bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart coating in protective clothing for firefighters: An overview and recent improvements
Authors: Shakeriaski Farshad , Ghodrat Maryam , Rashidi Maria , Samali Bijan
Published: May 2022

Recently, new developments in the design and performance optimization of smart mechanisms associated with natural and man-made hazards have progressed considerably. This is mainly owing to advances in smart sensing mechanisms including communication and data technologies. This work provides a detailed overview of existing improvements on smart hazard monitoring equipment and materials applied in textile sensing systems. Given that fire is one of the most common disasters in many countries such as Australia, and every year many firefighters are affected by these unfortunate incidents, the focus of this study is on firefighters' protective clothing Fire Fighter Protective clothing. This review provides a unique opportunity to study smart sensing systems in coating technologies, potentially provides more effective techniques for training and better safety protocols of fire fighters. It aims to revisit the existing advances and address recent challenges and opportunities for improvement in the domain of smart coating and fire protective wearables. The goal of this review is to provide information about smart coating in protective clothing for firefighters. The capability of some of these clothing in managing thermal stresses, responding to humid environment, monitoring some critical parameters and adapting to the size of the wearers (clothes fabricated with phase change and shape memory substances) made them attractive choice in adjusting specific design features of industrial textiles. Various types of phase change and shape memory substances are defined and a combination of these substances within the structure of fabrics are presented. This paper also provides a detailed review on the heat exposure and capability of the shape memory substances (SMM) and phase change materials (PCM) to delay the heat transfer through fire fighter protective clothing. Referring to the former research, several issues have been detected using such substances. For instance, combination of phase change and shape memory materials needs fundamental improvements with regards to assessment techniques and testing criteria. Additionally, recent improvements in the domain of PCM and SMM including modifying mechanical features, functionality, and durability under different conditions have been informed. It has been suggested that the major problem in developing fabric-Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and Shape memory material (SMM) systems is their usage methods. At last recent developments on wearable monitoring systems applied in the firefighters’ protective gear. Wearable sensors are usually used directly on the body or located on wearable items to monitor information related to firefighters’ safety.
Hepatobiliary Cancers: Progress in Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Treatment
Authors: Pant Kishor , Gradilone Sergio A.
Published: May 2022

Hepatobiliary cancers comprise a wide range of malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, and they are some of the most challenging to treat human neoplasms. Due to the rarity of the illnesses, the development of treatment measures for malignancies of the gastrointestinal system is far behind. The number of patients eligible for curative treatment is limited due to cancer's aggressive nature and the difficulties of early identification. Furthermore, surgery is frequently intrusive and linked with a significant level of risk. The therapy result of hepatobiliary cancers is unsatisfactory due to these complicated variables, leaving significant space for improvement.
Advances in the Study of Circadian Genes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Renwang , Zhang Bo , Huo Huandong , Song Zuoqing
Published: May 2022

Circadian genes regulate several physiological functions such as circadian rhythm and metabolism and participate in the cytogenesis and progression of various malignancies. The abnormal expression of these genes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is closely related to the clinicopathological features of NSCLC and may promote or inhibit NSCLC progression. Circadian rhythm disorders and clock gene abnormalities may increase the risk of lung cancer in some populations. We collected 15 circadian genes in NSCLC, namely PER1, PER2, PER3, TIMELESS, Cry1, Cry2, CLOCK, BMAL1/ARNTL-1, ARNTL2, NPAS2, NR1D1(REV-ERB), DEC1, DEC2, RORα, and RORγ, and determined their relationships with the clinicopathological features of patients and the potential mechanisms promoting or inhibiting NSCLC progression. We also summarized the studies on circadian rhythm disorders and circadian genes associated with lung cancer risk. The present study aimed to provide theoretical support for the future exploration of new therapeutic targets and for the primary prevention of NSCLC from the perspective of circadian genes. Interpretation of circadian rhythms in lung cancer could guide further lung cancer mechanism research and drug development that could lead to more effective treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Multi-Modality Self-Management Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Caregivers: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Nightingale Chandylen , Sterba Katherine R. , Levine Beverly , Tooze Janet A. , Greven Kathryn , Frizzell Bart , Hughes Ryan T. , Snavely Anna , Lesser Glenn J. , Norona Sandra , Pleasant Katherine , Weaver Kathryn E.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) experience significant side effects, presenting challenging care tasks for their informal (unpaid) caregivers. HNC caregivers report low caregiving self-efficacy, high distress, and interest in supportive care interventions.

Objective:

This randomized pilot trial assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a 6 to 7 week supported self-management intervention (Prepare to Care) offering psychoeducation and stress management skills building for caregivers of patients receiving RT for HNC.

Methods:

Caregivers were randomized to Prepare to Care or standard of care. Primary feasibility measures included participation and retention percentages. Assessments were completed before the intervention, at intervention completion, and 6-weeks later after intervention completion.

Results:

Caregivers (N = 38) were predominantly female (88.6%), an average age of 56 years old, and a spouse/partner to the patient (71.4%). Participation percent was 42.2%; retention at intervention conclusion was 80% and 77% at the 6-week follow-up. Quantitative and qualitative results support acceptability, with 64% to 88% reporting each intervention module was helpful (quite a bit or very). Intervention caregivers reported a significantly greater improvement in self-efficacy for progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).

Conclusions:

Prepare to Care and the randomized pilot trial methods are feasible and acceptable for HNC caregivers of patients receiving RT. A significant treatment effect was observed for self-efficacy for PMR, and findings were in the expected direction regarding improved caregiving self-efficacy. Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of this intervention with a focus on increased engagement strategies and longer-term outcomes.

Trial Registration:

NCT03032250
Gender Differences in the Prevalence and Predictive Validity of Protective Factors in a Sample of Justice-Involved Youth
Authors: Goodwin Julie , Brown Shelley L. , Skilling Tracey A.
Published: May 2022

Research on strengths and violent behavior in justice-involved youth suggests that the prevalence and predictive validity of strength factors vary as a function of gender. Interviews conducted between 2009 and 2012 with 185 justice-involved Canadian youth ( N female = 84, N male = 101; 67% violent index offence) were coded retrospectively using two strength measures for violence prediction: the protective domain of the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), and the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors-Youth Version (SAPROF-YV). Males exhibited more protective factors than females across measures. Both tools were strong predictors of general recidivism in males but not females. The SAVRY protective domain was predictive of violent recidivism in males, but the SAPROF-YV was not; neither was predictive of violent recidivism in females. This study demonstrates gender differences in the prevalence and predictive validity of strengths in justice-involved youth and highlights the need for more female-focused research and measures.
Bilateral Cerebellar Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Combined With Swallowing Speech Therapy for Dysphagia After Stroke: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Rao Jinzhu , Li Fang , Zhong Lida , Wang Jing , Peng Yang , Liu Huiyu , Wang Pu , Xu Jianwen
Published: May 2022

Background:

Previous studies have found that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the cerebellar hemisphere could improve swallowing function, but whether intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which has similar excitatory effect and higher efficiency, can also improve swallowing function for dysphagia after stroke remains unclear.

Objective:

This trial aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of bilateral cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation with iTBS for dysphagia after stroke.

Methods:

Seventy patients with dysphagia after stroke were divided into 2 treatment groups: true bilateral cerebellar iTBS and sham bilateral cerebellar iTBS. The true iTBS group underwent ten 100% resting motor threshold (RMT) iTBS sessions for 2 weeks. In the sham iTBS group, the parameters were the same except that the figure-eight coil was perpendicular to the skull. Both groups received traditional swallowing rehabilitation treatment 5 times a week for 2 weeks. Swallowing function was assessed with the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale (FEDSS), Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS), Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) at baseline, 2 weeks after the intervention, and at 4 weeks of follow-up.

Results:

There were significant time and group interaction effects in both multi-factorial adjusted and unadjusted FEDSS, PAS, SSA, and FOIS score ( P < .001). In the pairwise comparison of the swallowing parameters among the 2 groups, the FEDSS, PAS, SSA, and FOIS scores at 2 weeks and 4 weeks showed a significantly higher improvement in the iTBS simulation group than sham group ( P < .05). In both the true iTBS and sham iTBS stimulation groups, all FEDSS, PAS, SSA, and FOIS scores were significantly improved over time ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

The present study suggested that as a more efficient TMS stimulation mode, iTBS could efficiently improve swallowing function by stimulating the bilateral cerebellar hemisphere. In addition, 100% resting motor threshold bilateral cerebellar iTBS is a relatively safe treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration:

Effect analysis of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation of cerebellar on dysphagia after stroke. www.chictr.org.cn . Identifier: ChiCTR2100042092.
Multi-Kinects fusion for full-body tracking in virtual reality-aided assembly simulation
Authors: Wang Yu , Chang Fuxiang , Wu Yuanjie , Hu Ziran , Li Lihui , Li Pengyu , Lang Pu , Yao Shouwen
Published: May 2022

Skeleton tracking based on multiple Kinects data fusion has been proved to have better accuracy and robustness than single Kinect. However, previous works did not consider the inconsistency of tracking accuracy in the tracking field of Kinect and the self-occlusion of human body in assembly operation, which are of vital importance to the fusion performance of the multiple Kinects data in assembly task simulation. In this work, we developed a multi-Kinect fusion algorithm to achieve robust full-body tracking in virtual reality (VR)-aided assembly simulation. Two reliability functions are first applied to evaluate the tracking confidences reflecting the impacts of the position-related error and the self-occlusion error on the tracked skeletons. Then, the tracking skeletons from multiple Kinects are fused based on weighted arithmetic average and generalized covariance intersection. To evaluate the tracking confidence, the ellipsoidal surface fitting was used to model the tracking accuracy distribution of Kinect, and the relations between the user-Kinect crossing angles and the influences of the self-occlusion on the tracking of different parts of body were studied. On the basis, the two reliability functions were developed. We implemented a prototype system leveraging six Kinects and applied the distributed computing in the system to improve the computing efficiency. Experiment results showed that the proposed algorithm has superior fusion performance compared to the peer works.
Ethical Analysis of Egypt's Law Regulating Clinical Research
Authors: Matar Amal , Silverman Henry J.
Published: May 2022

Lately, there has been increased research performed in Egypt. In response, the Egyptian Parliament published its first clinical research law in December 2020. The official version of the law was translated to English from Arabic and back by an accredited translation service. We performed an ethical analysis of the law based on the seven ethical requirements for clinical research proposed by Emanuel et al. and compared it with other regulations in the Arab region. The law contains provisions that fulfill all requirements for ethical research to varying degree. Provisions necessitating the sharing of participants’ data and biospecimens by the Central Intelligence Agency requires further specifications to ensure privacy protection. Also, the law poses problematic liabilities that could hamper medical research. Egypt's law compares favorably with other laws in the region. Potential items that require further specification can be addressed in the executive regulations currently being drafted for the law.
Antioxidant Properties, Phytoactive Compounds and Potential Protective Action of Salvia officinalis Flowers Against Combined Gastro-Intestinal Ulcer and Diarrhea Experimentally Induced in Rat
Authors: Jedidi Saber , Selmi Houcine , Aloui Foued , Rtibi Kais , Sammari Houcem , Abbes Chaabane , Sebai Hichem
Published: May 2022

The present study was conducted to investigate the protective action of Salvia officinalis flowers aqueous extract (SOFAE) against combined gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders-induced by ethanol and castor oil administration in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of ten each and various doses of SOFAE (50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.) and sulfasalazine (100 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.) were daily administrated during 15 days. After, animals were intoxicated with a single oral administration of ethanol (4 g kg−1, b.w., p. o.) and castor oil (5 mL kg−1, b.w., p.o.). We found that SOFAE contains several phytoactive compounds with a strong ABTS scavenging ability. In vivo, we showed that SOFAE protected against EtOH/CO-induced macroscopic and histological alterations in GI tract accompanied by intestinal fluid accumulation and gastric juice decrease. SOFAE significantly counteracted lipoperoxydation increase and reversed the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. More importantly, SOFAE significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and ALP) in plasma and mucosal GI tract. In conclusion, our data clearly indicate that the SOFAE exerted a potential protective effect against EtOH-induced peptic ulcer combined with CO-induced diarrhea in rats. These effects could be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“Incorporating a Gym Facility in a Lifestyle Medicine Practice for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus”
Authors: Nadolsky Karl , Baraki Austin , Nadolsky Spencer
Published: May 2022

Incorporating a gym or fitness facility into a lifestyle-focused clinic is potentially one of the most critical facets of the patient-focused care, especially for those with obesity, cardiometabolic disease, and all types of diabetes mellitus. The evidence for prioritizing physical activity and exercise as medicine is well-researched and universally recommended as first-line therapy plus prevention of many chronic disease states. Having a fitness center on-site as part of any clinic could improve patient utilization, reduce barrier to entry, and decrease hesitation to engage in exercise like resistance training. While the conceptualization may seem simple, the pragmatic application and implementation takes proper planning. Developing such a gym will depend upon gym size preference, program development, cost, and available personnel. Thought needs to be put into deciding which type of exercise and ancillary equipment, ranging from aerobic or resistance machines to free weights, will be included and in what format. Fee and payment options should be carefully considered to assure the budget works financially for both the clinic and patient population. Finally, graphic examples of clinical gyms are described to convey the potential reality of such an optimal setting.
Vaccine Equity: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: White Nicole D. , Grimm Hannah
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minorities, a group who is also less likely to be fully vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy and vaccine access both play a role in the vaccine inequities observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies to improve access and reduce hesitancy are discussed.
‘Common Sense Slimming’ - How the contribution of Joan Robins, television’s ‘afternoon cook’, was not the perfect-fit for the culture of the BBC in the 1950s
Authors: Geddes Kevin
Published: May 2022

Cooking on television after WWII mainly addressed ‘the housewife’ audience, while women themselves were presenting television cooking programmes. History has largely forgotten the presenter Joan Robins, who appeared alongside Philip Harben and Marguerite Patten on BBC broadcasts of the late 1940s and 1950s. Robins specialised in ‘common-sense’ cookery, nutrition, and health, including a controversial slimming programme that featured advice that was later disputed by the British Medical Association. Robins’ ideas and innovations were not always welcomed by the BBC, who preferred more straightforward cookery demonstrations, resulting in her turning her back on broadcasting to concentrate on her other careers.
Teacher educators’ perceptions of practices and issues affecting initial teacher education programmes in Jamaica, Greece and Nigeria
Authors: Chalari Maria , Onyefulu Cynthia , Fasoyiro Olufunke
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the findings of a comparative study carried out in 2018, which aimed to explore and compare teacher educators’ perceptions of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes in Jamaica, Greece and Nigeria. This study endeavoured to add intercultural perspectives to the study of ITE and to underlie the idea that ITE has become increasingly bound up in the processes of neo-liberalism and globalisation. A comparative research design was used to investigate the similarities and differences in ITE programmes available in these three countries. Specifically, this was a quantitative survey study, and the participants ( n = 135) were teacher educators who were purposefully selected. Based on what the findings revealed, it is argued that, while features of national culture, tradition and institutional politics have a significant role to play in the detail of the approaches taken in ITE programmes, there is nevertheless evidence of significant convergence between the three countries in terms of the type, modality and duration of ITE, as well as the current issues facing ITE programmes and the areas that need improvement. This, it is suggested, reflects trends associated with neo-liberal ‘globalisation’.
The changing vaccine landscape: rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in young adults during vaccine rollout
Authors: Knight H , Jia R , Ayling K , Blake H , Morling JR , Villalon AM , Corner J , Denning C , Ball J , Bolton K , Figueredo G , Morris D , Tighe P , Vedhara K
Published: May 2022

Aims:

Development and rollout of vaccines offers the best opportunity for population protection against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. However, hesitancy towards the vaccines might impede successful uptake in the United Kingdom, particularly in young adults who demonstrate the highest rates of hesitancy. This prospective study explored COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in young adults and whether the reasons behind these attitudes changed during the initial stages of the United Kingdom’s vaccine rollout.

Method:

Data on vaccination intention were collected from a British university student cohort at three time points: October 2020, February 2021, and March 2021. This online survey included items on intention to receive a vaccine and a free-text response for the reasons behind this intention. Cochran’s Q tests examined changes in rates of hesitancy and acceptance over time and free-text responses were analysed thematically.

Results:

At baseline, 893 students provided data, with 476 participants completing all three time points. Hesitancy declined over time, with 29.4% of participants expressing hesitancy at baseline, reducing to 9.1% at wave 2 and 5.9% at wave 3. The most commonly endorsed themes for those willing to accept a vaccine were self-protection against COVID-19 and pro-social reasons, including protecting the population or unspecific others, and ending the pandemic/returning to normal life. The most commonly endorsed hesitancy themes related to ‘confidence’ in the vaccines and potential personal risk, including insufficient testing/scientific evidence, concern about side effects, and long-term effects. These reasons remained the most commonly endorsed at both waves 2 and 3.

Conclusions:

While a decline in hesitancy was observed over time, the key reasons behind both vaccine acceptance and hesitancy remained consistent. Reasons behind hesitancy aligned with those of the general public, providing support for the use of generalist interventions. Pro-social reasons frequently underpinned vaccine acceptance, so cohort-specific interventions targeting those factors may be of benefit.
Comparative efficacy and safety of mizoribine and mycophenolate mofetil for treating systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ayano Masahiro , Kimoto Yasutaka , Mitoma Hiroki , Akahoshi Mitsuteru , Ono Nobuyuki , Arinobu Yojiro , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Niiro Hiroaki
Published: May 2022

Background:

Mizoribine (MZR) is an immunosuppressive agent that selectively inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase; its actions are considerably similar to those of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). This study aimed to clarify whether MZR can be a good treatment option for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare the efficacy and safety of MZR and MMF in patients with active SLE.

Methods:

We retrospectively compared the efficacy, continuation rate, and safety of MZR (52 patients) and MMF (31 patients) after adjusting for stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting based on propensity scores. The efficacy endpoints were as follows: cumulative incidence of lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) or remission attainment and flares and change in prednisolone dose over 2 years. Drug continuation rates were defined as the time from drug initiation to discontinuation for any cause, owing to the lack of efficacy, or owing to adverse events. The safety endpoint was the frequency of adverse events.

Results:

Overall, 25 (48.1%) and 13 (25.0%) patients in the MZR group and 18 (58.1%) and 15 (48.3%) in the MMF group achieved LLDAS and remission during the follow-up period, respectively; thus, the cumulative incidence of LLDAS and remission attainment of the two groups was similar after adjustment. Prednisolone dose was steadily reduced in both the groups, and the change in prednisolone dose was nearly identical between the two groups. Drug discontinuation rate due to adverse events and the frequency of all adverse events and infections were higher in the MMF group than in the MZR group, albeit without significance after adjustment.

Conclusion:

MZR is as effective as MMF in controlling SLE activity. The adverse events of MZR, whose profile differs from MMF, are comparable to or less than those of MMF. MZR may be a valuable option as an immunosuppressive agent for SLE, as well as MMF.
Anionic Technol PG-Based Nanoparticles Prepared Using Cholic Acid-Derived Surfactants
Authors: Uchida Noriyuki , Yanagi Masayoshi , Hamada Hiroki
Published: May 2022

In this work, the dispersibility of Technol PG, composed of anionic phospholipids, was investigated in the presence of cholic acid-based surfactants.
Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy Syndrome and Radiation Necrosis After Cerebral Proton Beam Radiation: A Case Report of Dual Radiotherapy Complications
Authors: Huang Deborah , Dixit Karan S.
Published: May 2022

Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a rare, delayed complication of cranial radiation therapy that consists of migraine-like headaches and focal neurologic deficits such as visual loss, aphasia, hemiparesis, hemisensory loss, and unconsciousness. SMART syndrome may be mistaken for tumor recurrence, radiation necrosis, and stroke. Timely recognition of SMART syndrome prevents unnecessary brain biopsies and enables appropriate anticipatory guidance. We present a 38 year-old right handed male with new headaches, vertigo, visual symptoms, and left-sided paresthesias. Neuroimaging revealed a heterogeneously enhancing mass with invasion into the transverse sinus, diagnosed as an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma by surgical pathology. After resection, the patient underwent proton beam radiation for maximal tissue-sparing. Six months later, he developed radiation necrosis. After another year, he developed recurrent headaches with transient language difficulties and blurry vision during each headache. Neuroimaging was consistent with SMART syndrome, and the patient was started on valproate. Verapamil was added after a second attack. The patient’s headaches improved, but he remains dyslexic. Subsequent imaging shows resolution of gyriform contrast enhancement and continued left temporo-occipital T2/FLAIR hyperintensity. We present a case of early SMART syndrome following proton beam radiotherapy, as well as the dual occurrence of radiation necrosis and SMART syndrome in this individual. Radiation necrosis and SMART syndrome are known complications of radiotherapy, with the latter less well-described. We discuss a possible shared pathophysiology involving endothelial cell dysfunction and impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation, and we question whether proton RT increases risk of early SMART syndrome development.
NASN’s Medication Administration Clinical Guideline
Authors: Bergren Martha Dewey
Published: May 2022

Despite the volume of medications that are administered in schools, school nurse guidelines for administering medications in schools lacked the support of empirical literature to guide best practices. Some states issue guidelines that summarize state regulations or dictate the standards and processes. However, state school nursing manuals rely on tradition and professional judgment for suggested medication practices. Medication practices may vary significantly from building to building within a school district. The National Association of School Nurses commissioned a uniform clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the administration of medications in schools based on a systematic review of the literature. The CPG for medications administered in schools provides direction for state school nurse consultants, school districts, and nurses working independently in schools by creating the structure and processes of care to lead to optimal outcomes including increased medication adherence, fewer errors, and decreased morbidity and mortality. The School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Medication Administration in Schools guide school policy and provide evidence for policy changes for state legislation.
The Effect of Chitohem Bleeding Inhibitor Powder on Pain and Bleeding After Tonsillectomy by Suturing Method
Authors: Seied-Mohammad Doulabi Seied-Reza , Moradi Alireza , Roozbahany Navid Ahmady , Rezaei Sohbat , Khoshfetrat Niloufar , Shamsian Fahime , Baghi Mehran
Published: May 2022

Study Design and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate Triamcinolone ointment’s effect on pain and bleeding after tonsillectomy by suturing method.

Methods: The present study was performed as a single-blind clinical trial on 200 patients who underwent a total tonsillectomy in the ENT department of Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran during 2016. Candidates for total tonsillectomy were randomized into 2 groups one by one. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups. Both groups matched homologically. Patients in both groups (intervention and control) underwent cold dissection total tonsillectomy. In addition to suturing, in the intervention group, Triamcinolone ointment was used to control the local bleeding at the surgical site. In the control group, only sutures were used to control bleeding. The studied variables included: bleeding and pain 24 hours after surgery, Time to start oral feeding.

Result: The frequency of bleeding cases in the first 24 hours are included: 4 patients (5.63%) in the intervention group and 6 patients (8.45%) in the control group ( P = 0.01). The average time to start eating for patients who were treated with topical triamcinolone ointment was significantly less than those who were not treated with this ointment. Only 2 patients (2.77%) in the intervention group took analgesics in the first 24 hours after surgery, while and 11 patients (15.3%) in the control group received analgesics in the same time period.

Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that the use of Triamcinolone ointment in total tonsillectomy could reduce bleeding, analgesics usage, and the time of feeding onset.
The role of surveillance computed tomography in patients with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Hatta Shunsuke , Fukuhara Suguru , Fujino Takahiro , Saito Yo , Ito Yuta , Makita Shinichi , Munakata Wataru , Suzuki Tatsuya , Maruyama Dai , Kusumoto Masahiko , Izutsu Koji
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Surveillance computed tomography (CT) is performed during the follow-up of patients with lymphoma who have completed initial therapy. However, studies on the clinical benefit of surveillance CT for patients with incurable subtypes, such as follicular lymphoma (FL), are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the value of surveillance CT for patients with FL after achieving the first complete response (CR) or CR unconfirmed in the rituximab era.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with FL who achieved CR with first-line treatment between 2000 and 2016 at our institution. In patients who experienced first relapse, we examined the patient’s clinical characteristics at the time of relapse, subsequent therapies, and post-relapse survival, based on the method of relapse detection.

Results:

Of the 248 patients who achieved CR after initial therapy, 109 had a relapse, with a median follow-up of 11 years; 100 were enrolled into this study. Relapse was detected by surveillance CT in 61 patients (surveillance CT group) and by means other than surveillance CT, such as the presence of patient-reported symptoms, physical findings, and blood work-up abnormalities (non-surveillance CT group), in 39 patients. There was no significant difference in the patients’ characteristics at the time of relapse between the two groups, except for a higher incidence of extranodal involvement in the non-surveillance CT group. The method of relapse detection did not affect therapeutic selection after relapse and post-relapse survival. In this study, 86.8% of the 38 patients who relapsed with only deep lesions, such as mesenteric or retroperitoneal lymph nodes, had surveillance CT-detected relapse.

Conclusion:

Surveillance CT did not show any clinical benefit for patients with FL in CR; however, it might lead to early detection of relapse in cases of deep lesions that cannot be identified without imaging.
The management of acute and chronic hyponatraemia
Authors: Lawless Sarah Jean , Thompson Chris , Garrahy Aoife
Published: May 2022

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in clinical practice; despite this, the work-up and management of hyponatraemia remain suboptimal and varies among different specialist groups. The majority of data comparing hyponatraemia treatments have been observational, up until recently. The past two years have seen the publication of several randomised control trials investigating hyponatraemia treatments, both for chronic and acute hyponatraemia. In this article, we aim to provide a background to the physiology, cause and impact of hyponatraemia and summarise the most recent data on treatments for acute and chronic hyponatraemia, highlighting their efficacy, tolerability and adverse effects.
High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among asymptomatic women opting for the intrauterine contraceptive device use in Mwanza, Tanzania: An urgent call for control interventions
Authors: Masatu Emmanuel S , Kajura Alphaxard , Mujuni Fridolin , Chibwe Elieza , Nyawale Helmut A , Rambau Peter , Majigo Mtebe , Mshana Stephen E. , Mirambo Mariam M
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Placement of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in asymptomatic woman infected with sexually transmitted infection (STIs) can lead to pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) and infertility if not well treated. The current study investigated the magnitude of sexually transmitted infections among women opting for IUCD use in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study involving 150 asymptomatic women was conducted from August to December 2017. Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen from endocervical swabs was done using immunochromatographic rapid tests while sera were used for detection of Treponema pallidum, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) antibodies.

Results:

The overall prevalence of STIs was 45/150 (30%, 95% CI: 22–37) while that of individual STIs were 27.3%, 5.3%, and 2.6% for C trachomatis, T pallidum, and HSV-2, respectively. History of dysuria (aOR 6.6; 95% CI 2.3–18.8; p < 0.001) and history of STIs (aOR 4.6; 95%CI 1.0–20.8; p = 0.049) independently predicted presence of STIs.

Conclusions:

Prevalence of STIs among women opted for IUCD use in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania is alarmingly high and is predicted by past history of dysuria and history of partner’s STIs, calling for the need of screening of the STIs among high-risk women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) opting for IUCD use.
Noma – a neglected disease of malnutrition and poor oral hygiene: A mini-review
Authors: Gezimu Wubishet , Demeke Ababo , Duguma Abdissa
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

The aim of this review was to describe malnutrition and poor oral hygiene, the most common risk factors for noma.

Methods:

A vigorous literature searches were conducted on databases such as Scopus, Elsevier, Web of Science, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar by inserting keywords such as ‘noma’ OR ‘cancrum oris’ OR ‘cancrum oris cases’. A total of 65 articles gathered. Of these, 38 articles found to be eligible for this study.

Results:

A total of 38 full-length articles were included in the review. According to the evidence gathered and summarized in this review, malnutrition, especially protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, makes the oral mucosa susceptible to opportunistic pathogens of noma, and then, in so doing, pathogens invade the oral cavities. Malnutrition has a bidirectional relationship with noma. Since noma is a disease of the oral cavity, poor oral hygiene has the potential of predispose and worsen the disease’s progress.

Conclusion:

Malnutrition and poor oral hygiene found to be ingrained in the pathogenesis of noma. For effective management and prevention of noma, it is necessary to underpin adequate nutritional supplementation (including vitamins). As a primary prevention strategy, healthcare workers’ training should be strengthened to improve the diagnosis and treatment of oral infections, including noma.
Between fragility and resilience: Ambivalent images of nature in popular documentaries with David Attenborough
Authors: Zemanek Evi
Published: May 2022

Nature documentaries often present contradictory images of, on the one hand, a fragile nature that is threatened or already destroyed by humans and, on the other hand, a resilient nature that indifferently survives the human species. Similar ambivalences characterize the public discourse on “nature” in the Anthropocene. From the perspective of cultural and media studies, this essay attempts to disentangle the incoherencies in popular imaginaries of nature by exploring the challenges of narrating and picturing the two opposite qualities of vulnerability and resilience. Tracing the conceptual evolution of documentaries presented by David Attenborough between 1979 and 2020 and their gradual increase in environmentalist rhetoric, I show how different visual motifs undergo a recoding (resilient/fragile) and relate it to paradigm shifts in ecology, earth system science, and environmental protection principles. With an interest in the historical development of multimedia discourses on resilience and vulnerability, I focus on the relationship between visual and verbal representation as well as on the interplay of semantic and aesthetic aspects, while reflecting on whether the observed ambivalences are intentional and how they might influence the perception of the documentaries. This essay is a contribution to Transmedia Ecocriticism and thus situates itself in the Environmental Humanities.
How the theory of self-organized criticality explains punctuated equilibrium in social systems
Authors: Zhukov Dmitry
Published: May 2022

Punctuated equilibrium is a characteristic of some natural and social systems that occasionally generate bursts of activity at different scales following periods of stagnation of different durations. This phenomenon can be formalized as pink noise, which is an attribute of self-organized criticality (SOC). This paper outlines the main ideas of the SOC theory and the tools for identifying pink noise. It presents examples of punctuated equilibrium found in computer experiments with artificial societies, as well as in historical and political studies. Such examples are found, in particular, in demographic processes, in the development of markets, in the dynamics of electoral choice, in the Internet activity of network communities, in terrorist and criminal activity, and in protest movements in the past and present. The SOC theory explains why avalanche-like social transformations do not always occur under the influence of some major extraordinary factor. Social cataclysms can be caused by the intrinsic properties of systems as well as by micro-level processes and local impulses. Internal transformational potential can be high enough and, at the same time, subtle. The SOC theory describes the ways in which such avalanche conditions can be identified with mathematic rigor and, at the same time, relatively easily.
How Remote Interventions Can Reduce the Impact of Disease-Related Malnutrition for Community Patients With Long-Term Conditions
Authors: Deaney Carl , Hoggard Karly
Published: May 2022

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development but over 3 million people in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (93% living in the community). As part of a wider nutritional clinical review program across England, this specific pilot focused on proactive nutritional reviews within 1 rural practice, to explore how exacerbation of illness for patients with long-term conditions may be prevented and quality of life improved through the avoidance of malnutrition; identified through the timely delivery of holistic clinical assessments; and managed with nutritional interventions that patients actively engage with. These objectives were of particular significance in 2020 due to the challenges posed by Covid-19 in the delivery of healthcare. Within the pilot activity, a selection of patients at the practice were identified based on predetermined criteria. The intervention was delivered remotely by a clinical pharmacist. Two methods of communication with patients were explored during the pilot—initially communicating by letter, and latterly by telephone call. From a registered patient population of 6138, 59 of these patients were flagged to the practice for assessment as required and 102 patients were prioritized for remote assessment. Following a notes review, 60 patients were contacted via telephone with no action for 39 patients; 16 patients agreeing to a “food-first” approach; and 5 patients prescribed ONS. Results from the pilot and wider program activity demonstrate that patients willingly engaged in a proactive approach to remote assessments when using appropriate communication channels. It has also demonstrated that through guidelines adherence resulting in more appropriate prescribing, there are significant cost savings to be made through the implementation of remote nutritional assessments in primary care. Further research is required to address the system-wide benefit that these reviews and the identification of adults at risk of malnutrition could deliver.
Primary Caregiver Retention and Perceptions of Retention Strategies in a 36-Month Prospective Childhood Caries Study
Authors: Daly Jeanette M. , Xu Yinghui , Yanca Emily , Levy Steven M. , Levy Barcey T. , Talbert Jennifer , Tran Jennifer L. , Ann Keels Martha , Fontana Margherita
Published: May 2022

Introduction/Objectives:

This paper reports on participant retention from an ongoing prospective, multi-site cohort caries risk study involving parent/infant pairs. The objectives were to: (1) compare the retention rates at each intermediate contact (every 4 months) and dental visit (every 18 months) across the 3 clinical sites, (2) assess primary caregivers’ perceptions at the end of the study about the retention efforts used in this longitudinal study, and (3) determine whether primary caregiver baseline demographic characteristics and child’s baseline caries experience were associated with retention.

Methods:

1325 primary caregiver-child pairs recruited at the child’s first birthday were followed for 36 months at 3 sites. Dental visits occurred at children’s ages of approximately 12, 30, and 48 months. Telephone/email intermediate contacts with the primary caregiver occurred 6 times between dental visits. The outcome variable was the retention rates at each dental visit and each intermediate contact. Primary caregivers’ perceptions of intermediate contacts were evaluated. Retention rates were compared by maternal age, race, ethnicity, Medicaid status, yearly household income, baseline caries experience (defined as decayed, missing due to caries, or filled tooth surfaces) at 12 months, and the number of teeth erupted.

Results:

1325 primary caregiver/infant pairs were enrolled and completed the first in-person dental visit, 1062 pairs (80%) completed the second visit and 985 (74%) completed the third. Most primary caregivers were female (94%), with a mean age of 29 years and 667 (50%) self-identified as White, 544 (41%) as Black, and 146 (11%) as Hispanic. The percentages of successful intermediate contacts were 95% at 4 months decreasing to 82% at 34 months. Almost all 964 (98%) of 985 primary caregivers reported at the last visit that they were comfortable/very comfortable with 4-month intermediate contacts. The multivariable analysis showed that primary caregivers who were older (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.09) and White (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.12-2.06) were more likely to complete the study.

Conclusions:

Retention strategies were focused on frequent routine contact and increasing monetary incentives. Those strategies may have resulted in retention exceeding the proposed goals. At the end of the study, primary caregivers were comfortable with the 4-month intermediate contacts.
Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy and PrEP Literacy Helps to Meet HIV Prevention Outcomes Among Black and Latinx Individuals
Authors: Carter Gregory , Brown Lucy , Mahnke Brianna , Ohmit Anita , Woodward Brennan
Published: May 2022

Background:

Ending the HIV Epidemic is a campaign dedicated to reducing new HIV infections in the United States by 90% by 2030. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) holds significant promise as a prevention tool. However, uptake has not improved much since then. As a result, this research looked at how PrEP literacy relates to sexual communication self-efficacy

Methods:

Between August 4 and 21, 2020, we performed a community-informed cross-sectional study of Black and Latino residents in Indiana. We collected demographic information as well as PrEP literacy, sexual communication self-efficacy, and awareness of HIV status.

Results:

Being unaware of one’s own HIV status and being unsure of one’s sexual identity were both linked to reduced self-efficacy in the domain of sex communication. Those who had a greater level of PrEP literacy felt more confident in their ability to communicate with others about sexually related topics. People living in rural areas showed a significantly lower degree of sexual communication self-efficacy than participants in urban settings.

Conclusion:

Providing information about PrEP to those at risk of acquiring the virus may help them connect with treatment or prevention services. Healthcare professionals should take the time to understand their patients’ levels of PrEP literacy and communication self-efficacy regarding sexual health.
Addressing the Social/Emotional Needs of Students During the Pandemic
Authors: Mariani Melissa , Bayani Jessica , Farmanara Kneidel Lilia
Published: May 2022

This project revealed the positive impact of the SSS for SEL Success program (SSS-SEL) on students’ academics and perceived social/emotional adeptness. SSS-SEL, a new iteration of the Student Success Skills (SSS) program, teaches critical social/emotional concepts and strategies and was modified in this study to be delivered virtually to students. Results showed that students made increases in their reading standardized test scores and improved their overall grade in an intensive reading class. Students also reported improvements in their social/emotional knowledge and skill use.