bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes in surgically intervened empyema patients: a systematic review
Authors: Jolliffe Jarrod , Dunne Ben , Eckhaus Jazmin , Antippa Phillip
Published: June 2024

Background

Pleural empyema is significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Debate in the literature exists regarding the best initial and definitive therapy, with recent research demonstrating superior short‐term outcomes with initial surgical intervention. Despite this, the impact of surgical intervention on long‐term outcomes has been incompletely described. A systematic review was undertaken to assess the current evidence evaluating the long‐term impact of surgical intervention.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken according to PRISMA guidelines utilizing three databases. Articles included all papers where patients received surgical intervention for empyema with outcomes evaluated beyond 90 days. Two reviewers extracted and reviewed the articles. Grey literature was included.

Results

Eleven studies and two abstracts were extracted. One study and two abstracts evaluated the quality of life outcomes, two studies evaluated dyspnoea outcomes, seven studies evaluated long‐term lung function and two studies evaluated mortality and re‐admissions. 60–65% of patients had no dyspnoea between 2 and 7 years follow‐up. In six of seven studies, normal lung function was achieved in patients with chronic fibrothorax with FEV1% and FVC% improvements between 14–30% and 13–50%, respectively. The results from such biased cohorts could not be extrapolated to conclude that surgical intervention results in better outcomes than ICC drainage. Risk of bias was severe for all 11 studies.

Conclusion

Surgical intervention potentially improves post‐operative lung function, long‐term dyspnoea, and mortality. The impact this has on quality of life remains unknown. Future prospective trials with homogenous comparative groups are required to better define the role of surgery and its impact on long‐term outcomes.
The microbiome in pregnancy and early life—Highlights from the 11th Maria Delivoria‐Papadopoulos Perinatal Symposium
Authors: Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne , Briana Despina D. , Di Renzo Gian Carlo
Published: June 2024

This review was based on a symposium that examined novel aspects of the microbiome during pregnancy and early life and explored papers published by the lecturers. For example, it showed that bacterial extracellular vesicles derived from the microbiome harboured in various maternal niches, carried bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid, were isolated from the placenta and may have confounded placental microbiome studies. Maternal diet was responsible for the composition and diversity of breast milk microbiota, and may have shaped the offspring's microbiome and influenced their immune components. Probiotics and antibiotics administered perinatally may have had beneficial but also long‐lasting adverse effects on offspring.
Deep learning for personalized health monitoring and prediction: A review
Authors: Damaševičius Robertas , Jagatheesaperumal Senthil Kumar , Kandala Rajesh N. V. P. S. , Hussain Sadiq , Alizadehsani Roohallah , Gorriz Juan M.
Published: June 2024

Personalized health monitoring and prediction are indispensable in advancing healthcare delivery, particularly amidst the escalating prevalence of chronic illnesses and the aging population. Deep learning (DL) stands out as a promising avenue for crafting personalized health monitoring systems adept at forecasting health outcomes with precision and efficiency. As personal health data becomes increasingly accessible, DL‐based methodologies offer a compelling strategy for enhancing healthcare provision through accurate and timely prognostications of health conditions. This article offers a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in employing DL for personalized health monitoring and prediction. It summarizes a diverse range of DL architectures and their practical implementations across various realms, such as wearable technologies, electronic health records (EHRs), and data accumulated from social media platforms. Moreover, it elucidates the obstacles encountered and outlines future directions in leveraging DL for personalized health monitoring, thereby furnishing invaluable insights into the immense potential of DL in this domain.
Greenhouse gas fluxes of microbial‐induced calcite precipitation at varying urea‐to‐calcium concentrations
Authors: Comadran‐Casas Carla , Brüggemann Nicolas , Jorat M. Ehsan
Published: June 2024

Microbial‐induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is regarded as environmentally friendly, partly due to the storage of carbon as carbonates. Although CO2 emissions during MICP have been reported, quantification of its environmental impact regarding total greenhouse gas fluxes has not yet been thoroughly investigated. In particular, N2O fluxes could occur in addition to CO2 since MICP involves the microbially mediated nitrogen cycle. This study investigated the greenhouse gas fluxes during biostimulation of MICP in quartz sand in incubation experiments. Soil samples were treated with MICP cementation solution containing calcium concentrations of 0, 20, 100 and 200 mM at a fixed urea concentration of 100 mM to offer a range of carbonation potential and/or mitigation of CO2 emissions. Greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4 and N2O) measurements were determined by gas chromatography during incubations. Soil total inorganic carbon and the isotopic composition of precipitated and emitted CO2 were determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. CO2 emissions (0.52 to 4.08 μg of CO2–C h−1 g−1 soil) resulted from MICP, while N2O and CH4 fluxes were not detected. Increasing Ca2+ with respect to urea resulted in lower CO2 emissions, lower solution pH, similar carbonate precipitation and urea hydrolysis inhibition. The highest urea‐to‐calcium ratio (1:0.2) emitted roughly two times the amount of CO2 (112 μg of CO2–C g−1 soil) compared to the 1:1 and 1:2 ratios (47 to 58 μg of CO2–C g−1 soil) and five to six times more than samples that did not receive Ca2+ (1:0) (~18 μg of CO2–C g−1 soil). Precipitated CaCO3–C was tenfold higher than cumulative emitted CO2–C, and isotopic analysis indicated both emitted and precipitated carbon were of urea origin. Both emitted and precipitated carbon accounted for a very low percentage of total carbon applied in the system (<0.35 and <4.5%, respectively), presumably due to limited urea hydrolysis which was negatively affected by increasing the Ca2+ concentration.
Elephant ivory rings in early medieval graves reconsidered
Authors: English Rowan S.
Published: June 2024

This work is the most complete investigation to date of the enigmatic ivory rings found in graves of fifth‐ to seventh‐century lowland Britain. This new survey of the archaeological evidence has produced a corpus of 752 ivory rings from seventy‐eight cemeteries. This corpus has been used to reveal a novel pattern of use, with the majority of ivory rings deposited in eastern England in the fifth century. In the sixth century, the distribution widened, and the number of rings deposited decreased. Most of the ivory rings in lowland Britain were deposited before 560.
Implementation frameworks, strategies and outcomes in optimizing central venous access device practice in paediatrics: A scoping review
Authors: Comber Elouise R. , Keogh Samantha , Nguyen Linda N. , Byrnes Joshua , Ullman Amanda J.
Published: June 2024

Paediatric patients with complex or acute conditions may require a central venous access device, however, almost one‐third of these devices have associated complications (e.g. infections). Implementation of evidence‐based practices regarding central venous access devices can reduce and potentially prevent complications.

Aims

This scoping review aimed to explore recent interventional research in CVAD management through an implementation lens.

Design

This scoping review used the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Studies were included if they were written in English, published in 2012 to July 2023, involved children and were relevant to the study aims. Risk of bias was appraised by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Data Sources

Searches were undertaken in EMBASE, CINAHL (Ebsco), PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL).

Results

Of the 1769 studies identified in a systematic search, 46 studies were included. Studies mostly focused on health professionals and central venous access device maintenance and had quantitative pre‐post study designs. Adherence to implementation frameworks was lacking, with many studies employing quality improvement approaches. Implementation strategies were typically multipronged, using health‐professional education, bundles and working groups. Bundle compliance and reductions in central line‐associated bloodstream infections were the most featured outcomes, with most studies primarily focusing on effectiveness outcomes.

Conclusion

Translation of evidence‐based practices to the clinical setting is difficult and current adoption of implementation frameworks (apart from ‘quality improvement’) is limited. Implementation strategies are diverse and dependent on the local context, and study outcomes typically focus on the effectiveness of the physical intervention, rather than measuring the implementation effort itself.

Implications for Patients

Future intervention research requires a more uniform and deliberate application of implementation frameworks and strategies.

Impact

Greater exploration of relationships between frameworks and strategies and implementation and service outcomes is required to increase understanding of their role in maximizing resources to improve health care.

Adhered to best reporting guidelines as per PRISMA‐ScR (Tricco et al., 2018).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Our Statues of Wrongdoers
Authors: Agule Craig K.
Published: June 2024

Many of those memorialized around us in statues are wrongdoers, and so we are often called to consider whether we should take down those statues. Some of those statutes are memorialized for reasons now taken to be wrong; others are memorialized not for but rather despite their wrongdoing. How should we consider those latter cases? One tempting analysis suggests that we need only consider whether the wrongdoing was sufficiently transgressive. In this article, however, I reject that constrained focus. Instead, these cases have as much to do with us, our priorities, and what those priorities should be as they have to do with the particulars of the lives of the subjects of the statues. Recognizing the central role that our priorities play in blame and condemnation better captures the contours of the debate about statue removal than any categorical rule about types of wrongs.
The association between paced left ventricular activation time and cardiac reverse remodeling in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block
Authors: Chen Xinmin , Xu Jiayi , Wu Yuqing , Qin Chaotong , Xue Siyuan , Hu Gengwei , Zou Jiangang , Shan Qijun , Zhou Xiujuan , Hou Xiaofeng ,   and other members of the Group of Department of Cardiology in First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The association between paced LVAT and cardiac structure and function at baseline, as well as whether longer LVAT is associated with worse cardiac reverse remodeling in patients with heart failure (HF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) has not been well investigated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between paced LVAT and baseline echocardiographic parameters and cardiac reverse remodeling at follow‐up.

Methods

Patients with HF and LBBB receiving successful left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) from June 2018 to April 2023 were enrolled and grouped based on paced LVAT. NT‐proBNP and echocardiographic parameters were recorded during routine follow‐up. The relationships between paced LVAT and echocardiographic parameters at baseline and follow‐up were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐three patients were enrolled (48 males, aged 65 ± 9.8, mean LVEF 32.1 ± 7.5%, mean LVEDD 63.0 ± 8.5 mm, median NT‐proBNP 1057[513–3158] pg/mL). The paced QRSd was significantly decreased (177 ± 17.9 vs. 134 ± 18.5, p < .001) and median paced LVAT was 80[72–88] ms. After a median follow‐up of 12[9–29] months, LVEF increased to 52.1 ± 11.2%, LVEDD decreased to 52.6 ± 8.8 mm, and NT‐proBNP decreased to 215[73–532]pg/mL. Patients were grouped based on paced LVAT: LVAT < 80 ms (n = 39); 80 ≤ LVAT < 90 ms (n = 24); LVAT ≥ 90 ms (n = 20). Patients with longer LVAT had larger LVEDD and lower LVEF (LVEDDbaseline: p < .001; LVEFbaseline: p = .001). The difference in LVEF6M was statistically significant among groups (p < .001) and patients with longer LVAT had lower LVEF6M, while the difference in LVEF1Y was not seen (p = .090). There was no significant correlation between ΔLVEF6M‐baseline, ΔLVEF1Y‐6M and LVAT respectively (ΔLVEF6M‐baseline: p = .261, r = −.126; ΔLVEF1Y‐6M: p = .085, r = .218).

Conclusion

Long paced LVAT was associated with worse echocardiographic parameters at baseline, but did not affect the cardiac reverse remodeling in patients with HF and LBBB. Those with longer LVAT required longer time to recover.
Identifying the protective effects of miR‐874‐3p/ATF3 axis in intervertebral disc degeneration by single‐cell RNA sequencing and validation
Authors: Wang Xuke , Wang Qingfeng , Li Guowang , Xu Haiwei , Liu Bangxin , Yuan Bing , Zhou Yingjie , Li Yongjin
Published: June 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) severely affects the work and the quality of life of people. We previously demonstrated that silencing activation transcription factor 3 (ATF3) blocked the IVDD pathological process by regulating nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) ferroptosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism. Nevertheless, whether miR‐874‐3p mediated the IVDD pathological process by targeting ATF3 remains unclear. We performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and bioinformatics analysis to identify ATF3 as a key ferroptosis gene in IVDD. Then, Western blotting, flow cytometry, ELISA, and animal experiments were performed to validate the roles and regulatory mechanisms of miR‐874‐3p/ATF3 signalling axis in IVDD. ATF3 was highly expressed in IVDD patients and multiple cell types of IVDD rat, as revealed by scRNA‐seq and bioinformatics analysis. GO analysis unveiled the involvement of ATF3 in regulating cell apoptosis and ECM metabolism. Furthermore, we verified that miR‐874‐3p might protect against IVDD by inhibiting NPC ferroptosis, apoptosis, ECM degradation, and inflammatory response by targeting ATF3. In vivo experiments displayed the protective effect of miR‐874‐3p/ATF3 axis on IVDD. These findings propose the potential of miR‐874‐3p and ATF3 as biomarkers of IVDD and suggest that targeting the miR‐874‐3p/ATF3 axis may be a therapeutic target for IVDD.
Whole‐process and multi‐stakeholder‐based solid waste management framework construction for industrial parks: Toward circular economy development
Authors: Shu Chang , Feng Zeshi , Liang Chao , Guo Jin , Xu Feng , Tian Jinping , Chen Lujun
Published: June 2024

The intensive generation of industrial solid waste (ISW) in industrial parks poses a severe threat to the water and soil environment. To address the lack of system‐level guidance strategies for ISW management (ISWM), the paper proposes a systematic ISWM framework within the context of the circular economy principle and applies it to a prominent eco‐industrial park in China. This framework is founded on the metabolic characteristics of the entire ISW process, supported by multi‐stakeholder cooperation, and guaranteed by a shareable information platform and infrastructure. A holistic ISW flow analytical process is introduced to facilitate the implementation of this framework. In the case study, a high‐resolution inventory of ISW is established by 157 enterprises in 2021, covering 116 types of general ISW and 61 types of hazardous waste (HW). By integrating material flow analysis, questionnaires, and interviews, this study quantitatively reveals the underperformance of mini‐scale HW recycling, with a recycling rate of 5.6% in 2021, well below the park‐wide rate of 50.8%. Collaborative inboundary and transboundary disposal emerges as a crucial direction for ISWM, with over 80% of ISW being disposed of outside the park. Following the implementation of circular economy strategies guided by the management framework, notable improvements are observed, including a 26.5% increase in the recycling rate of mini‐scale HW and a 13.5% increase in the proportion of disposal outside Beijing. To foster sustainable ISWM, this study recommends enhancing the decentralized infrastructure of collection–storage–transportation integration for mini‐scale ISW in industrial parks. The developed management framework provides valuable insights and guidance for park‐specific ISWM strategies.
Evaluation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciensTV‐17C as a potential biocontrol agent for controlling postharvest Penicillium digitatum on orange
Authors: Avan Meltem , Albastawisi Eslam Mohamed , Levent Yağmur Doğa , İşlek Sevgi , Kotan Recep
Published: June 2024

Postharvest diseases in fruits result in significant losses in the agricultural sector. Among these, green mould, caused by Penicillium digitatum, poses a considerable threat to citrus fruits. This study evaluated the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TV‐17C as a biological control agent for managing green mould in oranges. Various concentrations of TV‐17C in aqueous suspension were applied to naturally infected orange fruits in the packinghouse at two locations (Hatay and Mersin provinces), while the chemical fungicide fludioxonil 230 SC served as a positive control. The application of B. amyloliquefaciens TV‐17C at the dosage of 250 mL 100 L−1 reduced green mould incidence by 90.3% and 89.8% in Hatay and Mersin provinces, respectively. Similarly, fludioxonil 230 SC displayed an efficacy of 91.4% in reducing disease incidence. In summary, this study underscores the potential of B. amyloliquefaciens TV‐17C as an efficient biocontrol agent against green mould in oranges. Moreover, a positive correlation between higher concentrations and enhanced efficacy was evident. These findings hold promise for the adoption of sustainable disease management practices in the postharvest citrus industry.
Association of endogenous sex hormone levels with tooth loss due to periodontitis in men and post‐menopausal women: The multi‐ethnic study of atherosclerosis
Authors: Doughan Maria , Chehab Omar , Doughan Bassel , Lima Joao A. C. , Michos Erin D.
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate the association between endogenous sex hormone levels and history of tooth loss related to periodontitis in healthy middle‐aged to older men and post‐menopausal women.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 5649 participants aged 45–84 (mean age, 63 ± 10 years) from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort who had sex hormone levels measured and answered a questionnaire regarding perceived periodontal status at exam 1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of sex hormones (exposure) with history of tooth loss (outcome), stratified by sex.

Results

Among post‐menopausal women, higher free testosterone (per 1SD) was associated with a greater prevalence of tooth loss [OR 1.49 (95% CI, 1.08–2.05)], whereas higher sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was associated with a lower prevalence of tooth loss [OR 0.74 (0.58–0.94)], after adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors and reproductive factors. In men, higher free testosterone and lower SHBG were associated with a lower prevalent probability of tooth loss in unadjusted analysis, but these associations lost significance after covariate adjustment.

Conclusion

A higher androgenic sex hormone profile in post‐menopausal women (i.e., increased free testosterone, lower SHBG) was associated with an increased prevalence of tooth loss, after adjusting cardiometabolic risk factors. No such association was found in men. These findings suggest that sex hormones may influence or serve as a marker for periodontal health.
Law libraries, copyright and digital lending
Authors: Chaturvedi Aishwarya
Published: June 2024

The article titled “Law Libraries, Copyright and Digital Lending” aims to bring to the fore copyright issues related with digital lending by law libraries and is a comparative study of the copyright law of India and the United States. Accordingly, this piece will analyze the situation in two jurisdictions—India and the United States to understand the facilitation of digital lending by law libraries, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It will look at some key concepts such as publication, distribution, reproduction, controlled digital lending, fair use, fair dealing, public interest, exhaustion, and copyright infringement. To understand the practice of digital lending by law libraries in India and controlled digital lending in the United States the author interviewed a few librarians from both countries and learnt about the challenges faced by librarians to facilitate digital lending. The author also learnt that while librarians in the United States practice controlled digital lending, librarians in India do not; they practice only digital lending. Testimonies of librarians and analysis of the present law and precedents in India and the United States led the author to understand that there is no concrete law on digital lending by law libraries at present in the two jurisdictions. Accordingly, this article discusses the utility and necessity of digital lending by law libraries in the present times, as also that of controlled digital lending.
Retrieval Practice “in the Wild”: Teachers' Reported Use of Retrieval Practice in the Classroom
Authors: Bates Gareth , Shea James
Published: June 2024

Retrieval practice has been shown to be an effective and efficient way to enhance learning and which has led researchers to call for retrieval practice to be part of teachers' regular repertoire of activities within a classroom. Recent policy changes in England have seen retrieval practice being encouraged and emphasized as a strategy that teachers should use in their practice. However, much of the research to support this has been conducted under controlled studies both in laboratory and classroom settings. Therefore, in the present study, we report on how teachers in England are implementing retrieval practice “in the wild”—in their classrooms outside of a controlled study. Findings indicate that teachers are using retrieval practice regularly in the classroom, even if it is not part of a mandatory school policy, with quizzes and short answer questions being the most reported format used. Additionally, teachers are motivated to use retrieval practice beyond the direct benefit of the testing effect.
Comparison of water and terrestrial jumping in natural and robotic insects
Authors: Koh Je‐Sung , Baek Sang‐Min , Kim Baekgyeom , Cho Kyu‐Jin , Kim Ho‐Young
Published: June 2024

Jumping requires high actuation power for achieving high speed in a short time. Especially, organisms and robots at the insect scale jump in order to overcome size limits on the speed of locomotion. As small jumpers suffer from intrinsically small power output, efficient jumpers have devised various ingenuous schemes to amplify their power release. Furthermore, semi‐aquatic jumpers have adopted specialized techniques to fully exploit the reaction from water. We review jumping mechanisms of natural and robotic insects that jump on the ground and the surface of water, and compare the performance depending on their scale. We find a general trend that jumping creatures maximize jumping speed by unique mechanisms that manage acceleration, force, and takeoff duration under the constraints mainly associated with their size, shape, and substrate.
Exploring the Importance and Performance Priorities of Older Adults With a User‐Centred Approach to Create a Fall‐Free Bathroom
Authors: Afacan Yasemin , Barshan Billur
Published: June 2024

Background

Fall hazards in bathroom spaces constitute one of the most critical issues in the daily lives of older adults. Bathroom falls are somewhat different and constrained in nature than those in other parts of a home environment.

Objectives

This study aimed to adopt a user‐centred approach to explore older adults' general bathroom needs, with a specific focus on showers and bathtubs as the designated activity area.

Methods

The authors employed an extended importance–performance analysis (IPA) with a mixed‐method research design. Three hundred and eleven older adults participated in a face‐to‐face IPA questionnaire for the quantitative phase of the study. The authors gathered the qualitative data through open‐ended questions from 59 older adults.

Results

The authors found positive correlation between older adults' attitudes towards an older‐friendly bathroom and the potential for their bathrooms to be fall‐free. The IPA calculations identify three key items with higher ratings in both importance and performance: The presence of appropriate artificial lighting, efficient mechanical ventilation and an accessible inside towel rail. Thematic analysis yields four themes: comfort, ease of access, error‐proof design and emergency management.

Conclusions

The IPA calculations and thematic analysis confirm that older adults' rankings of importance and performance and their corresponding priority levels within the overarching themes indicate the need for these aspects to perform well and justify ongoing investments. The study concludes that addressing fall prevention requires not only designing specific solutions but also utilising appropriate technology in bathing and toileting activities.

Implications for Practice

Practitioners in geriatric and gerontological nursing, design, architecture and health care can use the importance and performance priority levels of older adults to guide the development and implementation of fall‐free bathroom design. Policymakers can leverage the insights from this research to inform guidelines and regulations related to building codes, accessibility standards and healthcare policies.
A Novel Infrapatellar Fat Pad Preservation Technique in Total Knee Arthroplasty Reduced Postoperative Pain and Wound Complications
Authors: Zhang Chaofan , Zhang Zeyu , Lin Yunzhi , Xin Yishan , Li Hongyan , Lin Yiming , Huang Ying , Yang Ye , Bai Guochang , Huang Zida , Fang Xinyu , Li Wenbo , Zhang Wenming
Published: June 2024

Objective

The management of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate a novel IPFP preservation technique—“the medially pedicled IPFP flap”—for reducing postoperative pain, wound complications, and improving functional recovery after TKA.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on TKA cases at our institution from 2018 to 2021, including those with IPFP preservation (medially pedicled flap) versus IPFP complete resection. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters (blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, visual analogue scale [VAS] score, white cell count [WBC], C‐reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], and wound oozing), and postoperative follow‐up data (VAS, Knee Society [KSS], or Knee Society functional assessment [KSFA] scores) were compared between groups. Independent sample t‐tests were used to compare continuous data and chi‐squared tests were used to compare categorical data between groups.

Results

Six hundred thirty patients were included, with 278 in the medial pedicled IPFP flap group (preservation group) and 352 in the IPFP resection group (resection group). The operative time was significantly shorter in the preservation versus resection group (125.5 ± 23.2 vs 130.3 ± 28.7 mins, p = 0.03), as was the length of hospital stay (8.4 ± 2.7 vs 9.2 ± 2.3 days, p < 0.01). Regarding pain, the preservation group had significantly lower VAS scores on postoperative day 2 (2.0 ± 0.8 vs 2.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.001) and day 3 (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.8 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). CRP and ESR levels on postoperative day 5 were also significantly lower in the preservation group. Wound oozing rates were significantly lower in the preservation versus resection group (0.7% vs 2.8%, p = 0.04). No significant differences existed in VAS, KSS, or KSFA scores at the last follow‐up.

Conclusion

The novel IPFP preservation technique significantly improved surgical exposure, shortened operative time and length of hospital stay. It also reduced wound pain and oozing compared to IPFP resection.
Effect of black cloth ointment on hypertrophic scar formation: An investigation using integrated network pharmacology and animal assay
Authors: Guo Qin , Ji Jin , Chen Fang , Shi Jianxin , Liu Huaxu , Zhu Changle
Published: June 2024

Background

Hypertrophic scars (HS) are a common disfiguring condition in daily clinical encounters which brings a lot of anxieties and concerns to patients, but the treatment options of HS are limited. Black cloth ointment (BCO), as a cosmetic ointment applicable to facial scars, has shown promising therapeutic effects for facial scarring. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain unclear.

Material and methods

Network pharmacology was first applied to analyze the major active components of BCO and the related signaling pathways. Subsequently, rabbit ear scar model was successfully established to determine the pharmacological effects of BCO and its active component β‐elemene on HS. Finally, the molecular mechanism of BCO and β‐elemene was analyzed by Western blot.

Results

Through the network pharmacology, it showed that β‐elemene was the main active ingredient of BCO, and it could significantly improve the pathological structure of HS and reduce collagen deposition. BCO and β‐elemene could increase the expression of ER stress‐related markers and promote the increase of apoptotic proteins in the Western blot experiment and induce the apoptosis of myofibroblasts.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the material basis for the scar‐improving effects of the BCO is β‐elemene, and cellular apoptosis is the key mechanism through which the BCO and β‐elemene exert their effects.
Genetic causal relationship between gut microbiota and basal cell carcinoma: A two‐sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Pan , Gao Dejin , Zhang Qingguo
Published: June 2024

Objective

Research has previously established connections between the intestinal microbiome and the progression of some cancers. However, there is a noticeable gap in the literature in regard to using Mendelian randomisation (MR) to delve into potential causal relationships between the gut microbiota (GM) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Therefore, the purpose of our study was to use MR to explore the causal relationship between four kinds of GM (Bacteroides, Streptococcus, Proteobacteria and Lachnospiraceae) and BCC.

Methods

We used genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data and MR to explore the causal relationship between four kinds of GM and BCC. This study primarily employed the random effect inverse variance weighted (IVW) model for analysis, as complemented by additional methods including the simple mode, weighted median, weighted mode and MR‒Egger methods. We used heterogeneity and horizontal multiplicity to judge the reliability of each analysis. MR‐PRESSO was mainly used to detect and correct outliers.

Results

The random‐effects IVW results showed that Bacteroides (OR = 0.936, 95% CI = 0.787–1.113, p = 0.455), Streptococcus (OR = 0.974, 95% CI = 0.875–1.083, p = 0.629), Proteobacteria (OR = 1.113, 95% CI = 0.977–1.267, p = 0.106) and Lachnospiraceae (OR = 1.027, 95% CI = 0.899–1.173, p = 0.688) had no genetic causal relationship with BCC. All analyses revealed no horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity or outliers.

Conclusion

We found that Bacteroides, Streptococcus, Proteobacteria and Lachnospiraceae do not increase the incidence of BCC at the genetic level, which provides new insight for the study of GM and BCC.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Africans
Authors: Njoku Raphael Chijioke
Published: June 2024

The road to Queen Elizabeth II’s implementation of African reforms was rough, especially in the first two decades following her ascension to the throne. In this book, Raphael Chijioke Njoku examines Queen Elizabeth II’s role in the African decolonization trajectories and the postcolonial state’s quest for genuine political and economic liberation since 1947. By locating Elizabeth at the center of Anglophone Africa’s independence agitations, the account harnesses the African interests to tease out the monarch’s dilemma of complying with Whitehall’s decolonization schemes while building an inclusive and unified Commonwealth in which Africans could play a vital role. Njoku argues that to gratify British lawmakers in her complex and marginal place within the British parliamentary system of conservative versus reformist, Elizabeth’s contribution fell short of African nationalists’ expectations on account of her silence and inaction during the African decolonization raptures. Yet ultimately, the author concludes, she helped build an inclusive and unified organization in which Africans could assert and appropriate political and economic autarky.
Painters and Communities in Seventeenth-Century Brussels
Authors: Beerens Rudy Jos
Published: June 2024

For many painters in seventeenth-century Brussels, it was not only their artistic talent but also the communities they were part of that determined the course of their careers. This book traces the intricate relationship between social structures and artistic production by examining the lives and works of all 353 painters who became masters in the Brussels Guild of Painters, Goldbeaters, and Stained-Glass Makers between 1599 and 1706. This innovative exploration of a social history of art seamlessly integrates quantitative digital analyses at the macro-level with micro-level qualitative case studies. This fresh approach facilitates a comparative perspective on the various environments in which painters operated, allowing for new readings of how early modern artists – both in Brussels and beyond – created their art, earned a living, and navigated the complexities of urban life. Painters and Communities in Seventeenth-Century Brussels is also the first work to provide a global overview of the Brussels Baroque, including extensive lists with biographical information on all of the city’s master painters.
Effectiveness of Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis to Reduce Pain in Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ferreira Matheus Hissa Lourenço , Araujo Guilherme Augusto Santos , De-La-Cruz-Torres Blanca
Published: June 2024

Context: Tendon injuries are common disorders in both workers and athletes, potentially impacting performance in both conditions. This is why the search for effective treatments is continuing.
Objective(s): The objective of this study was to analyze whether the ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis technique may be considered a procedure to reduce pain caused by tendinosis.
Evidence Acquisition: The search strategy included the PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SciELO, and ScienceDirect up to the date of February 25, 2024. Randomized clinical trials that assessed pain caused by tendinosis using the Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Rating Scale were included. The studies were evaluated for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2, and the evidence strength was assessed by the GRADEpro GDT.
Evidence Synthesis: Out of the 534 studies found, 8 were included in the review. A random-effects meta-analysis and standardized mean differences (SMD) were conducted. The ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis proved to be effective in reducing pain caused by tendinosis in the overall outcome (SMD = −0.97; 95% CI, −1.26 to −0.68; I

2
 = 58%; low certainty of evidence) and in the short-term (SMD = −0.83, 95% CI, −1.29 to −0.38; I

2
 = 65%; low certainty of evidence), midterm (SMD = −1.28; 95% CI, −1.65 to −0.91; I

2
 = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence), and long-term (SMD = −0.94; 95% CI, −1.62 to −0.26; I

2
 = 71%; low certainty of evidence) subgroups.
Conclusion(s): The application of the ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis technique for reducing pain caused by tendinosis appears to be effective. However, due to the heterogeneity found (partially explained), more studies are needed to define the appropriate dosimetry, specific populations that may benefit more from the technique, and possible adverse events.
The role of low-cost robots in the future of spaceflight
Authors: Glick Paul E. , Balaram J. Bob , Davidson Michael R. , Lyons Elizabeth , Tolley Michael T.
Published: June 2024

Lessons from the CubeSat and Mars Exploration programs may guide the infusion of robotics for planetary science and exploration.
TET2-mutant undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma metastatic to lung and brain
Authors: Wix Sophia , Scambler Winston , Trang Vinh , Malik Rehan A
Published: June 2024

Sarcomas constitute approximately 1% of adult cancers and 8%–10% of paediatric cancers. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a type of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) characterised by dedifferentiated cancer cells. The most common sites of metastasis for UPS include the lungs, liver, bones and regional lymph nodes. Brain metastasis is rare, affecting only 1%–8% of STS patients. This report presents a unique case of a woman in her 80s with aTET2-mutant UPS metastatic to the lung and brain.
Impressive resolution of refractory hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus with anifrolumab
Authors: Ocon Anthony , Avalos Sugastti Eduardo , Duffy Nananamibia
Published: June 2024

Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus is a rare variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus and is often challenging to treat. A male in his early 60s presented with diffuse erythematous, crusty, pruritic plaques on his upper and lower extremities, face, upper back, dorsal aspect of the hands and chest. He also described prolonged morning stiffness, swelling of his fingers and wrists, oral sores and Raynaud’s phenomenon. He was positive for antinuclear antibody and anti-SSA antibody and had low C3 and C4 proteins. The skin biopsy was consistent with hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus. He was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Skin lesions were refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids, topical acitretin, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine or mycophenolate. Anifrolumab infusions were initiated with a near-complete resolution of cutaneous symptoms within 3 months.
Educational inequalities and self-reported health among men and women aged 18–49 years in Yangon Region, Myanmar: analysis of a population-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Baek Sel Ki , Aye Win Thuzar , Htet Aung Soe , Stigum Hein , Gopinathan Unni , Bjertness Espen
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of good self-reported health (SRH) in subpopulations based on the social determinants of health and to investigate the association between education (measured in years of schooling) and good SRH among men and women aged 18–49 years in Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Design

Analysis of data from a population-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Yangon, Myanmar, from October to November 2016. A multistage sampling procedure was employed, and structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with standardised questions adapted from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% CIs were estimated using Poisson regression analyses by sex.

Setting

Urban and rural areas of Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Participants

The sample included 2,506 participants (91.8% response rate) aged 18–49 years and excluded nuns, monks, soldiers, institutionalised people and individuals deemed too ill physically and/or mentally to participate.

Results

The prevalence of good SRH was 61.2% (95% CI 59.3 to 63.1), with higher rates among men (72.0%, 95% CI 69.3 to 74.5), younger individuals (69.2%, 95% CI 66.2 to 72.1), urban residents (63.6%, 95% CI 60.8 to 66.3), extended family dwellers (66.6%, 95% CI 63.7 to 69.4) and those with a higher level of education (66.0%, 95% CI 61.3 to 70.5). After adjusting for confounders (age and area of residence), the association between years of schooling and SRH (PR) was 1.01 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.02, p=0.002) in men and 1.01 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.02, p=0.415) in women.

Conclusions

Good SRH was more prevalent among men than among women. Additionally, a 1-year increase in education was associated with a 1% increase in the prevalence of good SRH among men, whereas the association was not statistically significant among women. In order to enhance the educational benefits of health in Myanmar, we recommend a higher focus on the length of education and addressing gender inequalities in wage return from education.
Risk of hand and forearm conditions due to vibrating hand-held tools exposure: a retrospective cohort study from Sweden
Authors: Zimmerman Malin , Nilsson Peter , Rydberg Mattias , Dahlin Lars
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The occurrence of hand and forearm disorders related to vibration exposure, adjusted for relevant background factors, is scarcely reported. We analysed the prevalence of such conditions in a large population cohort, stratified by sex, and associations with exposure to vibrating hand-held tools.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Individuals in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort (MDCS; inclusion 1991–1996; followed until 2018) were asked, ‘does your work involve working with vibrating hand-held tools?’ (response: ‘not at all’, ‘some’ and ‘much’). Data were cross-linked with national registers to identify treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), ulnar nerve entrapment (UNE), Dupuytren’s disease, trigger finger or first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA). Cox regression models, unadjusted and adjusted (age, sex, prevalent diabetes, smoking, hypertension and alcohol consumption), were performed to analyse the effects of reported vibration exposure.

Participants

Individuals in the MDCS who had answered the questionnaire on vibration exposure (14 342 out of the originally 30 446 individuals in MDCS) were included in the study.

Results

In total, 12 220/14 342 individuals (76%) reported ‘no’ exposure, 1392/14 342 (9%) ‘some’ and 730/14 342 (5%) ‘much’ exposure to vibrating hand-held tools. In men, ‘much’ exposure was independently associated with CTS (HR 1.71 (95% CI 1.11 to 2.62)) and UNE (HR 2.42 (95% CI 1.15 to 5.07)). ‘Some’ exposure was independently associated with UNE in men (HR 2.10 (95% CI 1.12 to 3.95)). ‘Much’ exposure was independently associated with trigger finger in women (HR 2.73 (95% CI 1.49 to 4.99)). We found no effect of vibration exposure on Dupuytren’s disease or CMC-1 OA. ‘Much’ vibration exposure predicted any hand and forearm diagnosis in men (HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.80)), but not in women.

Conclusions

Vibration exposure by hand-held tools increases the risk of developing CTS and UNE and any common hand and forearm conditions in men, whereas women only risk trigger finger and CMC-1 OA. Adjustment for relevant confounders in vibration exposure is crucial.
Best practice for the selection, design and implementation of UK Kidney Association guidelines: a modified Delphi consensus approach
Authors: Burton James O , Chilcot Joseph , Fielding Katie , Frankel Andrew H , Lakhani Niraj , Nye Pam , Parker Kathrine , Priestman William , Willingham Fiona
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite research into how to effectively implement evidence-based recommendations into clinical practice, a lack of standardisation in the commissioning and development of clinical practice guidelines can lead to inconsistencies and gaps in implementation. This research aimed to ascertain how topics in kidney care worthy of guideline development within the UK should be chosen, prioritised, designed and implemented.

Methods

Following a modified Delphi methodology, a multi-disciplinary panel of experts in kidney healthcare from across the UK developed 35 statements on the issues surrounding the selection, development and implementation of nephrology guidelines. Consensus with these statements was determined by agreement using an online survey; the consensus threshold was defined as 75% agreement.

Results

419 responses were received. Of the 364 healthcare practitioners (HCPs), the majority had over 20 years of experience in their role (n=123) and most respondents were nephrologists (n=95). Of the 55 non-clinical respondents, the majority were people with kidney disease (n=41) and the rest were their carers or family. Participants were from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Consensus between HCPs was achieved in 32/35 statements, with 28 statements reaching ≥90% agreement. Consensus between patients and patient representatives was achieved across all 20 statements, with 13/20 reaching ≥90% agreement.

Conclusions

The current results have provided the basis for six recommendations to improve the selection, design and implementation of guidelines. Actioning these recommendations will help improve the accessibility of, and engagement with, clinical guidelines, contributing to the continuing development of best practice in UK kidney care.
National trend in the prevalence and mortality of COPD in South Korea from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Kim Sun-Hyung , Park Jong Eun , Yang Bumhee , Kim So Young , Kim Yeon Yong , Park Jong Hyock
Published: June 2024

Background

Existing studies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Korea lack full population coverage, relying on small sample sizes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and mortality of COPD in the entire Korean population.

Methods

This serial cross-sectional study used national databases, linking the National Health Information Database (2008–2017) with Causes of Death Statistics. Identification of individuals with COPD used diagnostic codes (International Classification of Diseases-10: J41–J44) or a history of COPD-related hospitalisation, focusing on adults aged 40 and above. Prevalence and mortality rates, calculated for 2008–2017, encompassed both crude and age-standardised and sex-standardised measures. A multivariate Poisson regression model estimated the association between COPD and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, presenting incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs, using data from the year 2017.

Results

Age-adjusted COPD prevalence exhibited a notable increase from 2008 (7.9%) to 2017 (16.7%) in both sexes. The prevalences of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, ischaemic heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and tuberculosis were higher in the COPD group than in the group without COPD (p for all <0.001). The incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction (p for all <0.001) and overall mortality were higher in the COPD group (adjusted IRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.24, p<0.001). In particular, incidence rate and risk of mortality due to lung cancer were higher than that of those without COPD compared with other cancer types (adjusted IRR 2.51, 95% CI 2.42 to 2.60, p<0.001). It was significantly higher the incidence rate and risk of mortality among group with COPD than those without COPD in lower respiratory disease (adjusted IRR 16.62, 95% CI 15.07 to 18.33, p<0.001), asthma (adjusted IRR 6.41, 95% CI 5.47 to 7.51, p<0.001) and bronchiectasis (adjusted IRR 11.77, 95% CI 7.59 to 18.26, p<0.001), respectively.

Discussion

Our study showed that the prevalence of COPD is gradually increasing from 9.2% in 2009 to 16.7% in 2018. Furthermore, in overall (all-cause) mortality, it was significantly higher in group with COPD than in group without COPD. The mortality rate of group with COPD was much higher than the overall mortality rate but is gradually decreasing.