up was 9.25 months (range, 0.5–96 mo). All lobule flaps survived. Cartilage graft infection occurred in 1 case, requiring removal of the graft.

Conclusions:

Alar flattening and other deformities often result from too-aggressive nasal cosmetic surgery. These can be corrected using lobule flaps and auricular cartilage grafts, which, unlike composite grafts, do not undergo degeneration with the associated risk of ischemia or discoloration.
Best Behaviors: Leveraging Neuroscience to Enhance Leadership Skills
Authors: Frisina Michael E.
Published: November 2024

Integrating neuroscience strategies in the creation of leadership development programs can significantly increase their effectiveness. Neuroscience offers insights into how the brain processes information, learns, and adapts, allowing program designers to tailor leadership training to specific individual needs and thereby generate optimal outcomes.

Understanding brain functions related to leadership skills—such as decision-making, emotional regulation, and stress management—is crucial for effective leadership performance. Programs should leverage this knowledge by incorporating activities that stimulate the brain regions responsible for these skills. For instance, interactive and experiential learning can engage the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is essential for executive functions like problem-solving.

Negative stress impacts brain performance in a variety of ways, disrupting leadership performance. Neuroscience confirms that managing stress improves cognitive flexibility and critical thinking abilities. Training that includes mindfulness practices and other stress management techniques can help leaders stay focused and manage their emotions more effectively.

Finally, incorporating social and collaborative learning opportunities aligns with the brain’s social networks, which are essential for leadership development. Peer interactions and mentorship can enhance learning through social feedback and shared experiences. By applying these neuroscience-based strategies, leadership development programs can more effectively foster the cognitive and emotional skills necessary for effective leadership.
Do Physician Assistant Professional Doctorate Missions and Learning Outcomes Align With the Physician Assistant Professional Competencies?
Authors: McQuillan Matthew A. , Asprey David , Brown Darwin , Quincy Brenda , Snyder Jennifer A. , Sivahop Jacqueline
Published: November 2024

Introduction

There are little published data about curricula of physician assistant (PA) postprofessional doctoral programs. This study examined current mission statements and learning outcomes for common and emerging themes aligned with the PA professional competencies.

Methods

This qualitative study examined postprofessional doctoral programs that matriculated PAs as of December 2023. Program web sites were analyzed for mission or purpose statements and learning outcomes. Open coding of the PA professional competencies generated a final code list. Mission and purpose statements and learning outcomes were uploaded into ATLAS.ti and compared with the code list for common and emerging themes. Investigator triangulation confirmed themes.

Results

Twenty-two programs had mission statements on their websites. The most identified competency theme was the development of leadership skills (64%). Sixteen programs had learning outcomes for 30 concentrations. The most common competency themes in the concentrations' learning outcomes included knowledge/evidence (50%), leadership (40%), and communication (37%). Emerging themes comprised engaging in scholarly activity (29%) and performing research (37%).

Discussion

Because leadership was the most common theme in mission or purpose statements and learning outcomes, additional leadership training appears to be an area of focus for postprofessional PA programs. Despite common themes across the programs, there appears to be diversity in the areas of content focused on meeting the program's prospective students' needs more than alignment with the competencies. Including research and scholarly activity within postprofessional doctoral programs raises the question of whether this is an emerging area of focus that should be included in the PA professional competencies.
Student perceptions of repeating a nursing fundamentals course
Authors: Davis Jenna , Pucino Carrie
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

To explore perceptions of student learning in undergraduate nursing students who repeat the fundamentals nursing course and simultaneously take a support course.

Methods:

This qualitative descriptive design was conducted at one private liberal arts college. The study included interviews with six undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students repeating the fundamentals course and their perceptions following the repeated course.

Results:

Themes of discovering the value of repeating a course, attending to academic work, and navigating new social groups emerged. These findings provide insight into the experiences and perceptions of students repeating a nursing fundamentals course.

Conclusion:

Implications for nurse educators, advisers, and administrators include providing resources for student support and helping students recognize the value of seeking academic support before failing a course. Understanding students' perceptions regarding repeating a nursing fundamentals course provides valuable insight into retention efforts in undergraduate nursing programs.
Safety concerns associated with the use of benzodiazepines during MRI
Authors: McClung Tammy
Published: November 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. This article examines the challenges associated with MRI, particularly focusing on patient anxiety and claustrophobic reactions that can lead to aborted scans. It discusses the use of anxiolytics, especially benzodiazepines, to manage these issues, while highlighting the potential risks of respiratory depression and other adverse outcomes in select patient populations.
Measles
Authors: Borton Dorothy
Published: November 2024

Measles (rubeola) cases and outbreaks have increased worldwide in 2023 and 2024. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the global resurgence of measles cases, highlighting the critical role of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. It also discusses the factors contributing to declining vaccination rates, the implications for public health, and immediate infection control measures in the event of suspected cases.
Malignant Brenner Tumor of the Ovary: A Critical Reappraisal
Authors: Turashvili Gulisa , Hanley Krisztina
Published: November 2024

Malignant Brenner tumors (MBTs) are rare epithelial tumors of the ovary, most likely arising from benign and borderline Brenner tumors. MBTs may be misdiagnosed as other primary carcinomas or nonepithelial tumors of the ovary as well as metastatic carcinomas. Accurate diagnosis usually requires clinical-radiologic correlation, extensive sampling, and immunohistochemical studies. Treatment is not standardized and may include surgery with or without chemotherapy. More than half of MBTs are diagnosed at stage I, with 47.7% and at least 20% recurrence and mortality rates, respectively. Awareness of key diagnostic features and pitfalls is essential to differentiate MBT from its mimics and ensure optimal clinical management. This comprehensive review includes classification, etiopathogenesis, historical overview, epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, prognosis, gross pathology, key morphologic features, ancillary testing, and differential diagnostic considerations for ovarian MBTs.
Assessing 3D printable density-graded lattice structures to minimize risk of tissue damage from compression-release stabilized sockets
Authors: Myers Jade , Phillips Daniel , Cormier Denis
Published: November 2024

Background:

Pressure, shear stress, and friction can contribute to soft tissue damage experienced by a residual limb. Current compression/release stabilized (CRS) socket designs may pose a risk to soft tissue from abrupt compression differences within the socket.

Objectives:

Density-graded lattice structures are investigated for their potential to mitigate risk of tissue damage by assessing their ability to produce more gradual transitions between high-compression and low-compression areas.

Study Design:

A full factorial experimental design was used to reveal the effects of changes among three variables: lattice geometry, density alteration, and displacement magnitude. A total of 144 experimental conditions were examined.

Methods:

Lattice samples representing areas of compression and release based on a novel cushioned transhumeral level CRS style socket design were 3D printed. Compression testing was performed on 2 types of lattice structures which incorporated 1 of 8 design elements to alter density and axial stiffness. The effect on stiffness of the sample as a function of lattice type and density alteration was recorded under 3 loading conditions.

Results:

The offset diamond lattice type with blend radius density alterations produced the only samples meeting criteria set for compression areas of the socket. No samples satisfied criteria for release areas. Transitional density lattices that gradually tapered between the best performing compression and release values were successfully produced.

Conclusions:

Transitional density lattices offer promise for mitigation of soft tissue damage through minimization of compression differentials throughout the socket. Wider implications for this research include use in sockets for other levels of amputation and in orthotics. Future work will focus on lattice optimization to improve release behavior within a modified CRS socket.
Increased human herpesvirus-8 neutralizing response during remission from Kaposi’s sarcoma
Authors: Byren Hannah C. , Holzer Angela , Müller Alexander , Korn Klaus , Backovic Marija , Harrer Ellen G. , Bergmann Silke , Harrer Thomas , Neipel Frank
Published: November 2024

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, is a human oncogenic herpesvirus that is responsible for several diseases including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). KS prevalence varies dramatically, although emergence increases considerably with human immunodeficiency virus -1 (HIV-1) co-infection, making it one of the most common cancers in HIV-1 patients and sub-Saharan African men, even prior to the HIV-1 epidemic in Africa. Studies have shown that neutralizing antibodies exist in HHV-8-infected sera, which are most likely targeted to viral lytic surface glycoproteins, such as glycoprotein K8.1 (gpK8.1) and gHgL. Fifty-eight HHV-8-positive serum samples were tested for the levels of gpK8.1- and gHgL-binding antibodies and in vitro HHV-8-neutralizing capacity. Each sample was then categorized according to the disease status, which included asymptomatic infection, active KS and remission from KS, and the three measured parameters were compared between the disease groups. We show that neutralizing capacity in infected patient sera increases with remission of KS. Interestingly, antibodies targeting gpK8.1, but not gHgL, were also found to be increased during active disease and remission. Comparison of neutralizing capacity and antibody levels on an individual patient basis revealed that antibody levels, primarily targeting gHgL, are correlated with serum neutralizing response in sub-lingual Kaposi sarcoma (SLK) cells. Adsorption of gHgL or gpK8.1 antibodies from human sera removed the neutralizing response in SLK cells, although some non-specific removal of antibodies from the sera means that this result should be interpreted with caution. Taken collectively, these results suggest that glycoproteins, such as gHgL, are targets for neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, our data imply that recovery from KS is associated with increased neutralizing capacity, suggesting that neutralizing antibodies may contribute to KS resolution. However, it is vital for further work to be completed in order to elucidate this relationship.
cds46, a highly variable carp edema virus gene
Authors: Montacq Laetitia , Flores Doriana , Giummarra Hélène , Pallandre Laurane , Angot Anaïs , Thomas Rodolphe , Charrier Amélie , Lamothe Laurie , Lesne Mélanie , Bellet Carine , Keck Nicolas , Pozet Françoise , Tocqueville Aurélien , Le Bouquin-Leneveu Sophie , Laithier Jésabel , Millet Jean K. , Bertagnoli Stéphane , Baud Marine , Bigarré Laurent
Published: November 2024

Carp edema virus disease (CEVD) is a severe viral illness that causes substantial economic losses in wild and farmed common carp and koi. It is caused by carp edema virus (CEV), a member of the Poxviridae family, whose genetic diversity and genome evolution are poorly understood. Based on a genomic fragment of the 4a gene, two genogroups, genogroup I (gI) and genogroup II (gII), have been identified in samples of different origins. By analysing a series of recent samples, we highlight here a new genomic region of interest that varies by substitutions, indels and putative recombinations. In the Japanese reference sequence, this region encodes an ORF, cds46, whose function is unknown despite weak homologies with genes of some members of the Iridoviridae. Surprisingly, AlphaFold protein structure prediction analyses link cds46-encoded ORF with cellular endonucleases, providing insights into its possible origin. The ORF is absent in all gI haplotypes and in some gII haplotypes. Apart from the absence of cds46, gI haplotypes show an insertion of 121 bp with no homology to any viral sequence. When present, cds46 showed two groups of alleles differentiated by substitutions. The analysis of the cds46 locus showed that some samples from fish batches contained mixes of different haplotypes, irrespective of their origin (i.e. France, Japan or Israel). In a 2023 sample, we also found a virus carrying a gII-like atypical 4a allele first identified in France in 2015, indicating the limited but persistent spread of this virus in the country. The cds46 locus is a new target that may be useful for identifying and tracking CEV haplotypes.
Exploring gut microbiota diurnal fluctuation in alcohol-dependent patients with sleep disturbance
Authors: Zhao Kangqing , Hu Lingming , Ni Zhaojun , Li Xiangxue , Qin Ying , Yu Zhoulong , Wang Zhong , Liu Yanjing , Zhao Jingwen , Peng Wenjuan , Shi Jie , Lu Lin , Sun Hongqiang
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Alcohol dependence (AD) and sleep disturbance (SD) independently affect gut microbiota, potentially disrupting the circadian rhythm of the microbiota and the host. However, the impact of SD on the composition and rhythmicity of gut flora in AD patients remains poorly understood.

Gap Statement. Characteristics of gut flora and diurnal oscillations in AD patients experiencing SD are unknown.

Aim. This study aims to explore alterations in gut flora and diurnal oscillations in AD patients experiencing SD.

Methodology. Thirty-two AD patients and 20 healthy subjects participated, providing faecal samples at 7 : 00 AM, 11 : 00 AM, 3 : 00 PM and 7 : 00 PM for gut microbiota analysis using 16S rDNA sequencing. AD patients were further categorized into those with poor sleep (ADwPS) and those with good sleep (ADwGS) for further analyses.

Results. The ADwPS group demonstrated elevated levels of anxiety, depression and withdrawal severity compared to the ADwGS group (all P<0.05). The β-diversity of gut microbiota in the ADwPS group differed from that in the ADwGS group (P<0.05). Bacterial abundances at various taxonomic levels, including Cyanobacteria and Pseudomonadales, differed between the ADwPS and ADwGS groups (all P<0.05). Utilizing unweighted UniFrac analysis, the β-diversity of gut microbiota in the ADwPS group demonstrated robust diurnal oscillation (P<0.05), whereas this pattern was statistically insignificant in the ADwGS group. Notably, the abundance of pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonadales and Pseudomonadaceae exhibited marked diurnal fluctuation in the ADwPS group (all P<0.05).

Conclusion. SD in AD patients extends beyond alcohol-induced alterations, impacting gut microbiota composition, function and diurnal oscillation patterns. This highlights its add-on influence, supplementing AD-related changes.
Pan-genomic characterization and structural variant analysis reveal insights into spore development and species diversity in Ganoderma
Authors: Yu Hang , Wang Shasha , Wang Lina , Wu Weixin , Xu Wei , Wu Shuisheng , Li Xiaoyan , Xu Wen , Huang Zehao , Lin Yu , Wang Haifeng
Published: November 2024

Understanding the genomic diversity and functional implications of Ganoderma species is crucial for elucidating their evolutionary history and biotechnological potential. Here, we present the first pan-genomic analysis of Ganoderma spp., combining five newly sequenced genomes with ten publicly available genomes. Our comprehensive comparative study unveiled a rich genomic landscape, identifying core genes shared among all Ganoderma strains and species-specific gene sets. Additionally, we identified structural variants impacting the expression of key genes, including insights into the MSH4 gene involved in DNA repair and recombination processes, which exhibits a 440 bp insertion in the promoter region and a leucine-to-serine mutation in the gene body, potentially increasing spore production in the S3 strain. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the genomic architecture and functional diversity of Ganoderma, paving the way for further research on its evolutionary dynamics, biotechnological applications and pharmaceutical potential.
Delayed luminescence and thermoluminescence in laboratory-grown diamonds
Authors: Zhao Jiahui , Green Ben L. , Newton Mark E. , Breeze Ben G. , Yuan Hengxin , Ardon Troy , Wang Wuyi
Published: November 2024

The “blue-green” phosphorescence/thermoluminescence is most commonly observed in diamonds following excitation at or above the indirect band gap and has been explained by a substitutional nitrogen-boron donor-acceptor pair recombination model. “Orange” and “red” phosphorescence have also been frequently observed in laboratory-grown near-colorless high-pressure high-temperature diamonds following optical excitation and their luminescence mechanisms are shown to be different from that of the blue-green phosphorescence. The physics of the orange and red luminescence and phosphorescence bands including the optical-excitation dependency (UV-NIR), temperature dependency (20K–573K), and related charge transfer process are investigated by a combination of self-built time-resolved imaging/spectroscopic techniques. In this paper, an alternative model for long-lived phosphorescence based on charge trapping is proposed to explain the orange phosphorescence/thermoluminescence band. Additionally, the red phosphorescence band is attributed to point defect, which possibly has a three-level phosphorescence system.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
First Measurement of Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering on the Neutron with Detection of the Active Neutron
Authors: Hobart A. , Niccolai S. , Čuić M. , Kumerički K. , Achenbach P. , Alvarado J. S. , Armstrong W. R. , Atac H. , Avakian H. , Baashen L. , Baltzell N. A. , Barion L. , Bashkanov M. , Battaglieri M. , Benkel B. , Benmokhtar F. , Bianconi A. , Biselli A. S. , Boiarinov S. , Bondi M. , Booth W. A. , Bossù F. , Brinkmann K.-Th. , Briscoe W. J. , Brooks W. K. , Bueltmann S. , Burkert V. D. , Cao T. , Capobianco R. , Carman D. S. , Chatagnon P. , Ciullo G. , Cole P. L. , Contalbrigo M. , D’Angelo A. , Dashyan N. , De Vita R. , Defurne M. , Deur A. , Diehl S. , Dilks C. , Djalali C. , Dupre R. , Egiyan H. , Alaoui A. El , Fassi L. El , Elouadrhiri L. , Fegan S. , Filippi A. , Fogler C. , Gates K. , Gavalian G. , Gilfoyle G. P. , Glazier D. , Gothe R. W. , Gotra Y. , Guidal M. , Hafidi K. , Hakobyan H. , Hattawy M. , Hauenstein F. , Heddle D. , Holtrop M. , Ilieva Y. , Ireland D. G. , Isupov E. L. , Jiang H. , Jo H. S. , Joo K. , Kageya T. , Kim A. , Kim W. , Klimenko V. , Kripko A. , Kubarovsky V. , Kuhn S. E. , Lanza L. , Leali M. , Lee S. , Lenisa P. , Li X. , MacGregor I. J. D. , Marchand D. , Mascagna V. , Maynes M. , McKinnon B. , Meziani Z. E. , Migliorati S. , Milner R. G. , Mineeva T. , Mirazita M. , Mokeev V. , Camacho C. Muñoz , Nadel-Turonski P. , Naidoo P. , Neupane K. , Niculescu G. , Osipenko M. , Pandey P. , Paolone M. , Pappalardo L. L. , Paremuzyan R. , Pasyuk E. , Paul S. J. , Phelps W. , Pilleux N. , Pokhrel M. , Rafael S. Polcher , Poudel J. , Price J. W. , Prok Y. , Reed T. , Richards J. , Ripani M. , Ritman J. , Rossi P. , Golubenko A. A. , Salgado C. , Schadmand S. , Schmidt A. , Scott Marshall B. C. , Seroka E. M. , Sharabian Y. G. , Shirokov E. V. , Shrestha U. , Sparveris N. , Spreafico M. , Stepanyan S. , Strakovsky I. I. , Strauch S. , Tan J. A. , Trotta N. , Tyson R. , Ungaro M. , Vallarino S. , Venturelli L. , Tommaso V. , Voskanyan H. , Voutier E. , Watts D. P. , Wei X. , Williams R. , Wood M. H. , Xu L. , Zachariou N. , Zhang J. , Zhao Z. W. , Zurek M. ,   CLAS Collaboration
Published: November 2024

Measuring deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) on the neutron is one of the necessary steps to understand the structure of the nucleon in terms of generalized parton distributions (GPDs). Neutron targets play a complementary role to transversely polarized proton targets in the determination of the GPD E. This poorly known and poorly constrained GPD is essential to obtain the contribution of the quarks’ angular momentum to the spin of the nucleon. DVCS on the neutron was measured for the first time selecting the exclusive final state by detecting the neutron, using the Jefferson Lab longitudinally polarized electron beam, with energies up to 10.6 GeV, and the CLAS12 detector. The extracted beam-spin asymmetries, combined with DVCS observables measured on the proton, allow a clean quark-flavor separation of the imaginary parts of the Compton form factors H and E.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Secure and trustworthy cyberspace: characteristics and contributions
Authors: Li Jiyuan , Chen Jiangping
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the characteristics and contributions of the secure and trustworthy cyberspace (SaTC) projects funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). These research projects were funded during the period of 2015–2023.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied a data analytics approach to proposal records of 1,025 NSF SaTC projects. These records were downloaded from the NSF proposal database via its search function. The analysis includes bibliometric analysis, shallow natural language processing and manual content analysis.

Findings

About 11 NSF divisions or units have sponsored SaTC research. About 214 universities or organizations in 44 states received SaTC funds. The key concepts of these projects include adversarial attacks, cryptography, cloud computing, internet of things, differential privacy, mobile devices and others. These projects were motivated by a lack of understanding or investigation of one or more technologies in the cybersecurity domain or the inefficacy of existing tools or algorithms. The objectives of these proposals included providing new insights and developing new tools, methods, frameworks, training courses and organizing workshops with support for workshop attendees. Among the funded projects, 60.82% proposed providing educational materials that would be beneficial to K-12 students, college students and the public.

Research limitations/implications

The present data range from 2015 to May 2023. New projects awarded after May 2023 were not included.

Practical implications

The findings provide rich and useful information for the funding agency, SaTC researchers and students. The funding agency may want to review their funding focus and fund distributions; SaTC researchers could refer to the topics and the objectives discussed in funded proposals when developing their new projects; and students at all levels could refer to SaTC topics, participating researchers and institutions for their learning.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to analyze NSF SaTC projects. The analysis benefits researchers and students to gain an understanding of NSF-funded projects and insights into secure and trustworthy cyberspace areas.