bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of vitamin D on handgrip strength in elderly trauma patients
Authors: Ostermeier Tamara , Faust Leon , Cavalcanti-Kußmaul Adrian , Kammerlander Christian , Knobe Matthias , Böcker Wolfgang , Saller Maximilian M. , Neuerburg Carl , Keppler Alexander M.
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives

The treatment of elderly patients is an increasing challenge and the long-term sequelae often affect activities of daily living and quality of life in those patients. Handgrip strength (HGS) appears as a promising value to predict the outcome after trauma in elderly patients and to assess the overall muscle strength. Besides the possible role of psychological and hormonal factors, vitamin D may have a positive influence. Furthermore, some data suggest that Vitamin D is beneficial regarding muscle strength and possibly prevents further falls and injuries in orthogeriatric patients. The purpose of this study was to identify if Vitamin D is an influencing factor for HGSin elderly trauma patients.

Materials and methods

94 elderly patients in a Level I Trauma Center aged 60 years or older were prospectively enrolled and HGS as well as serum 25-OH Vitamin D concentration (VDC) were measured. In addition, the standardized questionnaires Barthel Index (BI), Parker Mobility Score (PMS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls (SARC-F) and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), were used to record mental health status and demographic data.

Results

HGS is mainly related to age and sex in elderly trauma patients. HGS was higher in men (meanmale = 27.31 kg (± 8.11), meanfemale = 15.62 kg (± 5.63),p < 0.001 and decreased with age (βage = − 0.58,p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation between HGS and VDC exists in the overall sample (βVDC = − 0.27, pVDC < 0.008), which still remains after adjusting for age (pVDC < 0.004), but is not significant after adjustment for both main confounders, age and sex (pVDC < 0.08). Furthermore, the HGS was lower in pateints who reported frequent falls, stumbling, dizziness or a late onset of menopause, and decreased if patients felt anxious or depressed during measurements (βanxiety+depression = − 0.26, panxiety+depression < 0.01).

Conclusions

These results do not support the hypothesis that Vitamin D has a positive influence on muscle strength measured by HGS. Nevertheless, this study could confirm the usefulness of HGS as a tool to detect the risk for frequent falls or stumbling. Furthermore, HGS seems to be associated with dizziness and age at onset of menopause. A significant decrease of HGS could also be shown in patients with anxiety and depression. This underlines the importance of interdisciplinary treatment of elderly trauma patients and needs to be taken into account for further studies, as especially the psychological motivation seems to have a significant influence and is sometimes not considered enough in elderly musculo-skeletal patients.
The significance of transrectal ultrasound and urologist_dually guided pelvic floor muscle exercise in improving urinary continence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Huaqi Yin , Zheng Du , Yongkang Ma , Shiming Zhao , Zhenghui Sun , Zhiwei Wang , Congyu Li , Qian Li , Bingqi Dong , Mingkai Zhu , Chaoshuai Zhu , Jiangshan Peng , Tiejun Yang
Published: May 2023

Background

To determine whether transrectal ultrasound and urologist_dually guided pelvic floor muscle exercise is associated with immediate, early and long-term urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.

Materials and methods

Data from 114 patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) who underwent RP at Henan Cancer Hospital from November 2018 to April 2021 were included in the retrospective study. Of the 114 patients, 50 patients in the observation group underwent transrectal ultrasound and urologist_dually guided PFME, and 64 patients in the control group underwent verbally_guided PFME. Contractile function of the external urinary sphincter was in the observation group was evaluated. The immediate, early and long-term urinary continence rates were assessed in both groups, and the factors affecting urinary continence were analyzed.

Results

The urinary continence rate at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months in the observation group after RP was significantly higher than that in the control group (52.0% vs. 29.7%, 70.0% vs. 39.1%, 82% vs. 57.8, 88% vs. 70.3%, 98.0 vs. 84.4%, p < 0.05). The contractile function of the external urinary sphincter was obviously correlated with urinary continence at multiple visits after RP, except for the 12-month visit. Transrectal ultrasound and urologist-dually guided PFME was verified to be an independent positive factor for urinary continence at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months using logistic regression analysis. However, TURP was a negative factor for postoperative urinary continence at different times.

Conclusions

Transrectal ultrasound and urologist_dually guided PFME had a significant role in improving immediate, early and long-term urinary continence after RP and acted as an independent prognostic factor.
Comparing genomes recovered from time-series metagenomes using long- and short-read sequencing technologies
Authors: Orellana Luis H. , Krüger Karen , Sidhu Chandni , Amann Rudolf
Published: May 2023

Background

Over the past years, sequencing technologies have expanded our ability to examine novel microbial metabolisms and diversity previously obscured by isolation approaches. Long-read sequencing promises to revolutionize the metagenomic field and recover less fragmented genomes from environmental samples. Nonetheless, how to best benefit from long-read sequencing and whether long-read sequencing can provide recovered genomes of similar characteristics as short-read approaches remains unclear.

Results

We recovered metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the free-living fraction at four-time points during a spring bloom in the North Sea. The taxonomic composition of all MAGs recovered was comparable between technologies. However, differences consisted of higher sequencing depth for contigs and higher genome population diversity in short-read compared to long-read metagenomes. When pairing population genomes recovered from both sequencing approaches that shared ≥ 99% average nucleotide identity, long-read MAGs were composed of fewer contigs, a higher N50, and a higher number of predicted genes when compared to short-read MAGs. Moreover, 88% of the total long-read MAGs carried a 16S rRNA gene compared to only 23% of MAGs recovered from short-read metagenomes. Relative abundances for population genomes recovered using both technologies were similar, although disagreements were observed for high and low GC content MAGs.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that short-read technologies recovered more MAGs and a higher number of species than long-read due to an overall higher sequencing depth. Long-read samples produced higher quality MAGs and similar species composition compared to short-read sequencing. Differences in the GC content recovered by each sequencing technology resulted in divergences in the diversity recovered and relative abundance of MAGs within the GC content boundaries.
Asymmetric evidence of foreign direct investment response to stock returns in Nigeria
Authors: Owuru Joel Ede , Oladele Olumuyiwa Samuel
Published: May 2023

This study examines the response of foreign direct investment (FDI) to asymmetric changes in stock returns in Nigeria. We employed disaggregated monthly data for Nigeria (1985M01–2017M12) to test the magnitude of stock returns’ elasticity of FDI using a nonlinear ARDL modelling framework. By controlling for exchange rate and output size, evidence of asymmetric response of FDI to stock market returns in Nigeria could not be denied. Hence, sustainable development in Nigeria requires a long-run balance between FDI and Stock market through a stable exchange rate management system and efficiency of the capital market is necessary for increased FDI.
Comparison of clinical effects of two surgical approaches in the treatment of acetabular fractures
Authors: Liu Bin , Shang Hongtao , Dong Guixian , Zhang Ning , Wang Shengjie
Published: May 2023

Objective: To determine the clinical effect of lateral rectus abdominis approach and modified Stoppa approach for the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the case data of 30 patients with acetabular fractures admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics of Hengshui City People’s Hospital from June 2017 to June 2021. According to the surgical methods, the enrolled patients were divided into the lateral rectus abdominis approach group (observation group) and the modified Stoppa approach group (control group), with 15 patients in each group. Further comparison was made on the incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of stay in the hospital, fracture reduction, hip joint function, neurological recovery, and postoperative complications between the two groups.

Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the length of stay in the hospital, hip joint function score, fracture reduction quality, and excellent-to-good rate of hip joint function (p>0.05). There were significant differences in incision length, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative motor and touch function scores, and postoperative complication rate between the observation group and the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The clinical effect of the lateral rectus abdominis approach is close to that of the modified Stoppa approach for the surgical treatment of acetabular fracture patients. However, and importantly, surgery through the lateral rectus abdominis approach has less trauma, shorter operation time, lower surgical complications, and good postoperative functional recovery.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.6914

How to cite this: Liu B, Shang H, Dong G, Zhang N, Wang S. Comparison of clinical effects of two surgical approaches in the treatment of acetabular fractures. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.6914

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Weight variation increases the risk of death during the intensive phase of treatment among MDR-TB patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Abdul Majeed Akhtar  , SHAMSA KANWAL  , Sufia Majeed  , Wasif Majeed
Published: May 2023

Objective: To estimate the predictors of death during intensive phase of Multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment according to the weight of patients at the time of diagnosed.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at three public hospitals in the Lahore, Punjab region, namely Jinnah Hospital, Mayo Hospital and Gulab Devi Hospital on 1,496 patients receiving treatment for MDR-TB from January 2018 to December 2020. Data were collected from electronically nominating and recording system of the hospitals. Data were fitted to Cox proportional hazards regression model with 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the associations between predictors of death and weight of MDR-TB patients during the intensive phase of treatment.

Results: This analysis revealed a MDR-TB mortality rate of 30% and the mortality rate due to MDR-TB during the intensive phase of treatment was 23%. The variables related to increased mortality among underweight patients were age more than 60 years (HR: 0.398, 95% CI: 0.314-0.504) , diabetes (HR: 1.496, 95% CI: 1.165-1.921), current smoking (HR: 0.465, 95% CI: 0.222-0.973), history of MDR-TB (HR: 0.701, 95% CI: 0.512-0.959) and culture positive at the time of diagnosed (HR: 0.499, 95% CI: 0.379-0.659) during the intensive phase of treatment.

Conclusion: The high mortality rate among the underweight MDR-TB patients during the intensive phase of the treatment requires the nutritional support for malnourishment and ensured a close follow-up of the elderly patients with co-morbidities as well as family history of Tuberculosis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7025

How to cite this: Akhtar AM, Kanwal S, Majeed S, Majeed W. Weight variation increases the risk of death during the intensive phase of treatment among MDR-TB patients: A retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7025

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Four Decades of Foot and Ankle Research Activity: A Scientometric study of Subspecialty Foot and Ankle Journals
Authors: Wu Yaohong , Chen Qin , Chen Rongchun , Luo Qi
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To evaluate foot and ankle documents using scientometric methods and provide insight into global research activities.

Methods: This scientometric study was conducted at the Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, China. Documents on foot and ankle from 1980 to 2019 were retrieved from the Scopus database. The number of documents, year of publication, journal, country, institution, author, h-index, and top-cited documents were analyzed.

Results: In total, 11313 documents were retrieved. The annual research output on foot and ankle showed a dramatic increase over the past four decades, especially in the past decade (p = 0.000). Foot & Ankle International published the biggest number of documents (44.48%). The United States contributed more than half (52.17%) of the global production, followed by the United Kingdom (11.39%), and Germany (3.62%). The United States had the highest h-index (109). The Hospital for Special Surgery (1.87%) ranked first in terms of productivity, followed by Union Memorial Hospital (1.37%), and Duke University Medical Center (1.24%). The most productive author was Myerson MS (1.25%), followed by Schon LC (0.77%), and Hyer CF (0.74%).

Conclusion: Research on foot and ankle has thrived rapidly over the past four decades, particularly in the last decade. The United States contributes the most to the quantity and quality of foot and ankle documents.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7229

How to cite this: Wu Y, Chen Q, Chen R, Luo Q. Four Decades of Foot and Ankle Research Activity: A Scientometric study of Subspecialty Foot and Ankle Journals. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7229

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effects of sodium hyaluronate administration on levels of antioxidant enzymes, serum substance P and neuropeptide Y in patients undergoing locking plate fixation for tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Shan Lei , Si Qin , Yao Peifeng
Published: May 2023

Objective: To analyze the effects of sodium hyaluronate administration on the serum levels of antioxidase, substance P (SP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in patients undergoing locking plate fixation (LPF) for tibial plateau fractures (TPF).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 66 patients with TPF who received treatment in the Beijing Chao-yang Hospital from February 2017 to August 2020. According to the treatment records, 33 patients underwent LPF surgery (control-group), and 33 patients underwent LPF plus sodium hyaluronate treatment (observation-group). The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), SP and NPY.

Results: Seven days after LPF operations, both groups showed lower levels of SOD, CAT, and TAC compared to pre-surgery levels, while levels of SP and NPY were higher. However, the observation group showed higher levels of SOD, CAT, and TAC compared to the control group, and lower levels of SP and NPY in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The treatment of TPF with LPF plus sodium hyaluronate administration has been shown to effectively reduce oxidative stress reactions, improve SP and NPY levels.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7460

How to cite this: Shan L, Si Q, Yao P. Effects of sodium hyaluronate administration on levels of antioxidant enzymes, serum substance P and neuropeptide Y in patients undergoing locking plate fixation for tibial plateau fractures. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7460

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The diagnostic value of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography in female infertility of the fallopian tube
Authors: Li Chunying , Huang Yan , Xie Li , Huang Xin
Published: May 2023

Objective: To explore the clinical diagnostic value of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonograghy (HyCoSy) in female infertility of the fallopian tube.

Methods: One hundred nineteen female infertility patients who underwent laparoscopy in Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese medicine (Longgang) and Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen City from June 2019 to December 2021. Patients diagnosed with fallopian tube obstruction; 119 patients included 233 fallopian tubes (five patients had the affected fallopian tubes removed due to ectopic pregnancy) were selected for HyCoSy, and then the results of laparoscopic examination were taken as the gold standard for diagnosis. The authenticity of the diagnostic test was evaluated using four grid table data, and the consistency of the two diagnostic methods of hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy was compared by Kappa test.

Results: Of the 233 fallopian tubes assessed, 139 were unobstructed, 50 were blocked at the proximal end and 44 were blocked at the distal end by laparoscopy. The results of HyCoSy showed that 115 were unobstructed, seventy three was considered proximal obstruction and 45 were distal obstruction. When compared to laparoscopy, the accuracy of HyCoSy in the diagnosis of tubal patency, proximal obstruction and distal obstruction was 74.2%, 78.1% and 80.7%, respectively. Two methods had good consistency in the diagnosis of tubal patency (Kappa=0.486) and proximal tubal obstruction (Kappa=0.444), and poor consistency in the diagnosis of distal tubal obstruction (Kappa=0.375).

Conclusion: Laparoscopy and HyCoSy are both useful in the diagnosis and etiological analysis of female infertility. HyCoSy can be the first choice, those who have doubts about the screening results can actively carry out laparoscopy to further improve the accuracy of diagnosis and etiological analysis of this disease.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7462

How to cite this: Li C, Huang Y, Xie L, Huang X. The diagnostic value of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography in female infertility of the fallopian tube. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7462

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion in patients with and without prior bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Dewei , Chen Keyu , Xiong Tinglin , He Ling , Ni Wei , Wang Haoyu
Published: May 2023

Objective: This review assessed evidence on the impact of prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO).

Methods: PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched from 1st January 1980 up to 10th January 2022 for studies assessing outcomes of CTO-PCI in patients with and without prior-CABG.

Results: Eight studies were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated significantly reduced odds of procedural success in patients with prior history of CABG (OR: 0.51 95% CI: 0.41, 0.64 I2=84% p<0.00001). There was a tendency of increased in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.72 95% CI: 0.97, 3.04 I2=26% p=0.06) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (OR: 1.30 95% CI: 0.99, 1.69 I2=0% p=0.05), along with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) (OR: 2.56 95% CI: 1.65, 3.97 I2=0% p<0.0001) and coronary perforation (OR: 1.52 95% CI: 1.03, 2.24 I2=70% p=0.04) in patients with history of CABG. There was no difference in the risk of stroke, pericardial tamponade, major bleeding, vascular access complications, and renal failure.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that patients with prior history of CABG undergoing PCI for CTO have a 49% reduced chance of procedural success. Such patients are at an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, MACE, MI, and coronary perforation.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7483

How to cite this: Wang D, Chen K, Xiong T, He L, Ni W, Wang H. Comparison of outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion in patients with and without prior bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7483

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Immune accompaniment of quantitative-qualitative blood pressure clusters in patients of Truskavets’ spa
Authors: Kozyavkina Nataliya , Vovchyna Yuliya , Voronych-Semchenko Nataliya , Zukow Walery , Popovych Dariya , Popovych Igor
Published: May 2023

Background. Earlier we studied the neural, endocrine, and metabolic accompaniments of quantitative-qualitative blood pressure (BP) clusters of profile patients of Truskavets’ spa. The purpose of this study is to clarify the immune accompaniment in the same contingent. Materials and methods. Under an observations were 44 patients with chronic pyelonephritis and cholecystitis in the phase of remission. Testing was performed twice - on admission and after 7-10 days of standard balneotherapy. The main object of the study was BP. We determined in the blood the relative content of leukocyte forms, of T-lymphocytes and their killer, helper and regulatory subpopulations as well as NK- and B-lymphocytes; in serum - the concentration of C-reactive protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukins 1β and 6, immunoglobulins classes G, A, and M as well as circulating immune complexes; in saliva - IgG, IgA, and secretory IgA. In addition, we determined parameters of phagocytosis by neutrophils of Staph. aureus and E. coli; components of stool and urine microbiota. Results. The forward stepwise program identified 18 parameters as characteristic of quantitative-qualitative blood pressure clusters. In addition to BP parameters by default, the most informative among them are serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α as well as activity and intensity of phagocytosis by neutrophils of Staph. aureus. The accuracy of patient classification is 96,6%. Conclusion. The quantitative-qualitative blood pressure clusters have a characteristic immune accompaniment.
Is immunosuppressive therapy an effective treatment for COVID-19? – literature review
Authors: Ostrowska Barbara , Kołodziejczyk Kacper , Branewska Justyna , Hop Izabela , Matysek Mikołaj , Olszanicka Anna , Imioło Jan , Maciąg Anna , Niemiec Rafał , Galas Adam
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a dysregulated immune response and a generalized inflammatory response. Therefore, during the search for effective therapy, attention was paid to drugs affecting and stabilizing such a response - tocilizumab, sarilumab, siltuximab, anakinra, baricitinib.Purpose of the work: Evaluation of the impact of immunosuppressant therapy on the course of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Material and methods: The work was based on a review of available medical publications about immunosuppressive therapy for COVID-19 treatment. The literature in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was searched based on the following keywords: tocilizumab, sarilumab, siltuximab, baricitinib, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, immunosuppressive therapy.Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the literature, the most effective therapeutic option seems to be tocilizumab. Promising alternatives may be sarilumab and siltuximab as they have the same target point of action. However, it is necessary to conduct further tests on their operation. The use of baricitinib may be useful, but probably only in certain circumstances. Anakinra proved to be much less effective. It should therefore be used with great caution.
Las periferias de la periferia: producción de ciudad y política habitacional en Chile
Authors: Fuster-Farfán Xenia , Ruiz Ignacio , Henry Lucila
Published: May 2023

La discusión sobre la producción de periferias urbanas en Chile ha estado centrada en la capi­tal. Se propone una lectura de dicho proceso desde San Pedro de la Paz, una ciudad del Área Metropolitana de Concepción, al sur del país. La hipótesis propone que la política habitacional ha sido el actor determinante en la producción de distintos urbanismos periféricos. En parti­cular, se trata de un territorio donde las relaciones centro-periferia son híbridas y fuertemente influenciadas por la relación que construyen con el paisaje y la naturaleza. Se moviliza una metodología que combina el análisis geográfico de cobertura y el uso del suelo, el análisis do­cumental y normativo y la observación de distintos conjuntos de vivienda social construidos en distintas épocas. Los resultados muestran la confirmación histórica del territorio como una zona periférica y suburbana, consolidada por la acción del Estado, que produce un espacio difuso dominado por los valores de las clases medias.
Continuous positive airway pressure in COVID-19-associated respiratory failure: improving patient care with a proforma
Authors: Moore David
Published: May 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes (COVID-19) has proven to be the greatest challenge to modern global health care, infecting more than 450 million people worldwide and responsible for just over 6 million deaths. Over the past 2 years there have been major advances in the treatment of COVID-19, including a significant reduction in the number of individuals developing severe symptoms, since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and the advances in pharmacological treatments. However, for those individuals who become infected with COVID-19 and develop acute respiratory failure, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) continues to be an essential management strategy that reduces mortality risk and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Without any standard regional or national guidelines on CPAP initiation and up-titration during the pandemic, a protocol proforma was devised for use in the author's clinical area. This was particularly useful for staff caring for seriously ill COVID-19 patients who were unfamiliar with providing CPAP. It is hoped that this article will contribute to the knowledge base of nurses and may encourage them to create a similar proforma for use in their clinical area.
An overview of the female reproductive system
Authors: Ford Claire
Published: May 2023

This is the first of two articles providing an overview of the female reproductive system. This article looks at the internal organs associated with the female reproductive system, as well as the vulva. The author describes the relevant pathophysiology and provides an outline of disorders associated with these reproductive organs. The role of health professionals in managing and treating these disorders is discussed, and the importance of providing women-centred care highlighted. A case study and care plan is used to illustrate the importance of individualised care, including history taking, assessment of the presenting symptoms, treatment strategies, health education and advice on follow-up actions. A second article will provide an overview of breasts.
Implementation of a virtual student placement to improve the application of theory to practice
Authors: Salje Joelle , Moyo Matsikachando
Published: May 2023

Background:

The primary aim of undergraduate, pre-registration nursing education is to prepare students to be nurses who can apply theory to practice, with clinical placements to support the practice element of the clinical programme. However, the theory-practice gap is a longstanding problem within nurse education, as nurses continue to practise with incomplete knowledge to support their actions.

Problem:

In April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in clinical placement capacity that affected student learning opportunities.

Approach:

Based on Miller's pyramid of learning, a virtual placement was created using evidence-based learning theories and an array of multimedia technologies with the intention of replicating real-life experiences and promoting problem-based learning. Scenarios and case studies were collated from clinical experiences and mapped against student proficiencies to produce an authentic and immersive learning environment.

Conclusion:

This innovative pedagogy provides an alternative to the placement experience while enhancing the application of theory to practice.
The digital future of nursing: making sense of taxonomies and key concepts
Authors: Vasilica Cristina , Wynn Matthew , Davis Dilla , Charnley Kyle , Garwood-Cross Lisa
Published: May 2023

Digital technology is becoming increasingly common in routine nursing practice. The adoption of digital technologies such as video calling, and other digital communication, has been hastened by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Use of these technologies has the potential to revolutionise nursing practice, leading to potentially more accurate patient assessment, monitoring processes and improved safety in clinical areas. This article outlines key concepts related to the digitalisation of health care and the implications for nursing practice. The aim of this article is to encourage nurses to consider the implications, opportunities and challenges associated with the move towards digitalisation and advances in technology. Specifically, this means understanding key digital developments and innovations associated with healthcare provision and appreciating the implications of digitalisation for the future of nursing practice.
The effectiveness of the Attends Product Selector Tool in continence management in a care home setting
Authors: McDermott Patricia , Smith Jane , Lorton Lindsay
Published: May 2023

Qualified nurses are accountable for selecting a suitable containment product for care home residents, which can be challenging for both the resident and health professional. Absorbent incontinence products are the most commonly used products for containing leakage. The purpose of this observational study was to review and understand how effective the Attends Product Selector Tool is when used to assess a resident for an appropriate disposable incontinence product and the in-use experience of products in relation to containment, product use and effectiveness. The study was undertaken in three care homes, with 92 residents who had an initial assessment undertaken either by an Attends Product Manager or a nurse trained in how to use the tool. A total of 316 products over a 48-hour period were individually assessed by the observer to check the time the pad was changed, the type of pad used, the voided volume in the pad and if the pad had leaked. The results showed that some residents had their products changed inappropriately. Not all residents were using the products that best suited their assessment; this mostly occurred at night. Overall, the tool was effective in enabling staff to select an appropriate style of containment product. However, when it came to selecting the absorbency, the assessor tended to choose a higher absorbency rather than starting at the lower absorbency in the product guide range. The observer found the assessed product was not always used and was sometimes changed inappropriately due to lack of communication and staff turnover.
Case study highlighting cauda equina syndrome and the effects on bladder management
Authors: Lawrence Debbie
Published: May 2023

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis, where all the nerves in the lower back suddenly become severely compressed. It is a serious medical emergency, and compression of the nerves in the lower portion of the spinal canal can lead to permanent loss of bowel and bladder control, paraesthesia, and paralysis of the legs if left untreated. Causes of CES include: trauma, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal tumour, cancerous tumour, inflammatory and infectious conditions or due to an accidental medical intervention. CES patients typically present with symptoms of: saddle anaesthesia, pain, incontinence and numbness. Any of these are red flag symptoms and require immediate investigation and treatment.
Improving a prostate cancer pathway with a nurse-led clinic
Authors: Arnold Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Jennifer Arnold, Prostate Cancer Nurse, Luton and Dunstable Hospital ( jennifer.arnold2@nhs.net ), runner-up in the Urology Nurse of the Year category of the BJN Awards 2023
Trace elements in sheep: history taking
Authors: Hamer Kim , Jones Rheinallt
Published: May 2023

Trace elements impact the health and productivity of UK sheep flocks when supply is not optimal. The consequences of suboptimal supply can result in various clinical presentations. However, in some instances, unproven trace element deficiencies and their correction have been lauded as a panacea for all manner of conditions. Therefore, it is important to gather sufficient evidence to support a presumptive diagnosis and justify laboratory test expenditure. These tests are often not as diagnostically definitive as we would like and should be interpreted in conjunction with background evidence. In addition, a better understanding of the factors contributing to each particular presentation of deficiency may improve targeted nutritional management.
Lameness in housed goats
Authors: Laven Richard
Published: May 2023

Lameness in housed dairy goats is a major cause of poor welfare but our understanding of the factors driving lameness in housed goats is much less than it is than in sheep or cattle. This article summarises the research on two key aspects: the importance of locomotion scoring as a method of detecting lame goats and categorising and defining the non-infectious hoof horn lesions seen in goats. It then sets out the areas in which more information is needed to significantly reduce the impact of lameness on the productivity and welfare of housed dairy goats.
Why aren't students choosing farm animal practice and what can be done about it?
Authors: Charles David , Miller Alice , Sawran Ami , Owen Georgia , Robson Issa , Henry Joe , Remnant John , Howson Kirsty , Mackinnon Vivienne
Published: May 2023

The profession faces a recruitment and retention problem, whilst at the same time increasing numbers of students aren't selecting careers within farm animal practice. Recent research from universities and the student Farm Animal Veterinary Society have considered causes and barriers. More recent movements by several farm vets and veterinary associations have sought to highlight farm vets without ‘traditional’ farm vet backgrounds. This article considers the FAVS report ( Owen, 2023 ) alongside other literature and research into potential barriers to students entering farm animal practice, whilst the panel discussions provides the views of experienced veterinary surgeons working in the farm sector as to what practitioners, and the wider profession can do to increase the number of students considering and choosing careers in farm animal practice.
Cattle foot health: best foot forward
Authors: Button Ellie
Published: May 2023

October 2022 saw the launch of the new Lantra-approved Cattle Foot Health courses to help vets and foot trimmers teach best foot trimming practice to farmers. The author reflects on what she hopes to gain from teaching the courses and changes in the approach to dairy cattle lameness she has seen during her time as a mobility mentor.
Metal 3D printing technology for automotive, energy and biomedical applications
Authors: Jinje Safa
Published: May 2023

A team of University of Toronto engineering researchers is working to advance the field of metal additive manufacturing at the university's first metal 3D printing laboratory.
Why choose thin-wall hybrid composite tubes?
Authors: Tagher Marc
Published: May 2023

Marc Tagher, area sales manager for North America at pultrusion specialist Exel Composites, explains why manufacturers should consider hybrid composites to balance mechanical performance with cost.
Maggot debridement therapy: from humans to horses
Authors: Hollis Georgie
Published: May 2023

Georgie Hollis, Founder of the Veterinary Wound Library: www.vetwoundlibrary.com , discusses the use of medical maggots and their value as a debriding agent in modern wound care.
Intra-operative hypotension in anaesthetised horses
Authors: Loomes Kate
Published: May 2023

The prompt and effective treatment of hypotension is important in order to avoid its negative consequences, but the management of hypotension may not always be straight forward. Treatment options may include reducing delivered volatile agent concentration, optimising circulating volume and administering positive inotropes or vasopressor agents. In order to approach treatment in the most effective way, it is important to address the underlying cause of or the most significant factor which may be contributing to suboptimal arterial blood pressure. This article summarises the causes of hypotension and various approaches to management and treatment.
Histopathology and virulence of an in vitro-adapted Trypanosoma evansi TEDC 953 strain (Thailand isolate) in mice
Authors: Phongphaew Wallaya , Wongsali Charuwan , Boonyakong Thanisorn , Samritwatchasai Theerawat , Chimnoi Wissanuwat , Kamyingkird Ketsarin
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: Trypanosoma evansi is a blood and tissue protozoan parasite affecting domestic and wild animals. The T. evansi Thai strain, namely, T. evansi from dairy cattle number 953 (TEDC 953) strain, has been successfully isolated from dairy cattle and cultivated in vitro. The in vitro-cultivated parasite is useful for biological studies, evaluation of novel chemotherapeutic agents, and production of antigens for diagnostic tests. This study aimed to observe the histopathology and virulence of an in vitro-adapted T. evansi TEDC 953 strain in vivo.

Materials and Methods: The histopathology and virulence of the TEDC 953 strain were clarified in mice. Six mice were infected with 1 × 105 trypomastigotes of TEDC 953 strain intraperitoneally, and four mice were in the negative control. Parasitemia was monitored daily, and the mice were euthanized on 30 days post-infection (DPI). Internal organs were collected for histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results: Histopathological lesions were found in the liver, lung, heart, kidney, spleen, and brain of the inoculated mice. The main histopathological feature was lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in parenchyma and perivascular areas of multiple organs, and the severity of histopathological changes was related to the presence of trypomastigotes in the regional vessels. Granulomatous inflammation was seen in meninges, pleura, renal capsule, renal pelvis, and spleen of some infected mice. Four mice died at 17, 24, 26, and 27 DPI with an average parasitemia of 4.05 × 1011 trypomastigotes/mL. The average survival time was 23.5 DPI (mice = 4).

Conclusion: This study confirmed that the TEDC 953 strain is infectious and pathogenic in mice after the continuously cultivated in vitro. To replace the use of experimental animals, the in vitro-cultivated parasite can be used instead in further studies.

Keywords: experimentally infected mice, histopathology, in vitro, in vivo, Trypanosoma evansi Thai strain, virulence.
The effect of using fruit peel on broiler growth and health
Authors: Sugiharto Sugiharto
Published: May 2023

To ensure the long-term viability of broiler farming, producers must address a number of issues, including rising feed costs, a ban on antibiotic growth promoters, and growing consumer awareness of chemical residues in broiler chicken meat. Fruit peel is a waste with no commercial value, but due to its high nutritional content, particularly in terms of energy, it has the potential to be used as an alternative feed source for broiler chicks. Fruit peel also contains a number of nutraceutical compounds that have the potential to be added to feed or used as natural supplements for broiler chickens due to their antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunostimulant properties. Fruit peels have high fiber content and antinutritional and toxic components that may interfere with broiler digestion and physiological function, so they should be used cautiously in broiler production. Various processes, including fermentation, extraction, distillation, and combining with other active components, such as enzymes, may be used to optimize the use of fruit peels in broiler production. This review examines the use of fruit peel and its effects on broiler growth and health.

Keywords: antibacterial, antioxidants, byproduct, feed, immune system.
Kelimpahan, Keanekaragaman dan Distribusi Ikan Karang dan Megabentos serta hubungannya dengan kondisi Terumbu Karang dan kualitas Perairan di Gosong Pramuka, Taman Nasional Kepulauan Seribu
Authors: Riyantini Indah , Harahap Syawaludin A. , Kostaman Alyssa N. , Aufaadhiyaa Putri A. , MS Yuniarti , Zallesa Sheila , Faizal Ibnu
Published: May 2023

Biota yang berasosiasi dengan ekosistem terumbu karang cukup banyak, beberapa diantaranya yaitu ikan karang dan megabentos. Riset ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi tutupan terumbu karang dan bagaimana hubungannya dengan distribusi ikan karang, megabentos serta  kualitas perairan di Perairan Gosong Pramuka Kepulauan Seribu. Pengambilan data ikan karang menggunakan metode UVC, megabentos menggunakan metode Belt Transek dan pengambilan data terumbu karang menggunakan metode LIT. Data diambil pada 2 stasiun yang berlokasi pada wilayah terumbu karang alami dan wilayah yang terdapat media transplantasi karang dengan tiga kedalaman yaitu 3 m, 5 m, dan 7 m. Tutupan terumbu karang di Perairan Gosong Pramuka tergolong kriteria sedang. Kelimpahan ikan karang dan megabentos di kedalaman 3 m lebih tinggi daripada kedalaman lainnya dan memiliki nilai indeks keanekaragaman sedang. Hubungan ikan karang dengan terumbu karang pada riset ini menunjukan hubungan positif namun bernilai rendah yang artinya hubungan lemah, sedangkan hubungan megabentos dengan kualitas perairan di Gosong Pramuka memiliki nilai yang bervariasi yaitu terdapat hubungan positif kuat dan juga lemah.    Abundance, Diversity and Distribution of Coral Fish and Megabentos and their relationship to the condition of coral reefs and the quality of waters in Gosong Pramuka, Thousand Islands National Park There are quite a lot of biota associated with coral reef ecosystems, some of which are coral fish and megabentos.  This research aims to determine coral reef cover conditions, determine the distribution index of coral fish and megabentos and obtain a relationship between coral fish and coral reef conditions and megabentos with water quality in the Gosong Pramuka Waters of the Thousand Islands.  Pengambilan data coral fish using UVC method, megabentos using Belt Transek method and coral reef data retrieval using LIT method.  The data were taken at 2 stations located in natural coral reef areas and areas where there is a transplane media with three depths, namely 3 m, 5 m, and 7 m. Coral reef cover in Gosong Pramuka Waters is classified as a medium criterion. The abundance of reef fish and megabentos at a depth of 3 m is higher than other depths and has a moderate diversity index value. The relationship between coral fish and coral reefs in this study shows a positive but low-value relationship, which means a weak relationship, while the relationship between megabentos and the quality of waters in Gosong Pramuka has a varied value, namely there is a strong and also weak positive relationship.
Free Will - Mentalizing: Some Reasons to Consider Them a Single Phenomenon. The "Indeterminist" Point of View
Authors: Madonna Federica
Published: May 2023

The following essay aims to provide some arguments in favor of equality of the phenomena of mentalizing and free will; in order to be able to highlight the overlap, therefore, the equality of the phenomena concerned, it is desirable, methodologically, that the three characteristics of mentalizing (the cognitive effort of the self to “understand” the other; the processing time of the message and the presence of the You) be displayed as intrinsic properties to the free will in order to conclude that the field of intersoggetivity is an extension of the investigation of the latter and not a phenomenon in its own right. It will be argued, in fact, that “reading of the mind” is the answer to the accusation made against indeterminists about the physical localisation of causality sui generis. The latter, unduly exploiting the characteristics of mentalizing, would find in the “mind/brain” of the agent its manifestation, masking, however, the fact that the ontological nature of the same mentalizing is that of free will.
The Mediating Effect of Job Burnout on the Relationship Between Workplace Bullying and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Zanabazar Altanchimeg , Jigjiddorj Sarantuya , Togtokhbayar Bolorsaikhan , Jambaldorj Ariunaa
Published: May 2023

Workplace bullying can have severe negative consequences on individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their job satisfaction and performance. By understanding the causes and consequences of workplace bullying, organizations can develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to create a healthier and more positive work environment. This study investigated the impact of workplace bullying on job burnout and job satisfaction, as well as the mediating effect of job burnout on the relationship between workplace bullying and job satisfaction. The study was conducted using a sample of 72 employees from one organization in Mongolia. Data was collected through a self-administered survey questionnaire and analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. In this study, we utilized the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-R) developed by Einarsen, Hoel, and Notelaers (2009) to measure workplace stress, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) developed by Maslach and Jackson (1981) to measure burnout, and the job satisfaction questionnaire developed by MacDonald and Maclntyre (1997) to measure job satisfaction. The results revealed a positive correlation between workplace bullying and job burnout, indicating that an increase in the levels of bullying is associated with an increase in job burnout. Additionally, both types of bullying (leadership-related and colleague-related) were found to have a negative effect on job satisfaction. Job burnout was also found to have a negative correlation with job satisfaction, meaning that as job burnout increases, job satisfaction tends to decrease. Furthermore, the study found that job burnout fully mediates the relationship between workplace bullying (both leadership-related and colleague-related) and job satisfaction. This suggests that job burnout plays an important role in shaping the relationship between workplace bullying and job satisfaction.