bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Hosseini Roya , Askari Nayere
Published: February 2023

Following the COVID-19 virus epidemic, extensive, coordinated international research has led to the rapid development of effective vaccines. Although vaccines are now considered the best way to achieve collective safety and control mortality, due to the critical situation, these vaccines have been issued the emergency use licenses and some of their potential subsequence side effects have been overlooked. At the same time, there are many reports of side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. According to these reports, vaccination can have an adverse event, especially on nervous system. The most important and common complications are cerebrovascular disorders including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and demyelinating disorders including transverse myelitis, first manifestation of MS, and neuromyelitis optica. These effects are often acute and transient, but they can be severe and even fatal in a few cases. Herein, we have provided a comprehensive review of documents reporting neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in international databases from 2020 to 2022 and discussed neurological disorders possibly caused by vaccination.
How large peak ground acceleration by large earthquakes could generate turbidity currents along the slope of northern Japan Trench
Authors: Ikehara Ken , Usami Kazuko , Kanamatsu Toshiya
Published: February 2023

Deep-sea turbidite has been used to determine the history of occurrence of large earthquakes. Surface-sediment remobilization is a mechanism of the generation of earthquake-induced turbidity currents. However, the detailed mechanism of surface-sediment remobilization caused by earthquake ground shaking is unclear. To understand how high peak ground acceleration (PGA) caused by a large earthquake can remobilize surface sediments, we determined the age of a surface-sediment core recovered from the mid-slope terrace (MST) of the inner slope of the Japan Trench in northern Sanriku to determine turbidites generated by large historical earthquakes and calculate the PGAs of these earthquakes using an empirical attenuation relation commonly used in Japan. Small offsets in radiocarbon ages and excess210Pb activities between turbidite and hemipelagic muds suggest that the turbidites in the core resulted from surface-sediment remobilization.137Cs and excess210Pb chronologies indicate that the three uppermost turbidites in the core are correlated with three large historical earthquakes, namely the 1968 common era (CE) Tokachi-oki, the 1933 CE Showa–Sanriku, and the 1896 CE Meiji–Sanriku earthquakes. Calculation of PGAs for large historical earthquakes along the northern Japan Trench indicates that a PGA of > 0.6 g is necessary for turbidite deposition in the MST basin. This threshold is larger than that reported for central Sanriku and may vary spatially. Moreover, turbidites in the MST deposits are more frequent in the northern Japan Trench than in the central Japan Trench, suggesting that the occurrence of three types of large M8-class earthquakes in the northern Japan Trench might have contributed to the frequent occurrence of large PGAs.
Clothing pressure analysis of commercial women's leggings for applying medical compression classes
Authors: Lee Jeongeun , Do Wolhee
Published: February 2023

The high-elasticity bottoms applying gradual pressurization to the blood vessels of the lower extremities simultaneously assisting to both prevention and treatment of multiple health conditions such as varicose veins. Medical compression stockings are classified as medical supplies, and there is a clear standard on magnitude and application for gradual pressure. However, in the case of leggings, there are no relevant experimental data or papers supporting these findings. This study was performed in order to analyse the gradual compression values in legging. Eight types of leggings currently available on the market by different brands, were analysed to determine the type of pressure applied. The pressure was measured at five points of the clothed body with leggings pulled across lower extremities. An airpack sensor was attached to a wooden leg model and five consecutive records at each measuring point were taken. Afterwards the average values were calculated. As observed in all eight leggings, the measuring point with the highest pressure applied was the back of the calf (mean 18.25 mmHg) or the below the knee circumference (mean 13.83 mmHg), pointing to deviance in applying gradual pressure as proposed in medical compression stockings. The commercial leggings used in this experiment did not show a gradual increase in pressure from the thigh to the ankle body zone. One can presume that the legs’ fatigue would increase over the time. Since, the gradual pressure should be applied in legging construction as seen in medical compression stockings.
Primary hepatic extranodal marginal zone B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma treated by laparoscopic partial hepatectomy: a case report
Authors: Okura Keisuke , Seo Satoru , Shimizu Hironori , Nishino Hiroto , Yoh Tomoaki , Fukumitsu Ken , Ishii Takamichi , Hata Koichiro , Haga Hironori , Hatano Etsuro
Published: February 2023

Background

Primary hepatic extranodal marginal zone B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is very rare, so it is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. And there is no established treatment for hepatic MALT lymphoma. We report herein a case of primary hepatic MALT lymphoma treated by laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, and discuss the usefulness of laparoscopic hepatectomy for a rare liver tumor.

Case presentation

This patient was a woman in her 60s, who was diagnosed preoperatively as having synchronous liver metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer; therefore, laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. She had a good course after the operation and was discharged on postoperative day 12. However, she was diagnosed pathologically as having primary hepatic MALT lymphoma. A bone marrow biopsy was also performed, and then she was finally diagnosed as having limited-stage primary hepatic MALT lymphoma. She received no postoperative treatment and showed no recurrence for 4 years postoperatively.

Conclusions

We experienced the good result of the patient with limited-stage primary MALT lymphoma treated by laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. Liver tumors are sometimes misdiagnosed by imaging examinations alone. Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been widespread recently as a minimally invasive procedure, and it may be useful for both diagnosis and treatment.
Training and capacity development in patient-oriented research: Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU) initiatives
Authors: MacArthur Colin , Van Hoorn Rob , Lavis John , Straus Sharon , Jones Nicola , Bayliss Lorraine , Terry Amanda L. , Law Susan , Victor Charles , Prud’homme Denis , Riley John , Stewart Moira
Published: February 2023

Background

In Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research launched the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) in 2011. The strategy defines ‘patient-oriented research’ as a continuum of research that engages patients as partners, focuses on patient priorities, and leads to improved patient outcomes. The overarching term ‘patient’ is inclusive of individuals with personal experience of a health issue as well as informal caregivers including family and friends. The vision for the strategy is improved patient experiences and outcomes through the integration of patient-oriented research findings into practice, policy, and health system improvement. Building capacity in patient-oriented research among all relevant stakeholders, namely patients, practitioners, organizational leaders, policymakers, researchers, and research funders is a core element of the strategy.

Main body

The objective of this paper is to describe capacity building initiatives in patient-oriented research led by the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit in Ontario, Canada over the period 2014–2020.

Conclusion

The Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit Working Group in Training and Capacity Development has led numerous capacity building initiatives: developed a Capacity Building Compendium (accessed greater than 45,000 times); hosted Masterclasses that have trained hundreds of stakeholders (patients, practitioners, organizational leaders, policymakers, researchers, and trainees) in the conduct and use of patient-oriented research; funded the development of online curricula on patient-oriented research that have reached thousands of stakeholders; developed a patient engagement resource center that has been accessed by tens of thousands of stakeholders; identified core competencies for research teams and research environments to ensure authentic and meaningful patient partnerships in health research; and shared these resources and learnings with stakeholders across Canada, North America, and internationally.
Effect of repeat refresher courses on neonatal resuscitation skill decay: an experimental comparative study of in-person and video-based simulation training
Authors: McCaw Julia M. , Yelton Sarah E. Gardner , Tackett Sean A. , Rapal Rainier M. L. L. , Gamalinda Arianne N. , Arellano-Reyles Amelia , Tupas Genevieve D. , Derecho Ces , Ababon Fides , Edwardson Jill , Shilkofski Nicole A.
Published: February 2023

Neonatal deaths are a major contributor to global under-5-year-old mortality. Training birth attendants can improve perinatal outcomes, but skills may fade over time. In this pilot study, we assessed skill decay of nursing students after remote video versus in-person resuscitation training in a low-resource setting. Filipino nursing students (n = 49) underwent traditional, in-person simulation-based Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training in Mindanao, Philippines. Participants were then assigned to receive refresher training at 2-month intervals either in-person or via tele-simulation beginning at 2 months, 4 months, or 6 months after initial training. A knowledge examination and practical examination, also known as objective structured clinical examination B in the HBB curriculum, were administered before retraining to assess knowledge and skill retention at time of scheduled follow-up. Time to initiation of bag-mask ventilation (BMV) in seconds during simulated birth asphyxia was the primary outcome. Skill decay was evident at first follow-up, with average time to BMV increasing from 56.9 (range 15–87) s at initial post-training to 83.8 (range 32–128) s at 2 months and 90.2 (range 51–180) s at 4 months. At second follow-up of the 2-month group, students showed improved pre-training time to BMV (average 70.4; range 46–97 s). No statistical difference was observed between in-person and video-trained students in time to BMV. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the 6-month follow-up was not completed. We conclude that remote video refresher training is a reasonable alternative to traditional in-person HBB training. Our study also suggests that refreshers may be needed more frequently than every 2 months to mitigate skill decay. Additional studies are necessary to assess the longitudinal impact of tele-simulation on clinical outcomes.
Assessment of trace elements, systemic inflammation, and electrolytes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Emam Rasha M. , Abdelfattah Rasha A. , Abdelghany Elham Abd elhady , Aziz Mohammad O. Abdel , Abdullah Noha M. , Abdelaziz Ali Omar
Published: February 2023

Background

Systemic inflammation, electrolytes, and trace element derangements are thought to be involved, directly or indirectly, in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

Aim

Our aim is to evaluate systemic inflammation and disturbance in serum electrolytes and trace elements in patients with COPD.

Methods

This study was conducted in the Chest Department, Cardiothoracic Minia University Hospital. One hundred COPD patients and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Sixty patients were in a stable state, while 40 patients were in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, copper (Cu), zinc (Z), Na, K, and Mg levels were measured for all participants.

Results

CRP, TNF, Cu, and Z were significantly higher in the stable group than in the control group (p-value 0.0002*, 0.0018*, 0.04*, 0.034*, respectively) with significantly higher levels during exacerbation (8.47 ± 6.3, 24.36 ± 9.53, 201 ± 39.02, 192 ± 32.3). The Cu/Z ratio was significantly lower in the exacerbation group than in the stable group (p-value 0.042*). Serum levels of Na, K, and Mg were significantly lower in the patients group than in the control group (p-value 0.024*, 0.039*,0.044*, respectively), with more reduction observed in the exacerbation group (132 ± 5.45, 3.24 ± 0.52, 1.67 ± 0.38).

Conclusion

CRP, TNF-α, Cu, and Z levels were significantly higher in stable COPD patients, with higher levels during exacerbation. The Cu/Z ratio was lower in the exacerbation group than in the stable group. Na, K, and Mg levels were lower in patients than in the control group with more reduction during exacerbation.
Political representation of medical doctors in Switzerland’s executive and legislative branches in 2023
Authors: Smith Alexander , Buadze Anna , Stute Petra , Liebrenz Michael
Published: February 2023

Background: Healthcare policy is an important societal concern in Switzerland, often dominating the national agenda. In other countries, studies have explored the influence of physicians in public office on healthcare policies, but little is known about the representation of medical doctors in Switzerland's political structures, despite ongoing health-related debates.  

Methods: In January 2023, we examined the proportion of registered doctors currently serving in Swiss governmental branches: the executive (the Federal Council) and the legislative (the Council of States and the National Council, together the United Federal Assembly). We used publicly available information to demarcate Federal, State, and National Councillors with professional medical backgrounds. We subsequently verified physician registrations using the Federal Office of Public Health’s “Register of Medical Professionals” (MedReg)

Results: Six physicians registered in MedReg were identified across the Federal Council and the United Federal Assembly in 2023, equivalent to 2.37% of the total number of Councillors in these chambers. This corresponds to 14.20% of members in the Federal Council (the executive chamber) and 2.03% of members in the United Federal Assembly (the legislative chamber).

Conclusions: Rates of physicians sitting in Switzerland’s Federal Council and United Federal Assembly are higher than general population trends for doctors per person. Nonetheless, physicians in Swiss legislative positions are proportionally lower than comparative data from the United States. We highlight how existing professional frameworks may already ensure medical doctors are sufficiently participating in Swiss healthcare debates outside of formal roles. We also suggest that more international evidence is needed to determine the benefits of physicians serving in public office.
Co-occurrence of depression and chronic diseases
Authors: Fryska Zuzanna , Kuciński Jakub , Kulik Kacper , Matusz Krystian , Burczyk Rafał , Górna Natalie , Mazurek Ewelina , Wołejko Adam
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a common and serious mood disorder mainly manifested by sadness, anhedonia, lack of hope and interest in activities once enjoyed. According to WHO depression is a leading cause of disability and inability to work worldwide. Chronic disease is every condition lasting more than 1 year and requiring medical attention. The aim of this article is to show challenges of depression and chronic diseases coexistence.

DISCUSSION

Depression might be a factor causing difficulties in diagnosing chronic diseases as patients are less likely to cooperate. On the other it might lead to worse compliance and higher risk of chronic diseases’ development. Studies show depression coexisting with chronic illnesses is a valid problem for public health and aggravates the course and effects of treatment of those conditions. Treating an underlying disease is as important as treating depression itself as it might lead to reduction in symptoms of depression. Moreover doctors should choose drugs having regard to depression as well as lingering conditions.

SUMMARY

Depression still seems to be diminished and ignored in patients with chronic illnesses even though it is proved to have a destructive influence on the health of patients. It is of high importance to raise an awareness of doctors on that subject and its scale.  There are plenty of treatment methods for depression in case of chronic diseases co-occurence which gives hope for improving a quality of life of patients and achieving better effects of therapy of an underlying disease.
¿Cómo aprenden los estudiantes de educación secundaria y universitaria? Un análisis integral desde los estilos de aprendizaje.
Authors: Freiberg Hoffmann Agustín , Fernández Liporace Mercedes , Uriel Fabiana
Published: February 2023

Esta investigación examinó los estilos de aprendizaje de alumnos secundarios y universitarios para describir las características cognitivas, afectivas y fisiológicas que emplean para aprender. Se efectuó un análisis integral de los estilos de aprendizaje que incluyó estilos de preferencia de la modalidad instruccional, estilos de procesamiento de la información y estilos cognitivos de la personalidad. Se aplicó la Escala Grasha- Riechmann de estilos de aprendizaje para estudiantes, el inventario de procesos de aprendizaje y la lista de verificación del tipo de indicador de estilos de aprendizaje. Participaron 942 estudiantes de Buenos Aires, de los niveles secundario (n = 352) y universitario (n = 590) de distintas ramas de estudio (20.5 % Ciencias Aplicadas, 18.2 % Ciencias Básicas, 13.7 % Ciencias de la Salud, 30.8 % Ciencias Humanas, 16.8 % Ciencias Sociales). Se observaron diferencias significativas en el estilo competitivo a favor de los estudiantes de secundaria, mientras que la mayoría de los estilos fueron favorables a los universitarios. Además, los universitarios avanzados mostraron mayor uso de los métodos de estudio que los alumnos de secundaria. Se registró un efecto significativo y positivo de todos los estilos de aprendizaje sobre el rendimiento académico. Estos hallazgos dan cuenta, por un lado, de diferencias notables entre los estudiantes de nivel secundario y universitario, y por otro, de la relevancia de los estilos con relación al rendimiento académico. Se espera que esta información sea utilizada para mejorar el ajuste de los estudiantes ingresantes al sistema universitario evitando así el fracaso y la deserción académica.
Reluctance of taxi drivers to use seat belts. Observed and self-reported behavior in Argentine.
Authors: Tosi Jeremías David , Poó Fernando Martín , Ledesma Rubén Daniel , Arrarás Daniel
Published: February 2023

Although taxi drivers are more exposed to traffic crashes, they usually exhibit riskier behaviors and more negative attitudes toward road safety. For example, previous research suggests that they are particularly reluctant to wear seat belts. The research aimed (a) to estimate the prevalence of seat belt use among taxi drivers compared to other professional and non-professional drivers (Study 1, n = 3.810) and (b) to explore attitudes toward seat belt use in taxi drivers using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) (Study 2, n = 100). Study 1 showed lower seat belt use among taxi drivers (vs. other professional and non-professional drivers). Study 2 showed that self-reported use tends to be higher than the estimated observed use and that negative experiential attitudes appear to be essential for understanding the reluctance of taxi drivers to use seat belts. Practical implications and future lines of research are discussed.
Diverticular disease, diverticulitis and the impact on continence
Authors: Bradshaw Ellie
Published: February 2023

Diverticulosis and the subsequent progression to diverticular disease and diverticulitis is becoming more prevalent in western countries. The cause for this progression is not known. Diverticulitis is a significant health burden – both financially to healthcare systems, and to the patients it affects in terms of morbidity. There is a dearth of research pertaining to diverticulitis and its impact on continence. This article examines the parallels between irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease, which have many symptom similarities, the overlap between the conditions, and the impact on continence. Current studies regarding the role of fibre in managing diverticular disease are also discussed.
Using peristomal body profile assessment to improve leakage-related quality of life for individuals with an ostomy
Authors: Vendelbo Grethe , Carlsson Eva , Tøndel Lise Toril , Myller Elena , Sternhufvud Catarina , Simonsen Kenneth Starup , Munch Philip , Petersen Birte
Published: February 2023

Background:

Improper fitting between peristomal body profile and ostomy product(s) is one of the main reasons for leakage among individuals with an ostomy.

Aim:

To evaluate clinical usability of the Body Assessment Tool developed by Coloplast that is available free of charge. The aim was also to study how changing to product(s) that were best suited to an individual, guided by peristomal body profile, affected the number of leakages and individuals' quality of life.

Methods:

The study consisted of questionnaires administered before and after the study, which spanned 4–5 weeks. A total of 22 nurses and 68 individuals with an ostomy participated in four Nordic countries.

Findings:

Of the 22 nurses, 21 recommended use of the tool. A shift to best fitting ostomy product(s) resulted in a significant decrease in the number of leakages (from 5.9 to 1.8 per 7 days) and a substantial improvement in quality of life.

Conclusion:

The findings support the use of the Body Assessment Tool in clinical practice and the results showed that optimally fitting ostomy product(s) reduced the number of leakages and increased individuals' quality of life.
Nurses' attitudes and barriers to incident reporting in Malta's acute general hospital
Authors: Ward Corinne Scicluna , Mangion Daniela
Published: February 2023

Although the science of patient safety has been developed and implemented widely, there remains a large gap in the understanding of the chain of events that lead to safety incidents, as well as their cost to patients, healthcare staff and the organisation as a whole. The aim of the study was to evaluate nurses' knowledge and awareness of the local incident reporting system at Malta's acute general hospital. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was used and data were collected from nurses through an online survey. A total of 323 questionnaires were received with a response rate of 23%. Various shortages within the local setting were identified, including lack of feedback and awareness of the system. Therefore, it is suggested that incident reporting should be given a higher profile on the organisation's agenda and incorporate employed members of staff rather than volunteers.
Compliance with a guideline on outpatient medical management of miscarriage in a gynaecology ED
Authors: McKenna Kerry , Sheridan Gemma , Murray Laraine
Published: February 2023

This article describes the clinical audit of the Outpatient Medical Management of Miscarriage Guideline (Guideline 2) within the Gynaecology Emergency Department (GED) at a single site dedicated Gynaecology and Maternity Hospital in the UK, the Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. Clinical audits are quality improvement processes used to identify areas of improvement against a set criterion and, as a result, implement any required change(s) ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2002 ). An audit ensures that the guidelines have been followed to certify safe, effective treatment for women who have suffered a first trimester missed miscarriage and the audit described in this article analysed the success of treatment in avoiding admission to hospital and further intervention, such as surgery. The main findings of the audit were that the GED fell short on compliance rates against some standards, mainly standard 1 (performing a baseline point of care test to measure haemoglobin) and standard 5 (providing the patient with a follow-up phone call, with higher compliance levels to standards 3 and 4, which are in relation to prescribing and administering the treatment. The audit found that 15% of patients required further intervention such as admission to hospital for observation (9%) and surgical intervention to complete the miscarriage (6%). Further training in the clinical setting is required to ensure improved compliance with all standards. A checklist will also be created to ensure all standards are being met.
Increasing capacity in acute day care settings: patients' experiences of a pop-up day care unit
Authors: Gil-Zaragozano Elena , Marriage Deborah
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had considerable impact on paediatric ambulatory care. A pop-up paediatric day care unit for children with allergic and inflammatory bowel diseases was delivered from Nightingale Hospital Bristol (NHB) which was set up to treat patients during the pandemic. Methodology: The unit operated fortnightly between December 2020 and March 2021. Family feedback on the service was collated via an online survey. Results: 72 respondents found NHB acceptable; 70 (97%) would be happy to return; 63 (90.3%) preferred the NHB to attending Bristol Royal Hospital for Children or had no preference for their appointments. Positive comments focused on service organisation and clinical environment. Families valued the availability of the close, free parking. The minimal negative comments related to travel directions, lack of catering facilities and the small number of toilets. Conclusion: The pop-up service model was highly acceptable to families. This highlights the need for appropriate hospital services to explore similar initiatives beyond traditional healthcare settings in order to ensure that the provision of equitable health care is in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.
Settling in to a high-pressure environment makes you see the importance of self-care
Authors: George Heather
Published: February 2023

In the second of the series on the early steps of a newly qualified nurse, Heather George, Critical Care Staff Nurse, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary ( heather.george2@nhs.scot ), is on a steep learning curve but enjoying moments of hilarity
More of a good thing?
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: February 2023

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, reflects on changes to the standards allowing more hours of simulated practice learning within pre-registration nursing courses, and the potential benefits
Use of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy on C-section wounds in obese women
Authors: Ligema Kaia
Published: February 2023

Rates of obesity in pregnant women are increasing. Obesity is linked to increased patient risk of developing postoperative wound complications such as surgical site infection, wound dehiscence and haematoma formation. Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) has been introduced as a prophylactic intervention to reduce caesarian section (C-section) wound complications. Evidence from randomised controlled trials and retrospective studies has shown variable rates of success in reducing risk of SSI. The studies reviewed in this article found that ciNPWT had no statistically significant impact in reducing rates of wound dehiscence and haematoma formation or increasing long-term satisfaction with the appearance of scar tissue following C-section. Further research into the use of cINPWT to prevent surgical site infection is needed to determine the effectiveness of this therapy in reducing this wound complication.
Hospital clinicians' perspectives of using compression therapy on venous leg ulcers: a systematic qualitative review
Authors: Lian Yaping , Birt Linda , Wright David
Published: February 2023

Venous leg ulcer treatment is frequently discontinued in hospitals in contravention of national guidance, significantly affecting patient outcomes and increasing NHS costs. Aim: To identify, from the published literature, reasons for variable implementation. Method: Systematic review with narrative synthesis, including full papers in English with empirical qualitative data. Synonyms for venous leg ulcer, compression therapy and secondary care were searched across a range of health-related databases. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist determined study quality, and meta-ethnography was used for data synthesis. Results: 7040 titles and abstracts and 41 full-text papers were screened with four papers selected. Three key themes were generated: educational needs surrounding implementation of compression therapy, patient factors regarding adherence and organisational resources including availability of appropriate equipment and trained staff. Conclusion: Barriers at the ward level were identified. There is a need to better understand why hospitals are not addressing them.
Evaluation of a chitosan dressing in the management of hard-to-heal wounds
Authors: Tickle Joy
Published: February 2023

It is vital that as tissue viability teams, we are constantly striving to improve service delivery, healing rates and positive patient outcomes. In 2021 the author's team were introduced to a unique bioactive microfibre gelling (BMG) dressing, MaxioCel®, which uses chitosan to maintain a cohesive structure to increase fluid handling, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Method: Following Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust guidelines and with patient consent, 11 patients with chronic wounds of various aetiologies and wound durations were enrolled in a multicentre, clinical 4-week evaluation. Results: Over a 4-week evaluation period, all patients showed a significant improvement in wound healing parameters including average tissue type, condition of periwound skin, patient comfort, exudate levels. The assessments demonstrated a significant decrease in necrotic and sloughy tissue (from >75% at the start of treatment), replaced with healthy granulation and epithelial tissue (>80% by week 4). Significant reduction in pain score was also reported in all patients, with average pain score at the start of the evaluation reducing from 5.8 ± 2.7 to a score of 2.5 ± 1.9 within 3 weeks. Conclusion: The complicated wounds seen in this study were previously non-healing and MaxioCel, with BMG technology, demonstrated both significant clinical improvement and a positive impact on patient quality of life within just 4 weeks, resulting in its addition to the team's woundcare formulary.
Internet gaming disorder and its association with selected psychological problems among medical students
Authors:   Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India., Arunima Akankshya , Sahoo Jyotiranjan ,   Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India., Epari Venkatarao ,   Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Published: February 2023

Background: Playing games on the internet/smart devices has become an intrinsic part of our daily routine. Students and adolescents are identified as risk groups for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Students of professional courses like medicine seem to be at a higher risk of the deleterious effects of IGD, but evidence for it is scarce. Objectives: This study was conducted to find the prevalence of IGD, its risk factors, and its association with common psychological health problems among undergraduate medical students. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the calculated sample were chosen through simple random sampling from each batch of undergraduate medical students. A semi-structured, pre-tested, self-assessment questionnaire was used to collect information. IGD was determined through the IGD-20 test scale and psychological problems using the DASS-21 scale. Results: We included 220 students in the final analysis. The prevalence of IGD was 3.2% among the total population and 5.6% among those having risk. Students with IGD had significantly higher body mass indexes compared to those without IGD. A significant proportion of students with IGD had depression (85.7%) (p=0.007). Other psychological problems like anxiety and stress did not show a significant association with IGD in our study. Conclusion: IGD is a newer disease entity, and since the at-risk population for IGD is growing day by day, this may pose a significant public health concern soon.
Developing a PET normal brain template using diffusion tensor imaging images: A proof of concept
Authors:   Radiological Technology School, Faculty of Health Science Technology, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand., Wongsa Paramest , Sungkarat Witaya ,   Radiological Technology School, Faculty of Health Science Technology, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand., Auethavekiat Supattana ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Published: February 2023

Background: Registered Positron emission tomography (PET) brain images to the standard normal PET brain templates can be performed to diagnosis dementia by using a vendor software, in which the brain template is based on T1-Weighted (T1W) images. However, the imperfection of an overlap between PET images and the PET-T1W based brain template could be observed. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to develop a new PET brain template and compare the accuracy of image registration between a conventional PET-T1W based brain template and our proposed PET-DTI based brain template. Materials and methods: The new PET-DTI based brain template was developed from twenty-four normal volunteers (age ranged 42-79 years old) who underwent 11C-Pittsburgh compound B PET scans and both T1W and diffusion tensor image (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging brain scans. The correction of Eddy-Current distortions and related artifact removing in DTI images were performed using the open-source FMRIB Software Library (FSL) to generate whole-brain probabilistic tractography maps (MRI-Probtract). MRI-Probtract map was then deformably registered and normalized to PET images, which were used for brain boundary guidance. The accuracy of image registration was assessed by applying the newly developed PET-DTI brain template to PET images of four mild cognitive impairment patients who underwent the same brain-scanning protocols. The accuracy of image registrations using the conventional PET-T1 and PET-DTI templates was evaluated qualitatively by three nuclear medicine physicians. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare registration scores of the two methods. Additionally, the dice similarly coefficient was obtained to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of image registration. Results: The registration scores of the PET images registered with the PET-DTI template were significantly higher than the PET-T1 template at p-value < 0.05. This result is consistent with the dice similarly coefficient where the value of PET-DTI template was higher. Conclusion: Result of this pilot study showed that new PET-DTI brain template provides higher registration quality, suggesting the feasibility of using PET-DTI template in a clinical PET study of the brain.
Mathematical Skills of Students With Special Educational Needs in the Area of Learning (SEN-L) in Pre-Vocational Programs in Germany
Authors: Lutz Stephanie , Ebenbeck Nikola , Gebhardt Markus
Published: February 2023

Context: Students with special educational needs in the area of learning (SEN-L) attend vocational trainings to be provided with qualifications for the labor market. Competences in arithmetic operations and comparing quantities such as weights and lengths are indispensable for obtaining a vocational qualification. Therefore, the study investigates whether students with SEN-L in Germany convert job-relevant quantities and master arithmetic operations accurately and with a certain speed before beginning vocational training. Methods: 152 students with SEN-L in pre-vocational training programs in southern Germany were examined using curriculum-related computer tests for formative assessment. Three skill-based tests were constructed as progress monitoring tests comparing weights and lengths and arithmetic operations including a speed component. Results: All newly developed tests meet the requirements of the Rasch model. Students' performance on the lengths test and the weights test correlates with a significant linear relationship (r = 0.64). Only weak correlations (r > 0.29 < 0.45) are found between the performance in the arithmetic operations and the weights and lengths tests. For items in the weights and lengths tests, participants show on average significantly higher probability of solving than in the arithmetic operations test. Furthermore, students with SEN-L show slow processing speed (median processing speed weights test 6.37 seconds, lengths test 6.26 seconds, arithmetic operations test 33.97 seconds on average per item). The students solve more items of the weights and lengths tests correctly than of the operation test (median for weights 25 items, for lengths 24 items, for arithmetic operations 7 items). Conclusion: The majority of the students with SEN-L were not able to solve the expected number of items correctly and show that the participants' accuracy in dealing with arithmetic operations and quantity comparison is low. It can be assumed that this might lead to difficulties in mastering mathematical items in the context of vocational training. This is the case, in particular, where a certain speed is required (fluency). Math instruction in pre-vocational programs needs a stronger focus on building up and expanding arithmetic operations and quantities and has to be complemented by monitoring the learning process of students with SEN-L.
On similarity metrics evaluating the performance of mode decomposition in few-mode optical fibers
Authors: Anisimov Pavel S. , Tsyplakov Evgeny D. , Zemlyakov Viacheslav V. , Gao Jiexing
Published: February 2023

Mode decomposition refers to a set of techniques aimed to recover modal content in multimode optical fibers. In this Letter, we examine the appropriateness of the similarity metrics commonly used in experiments on mode decomposition in few-mode fibers. We show that the conventional Pearson correlation coefficient is often misleading and should not be used as the sole criterion for justifying decomposition performance in the experiment. We consider several alternatives to the correlation and propose another metric that most accurately reflects the discrepancy between complex mode coefficients, given received and recovered beam speckles. In addition, we show that such a metric enables transfer learning of deep neural networks on experimental data and tangibly ameliorates their performance.
Emergence of super-Poissonian light from indistinguishable single-photon emitters
Authors: Kovalenko A. , Babjak D. , Lešundák A. , Podhora L. , Lachman L. , Obšil P. , Pham T. , Číp O. , Filip R. , Slodička L.
Published: February 2023

Photon indistinguishability constitutes an essential resource in modern physics. At the scale of individual atoms and photons, it is a diverse concept that causes different coherent phenomena. We present the experimental characterization of indistinguishable photons detected in a single mode from a finite and stable ensemble of single-photon emitters: trapped ions. We conclusively observe an increase of second-order correlation and super-Poissonian statistics of these photons with a number of contributing phase-incoherent independent emissions from the atoms, ranging from a single to up to several hundred. This optical emission regime provides insight into the emergence of super-Poissonian light at the atomic scale by photon indistinguishability. It constitutes a unique toolbox for its generation and control at the most microscopic level.
Directional surface plasmon polariton scattering by single low-index dielectric nanoparticles: simulation and experiment
Authors: Sun Xuqing , Liu Hongyao , Jiang Liwen , Wei Ruxue , Wang Chang , Wang Xue , Sun Xiaojuan , Wang Fei , Lu Xinchao , Evlyukhin Andrey B. , Huang Chengjun
Published: February 2023

Directionally scattered surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) promote the efficiency of plasmonic devices by limiting the energy within a given spatial domain, which is one of the key issues to plasmonic devices. Benefitting from the magnetic response induced in high-index dielectric nanoparticles, unidirectionally scattered SPPs have been achieved via interference between electric and magnetic resonances excited in the particles. Yet, as the magnetic response in low-index dielectric nanoparticles is too weak, the directionally scattered SPPs are hard to detect. In this work, we demonstrate forward scattered SPPs in single low-index polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. We numerically illustrate the excitation mechanism of plasmonic induced electric and magnetic multipole modes, as well as their contributions to forward SPP scattering of single PS nanospheres. We also simulate the SPP scattering field distribution obtaining a forward-to-backward scattering intensity ratio of 50.26:1 with 1 μm PS particle. Then the forward scattered SPPs are experimentally visualized by Fourier transforming the real-space plasmonic imaging to k-space imaging. The forward scattered SPPs from low-index dielectric nanoparticles pave the way for SPP direction manipulation by all types of nanomaterials.
Airborne bacterial species in indoor air and association with physical factors
Authors: Madsen Anne Mette , Moslehi-Jenabian Saloomeh , Frankel Mika , Ker White John , W. Frederiksen Margit
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about which cultivable bacterial species are present in indoor air in homes, and whether the concentration and diversity of airborne bacteria are associated with different factors. Measurements have been performed for one whole year inside different rooms in 5 homes and once in 52 homes. Within homes, a room-to-room variation for concentrations of airborne bacteria was found, but an overlap in bacterial species was found across rooms. Eleven species were found very commonly and included:
Acinetobacter lowffii,
Bacillus megaterium, B. pumilus,
Kocuria carniphila,
K. palustris,
K. rhizophila, Micrococcus flavus,
M. luteus, Moraxella osloensis, and
Paracoccus yeei. The concentrations of gram-negative bacteria in general and the species
P. yeei were significantly associated with the season with the highest concentrations in spring. The concentrations of
P. yeei,
K. rhizophila, and
B. pumilus were associated positively with relative humidity, and concentrations of
K. rhizophila were associated negatively with temperature and air change rate.
Micrococcus flavus concentrations were associated negatively with air change rate. Overall, this study identified species which are commonly present in indoor air in homes, and that the concentrations of some species were associated with the factors: season, air change rate, and relative humidity.
Pathogenic TSHR variants in children with thyroid dysgenesis
Authors: Shreder E. V. , Vadina T. A. , Solodovnikova E. N. , Zakharova V. V. , Degtyarev M. V. , Konyukhova M. B. , Sergeeva N. V. , Bezlepkina O. B.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: Loss-of-function mutations in the TSH receptor gene (TSHR) (NP_000360.2) are the potential causes of thyroid dysgenesis in patients with congenital hypothyroidism. Heterozygous variants of the TSHR gene lead to partial resistance to TSH, homozygous and compound heterozygous variants have been shown to cause CH due to thyroid hypoplasia or TSH resistance. Recently more and more articles in this field have appeared in the international literature sources, while local publications are limited. The studies are necessary to understand the etiology, pathogenesis of the disease, to improve the management of these patients.

AIM: To assess the frequency of incidence of pathogenic variants of the TSHR gene in children with CH due to thyroid dysgenesis. To study inheritance and phenotypic patterns of CH in families.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center interventional one-stage non-comparative study a group of CH patients was examined. The patients underwent neck ultrasound and radionuclide imaging. The examination was performed 14 days after hormone replacement therapy suspension or prior to its initiation. The structure of thyroid dysgenesis was estimated, genetic testing for mutations in the TSHR gene was performed using the NGS method.

RESULTS: The study included 95 children with primary CH (75 girls; 20 boys). The patients’ median age at the time of examination was 6.2 years [4.5; 8.9], the median level of neonatal TSH was 157.5 mU/l [60.9; 257.2]. Ectopic thyroid was found in 52% of children, aplasia in 36%, hypoplasia and hemiagenesis in 10% and 2%, respectively. In 5.4% of cases (in 5 out of 95 patients), different variants of the TSH gene were detected. Two children had heterozygous p.R450H and p.D487N variants in TSHR gene, two patients was homozygous for the p.S49Afs * 9 variant, one child had compound heterozygous variants (p.A485D and p.R450H). According to ultrasound imaging, all patients had thyroid hypoplasia of varying severity. Three children underwent thyroid scintigraphy, which revealed decreased 99mТc pertechnetate uptake (0.3–0.9%).

CONCLUSION: In our study, the incidence of different variants in the TSHR gene in children with CH was 5.3%. Our analysis uncovered two previously undescribed variants. Genetic testing may be able to help with making the diagnosis, patient’s management, and genetic counseling.
Categorically closed countable semigroups
Authors: Banakh Taras , Bardyla Serhii
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we establish a connection between categorical closedness and nontopologizability of semigroups. In particular, for the class𝖳𝟣⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!1}S}}ofT1{T_{1}}topological semigroups we prove that a countable semigroupXwith finite-to-one shifts is injectively𝖳𝟣⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!1}S}}-closed if and only ifXis𝖳𝟣⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!1}S}}-discrete in the sense that everyT1{T_{1}}semigroup topology onXis discrete. Moreover, a countable cancellative semigroupXis absolutely𝖳𝟣⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!1}S}}-closed if and only if every homomorphic image ofXis𝖳𝟣⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!1}S}}-discrete. Also, we introduce and investigate a new notion of a polybounded semigroup. It is proved that a countable semigroupXwith finite-to-one shifts is polybounded if and only ifXis𝖳𝟣⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!1}S}}-closed if and only ifXis𝖳𝗓⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!z}S}}-closed, where𝖳𝗓⁢𝖲{\mathsf{T_{\!z}S}}is the class of Tychonoff zero-dimensional topological semigroups. We show that polybounded cancellative semigroups are groups, and polyboundedT1{T_{1}}paratopological groups are topological groups.