bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occlusive wound dressings: A greenhouse for bacteria?
Authors: Scheer Vendela M , Scheer Johan H , Kalén Anders , Serrander Lena
Published: June 2024

Background

The modern wound dressing is produced to absorb fluid and protect against external contamination. The choice of which wound dressing to apply after surgery is usually based on local tradition. There are various impervious dressings on the market. Even if the wound is sterile before application, there will be subsequent recolonisation of skin microbiota. Previous studies suggest that a high bacterial load on the skin hampers wound healing and might be a risk for SSI.

Aim

The aim was to compare bacterial recolonisation on the shoulder under three different wound dressings, 48 h after sterile preparation of the skin as in preparation for surgery.

Method

In 25 healthy volunteers, a standard pre-surgical skin disinfection for a deltopectoral incision was made on the left shoulder with 0.5% chlorhexidine solution in 70% ethanol. Three different wound dressings were then placed on the shoulder, and 48 h later the skin beneath each dressing was swabbed, subsequently cultured and bacterial density analysed using viable count.

Results

The bacterial recolonisation under air-dry (gauze) dressing was significantly lower ( p = .0001) compared to semipermeable and occlusive wound dressings.

Conclusion

Choosing a less permeable wound dressing may lead to an increased bacterial load on the skin during the first 48 h after surgery.
Two distinct age-prognosis patterns in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing surgical and radiotherapy treatments: a combined analysis of 3JECROG and SEER databases
Authors: Li Chen , Chang Xiao , Wang Qifeng , Pang Qingsong , Xiao Zefen , Zhang Wencheng , Yuan Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

Background:

Age is a known prognostic factor for various cancers. However, few studies explored the association between age and prognosis of esophageal cancer (EC) comprehensively, especially from a nonlinear perspective.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

Our study aims to explore the possible nonlinear associations between age and prognosis in EC patients receiving curative surgery and radiotherapy, respectively.

Methods:

Cox regression models with restricted cubic splines were used to model the possible nonlinear relationship between age and prognosis in surgical and radiotherapy groups, respectively. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to validate the age-prognosis patterns found in Jing-Jin-Ji Esophageal and Esophagogastric Cancer Radiotherapy Oncology Group database. Age-prognosis patterns were further validated by survival comparisons between different age subgroups and in subsequent sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Primary endpoint is overall survival. Secondary endpoints are cancer-specific survival and progression-free survival.

Results:

A total of 56,457 patients from two large cancer databases were included. Patients receiving surgery and radiotherapy showed two distinct nonlinear age-prognosis patterns. Age showed a U-/J-shaped association with prognosis in the radiotherapy group, with a nadir at approximately 65- to 70-years-old. As for surgical cohort, relative risk for all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality increased with age with p for nonlinearity <0.05. The above age-prognosis relationships were validated by sensitivity, subgroup, and comparative survival analyses. Youngest and middle-aged patients showed better survival results compared to that of other age subgroups in surgical and radiotherapy cohorts, respectively [Radiotherapy, youngest/middle: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.10, p = 0.001; Radiotherapy, oldest/middle: HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.18–1.24, p < 0.001; Surgical, middle/youngest: HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14–1.25, p < 0.001; surgical, oldest/youngest: HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.75–1.97, p < 0.001].

Conclusion:

Patients receiving surgery and radiotherapy showed two distinct age-prognosis patterns. Younger and middle-aged patients were associated with better survival in surgical and radiotherapy groups, respectively. Additional studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of this phenomenon.
Practicing With a Framework Mindset: A Closer Look at the Standards of Practice Principle
Authors: Tanner Andrea L. , Stanislo Kimberly J. , La Point Rodney
Published: June 2024

School nurses are more likely to support students’ health, safety, and readiness to learn if they approach their practice through the lens of the School Nursing Practice Framework™ (the Framework). Practicing with an intentional focus on the Framework principles is called practicing with a Framework mindset. This article is the first in a 5-part series discussing how to be a school nurse who practices with a Framework mindset. In this article, school nurses will discover the basis for updates to the Framework’s Standards of Practice principle, differences between the Standards of Practice principle and the authoritative standards of school nursing practice, activities that exemplify the Standards of Practice principle, and how to address a real-world school nursing challenge with a Framework mindset attuned to the Standards of Practice principle.
Evaluating Facial Trauma in the Amish: A Study of a Unique Patient Population
Authors: Sciscent Bao Y. , Eberly Hanel W. , King Tonya S. , Bavier Richard , Lighthall Jessyka G.
Published: June 2024

Study Design

Retrospective Chart Review.

Objective

The lifestyle of the Amish exposes them to unique mechanisms of injury, making them an important patient population from a facial trauma standpoint. This study analyzes the demographic and clinical risk factors of facial trauma in the Amish.

Methods

This retrospective chart review identified all Amish patients presenting with facial trauma at a single institution between 2013-2023.

Results

There were 87 Amish facial trauma patients. The median age was 9 years old, and 67.8% were male. Most injuries occurred on the road (41.4%), farm (28.7%), or at home (25.3%). The most frequent mechanisms were buggies (27.6%), falls (26.4%), and animals (18.4%). Fifty-eight patients sustained facial fractures, with orbital (n = 40), maxillary (n = 25), and nasal (n = 19) fractures being the most prevalent. The most common cause of facial fractures was buggy injuries (n = 17). Facial reconstruction was performed in 54.2% of buggy injuries, 31.3% of animal injuries, and 8.7% of falls. Patients with buggy injuries presented with the lowest Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (median 13.5) and had the longest inpatient hospital stay (median 3 days).

Conclusions

Increased injury prevention efforts, especially towards buggy injuries, are necessary.
Anticholinergic burden among in-patients: a cross-sectional study on prevalence, determinants, and impact on mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Taye Wagaye Atalay , Shibe Biniam Siyum , Ayele Emneteab Mesfin , Lee Kenneth , Mengistu Segenet Bizuneh , Soiza Roy Louis , Myint Phyo Kyaw , Abdela Ousman Abubeker
Published: June 2024

Background:

Numerous studies report that anticholinergic burden (ACB) has been linked with several health consequences, including increased hospital admissions, prolonged hospitalization, and physical and cognitive impairment. However, low- and middle-income settings, as well as younger individuals, are underrepresented.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence and determinants of ACB, and to assess the impact of ACB on in-hospital mortality among adult in-patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH).

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2022 at UOGCSH among adult in-patients.

Methods:

A pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to collect data from patients and their corresponding medical charts. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, as appropriate, were used to determine associations between independent variables and ACB. Kaplan–Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression test were used to assess the impact of ACB on in-hospital mortality.

Results:

A total of 420 adult in-patients, median (interquartile range) age of 38 (26, 55) years, participated in this study. Over half (58.3%) were exposed to anticholinergic medicines, with a high ACB (⩾3) seen in 11.2% of participants. High ACB was associated with higher median number of medicines per patient ( p = 0.003) higher median hospital length of stay ( p = 0.033), and having mental and behavioral disorders ( p < 0.001). No significant association was found between ACB and in-hospital mortality (log-rank test p = 0.26, Cox regression adjusted hazard ratio: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.335–6.453, p = 0.61).

Conclusion:

Among adult in-patients, a significant majority (58.3%) were subjected to medications possessing anticholinergic properties, with a noteworthy 11.2% of the study subjects exhibiting a high ACB. Participants with higher median length of hospital stay were more likely to have high ACB even in this relatively younger adult patient population.
Effectiveness of oral antibiotics in managing extended-spectrum B-lactamase urinary tract infections: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Almohareb Sumaya N , Aldairem Atheer , Alsuhebany Nada , Alshaya Omar A , Aljatli Dimah , Alnemer Hesah , Almutairi Khlood , Aljammaz Norah , Alowais Shuroug A
Published: June 2024

Background:

Urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase organisms pose a significant concern worldwide. Given the escalating prevalence of drug resistance and the limited data on the effectiveness of oral antibiotics in treating these infections, this study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes in adult patients with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase urinary tract infections treated with oral antibiotics.

Methods:

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia, from January 2018 to December 2021. It included patients ⩾18 years with complicated or uncomplicated urinary tract infections from extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Enterobacterales and treated with oral antibiotics as step-down or mainstay therapy. All-cause clinical failure within 30 days post-discharge was evaluated as the efficacy outcome. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results:

Out of 643 screened patients, 152 patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into oral step-down therapy (51.3%) and oral-only (48.7%) groups. The majority (69.1%) were females, with a mean age of 62 years. Complicated urinary tract infections were diagnosed in (75.5%) of cases, and the predominant pathogen was E. coli (79.6%). Clinical failure was observed in 23.1% in the oral step-down group and 13.5% in the oral-only group, with no significant difference ( p = 0.128). Total antibiotics duration was significantly lower in the oral-only group (8 days vs. 12.2 days; p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression identified elder age, diabetes mellitus history, and prior extended-spectrum beta-lactamase infection as predictors of clinical failure.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that both step-down or primary oral antibiotic treatment yielded similar clinical outcomes in managing patients with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase urinary tract infections. Further prospective studies are required to validate these findings.
Lower extremity artery thromboembolism during removal of Impella after repair for ventricular septal rupture: A case report
Authors: Itoda Yoshifumi , Yamada Yasuyuki , Hoshino Joji , Hasegawa Yutaka , Okada Shuichi , Morishita Hiroyuki , Seki Masahiro , Tamura Kazuki , Soda Takashi , Ezure Masahiko
Published: June 2024

Although the anticoagulant complications of Impella are well known, the timing of heparin administration when using Impella immediately after open heart surgery has not been established. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with Impella-assisted repair of a ventricular septal perforation after acute myocardial infarction who developed thromboembolism of the lower extremity arteries after removal of Impella.
Intriguing association between type 1 diabetes mellitus, Gitelman syndrome and Cacci-Ricci disease: Triad of rare diseases: A case report
Authors: Ben Bnina Molka , Elfekih Hamza , Ghorchene Asma , Ben Abdessalem Fatma , Hasni Yosra , Chadli Chaieb Molka
Published: June 2024

We report the case of a patient who exhibits a concurrent diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus, Gitelman syndrome and Cacci-Ricci disease. A 27-year-old male patient was diagnosed with Gitelman syndrome at the age of 3 years. Fourteen years later, he developed an autoantibody-negative type 1 diabetes mellitus. Cacci-Ricci’s disease was revealed by terminal hematuria and considered in view of the appearance found on the computed tomography (CT) scan. The finger-prick blood glucose level was 6 g/dl with no acetonuria. Creatinine clearance was 60 ml/min. Thyroid function tests were normal. Calcium, phosphorus and parathormone (PTH) levels were normal. Discussion: Gitelman syndrome is a rare disorder. The association between Gitelman syndrome and type 1 diabetes mellitus has been reported in the literature in two patients. Authors have investigated the association between Gitelman syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Several pathophysiological explanations have been put forward. Cacci-ricci disease is a rare, benign congenital anomaly. No association between type 1 diabetes mellitus, Gitelman syndrome and Cacci-Ricci disease has been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in the literature.
Gastric volvulus with necrosis and gangrene associated with wandering spleen: A rare case report from Syria
Authors: Hanifa Hamdah , Al-Shami Khayry , Al-Shaher Turki , Ataya Jamal , Al-Abrass Mohammad , Moezzen Hanan , Ghannam Tarik
Published: June 2024

Gastric volvulus and wandering spleen are two rare and uncommon conditions. Gastric volvulus is characterized by the rotation of the stomach around itself, causing a closed obstruction. It was first described in the 19th century and is classified according to the axis, etiology, or chronicity. A wandering spleen is defined by the absence of one or all of the splenic ligaments, which occurs either for congenital or acquired reasons. An enlarged spleen may contribute to the wandering spleen and, in turn, lead to gastric volvulus and infarction of the stomach, requiring emergency surgical intervention. In this report, we present a case of a 19-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and epigastric distension. After performing the necessary investigations, she was diagnosed with a wandering spleen and acute gastric volvulus. An immediate laparotomy was performed and both the spleen and the stomach were resected to save the patient’s life at the right time.
Analyzing drivers of attitudes toward machine video news: A Xinhua Zhiyun case study
Authors: Duan Peng
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for reliable information and news sources. In 2020, Xinhua News Agency launched “Zhiyun,” an epidemic reporting robot that can generate COVID-19 news reports based on visual data. This development raises key issues regarding the effectiveness of machine-generated news compared to traditional sources, especially news related to major public health events such as the pandemic. Using the Cognitive-Affective-Conative Model and ANCOVA method, this paper conducts experimental research to obtain data and studies the impact of machine-made news on the audience’s attitude towards COVID-19 news. The analysis used a 2 × 2 factorial online experimental method to test the impact of two variables: “theme” and “news format.” The research results indicate that the theme and news format significantly affect the audience’s attitude towards epidemic news, and machine-generated video news received a more positive response than news written by human journalists. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that machine-generated news has great potential to provide accessible and reliable information during major public health events such as COVID-19. This study has significant implications for the news industry, indicating the possibility of increasing the use of machine news production in the future.
“Perjurers, Rapists, and Zealots are Ending Abortion”: Sports Journalists’ Symbolic Annihilation of Women Athletes on Social Media During the National Loss of Abortion Rights
Authors: Boling Kelli S. , Walsh Jessica , Petrotta Brian , Stamm Jason
Published: June 2024

As athlete activism increases and social justice movements gain support and legitimacy, sports journalists have used Twitter (now the social platform X) to discuss off-field issues such as the gender pay gap, Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo. This content analysis examines 880 tweets from sports journalists who tweeted about Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022. Findings contribute to scholarship on the prevalence of sports journalists’ opinions when posting on social media and add to the literature on the symbolic annihilation of women athletes. The analysis also found that sports journalists working for large or elite news organizations were largely absent from the Roe v. Wade conversation on X and that the relationship between the role of the media professional (editors, reporters, broadcasters, and writers) and opinion posting was moderated by their influencer score.
Disclosure Experiences of College Students With Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Dier Shannon E. , Ravert Russell D.
Published: June 2024

Emerging adults with chronic medical conditions must navigate repeated decisions about disclosure as they begin to manage their condition more independently. In this mixed-methods study, college students with chronic medical conditions ( N = 25) provided a narrative of a disclosure decision-making experience and completed measures of life satisfaction, subjective well-being, and illness acceptance. Qualitative analysis investigated contexts for disclosure decisions and overall attitudes toward disclosure expressed. Decisions regarding disclosure occurred with university personnel, friends and peers, and at work. Three disclosure attitudes were identified: proactive, open, and reactive. Exploratory quantitative analysis revealed that college students with reactive attitudes toward disclosure reported lower life satisfaction, well-being, and illness acceptance than peers with open or proactive attitudes. Results demonstrate the unique contexts of disclosure faced by emerging adults with chronic conditions and suggest distinct approaches to disclosure are associated with well-being in different ways. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Diagnosing and Evaluating Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Roohollahi Faramarz , Farahbakhsh Farzin , Mohammadi Aynaz , Mortazavi Mamaghani Elham , Kankam Samuel Berchi , Moarrefdezfouli Azin , Ghamari Khameneh Afshar , Mahmoudi Mohamad Mahdi , Baghdasaryan Davit , Martin Allan R. , Harrop James , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: June 2024

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objective

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common spinal cord disorder necessitating surgery. We aim to explore how effectively diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can distinguish DCM from healthy individuals and assess the relationship between DTI metrics and symptom severity.

Methods

We included studies with adult DCM patients who had not undergone decompressive surgery and implemented correlation analyses between DTI parameters and severity, or compared healthy controls and DCM patients.

Results

57 studies were included in our meta-analysis. At the maximal compression (MC) level, fractional anisotropy (FA) exhibited lower values in DCM patients, while apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were notably higher in the DCM group. Moreover, our investigation into the diagnostic utility of DTI parameters disclosed high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for FA (.84, .80, .83 respectively) and ADC (.74, .84, .88 respectively). Additionally, we explored the correlation between DTI parameters and myelopathy severity, revealing a significant correlation of FA (.53, 95% CI:0.40 to .65) at MC level with JOA/mJOA scores.

Conclusion

Current guidelines for DCM suggest decompressive surgery for both mild and severe cases. However, they lack clear recommendations on which mild DCM patients might benefit from conservative treatment vs immediate surgery. ADC’s role here could be pivotal, potentially differentiating between healthy individuals and DCM. While it may not correlate with symptom severity, it might predict surgical outcomes, making it a valuable imaging biomarker for clearer management decisions in mild DCM.
How Did Telecommuting Fathers Navigate Work and Family Responsibilities During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Clague Angela K.
Published: June 2024

The global outbreak of COVID-19 abruptly upended work and family life. Yet, little is known about how fathers combined paid and unpaid labor during this unprecedented historical period. Drawing on 35 semi-structured interviews with fathers who primarily telecommuted from home, I identify four strategies fathers used to combine paid and domestic labor: interim primary caregiving, egalitarian tag-teaming, transitional tag-teaming, and hands-on traditional fathering. Findings suggest that these work-family strategies primarily depended on wives’ physical presence in the home. The fathers who described doing the most domestic labor said their wives worked outside of the home. When wives were physically present in the home, fathers’ domestic behavior varied by the extent to which they endorsed the new fatherhood ideal—defining good fathering as involvement in both paid and domestic labor. Yet, change in fathers’ domestic behavior was limited. None of the fathers I interviewed described doing most of the domestic labor when their wives were physically present at home. Taken together, fathers’ domestic behavior depends on wives’ physical presence in the home and their normative perception of men’s responsibility to the family, suggesting that fathers do not perceive domestic time availability simply by differences in the couple’s paid work hours.
Policy and Place: Immigration, Schooling, and the Local Context
Authors: Gonzales Roberto G.
Published: June 2024

Scholars have long sought to understand the mechanisms that promote and impede successful integration for immigrant children. Contemporary scholarship on immigration and education has made important inroads for understanding the role of immigration policy and place of residence in the incorporation experience of immigrant students. This AERA Open special topic collection adds to the growing body of knowledge in these burgeoning areas by examining how these contexts shape the experience of immigrant students and by focusing on the interplay between policy and place in the lives of immigrant students. The authors in this special topic collection make up a diverse range array of disciplinary perspectives in education and employ a range of methodological approaches.
IELTS and Written Syntactic Complexity as Predictors of GPA of Multilingual International Graduate Students
Authors: Polat Nihat , Mahalingappa Laura , Mancilla Rae
Published: June 2024

Language proficiency policies act as critical gatekeepers for multilingual international students (MIS) who intend to pursue an education at English-medium universities. The current study revisits the question of the predictive validity of a standardized English proficiency exam—International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—in comparison with 10 indices of written syntactic complexity. This study addressed the following questions: (a) Do MIS’ overall proficiency and writing subtest scores (IELTS) predict their grade point averages (GPAs) in graduate school? (b) Which syntactic complexity indices in online written production (subordination, coordination, length of production, and degree of phrasal sophistication) predict MIS’ GPAs in graduate school? and (c) Which syntactic complexity indices remain predictive of their GPAs when participants’ English proficiency scores (overall and/or writing IELTS scores) are added into the model? Participants’ IELTS scores, GPAs, and asynchronous discussion postings (224) were analyzed through three linear regressions models. Results confirmed that while IELTS composite and writing subscores do predict academic success of graduate MIS, writing scores are better predictors. After accounting for the contributions of overall and writing subscores, mean length of sentence and T-unit remained significant predictors of academic outcomes, explaining a considerable amount of variance in GPAs, beyond that of IELTS. Equity implications for the admissions of MIS are considered.
Predicting Dental General Anesthesia Use among Children with Behavioral Health Conditions
Authors: Peng J. , Gorham T.J. , Meyer B.D.
Published: June 2024

Objectives:

To evaluate how different data sources affect the performance of machine learning algorithms that predict dental general anesthesia use among children with behavioral health conditions.

Study Design:

Observational study using claims data.

Methods:

Using Medicaid claims from Partners For Kids (2013–2019), electronic medical record data, and the Ohio Child Opportunity Index, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 12,410 children with behavioral health diagnoses. Four lasso-regularized logistic regression models were developed to predict dental general anesthesia use, each incorporating different data sources. Lift scores, or the ratio of positive predictive value to base case prevalence, were used to compare models, and a lift score of 2.5 was considered minimally acceptable for risk prediction.

Results:

Dental general anesthesia use ranged from 3.2% to 3.9% across models, which made it difficult for the machine learning models to achieve high positive predictive value. Model performance was best when either the electronic medical record (lift = 2.59) or Ohio Child Opportunity Index (lift = 2.56), but not both (lift = 2.34) or neither (lift = 1.87), was used.

Conclusions:

Incorporating additional data sources improved machine learning model performance, and 2 models achieved satisfactory performance. The model using electronic medical record data could be applied in hospital-based settings, and the model using the Ohio Child Opportunity Index could be more valuable in community-based settings.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

Machine learning was applied to satisfactorily predict which children with behavioral health diagnoses would require dental treatment under general anesthesia. Incorporating electronic medical record data or area-level social determinants of health data, but not both, improved the performance of the machine learning predictions. The 2 highest performing models could be applied by hospitals using medical record data or by organizations using area-level social determinants of health data to risk stratify the pediatric behavioral health population.
Sickness absence and disability pension patterns before and after ischemic stroke: A Swedish longitudinal cohort study with matched references
Authors: Roland Mihae , Rudberg Ann-Sofie , Alexanderson Kristina , Sjöstrand Christina
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The aim was to determine ischemic stroke patients’ sickness absence and disability pension before and after stroke, and compare these to that of matched references.

Patients and Methods:

All working-aged individuals (aged 18–61) in Sweden with incident ischemic stroke in year 2000, 2005, 2010, or 2015, respectively, and five population-based matched references to each stroke patient. Each cohort was followed 1 year prior stroke and 3 years after. We calculated rates and mean days of sickness absence and disability pension among stroke patients and references and computed trajectories of absence days with predictors of high sickness absence and disability pension.

Results:

Number of patients with incident ischemic stroke in 2000 ( N = 2728), 2005 ( N = 2738), 2010 ( N = 2767), and 2015 ( N = 2531). Mean stroke age was 53 years and rate of men was 64%. Mortality rate within 12 months after stroke date decreased from 8.1% in 2000 to 4.8% in 2015. Sickness absence for patients was 31.1% in the year prior their stroke, versus 13.7% for references, both groups mainly due to mental and musculoskeletal diagnoses. Factors associated with future high mean number of sickness absence and disability pension days were elementary educational level; adjusted OR (CI) 3.47(2.38–5.05), being single; 1.67(1.29–2.16), female sex 1.72(1.31–2.26), diabetes; 1.86(1.18–2.92), and aged >50; 2.25(1.69–2.98).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Ischemic stroke patients have more absence days compared to matched references even before the stroke, mainly related to mental and musculoskeletal diagnoses. Future research should address the impact of efficient stroke treatment on sickness absence and disability pension.
I want to be a mom who is clean, who loves herself, and feels ok with herself-pregnant women’s thoughts about motherhood and their unborn child when in treatment for substance use problems
Authors: Myra Siv Merete , Wiig Eli Marie , Axberg Ulf
Published: June 2024

There exists a vast amount of research and literature on pregnant women struggling with substance use problems and the challenges they can face in providing adequate and sensitive parenting. The aim of the present study was to explore the thoughts about motherhood and their unborn child of pregnant women in voluntary or involuntary substance use treatment, and to gain insight into their childhood attachment experiences. A total of 16 women in involuntary or voluntary treatment were interviewed about their thoughts about motherhood, their unborn child, and the treatment they were receiving. A phenomenological/hermeneutic analytical approach was used. Four categories emerged from the analysis: Influences of childhood experience, on becoming a mother, relating to the unborn child, and the meaning of treatment. The findings and their implications for treatment planning and support are discussed as a contribution to discussions of issues around compulsory treatment for pregnant woman with an SUD.
Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Clinical Management of Deep Neck Space Infections
Authors: MacIsaac Molly F. , Rottgers S. Alex
Published: June 2024

Any surgeon providing care to patients with congenital, oncologic, infectious, or traumatic processes impacting the head and neck should have an intimate knowledge of the local anatomy. The complex fascial system in this region results in a series of loosely and tightly bound spaces that can both harbor and/or facilitate the rapid spread of infections through these fascial planes and potential spaces. Deep neck space infections may occur spontaneously from cutaneous, lymphatic, odontogenic, otologic, salivary gland, sinus, and hematogenous sources or develop as the result of surgical/iatrogenic manipulation. These infections are typically polymicrobial, involving a mixture of Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods, and beta-lactam-resistant anaerobes commonly found in the oropharyngeal flora. Other populations, such as immunocompromised or hospitalized patients, are particularly vulnerable to infection by certain opportunistic and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Understanding the deep neck anatomy is crucial for predicting the spread of infection and guiding treatment strategies. The superficial and deep cervical fascial planes form a series of compartments and spaces including the retropharyngeal, danger, prevertebral, carotid, parapharyngeal, submandibular, sublingual, parotid, masticator, temporal, and infrahyoid spaces. Despite their rarity in the post-antibiotic era, deep neck space infections pose a significant threat as they progress rapidly and can quickly lead to life-threatening complications. Delayed clinical presentation is common due to the compartmentalization by fascial planes, therefore early recognition requires a high index of suspicion, thorough clinical examination, and diagnostic imaging studies, typically contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, including advanced airway management, administration of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, and surgical drainage when indicated. This review provides a comprehensive overview of deep neck space anatomy and its defining fascial planes, as well as discussions on epidemiology, specific microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, antibiotic selection, and surgical treatment options.
Indigenous eco-consciousness in recent Nigerian poetry: The example of Joe Ushie
Authors: Aboh Romanus
Published: June 2024

Although the environment features prominently in the poetry of Joe Ushie, studies of his works have focused more on sociopolitical themes than on his eco-conscious engagement. Using Bette-Bendi indigenous epistemology as its conceptual framework, this article analyses how Ushie’s poetry addresses environmental issues by portraying the mutually dependent relation between humans and non-human agents. Since the environment is one of the central components of Ushie’s poetic vision, this article draws on the poet’s Bette-Bendi indigenous ecological imagination to explore the ways in which humans and their environments are interconnected. The article traces Ushie’s depiction of the way Bette-Bendi people see human and environmental values as inseparable. His poetry thus explores systems that can guide people’s relationship with the natural world in a postcolonial context; this article provides an alternative perspective to ecocritical reading of literary texts.
Inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 can prevent cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Shujun , Pei Liying , Huang Zijie , Zhong Yinsheng , Li Jun , Hong Yinghui , Long Huibao , Chen Xuxiang , Zhou Changqing , Zheng Guanghui , Zeng Chaotao , Wu Haidong , Wang Tong
Published: June 2024

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to enhanced activity of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in cardiac fibrosis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) has been shown to promote cell proliferation and phenotypic transition. However, it remains unclear whether ACP5 is involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis after MI. The present study aimed to investigate the role of ACP5 in post-MI fibrosis and its potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Clinical blood samples were collected to detect ACP5 concentration. Myocardial fibrosis was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The ACP5 inhibitor, AubipyOMe, was administered by intraperitoneal injection. Cardiac function and morphological changes were observed on Day 28 after injury. Cardiac CFs from neonatal mice were extracted to elucidate the underlying mechanism in vitro. The expression of ACP5 was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and overexpressed by adeno-associated viruses to evaluate its effect on CF activation.

Results

The expression of ACP5 was increased in patients with MI, mice with MI, and mice with Ang II-induced fibrosis in vitro. AubipyOMe inhibited cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in mice after MI. ACP5 inhibition reduced cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic changes in CFs in vitro, while adenovirus-mediated ACP5 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, the classical profibrotic pathway of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β)/β-catenin was changed with ACP5 modulation, which indicated that ACP5 had a positive regulatory effect. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ACP5 deficiency on the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway was counteracted by an ERK activator, which indicated that ACP5 regulated GSK3β activity through ERK-mediated phosphorylation, thereby affecting β-catenin degradation.

Conclusion

ACP5 may influence the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transition of CFs, leading to the development of myocardial fibrosis after MI through modulating the ERK/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Assessment of atrazine contamination in the Sele River estuary: spatial distribution, human health risks, and ecological implications in Southern Europe
Authors: De Rosa Elvira , Montuori Paolo , Di Duca Fabiana , De Simone Bruna , Scippa Stefano , Nubi Raffaele , Provvisiero Donatella Paola , Russo Immacolata , Triassi Maria
Published: June 2024

Background

Overuse of pesticides is a major worldwide problem for the environment and human health. Atrazine (ATR) is a synthetic triazine herbicide that is typically used to manage crops and although it was banned many years ago, it was detected frequently with a high persistence in the aquatic environments. This study assesses the human and environment health risks, temporal patterns and spatial distribution of ATR and its degradation products (DPs) in the Sele River estuary within the Southern European context.. It specifically investigates their occurrence in the water dissolved phase (WDP), suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediment.

Results

Sampling was conducted across 10 sites throughout the year’s four seasons. Amounts of ATR and its DPs detected ranged from 20.1 to 96.5 ng L−1 in WDP, from 5.4 to 60.2 ng L−1 in SPM, and from 4.7 to 19.8 ng g−1 in sediment samples, signifying some pollution levels. Spatial distribution mechanisms revealed a southward movement of ATR and its DPs pollution from the Sele River mouth, intensifying during the rainy season. In this study area, a risk evaluation was also carried out. No sample contained ATR or its DPs in concentrations above the recommended limits, which pose a Non-carcinogenic and Carcinogenic risk. The environmental risk was low. Additionally, the determined Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) value was within the allowable range.

Conclusion

Despite its long-standing prohibition, this study investigate ATR levels in the water and sediments of Sele River in Southern Europe. Beyond simply delineating the pollution status of Sele River, this research delineates its ecological repercussions on the Thyrrenian Sea, providing essential data for norms and laws related to water contamination.

Graphical Abstract
Growth and antioxidant responses to water stress in eggplant MAGIC population parents, F1 hybrids and a subset of recombinant inbred lines
Authors: Flores-Saavedra Martín , Plazas Mariola , Gramazio Pietro , Vicente Oscar , Vilanova Santiago , Prohens Jaime
Published: June 2024

Background

The generation of new eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cultivars with drought tolerance is a main challenge in the current context of climate change. In this study, the eight parents (seven of S. melongena and one of the wild relative S. incanum L.) of the first eggplant MAGIC (Multiparent Advanced Generation Intercrossing) population, together with four F1 hybrids amongst them, five S5 MAGIC recombinant inbred lines selected for their genetic diversity, and one commercial hybrid were evaluated in young plant stage under water stress conditions (30% field capacity; FC) and control conditions (100% FC). After a 21-day treatment period, growth and biomass traits, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant compounds, and proline content were evaluated.

Results

Significant effects (p < 0.05) were observed for genotype, water treatments and their interaction in most of the traits analyzed. The eight MAGIC population parental genotypes displayed a wide variation in their responses to water stress, with some of them exhibiting enhanced root development and reduced foliar biomass. The commercial hybrid had greater aerial growth compared to root growth. The four F1 hybrids among MAGIC parents differed in their performance, with some having significant positive or negative heterosis in several traits. The subset of five MAGIC lines displayed a wide diversity in their response to water stress.

Conclusion

The results show that a large diversity for tolerance to drought is available among the eggplant MAGIC materials, which can contribute to developing drought-tolerant eggplant cultivars.
Integration analysis of transcriptome and proteome profiles brings new insights of somatic embryogenesis of two eucalyptus species
Authors: Chen Shengkan , Guo Dongqiang , Deng Ziyu , Tang Qinglan , Li Changrong , Xiao Yufei , Zhong Lianxiang , Chen Bowen
Published: June 2024

Background

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is recognized as a promising technology for plant vegetative propagation. Although previous studies have identified some key regulators involved in the SE process in plant, our knowledge about the molecular changes in the SE process and key regulators associated with high embryogenic potential is still poor, especially in the important fiber and energy source tree – eucalyptus.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome and proteome profiles of E. camaldulensis (with high embryogenic potential) and E. grandis x urophylla (with low embryogenic potential) in SE process: callus induction and development. A total of 12,121 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 3,922 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the SE of the two eucalyptus species. Integration analysis identified 1,353 (131 to 546) DEGs/DEPs shared by the two eucalyptus species in the SE process, including 142, 13 and 186 DEGs/DEPs commonly upregulated in the callus induction, maturation and development, respectively. Further, we found that the trihelix transcription factor ASR3 isoform X2 was commonly upregulated in the callus induction of the two eucalyptus species. The SOX30 and WRKY40 TFs were specifically upregulated in the callus induction of E. camaldulensis. Three TFs (bHLH62, bHLH35 isoform X2, RAP2-1) were specifically downregulated in the callus induction of E. grandis x urophylla. WGCNA identified 125 and 26 genes/proteins with high correlation (Pearson correlation > 0.8 or < -0.8) with ASR3 TF in the SE of E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla, respectively. The potential target gene expression patterns of ASR3 TF were then validated using qRT-PCR in the material.

Conclusions

This is the first time to integrate multiple omics technologies to study the SE of eucalyptus. The findings will enhance our understanding of molecular regulation mechanisms of SE in eucalyptus. The output will also benefit the eucalyptus breeding program.
TALE gene family: identification, evolutionary and expression analysis under various exogenous hormones and waterlogging stress in Cucumis sativus L.
Authors: Ahmad Sheraz , Khan Khushboo , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Okla Mohammad K. , Alaraidh Ibrahim A. , AbdElgawad Hamada , Naeem Muhammad , Ahmad Naveed , Fahad Shah
Published: June 2024

Background

Three Amino acid Loop Extension (TALE) belongs to the homeobox group of genes that are important constituents of plant systems. The TALE gene family is instrumental not only in growth and development but also plays an essential role in regulating plant response to environmental adversaries.

Results

In the present study, we isolated 21 CsTALE genes from the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genome database. Bioinformatics tools were put in place to understand the structural and functional components of the CsTALE gene family. The evolutionary analysis dissected them into seven subclades (KNOX-I, KNOX-II, and BELL-I to BELL-V). The cis-acting elements in the promoter region of CsTALE genes disclosed that they are key regulators of hormonal and stress-related processes. Additionally, the STRING database advocated the concerting role of CsTALE proteins with other key transcription factors potent in plant developmental biology. The CsmiR319 and CsmiR167a-3p targeting the CsTALE15 and CsTALE16, respectively, further assert the importance of the CsTALE gene family posttranscriptional-related processes. Tissue-specific gene expression unfolded the fundamental involvement of CsTALE genes as they were expressed throughout the developmental stages. Under waterlogging stress, the CsTALE17 expressed significantly higher values in WL, WL-NAA, and WL-ETH but not in WL-MeJA-treated samples.

Conclusions

The present study reveals the evolution and functions of the CsTALE gene family in cucumber. Our work will provide a platform that will help future researchers address the issue of waterlogging stress in the Yangtze River Delta.
Detecting and preventing child maltreatment in primary care and PHNs’ role—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Midtsund Astrid Durdei , Henriksen Lena , Lukasse Mirjam , Valla Lisbeth
Published: June 2024

Background

Child maltreatment is a global problem that puts children at risk of mental illness, substance abuse, and premature death. Interdisciplinary collaboration is important in preventing and detecting child maltreatment. In Norway, children undergo universal preventive health assessments and receive complimentary follow-up care from specialized public health nurses in child and family health clinics. These nurses conduct regular check-ups and home visits to monitor children for signs of maltreatment.

Objective

The objective of this study is to describe how public health nurses at child and family health clinics follow the National Clinical Guidelines to prevent and detect child maltreatment, with a particular focus on clinical procedures and interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, we aim to determine factors that are associated with identification of child maltreatment.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among public health nurses working in primary care between October 24th and December 31st, 2022. Public health nurses who worked with children aged 0–5 years and had consultations with families were eligible to participate, resulting in 554 responses. The study employed descriptive analysis, including frequency, percentage and mean, as well as a two-step logistic regression analysis. The study was approved by the relevant authority, and informed consent was obtained through questionnaire completion.

Results

The public health nurses in this study displayed strong adherence to the guidelines and utilized various comprehensive assessment procedures to monitor child well-being, growth, and development. However, there was limited and infrequent collaboration with other professionals, such as child protection services, general practitioners, and hospitals. Most public health nurses reported occasional suspicion of child maltreatment, with age and years of experience in child and family clinics influencing these suspicions. Older public health nurses were more likely to suspect physical violence, while those with less than two years of experience reported less experience in suspecting maltreatment. Additional education increased the probability of suspecting sexual violence.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the practices of public health nurses in Norway regarding the detection and prevention of child maltreatment in child and family clinics. While adherence to guidelines is strong, suspicion of maltreatment is relatively rare. Collaboration across agencies is crucial in addressing child maltreatment. Age and experience may influence the detection of maltreatment. Improved collaboration, targeted guidelines, and ongoing professional development are needed to enhance child protection.